Oliver Vane

While I'm Working...

2010-04-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

Oliver comes to me and says, "Mommy, Percy time out."

Oliver is really escalating his imaginative play.

Mine Do It!

2010-04-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

Oliver's big thing these days vacillates between "I do it!" and "Mine to it!" He has to buckle the top buckle of his car seat. Sometimes he has to crawl (slowly and deliberately) into a chair by himself. Very often we hear the phrase, "I do it!!!" We know that if Oliver doesn't get to accomplish his self-assigned task, he will cry cry cry.

A couple of nights ago I awoke around midnight to terrible wails from Oliver, who was sobbing and screaming: "I do it!!!! I do it!!!!" in the middle of the night--inconsolably. I have no idea.

Pretend

2010-04-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got out the farm for Oliver to play with--which is actually a series of buildings and attachments, several sets put together--and spread it all over the living room floor. I sat down at my computer and heard him playing happily a few feet away. Soon he came to me and said, "Look, Mom! A train!" He had linked three pieces together and was scooting it around the house, train-style. I think this represents a new phase of development--using one thing to stand for something else as he pretends.

Baby

2010-02-25T08:42:00.001-08:00

Oliver notices babies everywhere. Now even objects are "babies." There's a "mamma" boat, and a "baby" boat. Big and little, everywhere, are mamma and baby.

How 'bout...dis!

2010-02-15T20:45:00.001-08:00

This weekend Oliver started a new saying (which sounds a lot like something he might have copied from his sister). He said it over and over again, about nothing in particular, with the requisite pause placed just so: "How bout...dis!" "How bout...dis!" "How bout...dis!"

Counting

2010-02-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

Oliver loves to show off his counting, noting pairs of things, "two eyes." He counts more in general, especially up to five if one counts along with him in a book.

Fall Images

2009-10-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a collection of images of Audrey and Oliver this fall. They were at an arch (by our house), the county fair, a mission, a Japanese Tea Garden, our table, and an old hotel (on base). The password is "audollie."

http://mandysee.smugmug.com/Other/Fall-Images/10107549_GCP9C/1/694196253_ZFra4

Jump!

2009-10-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

Oliver has turned a corner. It seems, all at once, he's mastered several new skills. He seems to add about ten new words to his vocabulary each day. His words are getting more articulate. His favorite "trick" which he loves to show off is jumping. He loves to jump all the time, and is especially proud now to jump off of a small stool, onto the floor, to great cheers. He loves to dance, too.

Pudding Pumpkin

2009-10-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Oliver and Audrey helped to make pudding yesterday morning. That evening, Jon put the final touches on their project by carving oranges to serve as bowls. The kids enjoyed their tasty treats. Oliver had an especially good time making darling faces. Audrey complained of a stomach ache, but managed to swallow a few bites.

For more pictures, please visit this site:
http://mandysee.smugmug.com/photos/682377131_9MFbT-M.jpg

The password is "oliver."

Catching Up with Oliver

2009-10-15T23:55:00.001-07:00

Oliver gives great hugs. He frequently come up to me or Jon and grabs our legs voraciously, gritting his teeth, for gigantic hugs. When I read him a story, often he puts his hand on my arm or my leg, affectionately, while I read. He’s a cuddly guy. Once—just once—on 31 Augues Oliver brought a stuffed animal and made it give me a kiss on my leg while I was doing dishes. Over and over again, the stuffed Otter kissed my leg, Oliver making sweet smacking sounds. I melted! Lately he enjoys a sweet snuggle before he goes to bed at night. I’m reminded each night how fleeting childhood is, and what a gift it is to hold him in a few quiet moments before he goes to sleep. Before long, he won’t fit in my lap.

Three nights ago, we took the rails off of Oliver’s crib, converting it to a toddler bed. The transition is going well. It definitely feels like a big step.

Oliver is saying more words, two or more words together, and many words more intelligibly. For a long time his favorite words were, “fish,” “ball,” and “eat” (most enthusiastic before breakfast, with a loud, distinctive “t” at the end). Now he loves to say (and point in pictures to) “shoes,” “snake,” “turtle,” "door," "moon," and "banana" [lala]. Earlier this week he yelled out “octopus!!!” at the aquarium, so excited. It’s exciting to recognize sounds as Oliver’s attempt at phrases, like “apple juice.” Tonight he kept repeating “poop bath.” I had no idea what he was saying for a while. Then I realized, and it was funny. He recognized that he had pooped in the bath, and I think he knew that was something to avoid. That incident, actually, was another story in itself—he hasn’t done that before that I can remember, maybe once as a baby. He’s working on “more milk please,” “I’m sorry” (to his sister), and “goodnight dada.”

