Happy Birthday Sweet Oli!

I think I use that title every year. Because Oli is just so, well, sweet! He is funny, engaging, and, well, sweet! I don't know if it is because I consider him more vulnerable that the other kids, that I still consider him my baby. As my mom has taught me, all of my kids will always be my babies, but Oli is different somehow. And as I watch him grow, I am excited to see him change, but still want to hold him close.

This has been an exciting and challenging year for my Little O. He started kindergarten, and while he made friends and learned a lot, he didn't keep up with the class. After much debate, we decided to hold him back and let him repeat. Since he is a young 5, and only two weeks ahead of the age cutoff for the school district, it seemed like the right choice to make. I still think the first year was good for him, and from the spring through the summer, especially, he has really blossomed. He can count, recognize letters, and is starting to read just a little bit. If video/computer games were a measure of academic excellence, he would be at the head of the class! He is (sometimes) curious, and always showing me stuff. His favorite phrase is "Mom, c'mere."

He often talks nonstop, but can also be quiet and patient. He has a bit of troublemaker in him, especially where Mac is involved. He is still a good snuggler, and I hope he always will be. He is, quite simply, my little buddy. I love him so much.

Some stats:

Favorite computer game: club penguin
Favorite Superhero: changes daily. I think batman is at the top right now, but I suspect superman will always win in the end.
Favorite food: spaghetti and meatballs or tacos. And anything ice cream or dessert.
Favorite shows: Batman brave & the Bold
Still loves: playing with his guys!

Wishing my Little O a happy birthday, and many more!

helping me out with recent errands. i really don't shop at wal mart much, for the record. but look what a cutie i picked up there on sale!

at orange belt promotion. i'm so proud.

loving his cousin harry!

at an impromptu ice cream party we had on his birthday.

What I'm Wearing

I have been reading a lot of mommy blogs lately (possibly the key for my undoing), even as part of a paper I presented at a conference. I have noticed that many blogs have regular features, one of which seems to be "what I'm wearing." In these posts, bloggers share the details, of, well, what they are wearing on any given day. Although I doubt it is a random day, I"m sure they dress up for it :) At first I thought it was a bit inane -- who cares what you are wearing? But in the blogs that I really follow, as opposed to just followed for my conference paper, I find myself absolutely fascinated. So, although I am no fashionista, I thought I would give it a try...

This guy! Other than when I am working, I feel like he is always either attached or at arm's length. That is how I like it. He is my little squish!

This guy. In the a.m. it might as well be attached to me. And I've started a very bad afternoon habit, too. Mostly, it's just decaf, though. Is it possible to drink too much decaf? I think I'm going to find out.

And these guys. Apparently, you can take the girl out of Jersey, but, well, you know the rest.

And since I couldn't get a respectable selfie of the bags under my eyes, you'll just have to take my word for it :)