Gobble, gobble!

Little Turkey,

Your first Thanksgiving was a big success - we celebrated with Dad's family in Iowa. Just about all of your relatives were there and you were a HIT! You do a great job being passed around to everyone and flashing smiles whenever prompted...we just can't get enough of you these days!! We brought some baby food turkey along but you weren't real excited about that - at least we tried. Your sleeping habits were horrific and all of the guests at "Camp Cindy" lost sleep over the weekend but we all survived and you're back-on-track.

In the past month you have really started moving around and developing your independence. You roll from one side of the room to the other, pausing to pick up anything and everything in your way. You love to pinch things and examine them as if you are conducting a science experiment. You sit-up without any support and are starting to sit yourself up from lying down. You scoot around the floor like crazy, but you still get mad when you get stuck on your stomach - some things never change. I don't think it will be long before you start crawling...and we start chasing you...!

You also want to be doing everything on your own - you always want to hold things yourself, sit by yourself, reach for things yourself, and play with things yourself. You're becoming quite vocal so you definitely let us know when we're not following directions. As I told Pa the other day, your two favorite toys are the remote control and the shampoo bottle - easy to please! You'll eat just about anything we give you but I still haven't tried peas again since you gagged them up and spit them out all over yourself a couple of months ago...you are definitely my child!! :0

Needless to say, Dad & I are both very thankful to have you in our lives this year...love you little turkey.

Happy First Halloween!

Oliver,

You were the cutest little puppy for Halloween this year and, although you detested the costume beginning to end, you were a pretty good sport. We trick-or-treated at a whopping four houses and had Pa over to see you in your costume before heading to bed. Dad and I were excited to have our first 'overnight' babysitter so we could go to the Grand 7 Halloween party, but we ended-up sleeping in our basement anyway. Ama was nice enough to sleep over and was lucky enough to get to play with you in the morning - that smile of yours makes waking up at 5:00 a.m. feel like fun!

We also had your second photography session Halloween morning. Dad came along this time and I was very grateful for his help. You smiled ear-to-ear until the moment she started taking pictures, and it went down hill from there. I'm sure there will be plenty of adorable shots but you definitely made us work for it...stinker.

You've been chewing on teether biscuits and raw carrots, which gives us a window into the world of solid foods. You're starting to enjoy carrying little pieces of paper and crinkling up wrappers - which (of course) makes me nervous but is really cute. It's so much fun to watch you get used to new tastes and figure out new things. I will definitely say that things are getting easier by the day - our biggest struggle right now is the hint of separation anxiety that is starting to creep in...although I absolutely hate seeing you cry, it's nice to be reminded how much you love us! :)

Time flies

Oliver,

It's been way too long since I updated your blog and I can't believe how much you have changed. In the past month you cut your first tooth, ate your first 'meal,' took your first swim, went swinging for the first time, and learned to sit-up on your own! Oh, and our house is finally on the market so you've learned to be an adjustable little man too - you can sleep just about anywhere!!

Dad and I just marvel at how far we've come from those early days. You are changing everyday and learning new things every time we turn around. You love your new daycare - all of the little girls adore you. Your favorites are Piper and Lilly - they are constantly dancing in front of you, making funny faces, and talking baby talk. Mary only lets them touch your feet and I made the mistake of letting them give you hugs one day, so you usually get pummeled with love the minute they see us at the door.

I don't know if I've ever blogged about your "Baby Can Read" videos that Dad and I bought just before you were born. Apparently these things are going to have you 'reading' at a very young age. I'll admit I'm a skeptic, but mainly because we bought them from an Infomercial!! Sure enough you're starting to recognize all of the new words that you're learning. Dad or I just have to say "Arms Up," "Clap," or one of the other words and you give us a huge smile. It's pretty amazing. I'll keep you posted on your progress!

We can tell how badly you want to start moving on your own. You are constantly trying to slither out of our hands, push off of us, roll over when we're changing you, arch your back, or turn around to see what's behind you...it's getting dangerous! I'm always making sure that I'm standing on carpet or a rug, just in case you figure out how to escape my arms one of these times...

