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)