Snelly Baby

18 Months +.....

2007-04-24T20:10:00.000+08:00

Ollie has been keeping himself very busy since his last update...you know how it is, things to do, people to see!

We took him to Ocean Park for the first time. He was a little bewildered to begin with...but not anymore. He loves the merry-go-round and cable cars and proved he was a local by giving his all at a bird show, with his 'wah's' and feverish clapping.

In between the rain we've managed a few swims in the past few weeks....preparing for the summer. He's now in arm bands, being too big for a floaty, but that doesn't seem to have stumped his enthusiasm for water!

He has had his first haircut, courtesy of Mummy. Just a few bits here and there that needed trimming....there still isn't that much to work with so we've been trying a few new doos.

The stable clubs here had an equestrian event down at Happy Valley and Ollie managed to get up close with a miniature pony, which he thought was wonderful. He spent so long telling the pony to look at the camera that he forgot to do it himself!

And finally, not to be forgotten, Tiggy has now likened herself to a farm animal, camping out in Ollie's little farm house. I'm sure you can imagine how delighted he was to find this surprise in there when he opened the door!!

Growing up fast....

2007-03-05T19:24:00.000+08:00

Ollie is now approaching 17 months of age....going on 4! He's really learning to communicate and pieces together all the words he knows to try and get his point across.

We went to Hong Kong Park with his friend Daisy last week, where Ollie took great pleasure in telling Daisy everything there is to know about the turtles and fish in the pond. Whatever they were talking about kept them entertained for what felt like hours!

Ollie is now attending Drivers Ed. and taking a special course that enables you to drive cars, trains, butts (buses) and tractors. In his spare time (when he's not driving of course) he likes to sit quietly and read, and given the chance will read every single book he owns.

Fashion has also become quite a hit with Ollie (certainly doesn't get this from either of his parents)! Between the headdress and the shades, it won't be long before we see him strutting his stuff down the catwalk I'm sure!

Fifteen Months

2007-01-20T17:56:00.000+08:00

Ollie has reached 15 months and is doing really well, still growing like there's no tomorrow and now running everywhere. He talks non-stop and has developed an extensive vocabulary already.

After 6 months of dormancy his teeth are suddenly sprouting up in a group of 6, one for every month missed since the last one! Not surprising really that we've been feeling a little.....'sensitive' these past couple of days.

He is still as cheeky as ever and coming up with new and inventive ways of playing with his toys every day. His favourite at the moment being all forms of transport including cars, trucks, trains and horses?!.....and in case Tiggy feels left out, Ollie likes to ensure she knows she plays a highly important role in all of his games.

We have just been visited by Mummy's best friend Meg Trimble (from her earlier years) who she hasn't seen in about 19 years! Ollie thoroughly enjoyed entertaining Meg, impressing her with his bed bouncing moves. Things have obviously changed a fair bit since we were last in touch! :)

Happy New Year

2007-01-04T21:28:00.000+08:00

Here we are again, ready to carry on from where we left things in 2006. We all had a wonderful Christmas in the UK with the family and Ollie thoroughly enjoyed seeing Grandma & Grandpa again and of course meeting his other Aunt, Uncle and cousins for the first time. We were extremely lucky with the travelling and were very kindly upgraded to Business Class in both directions...if only Ollie knew what that really means to us Cattle Class travellers!

Whilst in England Ollie went for his first taste of fish and chips in Padstow to Rick Steins fish and chip shop, which he thoroughly enjoyed. We also took him to a Donkey Sanctuary where he had a run-in with a goat who stole and ate his carrot (which was actually meant for the goat, but never mind). We did a few walks around the golf course, well we walked he sat on Daddy's shoulders. We also went to Mount Edgecombe where Ollie got the chance to feed lots of ducks some bread. I say got the chance because he never actually fed any ducks, just himself!

Ollie had a wonderful time with his cousins and really enjoyed the extra attention. He picked up lots of new words while we were away and an obsession with lights?!

We arrived home on New Year's Eve and for Ollie it was just like Christmas all over again when he came in and saw his bedroom with all his toys in it.

It's Christmas time!

2006-12-09T14:29:00.000+08:00

Well it's almost the end of another year. Oliver has just turned 14 months and is on his way to the UK (for the first time) for Christmas, to see Grandma and Grandpa and meet the Maltese side of the family, also for the very first time. Aunty Kirste, Uncle Chris and his 3 cousins, Robert, Andrew and Mikey. Although he may not know it yet, we think he's going to love every minute of it!

