Just looked at the calendar and realized that October is here and I should probably post something on my blog! Also, sounds like my mother has found my blog and may be checking in regularly so that adds a bit of pressure! "Hi, mom! Good job finding me! Very impressive....considering your extreme lack of internet knowledge! :) "
Owen is now about 5 and a half months old. Amazing how fast time flies and how slowly the baby weight dissolves. (Can I get an amen!) I have started running regularly again but have yet to see any real results! Luckily the weather has finally cooled down and Owen is growing to love rides in his fancy ride from grandma (thanks again Mom!). So...the running shall continue and hopefully my jeans will quit shrinking in the wash if you know what I mean! :)
Owen is getting SO fun. With each new month his personality evolves and his new skills dazzle us! He is eating so many yummy fruits and vegetables but tries to eat EVERYTHING! He is getting quite good at grabbing things off our plate, so we have to be pretty careful these days! Also, it is amazing how quickly he understood what opening the freezer/fridge and grabbing a spoon meant! His face lights up and he starts to wiggle in his high chair. I cannot move fast enough for him! He loves his food!
We are also on the verge of crawling. He attempts to scoot on the floor but the poor kid is at a serious disadvantage. We have 1 rug in the whole house and the rest of it is wood flooring or tile. Add that to the fact that it is now Fall and quite chilly so he is wearing pants now. Not exactly a 'crawl encouraging' combination. I am convinced however that he is able to crawl in his crib. Somehow he manages to shove his upper body into the far corner of his crib no matter where I lay him down! What a nut! :)
All in all, we are having a GREAT time. Owen is healthy and happy and still growing like a weed! We are officially in 12 month clothing on a regular basis.....I feel ike we skipped a whole size, or two. I had better have another boy because I have LOTS of unused clothing in let's say the 6-9 month size just lying around! Owen and I have gone apple picking a couple times and will head out to the pumpkin patch today with Mike to find some pumpkins for our front stairs. I love this time of year and that love has been amplified by having Owen to share it with. I am bracing myself for Christmas time....it is going to be so much fun I can hardly stand to think about it! :) Ahhhhh!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
So Worth It!
To say that I love being a stay at home mom would be a serious understatement! This is what I was made for and have longed for my entire life (well maybe not my entire life....sure this wasn't on my register from birth until about somewhere in my early teenage years!) When Mike came home from work last night it felt just like a 'Leave it to Beaver' moment. The house had been cleaned (the floors were even swept which is HUGE!), Owen was freshly bathed, dogs were fed, laundry was done, and I was in the kitchen getting dinner ready. He came into the kitchen to find me, gave me a kiss and a hug and I was just so overwhelmed with it all. Of course I cried. I am a woman, and a hormonal-breast-feeding woman to boot.
This wonderful life hasn't come without sacrifices, but those 'huge' sacrifices seem so small in light of the blessing of Motherhood. I am SO thankful we did what we did to get to this point and thankful that God provided a path of blessing for us to follow! :) This is the first month that we have had to live with only Mike's paycheck, and you know...it hasn't been that bad. (And if you are current on our 'lovely' condo/rental story you know it could have been bad, really bad!) Sure we don't eat out nearly as much and I haven't bought a new outfit lately, but I'm home....clipping coupons, washing diapers, eating leftovers, and loving every minute of it! Thank you God, Thank you Mike!
P.S. Owen is doing wonderful! At his 4 month appointment (which really was at 4 1/2 months) he weighed in at 18 lbs 14 oz and was 27 inches long. Dr. Shah said he is more like a 6 month old than a 4 month old and that he is a very healthy, good looking boy. Well.....we could have told you that! :) Owen is currently eating rice cereal, avocados, and bananas. Bananas are his favorite but we ate too many last week....and well....let's just say we are slowing down on the bananas! He will start pears and sweet potatoes soon. Yum yum!
This wonderful life hasn't come without sacrifices, but those 'huge' sacrifices seem so small in light of the blessing of Motherhood. I am SO thankful we did what we did to get to this point and thankful that God provided a path of blessing for us to follow! :) This is the first month that we have had to live with only Mike's paycheck, and you know...it hasn't been that bad. (And if you are current on our 'lovely' condo/rental story you know it could have been bad, really bad!) Sure we don't eat out nearly as much and I haven't bought a new outfit lately, but I'm home....clipping coupons, washing diapers, eating leftovers, and loving every minute of it! Thank you God, Thank you Mike!
