Finally I caught it!

Oliver has been smiling for quite some time!  We have very much enjoyed every single one!  But every time I get the camera our he starts to wonder, "what is that thing?" "What are we doing?" "How can I get my hands on it?" And his inquisitive face comes out and the smile disappears.  Last night I finally caught that loveable smile on camera!

It melts my heart every single time!  We have been so blessed to have the happiest baby!!!!

Who is this man dressed in red holding me????

Mindy and I carried little Oliver to see Santa Clause in a far away place called Olathe. Oddly enough, his meet and greet was held at the bastion of Midwest commerce, Bass Pro Shop. In the boat section. Daddy sure wanted a bass boat, but alas, priorities.........


We arrived at St. Nick's around 6:30pm under the impression that during the week S. Clause would be mucking out the Reindeer's stall and would be overjoyed at the chance to hear from one of his newest glowing faces! Certainly, he was there, as we could barely get a glimpse of him at the end of the mass of humanity. We got an appointment card for 8pm and, yes, Oliver got dressed up to see Santa including a bow tie!

Bass Pro Shop, if you didn't know, has a gigantic tank in the center with lots of local fish, of all things, including large mouth bass, black crappie, walleye, a 80 pound alligator gar, paddle fish, blue gill and a carp.We happened to be at the tank during a "feeding demonstration." Pretty much what ever you feed a fish it sucks into its mouth. So I know the burning question in your mind is what does the 80 pound alligator gar eat? Answer: Anything that gets in it's mouth. Also, Oliver liked the fish.

For the remainder of our wait we wondered the shop pondering Real Tree living room sets, why North Face is so over priced, and I worked on getting Mindy to go camping.......

The best item we didn't purchase was a pacifier with false buck teeth. Yes, your child can emulate the future sadness you'll feel when you can't afford orthodontia.

Oops it was time to see Santa Clause. In the boat section. We hopped in line and marveled at the family in front of us. Yes, they had money. Yes, they were from the land of enslavement to technology; pretty sure I didn't envy them even a little bit. The family behind us were much more normal and got a kick out of Oliver's bow tie so we chatted with them a little and made our time in line bearable.

Santa Clause had it all. Looooonnnnngggg white beard, white hair, glasses, and the red suit. Much impressed. Although, are caribou and reindeer one in the same? Oh, well, mid-westerners wouldn't know the difference anyway. Not the type that go to a hunting store....... 

Our time with Santa Clause was brief but we got a free photo. Oliver asked Santa Clause for Legos and size 2 diapers. Santa Clause appreciated the request for diapers. I figured it wouldn't hurt asking, although a plant that makes the absorbent for diapers burned down a short time ago, so that might be a tough one for him to achieve. I heard on NPR that he would have to keep up a strict schedule of 9,000 deliveries per second to meet his demand on Christmas Night. So, we'll take Legos, no problem.

 After visiting the man of the moment, we stopped to write our wish list. Oliver (with Mommy's help) wrote Santa for Legos and diapers. I secretly hoped he would would ask for a carbon fiber kayak paddle, but maybe next year.

Some one took a photo of us together. I think a beard is quite appropriate for this time of year; Mindy does not. I promised to shave it for Valentines day, she counter offered two weeks. The bill went back to committee. 

Mommy closed her eyes and wished for a Powermatic 10" cabinet table saw along with a Rikon 20" bandsaw for her Christmas. Note that her honey-do list is really what she's putting in the mail box. 

Merry Christmas everyone and we hope your New Year brings prosperity in all that you wish for!!!

So close

Oliver is so close to rolling over from his back to belly.  Excited for him and the growth but really yearning for him to SLOW down!

Belly Laughs

Oliver has started to do belly laughs!  Oh it just melts my heart!!!

Happy 2nd Anniversary!!!

This day
I will marry my best friend,
the one I laugh with,
live for, Love

My-o-my have things changed for us in one year.  We have settled into our house and it so feels like home, we both are a year older.  We created this beautiful baby boy and can't imagine our lives with out him. For our anniversary Oliver and I met James for lunch.  That evening we were able to get away for a few hours to head to dinner while Bean watched Oliver.  He was definitely in good hands!  I don't think he was put down the whole night!

