Sleeping Babies

When I got to the car yesterday, everyone was sleeping. Apparently, Ollie and Tori had fallen asleep--oh wait a minute, I saw an eye peep open and there's a grin on Tori's face. Ha-ha, they're just tricking me and continue to trick me all the way home. They sure do like to trick their mom!

The Best Day Ever

That was how Ollie summed up his weekend in the car on the way home from St. Louis on Sunday. He had a good time at the Magic House with Grandma and Grandpa, swam in the pool, ate a lot and spent several hours at the zoo. He left with lots of loot and was happy as a clam. Of course, he did let Grandpa know at dinner on Saturday that he was OK with this trip because he knew that he was not going home with them. That's my boy! Brutally honest, even on Sunday when he announced at 1 o'clock that he was tired and ready to go home. He nixed seeing the hippos in favor of running in the rain to the car and going home. He couldn't wait to get home and have his dad help him put together the Lego's.

Ok, but...

Ollie knows we are going to St. Louis this weekend to meet up with the Ericksons and have a little fun. He is OK with that as long as the four of us go up together and return together. No hopping into Grandma and Grandpa's car and going home with them. We tricked him last December, and he isn't falling for that one again. I have reassured him that he will be coming home with us and he seems to have relaxed a little. Looks like his solo visiting days are over. He's a homebody like his mama.

5-year-old Pranks

Now that he has turned 5, Ollie has become a little snottier. He likes to tease his sister--"Hey, Tori, look at the ice cream I've got." He likes to tell us that we don't know what we are talking about--"You said that I only had one minute to play, so I am not going to play." (We never mentioned one minute only; we told him that we weren't going to sit by the playground forever.) He likes to play jokes on us, but doesn't want us to play jokes on him--"Mom, I'm not made of puppy dog tails and snails." He has been in more trouble this week than ever. i so love the age of 5.

Battery of Tests

Ollie's battery of tests continue. Last week he got his eyes examined and he needs glasses. He has astigmatism like his father and other family members on both sides. He went through his appointment without a fight and didn't cry until he was told that he'd have to get glasses. They will be ready in 1 week, so we'll have to start the battle of him wearing them then.

His yearly check-up went well. He doesn't have any issues other than his eyes. The amazing thing is that he willingly participated in every test they wanted him to do. He's 44 inches tall and 45 1/4 lbs. He's still on the 75% scale of height and weight for his age. He's constant in that department. He did all the funny walking (heels and toes), let her check his eyes and ears without crying (a first), he let the doctor push, prod and poke him only giggling when it tickled.

Then came the shots. He willing got on a nurses lap, while a second nurse cleaned his leg for the injections. The nurse he sat on held his arms and had him yell Scooby Doo while the nurse injected him. It worked the first time, then the pain hit. He started crying and he barely got the second Scooby-Doo out by the third shot. He got four in all and cried for a little while because they stung. He got a bruise the next day, but he hasn't complained about it since. For as bad as all of his medical exams used to be, they are getting much better as a whole. He even likes the dentist! Our oldest boy is growing up!

Birthday Party #1

Ollie had his first birthday party this past weekend. Two of his friends from the sitter's, Nathan and Hunter, came over for the party. We wanted to make it a party, but not over do it, just to get him used to the idea. Once he determined he wanted a party, he couldn't stop talking about it.

The big day came and he waited for his guests to arrive. Nathan arrived and was a bit tentative. Ollie was anxiously awaiting the arrival of Hunter so he could start the party. Hunter arrived, Ollie bolted for the presents and almost had two open before Hunter made it through the front door. After the carnage was wrought, Nathan told his Dad he could leave and they all started to party.

They went outside to fill the swingset while I assembled everything. In and out, up and down, cake, in and out, up and down all over again. The toys got the biggest workout since they were new. Eventually it was time for Nathan and Hunter to leave, but they didn't want to go and Ollie was too entranced with his new toys to notice. He got up long enough to say goodbye and thanks, then went back to his toys. He's decided he wants to go to Maid-Rite for dinner on his actual birthday to get a strawberry shake and chicken tenders. His favorite meal.

He enjoyed his party and will probably have a bigger one next year with the kids from his kindergarten class. He'll have more presents, more fun and more tired parents...fun for all!

Truly A Pleasure

Years from now when Ollie looks back at this journal and learns about all of the funny things he did, we want him to know how grateful we are to be his parents. They say a baby changes everything, Ollie has truly changed our lives. He has made us step outside of ourselves and become better people. He has taught us so much and given us so many gifts from his silly jokes to his tender smile. It truly is a pleasure to come home every day to his sweet face, even if it's scowling. No matter how bad the day may have gone or how many mistakes we may have made, Ollie is always there to give us a pat on the back and tell us how much he loves us. The unconditional love of a four-year-old…who wouldn't want that?

O-L-L-I-E

In two days, we taught Ollie how to spell his name. Now we are working on spelling his last name and reciting his address and phone number. All of this i stuff he must learn in kindergarten. He is extremely excited about knowing how to spell his first name. Huts and I will get off really easy with Tori and Eli. They should have no problems learning how to spell their nicknames.

You're Wrong

Ollie loves to tell Tori that she is wrong. He doesn't care that he makes her cry; he just wants her to know that she is wrong and he knows all. Lately, Ollie has been somewhat better about this and has taken to playing with Tori, chasing her and ordering her around, He gets angry when she doesn't follow his directions. So far, though, he manages to keep his temper in check. Wait until she hauls off and slaps him one day. She won't be prone to tears forever.

Rocky Start

Ollie went to kindergarten kickoff last night with Mom and Dad. He was somewhat interested but started crying when the teachers took all of the kids to their homerooms. Huts went with him, while I stayed behind to make notes during the lecture. We got him enrolled and have two doctor's appointments set up. We will make the last one soon.

Ollie was shy in the classrooms and wanted to sit on the teacher's lap. She had him sit upfront. Not sure how well he is going to adapt to the bus, teachers, kids and schedule. It is an all-day affair with lots of activity. We have a major list of school supplies and instructions. Wish us luck in remembering everything.