Oliver is 8 months!!!

Dear Oliver,

My goodness.  Where has the time gone?  You have really been busy growing and doing and learning and it is so. much. fun. to watch.

You started sitting up all by yourself!  It took some time, but you are a pro now.

AND you had your first time on/in a swing.  You were still a little wobbly, so we'll have to try again.  Look how adorable you are!

And you went from sitting up, to pulling up like, in a day!  Why are you in such a hurry to grow up?  Just kidding.  We are so proud of you!  You've gotten some bumps here and there, but nothing that can't be fixed with some extra cuddles.

Standing in your crib is now a daily thing.  It should be fun when you can yell for us.  Ha!  And mercy are you hard to change.  We have to give you things to hold to keep you occupied.  Your brush seems to help, or a water bottle.  Even then we have about 20 seconds to get it done.

You are strong and strong willed.  You know what you want and you want it now.  You do not sit still…go, go, go is your mentality. 

You have now been to 17 states!  Two more were added this month and we can't wait to show you where all you've been.

You have started picking up food with your fingers and you love to eat!  When you see us eat, we can tell you really want it, too.  That'll come soon enough, sweet boy.  

You aren't a fan of the vacuum.  If I hold you, you're fine.  But if not?  Whoa.  You hate the car wash vacuums and rightfully so.  Those things are loud and you have to stay in your seat.  Sorry!

Your naps are longer and you have two a day, usually.  Yay!  Night time is still not the best, but we're handling it.  There are times when I comfort you in the middle of the night and I wonder if your wife is getting comforted by her mama at the same time.  Then I say a prayer for you and for her.  That you will both have soft hearts for Jesus.

  Sometimes, you give me gummy kisses and it melts my heart.  Sometimes, you bite me when you're nursing.  That does not melt my heart.  You don't do it too often, though, and who can be mad at a face like that?

Your little legs have gotten rough from crawling and boy can you move!  Super fast.  And super fast toward whatever it is you shouldn't have.  

One of the main questions we get is if you're a good traveler.  We are so thankful that you are!  Sure, you fuss here and there, but you're a baby!  To hear some other parents' stories about how their babies screamed makes us even more thankful…so thank you, Mister Man.  You really are such a trooper!

You experienced the lake for the first time.  You didn't like it.  It scared you, poor thing.  But you sure looked cute in a life jacket!

You can be playing and into everything but when a good song comes on TV or a commercial you stop and watch.  And it's not every song!  You definitely have a taste…and it's good.

Oliver, you are the best thing we've ever done.  Not only do you bring us joy, but you bring joy to everyone who meets you.  You made us a mommy and a daddy and you are teaching us daily what that means.  We cannot tell you enough just how much we love you!