The BOB

Oliver enjoys going for rides/runs in the BOB.

Even more so, though, he likes to play with the wheels, pushing it around the house.

Laundry

New discovery and loads of fun: the laundry basket. Who would've thought?!

We've been told to save our large cardboard boxes too. Getting ready!

Trimming the Tree

We bought our first Christmas tree this year, and are thrilled to have a few decorations up. Oliver enjoyed the process too!

Picking a tree with Daddy (Oliver carefully examined the tree's needles):

Being introduced to his first ornament (gift from Christmas 2010):

Putting it on the tree:

The finished product!

Bundled up...

...to go outside and see the lights!

Happy Eight Months!

Happy 8-month birthday, Oliver! You're growing up so fast!

New area of interest: the washing machine...

An Official Crawler!

Oliver officially crawled today! He has been jumping his legs and dropping flat on his belly, but today, he moved one arm forward, then the other, as he moved his legs. Yeah! He's on the move!

Inch Worm...Rock n Roll...Da da da da

I couldn't decide on the name for this blog post because Oliver is moving in fun new ways and making new sounds all right now!

Oliver is still not crawling, but is mimicking an inch worm. He gets up on his hands and knees, rocks, moves one arm, one leg, then lays flat. He then pulls his legs up forward, and jumps them even more forward, then lays flat. Incorporating a bit of rolling into the movements, Oliver has no problem getting that attractive shiny object that he has spotted across the room.

Today, Oliver started making "da da"-like sounds in the morning and by evening, he was repeating it over and over again. He will now say "da da da da" when it is quiet, or he is tired or frustrated (getting his diaper changed, etc.).

Baby Proofing

Oliver is so close to crawling. He rocks and scoots himself frontwards and backwards. He also rolls wherever he needs to go to get what he has his eye on (even if that means it's across the room. Today, he was rolling, scooting, rocking on our floor, he made his way over to Mark's dresser and unscrewed one of the drawer knobs. He got it in his mouth about the time I noticed pulling the knob off left a sharp screw sticking out of the drawer!! Ah! Now, about baby-proofing...

New toy

We were told that babies will enjoy their toys, but that random kitchen objects would most likely be their favorite. This holds true for Oliver, as his new favorite toy is the kitchen sink sprayer. He loves pulling it out and examining the hose. One day, he's going to spray himself!

Seven Months!

He is developing quite the personality. Focus, determination, and laughter are all incorporated in his sweet little demeanor.

Storytime with Daddy:

First visit to have an Ethiopian dinner with Mommy and Daddy (he loved slapping the plastic tablecloth more than anything else):

Now-a-days, he's a pretty steady independent sitter:

And is regularly up on all fours, rocking:

Such a joyful guy especially when he has something to put into his mouth:

Quack Tweet Quack Tweet

Oliver was a duck bird for Halloween (partially in honor of his cousin, Doug the Duck).

We met our playgroup for a picnic lunch and they were dressed quite fun:
Then, we went to hear our neighbors' band (The Rotten Rose) play a few streets over:

Afterwards, we handed out candy, and Oliver hit the sack. It had been a long day. Good night!

Pumpkin Patch

We visited a pumpkin patch, and Oliver wasn't sure what he thought of the pumpkins. Clearly, he loved the stem...

He was having a great time getting his picture taken!
And just checking out the scene...

Daddy joined us...

...and we picked a pumpkin, which became...our Jack O Lantern!

The one on the left has its tongue sticking out and the one on the right is getting its baby teeth.

Four, Five, Six Months and Counting!

We're a bit behind on posting pics, but don't worry, we have taken plenty! Now, just selecting a few to show Oliver's growth as he turned 4, 5, and 6 months!

- - MONTH 4 - -

Taking it all in!

"Supported sitter"

*Loves* when I greet him after a nap:

- - MONTH 5 - -

Lifting himself up on his arms. Loves his playmat, especially the mirror:

Wondering what I'm doing, and getting sleepy:

- - MONTH 6 - -

Started solid food! He did really well (no tongue thrust reflex). He was so excited, it was hard to get a clear picture:

He even thought prunes were delicious: (pictured wearing his girl cousin's pink bib)

Looking *so* much like Daddy:

And showing off Mommy's personality:

His paci must have fallen out of his crib because it was right below his little hand. He must have given up. Good effort!
On his 6-month birthday, Oliver had his first beach vacation in North Carolina.

He loved the beach, but even more so...he loved time with Daddy:

On October 15th, Oliver got up on hands and knees for the first time and was rocking. Good job, sweet pea!

Morning playtime in the big bed:

Playtime instead of naptime...mmm...he's thinking, "What's up, Mom. I'm just playing with my bird friends."