Following are the stats from your 6-month appointment...keep it up!

Weight: 19.0 lbs, 8 oz (78th %'tile)

Height: 28.0 in. (90th %'tile)

Head Circumference: 17.6 in. (72nd %'tile)

Enjoy these recent pictures of you...!

A day of firsts

Oliver,

Today was your first day at your 'big boy' daycare and you did GREAT! You already seem to love Mary and her helpers. Everyone commented about how sweet and smiley you are, and how willing you were to be held by anyone. I know you had a ton of fun watching all of the school aged kids run around the house. When I came to pick you up (at 3:59 of course) you were laying on the floor, right where Mary could see you from the kitchen, and you gave me the biggest smile I've ever seen. It was exactly what I needed at the end of a hard day! By the way, I was just as much of a puddle as I was your first day at Pam's...lots of moms tell me it's harder on me than you...I sure hope they are right!

Believe it or not, you also had your first full-fledged sickness today. We just got home from Urgent Care because Dad noticed that you had a little fever when he got home and, by your bedtime, your temp was 101 and your body was covered in a rash! It turns out to be a virus and the doctor assured me that you couldn't have caught it at daycare today...thank goodness or my mommy guilt would get a lot worse! Although we hate to see you sick, Dad and I are looking forward to staying home with you for a couple of days.

You turned SIX MONTHS OLD this past Saturday - all I can say is 'wow.' We didn't do anything fun to celebrate because we were busy working on the house...again. You did a lot of 'supervising' over the long weekend - you were completely content being shuffled between Dad and I, the exersaucer, your Bumbo chair, and laying on a blanket under an umbrella.

I forgot to blog about the very exciting news that we recently received - Uncle Andrew and Auntie Vicki are engaged! I have no idea what the plans are for the date, location, etc. because I haven't even had a chance to talk to either one of them. You keep us pretty busy, little man. Here's the picture that you sent to congratulate them...

Little man

There is no better way to describe you right now - you're really coming into your own and developing an adorable personality...becoming more of a little boy everyday. Today we went to Auntie Carrie's house to see the kids and you decided to check out your man-parts just as I was changing a poopie diaper...I hope this doesn't become a habit!!

As your 6-month birthday looms I really cannot believe you've been in our lives for 1/2 of a year - time really flies when you're having fun!

We're very busy getting the house ready to list. I was explaining to you today that we have to work really hard right now so we can (hopefully!) relax in a new house within the next couple of months.

You are unbelievably vocal on a daily basis - you have full-fledged 'conversations' with yourself, the ceiling fan, your toys, or anyone/anything else who will 'listen.' You love your Exersaucer although you're not too excited about moving your legs around yet. You've been rolling here and there but you're definitely not a huge fan because you hate getting stuck on your stomach! You're really testing the range of your voice too - doing these crazy squeels and then deep vowel sounds...I could listen to you all day long.

Following are those adorable pictures that I mentioned in the last post - I'm totally obsessed with them and I know your grandparents are too!

On the move

You officially rolled for the first time this week (8/9/09) so watch out world...Oliver is on the move. I admit that I did help you tuck your arm against your side but you've been mastering that step over the past few days.

You and I trekked out to Delano a couple of weeks ago for your first professional photo session, and the trip was definitely worth it. The shots ended up being precious - they really capture you in this babyman stage that you are in. I wish I had a few examples to post right now - I should be getting them back in about 12 more days (yes, I'm counting).

You landed your first full-on head and chest cold last week and I was a victim as well. You were such a sad sight with your runny nose and barking cough...poor baby. I felt like my mom, putting out a vaporizer and insisting that you drink extra fluids. The only good part was getting to stay home with you for a full day. I can't believe I wished away my maternity leave!

Last weekend Dad and I had a few friends over for a BBQ - our first official social attempt since your arrival. You stayed up late like a big boy and slept pretty well through the noise...although I think you (and I) got up 4-5 times in total, it wasn't bad for a rookie.

