Oh Oliver!
On 9.02.10
a strong-willed, energetic firecracker was born.
Happy 1st Birthday, Oliver Joseph!
I’m so glad you found a helmet. You’re gonna’ need it.
Oh Oliver!
You were born on a day that will forever be marked in history because its date bears the title of a once popular television show. But to those who know you that date means much more—the day you made your debut. Born Oliver Joseph, you share the name of the Joedaddy in reverse. How gloriously interesting.
When you were just a few months old you came into my home and my world. Full of life, personality and hair, you made your presence known and your demands as well. Right from the start I knew that along with your smiles, laughter and strong personality you had an equally strong will. It’s interesting how God balances us.
For nine months I’ve watched you grow almost as fast as your hair and fingernails. I miss the days when bath time was one of both of our highlights but I’m accepting change and looking forward to what the next stage of growth brings. Though you’re not yet walking, you move swiftly exploring the territory around you. Your size, strength and energy are often met with near accidents. A rambunctious little boy, you truly do need a helmet. Daily I draw boundaries and repeat, “NO.” And with crying and bucking and kicking against the pricks you continue to demand your way. But on I march determined to teach you in spite of exhaustion.
You fight sleep like no other most of the time. Just when I’ve prepared myself for the battle and determined to remain calm you surrender to slumber without effort and leave me once again scratching my head. Many a day has ended with both of us battle weary. Those are the days it seems you leave reluctantly with Mommy. When you lunge forward to Nanny or try to kiss me goodbye or lay your head on my shoulder, all of the day’s frustration melts away and I’m left amazed.
I continue to be in awe of how God teaches me through a little child. Just recently my good friend reminded me of this. Mommy can read about it here and here. My friend brought back memories of my adventures in Nanny-sitting throughout the years. She couldn’t have known that I was struggling once again with my place and wondering if I make a difference. But the Lord knew and He saw fit to have her remind me.
Oh Oliver! I’ve often wondered if my efforts are in vain. I’ve seen my flaws and impatience and felt defeated. Worse for the wear, I’ll shake my head in wonder that a little child could whip this Nanny. But recently revelation washed over me. The Lord knew that my firmness and determination were just the match for you. And in His love and kindness He also reminded me that sometimes I’m not the teacher—you are.
So we’ll keep on teaching each other, you and I. And I’ll watch you grow way too fast. You will likely be older than your years just as Sophie, as you both have a huge gap between your older siblings and yourselves. I’ll keep on recording my thanks in my journal for all that He gives and all that He teaches. Thanks for allowing Gavin to have a strong little boy to play with. Thanks when I hear Sophie and Gavin call out, “Ollie!!!!” Thanks for when you cry, “Nanny!” Thanks for the smiles and the laughter and your good grocery store behavior which also leaves me scratching my head. Because how is it that you’re so good in the grocery store even for long periods of time yet you offer up a mix of behavior in a moment’s time at Nanny’s house? Not that I’m complaining. So don’t throw a fit in Walmart next time.
But even for those fits and nap-time battles when you are beyond overtired, I’ll give thanks. For not having enough arms to clothe or diaper you as you attempt to wiggle away, I’ll give thanks. And even when you nearly buck out of my arms in a tantrum I’ll try to give thanks. Because sooner or later I, too, will have to learn the lesson.
And while I’m recording thanks, I’ll also start writing The Nanny Diaries again. Because you give me too much material to waste.
Happy 1st Birthday, Oliver! I love you more than peaceful naps.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. ~Psalm 139: 14
Nanny
P.S.
Not surprisingly, you have totally gone on a nap strike today. It’s like you knew I was writing about you. Still, thank you, Lord, for crazy nap days.
Thanks you so much for this Rena. I’m so thankful that the person that is with Oliver when I can’t be loves him so dearly. What mother could ask for more? Although I wish I could be home with him everyday I have peace of mind because I know the person he is with truly cares for him. I love you and so does Oliver.
Awe, this is such a sweet Nanny post. You should sooo share your diaries.
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism
or copyright infringement? My site has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but
it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any techniques to
help reduce content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was once totally
right. This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine just how so
much time I had spent for this info! Thank you!
Hey there I am so happy I found your website, I really found you
by accident, while I was researching on Google for something else, Anyhow I
am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a
marvelous post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don’t have time to read through it all at the
minute but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I
have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep
up the excellent job.
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this brilliant
blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this blog with my Facebook group.
Talk soon!
Great site you have got here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours these days.
I truly appreciate people like you! Take care!!