P.S. Owen is doing wonderful! At his 4 month appointment (which really was at 4 1/2 months) he weighed in at 18 lbs 14 oz and was 27 inches long. Dr. Shah said he is more like a 6 month old than a 4 month old and that he is a very healthy, good looking boy. Well.....we could have told you that! :) Owen is currently eating rice cereal, avocados, and bananas. Bananas are his favorite but we ate too many last week....and well....let's just say we are slowing down on the bananas! He will start pears and sweet potatoes soon. Yum yum!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
One of those days
Well, it's been one of those days. They say they will come but as a new mom you truly believe that you will be the first super mom to avoid them. This past week has been rough. Mike returned from a mission trip with incredible jet lag and Owen and I returned from a trip home to visit my family. To say that Owen is off his routine would be an understatement. The routine must have flown out the window of the 747 somewhere between here and Sea-Tac airport. I am beginning to believe that the perfect storm has occurred in little Owen's life and unfortunately he has an inexperienced captain in charge! :) Mike left, we left home, he hit a growth spurt, and could it be that teeth are coming in too? Lucky us! He won't nap, he isn't sleeping at night more than 3 hours at a time (I was getting at least 6), and is just generally unpredictable and cranky. He does still pull out that adorable smile for me as if to say, "Love you mom and this all will pass." We have tried to adjust his schedule, adding cereal feedings, and sooner naps with no luck.
Well, back to today. Today is Sunday. A day when Mike is home and able to help me out with him. Which honestly is almost worse than during the week when I am by myself. When Mike is around I tend to second guess myself which is such silliness! Well, last night I must have gotten woken up a few too many times and I know that I woke up too early (thank you Owen...who then put himself back to sleep!...but mama couldn't put herself back. :( ) Then the early morning nap started off well but ended way to early for all....then the later morning nap started off well yet again but then went to 'you know where in you know what' all while I was trying to sneak in a much needed nap. Mike happened to be out with the guys during this whole episode. He returned to find me crying on the couch with Owen screaming in his crib. It was one of those days.....
On a much lighter note! Owen is still adorable, still lovable, still kissable, still hugable, and most of all still mine. Love him to pieces and I know this too shall pass....all too soon I am sure. He is now rolling over and eating rice cereal and looking less and less like that 'little' bundle of joy we named Owen over 4 months ago. I wouldn't trade him for the world....however I would like to drop him off at Nana's for a little visit without mama...but that's a whole other story! :)
Well, back to today. Today is Sunday. A day when Mike is home and able to help me out with him. Which honestly is almost worse than during the week when I am by myself. When Mike is around I tend to second guess myself which is such silliness! Well, last night I must have gotten woken up a few too many times and I know that I woke up too early (thank you Owen...who then put himself back to sleep!...but mama couldn't put herself back. :( ) Then the early morning nap started off well but ended way to early for all....then the later morning nap started off well yet again but then went to 'you know where in you know what' all while I was trying to sneak in a much needed nap. Mike happened to be out with the guys during this whole episode. He returned to find me crying on the couch with Owen screaming in his crib. It was one of those days.....
On a much lighter note! Owen is still adorable, still lovable, still kissable, still hugable, and most of all still mine. Love him to pieces and I know this too shall pass....all too soon I am sure. He is now rolling over and eating rice cereal and looking less and less like that 'little' bundle of joy we named Owen over 4 months ago. I wouldn't trade him for the world....however I would like to drop him off at Nana's for a little visit without mama...but that's a whole other story! :)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Confession
I have something I need to get off my chest. I am not keeping a baby book of all of Owen's firsts. I know this may seem as a shock to some and reason for some of you to think less of me, but I just can't do it. I don't want to be strapped with the commitment (and guilt) of needing to document and catch every little thing . I don't really care. There, I said it. I am really not one of those mushy, gushy, sentimental types and didn't think motherhood should change that. I catch myself every now and then feeling a twinge of guilt at not documenting and recording every moment of Owen's growth and development, but it is what it is. Guilt also springs up when I hear other moms gush with each other about how wonderful their babies are. Example...how they can't lay their baby down because they are "just so cute that they can't stand it." I think Owen is the cutest thing ever...the cutest thing ever that needs to get a good nap to stay healthy and happy. Am I a bad mother? No...just a realistic one I think. :)
I guess it would also be helpful to share that I don't like to videotape things either! We didn't even have our own wedding videotaped for goodness sak.! :) Plus who really sits down to watch all those endless videos? Now, in my defense I do take LOTS of pictures and have a fantastic memory! I really don't need a baby book or a video camera to remember the important things! Like today. I will never forget being overcome with emotion walking down the frozen food isle with Owen. I looked down into the cart where he was quietly sleeping in his carseat amid piles of groceries. He had a slight 'paci' mark around his mouth and a sweet expression on his face. I had to fight back the tears just looking at him. I will also never forget the sound of his baby chatter. The sweet ohs and squeals will forever replay in my mind and draw a smile on my face. The best being when he talks to himself in the bathroom mirror. The conversation is intense! Then there is the moment of his birth. As much as I might want to forget the craziness of that moment, it is forever etched in my memory. He was just so amazing and the sheer size of him shocked us all! After delivery (and all those procedures they just have to do), he just layed there in his basinet and quietly turned his head towards the window to look out at the sunrise. When he began to fuss a little, we called out to him and he calmed at the sound of our voices. Those are the moments I treasure.