We made the trip to Cedar Rapids for Dad's cousin's wedding. Our arrangement for the drive was classic...Dad sat in the backseat the entire way with the front passenger seat folded flat so he could talk to me but keep you calm. You did great at the wedding and even slept in your stroller through blaring wedding music - we were impressed. Not only did you get to see Grandma & Grandpa, but Uncle Andrew even made the trip. I'm so sad that he moved away just before you were born - I know he would be so much fun for you to have around.

We're officially house hunting and getting our house ready to go on the market. Your toys are getting bigger & bigger and our house is seeming smaller & smaller. It's fun to bring you around and show you the places that you might grow up!

Dad and I love you to pieces. We now argue over 'who gets to hold' you instead of 'who's turn it is' and Dad is even starting to ask if he can get up with you during the night...he just wants to spend more time with you...how could you resist this face!!!???

A tough night

Oliver,

I'm selfishly updating your blog to plug a little hole in my heart. Tonight we let you cry yourself to sleep for the first time and it was rough. We know it will be the best for everyone in the end, and Pam told us that you'd give up in a few days, so at least we can see the light. Sorry little guy, but rocking you while I count to 1000 is just not happenin' anymore.

Since I last updated your blog, you have been very busy growing up. You no longer have a bumper in your crib and we stopped swaddling you a few weeks ago. You have graduated to your 'big boy' stroller, which is great because you consistently HATE going in your car seat. No matter what the circumstance, you fuss and thrash every time we put you in it. Thank god for your videos in the car...we now own two portable DVD players!

I'm thrilled to say that you've successfully started eating rice cereal and you absolutely love it. You open your mouth really wide when you see the spoon coming at you - it's adorable! I can't wait until you're off formula for good!!

You earned your wings two weeks ago when we flew to Chicago for Mike Sheehan's wedding. You did so great on the plane, aside from when you projectile vomited the minute we landed in Minneapolis...thank God we were home! I carried you through the airport in your diaper because we accidentally used your backup outfit as a burp cloth...lesson learned! Gma & Gpa Hormann came to watch you and you got to meet a lot of Mom and Dad's friends from college in Chicago, including Gallagher, Lapp, Myles, Sheehan, and Annie - they all adored you. Who doesn't adore you? You've become SO much more fun to be around ;) these days - you smile, coo, giggle, and talk up a storm. There is nothing better than waking up to your babbles and grins - it makes all of those sleepless nights well worth it.

We had a very eventful 4th of July when Dad was plagued with a kidney stone. He was in excruciating pain and Ama came rushing over to watch you while we went to the ER. Poor Dad is still dealing with that kidney stone - I hope you don't ever experience one!

Following are your 4-month stats big boy...keep growing up big & strong!!

Weight: 16 lbs, 14 ounces = 80%'tile

Height: 26 inches = 80%'tile

Head Circumference: 17 inches = 69%'tile

Where has the time gone!!??

Ollie,

You turned 16 weeks old yesterday and I cannot figure out where the past 4 weeks have gone. You are growing up so quickly and changing more and more every day. You are completely obsessed with chewing on your fists, fingers, arms, or just about anything else that you can shove in your mouth. You actually prefer an adult knuckle but you typically choke yourself with it by 'gumming' it so hard....you're clearly starting to get teeth!

You've also started to grab your feet, scoot in your carseat and crib, laugh aloud, grab for everything in your reach, and make funny back-of-the-throat noises. You absolutely love your Dad and watching his crazy antics. We celebrated father's day with Dad, Pa, and Uncle Sam last weekend at 5-8 Club. You've become much easier to 'handle' out in restaurants - you love looking at everything and being passed around to anyone who will hold you. You had a great time at your cousin Rowan's 2nd birthday party two weekends ago - it was a bounce party and you loved watching all of the big kids in the bounce house.

