Oliver Overload: Happy 1st Birthday to Oliver!

On December 19th, our little Ollieboy turned 1. Wow, what a crazy and fast year it has been. The first 3 months or so of his life was very rough - Oliver had colic and reflux and generally screamed about half of the day. During that same time, Mama was recovering from a challenging C-section and it was an all-around tiring and challenging, yet wonderful time. After the 3 month mark, things started changing fast and everyone was feeling better and happier. Oliver's personality started really becoming apparent and it was clear - we have quite a headstrong babe. Would you expect any less from us? As Oliver has grown, he has become quite sweet, funny, intelligent, and is still very stubborn. Although he is now sleeping in his own room, he still doesn't sleep all that well - we are still up at a minimum of once a night, but usually more like twice. He LOVES books, and we generally read the same 10 books many, many times per day. I feel like if I have to read Brown Bear, Brown Bear one more time my head might burst into flames, but he loves it! Oliver can use about 10 American Sign Language signs to tell us if he needs a diaper, wants a book, is all done, needs milk, etc. He also knows about 15 words and uses them with varying success. He started walking (well) about a week ago and he is already discovering a whole new world of mischief. Over the next year, he will no doubt continue to astound and confound us both with his awesomeness, craziness, stubbornness and joyfulness. He is the best, most awesome little person and I consider him to be the joy and light of my life (although, I am still a sleep deprived zombie most of the time and have spent a small fortune at Starbucks in the past year). Here are some photos from Ollie's 1st bday party and from his actual birthday.

Ollie's party was Dec. 16th

Making salt dough hand and footprints.

All the babies playing.

Here comes the crappy store bought cake.

I think I'll try this.

MMM...sugar and food coloring.

All the babies!

On Ollie's actual birthday...

We went to the park and had the homemade cake that Mama made.

Playing at the park.

That night Ollie got his homemade lemon almond cake with lemon whipped cream frosting. Although it looks as if he enjoyed it, he really wasn't that into it. Mama and Dada helped him to finish it off!