Aquarium

Oliver is enjoying his new aquarium by his changing table, just like Madeline used to.

All Clean...

... after bathtime last night.

2 Months Old

Oliver is 2 months old today! I think all his "newbornness" is pretty much gone (sniff sniff) and his little personality has started coming out (yea!) over the past few weeks.

He is a very happy boy with lots of smiles to give. Especially when he has a full belly.

He is really enjoying his toys with faces, like Mr. Octopus and Mr. Giraffe on his little gym. They really make him smile and talk. He is very happy playing on his little gym. After he eats, I usually lay him on it and he will stay there for close to an hour, just happily batting at and talking to the hanging toys. He can grab onto some of them a little bit as well.

Oliver is sleeping great at night. He usually goes down between 10-11pm and then sleeps for a 6-8 hour stretch. Then he lays back down until around 8-9am. So, I am only getting up once with him at night. And I feel like I am still getting to sleep in. He usually just takes little cat naps during the day. He will sleep for about 30-45 minutes at a time. Maybe a little longer if I pick him up when he is starting to wake up and snuggle him a little longer. But, hey, if he is sleeping good at night, I don't really care what he is doing during the day. He just kind of goes with the flow.

We don't go to the doctor for his 2 month check up until next Wednesday. But, at Madeline's last appointment on Dec. 23rd, we put him on the scale and he weighed 12 lbs 1 oz. So, he is eating well and growing. Happy 2 month birthday, Oliver! We sure do love you lots! You bring so much joy to our family.

Let the Little Children Come

We always spend New Year's Eve with our friends from college. This year there were 16 adults and 12 kids (ages 3 and under) and two more on the way (that we know of :). Three years ago, there was only 1 child. We are soon going to be out numbered and looking for a conference center to gather at. Needless to say, it was lots of fun!

Second Christmas Morning

After our party with the Simmons' clan, we had our own Christmas morning on Sunday morning. Madeline got what everyone wants, a big box 'o money!

She also got a cool doctor set. She likes it when Andrew gives her "happy shots". It makes her happy when she is sad. She also makes sure to give you a p-pop (lollipop) after she gives you a shot.

This is what Nathaniel does with a doctor set.

Mickey and Minnie made it to our Christmas this year. Madeline really likes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. We might need to start thinking about a trip to Disney world.

Pawpaw enjoyed his grandbabies.

And Oliver enjoyed some time in Gigi's arms.

Madeline also loves Dora. So, she also got Dora and Boots to play with.

Dad enjoying his reciprocating saw and Maple Nut Goodies.

Madeline and Oliver each got some adorable luggage. Madeline's is a ladybug as you can see. And Oliver's is a penguin.

Oliver's big toy was an exersaucer. He loves it even though he has to be propped up with a blanket. It also turns into a play mat (which he enjoys right now) and a play table. Pretty cool.

My grandparents came over for dinner and, of course, enjoyed some Oliver time.

Pawpaw kept a fire going the whole time we were in. Madeline loved it and tries to sit in front of our gas fireplace. But, ours gives off absolutely no heat at all, to her disappointment.

Thanks for such a relaxing, generous, enjoyable and warm Christmas, mom and dad. You were incredible hosts!

Christmas with the Simmons'

We had our annual family gathering with my dad's side of the family the day after Christmas. So, we packed up the car and headed down to Roanoke, to Mee Maw and C.O.'s house (which happens to be next door to my parents' house).

Oliver enjoyed his time in Pawpaw's arms. (And lots of other arms as well)

We had a White Elephant gift exchange. Nathaniel opened a knife set (which dad ended up with). And he ended up with lottery tickets (which he stole from ME)!

After the adults did the gift exchange, all the little kids got to open lots of presents.

The rest of the time was spent eating food and enjoying one another.

Most of the grandkids and great grandkids.

Ella and Oliver were born 5 days apart. I think they enjoyed each other's company despite the fact that they slept through most of the night.

Story Time

Andrew and Madeline enjoyed some sweet story time before bedtime at my parents' house. We read The Little Engine That Could about 34,393 times during this past week. But, I will read it 56,398 more times if she will snuggle next to me like this.