just be...m[E]

Mr. Owen...

So, for the past two days Mr. Owen has decided to scream and run away from me (no joke) when I arrive to pick him up at school. Yep, he literally puts his cute little hand up and says NO! I know in my head that this is a good thing. It shows how much he enjoys playing with this friends, and of course all of the snacking and paper crafts just add to the fun (that's my boy). But, in my heart I want him to run TO me...not away! Such a silly boy lately. One who fills my heart with more joy than I could ever imagine. I know this is just another stage of parenting, and one that will be surpassed by the arriving "terrible twos!" Thanks to the doctor we are now aware that this begins in the "second year of life," and not necessarily after he turns two. Nice. Why didn't I ever think of it this way? Looking forward to fun times ahead...and hoping to have the patience and strength to be the best mom I can be.

Thanks Mr. Owen...you are so loved!

Oh bloggity blog...I've missed you!

Yes, it's true..I miss being able to clear my head this way! As I've mentioned before, I always have things I want to say in my head, but when Owen goes to bed I basically just clean up and crash. So, my new goal for the summer is to blog at least once per week...we'll see how it goes.

Anyway, we've had a great 9 days of summer break thus far. Owen and I have played outside in his pool (gotta love the $4.00 inflatable) and picnic table (that serves as a water table), and have spent lots of time walking up and down the street in his "car." You'd think that with all of the walking I would be back in my pre-baby jeans...but it is still not the case. Although I can get them on, it's just the sitting down and breathing that may be a problem! Oh well, things could be worse, I know! We've even had some visits from Grandma on her way to work at Comair. Of course Owen LOVES it when she walks him in the car...and Brian and I LOVE the banana bread that keeps appearing! Although now that I think of it, it is probably part of my jeans problem! This week Owen also got to experience swimming in a "real pool" with Susan, Lyndsay and our dear friend Beth (or Auntie Beth as we call her). He wasn't sure at first, but then fell in love with standing on the top step and playing with Lyndsay's tea cups. Too cute! I'm not sure if I've uploaded those photos or not (shocker), but will share soon. The rest of this week we've spent inside thanks to the rain playing with Owen's favorite things...a dog ball (good thing Uno never really liked it) and a balloon (which he calls "a ball" just like every other round object. The teacher is me is excited though...good generalization going on there!). Not sure why we have a house full of toys, since the boy is obsessed with balls. Yes, it does sound bad, but hey, it's true! He is also walking up a storm too...and gaining more confidence too. It's fun to see him gain independence, but I already miss my baby! These past 13 months have gone way too fast!

OK, I feel like I just rambled on and on...but I'm enjoying being "back." I didn't even get to the termite or rhinoplasty topics yet, but I have to save something for later...right! Anyway, here are some photos of the little O. Enjoy!

The infamous "O face"...all because he wanted his favorite snack...graham crackers!

O's favorite things...Thanks to the Hartman's for letting us borrow the car!

Trying to get some one year photos...Owen was NOT having it! And, his other "comfort" item...a sock (or 2 if available). This started when it got hot, and I'd take his shoes and socks off in the car when I picked him up at "school." The first day I did it I looked back, and he was holding both socks, while smelling one of them. It was so funny, and has stuck. Now he carries around socks...clean ones...all the time. I've even caught him getting them out of his dirty laundry pile (since the basket it always full of clean clothes) and crawling away with them. Silly boy...

Off to get ready for bed and chill. I've been trying to read more (or create), and have a big stack of magazines to catch up on...so, off to it.

Miss and love you all...lots!
peace.

hello old friend...

Wow! I feel kind of sad for the old blog...as it's been so long that I've written! I couldn't even remember my password to log in...that's a bad sign. Anyway, I finally uploaded photos from Owen's first birthday! I have lots to say on that, but wanted to share a quick photo. As most of you know he spent the weekend with Roseola (you'll notice the red face), but was able to perk up for a short time to eat a bite of icing (literally, just one bite). So, since time is limited (I bet you can guess why), enjoy Mr. Owen on his special day.

Happy First Birthday Owen!

OK, so I had share this adorable photo of Miss Emma!
Look at her tongue...it cracks me up!

Off to bathe O and then to bed. I'm exhausted! Have I mentioned that I am ready for summer break!
Miss and love you all.
peace.

9 months...

Yes, I am a day late since O turned 9 months yesterday, but he didn't want to cooperate and nap so I could post. Anyway, my little boy is 9 months. It really hit me as he crawled all over the place today, how fast time really is going. It's sad that it is hard to remember how little he was at birth (5.3 pounds), especially since he is close to 20 pounds (if not more). He is so busy, crawling like a champ, and is determined to pull himself up on everything! (Hence the sleep problem...he would rather practice trying to pull up on the side of the crib.) Although he still needs our help to pull up, he LOVES to stand and hold onto everything without help once he is up and has a tight grip. Another thing he loves...food! His favorites include all fruits (even the prunes which isn't fun for us), and he really loves squash. Owen is currently eating about 7 times per day, averaging 4-5 6 oz bottles, between feedings of fruit, oatmeal cereal, veggie blends (we love these from Earth's Best), and dinners. It is fun watching his face as he tries new foods, and I really hope his love of all fruits and veggies stays!

So, as you could guess, we are loving being parents to our sweet (yet very strong-willed) little O. I spent all day yesterday thinking about the day/night Owen came into our lives, and how I'd re-live each moment (even the hard parts) over again just to have him with us. He has brought so much to our lives than I imagined possible. More laughter, more joy, more tears (of joy and sadness as he is growing too fast for me), more pride, more heart, and more love to us, and in turn as made Brian and I much stronger, as not only a couple but now as a family. Thank you sweet Owen. We cherish you now and always. Happy 9 months little boy. You are loved more than you'll ever know...