Oliver’s personality is becoming more distinctive, and he is more direct about wanting certain things. Sometimes he insists on drinking from his cup with the sippy lid off. Sometimes he insists on turning book pages to certain places, pointing to certain things, kind of telling the story or naming objects himself, not passively being read to. Story time is taking a different turn these days. For a while he couldn’t get enough of tomatoes. He fights back for a toy, if it is taken away. And he also offers toys and “gifts” to Audrey and me.

Oliver demonstrates nurturing qualities. On 28 September he woke up crying in the middle of the night, which he still does fairly often. But that night when I pulled him from his crib, he squirmed until his feet touched the floor; he took off, marching in the dark to the dining room. He returned with Audrey’s sippy cup, put it on her pillow, then went back for his. I was a little bowled over. We have quite a few dolls around—and a lot of girlish toys, in general, since he has an older sister. Oliver will take the baby dolls and hand them to me, exclaiming, “Baby!” One in particular he is determined to get the pacifier in its mouth. I think it’s partly about the doll, and partly about fine motor skills and things that move—Oliver loves to put things together.

Oliver still loves to play with blocks and shows excitement over bubbles. I can’t find bulk bubbles solution, most stores saying it’s out of season. So Oliver keeps pointing to my mouth, wanting me to blow bubbles with my gum. He really, really loves bubbles.

A milestone in Oliver’s play is that he can draw circles now. I tried to help him with that for a while. When he mastered it, it was all of a sudden, it seemed, and he would move his whole arm in wide, dramatic circles, demonstrating his accomplishment to me—proud of himself.

Another way Oliver loves to play is to dance and sing. He is starting to sing along with his Musicgarten CDs, and it’s always surprising to hear the songs coming out of his tiny little mouth, his high little voice, his speech suddenly clearer than I thought it was.

At Oliver’s first dental appointment, he behaved like a champ and showed his twelve teeth. At his 18-month appointment he weighed 25 pounds, was 34 inches tall, and had a head circumference of 48 centimeters.

What seems like the biggest, cutest, and most helpful development lately is that Oliver uses slow, deliberate nods of “yes” and “no” for what he wants. He is very clear, he’s decisive, and the nods are distinctively his. It’s a way he is heard, peacefully. And it’s one more way we see Oliver’s personality. I think it’s also easier for him. He can say “yes” and “no.” But the deliberate nods are very clear that it helps us treat him like a big boy, asking what he wants, and when he’s ready for bed. I’ll hold him in the dark, and say, “are you ready for bed now?” He’ll push back on me a little, sitting up, look me in the eyes, and give a big nod yes.

The Hippo and the Blanket

2009-08-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

Oliver's favorite comfort object, the one that stays mostly in the crib, is a hippo--a gift he received as a newborn. I hand it to him at night, and he'll snuggle it. It's meant to make bedtime easier. Lately he's been asking for it and the blue blanket when he wakes up, too. He ditches them after a few minutes, once he gets moving, but I think they are especially comforting in the cold mornings here.

Oliver's First Haircut

2009-08-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

Jon insisted we needed to trim up Oliver's hair, especially around the ears. He wanted to fade it up a bit, but was afraid I'd be upset. I did agree to a slight trim over the eyes, too.

Oliver was an absolute gem--serious--and still. He did exactly as his daddy wanted and was so good for quite a long time as we examined it, did a little more...and a little more. When Jon was finished, Oliver reached out for a giant hug and gave his dad quite a snuggle.

Oliver the Pirate

2009-08-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

Oliver came to me with a pirate scarf this weekend, with his sister howling, "Aaarg, Matey!" I couldn't resist, pirate lover that I am, in encouraging his efforts. He kept the pirate bandana on his head for quite some time. The shades, added bling from the dress-up drawers, seemed fitting at the time. He and Audrey both dig wearing sunglasses these days.

Here is a link to more pictures. The password is "audollie."

http://mandysee.smugmug.com/Other/Oliver-the-Pirate/9403201_8Wt2j/1/629968473_7tETd

New Words

2009-08-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

Two mornings ago, Oliver crawled into my bed and woke me up by poking me squarely in the eye and exclaiming, "IIIIIIIiiii." Then he poked his own eye and named it. Then an incredibly strong pinch got my nose and he proclaimed, "nooooosssss." Then he did the same thing to his own nose. The next morning, Oliver did this again, "iiiiiisssss;" "nooooos," waking me to his triumph. He literarlly learns a new word or two or three every day. It's exciting to hear him trying the words we work on so often. Lightbulb-like, he suddenly says them. A few days ago one of his toys said, "bye-bye," as it went to sleep. Oliver chimed, "bye-bye."