For Christmas, apart from meeting some more of his family members apparently the only other thing he wants for Christmas is a....um.....box! Who needs all these flashy toys when you can have an amazing, brown, cardboard box. What child can live without one?!

This will be our last post for 2006, so before we go we'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. See you in 2007.

Winter's on the way

2006-12-09T14:21:00.000+08:00

With Winter (well our version of one anyway) just around the corner we've started to get the winter woollies out.

Luckily Grandma and Grandpa kindly bought Ollie some winter pj's on their last visit, because he didn't fit into any of the other ones we had for him!

The Chinese pj's, although adorable, were promptly removed after this photo was taken as he could barely move.

It's time for shoes....

2006-12-09T13:58:00.000+08:00

Oliver took those first hesitant steps just before his birthday and got his first pair of shoes not long after. With feet the size of his 'baby' shoes were out of the question. He went straight into a UK children's size 5!

Since then a whole new and exciting world has opened up for him, but it didn't come easy. We've had many tears, bumps and bruises on the way. Despite all that I think it's safe to say that Ollie would consider it all worthwhile.

Let's just hope he doesn't end up with feet like his father's!!

Onedeful Ollie

2006-10-16T19:58:00.000+08:00

Oliver has passed the first year milestone. Grandma and Grandpa came all the way from the UK to party, and we were also joined by Nanna & Grandad and Uncle Matt and Auntie Meg for some videos, drinks and food including loads of Nemo cake - it was a shame to eat Nemo (well done Mummy - yet another talent revealed), but it sure did taste good. As expected Ollie was inundated with presents, thanks to everyone who sent cards and gifts - we need a bigger place now!!!

We went for Ollie's one year check up and he is still VERY healthy! 82 cm or 2'8" in height and *ahem* 13.5kgs or 30lbs.... yes we are carrying two of the heaviest available bowling balls in one arm. Who needs the gym anyway!

We got a little present of our own a couple of days before Ollie's birthday... HIS FIRST STEPS... it started with 2 then 8 and then back to 2 after the birthday food! A week later he is slowly gaining confidence to let go and take a few more steps... and we are working on our reaction times!!!

What a great year it was for us a family... to see this "little" wonder develop from such a helpless baby into a walking, talking little boy! He is clearly understanding and saying words now - Mum, Mahmah and Mummy and Dad, Dahdah and Daddy are very clear and at times very loud. He "Vrooms" when he pushes his truck around and every time he sees a picture of a cow (including the one on my juice cup this morning) he lets out a big MOOOOOOOOOO! He is trying other words too, the cat is DAT and ball is GOR. He also waves and smiles at everyone - the little attention seeker he is - today we were in the car at a stop light and suddenly noticed LITTLE MISTER was sitting up in his carseat smiling and waving - he was getting the attention of an elderly lady on a bus in the next lane, it looked like it made her day from her smile.

Here's to another fun filled year (and loads more to follow) with lots more surprises in store for us as parents. Keep watching this space for more updates.

Ollie at the Playground

2006-09-09T12:13:00.000+08:00

We took Ollie to the playground for the first time this week. After a couple of pushes on the swings he seemed to enjoy himself and the initial tears of fear dried up quickly. His favourite part was his ride on the horse, which was probably due to the hours of practise jumping up and down on Mum and Dad's knees at home. There are a few things that he is still too small to use, but the touch and feel alphabet, mirror and big slide were tested and approved (sorry about Daddy spoiling some of the pictures)!

Ollie has now passed the 11 month landmark, just a month to go until the big day. Party plans are already underway including a freezer full of homemade cakes and UK based grandparents packing their bags for a surprise visit. He'll be going for his one year check-up soon, so will report back with progress, but the vital statistics are guaranteed not to be on the small side!

The stand-up comedian

2006-08-28T20:32:00.000+08:00

Oliver spends most of the day standing now, even watching his favourite videos he constantly pulls himself up on the sofa to watch from a different angle. Although still requiring support, today we managed to get him to balance standing on his own for approximately 2 seconds. In preparation for Ollie's first steps, some adjustments are being made to the flat to ensure it's child-proof.

