Oliver Turns 5

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Yesterday, Oliver turned 5. DSC_0001DSC_0004DSC_0006

Oliver, our funny, sensitive, sometimes wacky guy who was born with his hand on his cheek and his other elbow in the air. Oliver, who was as tiny as a mouse when he was born but much much louder. Our Oliver, who still smells as sweet as peaches and cake and honey, and has the bug bites to prove it.
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Oliver, who sometimes eats nothing but watermelon for lunch and has just about every single Pokemon character memorized. Oliver, who understands to the very core of him the concept of fairness and justice and will do the right thing even if it is hard to do. Even if he sometimes loses his cool and pummels his brothers. He is five years old and I don’t know how. DSC_0028

He chose a lemon cupcake while Milo and Emil decided to split the chocolate one. Turns out they agreed to cut them four ways so that everyone could try some of each. He chose the Magic House for his special day with his best friend Estella, and after that he just wanted to play with his brothers and work in the garden, then have some alone time before dinner. DSC_0032DSC_0024DSC_0036DSC_0037

And after dinner, a wonderful present (he was only expecting one)! A real tool set with real tools designed for little hands. DSC_0044DSC_0048

… that came with a real tool belt, of course (and an admiring little brother). DSC_0053

But the real kicker was waiting outside in the trunk: Papa had picked out a two-wheeler for Oliver: his very own brand new bike! DSC_0061DSC_0064It was, in Oliver’s words, “The best birthday ever.”

Oliver, I’ll never forget the day you were born. We love every inch and bit and essence of you and are so incredibly proud of you! Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

17 thoughts on “Oliver Turns 5”
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  1. Happy happy birthday Oliver! I’m loving all these serious/hilarious portraits you’ve been taking. He’s a rock star. And a tool set and a bike?! What could be better?

  2. I continue to adore your blog! What a sweet tribute to your little Oliver. Happy Birthday to him and Happy Birth Day to Mama! Your birth story was so lovely. 🙂 I was just recounting both of mine to a friend who is due any day with her second. Such powerful memories flooding back…and to remember all that while you watch them grow is just astounding, isn’t it?

  3. That does sound like an amazing birthday. And we divide our cupcakes into fourths as well, and then pass the plates. Oliver and my Frances are nearly the same age. Five is a fabulous age to be.

  4. This post made me a little teary eyed. You shared his personality in such a beautiful way — happy birthday to Oliver, and way to go with the cupcake — looks YUMMY!

  5. Happy birthday, Oliver! I remember is birth day so well! It’s hard to believe it’s been five years. Hugs from your DC buddies, Nora, Michael, Joe and especially Frankie. xxx

  6. Aw, thanks Nora! I remember you saving the day on Oliver’s birth day by helping us with Milo! At 9 months pregnant, to boot! Happy Birthday to Frankie too!

  7. Awww, Oliver! Here comes birthday month! The birthday I remember most from my childhood is the one where I got the shiny red bike. 5 is pretty dang awesome. Your boys’ gratefulness and ability to share always has stood out in contrast to most children. What a good mama and papa they have!

  8. Oh, my! What a nice thing to say, Elisa! We sure do miss you!

    And Alma, thank you! I will tell Oliver your birthday wishes. He is certainly acting like a big boy all of a sudden. 🙂

  9. Happy belated birthday, Oliver!! So sweet, his face with the bike! PS How were the English jacket potatoes? I pinned that recipe too!

  10. Thanks, Alejandra! The potatoes were great — really soft and fluffy on the inside, crispy skin on the outside. The only thing I didn’t care for was how bland the skins were since I usually rub olive oil and kosher salt on baked potatoes before I roast them. I might try this next time and keep the cooking time the same… hopefully that doesn’t spell disaster!

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