Sunglasses

2009-08-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

Oliver wanted these on--wanted them. Thrilling! They were old news, though, and he took them off before he got outside. Oh, well. Someday. I know he's way Dude deep down.

2009-08-03T17:48:00.000-07:00

Oliver likes to play with hats. Most of the hats around here are Girlie. This one I had in high school. Oliver isn't picky, though. He can have a blast with just about any hat. He saw me messing with these files, and exclaimed, "Ha! Ha! Ha!" for "Hat!"

Here are more pictures: http://mandysee.smugmug.com/gallery/9149508_DPCj9/1/610238455_gSFcp

The password is Oliver.

"Baby"

2009-08-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

We had a big morning at the children's museum, a comfort-foodish lunch, followed by drawing, and then huge wrestling giggling chasing wooling. I was very, very tired after that. So I put on lullabies. Audrey wrapped her baby doll and said, "I wrapped my baby so he's all nice and warm." Good. Baby needs to go to sleep. Let's rock the baby, I said.

I started to rock Oliver, who just ran to the toybox, squirmy. Audrey shushed him, "You cannot wake up my baby." Oliver played with his toy, but soon joined in. He pointed to the doll, put his finger to his mouth, dipped his little head, rocking back onto his heels, and said, "shhh. shhhh."

Finally Oliver snatched up the sleeping doll when Audrey sat it down and said, "baba. baba," smiling.

Audrey was just his age when he was born. I'll never forget the first time she met him, pointed to him in the hospital crib, and cried, "Beebee!" Today Oliver has grown up enough to play parent himself, and it feels like a milestone. Although he's our youngest, and I'd like to keep him little, he hasn't really been a baby himself for a while.

Bpoobp

2009-08-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

This morning I heard Oliver's voice first, as usual. I opened one eye and looked at my clock, as usual. I gave a silent groan, as usual. Shuffling to his door, my eyes popped, and my jaw fell open. Oliver had unzipped his sleeper, taken it completely off, and was throwing it on the floor. He looked up and caught my widely staring eye; he grabbed himself, pinching, and said, "bpoobp. bpoobp," his word for "poop." I scooped him up rather quickly, expecting to find a near blow-out. Just a little pee. A little one really. But hey. He was ready to be changed.

Yesterday Oliver tore off toilet paper, wadded it up, put it in the toilet, flushed it. I would be excited about that. But really, I'd like to have time by myself when I'm on the throne.

I have tried putting Oliver on the toilet, to see if he would go. That hasn't taken off yet. But here are early signs. This morning he really wanted that diaper off.

Painting/Shaving

2009-08-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I took the kids to the porch to paint. As I was helping Audrey (who gets very excited about paint), Oliver silently worked away. When I finally glanced at him, I noticed what he was concentrating on so fervently--he was brushing his chin with orange paint, and it looked strangely like his father shaving. I tried to redirect him to the paper, wiping his face with a wet rag. But, oh. That wet rag only became part of a repetitive process of chin painting, dabbing, painting, dabbing, and painting. The way he held his little face so still, brushing like a serious shave, was too much.

More photos at http://mandysee.smugmug.com/gallery/9142680_q4waP/1/609750425_bsYg7.
The password is "audollie."

Stacking

2009-07-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

Oliver just stacked ten blocks high. With the eleventh, the tower toppled, to great glee.

Two Words!

2009-07-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Oliver just put two words together! At the dinner table, eating applesauce, he said, "moe apple?" What a sweet itty bitty!

Waving, Turning Pages, Clapping

2008-10-27T23:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jon commented how amazing are the sudden developments, like a light switch, of babies. One day they stare a little vacantly, little balls of goo. The very next day, it seems, they have direct eye contact, are alert and interactive, and seem to be gesturing and making meaningful noises, trying to communicate.

This week Oliver waved at me. He looked at me, intently, put his little hand high in the air, and did a little twirl with his wrist. I egged him on, waving excitedly above him, come on, Oliver, wave, wave, and he looked deeper into my eyes and rolled that little wrist around harder.

He sits up tall now and throws his arm in the air with a little "ugh!" like a kid who desperately wants to answer a question in class. Sometimes he puts his thumb and first finger together, making a little "o," and waves that hand around like a director bringing all the consonants together at the end of a phrase.

