Our Big Boy...Sitting all by himself!

Owen is sitting all by himself for brief bits of time these days. He reaches and grabs for his paci or toy that he drops while sitting and sits back up straight. He is getting so strong!


We also introduced some new fruits this weekend. Papaya and Mango. Owen seemed to be a fan of both of them. He no longer wants to recline in his high chair when he eats. He sits up straight and practically dives on the spoon full of food with an open mouth. He is such a great eater. He is eating lots too (hence the fat belly seen above!). He puts down 31oz of milk a day, 2.5 tablespoons of cereal and 4oz of other solid food (green beans, peas, squash, sweet potato, pear, apple, banana, papaya or mango).

The only other update is that we believe it is safe to say that Owen is sleeping through the night. They say it takes seven days to form a habit....well....Owen has slept through the night (dropping both his 1am and 5am feed) for 16 nights! Owen goes down at 7:30pm and we have to wake him to get him ready for school at 5:45am. On the weekends, he sleeps in (just like us!). Hopefully this blog post does not jinx us!

Happy Half Birthday!!!

Owen is six months old today!!! We can't believe Owen has been a part of lives for half a year! He is such a happy blessing in our lives.

The last week has been a bit of a challenge though. Owen had been dealing with a cough and some congestion for over a week. But then last Friday he started developing a fever. To the doctor we went! His white blood count was high, so he was prescribed antibiotics. Owen showed a bit of a loss of appetite on Saturday, but other than that he was still his happy little self.

Today, Mommy took Owen for his six month check-up and shots. Owen sat up and played during the doctor's visit, which made it fun for the doctor to interact with him. He weighed in at 17 pounds, 13 ounces and was measured to be 26.5 inches long. So...technically he shrunk half an inch! HA! Not likely. The decrease probably has something to do with him being stretched out too much at his last doctor's visit or not being stretched out enough at this one. Either way, Owen is in the 50th percentile for both weight and height. All of his other vitals and milestones were right on track. It was a great check-up.

And....here is the ball picture for this month!

More solid foods!

Over the past week we have introduced solid foods into Owen's diet. It has been fun to say the least. Feeding times are now extended and a little more messy...but we've enjoyed seeing his reactions to different foods. We started with sweet potato and have since tried a second vegetable - squash. Surprisingly, he likes it more than his mommy ever will! A few days ago, we introduced pear at his lunch time feed. So, now the big man is up to one fruit and one vegetable serving a day! Tonight...it's green beans for dinner! YUM!
We are making all our baby food. It is a lot easier than it sounds. Cooking or steaming is completed quickly and then the food processor purees fabulously! Most of food then gets stored in ice cube trays in the freezer, but we keep out enough for Owen to try in the "Baby Cubes". They work great!

Christmas 2009

We had a wonderful first family Christmas. As most of you know, Owen was baby Jesus in our church Christmas Eve service. Which meant that we were Mary and Joseph! This is the only picture we have (taken by Arthur Young with his phone and screen captured from Facebook).


After the service, Owen had his bottle of milk and cereal while Mom and Dad enjoyed a nice piece of fish, a salad and a potato. Then, it was off to bed so Santa could come! Santa certainly found us. And Owen must have been extra good....as he enjoyed many many gifts! Too many in fact. We didn't get them all opened until two days after Christmas (we only have a small window with him that he will comfortably stay in our laps to open presents!).

Nonnie and Pop flew in to share the day with us and stayed through the weekend. We had a wonderful visit and enjoyed their help and company as usual. Gram and Pappy cruised the Caribbean over Christmas, but were here in spirit. They surprised us by hiding some Christmas gifts when they were here at Thanksgiving, which included a photo frame containing pictures of them with Owen in his "Baby's First Christmas" outfit and Santa hat that they had gotten for him. TOO CUTE!
Here is a picture of Owen in the outfit on Christmas Day


Here is the family before Christmas dinner


And a little glimpse of our tree


Owen is getting so strong. He has mastered rolling over (both back to front and front to back). He LOVES to show off his new skill. He enjoys being on his tummy more now than he used to. When he is there, he pushes up to look around. He will even stay on his tummy with his head up while being read to or to gum a toy for a while.