(How could I post this without a photo...or 2...or more.  Enjoy!)

(O proudly standing in his crib (yes, in Thanksgiving pj's...and chillin' in his cute robe!)

(Crawling...slow but sure for the first time.)

Lots of love...
peace.

Owen's School Picture

O had his school picture (re)taken (long story) a few weeks ago. We didn't know the day he had them taken that he was going to have them taken.... never-the-less, they turned out well (of course!). Here is just one of the poses.

little cutie...

Just stopping by to say hello, and post a quick photo of our little cutie. I guess I should say big cutie, since he is acting bigger each day. As mentioned his favorite activity includes the stand up-sit down game, but he also wants to walk when we hold his hands. Of course we are holding him as he has no balance, but his little feet are going non-stop. He is playing in his Baby Einstein activity center right beside me, and is trying to make it move like the ones he is used to at school. Keep trying Buddy, you're not going anywhere in this stationary toy! Such a good pajama kind of day. I've loved being home with my 2 boys this weekend!

Without further ado...Mr. Owen.


O's first taste of green beans, playing, and really wanting Daddy's pancakes this morning!

Off to get things ready for Brian's big day. We are traveling to Columbus tomorrow for his "swearing in" ceremony. Looking forward to it, but not being on the road at 7:00 with a tired little one.

**On a side note: Happy Belated Birthday to my brother Dave! I did think about you on Friday, but was unable to write since O has been very sick. Hope you had a great birthday! We love you!

miss you all..
peace.

i'm still here...

First, THANK YOU Brian for uploading lots of photos, and for posting in my "absence." I really do appreciate it! Second, YES I am still around...but have been slacking when it comes to blogging lately. I can't believe it is November. October was full of family visits that included both happy and sad times, which made it really go by fast. I'm struggling as each month goes by, and Mr. Owen gets bigger and bigger. My baby is really not a baby anymore. I know any mom understands exactly what I mean. Ugh! At the moment his all time favorite thing is what we call the "stand up-sit down game." Yep, just as it sounds. We're having a hard time practicing sitting alone (althoug he is doing quite well) because each time we are holding his hands he feels the need to stand up. It's a constant and fun game, with the reward being lots of chew time on whomever is holding him. He thinks everything is tasty at the moment (except for his amoxicillin for his bad ear infection), especially freshly lotioned hands. (Crazy that Uno agrees!) So, we're doing OK. Just hanging in there and taking in each new "trick" Mr. O decides to show us. What an amazing journey, and we're loving being parents to a 6 month old!

So, I'll just update with a few photos....of course of cutie O, etc.
 
(Us with Aunt Mel during their visit...O will his new favorite toy...and Uno)

(O's first stroller ride forward & w/o carseat...Ty & Auntie Ronda while visiting)

Well, off to wash bottles and prepare for Friday! I'm so glad the weekend is finally here...and to top it off we get a visit from my Mom tomorrow, and Brian is off this weekend! Yipee!

Miss and love you all.
peace.

just a few things...

First, I finally get to show you what I created with the new Bella Blvd products! Please check it out to see how cute Mr. Owen is, as well as the amazing papers and products. You can also learn more about me, but I'm sure my readers already know most of it. Thanks to company owner Miss Stephanie for believing in me. I had an awesome time creating and am proud to be a Bella Artista!

Second, Owen turned 6 months on Saturday! Can you believe it? I'm amazed and so proud to call him my sweet boy. I know I've been promising to share my birth story, and truly hope to do so someday soon. No time right now as I have to take advantage of this short nap time to do laundry (and blog of course!).

And finally, thanks so much to Kelly and Brian for traveling up to visit this past weekend! So glad you had an "excuse" to come by attending a wedding. I've never seen you look more beautiful Mel, and I cannot wait to meet baby Adkins!

Oh no, I think nap time is over! I hear the little one rustling around. Man, that was short! I hope to create a few things soon to share. I've been itching to scrapbook since using the Bella papers! Go check it out...

miss and love you all.
peace.

quick hello...

from this cutie sitting in his high chair for the first time! Isn't he the cutest!


OK, off to Columbus to play photographer for my aunts wedding. Can't wait to see family today!
Have a great weekend!
love you lots.
peace.

mr. owen...

Yeah...the weekend is finally here! I think the weeks get longer as I am still looking at the clock all day just waiting to pick up the little boy. Man, I miss him! So, since the lighting was almost perfect outside last night, I took Mr. Owen out for a little bumbo photo shoot as he turned 20 weeks old yesterday. He is almost perfect with his head, but just needs a bit more practice (and neck stretches). We've been working hard to get his little head tilted the right way, but he is a bit stubborn about it. Silly boy. Hope you enjoy the photos! (Too lazy to edit...right out of the camera) Just click to make larger!



OK, have you seen enough? I think I just went a bit crazy uploading there. But, I have to show just a couple more from just a few minutes ago. We decided to put O in his activity "saucer" to help him practice head control. He looked so cute, and of course I must share. (Promise not to bombard you, just a few!)

Alright, back to laundry and getting ready to grocery shop (the little guy needs food and diapers...yipes!). Also going out for a girls night tonight. Then tomorrow just hanging out with my favorite boys. My kind of weekend.

Hope all is well!
love you lots.
peace.