A Word from Mommy...

Seeing as how this blog is being used for memory-keeping purposes (and will hopefully be made into a book!), here are a few updates from the past few weeks that I hope to remember someday, but am writing here just in case! I realize it's a little long, but these are those everyday memories that I don't want to forget.

1. Food - Little man has really progressed, both in type and consistency. Recently, he's furrowed his brow at turkey and lentils, scarfed down mac 'n cheese from Noodles&Co, eaten grilled chicken pieces like a champ, eaten an entire turkey hot dog, and added carbs in any form to his repertoire. He's now at 4 "meals" a day and loves to use his deft palmar grasp for whatever is in front of him...we definitely see a lot of chipmunk cheeks! Regardless, though, we have still never seen him spit out, throw, or otherwise not eat his food - we experience relatively clean eating!
2. Drinking - Okay, seriously, he acts like there's never enough water. He gets more excited about being given his sippy cup than his food. He's up to around 3 full sippy cups each day. Needless to say, we are now having to double every diaper, otherwise he leaks after about an hour and a half.
3. Growth - Although considered to be short and small according to "the curve" (20% weight and 45% height), he's developed a small pooch, a slight double chin, and round cheeks. He does eat alot!
4. Development - His cruising abilities are definitely increasing thanks to the new second-hand lion walker we got him. He's also beginning to study books more, and is getting into blocks via his wooden train. He can pull up really well now without having to use much leverage. He's still a little unstable on his feet and definitely can't stand without holding onto something. He's also begun realizing that he can open cabinets. He totally loves whenever we open the pantry door or the fridge. We also finally had to move the dogs' bowls out of the kitchen and into the bathroom.
5. Sleeping - His nighttime sleep is great! He generally only wakes up maybe once a night, wants to quickly nurse, and goes back to sleep. In more recent nights, he's only whined out a few times for 5 seconds or so, puts himself back to sleep, and made it through the entire night without needing any help from us. It's bittersweet for me. His daytime sleep, on the other hand, still is hit or miss. Without wanting to jinx anything, we've recently had a couple days have been a bit more consistent - short morning nap around 10, and 1.5-2 hour nap around 1:30 or 2. I never keep my fingers crossed, though. Each developmental milestone brings change in this department anyway!
6. Overall demeanor - Owen is still one of the happiest, easy-going babies (well, not so much baby anymore :( !!). He smiles and laughs alot, even when he's sitting by himself. Even the "black screen" in-between songs on the Baby Signing Time video makes him laugh. Anticipation or relief?
7. Favorite things - He loves playing with his sunglasses, grabbing the radio remote to chew on, pulling out whatever is in the office trash, standing up and having a snack on the ottoman, and taking a bath with his stacking cups. But his very favorite thing of anything he "owns" is his lovie (he loves the doggie and the elephant equally as much!). I can't even describe the beauty of watching him hold a corner of it over his face and rubbing it as he sucks his fingers just before going to sleep. Thank you, Angel Dear, for making such beautiful, sweet, super soft lovies! Simply holding one induces him to sleep-mode.

a hard day

i've been sick this week and on thursday, mommy and daddy got sick, too. we all had a stomach virus. daddy was the lucky one since he was the only one that did not throw up. it was a hard day for all of us, but we're starting to feel better, even though today i am running a slight fever. hopefully all will be back to normal tomorrow!

my mommy's day!

mommy, daddy and i all went to the park to celebrate mother's day. we shared some frozen yogurt, spent some time at the playground and hung out on the grass. we had a lot of fun.

the worlds best mommy

sharing with mommy

here i go...

...and here i stop. putting on the brakes.

happy mommy's day!

this is a special mommy's day wish for all the fabulous mommies in my life - my own, lula, my grandmas and greats, and even the mommies of all my friends! i hope each of you enjoyed your wonderful days and felt special and blessed to be the mommy of so many great kiddos (even if they are all grown up!). i love you all.

and here is a special quote mommy asked me to share with you. it really touched her heart and hopes it touches yours, too.

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” ~Elizabeth Stone

gettin' my groove on

friends

i got to play host to my friend eliana while her parents went out on a date. our mommies and daddies are taking turns each month watching each others' kiddos. last week i got to stay with eliana and her parents, today she got to stay with me, mommy and daddy. it makes it easy when we live across the street from each other.

happy birthday grandma!

i'm wearing a shirt that is sure to make my grandma proud on her birthday. happy birthday grandma, i love you and can't wait to see you in a few months.

baby signing time

i love watching my "baby signing time" video. i'm learning all kinds of hand signs to help me communicate with mommy and daddy until i can start saying actual words. mommy usually has music playing around the house, but lets me watch the video during my snack time. it's so much fun.

ready for summer

yesterday, we got to do a little shopping. mommy and daddy found some really great swim trunks and a sun hat for me to use in florida. i can't wait until i get to see all my cousins again. you, too, lula and mo! two more weeks!

cruisin' on my own

stair climbing 101

i have finally discovered where the stairs are and mommy and daddy can't keep me off of them. daddy helps me a little to make sure i don't fall. of course it's always nice to have mommy to climb towards.

hunting for eggs

during my "air time" tonight, mommy and daddy hid easter eggs filled with goodies for me to find. with the help of mommy, daddy and my buddy curious george, i was able to find all of them.

eggs filled with organic puffs

sounds like loose change

curious george found one for me

thanks george. i'll take it from here.

this egg is filled with organic yogurt melts

my first easter

mommy, daddy and i all went to easter service at church this morning, then had a little breakfast at einstein's. once we got home, mommy and daddy gave me my first easter basket. i had a lot of fun checking out all my new toys and books. i hear there may be an easter egg hunt later on, so stay tuned.

my first easter basket

this is going to be fun

my stackable cups

a ducky that moves in the water

more cups

my very own stainless steel sippy cup...
just like the grown-ups!

me and curious george

he says funny stuff

mommy reading to me and curious george

mommy and daddy made easter cake pops...
too bad i can't have any

in memory of

although i will never get to meet the original "gampa"...otherwise known as "papa don" or "don sr"...i have heard many great stories of mommy's grandpa. we decided that this easter as a family, we wanted to remember him in a special way. so, we purchased an easter lily at our church. the lilies were all used to decorate the sanctuary on easter sunday. and there was a special insert in the bulletin listing all those who purchased lilies and who they were in memory or honor of.

the great cloth diaper change

this morning i participated in an event called "the great cloth diaper change". we went there with my buddy ryker and his mommy and daddy. it was a way to celebrate earth day, by joining the north american and international cloth diaper community to set the guinness world record for the most cloth diapers changed simultaneously. daddy even won a prize for being one of 20 people to come closest to guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar. he won an umbrella for my stroller.

enjoying a record setting moment

sucking on our fingers at the same time

it's been a long morning and i'm ready for a nap

smiley pants

happy 9 month birthday!

this picture is a few days late. mommy and daddy had trouble getting a good picture and they wanted to make sure i looked my best.

the art of pulling up

a few things i love to pull up on...mommy, daddy (i peed on daddy in the process), boxes, bannisters, chairs, exercise balls, baskets, changing tables, walls and so much more!