Christmas

We had a quiet Christmas at home with our little family. With New Year's plans with all of Todd's family and my mom in California with the sisters, it worked out for us to have Owen's first Christmas with just the three of us. The night before, we set out the stockings and presents, with a few additions from Santa overnight!

Owen usually sleeps until around 6:30, but he must have sensed the excitement because he was up and ready to go before 5 a.m.! We played around, had breakfast, and he didn't even pay attention to the tree until we woke Todd at 6:30 to start the presents.

Owen had lots of new fun things to play with including trucks, Fisher Price bus and farm, Winnie the Pooh, bead maze, and lots of new books. I know they say some kids love wrapping paper, but Owen wasn't that interested. But boxes and gifts bags? Sign this kid up, he loves to crawl inside them!

And Baby Makes Three

We have been so behind on Christmas preparations this year. Apparently last year we threw out our tree after the holidays because it was broken? I don't remember that, but I do remember trying to take it apart and the dent in the molding near the stairs as a result (oops!). So, since we missed last year's Christmas sales, we were on the hunt for a new tree at a reasonable price. We saw one we liked, but it was too expensive and we kept checking back to see if it would go down in price. Todd finally went back on the 24th and asked to talk to a manager. When he did, they ended up giving it to us for 70% off - a super steal for such an awesome tree!

Owen wasn't quite sure what to make of it... but surprisingly has essentially ignored it after his first exploration. I love the lights, it is definitely going up early next year so we can enjoy it longer!

Every year, we buy a new ornament for the tree that represents something that has happened to us during the year. We have one for when we bought our house, when Todd starting working for the Department of Corrections, one for my half-marathon, etc. This year's addition...

Latest and Greatest

Some of the new fun things Owen is doing...

• Head bobs - when he is talking to his toys, when he is crawling around (tilts it side to side), when he is being silly with us - too funny!
• Breakdancing - hands on the floor, feet on the floor, butt in the air, and dances around in a circle! I think it is a bear crawl in 360 mode, but it looks like he is showing us his dance moves!
• First visit with Santa - the Volunteer Fire District brings their fire trucks all decked in Christmas lights into our neighborhood every year, with Santa hanging out on the back. We wrapped Owen in a huge blanket and his toque and went out to watch them go past, but they ended up stopping in front of our house and our neighbor, one of the firemen said 'bring Owen over'. I walked up to Santa and put Owen on his lap - it was amazing - Owen just sat there staring up at him for the whole time Santa talked to him. I was completely unprepared since I thought he wouldn't let me put him down, so no pictures were taken. But, in my mind, I have the best picture - foggy night, white lights on the fire engine, Owen in the khaki fuzzy throw we have and his little gray Hurley toque, with his head tilted up and his mouth slightly open, looking up at Santa. Cute boy, I still can't believe he did it!
• Owen the Explorer - Owen has been having a lot of fussy days lately due to some changes in his reflux meds and teething yuckiness. To distract him, Todd has been taking him on new adventures around the house. He now loves to open and shut the microwave, pull open the high cupboards, check out the peephole, the air intake, the lights, the ceiling. He loves it!

First Haircut

Can you see the difference?

On our way - slightly 'sideswept' since his hair is too long in the front!

After - just a small change, but it looks super cute!

We took him to Todd's barber, Elyse, who was so great with him.

Where am I...

...who are you and what are you doing with those scissors?

Consulting with Dad about the situation

He sat super still and with just a little trim around the ears, back and front, he was done!

Communication Station

Time to start some signing with Owen - he is getting frustrated that we don't know what he wants, especially since he uses the sign for all done when he really means it, but also when he wants more! He is consistently using, 'mama, dada, dat (cat), and oh-oh (uh-oh)'. He waves 'hi' and 'bye' and when we say 'tubby time' heads for the stairs, then up the stairs, down the hallway, and into our bedroom to the bathroom. It cracks us up!

Distraction 101

When Owen was little, I cut his fingernails when he was sleeping, but now he will pull his hand away if you try. The new distraction? Super Bass by Nicki Minaj.