3 months

Oliver turned 3 months old on December 20th. We have been continuing to enjoy the holiday season and watching him grow. He seems to be getting bigger every day.

Oliver has not been sleeping very well lately, making for some pretty tired parents, but he is still a happy baby and has been cooing and smiling with increased frequency.

He still loves his baths and especially the post-bath ritual. Yes, we blow him dry with a hair dryer! Chris tried this one cold night and we found that he loves it so we've continued the special treatment.

goofing around with dad

posing with mom

laughing

in the kitchen with dad

And lastly, a few photos from the day he turned 3 months. We love this guy!

'Tis the season

We've been enjoying the holiday season this year and are excited for Oliver's first Christmas. We picked out and decorated a tree. (Note to self: always ask which trees smell the best. Ours smells so good!) We also got Oliver a stocking at a local shop where Chris and I bought ours last year. His is the biggest one (on the far right in the photo below) which we thought was appropriate.

picking out the tree

 

decorating the tree

the stockings were hung by the chimney with care

Oliver is still a pretty happy baby, except for the reflux, and has been smiling a lot. Chris made him laugh for the first time this week.

Oliver is continuing to grow, but is still a little guy for his age, though perfectly healthy. At his doctor's appointment yesterday he was 11 ½ weeks old and weighed 10 lbs 11 oz. 

listening to music with dad

Before Oliver, I didn't realize how funny babies were. His expressions routinely make us smile and laugh. 

Thankful

 This time of year encourages reflection.

Oliver has been with us for a little over two months now. Parenthood is certainly challenging, but there are so many things we are happy and thankful for.

A healthy, growing boy.
At his 8-week appointment he weighed 9 lbs 2 oz.

Watching and holding our baby while he sleeps.

Smiles!

Spending Thanksgiving with the Ayres-Wilhelms. 

It was Oliver's first time meeting his Uncle Graham and cousins Izzy and Bodie. 

And of course he loved spending more time with his Auntie Shell!

Shell prepares Thanksgiving dinner with Oli

Shell did almost all of the cooking and we were so grateful. The food turned out beautiful and delicious!

stuffed acorn squash

cranberry cherry pie

7 weeks

We've been meaning to post for awhile, but haven't been able to find the time because we've been spending almost all of our time holding, looking at, feeding, changing, playing with, and doting on Oliver.

The past three weeks have been eventful. Mel's sister Michelle (Auntie Shell) came to visit. Her visit was wonderful! She spent lots of time with Oli and also cooked for us and cleaned our house! We're excited that she and her family just moved to Madison and are only driving distance away now.

visit with Auntie Shell

french toast Shell made

cheek to cheek

Chris went back to work last week and so far we're all adjusting well. There's still plenty of time for father-son bonding.

trying out the ergo, and dad's hat, for the first time

Oliver has been continuing to grow, although he's still small for his age (was 8 lbs 4 oz at his 5 week check up). He's increasingly alert, smiling more, and makes us laugh every day with his funny faces and noises. He loves to look around (especially at the art on our walls), enjoys his nightly bath, and likes to sleep in our arms. Here are some more photos from the last few weeks.

Oliver's first Halloween