Roll Over Beethoven

What a hectic day! After starting off with some classical music and reading, by late morning, we were off and running.

First we had lunch at Bob Evan's with Eric. Ollie was all smiles as he watched us eat our salads and he made friends with the couple seated next to us. Although Eric is not that comfortable with babies, he held Ollie anyway. Thankfully, the little guy laughed and smiled the whole time, but being the novice he didn't hesitate to hand him back to me. Hey, I have to give props because I would not have held him at all before I became a mother.

Next we were off to Paycor to meet up with my old gang, but on the way there we decided to stop in to see Katie since she works across the street. She hadn't seen Ollie since Christmas, so she couldn't get over how big he had gotten. After comparing knees (Katie's look like a Cabbage Patch Kid) and having a quick bottle and diaper change, we let her get back to work.

Minutes later we were on the elevator heading to my old stomping grounds. I thought it was great to see everybody, but I think it brought back bad vertigo memories for Ollie because he was fussy for the entire visit. He seemed to recognize every one's voices from his days in the womb, but it was reminiscent of unpleasant restroom runs and falling out of our chair from dizziness. He had no desire to hang around, so once the full-on cry set in it was time to flee. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures.

After a quick stop at the library, we made it home right before Daddy. We had just enough time for a quick swing before the rain started. This was a great way to weasel out of helping Daddy clean out the gutters. How could he say no to that face?


Grandma stopped by to say hello and amazingly she was right on target for bottle time. Somehow she has that knack and I'm always willing to indulge. I thought the prunes were working, but now I'm not sure. While Grandma was holding him, he started grunting and his face turned red. Suddenly, Grandma was in a big hurry to leave. I guess that's the advantage of being a grandparent. Just kidding Mom!

After that episode I figured he could use a nap, so I put him in his crib. I walked out of the room for 10 seconds and he ROLLED OVER from his back to his stomach! I missed it! In 10 seconds, I missed it! I was so disappointed that I made him try again and HE DID IT! I guess he was spent after that because he was asleep within 3 minutes.

Once he woke up we were off to Sonic and Wal-mart (glamorous, I know) for Friday night fun times. I forgot the camera again, so you'll have to imagine in your mind's eye the breathtaking sights. Once we were home, it was bed time for Ollie and Daddy passed out on the couch. Wal-mart is pretty draining.

Tomorrow morning I have a CPR class, so Daddy's in charge. Keep your finger's crossed.

Just Another Manic Monday

I wish I would have recognized the foreshadowing of Ollie's crooked smile when he woke up this morning. Little did I know that I was headed for a roller coaster ride of a day.

Dr. Jekyll played peekaboo and giggled as I changed his diaper and thought about how cute he was looking today. Just moments later Mr. Hyde was in no mood to wait for me to prepare his breakfast and fussed as I strapped him in his high chair and mixed the cereal/prune concoction. Dr. J returned as soon as the spoon hit his lips.

Fast forward two hours. Dr. J was playing peacefully, rolling from his belly to his back multiple times. Everything was pleasant and serene. Out of the blue Mr. H appeared with a slow whimper that developed into a full-on scream. Finally I fixed a bottle and once he was plugged in, a sense of calm came over Ollie's face. Considering this was nearly an hour before I expected him to be hungry, I was surprised how quickly he gulped it down.

Errands called, especially the grocery since we had practically no food. So after an early lunch of squash and bananas we were off. Wearing his favorite cat hat, he looked especially cute napping in the grocery cart. I leisurely strolled up and down each aisle, and as I was reading prune juice labels Ollie woke up. Figuring I better not push my luck, I hightailed it to the checkout. After flirting with the cashier and bagger (Ollie, not me) we were on our way.

We ran into Grandma at the gas station and had a quick hello, but realizing it was time to eat again headed right home. When the car turned onto Pleasant Ridge the whimpering started. I didn't even get the chance to unload the trunk before the screaming reached full-volume and tears were rolling. Mr. H disappeared as quickly as he arrived with milk being the antidote .

Once the groceries were put away, we went for a walk. Ollie wanted to drop in on Poppy so we stopped by to say hello. Giggles, tickles, and half an hour later Grammie arrived home. Mr. H was brewing under the surface and as soon as she got a hold of him he let loose. One jar of peas and 4 ounces of milk later all was well and Grammie got her snuggle time in before we went home to see Daddy.

Being the inexperienced mother that I am, I didn't make the connection all day that maybe the little guy is just extra hungry. He's probably going through a growth spurt or just ready to eat more, but how could I have missed that? I shouldn't beat myself up too much though, at least it didn't take me all week to figure it out!

After this manic Monday, I'm headed to bed. Tomorrow is summer garden planting day, so I need my rest.

This Little Piggy Went Flying

This morning I was off early to cheer at the Flying Pig Marathon which left Daddy and Ollie to fend for themselves. Daddy reports that Ollie enjoyed his prune/cereal mixture and napped as usual. Although I'm pleased things ran smoothly without me, it would have been quite the ego boost to hear otherwise.

Of course Daddy got some help from Grammie and Poppy and dropped Ollie off with them for the afternoon while he did some chores. AJ and Anna came for a visit which was an added bonus of attention for our little ham. He was so exhausted that when I picked him up he fell asleep during the 30 second car drive home.

Next we were off to Eileen's birthday party. Not only did Ollie get to see his buddy Emmett, he also got to meet an adorable 3 week old girl named Ella. Watch out Macie, there's a younger woman after Ollie's heart! After playing with Molly for a few minutes the effects of a very long day kicked in and the fussies indicated it was time to head home.

