I was lamenting Owen's calloused feet this morning.

"Owen, who said that you could grow up?"

"God said."

He pulled out the trump card! I can't argue with God.

And so...Owen grows up.

Sweet Pea

I love bath time and freshly washed babies.

I think all mamas would agree.  These moments are some of the ones that make motherhood so incredible.

Travel 1

This boy is such a trooper.  He took whatever we threw at him over the last few months.  For someone who really thrives on a schedule his ability to adapt to whatever circumstance or time zone we were in with few complaints was such a big help to two busy (and sometimes sick) parents.   

I would travel with Owen anywhere (and I mean that).

I think sometimes I get caught up in the tension of two-ness and overlook just how much of a joy this boy is.  He is funny and creative and cuddly and loving.  I love him enough to overlook the growls of "YOU NO TALK TO ME" and focus on the pure excitement about life that he exudes.

I'm so glad he was able to travel with us.  I'm so glad he got to see the giraffes in the wild.  So glad he got excited about the zebas.  So glad he had the chance to run and dance and crawl and eat dirt in Kenya.  So glad he was able to go to summer camp in Trinidad.  Regardless of what he eventually remembers he was joyful in the moment, and that's what I love.

Games

Someone figured out peek-a-boo.

Birthday Scenes

Birthday Cupcake (chocolate with cream cheese icing, of course)

Birthday breakfast request - donuts.
Birthday decor - balloon sculpture and signage.
Birthday dinner request - garlic mashed potatoes, steak, asparagus.

Happy Birthday, Jon.

It's always fun to celebrate you.  

Nine Happy Months

Check out Miss Dimples

Dear Everly,

Tonight I cuddled with you before you went to sleep.  I held you just like I did nine months ago - the very first time they put you on my chest - with you head on my heart.  And you looked in my eyes just like you did in those first moments.  Back then I felt so thankful that you were here...with me.  Tonight I felt that same wave of gratefulness.  Amazed at how much you've grown since then.  And very much in love with the look of recognition and comfort that I saw in your face.  I love being your mama.

At nine months you...

• have discovered standing and pull yourself up as much as you can.  You also suddenly love walking while holding on to things.  A sofa, fingers, legs.  Whatever you can reach, really.  One day recently you wanted to chase the cat.  You let go of the table and barreled after her.  For about half a second until you fell flat.  But you tried.
• love to eat!  I give you bits of whatever we're eating, once it's soft enough (or hard enough).  You like cucumber and carrots.  You love lentils and rice.  And oranges.  Oatmeal is ok.  Bananas are fine in small quantities.  Smashed sweet potato was a hit.  You've also tried fish and asparagus, green beans, mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce and all kinds of crackers.  But you don't eat too much - after a bit you press those lips together and spend the rest of the meal banging happily on your tray.
• squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeal.  That's pretty much all I have to say about that.
• still love everything and everyone but you've developed a preference for mama.  And I'm a little partial too so it works out well.
• have traveled the world a bit.  Florida, Trinidad (Dominican Republic if you count the airport!), Amsterdam, Kenya.  You travel well - not one tantrum in over 50 hours of plane time (not to mention airport time and customs time...).  Not too bad for a bitty one.  And, for the record, I LOVE bassinets in planes.  Wish they had adult sized ones.
• have your first top tooth!  (confession...she got that one this weekend.  But because this post is a tad late anyway I'll include it.  Close enough.)

Love you so much, Ever.

The next level of pancaking

I sent this note out to some friends this morning. I love these.

Guys,

You may not know this but Jon is a pretty accomplished pancake maker...I try not to be a braggarty wife but he's gotten quite a few requests in his day. However, on this...the eve of the start of his 38th year I'm publicly going to issue a challenge to him. We need some 3D pancakes, Jon.

Click here for the Jim's Pancakes site.

This goes way, way beyond the silver-dollar specials that I dish out. The bar has been raised.