Owen's First Big Boy Feeding!

On December 26, 2009 we fed Owen some big boy food....cereal with a spoon!! He pulled some really funny faces and Daddy captured it on video!!! Since then, Owen has had one serving of sweet potato and he seemed to like it. And this morning, Owen had his second serving of cereal and ate it all up with less ugly faces!

Christmas in Texas

Last Friday we drove to Orange Texas to celebrate Christmas with the McReynolds family. It took us 10.5 hours to drive down there and Owen was a real trooper. That evening, Owen got to meet his great grandparents (Mamaw (Waunice) and Papaw (JD)). Then on Saturday, he met many many family members including the newest one, Greyson (12 days old and a great-great grandson to Mamaw and Papaw!).

We then drove to Dallas-Fort Worth with Nonnie and Pop to spend a few days there. We rested on Sunday and enjoyed a visit from friends that came over to meet Owen (the Lucke's and the Herold's). Our niece, Grace, also came over that evening and we shared dinner, exchanged Christmas gifts and watched her new Christmas movie (Santa Buddies!). On Monday, we took Owen to Portrait Innovations to have his pictures done. He was a perfect little model and we got some great shots.


Monday night, Mommy went out with some great girlfriends that she used to skate with. And on Tuesday, Daddy took a test for his online Accounting class and later that evening, we met the Gallian's out for dinner. It was a packed-full few days, but it was great to spend time with Nonnie and Pop.
Owen has mastered rolling over from his back to his belly. And, he is really starting to push up. Won't be long before he starts crawling around!

Christmas Eve

Our first Christmas Eve with Owen has come and gone. Owen was baby Jesus tonight in our church Christmas Eve service. He was perfect! He slept until we got up front and then all he wanted to do was stare at Daddy (Joseph!). Mom (Mary) was holding him the whole time, and is paying for it now (sore back and arms!). It was such a nice service and precious memories were made. Owen is sleeping, so Santa can come a bit early. We are looking forward to a great day tomorrow.

Five months old!!!

Our first family Christmas Tree

Last night we bundled up and went to a Christmas tree farm here in Oxford to cut down our own Christmas tree. It is actually our first family Christmas tree, as we have not put one up in recent years because we have never been home for Christmas.

Here is the Christmas tree farm:

Mommy and Owen

Daddy cutting down the tree

It was tough work for Owen. He fell asleep on the one minute drive home.


The undecorated tree


Stay tuned for the decorated tree (it is done...but we have not taken the pic yet!).

Munchin' on the Monkey

Another piece of plastic that feels good on Owen's gums is the monkey on the activity center. He found this monkey all on his own and manages to munch on it every time he sits at his activity center.

"You're doing it wrong, son"

Owen has been using his paci differently than what it was designed for. He flips the base of the pacifier 90 degrees so that it is in his mouth (with the nipple). We figure it must feel good rubbing on his bottom gums (we also think he is teething).
When Owen does this...Daddy exclaims "You're doing it wrong, son.".

Spoon Practice

Mommy has still not taken time to try to feed Owen solid food with a spoon. But...Owen is practicing using his spoon! AND...we still think Owen is going to be a lefty. We know that you can't really tell at this age...we still find it interesting how much more coordinated and comfortable Owen is using his left hand.

DJ Owen

Here is a quick video that Uncle Jeff took during his visit. Nash makes a cameo appearance too!

Daddy's birthday!

Daddy turned 36 on Wednesday. We had an awesome steak dinner (grilled on the Big Green Egg by the birthday boy) with twice baked potatoes (that Gram made) and a nice salad. And....a red velvet cake for dessert. Dad's favorite! Mmmmmm.

