Oliver Myers: 1 year old

My dearest little guy…

Today, you turn 8 months old. I just can’t even believe it. Seriously. Time has gone by too fast for Momma. Stop growing up so fast.

There have been a lot of memorable things happen in the last month. You got another tooth (that would be tooth #3) and you’re working on two more at the moment. You got the hang of pulling yourself up all over the place, barely holding on to anything… you’ll be walking before we know it. You started crawling like a normal baby instead of a worm, although you still use the worm crawl when you want to chase after the cat really fast. You’ve taken to sitting up and playing rather than laying on your tummy. But most importantly… you started swimming lessons.

I can’t even tell you how excited I was that first day. I put your little swimmin trunks on, and we were ready to go. Little did I know what exactly that day had in store for us. You decided that it was more important to eat the pool toys than learn how to swim. I guess it’s not too outlandish because the swimming instructor paid no attention to it, and basically let you do whatever you wanted. And eventually her patience paid off, because you now stick your face in the water every time we go. Secretly, I think you’re showing off… but she thinks you like it. I guess we’ll keep going.

You got a new toy recently. Your “bouncy, bouncy” is what Momma calls it. And while I was secretly hoping you would hate it, you don’t. You actually tolerate it most of the time, and think it’s really super neat to jump half way to the ceiling giggling while you do it. I just want you to know how hard it was for Momma to take that picture. I’m pretty sure it took me three or four tries just to get you to look at me… and another ten to get you to hold still.

You met someone new this month, too. Little Anastasia Rose came to visit us for the first time, and it was the first time you were around a baby smaller than you. And while I wasn’t exactly sure how you were going to handle it… you really just wanted to hug the crap outta that cute little baby. Maybe next time… or when you’re 30. Girls have cooties… just remember that.

Momma had to leave you a few times this month with a babysitter due to her horrible need to go see the dentist. It was pretty hard for her, but you seemed to be okay. Apparently, you like playing in the grass at Auntie Barb’s. Huh. Weird.

My favorite time of day is when you wake up from a nap. You’re always so excited to see me, like you forgot that just three hours earlier I was the most evil person on the planet because I made you stay in your crib all alone with that darn singing turtle. I finally captured the joy, and I am going to frame it and hang it above your bed when you’re a teenager to remind you how happy you are to see me when you wake up. Then you’ll never forget.

Or I could always frame this picture and hang it above your bed. I’ll call it “The Classic Oliver Look,” because it’s the look I get all the time. I know the little wheels are a-turnin’ inside that big head of yours. I don’t know what you’re thinking yet, but when I figure it out… I’m sure I won’t like it.

All kidding aside, you’re the best little boy we could have ever asked for. You eat anything we put in front of you, you sleep through the night (unless those pesky teeth are bothering you), you’re good for other people, and most of all… you’re super happy. We love you so much, and not a day goes by that you don’t teach us something about our lives, our relationships, and our world. Thank you for being you little man. We love you more than you will ever know. Happy 8 month birthday!

You mohawk wearin…

sunglasses stylin…

toy reachin…

awesome lookin little boy.

Love, Momma and Daddy