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