Owen's first Thanksgiving

Owen had a wonderful first Thanksgiving with a visit from Gram, Pappy and Uncle Jeff! Before Thanksgiving dinner, we tried to get a group photo. Owen just wanted to look at Gram.



Here are some other pictures from the week and visit.

Owen's new toy

We were going to hold out and have Santa bring Owen a jumperoo or exersaucer, but he was getting so storng and big that we couldn't wait any longer. Research was completed (are you surprised?) and a decision was made. We bought the "Bright Starts Tropical Fun Around We Go" Activity Station. It has an adjustable seat that rotates 360 degrees around the table. And as for the "activities"....it has an electronic piano with three modes of play, a water-filled pat mat featuring ocean sounds, an action or reaction station, teethers, rattles and more.
Since we live in a small town, no stores carried it. Fortunately, Amazon shipped it for free, so it was just as though we picked it up at a store, but we had to wait a few days to receive it. The item arrived last Wednesday, and Mommy put it together that very night while Daddy took a final exam for his Economics class. It was too late for Owen to test it out after it was assembled, but after daycare the next day he got a shot!



Owen is not quite tall enough for the toy. In the picture below...you can see how far his feet are off the floor! However....we have a smart little boy on our hands. Now, Owen can stretch to get one foot on the floor and he has started to scoot himself around a little bit.

First spoon feed

Daddy took some pictures of Owen's first spoon feeding. As you can see....he is not happy. We have since learned some tricks/tips that we will try out this weekend when we have some additional time at feedings. More about those later (i.e. if they work...we'll post them!).

Four months old!

Here is Owen's picture at four months old.


This one is a little blurry, but it is being included because it is the first time during the 'monthly' shots that Owen has been interested in the ball! We can only imagine that in a few months it will be hard to get this picture taken because of Owen's interest in the ball. Can't wait! : )

Owen's fourth month check-up

We took Owen for his fourth month check-up today. Both Mommy and Daddy were able to go. It was the quickest appointment we've had at Dr. Caballero's office (thank goodness). We were in and out in 1 hour and 25 minutes! That's a record! Owen weighed in a 15 pounds 9oz (50-60th percentile), was 27 inches long (95th percentile!) and his head measured 17 inches (50-60th percentile). Dr. Caballero said Owen was a happy healthy boy. Owen was happy until he got his shots :( But they are over and done with...for another two months! YEAH!!! We're home now and Owen is having a nap before his next feed. It will be so nice to spend a weekday afternoon with him.

First Solid Food (if you can call it that!)

Owen had his first solid food last night. We put 3 tablespoons of rice cereal in his 9 o'clock bottle. It was a learning experience for both Owen and Daddy. The bottle went down fast, but not without a fight. Even though the milk was thickened by the cereal, it still came out the 'fast flow' nipple quite quickly. Owen's mouth would fill up faster than he is used to, but would be on the 'old' swallowing rhythm. Spit-ups were lessened...but they were thicker too!

Because of the new experience, Owen was wide awake after his feed. Daddy stayed with him until he got sleepy. And then, Owen slept until 3am. Mommy checked on him and noticed, as usual, that he wasn't really awake. He was just squawking in his crib with his eyes shut. His pacifier quieted him and he put himself back to sleep him until 4am, and then again until 4:20am...but at that point, Mommy gave in and fed Owen. He went right back to sleep until it was time to get dressed and ready for daycare at 5:30am. New routine??? Perhaps. We'll see how this weekend goes!

Tonight, we'll try spoon feeding some cereal at normal dinner time (~6pm). Most articles that are online state that it is important that a "solid-food-eating-baby" learn this technique, rather than eat the cereal from the bottle. Please comment if you have experience in this area or any tips for us to try!!!

Owen has found his feet!

For the past few weeks, we have noticed Owen reaching for and often connecting with his feet. More recently in the past few days, Owen has been grabbing onto them. Today, after we got home from daycare, Owen needed his clothes changed. As soon as he was out of his clothes, he was reaching for his feet. The camera was conveniently located in the nursery, so a picture could be made!