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets
I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping
maybe you would have some experience with something
like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in penning
this blog. I am hoping to see the same high-grade blog
posts by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities
has motivated me to get my very own website now 😉
I am really happy to read this weblog posts which consists of tons of helpful facts,
thanks for providing such statistics.
Admiring the time and effort you put into your website and detailed information you offer.
It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of
date rehashed information. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site
and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly feel this web site
needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read more,
thanks for the information!
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I
acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I
achievement you access consistently fast.
Thanks for some other fantastic article. Where else could anybody get that type of info in such a perfect means of writing?
I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the search for such info.
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I am glad
that you just shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this.
Thanks for sharing.
This article gives clear idea in support of the new
visitors of blogging, that truly how to do blogging.
Genuinely when someone doesn’t know after that its up to other visitors that
they will help, so here it takes place.
Fine way of describing, and pleasant paragraph to take data regarding my presentation topic, which i
am going to deliver in institution of higher education.
Amazing! Its actually amazing article, I
have got much clear idea concerning from this post.
Wow, marvelous weblog layout! How long have you been running a blog for?
you make running a blog glance easy. The whole look
of your site is fantastic, let alone the content material!
Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored to tears at work
so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break.
I really like the info you provide here and can’t
wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at
how fast your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just
3G .. Anyhow, very good site!
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who has been doing a little research on this.
And he actually ordered me lunch due to the fact that I discovered it
for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this issue here on your site.
Hey There. I found your blog the use of msn. This is an extremely smartly written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of your helpful information. Thank you for the post.
I will certainly return.
Hi there, this weekend is pleasant designed for me, as this time i am reading this wonderful informative article here at my home.
Your evaluation is incredibly interesting. If you wish to enjoy slot, I love to suggest playing regarding dependable
slot sites. Since you can attain big rewards and get guaranteed earnings.
If you want to learn, you can directly have a look through down below.
The web link might be a slot machine game blog that will be commonly used among Indonesia
the gamers.
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement?
My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it
is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any solutions to
help protect against content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now
each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thanks!
As the admin of this web page is working, no doubt
very rapidly it will be famous, due to its feature contents.
My family always say that I am wasting my time here at net,
but I know I am getting know-how every day by reading thes pleasant articles or reviews.
Hey There. I discovered your blog the use of msn.
That is a really smartly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read extra of
your useful information. Thank you for the post.
I will certainly return.
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find
this matter to be actually something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me.
I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
Your research is incredibly interesting. If you want to
find out slot pulsa tanpa potongan, I like to
suggest playing in respected slot pulsa sites. Because you can achieve big wins
and receive assured internet marketer affiliate payouts.
If you wish to experience, you can heterosexual click here00 here.
The web link is mostly a slot machine site which may
be commonly used among Indonesian online players.
Thanks in support of sharing such a pleasant thinking, post is good,
thats why i have read it completely
Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored at work so
I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch
break. I enjoy the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, good blog!
Hello, I want to subscribe for this webpage to obtain latest updates, thus where can i do it please help.
This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally
I have found something that helped me. Thank you!
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many
thanks, However I am going through troubles with your RSS.
I don’t understand why I can’t join it. Is there anybody else getting identical RSS problems?
Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly
respond? Thanks!!
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your blog.
Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems?
A few of my blog visitors have complained about my blog not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox.
Do you have any ideas to help fix this problem?
I feel this is among the so much vital info for me. And i’m
glad reading your article. However wanna commentary
on some basic things, The site taste is great, the articles is truly great : D.
Good job, cheers
I got this website from my buddy who shared with me regarding this web page and at the moment this time I am visiting
this website and reading very informative articles or reviews
here.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much.
I’m hoping to offer one thing back and help others such as you aided me.
Howdy! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok.
I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your web
site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site?
The account aided me a applicable deal. I were tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided shiny
transparent idea
Hi! I simply want to give you a big thumbs up for the
excellent info you have got here on this post. I am returning to
your blog for more soon.
I was curious if you ever considered changing the page layout of your website?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content
so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text
for only having one or two pictures. Maybe you could space it
out better?
Hey! This post could not be written any better! Reading this
post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about
this. I will forward this page to him. Fairly
certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Good info. Lucky me I discovered your site by accident (stumbleupon).
I’ve saved as a favorite for later!
I used to be suggested this website by means of my cousin.
I’m not sure whether or not this publish is written by way of him as no one
else understand such specific about my trouble. You’re amazing!
Thanks!
whoah this weblog is great i really like studying your posts.
Keep up the good work! You already know, many people are
looking around for this information, you could
help them greatly.