Oliver is a happy chappie, and is caught giggling to himself several times a day. Rather than terrorising the cat through physical intimidation, Ollie is often seen less than a foot away from a frightened Tiggy, with a finger pointing in her direction combined with a wicked cackle.

Bali Ollie

2006-08-16T21:47:00.000+08:00

We recently took Ollie on his first holiday overseas to the wonderful island of Bali. Ollie really enjoyed himself and loved the warm spirit of the Balinese people. He's now got a Balinese name, Wayan Sin Kenken (First Born Son No Worries). Check out a few of the holiday snaps:

Summer style

2006-07-13T21:15:00.000+08:00

Today was the hottest day of the year so far in Hong Kong, Ollie had some chill down time at the pool. He's now fitting into his surf wear that Daddy bought in NY, and now he thinks he's seriously cool. He's also trying to learn how to tell the time, as yet again he has pinched his Mummy's watch, something he's been fascinated by since he was very young.

Jaws

2006-07-12T13:57:00.000+08:00

The teeth keep coming... after Ollie hit 9 months old at the end of last week, we discovered teeth numbers 7 and 8 are coming through.

Musical chairs

2006-07-06T22:39:00.000+08:00

Ollie sits up for hours without any problems now. He's rolling around less, in favour of shifting in circles on his bottom. We're still waiting for him to start crawling, although he's now discovered the joys of standing with support, regularly reaching out for Mummy's arms and lifting himself up into a standing position. Maybe he'll end up just skipping the crawling part.

Ollie has grown tired of his pushchair, but will willingly sit in any "big-person's" chair.

Just like Daddy

2006-07-06T22:14:00.000+08:00

The results of our poll are in... after Mummy took a clear lead in the initial stages of voting, there was a last minute surge of votes for Daddy. What were the factors in this dramatic shift? Well it appears that Ollie's Great Grandad wanted to influence the vote by bringing an old black & white photo from circa 1976 to Hong Kong from his loft in Wales. It was later discovered that infact the photo was of Ollie's Daddy and the resemblence managed to swing the vote to 60:40 in Daddy's favour.

Ruskie Ollie

2006-06-27T21:32:00.000+08:00

Thanks Grandpa!! Ollie's Grandpa kindly sent over some Farley's rusks from the UK, which he absolutely loves (fortunately we found a supplier in Hong Kong to keep up the daily habit). It guarantees 10 mins of quiet time, but results in a half an hour clean up operation!

Does Ollie like playgroup?

2006-05-29T17:15:00.000+08:00

We'll leave you to make the decision!! All this smiling gets very tiring.

Ollie's hobbies

2006-05-14T23:55:00.000+08:00

Oliver is starting to develop some favourite hobbies. Music and football appear to be at the top of the list. Seen here listening to Mozart, Ollie has a broad taste in music from Enya to Metallica. So far he's played the piano, electric guitar (to be exact - he grabbed the strings on his dad's new guitar for the first and last time) and djembe.

One of his favourite toys continues to be his size 2. Often confusing the football with the djembe, Ollie has been caught drumming some tribal rhythms on the ball. An England kit arrived in the post this week, so Ollie will be getting ready for the World Cup over the next few weeks.

Up, up and away

2006-04-23T12:26:00.000+08:00

This week we've been putting pressure on Ollie to show us he can sit up - and we have success. He's lasting a little while sitting up unaided, but notice the cushion behind him as he quickly slips into lazy mode and flops backwards!

After going on a nice but very hot Sunday morning walk on Bowen Road (which Ollie slept 80% of the way), we came home to feed Ollie who insisted he can now do it by himself.

Baby, what baby?

2006-04-23T12:21:00.000+08:00

We are beginning to notice just how quickly our little baby is growing up, he's definitely becoming our little boy now. Guess we'll need to plan another visit to the kiddies clothes shops very soon.

Mummy or Daddy

2006-04-23T12:15:00.000+08:00

See any resemblence yet? Mummy's winning the vote thus far.

Half year approaches

2006-04-05T22:02:00.000+08:00

This Friday Oliver hits the six month milestone, where did the time go? He's grown up so fast he is officially above the suggested weight for his bouncy chair, unfortunately he's still too small for his high chair. Guess he'll just have to lounge out on the sofa for a little while longer.

If you look carefully in the second picture, you can see Oliver's first two teeth that first appeared about six weeks ago.