Oliver will sit in my lap for a whole book or two--short board books, of course. He likes to help me turn the pages. I was so excited to see his efforts go toward a meaningful end: turning the page. He's still wobbly and will thrust the book in all directions when we're finished reading.

Today Jon got half of a clap from Mr. O. Jon held one of Oliver's hands, and Mr. O banged it with the other hand in a half-clap. "Yeahh!!!!! Oliver" we yelled. We're excited to see him develop these milestones.

Bananas

2008-10-17T14:12:00.001-07:00

Here is the beginning of our campaign for Oliver to hold his own food and eat bigger lumps: bananas.

Comparison

2008-10-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Audrey was born and she cried passionately in my arms before she was whisked away for her first bath. She cried at one in the morning all through my first shower. Her dad held her, spoke softly to her, bounced her, walked the room, and still she screamed. We made it through sleeplessness and ear-splitting screaming cries. When she calmed down, she was equally sweet, and jubilant. We loved her. We adored her. She was and remains our bright light, a dazzling fountain spewing joy.

Oliver was born and I noticed his voice—focused on it—right away. He was across the room, doted on by a swat team of pediatric medical staff. His voice was clear and beautiful, a chorus of bells. He had a sweet, delicious cry, a yearn, earnest and soft, like love. Back in our room, Oliver hardly cried. He winced if his bassinette was bumped in the least. He noticed bright lights, noise in the hall. But he rarely cried. When he did, I knew he was serious.

There are so many ways Audrey and Oliver are alike. They look like siblings—both favoring their dad especially when first born. They get along very well, and remind me of a couple of bunnies, hopping over each other and rolling about, fluffy little balls of warm delight. And they are each unique.

One of Audrey’s first tantrums that I remember was in the supermarket. Everyone heard. I held my ground, refusing to let her eat the entire shopping list. But it was with white knuckles that I finished shopping. My head ached and my ears rang afterwards. By then she was laughing.

Oliver’s first tantrum was almost sweet. He was sitting in the floor and simply leaned forward, gently laying his right ear on the ground, and let out the loudest, most pathetic cry of anguish. I hurt for him, yet had to smile. Oh, Oliver, it will be okay. Oh, baby. I almost giggled, so tortured his cry for something small, thinking of life’s cruel boundaries.

Now that Audrey is two, she loves to take her bitter vitamins, sucking them from the dropper like candy. She has always liked taking medicines. Oliver winces and thrashes, shivers with disgust. In fact, he won’t eat, for that matter, anything but cereal. Audrey ate everything but bananas.

When Audrey was an infant, I could hardly leave her. I never left her with a sitter for more than an hour, tried to make that during her nap, and always kept my cell phone in hand. I was a nervous cat. She was a clingy kitten with claws dug in deep. If she realized I was gone, it was almost unendurable—for her and the care-giver.

Oliver is happy so long as he is not ignored. He has worked easily with every loving caregiver we’ve had, and I’ve felt free to go on excursions up to two or three hours from the time he was quite young. I still hate to be gone for more than an hour, but I know Oliver will be okay, really; there’s far less panic.

Audrey seemed tough and determined—as long as she felt secure. She might get mad and scream, and scream without forgetting the object of her desire. She has a deep curiosity that delights in goodness, and knows what is good for her (for the most part). Both kids do. Oliver will cry if I look at him wrong—a very pathetic wail, so sad, so loud. He seems more hurt than mad. Even his deepest angst comes to an end before too long. He doesn’t stay bitter.

Audrey slept through the night from very early on. Jon and I had a few nights of standing outside her door, shivering in terror as she screamed, both determined to wait ten minutes before “rescuing her,” trying to help her go to sleep on her own. She will sleep through most anything once she gets to sleep.

Oliver slept with us at times, stayed in his bassinette too long, and was quickly whisked up at the slightest peep, least he wake his sister. I tried to let everyone else rest, at the expense of my own sleep and getting Oliver in a good routine. I’m still nursing my nine-month-old a couple of times during the night. Jon has joked that if a mouse farts Oliver will wake. It’s true: one toe in his room, and the nap is over, he’s up in the night, and he may not go back to sleep.

Audrey’s smiles come from a specific delight. She focuses on a person or a thought and peaks a brilliant beam, showers a fountain of giggles. Oliver will look at me from across the room and smile. He smiles so many times during the day that it’s as if he is a doll from Santa’s workshop, a smiling wonder.