You are doing great at daycare and you're sleeping like a champ at night. Your daycare lady, Pam, was on vacation this past week so you stayed with Uncle Sam's mom, Cheryl, for a few days, one day home with Dad, and a day with Mom & Ama. You've done such a great job adjusting to all of the changes - I was expecting a sleepless week, but you proved me wrong.

We all went over to Dad's boss's house last night with Matt, Shelly, and Jackson and you partied like the best of 'em - going right to sleep, staying asleep during the transition to the car, sleeping the whole way home, and going right down in your crib. You are becoming quite a grown-up!!

Our major challenge now is keeping you happy in the car seat and stroller. We can buy ourselves 20 minutes of sanity with your 'Baby Can Read' video and the DVD player that Dad rigged-up in the car. Once that video is over, you are usually raging to escape that car seat. We think you're going to be quite the independent little boy!

We love you so much Ollie - here are some pictures of you from the last few weeks...

THANK YOU OLLIE!!!

I am ecstatic to say that you SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT last night...thank you Oliver and congrats! This is quite a milestone given where we were just a few short weeks ago. The "Miracle Blanket" that we use to pin your arms down is no match for Pam's daycare sleeping schedule. I can't believe how great you are doing but I'm trying not to jinx us - tonight could be a whole different story...sleep tight little man!

Daycare

I think I can finally post this without drenching the keyboard with tears. Day one of daycare was devastating. I don't know any other word for it. I was a complete puddle - I cried basically the entire day. I didn't even go into the office because my eyes were puffy and I couldn't bear talking about you to other people. The house was so lonely - I couldn't enter your nursery or look at your swing...

Unfortunately your day was just about as rough as mine! You didn't sleep a wink and you were all out of sorts. Your daycare lady, Pam, looked the way I feel when I picked you up...I felt so bad for her! ;) I'm happy to say that things have drastically improved now that we're 3-day daycare veterans.

I have to give a shout out to your buddy Jackson Link for making the transition much easier for everyone. Jackson has been an absolute saint - spending time with you, making you smile, and petting you on your belly. His Dad, Matt, has said that Jackson goes right to you in the mornings when he gets dropped off. I saw you guys smiling at each other yesterday, so that made today much easier. You've also fallen into Pam's sleeping schedule very nicely - you've taken two naps the last two days and I've had to wake you up when I get there to pick you up! Dad has a hard time dropping you off in the mornings - he told me it's hard to let you go. Luckily we don't really have to let you go for 18 more years...love you Ollie!

Ollie update

Ollie,

You turned 12 weeks yesterday and you're growing like a weed. Everyone that sees you comments about how you're becoming a little boy...I want you to stay a baby forever (minus the sleepless nights & insane crying)!

It's been a busy month since I've posted anything - we've had Mother's Day, my birthday, and Memorial Day. Dad also went on a trip to Des Moines to play golf with his college friends so Ama (Grandma Whitehouse) stayed with you and I. As always, you were an angel when there was someone else around to help!

Dad & I stupidly tried to change you back to a milk-based formula and that was disastrous. You broke out in a big rash and starting your crying fits again. NO MORE experimenting for us...you're on the super expensive hypoallergenic formula from here on out...apparently you inherited Dad's expensive taste! ;)

You're changing like crazy in so many ways. You are using your hands like claws - opening and closing them constantly, grabbing, pulling, and scratching anything you touch. We're convinced that you've started teething because you chew on your fists and drool non-stop...we've already stocked-up on teethers, anbesol, tylenol, etc. You're starting to put yourself to sleep sometimes, but I still rock you to sleep every night before bed. Maybe that's more for me than you??!!

You went to your first birthday party yesterday, for your new buddy Jackson Link, and you did really great. You had a lot of fun watching all of the kids run around and bounce in a giant castle. I can't believe how soon Jackson's first birthday came around - I really don't want you to grow up that fast! Don't get me started again on your first day of daycare tomorrow...more to come...

Auntie Carrie took this amazing picture of you at Jackson's party...

Here are a few other cute recent pics of you - dad has been sending these to Gma & Gpa Hormann calling them 'pictures of the day.'