The catnap in the car was just enough energy boost to feel spunky enough to roll over and SIT UP when we got home. I spent years making fun of people that talked about how fast their kids grew up, but I'm starting to get it. Strangely, I can barely remember what things were like when Ollie was 3 or 4 weeks old, but I can't believe that he's 6 months old either. Truthfully, Jason and I look at each other at least once a day and say, "We have a baby? When did that happen?"

Now this piggy is off to bed to rest my cheering voice and dream of training for next year's Flying Pig. Squeal, squeal!

Got Dirt?

Crazy Saturday as usual. Ollie started off the day with his now mandatory serving of prunes with his cereal. He gobbles them up like I would guacamole, so he must either like them or he's come to understand their necessary role in his having a good day.

Poppy stopped by with all the goodies Grammie found shopping the other night. Hopefully we can find room in O's already overstocked closet. My favorite items are the smallest pair of Keds I've ever seen and a windbreaker. Who knew these things came in ultra-small sizes?

After doing chores all afternoon and helping, or should I say watching, Daddy and Grandpa install a new window in our bathroom, we were off to Southern States with Grandma to buy seeds and plants for our summer garden. Ollie stole the show in his John Deere hat, shirt, and socks which is quite the fashion statement in a feed store. Daddy's goal is to grow a pumpkin big enough to hold our little pumpkin. My goal is to harvest enough tomatoes to eat at least two with every meal and maybe give one or two away as well. Hopefully we will be able to make this happen, but definitely this will not be possible without Grandma's help, guidance, oh and garden.



Next we were off to Grandma and Grandpa's to examine the ground to see if it was dry enough to prepare for planting. Way too moist, but Ollie got to take his first tractor ride on his very own John Deere that Grandpa gave him. Do you think my child is spoiled or what?

I'm three for three with updates, but tomorrow if going to be insanely busy so no promises.

Prunes and MainStrasse Exploration

The prunes did the trick today, which meant that I was a very busy girl. I had no idea before becoming a mother how much I would think about the state of my baby's bowels. I also had no idea how much the state of my baby's bowels would affect my life. Of course I should have had a clue when I joined the Bentley clan and began to learn about the captivating world of tummy tales. After nearly 17 years I'm still not used to hearing, "That'll be good for your bowels," at least once a week, but now I'm starting to understand. Just kidding Judy!

Grandma stopped by to drop off a snack for Daddy. Grandparents will look for any excuse to stop by, but the funny thing is the only excuse necessary is to see Ollie. I gave up on anybody being excited about seeing me months ago.

Tonight we went to MainStrasse to visit Uncle Jeremy and check out Robin's art exhibit at the Bean Haus. Ollie really enjoys heading to civilization since he finds the sites and sounds to be intriguing.

First we were off to Noah's Art to meet up with with Uncle Jeremy and show off Ollie's cat hat in the salon. I really think he just wanted to prove to Noah that his nephew is the cutest! In between rain bursts, we walked down the block to check out the house he'll be moving in to next month. I thought it was really nice, Ollie thought it was a hot box, turned beet red, and started crying. At least he's not crying at Jeremy anymore.

Next we were off to the Bean Haus to see Robin's barn quilts. Ollie made friends with two other babies before having another hot flash. Is it possible for my son to be going through menopause? Being the novice blogger, I forgot to take pictures! Lesson learned: Never put the camera away.

It looks like I'm off to a good start, but hopefully I can keep up my dedication to chronicling our adventures.

6 Months Old Today

Sweet baby Ollie turns 6 months old today! How did he celebrate? A medical exam (with Dr. Cutie Pie, so I enjoyed it) and two shots.

I'm celebrating by starting this blog. Now that he is sleeping all night and in bed by 8:00, there is no excuse for me not being able to keep everyone updated on our adventures.

Today was really low-key. Grammie joined us at the doctor and we had lunch at Bob Evan's after. I ran into a high school friend and her mom grabbed Ollie and squeezed and kissed him as Grammie looked on in horror. I've learned to take these things in stride, even though the piggy flu is "sweeping" the nation. Something else I've noticed is that strangers feel the need to discuss their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren, cats, dogs, etc. with me whenever I go out in public with the little man. Today was no exception. A very nice lady at the table behind us disclosed the full medical history of each of her offspring. Nice, but sometimes an over share situation occurs.

Once we were home, Grammie helped us clear out all 3-6 month sized clothes and she made a shopping list. God bless Judy and her shopping skills! She has the ability to buy an entire summer wardrobe for approximately $32.73. I have NO patience for shopping and especially for bargains so this works out well. The funniest thing is Jason and I called Grammie and Poppy to go for a walk with us about 3 hours later and guess where they were.....shopping in Florence. Lesson learned: Never get in the way of a grandmother on a mission.

Both Grandpa and then Grandma stopped by on the way home. Everyone wanted to know his weight (18 lbs 14 3/4 oz, 75 percentile) and see how he was feeling. Grandma brought a cute Pooh book and fed him his bottle. Grandpa pulled his toe and made him giggle as usual.

Once Daddy was home we started our normal ritual. The skies were looking dark, so our evening walk was cut short much to Daddy's delight and Betsy's disappointment. As usual Ollie cooed and kicked the whole time enjoying all of the sights and sounds of the neighborhood. Then it was time for dinner. Ollie got to try something new tonight per Dr. Cutie Pie's orders. Prunes. I will assume that no explanation is necessary as to why he had to eat prunes, but I'm not sure if I'm hoping that they work well or dreading when they do.

After his bath he could hardly keep his eyes open to eat his bottle. Shots take a lot out of the little guy.

That's all for now. Hopefully I will have the discipline to check back in often and not wait until his first birthday.