Perhaps the cutest and most joyful moments are when the kids are together. Audrey notices Oliver and cries, “Baby!!!!!Baby! Baby! Baby!” She giggles at him and shares with him, hugs him, pats him, looks out for him, and tries to keep him out of the cat bowl. Oliver has a Nancy Reagan gaze for his sister. When she is in the room, no one else exists. She is his universe. He looks at her, and smiles. He laughs a great suck-in laugh, just seeing her. It’s a marvelous orbit they share.

9 Month Check-Up

2008-10-14T17:57:00.001-07:00

Oliver had his 9-month well-baby appointment last week. He weighed 21.3 pounds, was 29 1/4 inches long, and had a head circumference of 46 (that must be cm).

I was a little worried because Oliver changed percentile on his growth curve, moving down a tad on the scale, but the pediatrician said not to worry. She said he might be finding his true self. And he has been moving more, crawling and cruising. Plus, Oliver refuses to eat much of his baby food. She said, "he's doing this to himself;" well, that didn't make me feel better. So she suggested that he eat more finger foods. We pushing those, watching him closely, as we hand him whole slices of fruit, bread, and whatever seems soft enough. Most of it goes all over him, as the pediatrician said it would. But he loves the independence.

I was so worried, though, that it took a lot of convincing from the doctor and the nurse to get me out of the clinic. They re-weighed and re-measured him (at least one measurement had been off). Then they both looked at me and said, "He looks long. He looks solid. There are marshmallow babies and Michelin Man babies. Yours is a Michelin Man." The picture in my mind was of two equally fluffy white blobs, one round and one with rolls. But what she meant was that Oliver is impressively "solid" and strong.

I had to agree: he is solid--a very handsome and healthy boy.

Audrey Feeding Oliver

2008-09-29T02:42:00.000-07:00

Last week Oliver finally started eating anything besides cereal. He ate a baby food container of prunes in just two days--all gone. Hurray! He still makes a face when he first tries a food, especially sweet potatoes, but it's progress.

This morning we were finishing breakfast, I was clearing the table, and Audrey decided to feed Oliver herself. He was delighted.

I love to watch these two interact. Episodes usually ensue with laughter. She is so little mamma, big sister, playful with him; he's completely enthralled and adoring of her.

Mama

2008-09-19T04:26:00.001-07:00

Oliver has made "brrthththththth" sounds for many months, of course. Then he went to "ba ba ba," swinging his jaw with his lips tucked in like an old man without his dentures. Now he's started "ma ma ma" and lemme tellya, I go ape for the clear-as-a-bell "Mama." Surely he'll put it together soon what it means.

I pushed "Daddy" and "Dada" so hard with Audrey, that she didn't say "mamma" for months afterwards. But with Vane, here it is, he's already saying my name. Sweet!

Banana Peel

2008-09-19T04:09:00.001-07:00

17 September 2008

The things Oliver finds around the house to play with. At least with two teeth, at nearly 9 months old, and as such a big boy, I'm starting to worry less and less and allow him to try new things in his mouth more and more.

Even this.

Here it served as a weapon, a toy, and a piece of food--a banana peel.

Two new teeth

2008-09-19T02:24:00.000-07:00

16 September 2008
Trying to get that jagged little jewel, and having a tough time--there it is, faintly.

Apple

2008-09-16T04:32:00.000-07:00

15 September 2008

Audrey left a half-eaten slice of apple in a bowl on the coffee table. Vane, ever-quiet, ever-curious, ever-moving like a little scavenger, found it. He only has two almost-teeth on his bottom gum, together just a jagged little white jewel that flashes into his widest smiles now. Oliver gnawed on that apple slice, happily gnawing, cooing, then smearing the juices all over the glass. I can never get him to eat apple sauce (or anything besides cereal) when I try spoon feeding. I think he really just wants to feed himself. I look forward to the day he can chew and swallow whole foods, can pick feed himself, and will hopefully try a wider variety of foods.

Another Bath

2008-09-09T02:41:00.000-07:00

29 February 2008

He's just so new--the gorgeousness of babies having baths.

He Really Likes It

2008-09-09T01:31:00.000-07:00

29 February 2008 Audrey--ever interested in "the baby"--helps to fasten his safety belt--whether we want her to or not. Audrey has always been so loving towards Oliver. Our only fear was that she might accidentally clobber him with smothering kisses and hugs. I never remember him disliking her, only wincing when he could not breathe or was inadvertantly playing Pegasus. But the few digital files I have make it look like he was in agony. The truth is it's hard to pick up a camera while trying to monitor super-love--which ends before any camera can appear, anyway.

