With the hot summer out of the way, it's time to get outside and get things growing. While still too young to help weed the veggie garden, Oliver is developing his flower smelling skills.

He loves walking around the yard and exploring. I follow pretty close so I can catch him if he trips, but Oliver is proving to be quite steady on his feet

(even with Heysen and Slim Dog weaving around him...).

He especially likes Big Blue Frog who lives under the jasmine.

(Heysen is the chameleon...practically invisible...)

There are currently nine new teeth busting through right now, but Oliver doesn't complain much. I keep a supply of rusks in the cupboard for quick relief, but he much prefers a walk outside to take his attention elsewhere.

Nap time usually requires a few attempts to actually get Oliver horizontal. He likes to fall asleep to music (favourite is Michael Franti) so he won't consider lying down until something is playing.
I made the BIG mistake of playing Mamady Ijalit Keita's "African Drums" this past weekend...it was like a wild sugar hit! Damien has bongo drums that he plays for/with Oliver, and it obviously touched a nerve...this baby boy can DANCE!!!


In the end, its always that winning smile and naughty little monkey grin that gets Nana handing over the cookies.

Smooth, little man...real smooth...

Vacation time with the sweetest boy in town...

My workplace has been shut down for the week following Easter, presenting some prime time for Oliver during my favourite season. The blistering heat of summer has been replaced with beautiful warm sunny days and cool evenings.

What better time than this to take Ollie on his first bike ride?

I remember taking Damien for rides like this in Canada. He would clutch two GI Joe's in his hands as we rode along, then tuck them into the back of my pants when he got tired of holding them.


Jax was a little nervous as she watched us ride away...

Oliver and I stopped at a
play-ground a few blocks away and had some good fun.
The grass was green and soft so we did some running and chasing and falling down.

A few planes went overhead, so we stopped to watch them fly over.

We had a few fast rides down the big yellow slide ("slippery dip" in this part of the world!), and a swing together on the big person swing.


Spying the bike in the distance, Oliver suddenly decided we needed to get moving again. I was serenaded with a beautiful happy song all the way home.


We kept this ride short (since it was our first) but next time we may ride all the way to Auntie Louise's house for a visit...

or...

maybe along the river to feed the ducks...

or...

maybe back to Nana's house for a play with Heysen and Grandpa...

who knows?


It's all Heaven to me...

End of February 2009: A Nice Day Together

Weekends for a working Nana are filled with anticipation.


Chances are pretty good that Oliver can come out to play...


On this particular Saturday, we had a few hours together while Damien and Jax had some time out. We headed to the small park next to the river and had fun on the playground. We took the long way home so we could see the ducks under the bridge.

Back home we kicked back and had a few refreshing rice biscuits and a drink of juice.

Heysen grabs pole position whenever Oliver is eating. I never have to sweep the floor.

Oliver and Heysen get on very well. Jax and Damien have pets as well - Slim Dog and Fat Kitty - so Oliver is very relaxed around animals. Nana also has a green tree frog (Houdini) and two colourful budgies (Bish and Margaret) so there is plenty to look at and talk about.

Now zipping along on his own two feet, this little man is checking out

everything..

Grandpa's office, potted plants, the dogs water dish, electrical cords, CD towers, TV remotes, stereo buttons, book shelves, carpet lint, drawers, cupboard doors, toilets, steps, leaves, lamps, curtains, even hallway echos...

Not only cute, he's a genius

Oliver is ONE!

I arrived early for the birthday party so I was around to see Damien and Jax wake Oliver for the big event. He's always a happy boy when waking from a nap, and this day looked especially cool in his board shorts.

As the crowds gathered, it was a bit confusing.

Best present of the day is a pool for the backyard. No hesitation from Oliver...wet and wild is the theme of the day.

Jax made a great banana cake with cream cheese icing...yummmmm!

This one year has been amazing.

Now heading for Oliver's first birthday!

November 2008: On my feet, enjoying my freedom!

December 2008: Cruisin' in my ride...

Christmas 2008: It's been a great year!

The Heart Bandit

A beautiful little boy with a great smile and big hugs!

January 11th will be Oliver's first birthday.

What was life like before?

Little Man growing every day

August 2008: Baby tigers keep warm during Adelaide winter!
September 2008: Food from a spoon...an interesting concept...











October 2008: This is getting fun...I can transport myself by sliding along on my belly.
Not very quick yet, but I've got a training plan...