Moving

We are moving into our townhouse this weekend...so as I sit here surrounded by boxes & packing material, I realize it may be a week or two before we'll be up & running for another blog posting. Stay tuned, and wish us luck!

Mother's Day Weekend

During Mother's Day weekend, Linnea's cousin Mark got married in the Seattle area which provided a perfect opportunity for a weekend trip up north!

On our way we stopped in Tacoma to visit one of Linnea's good college friends and their 6-month old son, Vincent

Prior to the Saturday evening wedding, we met with Linnea's family for an early Mother's Day celebration

Owen - showing off his new clapping skills!

The weather was beautiful - a perfect evening for an outdoor wedding at Novelty Hill Winery in Woodinville, WA.
We had a wonderful time, and enjoyed celebrating with Mark & Jen on their special day!

some family shots...click to enlarge

On Sunday morning, Brian & Amy came to our hotel for a visit and some play time with Owen!

click to enlarge

Getting ready to checkout, and Owen is enjoying looking over the balcony at all of the activity below!

Notice the amount of luggage for a weekend trip! Whew! As Linnea's dad often teases "10 pounds of baby and 50 pounds of gear!"

Before heading home, we enjoyed the beautiful Mother's Day weather with a picnic at a nearby park.

Owen is sitting in Linnea's lap. He's still getting comfortable with the texture of the grass, so it was easy to keep him on the blanket!

A sweet book from Owen...and he looks so proud!

1st Birthday

Our sweet Owen turned one on April 30th! We can hardly believe it's already been a year! The past month has been full of reminiscing about last year as we prepared for our sweet baby's arrival. And what a year it's been! All of the "firsts" we've been able to witness him experience - going from a seemingly fragile infant to a capable toddler. Owen's adorable personality is coming out more and more. He has a wonderful sense of humor and can get very silly. He loves playing with balls, still loves his GloWorm, "talks" sweetly to his stuffed animals, and giggles contagiously as we play games such as chase or hide & seek. Owen's newest "trick" is clapping - a sweet & memorable moment that had us all in hysterics at his birthday party (more on that later). Owen's favorite foods include yogurt, pear, bread, and little mandarin orange pieces. He is still not a big eater, however. He has little interest in new foods, and would rather get down and play than be confined to his high-chair. Owen is a speedy crawler and easily walks around the furniture. We just had his 1-year doctor appointment and he continues to be a healthy and thriving baby (such a blessing). Still a "peanut" (the term used by the doctor who delivered him) - Owen weighed in at about 18.5 pounds (3rd-percentile) and 29 inches (35th-percentile). Owen LOVES people and seeing/experiencing new places. He really doesn't seem to experience any separation anxiety (which is nice) - although he is a bit of a mamas-boy lately (which I love!).

Happy 1st Birthday, our sweet Owen! We love you very much and are so thankful and blessed that God gave us the privilege of having you as our son. We are excited for your "second" year and all the wonderful adventures ahead!


Kicking off the birthday celebration a week early! Blake & Angie came for a weekend visit, and with Blake & Owen's birthdays only 4-days apart, we had a little celebration for both boys! Owen (cozy in his pj's) enjoyed his first bite of frosting. We also hoped the experience would whet his appetite for his birthday cake the next week!

Birthday morning!

(Thanks - Grandma Pam - for the cute shirt to celebrate my day!)

Looking so grown-up at 1 year old!

(Note the shoes in his hands. Owen LOVES shoes. Not on his feet, but to play with. We often joke that maybe he'll work for Nike someday!)


Owen received a few presents in the mail, and we let him open them during his Birthday morning. What a special way to kick of his day!
(fun firetruck from the sweet friends at Linnea's work)


Our weekly Gymboree class was extra special with the birthday boy.
The whole group even sang to Owen. So sweet!

The birthday boy all dressed up and ready for his party.

We were able to use a community area at our apartment complex, giving us a little more room to spread out. We kept the party fairly small with just family and a handful of close friends.

Owen loved all the people and activity, and at times he event seemed to know he was the center of attention!

On the "cake" table, a copy of both his birth announcement and his 1st Birthday Invitation. What a year!

Linnea made & decorated the birthday cake ...

(not my strength, but I gave it my best!)

... and Aunt Jenny made & decorated these beautiful cupcakes for the group to enjoy!

In addition to a baby book (and this blog I suppose, too!) we've enjoyed keeping a 12-month calendar of Owen's first year. It was a great and easy way to record all of the milestones and memorable moments. We displayed a copy of the calendar for everyone to read & enjoy.

Some of the party guests

(enjoying our taco/fajita dinner - thanks to Brian's wonderful cooking!)

The grandmas!

Our nanny, Kaity

Great-grandma Marion

Our Family!

Singing Happy Birthday

(He seemed to know we were all singing to him)

Cake. Hm.....

Trying to convince him to put some in his mouth.

That's our Owen...not a big eater.

Playing with the cake, but still not really eating it.

Dad trying to get him to take a bite.

"Please dad....can I be done now?"

(click to enlarge)

Time for presents!

Owen was blessed to receive many wonderful and thoughtful gifts.

And also - Owen LOVED the cards!

(All of the beautiful colors & pictures, no doubt)

When we were through, everyone applauded. This got Owen's attention. He stopped in his tracks, and when the applauding stopped - he got up on his knees and did the sign for "more"!
This had us in hysterics!

So, of course we all started clapping again....

And with a very intent look on his little face, Owen copied us and started clapping also! This was his first time clapping, and it was just priceless. He'd stop, so we'd stop. And then he'd light up and start clapping again, and we'd erupt in laughter and clap also. To watch this learing & discovery process happen (both the clapping itself, and the cause & effect that his clapping induced our laughing and clapping) was a truly precious moment that I know none of us will quickly forget.

Our sweet Owen, such a joy!

Happy Birthday Owen!

We love you!