Welcoming Elliott!!

On Wednesday March 17th Tina, Pat and Avery welcomed their newest addition to the O'Brien family, Elliott to the world. The little guy weighed a dainty 6lbs 10oz and is super sweet. He looks a little like his older brother Av, but definitely has his own unique features. Avery is already turning out to be an excellent big brother (no surprise there) and is super interested in Elliott. Little Ellie, we cannot wait to see you grow!

A few weeks ago, I had such a sad day, when I realized how big my dear Truman has become. You see, Oliver will soon be moving out of the bucket, so we were on the market for a new car seat for Truman. When we got to the store, we realized that Truman was now ready (height and weight wise) for a booster seat. I couldn't (or rather didn't) want to believe it. How could my baby be ready for a normal seat belt and sit on that tiny seat. I solicited everyone I knew who had kids and would ask them what they would do. The answers were varied, so I did some research, and everything came up the same....I had to face the inevitable. He is physically ready for a booster. On that same shopping trip, we also realized that Truman was also too big for most of the double strollers on the market, or our time would be limited. What a sad, sad, day!

Jerry took Truman to his first movie in a theatre last weekend. They went to see Planet 51 with Harry and Shane. The boys had a great time at the show, munching on popcorn. I am sure Truman will love the movies as much as his daddy does!

Truman is also fully a teenager....as many of you know I call the three's the threenagers...and here is the perfect example. The other day we were driving home from school and I asked him the same question I ask him every day..."What was your favourite thing about today?" Truman replied "Mom, I don't want to talk to you about this right now". Seriously? So, I asked him again at dinner thinking it may be a better time and got the same response. He had no interest in sharing his day with me. I had a complete glimpse of what the teenage years will be like with him...I was completely shut out.

Our Oliver continues to be as sweet as ever. He is still enjoying food (as long as it is not a vegetable) and seems to enjoy experimenting with tastes and textures. He still prefers to eat himself, so I am continuing to encourage this. He is using the pincher grasp now and LOVES cheerios. He still has little desire to move, which is fine by me. He loves playing with balls and I cannot even explain the excitement he has when he is playing with one.

8 Months and Counting

Last week my dear Oliver turned 8 months, which I have to admit was a little sad for me. Four more months and he will be a year old. I really don't want this stage to end, it truly is the honeymoon period. I know in the next few months more challenges await me. I think I am also mourning the fact that this will most likely be my last baby so I am trying to cherish each and every moment.

So what's new? Oliver has FINALLY taken to solids...yipee! He still prefers to eat himself, but will oblige me and eat some purees. Yesterday he had a grilled cheese sandwich for the first time and today he tried Cheerios...he couldn't get enough of them. He doesn't yet have the pincer grasp, so it can be a bit frustrating for him at times. We are also nicely settling into a routine....eat, play, sleep, repeat two times!

Truman finished his ski lessons and is eager to take them again, although we will have to wait until next year since the snow has disappeared. Truman continues to be very helpful and kind to his little brother, except of course when Oliver is playing with one of his toys. I can see the fights that I will have to mediate in the future. Oliver idolizes Truman and will laugh and smile even if Truman hits him. OK, so maybe Truman isn't so kind all the time :)

We discovered on the weekend that Truman is big enough to move into a booster seat. It was very difficult for me, as I realized that he isn't little anymore and is a big kid. I mean, I have always known he was tall and big for his age and looks like a five year old, but to now know we will be moving him shortly breaks my heart. I am not ready for this, although Jerry is beyond excited for the extra room it will create in the car.

We are now patiently waiting for the next arrival of the O'Brien household....any day now. We are wishing Tina a quick and happy delivery. I am honestly waiting every morning for the anticipated phone call letting us know the little one is here!