Oct. 31- Nov. 7

Sorry I'm so behind--it was a crazy busy weekend with work!  Here's a quick collage from our week; it's lighter on the pictures since I spent most of my weekend in the office or on retreat with students.

21 Weeks

Dear Oliver,

What a week this was!  We were incredibly busy this week with work and fun social commitments and you got to experience several "firsts."  You learned to roll several weeks ago, but now whenever we lay you down, you immediately roll around onto your sides and back.  And you almost always roll from your belly to your back when we try to have some tummy time.  Those hands find your mouth constantly and it's pretty impressive that, at less than five months old, you can already fit your entire fist into your mouth.  Way to go, guy!

You've started noticing Guthrie this week and watching her around the room--even smiling and laughing at her.  She doesn't seem to have an especially increased interest in you, but she still licks your head or feet every now and then.

The weather finally turned fall-like here in Rhode Island, and so we've had to learn to dress you in layers to keep you warm.  You especially like your Jets hat that Aunt Maureen in Ireland knitted for you!  You reach up and grab it and pull it over your eyes constantly.  It's pretty funny to watch.

Now that those little hands are grabbing everything, you've also decided that the corners of your play mat are more fun than the toys themselves.  This was your favorite game:

Happy first Halloween to you!  It's so much fun to celebrate the holidays now that you're here.  You already know that you were an integral part to our pumpkin carving this year, but you simultaneously got to experience your first snow!  Happily, it all melted by the following afternoon.

I know that I say it every week, but you just get more and more interactive and fun and your personality is so whimsical and joyful--we feel incredibly blessed to be your parents.  Rather than raising you, I sometimes feel like we're just watching you become yourself and standing back in awe.  You are such a beautiful child of God, sweet Oliver, and you are so wonderful at being who you are.  Keep it up and never let anyone convince you otherwise.  The world needs the light you're shining!

We love you,
Your Mommy