It may come across to some that my actions show a lack of care. Quite the contrary. I care A LOT. Just not in the things that are documented in a baby book. I care that he becomes a healthy adult. I care that he learns that he is not the center of the universe. I care that he cares for others and learns to share. I care that he aquires a love for learning. And I care that he becomes a strong man of God. Those are the things that matter....and I don't think they make a baby book for that. Glad I got that off my chest.
I guess it would also be helpful to share that I don't like to videotape things either! We didn't even have our own wedding videotaped for goodness sak.! :) Plus who really sits down to watch all those endless videos? Now, in my defense I do take LOTS of pictures and have a fantastic memory! I really don't need a baby book or a video camera to remember the important things! Like today. I will never forget being overcome with emotion walking down the frozen food isle with Owen. I looked down into the cart where he was quietly sleeping in his carseat amid piles of groceries. He had a slight 'paci' mark around his mouth and a sweet expression on his face. I had to fight back the tears just looking at him. I will also never forget the sound of his baby chatter. The sweet ohs and squeals will forever replay in my mind and draw a smile on my face. The best being when he talks to himself in the bathroom mirror. The conversation is intense! Then there is the moment of his birth. As much as I might want to forget the craziness of that moment, it is forever etched in my memory. He was just so amazing and the sheer size of him shocked us all! After delivery (and all those procedures they just have to do), he just layed there in his basinet and quietly turned his head towards the window to look out at the sunrise. When he began to fuss a little, we called out to him and he calmed at the sound of our voices. Those are the moments I treasure.
It may come across to some that my actions show a lack of care. Quite the contrary. I care A LOT. Just not in the things that are documented in a baby book. I care that he becomes a healthy adult. I care that he learns that he is not the center of the universe. I care that he cares for others and learns to share. I care that he aquires a love for learning. And I care that he becomes a strong man of God. Those are the things that matter....and I don't think they make a baby book for that. Glad I got that off my chest.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy Birthday Mom
To say that my birthday was a rough day would be saying it about right! Don't get me wrong, Mike tried really hard to make it a good day and my brother and his wife were here which was very special, but Owen stole the show. It began the night before by Owen refusing to go to sleep. He was always wanting to nurse. At 11:00pm I guess he finally felt full enough to fall asleep. He then proceeded to wake up at 2am and at 5am and at 6:30am. He had been sleeping 7 hours a night faithfully before this so I was not used to waking up during the night like that! Well Michael sent me back to bed and told me that since it was my birthday he would take Owen and let me sleep in. I wanted to tell him that I would rather he take over breast feeding for my birthday! I did get to sleep in a bit which was absolutely wonderful!
Then the day began with us trying to do fun things at home and around town since my brother and his wife were here. Owen fussed here and there but refused to nap! And he began this ridiculous cycle of wanting to eat every hour/hour and a half! Talk about sore! :) He got in one good nap in the afternoon where I quickly jumped in the shower and got a few things cleaned up while everyone else napped. I tried to lay down...but my mind was racing, so my efforts were in vain. "What was wrong with Owen?, Did I put the laundry in the dryer?, Do I have everything I need for the BBQ tomorrow?, etc"
We did sneak in a good dinner out and a quick walk, but ended the evening with crazy feeding 45min to an hour apart. It meant rushing to open gifts and me cutting birthday cake for everyone but myself so I could comfort screaming Owen. Somehow ice cream cake didn't sound so yummy when my little one was so upset last night. We are hoping it is just a silly growth spurt coming on (like he needs one!) and nothing else.
But when he woke up this morning (way too early mind you) he greeted me with a smile and a bit of a chat. That made the sorrow of yesterday disappear. Owen is SO worth it.
