Our boy is starting to explore the world. We’ve been taking him outside just about every day for the past month. He really enjoys running up and down the driveway, sprinting out into the grass and laughing at Molly and chasing the young neighborhood boys up the courtyard.

It’s so cute to see him soak up his new surroundings. There is, however, a bit of sadness as his father. For nearly 16 months, his world has revolved around a confined space with very few people. Soon, he’s going to be a big boy, off playing by himself and meeting new people. I guess what I’m trying to get at is that it’s hard acknowledging that one’s baby is now a full-fledge toddler.

Anyway, below is a short slideshow of Oliver goofing around on our driveway a week ago. Enjoy:

Those who’ve seen Oliver lately, whether in picture or in person, have noticed that his hair had been getting pretty long. So on Sunday, we called on his official “hairstylist,” his uncle Aaron, to trim the frock. Can you believe Oliver is already on his sixth haircut? Crazy. He’s only 15 months old.

Anyway, this was the first time that Sarah and I got to watch the haircut (the previous ones were done while we were working and Oliver was being watched by Sarah’s mom). It was darn cute.

Below is a picture of the haircut in progress, and then Oliver sporting his new ‘do afterward. His hair is a little spiky, and looks pretty cool. He’s such a little boy. Anyway, enjoy:

With the temperature again pushing 100 degrees yesterday, we decided to fill up Oliver’s baby pool and take the boy out for a swim. Oliver, in his swimming diaper and trunks, was ready to go.



However, outside, he FREAKED OUT. When his feet touched the water, he’d let out a terrified shrill and then run to his momma. One time, he even sprinted across the yard, away from the pool. I wish I could share some pictures, but the camera was all fogged up. After it cleared, I got a shot of Oliver looking at the pool, which was about all he’d do.



He was really clingy with Sarah, and was just content to sit with her. Oh well, we’ll have to try the pool again. I’m convinced he’ll like it, if we can just get him into it.

I need to start posting some videos of the boy. He’s just so darn active and cute right now. Here’s one from a week ago, in which Sarah is singing a made-up song, let’s call it “Stinky Feet,” while Oliver laughs. If you listen closely, you can also hear one of Oliver’s new phrases: “Again.” He likes to blurt out “again” over and over when he likes something, whether it’s reading a book “again,” bouncing on my lap “again,” tossing him in the air and catching him “again,” or doing what we do in this video … “again.” Anyway, enjoy:

We had Oliver’s 15-month doctor appointment yesterday so, as always, I’m providing his stats here. He’s still big, running right on track with his earlier numbers.

Height: 33 inches (90-95th percentile)
Weight: 26 pounds, 2 ounces (75th percentile)
Head circumference: 50 centimeters (98th percentile!)

Developmentally, his pediatrician said Oliver is around an 18-month-old. She was impressed by his vocabulary, which we think is still pretty weak, and by the fact that he can run, respond to commands, tries to “help” around the house, etc. It’s really amazing when you think about it all.

Anyway, that’s it for now. Hope to get more posted in the coming days.

Oliver’s favorite thing to do right now is play “I’m going to get you.” Basically, we yell out the name of the game, Oliver squeals and runs away, then he lays on the ground and we tickle him. Alternately, we run and hide from him, he finds us, squeals and runs away. Then we start all over. It’s pretty fun, and he’s super adorable throughout. Below are a few recent pictures from an “I’m going to get you” session. Enjoy:

Everywhere we go, people comment on how blue Oliver’s eyes are. It’s hard for me to argue. What do you think?