One Year Ago

 Well, I am 15 lbs from my weight goal and Oliver's first year photo album is not complete (or started) but there was no stopping Oliver's First Birthday. One year ago, at 7:57 am, Oliver came into the world. It was a blazing hot day, and the beginning of the end of sleep as we knew it. But Oliver has been a happy boy, so much fun, and the perfect addition to our little family. 

We celebrated the big day with friends and family. Festivities began with breakfast in the park. Kerry, Jacob and I were up a little later that we wanted to be the night before, making muffins and crustless quiches and cutting up fruit for yogurt parfaits. But in the end, we got 'er done. The bubble machine was a hit, and the grownups drank nearly all of the 6 bottles of Prosecco for the mimosas. Oliver met up with most of his baby friends. And the weather was perfect - what I wouldn't have given for the slightly cooler weather a year ago when the AC went out in the hospital. 

The party moved on to the house with a ball pit made from a kiddie pool, cupcakes, football on TV, and a keg. Mitchell's pulled pork was delightful (although maybe we didn't need the Costco size pork shoulder, requiring the use of two crock pots) and we now have a sea of awesome new toys in the playroom. Oliver is certainly becoming a "boy" - delighting in planes, cars, balls and anything that makes noise. Thanks to everyone who came, and the gifts were really nice. My mind is still blown by the iPod holder for babies so they don't break your phone or accidentally call people. The most surprising/cool gift was the record player with stack of 45s. And probably the most appropriate were all of the musical instruments and Duck apparel. 

Hands too full to pick up his food. Obviously.

Overall, it feels like Oliver is growing and developing like crazy. He is crawling like a pro and pulling himself up. Probably just a count down to walking. He's started sleeping on his stomach with his butt up in the air. Pretty cute. He throws balls and feeds himself. He has started putting his face in the water during bath time "blowing bubbles." He's talking a lot. Teeth 5 & 6 are poking through his gums. We've upgraded him to his larger carseat and now have to decide whether we follow the old rule of turning him to face forward at one, or wait until two, the new guideline. I also just realized that he fits in all of his "big" shoes, which are of course, only really appropriate for walking. He's in size 5 diapers and 18-24 month clothes. We go to the doctor in a couple of weeks, so we'll get the rest of his stats then. 

It's been a fun ride so far, and it's always so cool to watch the next new thing!