18 Months

On Tuesday we visited Dr. Alice for Oliver's 18 month appointment. Over the past year and a half Oliver has grown a foot (he's now 33 inches tall), increased his body weight by more than three times (he's now weighs 26 pounds) and has cut 16 teeth! Additionally he has grown into an amazing climber and has developed a pretty big vocabulary (more than 200 words at last count) and is starting to put words together to make sentences (the most popular one of which is "No way Mommy."). Davis and I have so loved being a part of Oliver's life and living life through his eyes.

This past weekend was a snowy one and so we bundled Oliver up and took him out to explore our wintry surroundings. We began the day by seeing how Oliver's new sled worked on our streets. We got a smile out of Oliver when we ran down our hill, and then he promptly fell asleep.

After a quick nap we went to Maudsley State Park. It turned out to be a little chilly for a long walk, but the short walk we took was beautiful and Oliver spent much of it trying to catch snowflakes on his tongue.
When we got back home Oliver showed us to a new use for his easel - a place to play "peek."

And on Sunday we had a very special treat - despite the snow and cold our good friends made the trek to our house. It was a crazy and wonderful day with 7 kids under the age of three running (and laying) around the house. We got to see the Doyle's, who we miss very much since they left on their Canadian adventure. Miss Molly has grown up so much since we last saw her. She is talking up a storm and has little curls. She has also gracefully transitioned into a wonderful older sister. We got to meet baby Jack for the first time and found him even more adorable than he is in the pictures.

We also got to meet Will for the first time. Little Will was also beyond adorable and was very good natured. All the "little" ones enjoyed meeting Will as well.


Hannah, like Molly, seems to be adjusting well to being a big sister. Perhaps it is because of their role model - Ethan - who has paved the way in terms of being an older sibling. Speaking of Adam - we hadn't seen him since he started walking - he truly is toddling all over the place now.

Sarah also joined the ruckus and updated us on all her wedding plans. I have to say that although the wedding is still several months away I am very much looking forward to it - it sounds like it is going to be fantastic.

While Davis and I enjoyed catching up with everyone and seeing all the little ones, I think Oliver had more fun than we did. He loved trying to do whatever the older kids were doing, playing with Adam, and adored the babies. Although it is difficult to get everyone together, it is always wonderful when we do manage to pull it off. Our get-togethers are increasingly like a three-ring circus - and I love it. Thanks again to everyone for making the trip.