Family Photos

One thing I really wanted to do before leaving Seattle was get family pictures taken with the Seattle skyline behind us. The most frustrating thing about having a hobby in photography is capturing other people's families but not being able to capture our own. Luckily my friend Julie was willing to take our photos for us and actually rearranged her whole schedule to make it happen. Things were a bit chaotic - we were in the middle of packing for our move, I was finishing up my practicum, Dad had a lot of work projects on his plate with deadlines that needed attention...but we went for it anyway. Of course we forgot the diaper bag in our rush to get there, including your shoes, so we had to stop at the mall on our way and buy new shoes for you. It's always something in our busy lives! You were so happy all the way up to Gasworks Park but when we got there you completely fell apart. You would not smile and were fussy and difficult. So it goes. Nonetheless, Julie was able to get some good shots. She was probably wondering why she volunteered to do this for us but she was patient and we are so grateful for her willingness to capture our little family. Here are some of my favorites (edited by me). [Photos taken in November 2011]

I love this one.

And this one.

Oliver is 20 months old in these pictures.

And here is one of Julie and Me. 

 

You're Walking! For Real Now!

You're doing it! Tonight you were walking around like a pro. Before now, you've taken a few timid steps and then lost balance easily. But you're doing it now! I can't believe you're old enough to walk! (We got video of this but not any pictures to include here.)

Bouncing

We bought Oliver a jumper today. He loves it. It's so fun to watch him bounce. Could this kid be any cuter? We think not. (This video was recorded on Wendel's cell phone so the quality isn't the greatest but it's still pretty cute.)

First Swim

This month is filled with all kinds of firsts for our little guy. While we were in Arizona a couple of weeks ago for Wendel's grandma's funeral (more about that to come), we stayed with my dad. He has a pool so we took Oliver for his first swim. I was a little nervous about it but he seemed to love it. We've only ever given him sponge baths in the sink so he hasn't even experienced water in a bathtub. He was mostly curious at first but then he ended up really liking the experience.





He was so curious about the water and kept watching the reflection.







He seemed to have a good time with Dad.













This one is blurry but I still like it because I think Oliver looks like Wendel did when he was a baby in this particular shot.

Later that day, my friend Andrea (whom I have been friends with for 19 years - we met in the PE locker room in 7th grade) came over with her kids and they swam while we chatted. It was really good to see her (I just wish it wasn't so brief). It was fun to have her meet Oliver.





It was so much fun taking Oliver for his first swim. I'm excited for all of the firsts that are ahead.

First Taste of Solids In Photos

Oliver had his 4 month wellness check last week (even though he will be 5 months old in a week) and we were given the green light to start him on solids. We tried it out this morning for the first time.

First, we tried rice cereal, mixed with formula. He wasn't so sure about it at first taste.



Or second taste.




Or even third.





[This one makes me smile.]

But then he started to like it. Maybe he got more used to the spoon or maybe he just got used to the texture.









And then we tried some sweet potatoes and peas. The sweet potatoes were his favorite.





Our little guy is getting so big!

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At 4 1/2 months old, Oliver weighs 13 lbs. 14 oz. and is 25" long. He is in the 36th percentile for height and the 16th percentile for weight.

Oliver's First Mariner's Game

One of my co-workers had some Mariner's tickets that she couldn't use so she gave them to me. We decided to be brave and take Oliver with us to the game last Tuesday night. We met our friends, Micky and Julie there, and Bethaney (who is staying with us for a few weeks to help out) also went with us. I was worried because it was pretty cold that night but we bundled him up and he did great. He slept through the whole game and didn't wake up to eat until we were leaving. He even got a certificate stating that this was his first game. Here are a few snapshots (not the best pictures but we didn't have our good camera with us).

Bethaney, Julie, and Me

We're looking forward to many more games with Ollie. We're excited to find him some Mariner's gear so he looks like a true fan.