Playtime

The Olimonster relishes his playtime, and he has been getting very creative about what that entails. He has a great imagination and loves to pretend he's a car, kangaroo, frog, kitten, bird, plane, puppy or dinosaur on occasions. Here he is involving himself in some interesting playtime pursuits, showcasing his creativity, imagination and sense of fun.

Little drummer boy showing off his musical ability.

Drumming is serious stuff...
The artist at work. He's very fond of spots and swirls.
Very happy with his work, but not quite finished.
It needs some black spots too.

Another masterpiece almost done :)

Somebody has hijacked Mummy's scarf...

At the library for 'Shake Rattle and Rhyme' with Dad.

The little man sitting (very) happily atop Dad's shoulders.

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Funny faces

Oli has recently started to practice pulling funny faces, mostly in front of the mirror, but sometimes in front of the camera, too. Here are a few of him clowning around, and a couple of bonus shots from our last visit to the library.

Perhaps not as fun as the park, but the library is a still a fantastic alternative in winter time. I've never heard the Olimonster complain about going to the library...

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Back due to popular demand...again

It seems that some of you cannot get enough of the Olimonster, so I thought I would post a nice little smorgasbord of random Oli pictures. First we have Oli watching 'Happy Feet' with his little penguin buddy, followed by the rise and fall of a VERY ambitious tower, then Oli and good friend Pippy playing together, and, finally, the little man after a bath, grooming himself in front of the mirror...

Giving himself a cheeky smile :)

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Time for Dessert

As most of you would know, the Olimonster doesn't get many sweet treats. He loves his fruit and is partial to the occasional muffin, but has only tasted chocolate a handful of times, and they have been very small tastes. Recently, we decided to relent a little; so without further ado, here is Oli Vs. Chocolate mousse.

(Much later, after a bath) Oli poses with his Dinosaur from Great-Gran.

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Growing up quickly!

Hey there, Oli fans :)
The little man is not so little these days, as he has already grown another inch in the four months since his birthday! Not only that, but he can count to ten with hardly any help at all, and is very keen on singing the alphabet song, chiming in with 'H, I, J' when we sing it together. So, to celebrate his inner and outer growth, here are a few pictures we have taken lately that I think show just how quickly he is growing...

Showing off one of his dazzling creations; reluctantly at first...

There's that smile we all know and love!

Looking more relaxed now, big grin, showing off his impossible creation.

Reading one of his favourites: the Baby Touch Playbook. (Thanks Nana).

Showing off his new *Size 3* Pj's...(Thanks Grandma & Grandad.)

Our model wears 'Bart Simpson' Pyjama's. (Attitude and steely gaze: Models own.)

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Update...

I just wanted to let everyone know what the Olimonster has been up to lately, considering it's been nearly a month since my last post.

We've been going on a lot of outings lately, to the park and the library, as well as daily walks around the block to look for new and interesting stones to add to Oli's growing collection.
He had his first ever picnic lunch the other day - on a bench in the big adventure playground. The weather wasn't the best, but we didn't let the rain ruin our fun; we sat undercover with the barbecues and ate our sandwiches until the rain stopped.

We visit the library at least once a week, and he has an opportunity to run around and look at books and play with the other kids. He's a bit brash, but most kids have been fairly accepting of his insistence to read with them or join in their games. We borrow a lot of books and DVD's, we practically have to go back once a week because he wants to read each book every night before he goes to bed, and mummy needs a bit of variety.

Yesterday we went to see Eva at her new job at the cafe. Oli tried a babychino (ie cup full of foam) and played with some Lego.

He's definitely learning social skills and using them to win the heart of every shop keeper in the Market. (And score free grapes from some of them). His vocabulary is coming along nicely, and he can put two or three words together quite easily now. His favourites are 'Abby's Flying School' and 'Soccer Ball'.

And now, because I know it's what you're here to see, here are a few pictures of the young monster at play...

This is a boat, apparently. The coolest boat I've ever seen.

The mast is looking a little wobbly.

It's all in the expression of the demolitions expert: he's serious when it comes to destruction.

One last look at that face; until next time...

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Newest member of the Oli entourage

Since the loss of Melbourne Bear, there has been considerable shuffling of the toys at bedtime. Caterpillar was popular around the time Melbourne Bear disappeared, so I think he has been discarded due to association. We tried a couple of bears (along with long-time companion, Turtle) to see if they'd stick, and, although he is fond of Pooh Bear and Girl Bear, neither seem to be...right.
This week, I've started to see a new face in the entourage; Pippy. Pippy is a toy made lovingly by hand, especially for Oli, for his second birthday (by someone he calls 'Sona'). I've managed to snap a few pictures of Oli enjoying Pippy's company...

Getting animated while reading with his new friend

Chuckling together about the antics of 'The Cat in the Hat'

Oli, Pippy and Girl Bear at Bedtime

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