Chana Banana

My little sis, Chana, came to stay with us a week or so ago. It had been far too long since I last saw her and the visit was far too short as well. Regardless, we had a great time laughing, playing and making fun...just like we always do.

Since receiving this shirt by mail over 2 years ago (no, don't copy me on your next "announcement"...that's an Ang Stone original!), she has really begun to settle into her new role as Owen's aunt. Or, as Owen would say, "Ent Tanna." While college seniors typically have more on their minds than diapers, peekaboo and cleaning raisins out of carseats, she was up for the task no matter what. Honestly, I think the kiddo is growing on her a bit and she just can't help but fall in love with the little guy.

Sadly, we somehow failed to get many pics of the two together during her stay. What's up with that, Che? But, we vow to do much better next time around. For now, we'll have to get by with the one photo we have of "Ent Tanna" ridiculing my child for his Elton John impersonation.














Oh, and I have to brag on this just a bit. During her visit, Chana ate her first-ever bites of sushi. And make no mistake, she didn't just wimp out with the beginner rolls. She chowed down on my sashimi without batting an eye. Rock on girlie...I'll have you hooked in no time.




























No matter how cool an aunt she turns out to be, she'll never top her role as best sister on earth. Really. I couldn't ask for a better sibling and I love the times we spend together. Memories are always better when they're made with my little sis. Love you, Chela Che.

The obligatory trip down memory lane...

2 funnies and a cute

Just a handful of recent Owen moments to share...

An Entertaining Word Jumble
Owen knows the word for broccoli ("bocky") and he knows the word for one of mommy's undergarments ("bah"). So, it was laugh out loud funny when he mixed up the two. Parading around with my bra hung on his shoulders, I heard "Mommy's bocky."

WHAT did you say?!
There is a local mom & pop ice cream joint that we visit fairly regularly. They have kiddie cones for a dollar and Owen can sit on the carousel horse in the shop while enjoying his cone. Just next to the horse is a sofa. When we were there several days ago, the owner's wife was sitting on the sofa, talking to and playing with Owen. She got up and walked away to tend to some business behind the counter. Owen, obviously unhappy with this new arrangement, pointed to her and said, rather emphatically, "Sit down, gammaw!"

Rob and I both were totally shocked (and both choking back giggles). I was unsure which to address first...the fact that he needed to ask nicely (which he was quick to do upon request and followed up with a "Peas!") or why on earth he had called her "gammaw"! Clearly it is from a video or from listening to others as he has never once called any woman in our family by the term "grandma." Owen, Owen, Owen.

Now THIS one was prompted
Ever since the evening of Mother's Day when we first heard the words, Owen has been free and giving with the "I wub you." He now says it in the mornings as Daddy is headed out the door to work. Without the camera strapped to my head at all times (I am currently considering a hat-mounted, mommy-cam) it is hard to catch these exchanges in the moment. So, here's the next best thing. Daddy had just walked out the door and I grabbed the camera hoping for an instant replay.
I wub you.

Swim, baby, swim!

We're 2 weeks in now and Owen is LOVING his swim class. Uh, I meant to say, "wim cass." Thus far, he has shown absolutely no fear of the water and seems eager to do each of the new activities when we go. While I am thrilled that he is so confident and able, I admit that the fearlessness does scare me a bit. Especially when his new thing is to tell me "seff!" (meaning, "I can do it mySELF!") and try to push my hands away in the water. Sorry buddy, I don't think you're quite ready to go it alone. Soon enough, soon enough.


















Owen really caught on to the kicking early and we've begun to work on the paddling. At various times throughout the day, particularly at bathtime, we'll hear him saying "Padduh, padduh. Kick, kick." Hopefully this love of the water will continue.

Two separate instructors have now commented on his comfort level in the pool and what seems to be a budding natural inclination for "wimming." Judge for yourself...what do you think? Only time will tell.Maybe this is just a honeymoon phase.

In any case, as usual, he surprises me each week with what he's willing to do. The day these photos were taken, we were told that we would be working on getting their faces wet. The instructor asked us to go slowly with this process as many children would not like it. We were told to first get our own faces wet, talk to them gently about what would happen next and begin to trickle some water on them a little bit at a time. As she was finishing up the instructions, Owen filled his bucket completely with water and dumped it over his own head. This, of course, produced many laughs and got much attention and was then repeated over and over again. So much for going slowly.

Perhaps the real reason he loves "wim cass" so much is that he gets to spend time with 2 of his favorite girls, Caroline & Ella. Here's the threesome, shivering and less than thrilled, on the very first day of class.

It won't be long before they're playing Marco Polo and doing cannonballs off the diving board. Although, we might want to work a bit more on "Padduh, padduh. Kick, kick" first.

Even MORE swim photos here

Connect the Dots

We recently had the pleasure of a visit from Rob's mom, Dottie, during which Owen decided she would make a great permanent addition to the household. He couldn't be tickled enough, held enough and just generally close enough to "Dot Dot" the whole time she was here.

"Dot Dot hold you" was the favorite line of the week. And in responding to that request over and over again, I believe that Dottie discovered a fabulous new upper body workout. Though I am certain she grew tired of the constant demands for pick-me-ups, you would have never known it. Let's just say that Owen certainly got more than his fair share of cuddle time.












