Oliver's Birthday Bonanza. Part One

Rather than have one big party for Oliver's first birthday I decided to stretch it out over a week.  It was awesome and I'll probably always do it that way, for both boys.  

Part one was on July 13, the Sunday before his birthday, at my parents house
We invited my brothers, grandparents and parents.  It was great to get everyone together and to celebrate my amazing little man.

We had spent the weekend up and Scott's parents cabin, and left early so we could get all the part stuff done, including OLIVER cupcakes, balloons, food, and decorations.  Everything turned out so cute and I loved it!  

The party theme was "One-derful" see what I did there, turning one, I'm awesome.

The second "R" got swiped before the photo, I think calling him Oliver Olive is cool though, like a rapper name or something

Ollie Loved his cupcake, but really loved the ice cream.  After he smashed the cake he started licking up the ice cream off the spoon.  

All he wanted to do was crawl into the toy room and play with the toys, and showed no interest in opening gifts.

I loved all the love and hugs my little Ollie got from my parents and grandparents, it's so nice to feel your child is loved.  

I also love a reason to throw a party.  I had a blast making decorations, ordering balloons and cupcakes, and putting it all together.  

I want my kids to know that their birth is a big deal to me, and I'm glad they were born.  

My heart needed Oliver so much, as I've reflected upon his birth I can't believe how calm and wonderful it was.  Oliver was such an easy newborn and I've loved watching what a great big brother Rivers has become.

Speaking of Rivers, he was so great during all the attention Oliver was getting.  I tried to talk to him beforehand to make sure he knew that he was just as special and that his birthday was coming up.  He has wanted to play with all of Oliver's toys, but he's been really good at sharing and he has been so kind about everything.  I wish Rivers was my big brother.

Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3!!

Fourth of July 2014

I love the Fourth of July, I mean really love the Fourth of July.  I spend many nights making decorations, and for a whole week I dressed the boys in only Red, White, and Blue clothing.  I love fireworks, and BBQ's and families.  It's pretty much the best thing about summer.  

 This is hipster Ollie in his newborn hat stretched over his head in one of his patriotic outfits.

 Cousin Tyler

 Sparklers

 Flag blankets for firework watching

 Ollie slept for the fireworks, look at his long skinny leggies!!

Morning after.  I loved the boys in their matching shirts. 

We had a BBQ at my parents house since my mom had the Fourth off this year.  we had tons of yummy food, and I didn't mind keeping the boys up late.  Well Rivers anyway, Ollie crashed at his normal time.  We had a lot of fun.  Both boys slept in a bit and took turns snuggling in mom and dad's bed.  I'm proud to be an American!!

Big things for Ollie at 11 months

June 17 my sweet, youngest boy turned 11 months old.
This day was a very big deal
This was the day he got his helmet off
This is probably one of the best days of my life (after getting married, having Rivers and having Oliver of course.)

Look at that perfectly round head!  I learned a lot during his whole helmet process.  I learn how much love I really have for my kids, I also learned how to handle this with Rivers as well.  For the first few months I would get sitters for Rivers, but I noticed his behavior towards Oliver wasn't pleasant during that time.  I don't think his little 3 year old brain understood what was going on.  After I started involving him, taking him, teaching him and having him help he understood that this wasn't a punishment for Oliver or himself, but that it was something we had to do with out choosing.  

Oliver celebrated with a cupcake from Sweet Tooth Fairy and he loved it!! 

11 month old Oliver was a hoot!  Crawling all over the house, making messes, stealing toys, eating crap off the floor.  He has been the greatest blessing.  

Binge Blogging

Get ready for some binge blogging!!  I know you're on the edge of your seat.

Since Mother's day Oliver turned 10 months old

And is still cute as ever!!  He's a small guy, but that's okay.  I'm not planning on having another baby for at least another year so I don't mind enjoying my small fry Ollie Wallie.

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We consulted with a pediatric physical therapist in our ward about some therapies for Oliver.  What they don't tell you about helmet therapy is that there is a high rate of babies being physically delayed.  He's only behind by maybe a month, so it's not too bad, but by 10 months old he still wasn't crawling and showed no interest.  After learning a few techniques we started to see progress. As I type this he is now almost one, and crawling all over the house, making messes, getting stuck, and bugging his brother.

Oliver loves to eat! He is happy to try new foods and prefers "adult" foods over baby foods.  

Here he is eating pancakes, best day of his life! Having a kid that eats is awesome! I can pretty much put any food in his bowl, or on his tray and he will eat it and enjoy it.  Such a change from my oldest who eats the same 9 things all the time, everyday. 

That's all I have time for now, because the boys are needing some attention and I really don't like to be on the computer while they are awake.  

More binge blogging later :)