A couple little stories to enjoy...

Story #1--Strange Discovery--
On the way home the other evening, a terrible noise came from the back seat. I turned around to see what all the commotion was about..what did I find?? My son had discovered the gag reflex. He was busy shoving his fingers as far back as he could, making himself gag and turn all red, and make that horrible sound you make when you gag....then laughing. Weird. I don't think I will ever completely understand boys. :)

Story #2--Endearing Imitator--
The thought hit me the other day, I haven't taught Owen what to do when we pray. Because he eats dinner before Jimmy gets home, he is usually down playing when we pray before dinner. And, just for some reason I hadn't thought to include him whenever I prayed during the day. So, the past couple days, I've been more intentional about telling Owen that "mommy is going to pray now" before meals and praying out loud. So far, he has been oblivious and just goes about his business eating, and babbling away. This morning, I told him I was going to pray, then folded my hands and bowed my head. When I finished and looked up---I found Owen had folded his hands and was quietly mimicing me. Needless to say, it melted my heart! (and was another realization of how much he watches my every move and what a huge task God has entrusted Jimmy and I with to raise our son to love HIM. )

Bananas and Owen are like Daddy and Coffee

Almost every morning, Owen enjoys a banana for breakfast along with either cereal, oatmeal, cream of wheat, or toast....but the banana part is pretty much a staple for him. I usually break up the banana into bit size piece, but one morning I was gone and Jimmy fed him is banana. I got home and he informed me that Owen can eat bananas like a big boy now. So, now our morning tradition has become mommy breaking the banana in half for Owen to munch away on. He loves it and it just gets the day started right!

What we've been up to...

EVERY DAY this week has been absolutely beautiful!! Sooooo, we have taken advantage of it and spent lots of time playing outside...which is, by the way, Owen's absolute favorite place to be. Sticks, rocks, grass, wading in the river, sprinklers, bike rides, popsicles, playing with Barkley, swinging, the playground, wagon rides...you name it, Owen's done it this week....and everytime we come inside, he is sure to let us know that he does not approve and should stay outside longer.

Here's a few snapshots from the week:

Little does he know..

..that this is the future bed of his little sibling.

Fun at Play

Owen sat in the kitchen and played with his rings for quite some time the other day. He kept taking them off one ring holder and putting them on the other, back and forth.

Sorry it's so long...I just kept thinking "only a few more seconds" and ended up with a long video.

Mommy's Little Helper

Not intentionally, Owen was trained to put his diapers in the diaper champ for me after his diaper changes. I guess I didn't realize how much he watches me. One day a few weeks ago, we finished a diaper change and he got up, grabbed his diaper and put it in the diaper champ and tried to pull the handle. I was shocked! So...we have just made a habit of it.

The other day, he was in the bathroom watching his bathtub fill up with water (which he loves and normally cries if I take him into his bedroom to undress him while it's filling) and I asked him to take care of his diaper. He left the tub immediately, grabbed his diaper, went straight to the diaper champ. What a good little helper!! (If only he was that willing to do everything I ask him to do!)

This particular time, Owen must have been in an extra hurry because his feet just couldn't keep up with him.

Experimenting

1st Bike Ride

Yesterday, though it was a bit windy, Owen and Mommy ventured out for a little bike ride. Owen did not appreciate the fact that he had to wear a helmet at first--but that's probably because Mommy didn't quite have it adjusted right. (I think we got it now, so the next ride will be better :) ) Once the ride began, Owen LOVED it! He was "talking" and babbling about it the whole time. It's set in rain today, so no bike ride outings today. Maybe tomorrow....

Lions, Tigers, and Bears...Oh My!

While we were in Louisville, we were treated to an awesome visit to the Louisville zoo. Look at all the fun we had!

In Louisville

Owen's activities at Uncle Mike's house included hanging from the chin up bar and playing in the puddles outside on the chairs. He had a blast!! Oh, what fun!!

1st Birthday Party: Part 3- Gifts

He still doesn't quite get the opening of presents, but it's still fun!! Owen received some fun toys to play with! Thank you everyone!

1st Birthday Party: Part 2- Eating

I made a little birthday crown and bib for Owen--inspired by one of the crafty blogs I like to follow.

Here's the birthday boy enjoying every drop of his cookout food. I didn't think he'd eat much due to all the welcomed distractions of people giving sweet greetings to him on his birthday. But I was wrong. He chowed down!





...and the birthday cake. The little guy was a tad bit overwhelmed by all of us singing to him and watching him eat his yummy cake. But once he got a few tastes, he got down to business and ate almost the whole cupcake.

1st Birthday Party: Part 1-The Monkey Decor

I tried to keep it simple, but cute.

Thankfully the rain held off for a little unto most everyone was done eating. Then we cozied (is that a word??) into our humble house for cake and presents and hanging out.



oops, you'll have to turn your head sideways to see this one.




The monkey cake and cupcakes!!