Bean was able to stay the night and even got to little cuddle and feed time before she had to head back to Topeka for work.  Thanks again Bean for watching our little man so we could celebrate us!  

Happy Anniversary honey!  I can't imagine my life without you.  You make me a better person! I LOVE YOU!!!

   

Just some super cute pictures

Here are just some super cute pictures I have taken when I've been home with my little man :)

 

Happy Halloween

Isn't he the cutest giraffe you ever seen?!?

On Halloween we went to RP for the parade and party, then headed to James' work to show off and raise spirits!!  Then that evening we headed to the Feldkamp's to catch up and hang out!  It was so laid back and so much fun!  Thanks Feldkamp's for letting us hang with you for the night!  Then the next evening we went to trick-o-treat at the Bennett's!  Janice treated James, Rebecca and I to a delicious dinner and then had some yummy treats for us to take home!

Auntie Bean also got this super cute shirt for me too!  

2 months old

On October 22nd Oliver turned 2 months old.  In his two short months of life he has lived it up!  We have been to Sporting KC Soccer game, K-State Football game, Maple Leaf Festival, to Regency Place, SAFC BioSciences, Grandma and Grandpa's house' (both sets), Aunt Bean's, helped with a garage sale, and so much more.  I have learned that I need to get better at taking pictures to document these events.  See previous post about some of Oliver's adventures. 

In Month 2:

• weighs 9 pounds 9 ounces
• 23 inches long
• eats what feels like all the time
• sleeps regularly 10 hours at night!!!!
• knows mom and dad's face and voices
• tracks interesting things with his eyes
• smiles ALL THE TIME!  (getting closer to giggling every day)
• Recognizes grandma and grandpa, Aunt Bean and Aunt Rebecca

Here are his official 2 month pictures.

Moe had to be in the pictures!  He would not leave Oliver alone. They are becoming better friend every day and Moe loves when Oliver has play time on the floor at his level :)

Adventures in month 2

Oliver had a very busy month!  I will post pictures of his 2nd month growth pictures soon but in the mean time lets recap the highlights of the month!  This time of year is so super busy that James and I have had to carve out family time, which is normally on Sundays! 

One Sunday we went out to Louisburg Cider Mill.  It was super busy so I didn't get any apple cider but I did get kettle corn! We also got Oliver's first Christmas tree ornament, not the fancy one from Hallmark, but cute nonetheless. Here is a quick pic of Oliver and I on the haystacks.  We had to take a fast pic before I started breaking out in hives :)

After the Cider Mill we drove the back roads to get home and we ended up close to Eva and Shawn's new house so I thought I would show James where they lived and they happened to be outside working on the yard so we stopped in for a little chat!  Scarlett wanted to hold Oliver :)  Aunt Eva thought it would be best if she helped too!  It was very short lived as Scarlett's new bike was calling her name.

While James was at a wedding in Florida Oliver and I attended the KSU/KU game!  It was a little cold so we were all bundled but trust me he was the cutest little fan in the cutest outfit from cousin Paula!  K-State stomped all over KU.  He slept through the first half and then was awake for the major plays in the 3rd quarter! 

Overall it was successful day!  Oliver and I survived the weekend without James but we were super excited for him to return!  It was touch and go at times :) 

Oliver also attended his first soccer game.  We went the the USA/Guatemala game.  USA won.  As he did during the KSU game he slept the whole game.  This time he didn't even want to wake up for a photo-op.

Our last major outing this month was to the Maple Leaf Festival in Baldwin City.  James had to work so I went with my mom, sister, and cousins.  It was a KSU game day so we were decked out supporting the CATS! 

Darby was not excited for Oliver to join her in the stroller.  He was sitting on her candy.  She liked it a lot more when he was in his stroller and she could look at him.  It was a beautiful day and a great day to be outside.  We ended the day at home watching the Wildcats crush the Mountaineers!

While adventures are fun, being at home is just as exciting!  Taking naps on daddy's chest is one of his  favorite places.  We have also be working on tummy time.  Don't worry he was never unattended.

Sweet Dreams to all our family and friends!

