Daddy's Birthday (& Five Month Old Indie Leif)

Ollie took a big spill this week and got bruised and scuffed up a bit. As always, he found a way to be cute. Through his tears, he sobbed, "This is not my perfect day!" Aw, Ollie.... Then, he continued, "If only the sidewalk was comfier. We should have put big pillows up and down it. Then, I could fall all the time!"

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Indie is as sweet as ever. Taking his first steps (as wobbly as they are!) and incredibly proud of himself. He waves to everyone and has a sweet sense of humor. He laughs at Ollie all day long and does his best to keep up with him. He doesn't like to be away from his daddy or me. If we leave the room, he races after us and cries--panic-stricken--if he can't get to us. He is slowly becoming a better sleeper. But, it has been a long road! Most mornings find the four of us waking up together in the same bed. Which, really, I don't mind very much (for now). Both boys go to sleep in their own beds...but at some point in the early morning, work their way into ours. Ollie still takes pride in knowing he was the first one up on a given day.

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Tomorrow is my birthday. This evening, Christopher was joking with Ollie...telling him that tomorrow I was going to be an old lady. Later, when I put Ollie to bed, he asked, "Are you going to be the same age tomorrow?" "No," I replied. "Tomorrow, I will be a year older."

Ollie: No! I want you to stay this age!

Me: Why, Sweetie?

Ollie: Because I LOVE you this age!

Me: Oh, Ollie. I wish I could stay this age...but there's not much I can do about it.

Ollie: Can you just stay this age for one more week? I want you to stay new and pretty! (at which point, he throws his arms around me)

My sweet, sweet boy....

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Yes...this is a picture of my two year old son in a Baby Bjorn. I can't imagine this was very comfortable for him...but he went through a "baby" phase and insisted on being carried this way around the house. I'm relieved it didn't last too long!

Bowling & More Videos

Ollie's Temper

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Ollie has had quite the little temper lately...which, really, has been rather funny. One retort of his, in particular, puts us in stitches. "I'm gonna pod you!" The first time we heard it, we were perplexed...but his explanation cleared things up. "What do you mean--pod me?" "I'm gonna put you in a pod and send you away!" (When we moved to our new home, we used a POD--portable on demand storage. We packed it ourselves, and then it was picked up by a truck and delivered to our new home.) Apparently, it can also be used to ship away annoying parents!

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A few days ago, Ollie also threatened to leave. He was mad about something and told us he was packing up and going on vacation "WITHOUT YOU!" We told him we were going to miss him very much and asked him where he was planning to go. His destination kept changing...but one thing was certain: he would be flying there. While this was happening, Christopher had to leave for work. As soon as Ollie saw him pull out of the driveway, he ran to the door sobbing and calling for him to come back. It broke my heart, and I asked Ollie if he wanted me to call Daddy so Ollie could say goodbye once more. "No," he replied choking back tears, I need the car to get to the airport!" Oh my....
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Ollie's first bowling expedition.












Indie talking himself to sleep at around four months of age.

O L L I E

Ollie has been "grown-up sitting" Daddy (who is sick) for the past few days. He's so sweet...making "get well surprises" and asking his daddy what he needs to "be more cheerful," eager to share his favorite toys and show Daddy tricks. Ollie is into "sitting," at the moment...babysitting Indie often, as well as his doll, Celia. Ollie has an extensive bedtime routine with Celia, which includes completely disassembling her doll bed with tools (this astounds me)and then putting it back together(correctly), nursing her, singing to her, and rocking her in the dark. Ollie has also been super sweet with Indie recently. The two of them love cuddling together...and Ollie is being more tolerant when Indie "interrupts" Ollie's playtime. Today, I overheard Ollie saying to Indie, "No, Indie. That's dangerous for you. You could get hurt. Please don't play with my toys. You're a baby." At bedtime, Ollie has been ridiculously cuddly with me and his daddy, too. I love it...especially since I know it won't last forever. He likes his arms and face to be "tickled" and tries to "trap" me by wrapping his arms and legs around me when it's time to say good night.

Indie turned ten months old this week...and is already taking steps on his own!!! Ollie did not do this until his first birthday. (Of course, Ollie also broke his leg at about Indie's age, which I'm sure affected his development.) But, still...I'm not ready for Indie to be walking! He's so proud of himself. It's adorable. He also loves waving and, of course, clapping his hands. Indie is showing a big interest in books. Ollie always has...but it is nice to be able to read to both boys now. Indie has favorite parts in stories and laughs at the same pages evertime we read. It's hilarious. It's also fun to see that the boys have the same favorite stories. Indie adores "Little Gorilla" and "Safari Shapes," two of Ollie's favorite baby books, as well.

Ollie learned how to write his name this summer. This is a video from early September when he was still writing it "artistically," with letters all over the page. For the most part, now, he writes from left to right. :) (He's also got his "left" and "right" down pat.) I love this video because he just decides part-way through writing his name that he's had enough...and does his own thing.

September

Ollie's bedtime question this evening: "Mama, where do frogs sleep?"

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For some reason, Ollie is currently fascinated with locking doors. We had to call a locksmith this past week because Ollie locked us out of our bedroom. A few days later, he proceeded to lock us out of a bathroom and another room. (Several doorknobs have since been replaced.) One of the rooms holds the majority of his toys, and we told him that since he locked the door, he would not be able to play with his toys. At this realization, great amounts of sobbing ensued. As I held him in my arms, he suddenly looked up and--through his tears--said, "Don't worry. All we need is a little dynamite." Oh, my....

A long video....

A Visit from Mimi & Granddad (Four Month Old Indie Leif)

"Mama, what color is my brain?" asks Ollie as I am putting him to bed last night. I love these little boys and am so looking forward to all of the lovely questions Indie will someday ask! (I'm sure he asks plenty of questions now...I just don't understand them!)

Granddad, Mimi & the boys

My beautiful parents, playing in the ocean.

Mimi & Ollie

Ollie wanted his toenails painted just like Mimi!

I know this video looks weird. I'm lying on my stomach with my feet up behind me. Ollie is climbing on my back and legs. The camera is looking behind my shoulder. Ollie went through a phase when he LOVED this nursery rhyme and recited it continuously. I, of course, adored it!

Master of Disguise

After reading Cinderella and hearing stories about different high school and college "formal" dances I attended, Ollie wanted to dress up for a ball. I told him to go for it...and this is what he came up with. Not too bad! I especially like the construction truck pajamas under his "gown."