Roly Ollie

2006-04-05T21:54:00.000+08:00

After flipping over once about a month ago, Oliver has now started to flip onto his front all the time. He seems to really enjoy seeing the world from a different perspective. Next step is to learn to flip back over... once his neck tires we find him face down crying for help to be put on his back.

The Observer

2006-03-20T22:50:00.000+08:00

Oliver has over the past week really started to notice everything around him. Toys that were put away after being met with limited interest previously have suddenly become the best thing since sliced bread.

The little one is ready to lose his nickname, as now he's just reached 5½ months and is growing at a phenomenal rate! He’s now 2ft 4” and 20lbs (9kg). His Uncle Al has appropriately named him HERCULES, which even his doctor agreed was a fair assessment.

More updates soon!

Ollie the Octopus

2006-03-20T22:40:00.000+08:00

Ollie, aka Splasher, is now getting full use of his arms. This is most evident when he has his evening bath - soaking himself and his poor Mum.

We are having to be particularly careful when going to the shops as somebody's stray hands are reaching out for everything in sight. We fear setting off security alarms when leaving.

Welcome back

2006-03-19T22:32:00.000+08:00

We're back online. Eveything's been a bit upside down recently. Ollie's Dad has been globetrotting again, and Ollie had been suffering tummy troubles for a wee while.

However, everything is getting back to normal now, Dad has returned to give Mum a helping hand, Ollie has changed formula and is feeling much better. After moving onto his first solids, Ollie loves carrot and banana the most so far. He is also back to sleeping through the night from 7pm-7am... if only he would learn to sleep the right way round in his cot.

Tottenham 3 - 1 Charlton

2006-02-06T21:29:00.000+08:00

Jermain Defoe boosted Tottenham's claims for a Champions League spot with a brace against former club Charlton.

The striker fired a deflected shot past Thomas Myhre in the 14th minute before Spurs added another when Jermaine Jenas ran through to net before half-time.

Defoe, hoping to impress the watching England assistant boss Tord Grip, latched onto Tom Huddlestone's pass to make it three shortly after the break.
Jerome Thomas fired a consolation for Charlton with 20 minutes remaining.

Midfield dynamo Edgar "Pitbull" Davids remains out injured with a broken fibula, however he is expected to make himself available for the next game away to Sunderland despite the injury.

Kung Hei Fat Choi

2006-02-05T19:03:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year, best wishes for the Doggy year. Oliver has been able to see lots of his Daddy with the holidays coming so soon after Christmas. He's also got Grandpa and Grandma visiting from Cornwall at the moment, and is very happy (apart from when he's hungry!) especially with his new bouncy swing thingy.

Oliver will be visiting the doctor this week for his 4 month checkup, and we'll report back with news next week. However, we're pretty sure he'll be off the charts again as he's already threatening to grow out of the 6-9 month clothes!

Ollie New Year

2006-01-02T16:07:00.000+08:00

Oliver enjoyed his first Christmas, the combination of fine Hong Kong weather, many lovely presents from around the world and the visit of many family members made for a perfect day. Nanna prepared a fabulous meal for everyone, and Oliver was able to meet Uncles Matt and Alec and Auntie Jean for the first time. Oliver's GG (great-grandad) was also in town for the holiday season. Thanks for all the lovely presents... so many pressies, so little awake time to enjoy them.

Oliver would like to wish everybody all the best for 2006!

Waiting for Christmas

2005-12-22T22:20:00.000+08:00

Ollie has been waiting patiently for Santa Claus... having been such a good boy, we're sure Santa will be particularly generous!

Ollie hits two

2005-12-08T20:03:00.000+08:00

Oliver has just passed the two month milestone. His parents are so proud! Our little cutie has given us the best possible early Christmas present - five nights of uninterrupted sleep! We're talking about 11pm until 7am, and even when he wakes up he just lays in bed talking to his toys.

The dreaded return to the doctor for his check-up and innoculations turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience for 'little' Ollie. He now weighs in at 6.5kg (14lbs 5oz) and has reached 2'1" tall... 'slightly' on the large side for a boy of his age! Ollie had a major 5-in-1 injection, with Dr Chan fearing the worst, only to be greeted with giggles and smiles through the whole process. Big and without fear of pain, Dr Chan predicted he'll be a rugby player.