Moe's new life as a second class citizen

So our first "baby" has had an adjustment period too!  When we first came home from the hospital he was really relieved to see me because I had been "missing" for 5 days and he was also happy to be out of his house since he had been in it so much over those 5 days.  We introduced Oliver and Moe and Oliver gave Moe a new toy.  Over the next week or so Moe was very curious about this thing in his house and seemed to wonder when it was leaving so he could be up on the couch again and get more attention.  He think he also hoped it would leave soon so he could get fed on a regular basis again.  As the weeks have gone on he has gotten more used to the fact that Oliver now requires more attention which means he does not get as much.  He has learned that he needs to be more forceful if we forget to feed him so he doesn't go to bed hungry.  And now, he has started to become the protector of Oliver.  He sleeps in Oliver's room and when we aren't looking he hops in the rocking chair.  He has also loved that James and I are more occupied that the rules have relaxed a little.  Here is a picture from this morning of him on the BACK of the couch..this wouldn't have been allowed 6 weeks ago :)  Oh well, as James said, at least he is not underfoot and in the way.

Can you tell life is so hard for Moe?!?

Oliver's 1 Month

So I'm a few weeks behind in updating the blog, but in my defense I'm a new mom and I'm just trying to figure out when to take a shower.  Okay, so that might be a little bit of a stretch but some days it's the true.  Being a mom has been the most wonderful experience EVER!!!  I can't believe how fast it goes by.  

Highlights of the first month:

• Eating so much and gaining weight
• Approximately 8 pounds
• Recognizes mom and dad
• Babbles and coos
• Working on head control
• Stayed with Aunt Bean for 5 hours while James and I went on our first date
• Outgrown most of his newborn clothes
• Enjoys car rides 
• Sleeps about 5-7 hours each night!
• Sleeps in his own bed in his room
• Shares his frustrations, sadness, and hunger with LOUD cries
• Cuddles
• Happy, content and awake most of the afternoon
• Loves his binky
• Starting to like Moe - starting being the key word :)

We have had LOTS of visitors since we have been home, Grandma and Grandpa Rolin, Grandma and Grandpa Bennett, Aunt Bean, Aunt Rebecca, Uncle Bobby, Aunt Laurie and Cousins Mikhayla, Danielle, and Katie. Aunt Mary and Uncle Tom came to visit all the way from Texas.

We have been to the lake to meet the Browns! Had our first family/newborn pictures taken, went apple picking, visited Regency Place to meet mommy co-workers and students and visited daddy's work too.  Oliver also spent on afternoon with Aunt Bean so James and I could go on our first date to see our friend Amanda at TCT in the production of Legally Blonde.  It has been an exciting first month!!! 

James and I have adjusted to lack of sleep and the blessing from God to be parents to our amazing little boy!  We are in awe of him more and more every day and have grown closer and more in love as a couple.  We truly have been blessed! 

Love to all!

Oliver's Newborn Photos

Several weeks ago Oliver had his newborn pictures taken.  At this time he was a little over 2 weeks old.  It was such a fun session with the talented Melissa Koontz with Midwestern Lace photography out of Atchison. 

Oliver loved being naked to say the least..he peed on everyone and everything :)  But we all just took it in stride and laughed the whole day.  Here some of our favorites with my own commentary :)  So I have a lot of favorites and if you would like to see the rest let me know and I would proudly email you them or show in the album we have....yes I'm that proud cheesy mom now!

 This photo turned out so sweet and beautiful, when it was being taken I didn't really see the vision but Melissa had it and it turned out fabulous!

 Hanging on to Dad!  Love it!!

 I always sleep this peaceful and angel like!

 What should I do today?

 Just a little nap in the dresser

We totally are in love!

 

 Can you believe it?  No we can't! or were we thinking...man we are in trouble :)

 Love the reflection

 Good Night!

 Good Morning!

 Smitten

 Can't believe he is here!

 I'm DONE!!!!

Family of 3!!

Dreaming about something funny.

After this shoot we headed to the apple orchard to pick apples.  We were a little late for the gala apples that we enjoy but still managed to find LOTS of apples to pick.  I made my first homemade apple pie.  It was delicious!!!  Next time I will attempt my own pie crust.