There was an interesting twist to the night time routine tonight. Oliver was particularly cranky when Papi handed him off to me around 7:30. Papi had been reading some of The Kids’ new books to him so we had ½ an hour of quiet time before actual bedtime, and he was not particularly interested in any more books. My singing was not going to help him either. I can’t imagine why my singing has grown old. I only know two songs: My Funny Valentine and Amazing Grace. I have mentioned in previous blogs how I can slow the tempo of the song, or speed it up to keep it interesting. I also mentioned how sometimes I hum a whole verse before singing it again softly. Now I can even seamlessly blend the two songs together in a way never done by any other vocal artist. I amaze myself sometimes.
Alas, my voice and song choice were not enough for young Oliver tonight. He wriggled and squirmed on my lap as I tried to rock him. It was at that instant that I pulled out the heavy artillery. It was time for a back rub. I placed him seated on my lap facing outwards into the room. I started out with a light rub, more of a Swedish massage style. He immediately stopped writhing and crying. As he started to warm to the massage I switched up the technique, imploring more of a Shiatsu/Deep Tissue thing. Oliver was eating it up. He especially liked the deep pressure point technique behind his shoulder blades.
He was putty in my hands at this point. Silent as a lamb he just sat there taking it all in. Occasionally I would do his arms, hands, and then legs and feet. I know how hard he’s been working on walking and lifting things so it must have felt amazing. Eventually his head just fell forward, he let out a fart, and he was asleep sitting up.
I pulled him back in so that he was lying down on my chest and looking up to the ceiling for a moment. Yep he was out cold. I picked him up, stumbled to the crib in the dark, dropped him into bed and covered him up with his favorite blanket. He didn’t even wake up for a second. It was 8 o’clock on the nose.
Hi Joe, I knew that you could handle the situation. Your massages could put anyone to sleep. Don't worry about Oliver not talking yet. He'll talk when he's ready. We taught you how to talk early and then we couldn't shut you up! I can't wait for Oliver to meet Ella. She'll have him doing things that he didn't think was possible. She'll be all over his toys and he'll be watching her like a hawk. Taking it all in. The girls are good eaters too so meal time should be fun. Ella & Tori will get Oliver ready for sisters!!!! Wish I could be there to watch! Soon- Love Grammy
Ahhh, sounds WONDERFUL! Why does Oliver get all the good stuff? :) Keep working at the bedtime routine Joe. You are doing great! Oliver really does need the rest and so do you and Chris :)
I have always thought that Oliver is an "old soul". I believe he has been taking everything in with those big, beautiful eyes and has been storing it for future reference so it doesn't surprise me that he is pulling some of it out now. His brain is a sponge and is at its peak years now. The older he gets, the harder it becomes to learn and retain. Just think about it. He was born such a short time ago and he is already eating "normal" food, walking, running, interacting with all age levels and he is communicating. He understands much of what is being said and is working really hard at being able to teach you to understand his language :) He will have to give up on that because of your advanced age and learn to speak your language :) Wait until he masters the word NO :) You'll get tired of that word and attitude real quick :) Keep up those play dates. I think that will help Oliver in lots of ways.
Dont' be in a hurry Joe. He is moving along just fine. Love to you all!
PS Maybe it is time to learn a new song? :)
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