Back to the grind

I've been WAY to busy to post anything lately because - as I've reminded Dad many times the last few weeks - I've been working two full-time jobs...taking care of you and my real job that helps pay our bills! Although I loved having a few more weeks at home with you, I don't know what I was thinking trying to WORK from home with you - being a S.A.H.M was hard enough on it's own!

My first day back was a small taste of what was to come. You wouldn't let me talk on the phone all day and I had to run an errand so I put you in the car and you feel asleep instantly. We drove around in the same pattern around our neighborhood for over an hour - if I had to guess I would say we made 75-100 laps. I got tons of calls returned and you finally got some sleep! Over time we figured out that my shoulder would be the best place for you so I could get some work done. Dad came home at lunch one day to find this scene (excuse my appearance)!

Lucky for us, we've had lots of 'nannies' helping out. Your Pa (Grandpa Whitehouse) was here at least three mornings a week all month - you guys spent a lot of time watching Clifford, playing patty cake, and relaxing on the couch. I took advantage of this time by sitting in my car out front, making and returning work calls. Your Grandma Hormann was even so nice to drive all the way here to watch you one day when I went on a work trip. She drove 8 hours (round trip) to watch you for less than 8 hours...now that's love!

I'm anxious and nervous and sad for you to start daycare on Monday but I must admit it's a relief to be done with double duty...and to have made it out alive! We've become quite good buddies over the past 12 weeks - you love to smile and talk to me when I'm changing your diapers or hovering over you for whatever reason...Dad has noticed that we've become really close and he is very anti-daycare right now. I have mixed feelings about the whole thing but I keep myself sane by being excited for you to start your own adventure of life...I know you'll do great!

(NOTE: I have tears running down my face right now...I'm becoming my mother... :)

My how time flies...

Happy 8 weeks Ollie! This is a bittersweet week because I'm officially back to work tomorrow, May 6th. You won't be starting your real daycare for a few more weeks so "Pa" (Grandpa Whitehouse) will be helping out and I'll be doing a lot of my work from home. I'm glad I don't have to leave you all at once! Speaking of work, I brought you into my office to visit some work friends a couple of weeks ago. It was interesting to say the least - you managed to scream on each floor, and we were even shushed, but it was so fun to show you off! ;)

You had your first sleepover two weekends ago - with your friend Jackson Link. After all of our griping about your little attitude problem, you were an angel. You slept all evening and into the night - thanks for giving us a little break...we needed it! Lucky for us, your "Ama" (Grandma Whitehouse) has also given us many breaks over the last few weeks. She was your first babysitter ever, and you've now become a regular part of her week.

We took your first road trip to visit Grandma & Grandpa Hormann in Cedar Rapids this past weekend. We had to buy a new car top carrier in order to haul all of your stuff, but the trip was a success! You slept almost the whole way there but the way home was another story - we stopped 5 times on our 4 hour journey!!! You spent a lot of time with Grandma & Grandpa, and also met your Great Grandpa Everett and Great Grandma Naida, along with cousins, aunts, etc. You're a lucky boy to have such a nice, big family!

You had your 8-week checkup with the Pediatrician yesterday. Your stats are impressive! You got a clean bill of health and were VERY brave during your shots - you didn't make a peep, just stared up at the lights and grinned at the nurse. You're wearing 3-6 month clothes now and are growing so fast - you are becoming quite the little man!

Weight = 13.0 lbs (81 %tile) !!!

Height = 23.3 in. (62 %tile)

Head circumference = 15.8 in. (51%tile)

Smile for the camera

Dad and I setup an in-home photo shoot this weekend, to get shots of you in a bunch of different outfits that people gave us, etc. It was very good timing because you've officially begun smiling and cooing on queue, and we got some really cute pics. This morning you woke up and flashed me a huge smile from your crib, which was adorable for about 2 minutes until you spit-up all over our bed and yourself...great way to start the day! I have to be honest (because a few blog 'followers' have called me out!) and admit that things haven't been as rosy as they might seem. Between your jaundice, acid reflux, potential food allergy, gas issues, crying fits, and sleeping issues, life in the Hormann household has been tough. I'm convinced we're on the right track now and I hope you have a lot more to smile about in the coming days...love you Ollie!