Owen's new sounds

Owen has some new sounds! Here is a video of Owen "talking" on Halloween. Or...maybe he was singing along to the music in the background. Regardless...he is one happy and adorable baby!!!

Catch up post with lots of pics!!

This is somewhat of a catch-up post to upload a bunch of recent pics we've taken of Owen. Enjoy!

Daddy has discovered a new favorite position for Owen to hang out in...Owen lays on his belly on Daddy's legs that are propped up on the ottoman. Owen can see everything that is going on in the room and it also helps him get some more burps out!!
For a few weeks now, we've been getting Owen ready for Halloween. He has a few outfits, thanks to Aunt Heather! Last Saturday, Owen got dressed in his orange and white outfit and hung out in his bouncy seat while we cleaned the house a bit. Owen was as happy as can be!
Jeff Baker and his 'lady friend' Allison came to visit us last Sunday on their way home from Tuscaloosa. It was so nice to see Jeff and meet Allison! We got a great pic of Owen and Jeff.
It was a tough day at daycare on Thursday. Owen fell asleep in the car on the way home and didn't even wake up when we came inside. He was racked out like this until it was time to eat again!
Owen loves to lay in his crib after a diaper change and watch the elephants go around and around on his mobile. It keeps him occupied long enough to clean his diap up!
Yesterday was Halloween. After our 1 o'clock feed, we did our normal routine (eat, burp, spit up, sit upright, burp and spit up some more, play, spit up some more) before getting Owen dressed up for Halloween. Owen was Darth Vader. Unfortunately, after all the activity, it was time for Owen to nap...so once he was dressed, he was not happy. Here is an unhappy Darth Vader!

We went to the Peerless Grill to meet some friends in the afternoon. Here are a few pics:


We made it home in time to get another quick nap in, a bath and a feed prior to all the trick-or-treaters! Owen hung out with Daddy for a bit on the couch, played on his mat some, and answered the door to greet all the cute costumed kiddos!

Songs!

The Parents.com email arrived today ... and it had some valuable informaiton about solid food feeding schedules, as well as a link to the lirics of many popular children's songs!! Owen LOVES to be talked to and we often try to sing to him. Although, many times we get stuck not knowing the words. This link will help any parent in the same siutation!

Songs!

Ready for school and Hallowe'en!!!

Owen got all dressed up in his Hallowe'en onesie today to go to school. Thanks to Aunt Heather for lending us some Hallowe'en 'gear'!!! Here are a couple of pics...

A video of Owen

Yippee!!!! Finally got this to work.....
Might be boring to some...but cute nonetheless...
AND....there is a surprise at the end for all! It is typical event for Owen....
:)

A day in the life...

We have already had a busy Saturday. Owen had Mommy up at 3:15am, and again at 3:30am, then again at 4am, and finally at 4:40am. This has become somewhat of a pattern that is not desirable...but we think we know what is going on. We believe Owen is going through a growth spurt (the books say he is anyway). Therefore, everything is growing...including his insides. And when that happens, he produces more gas. This wakes him up in the early morning hours. Poor little man. But all we can do is try to make him comfortable and love on him. He is so lovable!!!!

Owen ate at 4:40am at fell asleep in mommy's arms until 6am. At which point, he stayed asleep while mommy transferred him to his swing. Mommy didn't even turn the swing on. Owen just slept in the cradle part of the swing until 8:15am. This allowed for everyone to get more sleep. Daddy was sweet enough to put more blankets on both Mom and Owen when he awoke around 7am.

Since then, we've had numerous outfit changes (diaper operator error) and plenty of opportunity to take pictures and videos of the little man. Here are some pics:

A happy boy!!

Some tummy time....Owen is getting so strong!

Owen has definitely found his hands. He likes to try to get both of them in his mouth at one time:


We bundled up and went for a walk on this beautiful fall day!