Olie Journal

(Obviously I wrote the following several days ago, but due to technical difficulties with our computer as well as the busy schedule of full-time new Momhold, I haven’t been able to post til now.)

Yesterday (11/12) was Olie’s first day home from the hospital, and my first chance to see Olie Land “in person” (though Chad had been keeping me updated in the hospital).

Needless to say we are completely overwhelmed with our “bundle of joy” – for that is what he truly is. And we are so grateful that he has been born into such a loving, supportive, diverse, and imaginative community of family and friends. Thank you to all who contributed your thoughts about his arrival on Olie Land, and through your calls and emails. It is clear from your words that he will have a rich and full life.

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While I was pregnant with Olie, my Aunt Stephanie sent a great book called Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott, which Chad and I both read. It is a touching, candid journal of the trials and joys of her son’s first year; and it inspired me to write my own personal journal for Oliver. I’ve posted some excerpts here.

11/12/03

Leaving the hospital – finally!

I’ve never seen Chad drive so carefully as he did for Oliver’s first ride home through New York traffic. I myself was really wishing we had one of those here-to-for, unimaginably gauche “Baby on Board” bumper stickers, and will no-doubt run out and get one and proudly slap it on our new car. Yes, I’m truly a Mom now – safety first! But, really, what else are Volvo bumpers for?

Extra kudos to Aunt Michele, who helped us home from the hospital. I say helped, but I should say facilitated, because we couldn’t have done it without her. Despite being “christened” by Olie in the hospital, she stayed with us the whole day – helping us pack, change, unpack, change, get lunch, change, and run around and change til my Mom arrived. Yes, I think that when (if!) Michele visits again, her spiffy Anthropologie attire will be replaced by some nice baggy sweats.

11/13/05

Olie cocked an eye-brow at me today. I hope he continues to be able to do this.

I think the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen is my husband singing “Down to the River to Pray” as Oliver gazes up at his face.

Took our first walk as a family today. Three short blocks, one life-time journey.

First Walk as a Family (Chad is taking the picture).

11/14/05

Happy Birthday Oliver! One week old.

Oliver’s first checkup at the pediatricians went very well. He’s grown ½ inch and weighs 8 lbs, 11 ounces. He’s feeding so well that we got the go-ahead to let him sleep for 4 hours straight at night – yippy!