Mirror

2008-08-20T12:37:00.004-07:00

23 February 2008I loved to see Oliver notice himself in this mirror. We used this bassinette for a long, long time, complete with the high-contrast mobile that was so important to me when I found out we were pregnant again. Between the mirror and the mobile, I think he had plenty of stimulation. When I moved this mirror to the head of Oliver's bassinette, it changed the way he slept, head craned back, his back in an arch. I'm used to minor complexes about how I'm influencing my kids, so this was just one more in a daily slew, it seems.

Handsome Baby

2008-08-20T12:37:00.003-07:00

18 February 2008

Jon With Kids

2008-08-20T12:37:00.002-07:00

8 February 2008What a joy it is to parent with my best friend--a proud daddy!

I'm starting to celebrate the quirky looks on Audrey's 1.5-year-old face, and the way she carries her body that says, "I'm mid-move." Here Oliver is looking at her, a gaze (not unlike Nancy Reagan's) that he continues to this day. He adores his sister.

Since they are so close in age, I hoped that Audrey and Oliver would eventually become play mates. Here Oliver is only one month old, and already they were interacting and bonding.

Of course, Audrey noticed Oliver, too.

Jon and Vane

2008-08-20T12:37:00.001-07:00

8 February 2008 Jon can deny it if he wants to, but we're both gaga for Ollie's outdoor outfit.

Bath

2008-08-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

4 February 2008 Oliver was not yet one month old. I didn't bathe him nearly enough early on--save his skin, I thought, plus I was just plain lazy. There's something extra-sweet, though, about a baby resting (albeit precariously) in a pool of water--bare, fragile, new.

Best

2008-05-26T19:11:00.008-07:00

02 February 2008 Having Oliver--I had to pinch myself. How could I be so lucky? I don't think I clearly imagined being a mom again until he was born. I heard his voice in the delivery room, and it was like a heart-bell, going off inside me. His voice was beautiful, right away. Ever since that moment, I've been amazed and euphoric about our son. Audrey's pretty crazy about him too.

At the time this picture was taken, it was just hitting me--my two kiddos. Wrapping them both in my arms at once, no wonder my heart is full.

Seeing Self

2008-05-26T19:11:00.007-07:00

1 February 2008 We moved the mirror toy from Audrey's crib (wow--was that time) to Oliver's. Here he was, 24 days old, and noticing himself in the mirror. Unfortunately, it wasn't such a happy moment for him. I'll have to write more about his later, but this toy has altered the way Oliver sleeps, I think. He's grown into a complicated love/hate relationship with it, admiring himself, and hating to be left alone in his (ever smaller) bassinette. The toy's been moved to above his head (to encourage tummy time). Now Oliver sleeps with his craned craned back, as if he's fallen asleep looking at himself.

Bath

2008-05-26T19:11:00.006-07:00

27 January 2008 Here was Oliver at nineteen days old, having a bath in the kitchen sink. He never seemed afraid of the water, really. He's always been easygoing in general.

Out to Eat

2008-05-26T19:11:00.005-07:00

03 February 2008

Grandpa Gary holds sleeping Oliver's carrier outside the restaurant.

Gary's Friend Gary

2008-05-26T19:11:00.004-07:00

Gary seems like one of the family, and it was a treat to have him here to celebrate Mr. O.V.'s arrival, and to explore the island together. We always have fun with Gary H. He was so sweet to the kids and held Oliver quite a bit for me. What a treat!

Meeting Grandpa Gary

2008-05-26T19:11:00.003-07:00

27 January 2008
Grandpa Gary came a long, long way to see Mr. O.V. We were so glad to see him, and his friend, Gary, too. Both Garys were great about holding Oliver, and playing with Audrey outside while I got chores done.

As always, we can't wait for our next romp out Grandpa Gary's way, especially on the old family farm. We look forward to introducing Oliver to a host of traditions in the rural area where Grandpa Gary lives.

On this trip, though, Oliver got to take his grandpa to an evening of local food complete with grass skirts swishing to loud drums and (Audrey's favorite) fire dancers. We went to the swap meet together and ate tons of Chinese food.

Outlook

2008-05-26T19:11:00.002-07:00

We stopped at a scenic spot, enjoying the salt spray, the fierce wind, and the beautiful sun, hanging over sand and surf, halo-like, vicious, and vast. This was a day that asked one not to argue nor struggle--to simple bask in awe of what is.
There was tiny Oliver, newborn, fragile, and protected. He sailed through the day, through the crowds, through the waves of possibilites--to a nap. We all followed suit as soon as we got home.

