Family Traditions

When I look back and think about my childhood and growing-up, the things that remain in my memory are/were the family traditions that my mom tried her darndest to keep going as the years passed and we grew older. Even at 18 years old, home from college, my mother still hid my Easter basket!

It's my hope to raise a family with strong family traditions. Events that bring us all together, make our family unique, and create little moments in time that I'll hold close to my heart forever.

Hosfield/Monroe Family Tradition #1: Sunday night spaghetti dinner

Since Oliver has been born, Sunday evenings are reserved for homemade spaghetti sauce, a big plate of pasta and a relaxing evening before starting the busy week. I know it's small....but I love it!

My next goal is to make Saturday mornings for long walks along the beach. We live soooo close to the Pacific (you can smell it coming through our windows) that I want Oliver growing up loving and appreciating the ocean. These types of walks (with the fresh ocean breeze hitting your face combined with the sound of the waves crashing into each other) make you appreciate what you have and can help you get through anything life dishes over...

The next Van Gogh?

I had this 'brilliant' idea for Oliver and I to paint a cement turtle we have in our front courtyard area as a project last weekend. Since 98% of the thoughts that cross Oliver's mind every day are, "I wonder how that tastes" the paint brush instantly went in his  mouth. I knew right away, this brilliant idea may not have been so brilliant...

I had intended to use Oliver's hand print has a decoration on the turtles back....Well, that didn't exactly turn out.

As for now, the turtle looks even more ridiculous than he did to start. I guess we'll wait until Oliver is a little older to experiment with acrylics!

Summertime...and the livin' is easy!

Especially when you're a 9 months old handsome and happy little boy.

If this doesn't bring a smile to your face....

I don't know what does!

Sharing the Love

These past couple of months Oliver has gotten to see a lot of friends and family visiting from all over the country (and Toronto)! We feel extremely lucky to have so many great people in our lives to share Oliver with. Here's small recap at what our past 2 months have looked like:

First, his Grandma and Grandpa Monroe made a surprise trip out for Easter. We had an amazing and relaxing weekend.

Shortly after, Oliver got to see his Grandma Lolli for a weekend! It was Mother's Day so these two mama's spent some time at the mall spoiling ourselves with a few new purchases. Oliver had as much fun in the dressing rooms as the mama's! And, he got a new hat that he has been wearing almost everyday since it was purchased.

Third, his God-mama (Jada) and Uncle Juice (Aaron) came to visit from Wisconsin. We felt so blessed to be the first stop on their honey-moon! Their were tons of amazing photos taken, but I have none to prove it. ; - (

Then, my college roommates Diana and Lauren came to visit all the way from New York and Chicago. This mama got to have some quality girl-time (much needed) and we spend the remaining time sharing the love with Oliver. It was GREAT!

One of the highlights from the weekend was out long hike through Torrey Pines (I'd guess we about 4 miles) and Oliver was a trooper the whole time!

Finally, Oliver got to spend a couple of weeks with his Uncle "Toph" from Toronto. Uncle Toph was busy helping papa at his science lab, but it was great having him around for dinner every night! You can tell how much Oliver liked his Uncle by this photo:

Phewww....talk about a busy couple of months! Next stop, Wisconsin!

Oliver's Play Toy, Portland

Since Oliver's been born, Portland (our 2 year old German Shepard Mutt) has been an amazing big sister. She is a gentle giant with Oliver, stealing smooches for him whenever she gets a chance. The poor pup sure gets the brunt of it sometimes...and I have a feeling their are many more pulling ear sessions in her future.

8 & 9 Months - Yes, life has been busy

Mr. Oliver, his mama and papa have been very, very busy. And, I've really been slacking at keeping this blog updated. Finally, a Saturday morning without much going on!!!!

So, here are Oliver's 8 & 9 month updates.

A few milestones have passed these last couple of months. And, Oliver is just as happy as can be. Everywhere we go, people stop and either tell us how beautiful he is or tell us what a happy baby we have. I blush a little bit every time someone compliments him because I know just how lucky I am to have this amazing boy in my life. No joke, a woman stopped me in the middle of the street (while I didn't even have Oliver yesterday) to tell me I must be the mom to the very popular 'Oliver.' She recognized Portland from the dog park. He sure is making a name for himself in Leucadia, California!

So...what has happened these past 2 months. Well...

1. Oliver is trying to pull himself up onto the couch, tables, chairs, etc. He isn't quite strong enough yet....I for one, am not rushing it!

2. Oliver has gotten his first 2 front teeth! Yep, we woke up and one day and saw them. They have been coming in strong ever since. They are really kind of adorable and he hasn't been all that fussy (knock on wood).

3. Oliver officially plays the copy-cat game. One day, while out for a walk I started to cough. The moment I stopped I heard Oliver mimicking me, doing a fake cough. Sure enough, every time someone coughs, Oliver does too. And, he instantly starts laughing when he's done.

4. Oliver is eating finger foods! It's amazing how smart these little guys are. The first time we tried to give him his own finger food, it was as if he knew how to do it all along.

5. The 'ma-ma',  da-dad', ba-ba', la-la', pa-pa' just keep on coming. We may have a talker on our hands!

6. Oliver had his 9 months check-up this week! His weight has finally started to slow down. The funniest part of all of this is, his head circumference has not. His weight is in the 60% percentile, with his length in the 75th. His head however, measures in at the 97% percentile of all children his age. Yep, and we're damn proud of it!!! Big head = big brains! As our nanny says, "Oliver mucho intelligente!"

Ok, enough of the words...he are some photos to prove this bugger is officially a little man!