Lazy Nana? Indolent, lumpish, slothful, torpid, languid...yes, I am all of these. It's been far too long since my last Oliver update.
Now that Damien and family live in another state, it's been difficult to find the time to visit. Skype, email and phone calls keep us close, but there's nothing that compares with a full contact Oliver visit!
I drove to Melton South (a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria) on boxing day. It's nearly an 8 hour drive, but quite enjoyable while listening to the cricket along the way (Australia vs. India boxing day match, which actually lasts up to 5 days...). It would have been quicker to fly, but I had a car full of presents to deliver.
It was hard for me to accept, but the reality is...Oliver is even sweeter than the last time I saw him. Already enamoured of that wry grin and bubbling affection, I was further enchanted by the generous nature and amiable personality that now define Oliver.
We took three walking trips to different playgrounds nearby, always holding hands and chatting about everything along the way. Seems life in Melbourne is pretty fun most of the time. Slim and Drastic (the family dogs) love the new house and big backyard. Sleeping in a "big boy" bed provides much more freedom than the crib. Robots are cool. Don't need nappies anymore. Mum makes me baby-chinos when she has coffee ("it's mostly milk, Nana"). We collected interesting things along the way...a round pine cone ("perfect for our garden"), two tennis balls, a 5 cent piece, small colourful stones, and a yellow golf tee (very sharp for a little man... I tucked it into my pocket for safe keeping).
Damien took us all for a tour around Melton, then a nice family lunch out together. Far too much food, but the company was exceptional.
Back home, we played with the dogs and enjoyed some quiet time together with Damien and Jax.
Proudly sporting grazed elbows, Oliver collapsed into fits of laughter (and proud admiration) while watching Damien skateboard around the back patio. One day, he'll be just like Dad.
Two sleeps later, I was saying goodbye.
As usual, my trip home was much more sombre. The cricket on the radio kept me focused. Travelling with a heavy heart, I could only smile when I played the scenes back in my mind. Great little man. My little Oliver.
I managed to keep smiling all the way home, until I unpacked...and pulled that yellow golf tee out of my pocket...
Chilling out in Dad's reading chair
fun at the park
mmmm...banana milkshake...mmmm
battle wounds
practicing for "Meet Uncle Mike" day
a happy goodbye...
