the first

Oliver is one! His day began with his favorite breakfast (oatmeal) and a birthday boy photo shoot with his first (sugarless) cupcake. How mean am I? I am sure he will have more than his fair share of sugar in the coming years. He is my son after all.

We met daddy for lunch and Oliver devoured his first kids meal (grilled cheese) and enjoyed making lots and lots of noise in the restaurant. Oliver loves eating and being loud, often at the same time, so he quite enjoyed it.

When Tony came home from work in the evening, we sang to Oliver and gave him another cupcake... more like a banana muffin? And let him open his presents. He immediately began chucking the hammer, wooden balls, and assorted wooden shapes around the room. Much to his delight, mom and dad would yell "ouch!" quite often. We are working on the "no throwing" rule. At least "no throwing anything too heavy". To our dismay this usually just results in him shaking his head while looking straight at us and then releasing whatever heavy thing he has in his hand at the moment. So yes, some of his heavy toys have been hidden.

These may still be up... It's just so cute when Oliver points to them and says "boons!"

I feel like I need to throw this disclaimer out there, but santa was very nice and gave me a DSLR camera for Christmas. I am still trying to figure out how to use it properly. I am sure it will be a long process! I am also an absolute novice when it comes to anything photography so please bear with me. Also, suggestions for books, websites, or any other helpful learning tools would be greatly appreciated.

one year ago today...

This past week I can't stop thinking of where we were exactly one year ago. It was Tony and me and a rather large baby bump. I remember the Christmas morning with just the two of us, the lazy days we spent sleeping in, and enjoying New Year's Day with both of our parents. We took long walks, bundled up by the fire, and took great pleasure in anticipating the arrival of our soon-to-be-born child.

Exactly one year ago the contractions started coming. I spent the day being pampered by my mom (pedicure, haircut, donuts) and we had just settled in for a relaxing girls night (while Tony went off to play basketball) when the contractions hit. My mom knew immediately that I was in labor. A couple of hours later we were on our way to the birthing center. I like to joke that the night-long labor was just the kick-start to A LOT of sleepless nights ahead.

Sometimes I feel so disconnected from that girl one year ago. When Oliver was born, my focus shifted and life seemed a little more clear. I would have been so much better prepared for that change if I could have imparted some of the wisdom I've learned this past year to my previous self, but such is life. I am grateful for the changes and for all that I have experienced and learned. I know that I have much, much, much more to learn. Having a baby seriously magnifies my own imperfections and helps to show me that I have much to strive for to be the wife, mother, and woman that I want to become. Within the last year their has been pain, exhaustion, and tears, but ultimately MUCH more joy and happiness than I ever thought imaginable.

My little Oliver Henry, I love you so.

merry christmas and happy new year!

We thoroughly enjoyed the holidays this year. We flew to Michigan to be with my family for Christmas and had the best time. Cookies were decorated, pies were eaten, egg nog was enjoyed, carols were sung, and Santa left lots of loot. Oliver enjoyed his new "playground" as he cruised around my parents house on the different couches, tables, and chairs. He was thoroughly spoiled by everyone and we were all sad when the vacation ended.

Oliver did surprisingly well on the 4 1/2 hour flight. Phew!

My mom's first "designer" tree. I always wanted white lights and matching ornaments on our Christmas tree growing up, but she waits till I am a grown woman to do this! The turkey!

Oliver sitting on the little antique rocking chair.

The caroling books we use every Christmas Eve.

The robot toy I stayed up late on Christmas Eve to finish that Oliver doesn't give two hoots about. 

The toy phone that Oliver loves way more than the above-mentioned robot.

The perfect shade of red lipstick that I bought with my Christmas monies. (Mac: Russian Red)

The smiles that Oliver reserves for his daddy.

My parents got us all tickets to see the musical "Wicked" and it was great!

And finally, Oliver's Christmas jammies! What a wonderful first Christmas for our baby boy.