Little Tigger

2005-12-06T19:54:00.000+08:00

Daddy bought Oliver a Tigger dressing gown on his recent trip to the US. It's keeping him nice and warm now the weather has turned a lot cooler in Hong Kong. Thanks to Auntie Sal for the cute blue teddy... his little sleeping buddy!

The land of smiles

2005-11-28T10:04:00.000+08:00

Hitting the bottle

2005-11-20T02:52:00.000+08:00

Ollie has made a breakthrough, he is now supporting his bottle while being fed. Daddy's had to lock up his beers just in case.

Oh Happy Day

2005-11-19T02:42:00.000+08:00

Daddy returned from a round the world business trip to find his 'little' boy had been caught on camera several times smiling while sleeping. What is he dreaming about?

Super Size Me

2005-11-08T19:48:00.000+08:00

Oliver reached the one month milestone yesterday... he's growing fast. Now weighing in at an incredible 11lbs 2oz, Oliver has gained 2.5lbs since birth. Oliver has also grown 5.5cm (over 2") already and is approaching 2 foot tall!! According to his doctor, Oliver is currently feeding at the rate of a 4-month old.

Oliver has had fun recently with the visit of Grandpa and Grandma from the UK. He's had his first visit to Lamma Island which included his first open-air ride on a fast-ferry (he slept the whole way and through lunch), he's also been to the peak a few times and been out for afternoon tea!

This weekend Oliver may get the opportunity to watch his daddy playing football for the Revolution FC, with the possibility of a cameo role given the attendance record of his daddy's teammates (his footie boots will be packed in the car just in case).

Ollie on the derby

2005-11-01T21:31:00.000+08:00

Especially for his daddy's birthday, Oliver wore his Tiny Tottenham fan outfit (thanks Stewart and Amy!) ready for the North London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal. When asked about the game, Oliver said "We dominated the first half, but going in at half-time just one-nil up was always going to be a concern. If only Jenas had reached the Defoe cross before half-time, we may have seen the mighty Spurs come away with a memorable victory".

The picture was obviously taken at half-time.

Ollie loves elephants

2005-10-31T21:26:00.000+08:00

Like his mum, Oliver's favourite animal appears to be the elephant. He has Hathi the elephant from The Jungle Book on his bedroom door, and was fascinated by the Thai silk elephant pictured.

Ollie on the weekend

2005-10-23T11:50:00.000+08:00

Sleeping Ollie

2005-10-21T09:56:00.000+08:00

Oliver is now a fortnight old. He is growing up quickly and also got a "very healthy baby" rating by his pediatrician at a recent check-up. Some days are better than others but overall he's a good sleeper.

Footie Ollie

2005-10-19T20:43:00.000+08:00

Oliver is already showing promise as a budding footballer, well at least he looks the part in his smashing new silver football boots. Thanks to Uncle Aaron and Aunty Anna for the fabulous present. He already has a football kit... watch this space for Footie Ollie part 2 once he grows into it.

Smiling Ollie

2005-10-16T18:10:00.000+08:00

At 9 days old Oliver gave us the widest smile yet. A lovely sight to brighten up a murky Sunday in Hong Kong.

Clean Ollie

2005-10-14T15:52:00.000+08:00

Oliver loves bath time, so much so it puts him to sleep. The little one had a good night's rest with 4 hrs, then 3 hrs and a final 3 hr session... Mummy and Daddy even managed to arise before Ollie did. We would love for this to continue!

Ollie on the Ocean

2005-10-13T17:21:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, Oliver had a few kips on his underwater-themed playmat - thanks to "Uncle" Herman for the great present.

Ollie loves lamb

2005-10-13T16:15:00.000+08:00

Today Oliver tried out his Lavender Lamb activity playmat (kindly bought by the Snelly grandparents)... not much playing, but we think it got a two thumbs up!

Ollie's Home

2005-10-12T16:16:00.000+08:00

Mum and Oliver arrived back home yesterday afternoon, long first night for everyone. However Oliver is finding the joy of naps again today, please let this continue through the night!!

Tiggy the cat is very cautious about the new arrival!

Oliver Samuel Snelgrove

2005-10-07T08:55:00.000+08:00

Born at the Canossa Hospital, Hong Kong. Weighing 4.02kg, or 8lbs 14 oz. Mum and baby doing well.

Just over two weeks to go

2005-09-22T12:40:00.000+08:00