A Trip to Remember

Oliver and I set out on our adventure back to Illinois /Wisconsin last week to visit friends, family and celebrate the upcoming wedding of Kristin and Jeffrey! Oliver was a total joy on the trip....making the traveling part very easy on this mama and making new friends everywhere we went.

 Oliver got to spend the first couple of days with his Grandma & Grandpa Monroe, Aunt Abby...Oh, and the 4 lovely pooches: Buddy, Sadie, Thorp, and Penelope. From the look of all the pictures, he had an absolute blast.

He got to meet a live turtle for the first time.....

He laughed with Grandpa....Hey, do you see any resemblances here?

Love on the very lovable Mr. Thorp

Play constantly with Auntie Abby...Who, by the way is Oliver's new BFF!

And love on Grandpa some more....Hey, where are the pictures of Grandma?

I'm positive he had a wonderful time. I met him on Sunday morning for the 'exchange' and he questioned leaving the arms of Aunt Abby, if that tells you anything.

Next we ventured off to visit to Lolli and Pop in Wisconsin. Their is never a dull moment in this household for a little boy! First adventure = cooking class with Pop Mark:

He even had the pleasure of spending an entire afternoon with his Grandpa Bob and Grandma Dorrie would made the trip all the way from Winnipeg, Canada. Wow, talk about a lucky little boy! After going for a nice walk, and making a trip to A&W, all 3 sets of Grandparents set out for Oliver's first Lobster Boil!!!

The final few days Mr. O spent time with some Great-Grandparents, exploring the pool and playground. Oh, a few other firsts took place - The first golf-cart ride and the first gambling experience!

A summer trip to Wisconsin is officially being added to our list of family traditions!

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!

7 whole months!

Wow...I don't know where the time goes. Mr. Oliver is 7 months old! And, officially towering over his dino friend.

Adventures with Squash!

We continue to experiment with new foods...trying to find what Oliver will eat. He still isn't wild about solids, so we are taking our time!

Unexpected visit to Wisconsin

We had an unexpected trip back to Wisconsin last week for a funeral. While funerals are never fun, it was awesome seeing my family and sharing Oliver with everyone. This boy sure brings a smile to everyone he sees. Not only that, but Oliver got to spend time with his twin cuz, Josee girl!

Josee is alllll girl......she helped herself to my suitcase to check out all my clothes shortly after we arrived.    

Like I said, all boy and all girl!

It didn't take long for Lolli and Pop to over....feeding, changing, making the babes smile.

The babes even bathed together....I'm sure they will love us for this one when their 16!

The departing was sad...but this mama is going to do everything in her power to make sure these two know each other and see each other often in the coming years. 

Oliver's First Swing Ride

We live very close to an amazing dog park that we go to about 3 times a week to let Portland run around like a crazy beast; and that she does. I always drag Baby O along on many of these adventures in hopes that he will become as much of a dog lover as me. Dave and I decided it was time to see if he was big enough to fit into a swing...and low and behold, he does and he loved it! Check Oliver out on his first swing ride in the video below (yes we even wear long sleeves in California)!

Because I think a few people may actually still read my blog...

I will continue to update! And, I'm making a commitment to do this more often! I didn't think anyone stopped in here anymore for updates anymore, but my good friend Jason informed me otherwise.  Anyways, a lot has happened since my last blog post.

1. Oliver experienced his first Valentines Day; he is my little heart breaker...without a doubt! 

 

2. Oliver reached the 1/2 year milestone! Where the past 6 months have gone, I have no idea. It's bittersweet, really! 

3. Oliver moved to his 2nd house in his lifetime...and now has his own bedroom and bathroom! 

4. Oliver met Kelly...finally! He's seemed really interested in the pretty lady who gets him all his cool, hipster baby clothes!

5. Oliver had a weekend with his Grandma Lolli while his mama and papa had a Las Vegas weekend. Thanks, Lolli!

6. Oliver experienced his first St. Patricks Day!

7. Oliver had a play date with his buddy, Wyatt!

8. Oliver got his very own, 1st high chair! Mama did quite a bit of research to find just the right one...it's modern, easy to clean and looks great with our dining ensemble! 

Adventures in Baby Food

For Christmas, I got this amazing baby food processor. I have the hopes and dreams of making all of Oliver's baby food fresh so we never have to buy any of the packaged/processed stuff. We'll see.

So, I set out on my first puree....carrots! I had a blast making them and it was super easy.

Getting Oliver to enjoy them was the trouble. He started out interested....

Was grossed out shortly thereafter....

And wanted nothing to do with them by the end...

We will try again another day!

Big & Healthy - Baby O

Mr. Oliver had his 4 month pediatrician appointment this week where we got the clearance to start our love bug on some rice cereal and soon.....vegetables! I got an amazing device for Christmas that will allow me to steam, puree, and reheat all my own home-cooked baby food. I can't wait to get started!

So, my exciting Friday night entailed giving Oliver rice cereal and using a spoon for the first time. It was a pretty amazing Friday night, if I must say so myself. He wasn't really too sure what to think about the whole ordeal...and ended up with more cereal on his face and clothes than in his mouth.

p.s. Oliver officially weighs 16 lbs and 8 ounces!!! He is of the 80% for babies his age in weight, with this head measuring in the 90% (of course)!

4 Months Old

Mr. Oliver had his 4 month anniversary yesterday! Wow, how quickly the month pass.

4 months has really been a big milestone for Baby O; he is turning into his own little person. Here are some of the biggest changes we've seen this month:

- Smiles and laughs a whole lot...which makes mama's heart smile and laugh a whole lot
- Recognizes his mama and papa...which also makes mama's heart smile
- Has traveled outside the US
- Can grasp onto toys and actually focuses on them
- Follows Lucy (the cat) with his eyes all the time
- Realized if he cries, his mama will come a runnin