All I need is a swing and a slide

So we've reported before how much Owen loves the swings. Sure to elicit giggles every time! And, he's learning to go higher and higher these days...



Even the "big boy" swings can be fun if Mommy goes with you...


But, now we've also discovered his love for the slide. Down I go, easy as...

One...

Two...

Three...


But today, he discovered that the right way isn't always the most fun. He got to the bottom of the slide and then turned around and climbed right back up! All the while, Mommy is thinking about the adventures that await us on the stairs in the new house. Hmmm, you think he'll ever want to climb those?

That's the wrong way, big guy!

First flight, first bite, first visit to the beach. Alright!

We're back from our trip to the Sunshine State and the boy and I are in one piece. We had such a great time and Owen did so very well the entire trip. In fact, he is such a good travel buddy that we're already thinking about all the other adventures we can take!

First flight: Owen was a champ both in the airports and on the plane. On the departure flight, he fell asleep about 10 minutes after take-off and woke up about 10 minutes before landing. Easy as pie. On the return flight, every seat on the plane was full so he had to endure sitting in my lap for the whole flight. He missed his morning nap so he struggled a bit but was still cheerful and making friends the whole time. He fell asleep on my chest about 25 minutes from our landing in Nashville. Two passengers seated nearby commented on what a great traveler he was. That's my boy.

Exploring the plane upon boarding. "Are you sure this thing can fly, Mom?"...

Just after take-off...

Just before landing...


First bite: During our stay in the Sunshine State, Owen experienced his first encounter with corn on the cob. Man, was that kid hooked! Of course, Mommy had already worked the ear over pretty good but he gave it his best work for about 15 minutes! (and loved every second of it!)



First time on the beach: Despite some intial trepidation, O-man loved his first time at the beach. We all got wet (except Aunt Chana who was doing some fancy footwork to stay out of the waves) and were sufficiently coated in sand and seaweed. Owen did the "splash, splash, splash" in the waves, ate sand, drank saltwater (multiple times and on purpose) and otherwise explored the new sights and sounds. While many wee ones seem to dislike the sand at first, he took right to it all. Hmmm, maybe a second home on the beach??








The cutest baby on the beach...


Sand in every crevice imaginable...


It goes without saying that all the grandparents were beside themselves with getting to see Owen. He charmed them all and ensured, once again, that he will be one spoiled little boy. We had a great time overall and the Sunshine State will never be the same again. We missed seeing some friends while in town, but hope to get back soon to visit you!

One for the road...

I had to get in a quick update before we leave for our trip to Florida. Owen and I will be flying solo tomorrow morning and will be back next Tues afternoon. Keep all fingers and toes crossed for a smooth, uneventful first flight for O-man.

While I don't have time for a full on photo-fest this time around, I will give you the latest scoop. Owen is a speed racer. I mean, seriously fast crawling...almost like running across the house. I am so very tired. This kid is on '10' from dusk to dawn! His new thing is to tackle the cat. Othello is being a good sport about the whole thing but I think his patience is wearing thin. He'll be glad to have a break from the boy-king for a week.

And, we are WAVING now! It is so very cute. Owen waves at everyone. We went for a walk yesterday afternoon and he waved at the walkers and runners passing on the sidewalk. Daddy came in from work today and Owen waved to him at the front door. We went to dinner tonight and he waved to the man across the restaurant. He's getting so grown up. Way. Too. Fast.

So, we are off to the Sunshine State for a week. We'll have LOTS of pictures and updates when we return. Love to you all.

Daddy's Day!

Yesterday, was the first official Father's Day in the Stone household. I say the first 'official' day because there are so many more when I celebrate what a wonderful father Rob truly is. Owen is a lucky, lucky boy.

Anyway, the day was much fun all around. We cooked breakfast at home (and Rob had to finish up the cooking because of Owen's nap!) and then went to the zoo for a while. The swings are a MUST do for Owen...he loves the swings and laughs every time!



The swinging seemed such fun that Daddy got in on the action too!


The zoo playground holds LOTS of adventures for little ones. Where else can you be eaten by a snake...


and survive only to then play dentist for a hippo?!


Peek-a-boo, I see you!



After the zoo, we went to lunch where Owen enjoyed his first bites of spaghetti!





Ah Daddy, I love you!


Even with all of this fun, the very best part of the day was giving Daddy his gifts. Earlier in the week, Owen and I went to his buddy Mathias' house to make Father's Day presents. We had such messy fun making a gift that will be treasured for many, many years. See for yourself.







It turned out so great, we think! Thanks to Heather & Mathias for helping us out. We had to hide the picture for days so Owen was proud to finally show off his work to Daddy on Father's Day!

Look what I did!


There weren't enough hours in the day to tell Rob what a great father he is all the time, but we sure tried. Excellent, excellent day.

Friends, food, fun and farewells

Last night was full of good friends, good food and good fun! My mamas' group had one heck of a shindig with babies and daddies galore. It was a blast! We loaded up on some of the best homecooked bbq this side of the Mississippi and potluck sharings to make you go back for seconds (ok, maybe thirds)! There was even some homebrewed ale to please the adults. Laughter filled the yard and babies and toddlers cuddled, crawled, ran, climbed, and chased bubbles all night long. It was quite a sight.









The evening also carried a bittersweet note. With 4 of us mamas moving away in the next month, the evening served as a bit of a going-away party too. I am so incredibly sad to leave my Nashville mamas behind and I have been in denial about it for awhile now. Last night made it real however and was a bit emotional for me. These wonderful friends presented me with one of the sweetest gifts I've received...a beautiful mommy bracelet, complete with Owen's name.



The true highlight of the evening was the incredible cake made by one of the mamas (this lady is my new idol, she can do ANYTHING). In honor of the close ties we all keep by our daily computer chats, she made the coolest cake for those leaving town. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. And tasted great too! This woman has a 2 year old and a 6 month old at home and found time to make not only the cake but our bracelets too! I KNOW she doesn't sleep...but she is wonderful.




We ate too much, stayed too late and endured a mini-meltdown before bedtime. And you know what? It was worth every bit of it all. I will miss these ladies so much.

Good things come in small packages

And little Owen is definitely a Good Thing! Yesterday was the 9 month check up, here is how he stacked up:

Weight: 18.5 pounds (20th percentile)
Height: 28 inches(40th percentile)
Head Circumference: 18 inches (60th percentile)

So, he is slightly smaller than the norm, especially with regard to weight, but the pediatrician had no worries whatsoever. Perfectly clean bill of health, proportional build, hitting all milestones on or ahead of time. Two thumbs up!

And, despite missing a morning nap, Owen was sooo good for the entire visit. He was such a flirt too (as usual). When we had to head over to the lab for his iron and lead level draws, he was such a charmer with the lab techs. No tears, not even one, even when they had to stick him a second time. He just watched them work and smiled when they engaged him. Sweet, sweet boy. And in the exact words of the pediatrician, "they don't get any more perfect." Just as we suspected all along.