Dear Ollie

A professor sent me a card with this picture as it made her think of Ollie and me. I love it for that reason. It reminds me of putting Ollie down for his nap. He winds himself down by pressing his cheek against mine while I hold him, gradually pushing my head to the side, using my cheek as a pillow as he begins to doze. Nap nuzzling.

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This particular professor encouraged me to record my experiences with Ollie in letters written to him. Though I don't keep up this practice as often as I would like to, it has been incredibly helpful in processing my relationship with this little boy. One of my greatest realizations has been recognizing that the caring that occurs within my bond with Ollie does not occur in a vacuum--though I may wish for that at times; it is influenced by--and affects, in turn--other relationships in my life--with my loved ones, with strangers, and with the world around me. What a powerful presence this little guy has!!!

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Perhaps, taking the time for reflection has been influenced by the milestone of my thirtieth birthday in March! Ollie decorated my lovely birthday cake (with a little help from his daddy). The guys gave me the gift of sleeping in that morning while they played with frosting and candles.

My BEAUTIFUL cake, with candles and fingerprints arranged by Ollie.

***Latest words, phrases, and conversation pieces for Ollie: saying "good gracious" and "good grief," "lovebug," talking about the "bees" by the "ladder" (jungle gym), pointing out anything "shiny," and calling his friends by name (esp. Sean, Grace, and Pete). New favorite games: hide and seek, & turning our side table upside-down, standing on it, and either throwing or dropping his egg shaker at the side of his play tent. He announces "throw" or "drop" depending on which action he deems necessary. Very interesting. He's also taken to "balancing" along concrete parking lot markers and the painted parking space lines.