The Baby Whisperer

2008-05-26T19:11:00.001-07:00

I love that Audrey always had a playmate, and Oliver always had welcome arms while we had company. It made me a very sane and happy mamma.

Mister Oliver Vane, Himself

2008-05-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

21 January 2008--13 days old

I had no idea such gorgeousness was growing inside me all those months. We're so excited to meet Oliver!

He's a very happy baby. After so many pictures, he's all tuckered out, but still smiling.

Oliver With Family

2008-05-25T18:37:00.002-07:00

We had fun each taking a turn posing with the incredible Mr. Oliver Vane.

Diner

2008-05-25T18:37:00.001-07:00

20 January 2008

The Sunday service was beautiful, and lunch was quick and filling. Only 12 days old, Oliver was happy, as usual. He has such a sweet personality.

Nine Days Old

2008-05-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

17 January 2008

This was a complicated day. It was the first time I set up an indoor photo shoot of Oliver, intending to use images on his birth annoucement, and to commemmorate the delicacy of his newborn self, slowly fleshing out, his eyes slowly losing their red.

And it was his Aunt Allison's birthday--she would have been 29 years old.

We celebrated Oliver in pictures. Later that evening we released balloons for Allison and her baby girl. Allison loved the name Isabella, so among the balloons that night we released one from each of the cousins--Audrey, Oliver, Braden, and Abigail--for Izzy.

One Week Old

2008-03-31T11:02:00.002-07:00

16 January 2008

When Oliver was one week old, I wanted to capture his newbornness, and as I thought about how to do that, I had this desire for "environment." So we went to the beach--my parents and Audrey--to capture Mister O.V. in the great wide open. Salt spray splashed him (and my camera). Everyone was at least ankle deep in water trying to balance him on a large, sharp lava rock. At one point a special lovey and blanket were swept out to sea. I went running after them, tearing myself up on rocks, narrowly escaping drowning my camera, as my dad bundled little Oliver from the fierce, cold wind, and my mom chased Audrey in the sand. It was an exciting shoot.

It was also one of the few times I was the first to say, "that's enough (pictures)." We ended up with two favorites.

When we got in the car, I was drenched and shaking. I did a mental inventory: everyone and everything was okay. My nerves were a little shaky, and they had time to repair as we waited at the flight line for airplanes to pass, my parents speculating what each aircraft might be called, all of us pointing out the roaring birds to Audrey, who was sucking her thumb. The color ran back into Oliver's sweet little limbs, pink and cozy in his car seat. I remember feeling grateful and full--once again counting how precious are the people I love.

Now I love the memory of this shoot even more, and for many reasons. Oliver was with us--our boy, both mighty and fragile. My parents were such sports, and really helpful. We had bought the kids matching outfits together at the swap meet earlier that day. I felt so free after pregnancy, so light and full of love.

January 15

2008-03-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

We had "Christmas" with my parents when they arrived in January, after Vane was born. Later I realized these are the first pictures we have of them with him. So much going on, and nicely so--it was an effort to grab the camera (which is really bizarre for me).
Oh, the adoration. It makes me really happy for Oliver Vane.

2008-03-17T02:04:00.002-07:00

January 14. Oliver was 6 days old. Little Oliver's eyes were blood red for several days--a couple of weeks--due to major squeezing during the birth process. I tried so hard to photograph him without the red showing. For some reason, I wanted to hide it, like a pair of underwear. Now that a couple of months have passed, I'm more interested in documenting it, a piece of history, and interesting part of Oliver's life--those early eyes, red around the edges instead of white. Quite a feat, his grand entrance.

Sacked Out

2008-03-17T02:04:00.001-07:00

January 14. Oliver was six days old. Sasha was either the source or the hapless victim of quite a bit of angst when we brought Audrey home from the hospital. I was scared the cat would smother our baby, or claw her while she--and we--slept. But Audrey cried; Sasha cowered, and fled.

When we brought Oliver home, Sasha was immediately protective or curious (I'm not sure which) of Oliver Vane. She loved to be near him. But somehow I never worried that she would harm him. She sniffed of his bouncy seat and slept under his bassinette. Here she sits guard over Mr. O.V.

I still think he's oh-so-handsome.

