Oliver on his 2nd Birthday

Happy Birthday Oliver!!

It's Oliver's 2nd birthday today. Yesterday we already had our play group over for a mini birthday party in the back yard. He had lots of fun sharing his toys and snacks. All the kids loved the "water slide" into the Hippo kiddie pool and bubble machine. The home-made water park was a big hit.

Today Oliver and I had to run a few errands together to get ready for the second party with the family tomorrow. We first stopped at the grocery store to pick up some coconuts and pineapple. We got his favorite blueberries, which he got so excited he started to play drum on the container. It was fun until he dropped it and blueberries rolled everywhere. We waited until someone came with a broom to clean it up. And Oliver apologized and thanked the man in the red hat who helped us.

Then it was off to Honey Baked to pick up a ham for the party. While we waited, Oliver ran around the store and came back to me to sample a piece of ham. He loved it! So we decided to have sandwiches there for lunch. He chose the high chair over the booster seat. (good choice!) and we shared some more ham, a slice of whole wheat bread, some gouda cheese, and some "little tires" (sliced olives). Oliver did attempt to make his own sandwich by putting the ham on top of his bread. This is something new since he likes to eat each food by itself.

While enjoying our lunch, he all of the sudden said "Ann Dooley!" I was so surprised because I am not sure when he learned that. He was looking right at me, so I think he knows he's calling my name. It was really cute. Then later on, I heard him sing while looking out the window. After listening closely, I realized that he was singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" in Chinese!! I had my phone and was able to record both of those. I had never heard him say those things and I was just so amazed by it.

Once we got home he played in the car for a while until it was time for his nap. We've been working on his nap and moving the time earlier for the past month. He went from not wanting to stop playing or me leave the room, to today, where he heard the cricket alarm I set to signal nap time and rolled over on the couch ready to be picked up. He told me he wanted the little book we were reading in the crib with him. Then he happily went to bed and talked to himself for about 10 minutes before falling asleep. It was so sweet and nice to know he understand it's time to rest and that when he wakes up I'll be there.

Only half the day has gone and we still have a whole afternoon to spend time together. I've got a lot to do for his birthday party, but I'm going to let those things wait and just enjoy our day having fun.

More to come later!