Oliver's First Birthday

We invited a few friends over for dinner to celebrate Oliver's first birthday.  He enjoyed his birthday cupcake thoroughly!  We're looking forward to his first birthday party in Connecticut this weekend!

Almost One Year old!!

Oliver's almost one! In a few days we go to Connecticut to celebrate with Brian's family. We can't wait!!! Oliver is understanding so much more lately. We speak to him in Spanish and English and he seems to understand both pretty well. The other day we were playing on the porch and as I started singing the clean up song and putting his toys away, he crawled into the house like he knew it was time to go in! Last night when I finished bathing him I said, "Okay, we're finished," and he stood up and tried to climb out.  

When Oliver eats all his food or does something new, we usually say, "Yey!" and clap. Well, now he claps at himself for the smallest things; it's so funny.  He also throws tantrums more often; sometimes they're funny and other times they're frustrating. It's funny when he rides his little truck in the house and bumps into furniture; he gets frustrated and throws himself on the floor. Then he gets back up, rides again, bumps into furniture and throws himself on the floor again. Or when he tries to fit a shape into a shape sorter, he tries it a few times, gets angry, throws himself on the floor, tries again and then cheers himself on when he finally gets it in. It's not funny though when I'm in the middle of cooking and chopping veggies, expecting him to sleep his usual amount of time and he suddenly wakes up cranky, super clingy and I can't accomplish the single task that I've set for myself that afternoon. 

Oliver's been cruising for a few months now.  He stands up for a few seconds, but he's still a little hesitant to walk on his own. For the past few days he's been refusing to drink his milk - don't know what that's all about. 

I'm learning that just when I think I know him better, and I figure out a new stage and feel confident, he starts a new stage yet again. I'm also learning the real meaning of patience and selflessness; it's really hard!! I have to admit, though, it's rewarding in the end.

Here he is happily riding his truck (no furniture in the way).

He discovered his belly and points to it when I ask him where it is.

He's clapping at himself.

It's like 100 degrees outside, but feels like 200.

This is his new way of getting around; 

it's in between crawling and walking.

Blueberry picking

We went blueberry picking with some friends this

 morning and it felt like 1000 degrees out there. 

Oli helped me pick the berries.

Yum!

Maddie and Paige

Baby Nathan endured the scorching sun.

Presley and Nicole

I think Allie Grace was the hottest one in our group!

After an entire half hour we took home 1/2 lb of blueberries. 

 (It was too hot to pick any longer.)

Splish Splash

We spent Sunday evening hanging out by the pool.

Swings at Maclay Gardens

Oli the puppy

Our son has been acting like a puppy lately.  

Could it be because he has 4 new teeth coming in and it feels comfortable to chew something?

Oliver & The (Lego) Wagon

A candid shot.

Enjoying the ride.

Talkin' to my little man.