17 months

17-month old Oliver continues to move into toddlerhood, looking more like a little boy and less like a baby every day. I have been really lucky that my workplace has allowed me to have a flexible schedule since Oliver was born. This semester is a little less flexible so that's been an adjustment for all of us. I miss Oli but I know that he is in very capable hands with Chris. Chris sends me photos and videos throughout the day which I love. 

waving bye to me from the front window
as I leave for work

befriending Oscar

This month he also got his first haircut, thanks to Chris.

We've had a long cold, snowy winter this year (hurry up spring!). Oliver says "snow" now and loves playing in it and helping shovel.

This age has been pretty fun, watching him learn new things and become more independent He has been feeding himself with a spoon a little which is messy but cute. He is talking a lot (at least 50 words now!), can stack blocks and do simple puzzles, and has been having fun dancing and playing music with his blocks, xylophones, guitar, and keyboard. 

eating his first macaron

 

celebrating my birthday with some french pastries

excited about eating a pickle

getting good at stacking blocks

he gives kisses now,
which is pretty much the best

And a look back at one year ago, when he was just 5 months old.

Language Development

This month we've seen a huge boom in Oliver's language development. Between his words and signs, his vocab has increased to about 40 words (up from 20 words just three weeks ago!). In the last few weeks he has been saying and/or signing a new word every day! It's so great that he can communicate better and it's really fun to hear him say something for the first time. Here are a few videos, the first from February 4 and the second from February 9.

Then and Now v.2

Chris is still at it over at Oliver Daily and we're quickly approaching Oliver's 500th day of life! Here are a few more comparisons of Oliver recently and from the same day one year ago.

October 26, 2011 and 2012

November 27, 2011 and 2012

December 30, 2011 and 2012

January 8, 2012 and 2013

Oregon

We spent the last week of our trip to the west coast in my beautiful home state of Oregon. Oliver had a chance to meet all 4 of my grandparents (his great grandparents), his aunt Katrina and uncle Steven, and many of our friends in Portland, Salem, and Eugene. I don't get to see my family often enough so I tried to soak in the time with my parents and sister (who came out to visit during our stay). We ate lots of good food (and coffee and dessert of course), watched some good movies (perhaps most notable was Microcosmos), spent an amazing day on the Oregon Coast, and enjoyed being together.

playing piano together

Oliver meets his Uncle Steven & Aunt Katrina
(along with her dog Kiwi)

swinging at a park in Portland

dinner out in Portland with some of my grad school friends

young and old bond over music,
Oliver and his great grandpa

group photo at Oliver's great grandparents house
in Oregon City

spending time with grandma

Oliver being corralled by his grandpa and great grandpa 

Oliver with his great grandpa

Oliver getting a little work done

visiting friends in Eugene
(photo courtesy of Chris Schatz)

beautiful day on the Oregon Coast

my family at lunch on the coast

Oli on the coast

this kid loves the beach

family photo in Lincoln City

sisters

another family photo, this one at sunset

jumping at sunset

sunset over the Pacific Ocean

our last beach day was a good one

16 months

Happy 16 months Oliver! He seems more like a toddler everyday. This growing up thing makes me feel both happy and sad, which I'm guessing is never going to change. I feel like his babyhood just flew by but I'm really trying to enjoy every stage.

We spent much of the last month visiting family and friends on the west coast. Even though he was sick most of the time, he was a real trooper. He's not a fan of the word 'no' these days, even throwing himself on the floor sometimes, but overall he is so much fun to be around. This kid exudes joy like it's nobody's business.

He still loves to dance and his new move is the pivot. He loves balls. He's been pretty good at throwing them for awhile now but just recently learned to catch! He's talking more and seems to learn new words or signs every day. He uses about 20 words or signs now. Most recently he learned eyes and nose. The most useful sign he learned recently is 'more'. We've been trying to teach him this one for awhile and just this weekend he signed and said it. It's very helpful during meals. He regularly says funny things or makes funny faces and is always keeping us laughing. xoxo Oli!

A year ago, he was just 4 months old!