Olan continues to be the sweetest little soul on the face of the earth. I cannot help but smile and feel giddy inside when I think of my little baby boy! Two years have swiftly come and gone, and I am just so thankful to the Lord for our little dude. Here are some things that mark Olan’s personality as a now two-year-old!

• The demands for independence are steadily becoming the norm for this babe. “NO!” comes out on auto after most questions, and “Olie try!” is in close second. He’s learned to climb into his high chair, which is quite the feat when you weigh 35 pounds with two-year-old motor skills. “Climb!” is often heard while getting into the truck (he hikes that leg up like a skilled gymnast, but he’s not gettin’ in that truck on his own quite yet, lol), and he’s been letting us know recently that he needs a diaper change. Score.
• Speaking of diapers. Seriously folks, this guy pees like no one I’ve ever seen before. The bladder has GOT to be as big as an adult male. I just bought a size 7 diaper for nighttime. SIZE 7. I didn’t even know they existed. We’ve had to double stuff our cloth diapers to keep that kid dry. I don’t even want to talk about wintertime when we have to start putting pants on the kid. Imma have to break out the baby leggings. HA!
• The obsession with vehicles continues to be a thing. Cars, airplanes, helicopters, and tractors. His all-time favorite book right now is “Truck Stop,” which depicts a day in the life of a truck stop diner and all the random vehicle traffic that comes in and eats in the diner. “GREEEN GUSSS! COOL [school] BUS! DEEGER [digger]!” Every night he begs to read this funny little book. My favorite thing about this book is that it’s Olan’s first “real” book he’s liked. We’re steadily moving out of board book land! YAY!
• Food is of utmost importance to Olie. Guacamole and chips are among his favorite. The kid will eat “maytoes” [tomatoes] from the garden until there are no more.
• Olan has kicked the pacifier! Never at night anymore, and only on a rare occasion during nap does he use “beeeenky” to calm himself. I’m proudly relieved. I thought this would be much more of a struggle than it was. Thank you JESUS.
• Olan’s love language is “teeckles” [tickles]. That boy loves quality time and physical touch. I find myself frequently being pulled down to the ground, followed by a “Mommy play!”
• He loves being cozy in blankets and pillows, and he loves bedtime cuddles. He becomes the freaking sweetest boy at bedtime. He’ll go and say night-night to Evie and then sometimes he’ll try to sing our “Moon, moon, moon” song. He loves to be rocked while we sing, and when I lay him in his crib, he flips over on his belly and giggles when I cover him with his blanket. He’ll blow a kiss and say “love you, sweet dreams, good night.” Can you imagine how melty my heart is? It’s just the most adorable thing ever. This is real life, people. These are moments when I think I’ve arrived as a parent. LOL. I soon snap back into reality when he clobbers me in the face because I wouldn’t let him eat an entire carton of blueberries minutes before dinner is served.
• Olan is a gearhead. He’s a sports nut. He’s a dancing fool. What is this kid going to be like??
• He loves wearing shoes, or as he calls them, “hoos.” He struggles with the “S” sound still.
• His words have exploded. He says everything now.
• This dude is a dancing machine. He’s got all the right moves. He especially loves “September” by Earth Wind and Fire.
• He just started going up and down stairs like a normal human. Still freaks me out, but he does well!
• Lotion is something Olan enjoys. We’ve been lathering him in calamine lately… those chiggers are terrible this year, and they eat Olan’s soft baby legs to pieces.
• He’s wearing size 3T and sleeps from 8:00pm-6:30am with a 2.5+ hour nap.
• Olan has begun praying on his own at the dinner table. I love his little “A-MEN!” Although no one will probably ever see him pray, because he gets shy around other people and freezes up. He’s my little introvert. He hangs back when new people are around, but he’ll quickly warm up to guests. He’s just not so sure at first. So different than Evie in this way!
• Olie’s little run is still so wobbly. He gallops like a champ, and sticks his hands out to his sides while he high-knee runs around, hoping someone will chase him. I could gobble that kid up. Om.

We are so proud of the new and wonderful things our little guy is doing! Happiest of birthdays to you, Olan! Our love for you is boundless, buddy!