5 Little Ducks

Oliver learned how to pull the umbrella (with the help of a ring) on his rocker. When he pulls it, it plays "5 Little Ducks." While we are very happy that he is learning to do many new things, we don't get quite as excited as the first time he pulled it. He seems to pretty much have it mastered now and we hear "5 Little Ducks" for about as long as he is in his rocker.

He has also pushed the button on a fish hanging on his play-mat-type thing, although that one is still pretty hit and miss. He other newest noise came from his piano, he has learned that he can kick the keys and it will either a) turn on or b) switch songs.

We are thinking of possibly buying stock in a battery company as he begins to be able to turn things on by himself :)

This is Oliver and his cousin Sierra at his Aunt Amy and Uncle Mark's wedding reception. We were back in Iowa April 3-5 for this celebration. It was a fun time and we were glad to meet Mark and his two children and welcome them to the family.

Oliver's 4 Month Appointment

Here is a quick update on Oliver's 4 month appointment. He weighed 15 pounds, 3 oz and was 24.8 inches long. His weight is the 50th percentile and his height is the 40th percentile. The doctor said he looks really good and to keep doing what we are doing. He got two shots and one oral vaccine. He did really well, he was all smiles for the doctor and nurses. He let out a little cry right as the nurse gave him his shots, but as soon as I picked him up, he stopped crying. He is doing really well after the shots, he just seems a little sleepy, but that could be in part to our busy weekend.

It was nice to be back in Iowa for a bit this weekend and see some family. It went quickly as it always does and we were chased out with that yucky Iowa weather. We left a little earlier than we had hoped to because of the weather, but we were glad we did. By the time we got to Cedar Rapids, the roads were dry. It did end up raining for a good share of our ride home, but that is much better than snowy, slushy roads.

I will try to post some picture tonight or tomorrow. Have a good day everyone!

4 months old

Oliver's 4 month picture didn't turn out the greatest. We were getting ready to head to Chicago for my Aunt Lili's visitation and we were keeping him awake during his morning nap so he was extra tired. Plus as you can see, he has discovered his hands and he likes to have some part of them in his mouth at all times. It is hard to believe that he is already 4 months old. We go in on April 6th for his 4 month appointment so I will post his weight and height after that.

.I stuck Oliver into his exersaucer for the first time in a few weeks. He was actually playing with the toys on it. He played in there for about 10 minutes.

Oliver reading a very exciting (and noisy book)

The Windy City

Oliver and I braved a trip to Chicago. He was a very good boy. He slept the whole way there and the whole way home. That made me very happy considering it was my first time driving in Chicago. We made the trip to meet up with Renee (my brother Joe's fiance) to look at dresses for their wedding this coming October. We stayed with Renee's sister and took the train to the bridal shop. Oliver did very well looking at dresses. I'm sure in a few years, this would not fly with him. After finding beautiful bridesmaid dresses, we went out for lunch and then did a little touring in Chicago. We went up in the Hancock building to the 95th floor and enjoyed the view and some drinks. We had a very fun weekend.

Oliver and Mommy with the Chicago skyline in the background

Walking in downtown Chicago

Oliver and Aunt Renee riding on the train

Swimming

A video of Oliver's first swimming experience

Vacation to Ohio

Last weekend, Eric, Oliver, and myself ventured to Wooster, Ohio and met my sister Kathy there for the weekend. Oliver did really well on the way there and pretty good on the way back. It was a fun weekend- we hung out Friday night (after 6-7 hour drives, we were tired, but Kathy and I still stayed up until around 3 talking), then on Saturday, we were pretty lazy in the morning then in the afternoon, we went to a nearby outlet mall. It was 70 degrees out so it was fun walking around outside with Oliver. The outlet mall also had a train, so we took Oliver on his first train ride. That evening, we ordered pizza and then went a did a little swimming. Oliver got in the pool with Eric and did really well. He didn't cry at all, although he didn't crack much of a smile either. We drove back home on Sunday. It was a very fun weekend and we are already thinking about doing it again!

Some new pictures

He is starting to do more rocking when he is on his stomach so I'm guessing the rolling will be before too much longer.

Oliver likes to "sing" his abc's, I move his hands and make him clap while I sing the abc's and he giggles or smiles through the whole song.