"NO"

Yes, that's Oliver's new word. He just started saying it yesterday, but so far I don't think he understands exactly how or where to apply it in life. It's only a matter of time before he begins telling me whether or not he'll obey, instead of just physically defying me (which he is in the habit of doing). He's been quite the stinker - looking at me after I tell him 'no' (irony?), and doing whatever it was that he got in trouble for with so much rebellion in his face. Perhaps I'm being a little extreme. My one year old may not be rebellious, but when he shoots me that look of ' what ya gonna do about it?' I'm quickly brought back to reality. My child is not the cherub he pretends to be, but a descendant of Adam - which makes him heir to natural sin. I'm always annoyed by moms who act like their child can do no wrong. Like when their kid pushes another over, they go to the other person's innocent child and accuse them. Though I can feel myself doing that, or at least considering it, it's denial. I want to believe that little Olive is an angel. -My son is the perfect kid we've all been waiting for!- But even now, as he cries in the background wanting me to help him down the stairs (which he can maneuver just fine on his own but simply needs me to stop doing what I'm doing), I'm hit with the truth: no body's perfect, including my precious baby. He's making that quite clear.
In other news, Oliver got new sippy cups. He is so proud of himself, carrying his cup of water around like it's a prize. Oh the simple joys in life.
Also, backtracking to a post where I quoted 'Sheep in a Jeep' - I credited Margot Apple with the writing, but she's the illustrator (the pictures are amazing). Nancy Shaw wrote the beloved book. Way to go ladies.