My favorite moment of the week happened over dinner one night. Dottie and Owen were playing back and forth...he was laughing, she was entertaining. He giggled and giggled and watched her every move and then out of his little active brain said, "Siwwy Dot Dot." It was perfect. And in that moment, I don't think Dot Dot had ever been so happy to be dubbed "siwwy."

During her stay, we got to show Dot Dot all of our favorite places and activities.

The park...












The Children's Museum...


























Kangazoom...














Dot Dot even got to accompany us to both Music Class and swim class and she and Owen had some serious discussions over breakfast.









We also discovered that Owen and Dot Dot make a pretty mean team in the kitchen. The result? Some hard-earned, from-scratch gingerbread cookies that Owen would eat ALL DAY LONG if I'd let him.














































While his conference kept him busy for most of the visit, we did get to see "Papa Walt" for a little while and Owen took quick advantage of an empty "wap" and someone to "weed" to him.












Thanks for coming to play, siwwy Dot Dot, we look forward to next time. And we are so glad you got to discover that ain't it great to be crazy?

Hands down, best gift EVER!

You know what happened tonight for the first time ever? Totally unprompted. Completely unsolicited. Not prefaced by "Can you say...?" Just now, as I was putting Owen down for bedtime, he grabbed me around the neck, squeezed hard and said, "I wub you, Mommy."

I WUB YOU, MOMMY!!!

Not in response to my saying it first. Not just "wub." Not even just "I wub you." But, clear as day, totally pure..."I wub you, Mommy."

What are the chances this would happen on Mother's Day? What are the chances??? Rob and I both teared up at the sound. It was as if he was waiting all day to give me this gift. I've honestly never heard 4 better words.

I rarely blog in the moment. Never have I rushed to the computer to type a post before. But this I wanted to record forever. This was big.

I am floating.

Look ma, no hair!

Okay, well it's really just short(er) hair. I'm sure there will be a point at which a haircut is no longer blogworthy, but when this makes only #2 in your whole long 19-month life, it's a headliner (no pun intended).

Not much to say about this cut, other than he seemed to enjoy it...clippers and all. Was quiet, still and cooperative for the duration. Here are the before, during and after shots.

Little man.

Return to Nashvegas

Boy, this post is long overdue! Owen I made our first return trip to Nashville (affectionately known by locals as Nashvegas) almost a month ago. While Rob and some buddies from college commandeered the house for an annual get-together, the boy and I fled to see some friends and visit old stomping grounds.

The main reason for the trip was to surprise my dear friend, Adrianne, for her wedding shower. Doesn't she make a stunning bride?? Congratulations, Ad! Wish I could have seen you walk down that aisle.

Also while in Nashville, I was able to spend time with my super-duper friend, Jamie. (Sorry, J. I know that photo is old...we need a new one!) Owen loved Jamie and he loved digging in her plants, crumbing up her floors and altering the setup on her brand-new plasma TV. The time was too short, for sure, but it was wonderful to laugh, reminisce, and just share some time together.

And, Nanette...just one thing to say to you... . NOT enough time. Let's do better the next go 'round, okay? It was great to see old friends at Vandy too. Owen enjoyed sitting in Rosanne's "wap" and looking at "baby you" on her computer over and over and over again. RJ, thanks for taking the time to cuddle my kiddo for a bit...I know how badly you were wanting to get back to work. ;-)

Here's a shout out to all the friends--mamas and non-mamas--that I got to hug and chat with. And here's a big sad, frowny face for all the ones I missed. Promise to catch you next time around! (or get you down here!)

The real highlight of the trip was playing apprentice to the one and only, Chelle Cyborg. Remember the computer cake from my post last summer? Yep, she was the one responsible for that masterpiece. Chelle has earned the name "cyborg" because she clearly is NOT HUMAN. Cooking, baking, drawing, cake-decorating, furniture-making, sewing, knitting, and being a phenomenal mother to 2 sweet girls, Rosie & Aly...she really can do it ALL. I've been joking for the last year about wanting to be her apprentice...to kneel in her shadow and learn alongside the best. Well, 2.5 days in her home and I was able to fulfill my dream for just a little while. Thanks, Chelle. It was a blast.

Owen still sometimes talks about "Wosie" and her sister, "gentle!"

Owen is really sorry for the pushing, Aly. I think it just means he likes you. Yeah, that's what it means. And, one day he'll stop calling you "gentle!", I promise.




























Here's the cake that Chelle made for Ad's shower. It's not shake and bake, but I HELPED. The middle layer is mine...ain't it the best of the 3??!!



















And just so we're clear, when I talk about Cyborg's cakes, I'm not talking about any ol' run-of-the-mill, get-out-your-rosette-tip-and-go-to-town cake decorating. Here's a sampling...now you see why I'd wanna learn from the master!

















































Oh, and Chelle is even a great tornado-warning hostess and has a fully-stocked basement ready for waiting out the storms. Thanks for a great time, my friend.

Nashville buddies, we can't wait to come and play again!

PS--Yes, I know this post wasn't much about Owen. Deal with it! It was my time to love on my friends a bit. You know, it's my blog and I'll do what I want to with it!
(ummm, Owen gave me permission)