Lookout Point

2008-03-17T02:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Jan. 13. Oilver was 5 days old.The air had a deep-gasp chill, and wind beat against us like a thousand baseball bats. Still, I was determined--having just given birth, and determined to enjoy the world with my son, and my parents. So we stopped by the look-out point on the way home. Meme and Popcorn were so gentle, so protective. Little Boy stayed carefully bundled and secure. We looked over the island, out to the ocean. The world was wide, and great--even our little happiness in it.

Welcome Home

2008-01-16T03:29:00.000-08:00

We are so incredibly grateful. We're grateful for Oliver, and that he's healthy.

We're grateful for our dear friends here, who have doted on us, celebrated with us, and fussed over us to no end--decorating our yard, bringing us meals, and showering us with presents.

We're so grateful for our friends far away, who have loved and supported us through so many years. We're grateful for their understanding during tenuous cell phone connections, and because they've loved us despite the distance and all too infrequent phone calls.

We're grateful for our parents, and the love they show us. Right now I'm especially grateful for the patience, understanding, and helpfulness that my mom and dad are showing every day that they are here. I'm grateful for their willingness to jump in and help, even with the most mundane chores, and for their attentiveness to Audrey.

I'm so grateful for my amazing husband, who held my hand and stroked my hair all through labor. I'm grateful that he cared for Audrey, did the cleaning, shopping, and cooking, and threw a birthday party for Oliver the day after we came home. I'm grateful that he is an attentive and enthusiastic father.

I'm grateful that Audrey is transitioning well, and that she has so much attention from her Meme and Popcorn, and her attentive dad.

Jon and I both feel so blessed in Oliver, and so profoundly grateful for the loving community that has helped us welcome him home.

Vane

2008-01-16T02:34:00.000-08:00

Here is Oliver's Great-grandma Faye and her brother, Vane, as kids.

Oliver shares his great-grandmother's chair, and his great-uncle's name. Faye's husband bought her a rocking chair when she was pregnant with Oliver's Grandpa Gary. Now our little Oliver Vane sits in it, miles and generations away from the snug farm where it first was used.

Here is Great-grandma Faye's family. She and Vane are highlighted.

Outside

2008-01-15T02:26:00.001-08:00

Here Oliver and I waited for Jon and Audrey to bring the car around. The world looked beautiful and bright, meeting Mr. Oliver.

Going Home

2008-01-15T02:15:00.000-08:00

Our nurse checked the car seat before the hospital released us. He looks so tiny! Now I'm thinking, "where is his blanket?" He couldn't wear one under the seat belt, of course.
Our happy little four.

3:30 a.m.

2008-01-15T01:46:00.000-08:00

Ah, a shower felt so good that first night. At 3:30 a.m., I was supposed to walk the halls to reduce my fever (?). That and a couple of hours of sleep did the trick, and we were all healthy.

I have to say, natural childbirth--with no drugs--was not fun during labor. But it sure made a difference afterwards. I felt great--alert and mobile. Immediately I felt more like my old self.

Snuggled Up

2008-01-15T01:25:00.000-08:00

I'm sure we're totally biased, but we thought Oliver was gorgeous when he was born. I thought he was covered in these cute freckles, and said out loud, "how did he get those?" But the midwife informed me that they were broken blood vessels from the birth process. At this point, his skin is still very smooth and creamy. I love smelling the top of his head. Ah, euphoria.

Oliver slept well right away, and so far has not been very fussy. He only cries when he's hungry, has a dirty diaper, or gets too cold or hot.

Birth

2008-01-14T23:58:00.000-08:00

Oliver Vane had an exciting birth. He was whisked to the side of the room the moment he was born, a team from pediatrics on hand to make sure he was okay. They pumped the green meconium from his stomach before they cleaned him up and gave him the routine apgar test, 9-9. When I finally heard him cry, my heart sang: he has the sweetest voice.

Oliver weighed 9 pounds, 2.5 ounces. He was 20 inches long.

This photo is supposed to show all the pride and joy we felt, but it never could. A quick, staged photo, amidst a flood of profound emotions--gratitude, awe, love. How could we ever look anything but stunned and amazed, even overwhelmed? Audrey was curious to see the bundle in the crib. She pointed to him, and declared in glee, "Baby!" I was so relieved: I thought she thought that word meant "belly button," after so many months of pointing to my belly.

The second relief came: she giggled wildly, and kept at it, pointing and yelling, "Baby! Baby! Baby!" She likes him.

41 Weeks

2008-01-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

Here I was on Sunday night, the day before I went into labor with our son, waiting in loving and eager anticipation for his arrival--and feeling so big!