8 months

When I envisioned these cute little month stickers to put on Owen's onesies, I was picturing this darling little photo session with my sweet little sunshine calmly posing next to his stuffed animal to mark his growth in size.

With each passing month, I think this photo session turns more into a comedy routine...

"Mom, look at my shoe!"

"Grrrrrrrrrr!" -Owen growling and biting giraffe

I wonder if this thing tastes any good?

Peek-a-boo!

Zerberts for the giraffe

Mom, why do you keep making those funny noises and waving your arms around?

You are one silly Mommy!

... and good enough! :-)

When I think back on the last month, it is a bit of a whirlwind.  Mostly because Owen is ON THE MOVE!  You really can't take your eyes off him for more than 30 seconds because he's into everything he can possibly reach.  Think I'm exaggerating?  Check this out...

Other exciting news is that Owen got his very first tooth!  It's on the bottom (his right side).  It bothers him occasionally, but nothing too horrible.

Owen continues to be thriving with the family he stays with when Mom works 3 days a week (We are so thankful for Jen and her amazing kiddos!).  I can hardly get out the door to work because I love watching them all interact with Owen.  I leave every day knowing he is going to have an awesome day... what an incredible feeling.

Along with starting to figure out the sippy cup, he's starting to venture a bit more into finger foods lately.  Some scrambled eggs, banana, string cheese, etc.  Lloyd, in particular, has been waiting for this for 8 long months!

Owen's smiles, screeches, pats, brief snuggles, belly laughs, and even tears... make every day better.  He blesses all of our lives with his tornado of love!

Happy New Year!

Our kiss at midnight!

The Magic of Christmas

It was magical watching Owen's fascination with the Christmas tree's lights and ornaments.

Emma's Christmas Program at school

Special Nutcracker Ballet tradition with Nana, Mommy, and Emma

A fun surprise Christmas present for Papa Roger... MAX!

A very special Christmas tradition... a homemade stocking for Owen!  Thank you Nana!

Putting out food for the reindeer on Christmas Eve with Coach Rory

Santa magically made his visit and filled all the stockings... he even left his footprints!

Owen got an awesome train from Aunt Jana, Uncle Matt, and Leah

Santa brought Emma a new Speedo fast skin and rainbow goggles... just what she had asked for!

Owen was very excited about all the toys Santa left for him!

Christmas is so very precious through the eyes of a child

This Christmas we had the blessing of special time with Titi and cousins.  Owen loves Sihin!

Sihin, Jenna, Titi, and Jacob

Some cousin love celebrating the birth of Jesus together!

Snowshoeing with Owen

We went for several long hikes up at Schweitzer and thanks to our Ergo baby carrier and Daddy's strong back, we were able to take Owen with us.  He actually slept through most of it, but it was wonderful to be able to share the beauty of the mountain, snow, and sunshine together!

Picnic Point

Daddy and Owen

A little hot cocoa and muffins in the lodge after our 2 1/2 hour hike!

Santa Pictures

One day Owen will absolutely kill me for putting him in this reindeer outfit, but man is he cute!  Proud big sis!

Owen and his best buddy, Aiden.

Another Santa at Ritter's.  Owen's not to sure what to think.

No screaming in Santa's lap... this year. :-)

Emma loved the real reindeer.  This female was actually the same age as Owen, 7 months.

Here was an older male, reindeer.  Emma loved getting to pet his antlers.

7 months

Owen is very adventurous at 7 months, so this picture fits him really well!

Bath time is one of Owen's favorites.  He loves the water!

Now that Owen is crawling, he is getting into everything!

All of the Christmas decorations make great toys! He's especially fascinated by the tree.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

It's crazy to think how fast time is flying by - the holiday season is already here.  The biggest milestone is Owen's crawling in the last month.  He's flying now and into everything. He's also standing holding on to furniture and even starting to pull himself up on things, especially legs.

He weighs almost 20 pounds and loves to eat.  Mommy's still making organic homemade baby food and enjoying her baby food club, so there are lots of delicious things to eat.  Owen likes sweet potatoes, butternut squash, avocado, peas, and any kind of fruit.  He's also been loving these rice rusk crackers called Mum Mums.  Since he still doesn't have any teeth, he just gums these until they dissolve.  He's also started trying out a sippy cup for the first time (although it's still a bit of a mystery).

Owen with his Mum Mums... Lloyd has now found a new interest in Owen :-)

He loves toys... which don't have to be official "toys" by any stretch of the word.  He loves playing with anything in the kitchen, anything with flashing lights and music, and also loves being read to.  He's also enjoying making noise himself, by clanking things together and on the floor.  He is also just discovering how awesome it is to have a dog... all kinds of entertainment there!

Guys, did you see this?  I HAVE A DOG! YES! This is so awesome!

Owen is completely in LOVE with his big sister who feels the same.  The love she has for her little brother is heart-warming.  She looks after him, plays with him, distracts him, and can ALWAYS make him smile and laugh.  It's incredibly special just to watch the two of them together.

Emma loves helping with bath time... sometimes she even gets in with him!

 The holidays are always wonderful, but they will be extra special this year with Owen this year.  He blesses our lives each and every day!

Thanksgiving

Our day started off with the 5k Turkey Trot in Manito Park.  Emma ran the whole way and Daddy pushed Owen in the stroller!

Papa Roger carves the turkey

Emma and Madison play Monopoly.  Emma can't get enough of this dreaded game!

Daddy and Emma

Papa and Emma

Emma and Mommy

Papa calls out the colors and body parts for Twister

Madison and Emma

Mommy joins in...

Daddy plays too... he adds an extra heavy "lean" to some of his plays!

Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, family, games, food, and memories... we were definitely successful in all of these categories! Thanks to Gramma Leen and Papa Roger for hosting.  What a wonderful evening together.  We have so much to be thankful for!