Wheels

This past weekend Oliver got a fancy new set of wheels. Despite numerous attempts at trying to get Oliver to be a two handed driver, he insists on taking a more laid back approach.




Our neighbor Joe has a super old truck. The other day as I was getting Oliver into the stroller Joe commented that although his truck has a ridiculous number of miles on it, he thinks the stroller might have more. Later on, as Oliver and I were headed down the driveway on his new bike, Joe and my dad were speculating on the number of wheels we would go through. It is true, Oliver and I do spend a lot of time out and about -- when we get home, and I shut the gate, Oliver goes right over to it and tries to pull it open. And when we get inside, he just stands at the door and bangs on it. What can I say? Oliver clearly takes after both Davis and me -- two people who would much rather be outside than inside. as you can see, we have long stopped caring about whether or not the sun is shining.

Water...Baby

Oliver and I made our first solo plane trip on Monday. I was a bit nervous about having to try and contain Oliver for a couple hours without Davis's help. Despite taking a two hour nap and waking up just as we were getting on the plane, Oliver was a champion. He even helped the pilot during take off by jumping up and down on the seat and yelling "vroooooom."

When Davis met us at the airport Oliver, who had been running around, stop and stared -- he was utterly confused. After getting over his initial shock he got super excited and ran to give his dad a hug, and then crashed on the sidewalk and got a bit of road rash. So excited to see his dad, Oliver picked himself up without a cry.

Another moment of awe and confusion was when we arrived at Oliver's grandmother's house. Grammie Margot has a pool in her backyard. When we got out of the car and stepped into her back yard Oliver just stopped and stared. When we let him pop from lunch to the pool the little guy couldn't contain himself.


We spent much of our trip visiting Oliver's grandfather Rickey in the hospital. Oliver brought his dog with him and charmed Rickey and the nurses by walking his dog up and down the hallway.

Although Oliver didn't really slow down enough to give either his grandmother or grandfather a hug and a kiss (which is probably best avoided anyway), he did have a wonderful time visiting them and is looking forward to heading south again soon.

Davis brought home with him a camera full of pictures of Caitlin. She looks so beautiful and Tim and Carolyn look so at ease and so put together. And here is a picture of a happy uncle.

It's a girl!

Oliver has a little cousin!

Caitlin was born at 11:19 in the morning on July 17th. Davis is down in Virginia and was able to meet Caitlin - and says she is adorable. He also says that Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Tim are doing well. Oliver and I are looking forward to meeting Caitlin and to giving Carolyn and Tim and big congratulations hug (and slobber (that would be Oliver)).

Congratulations!

Summer

This last week has finally felt like summer. Oliver, Carragh, Brigid and I have become regulars at the beach. The other day Davis and Matt were able to join us as well. I am not sure who had more fun playing in the sand, Oliver and Carragh, or Davis and Matt.

Friends, new and old

On Monday Oliver and I went to Marblehead to meet Nola Victoria Rose de Mol van Otterloo (as her father says - good luck filling out bubbles on official documents). Little Nola was born on June 21st -- just a few days before her big sister Fiona turned three. Nola was even more beautiful in person (and so wonderfully content) and Fiona was a gracious host. Oliver thoroughly enjoyed playing with her toys, walking their dogs (like Oliver, Fiona has a little stuffed dog she likes to walk) and running around the yard.

Meeting Nola, and getting to spend time with Fiona is so special. Erin and I have been friends for more than 30 years. I love that we now live just a short drive away from each other and therefore can see each other more often than we used to be able to -- and that our little ones can grow up together.

Congratulations-again- to Erin, Sander and Fiona. And welcome little Nola.