So I a going to secretly steal another day next week and declare it my birthday 'again' and make that a special day (swedish pancakes for breakfast, lunch with a friend, a cool walk at the mall, a soak in the tub with a good book, coffee at night with Mike). But I am not going to let Owen in on the secret plan! shhhh
Then the day began with us trying to do fun things at home and around town since my brother and his wife were here. Owen fussed here and there but refused to nap! And he began this ridiculous cycle of wanting to eat every hour/hour and a half! Talk about sore! :) He got in one good nap in the afternoon where I quickly jumped in the shower and got a few things cleaned up while everyone else napped. I tried to lay down...but my mind was racing, so my efforts were in vain. "What was wrong with Owen?, Did I put the laundry in the dryer?, Do I have everything I need for the BBQ tomorrow?, etc"
We did sneak in a good dinner out and a quick walk, but ended the evening with crazy feeding 45min to an hour apart. It meant rushing to open gifts and me cutting birthday cake for everyone but myself so I could comfort screaming Owen. Somehow ice cream cake didn't sound so yummy when my little one was so upset last night. We are hoping it is just a silly growth spurt coming on (like he needs one!) and nothing else.
But when he woke up this morning (way too early mind you) he greeted me with a smile and a bit of a chat. That made the sorrow of yesterday disappear. Owen is SO worth it.
So I a going to secretly steal another day next week and declare it my birthday 'again' and make that a special day (swedish pancakes for breakfast, lunch with a friend, a cool walk at the mall, a soak in the tub with a good book, coffee at night with Mike). But I am not going to let Owen in on the secret plan! shhhh
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Treat for mom
Today was the day I have been dreading since writing it down on my calendar....Owen's 2 month checkup. Don't get me wrong! I love going to our doctor, getting Owen weighed and measured, asking all my questions, etc. But today my little guy had to get 4 shots. It amazes me what these poor little babies have to go through so early on in life! I am an adult and I hate getting shots but I have to say watching my little boy get them is far worse!
Well....like all good moms I had planned this appointment at the perfect time! Right after a nap and a feeding so Owen would be in good spirits. But....like all little babies...Owen had his own plan! He woke up early this morning throwing our perfect routine out the window! So much for that! Needless to say I had to wake him up in the middle of a stellar nap to get to the doctor, never a good idea! By the time we got around to the shots he was already crying before they poked him. Once they did, he screamed like I have never heard him scream before. With every shot the scream would reach greater heights! It sounded like a scream of pain and betrayal. It took everything within me not to cry, but even so a few tears snuck their way out! I felt so helpless....I couldn't even bribe him with anything! No suckers, no ice cream, no toys, just nursing....and he was too ticked to even do that! So on the way home I gave myself a treat (allowing him to sleep a bit longer!), coffee from the drive thru at the Filing Station. We weren't going through the trauma of shots without someone getting a treat!
By the way, Owen weighed in at 15 pounds this visit. :)
Well....like all good moms I had planned this appointment at the perfect time! Right after a nap and a feeding so Owen would be in good spirits. But....like all little babies...Owen had his own plan! He woke up early this morning throwing our perfect routine out the window! So much for that! Needless to say I had to wake him up in the middle of a stellar nap to get to the doctor, never a good idea! By the time we got around to the shots he was already crying before they poked him. Once they did, he screamed like I have never heard him scream before. With every shot the scream would reach greater heights! It sounded like a scream of pain and betrayal. It took everything within me not to cry, but even so a few tears snuck their way out! I felt so helpless....I couldn't even bribe him with anything! No suckers, no ice cream, no toys, just nursing....and he was too ticked to even do that! So on the way home I gave myself a treat (allowing him to sleep a bit longer!), coffee from the drive thru at the Filing Station. We weren't going through the trauma of shots without someone getting a treat!
By the way, Owen weighed in at 15 pounds this visit. :)
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Uncommon tears
This morning I cried with my mother. I am not one to do that often. Not that I don't have a great relationship with her....just not that type where we weep and wail over everything/anything. Our most frequent tears occur while watching a sappy movie together but other than that? Becoming a mother has brought on a whole new range of emotions I never knew existed within me. I am SO sad that my family doesn't get to experience every moment with us as we raise Owen. I feel so selfish to have him way down here California but we know it is all part of God's plan for our lives. My wonderful parents and fun brother and sister came over to see Owen one last time this morning before they make the LONG trek home to Washington. We had so much fun spending time with them this week and look forward to the next time we all can get together....hopefully sooner than later! Happy birthday to me....my mom is paying for me to fly home for a visit....only request....I have to bring Owen!
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