Happy 8th Birthday, Ol!
/Eight years ago today, my darling Oliver was born. Two weeks early! It was a Tuesday, and as Jack was not yet three and so only had school three days a week, he and I were snuggling on the couch reading. My water broke, and Jack looked at me with some wonder and asked, "Mama, did you tee-tee on me?"
From the mouths of babes.
Despite the early, surprise "I'm coming!" Ol then took his sweet time and finally emerged at 4:16 that afternoon. A St. Patty's baby (to join his July 4 brother; we are so festive)! I've always liked that his birth time is the date of my birthday.
Oliver has been an absolute delight ever since. Truly, his light shines so bright, and we are all made better by his being a member of our family.
He is a sensitive child, deeply attuned to people and circumstances around him. Once, when he was very little-maybe 2?-and we were in Lake Charles visiting Nanny, we placed him on her hospital bed so she could see him better, and he sat there, quietly and presently, for a long while. It seemed unlike a reaction most young tots would have.
Not the same but very similar and indicative.
Oliver is an innately empathic person with a wise soul and a creative vision that makes our lives more beautiful, purposeful, and joy-filled. Recently, I had my feelings hurt, and because I trust his judgment so much, I said, "Ol, what would you do if a friend hurt your feelings?" "Well, mama," he replied, "I think I'd go play with someone else." Indeed.
He's also funny as get out, sure footed as they come, and I have long said that based on its festive, bacchanal spirit, there's really no better day than St. Patrick's Day on which he could have been born.
I mean, one of the things he most pined for this year was this set of three enormous, glittery nesting eggs. When Tom asked him this morning, "Ol, why did you want those eggs?" he replied, "Why wouldn't I?"
The giant egg with other eggs inside.
I am a better person for getting to be Oliver's mother. It is my complete fortune and joy, even if this birthday focuses on his Minecraft obsession which I don't really understand or much care about. At least it's not Pokemon! At least this little boy is mine.
The cutest big brother!
The Minecraft cupcake toppers I made out of fondant. These went to Ol's classroom for that celebration. Now working on his actual cake.
