Oliver's new scooter.
Visiting with Henry, Aunt Emily, and Opa.
Actually, Oliver has been starting to take independent steps since just after his birthday about a month ago. However, he now is able to get enough distance that is isn't all over by the time we power the camera on! We are very proud of him!
Poor Oliver has very sensitive skin and is prone to diaper rash. We have, therefore, instituted nightly "naked time" when Oliver gets to air dry and go diaper free. He absolutely loves it. To keep him warm but free, we got him this cute robe that he wears after his bath. I absolutely love it because I think he looks adorable. Oliver would prefer not to wear it.
.... but he LOVED Santa's reindeer....
We have been having so much fun with family - especially cousin Henry! Bath time was a highlight of the night; we had a rotating gallery of adult spectators to take in the cuteness. This has been the first time that Henry and Oliver have truly been able to interact and play. Ollie has loved all the company and different toys. Along with practicing his emerging skill of walking, he has been trying out this strange fake smiling too (seen in the video). More photos later.....
We can hardly believe it, but our baby is one! We celebrated on Sunday the 14th of November with friends and family. Thank you to everyone who came and made Ollie's big day so special. It was also a big day for Oliver's mom and dad: we can't believe it has already been a whole wonderful, exhausting, magical year with our little guy. He has brought so much more love to our lives than we ever could have imagined! 
Kris made these awesome "acorns" out of doughnut holes, chocolate, candy, and pretzels in honor of our little O.A.K., and acted as the general baby whisperer of the party.
Babies Andrew and Ruth were the cutest (and most well-behaved) of the guests.
Starting to get the food out...
Wow - fire!
Get this thing off of me.
That!
First cake - yum!
This frosting stuff is cool.
a kitchen that is my size!
Muuaaaahaha - it's all mine!
Look!
Thanks Grandma, Grandpa & Auntie C.!
So much to do.
Even though we said "no gifts" several people decided to spoil Oliver anyway. Thank you!
Oliver is thrilled whenever he gets to play with Opa's guitar.
He also tried his best to master the marker - but we have a looooong way to go. Between tasting, dropping, and wildly swinging the markers around, he could have done some serious damage. We are thankful for washable markers.
We fired off a couple quick photos before Ollie had a full-on meltdown. This was NOT the official Halloween costume. The beard thing was not happening!
Oma and Opa were in town for a weekend visit, but since both Tony, and I were both fighting off the flu, Oma decided to stay a couple of extra days to help us out and keep Ollie happily occupied!