Robot

Owen has a new fascination with robots.  I think it's thanks to a Sesame Street podcast we have on machines.  Anything can be a robot - his cars, a book, a picture of the Chicago skyline on my shirt.  I wish I had the ability to see into his little brain.  It must be fun.

Yesterday little shell pastas - placed carefully on his finger tip - had the honor of being the daily 'whoa-bots'.  Until they were eaten.  Mac and Cheese flavored robots are the best.

  

40 Weeks - the final pregnancy shot

This is a little late. Just a tad. But we were a little busy after this photo was taken. And I just happen to be working on Jon's computer and noticed them.

So here ya go...the final pregnancy shot.

For Gina

So that next time you check there'll be new pictures up.  :)

The new favorite game: a camouflage jacket allows him to blend seamlessly into the surroundings.   Especially when standing perfectly straight and still in the leaves.

Shopping with the grocery cart.  (Then it turned over in the wind, spilling the contents across the parking lot, and Jon almost got hit by a car while trying to recover the plastic tomato.  The drama!)

The remains of the snow pile out front is patrolled by the local fire truck (fi-uh twuck).  Because fires can start where you least expect them.  Like in snow.

One bald-headed, almond eyed, sweet-cheeked babe.

First Skate

I should let Jon write this post - maybe he'll come back and publish an edited version?

I would say that Jon is a hockey fan...but that'd be putting it mildly.  

So naturally, he has two main sports related goals for our kids:

1. have at least one of them play organized hockey (read: birth an entire playoff-winning team)
2. have all of them comfortable on skates early on (read: birth an entire playoff-winning Mite [8&under] league team)

Owen's second birthday was designated, no, destined  to be the first time he would strap on those glistening foot-rockets.   

But, somehow, Jon and Owen found themselves at a rink 3 whole days before this birthday anniversary.  Disregarding the deadline they threw caution to the wind and rustled up a pair of child size six, double-blade skates.  

Apparently, Owen loved it.  I missed the milestone - but it might be for the best.  There are some lessons that need to be taught by someone with a deep passion for the subject, an innate ability to transfer knowledge, the God-given grace to break down the skill components in such a way that a 1.99 year-old can understand it...and someone with at least a degree of skating competence.

Go Flyers!

(gosh, Jon has a handsome profile.)

Now that Owen is talking we have conversations all the time.  Usually little ones about what he wants me to play or about a book or a puppy we saw out the window.  But sometimes he gets going - usually when he’s on the ‘phone’ with Pop-pop or Hank or Evan.  He starts laughing and talking so fast that the words become a blur of gibberish.  Other times he whispers to me.  Low, quiet secrets that I can barely hear are usually long sentences of made up words.  I’ll whisper a secret back, of course - what good buddy doesn’t return the favor?  We can keep these little exchanges up for a long time - with wide eyes, lots of head nodding and gesturing to drive home the (imaginary) point.  

Ever

sweetness

My Family

is beautiful.

Especially the tall guy with a beard.  

Carousel

The lights, music, and galloping steeds captivated our boy.  "Again, again, again," is pretty much all he could muster.  Eyes wide as saucers, he watched the world beyond the carousel whirl.

Is there anything better than discovering life through the eyes of a child?

Good morning!

most of us are (mostly) awake

Two Happy Months!

Don't you want to eat her?

 

Everly is two months old.  It's been a slow two months...slow in a really good way.  I've actually doubted my counting...thinking surely she must be older.  Thankfully no.  I still have a nice small cuddly baby to smooch and hold.  

Ever:

• is very relaxed (in my opinion at least).  She's rarely unhappy for more than a minute.
  
• still prefers sleeping.  And, completely opposite from Owen, she usually falls asleep faster if left alone.  Rocking or walking works, but takes longer.  (Babies are all crazy - who can figure them out.)
• also prefers sleeping when it's noisy.  Music please!
• is still very bald.  :)
• smiles quickly.  But has a super cute frown that I kind of like seeing.
• is dressed in way more pink than I think is necessary.  Seriously.  I have a bone to pick with baby clothiers.
• has her father's beautiful eyes.  (Color to be determined.)

The list sounds a little too good to be true.  I've tried to think of something quirky or inconvenient to balance it out but anything I'd put would be a lie.  She is a complete sunbeam - perfect for these grey, cloudy winter days.

It really has been a happy two months.

 

Owen Birthday - Part Two

Deux candles for my boy

A birthday is not complete without balloons.  

I asked Owen yesterday what he'd like to eat for his birthday dinner.

He requested chicken.  And then rice.  I asked if some stewed peas would work too and got a nod.  So I made dahl to add in some vegetation. (for the first time...thanks Headleys for the recipe!  I need to practice but it was a start)  

Now...asking Owen what he wants to eat tomorrow is tricky.  Asking Owen what he wants to eat right now is tricky.  His favorite food today is his worst enemy tomorrow.  As in: "why would you feed me that - are you trying to kill me?? Do you hate me??   

Which is why I just can't ask.  I make food and he eats it.  Or not.  

But, in the spirit of birthday generosity, I made his requested foods.  And, VERY surprisingly, he loved it.  Ate every bite.  Add in that he had knowledge that cupcakes were waiting and this becomes a birthday miracle.  Either that or he has confirmed my suspicion that children just love Caribbean food.

Yes...that is chicken in a bowl.  Fancy.

Owen could hardly wait for us to stop singing before devouring his 'cakie'.  Chocolate cake with cream cheese icing - he is his father's son.  

It was a nice family birthday celebration. His present isn't quite finished...but that just means a longer celebration, right?  

Owen Henry

Two years.

People say that they can't remember life before their children.

It's not that I don't remember what it was like before you came.

It's that I don't want that anymore.

Life is too much better now that you're in mine.

Happy Birthday Owen.

Love, Mama