Oliver is ONE!

 Oliver, today you are ONE! 

It is hard to believe that you are getting so big but at the same time you have accomplished a lot in a year.  Today we sang a little happy birthday song to you but the real party will wait until this weekend. 

I have to admit that I had a little cry today thinking about what an absolute blessing and miracle you are, sweet Oliver.  God kept you safe and delivered you perfectly plump a week late which was a true miracle since we were expecting that you would be a preemie. 

Just a little less than one year ago we were planning, praying and joyfully expecting you... 

And on the afternoon of August 21, 2013 all 8lb 4 oz of you arrived! A beautiful brown haired boy!

 Our whole family got to see you get weighed for the first time and Natalie even helped with your first checkup.  She has been hands on with you from day one :)

 Yay!  Our baby brother is here!

 First family photo with Oliver

 You have been a delightful baby

 Natalie and Stratton love being your big sister and brother

 Mommy likes to overload you with hugs and kisses...just can't help myself

Daddy and the kiddos :)

 You have grown into quite the little boy, Oliver!

 You are sweet, smiley, determined, adaptable, and always ready to eat and play!

 You are walking really well now and prefer toddling around over crawling.

You smile and laugh while you walk because you are so excited to be moving and very pleased with yourself :)

Natalie has always kept and eye on you but lately you are playing more and more with Stratton.  You two even wrestle and share toys.

 Big Boy!

You are clapping, waving and saying Hi, Dada, Dog, Num Num, Uh Oh, and like to babble.  You have said MaMa but not purposely.  You are quick to give hugs and kisses, like to swing, and eat and eat and eat.  You are drinking milk from sippy cups and seem to be adjusting well.  You like your pacifier, still cry in the middle of the night :( and like to explore just about anywhere.  You find ways to sneak under and around furniture, and have an affinity towards plugs and cords...you don't respond to well when mommy says "No! No!" to those things...we are learning. 

You wear size 4 diapers and 18 month clothes.

You put up a fight when you get your diaper or clothes changed

You love to giggle

Oliver, we are so very thankful that God have given you as a gift to our family!  You bring us joy and love.  The past year has been a blessing.  We love you so very much!

 Happy First Birthday!!