Happy Easter!!

Oliver,

We celebrated Easter with both sides of the family this past weekend - your first official holiday! Grandma and Grandpa Hormann were passing through town on the way home from their trip so we all went out to brunch on Easter Sunday morning. They were happy to see you and get to hold you for a little bit. We also went to Pa & Grandma Kathy's house for Easter brunch and the whole gang was there...Ama, Cort & Sam, Rae & Rowan, Heather & Skylar. You did great and had a lot of fun playing with your cousins. Although you've developed quite a little attitude at home, you seem to do great out in public...I guess that means we need to get you out more!

4-week update

Oliver,

We went to the doctor for a checkup on Friday - your 4-week birthday. You now weigh 10 pounds, 8 ounces...the doctor was pretty impressed that you gained 2 pounds in 2 weeks! Unfortunately this wasn't a regularly scheduled appointment - we went in because you've been quite a fusser lately and we're trying to figure out how to make everyone's lives a little happier. ;) You've now become a science experiment of different formulas and medications...we'll figure out this parenting thing sooner or later!

You and I finally ventured out of the house last week for the first time without Dad. We've been to the post office, drycleaners, and Target, and we're doing daily short walks around the neighborhood - we've become old pros with the car seat and stroller!

You met my friend Kristina's baby, Charlie, last week too. Charlie lives in Canada so you won't get to see him very often, but he will definitely be a big part of your life. Charlie thought you were pretty cool but he wasn't too excited by all of your crying!

3 weeks old!

Oliver,

You were three weeks old on Friday and you're really starting to wake up to the world. You've become very alert and much more vocal! Unfortunately you're still not real excited about sleeping at night but we think (hope!) you'll turn the corner pretty soon. You have quite an impressive appetite these days - eating more often and more quantity than any book would ever suggest. You had your first 'play date' on Friday with my friend Molly's baby, Greta...she seemed to think you were quite a hunk...I must say I agree! ;)

A few firsts

Oliver,

You're 12 days old now and you're already growing up so fast. You make the funniest faces and are looking more and more like Dad everyday...I just hope you get his curls!!

You went on your first walk with Dad and Sadie last Monday morning - the morning after you came home from the hospital! You've become a regular on Dad's walks both morning and night. Today I was finally able to join you guys for a few minutes and am looking forward to many more family walks to come...

Dad gave you your first sponge bath last Wednesday and Grandma Hormann gave you your first real bath on Monday when she came to town to visit you. You actually like taking baths, which is a pleasant surprise!

You had your first 'accident' over the weekend - when Dad was changing your diaper, you decided to give your 'sister' Sadie a little shower since she was laying on the floor right next to you. It was a priceless moment for us as new parents.

Last night we took you on your first restaurant outing - we went to our favorite Mexican restaurant, Pepitos. You got a little fussy but we managed to take shifts holding you and we made it through.

Today you flashed your first full-on smile. I wish I would've caught it on film, but it will always be burned in my memory.

It's so much fun watching you learn and grow...I can't wait to see what you'll do tomorrow!

Welcome Baby Oliver!

I'm thrilled to finally be posting news about your arrival, Oliver David Hormann. You're already a week old today. You were born last Friday, March 6th at 3:47 p.m. You were a healthy 8 pounds, 5 ounces and 21.5 inches long! The doctor told Dad that you have a 'jewelry' head...which means it was so large that Dad owes me jewelry (your head measured at 14.5 inches around). I can't even begin to tell you how overjoyed we are to have you in our lives. You did give us a little scare with jaundice but you're all better now and eating like a champ. I love you more than words can explain - sometimes I watch you sleep and hope you'll wake up just so I can hold you in my arms...I know I should be careful what I wish for! Love you baby Oliver...