February Update

We had a great month with a nice mix of new adventures, outings with Tucker, time with family and friends, and mainly and most importantly special quality time hanging out bonding together. Some of the highlights:

- a week with Granddaddy and Nana
- a week with Granny, Auntie Kristin, and Charles
- Owen's first "real" train ride (a trip on the Sacramento Metro to downtown), followed by a visit to the Sacramento Train Museum (Tucker, Nana, and Mommy met Owen, Daddy, and Granddaddy downtown)
- a trip to the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary and a ride on the Folsom Train (kiddie train)
- a trip to the Sacramento Zoo (a ride on the kiddie train)
- lots of park time and play time with friends
- Little Gym class on Tuesday nights
- the Superbowl (Go Saints)
- riding bikes (mainly Owen on his scoot bike) and many neighborhood walks
-many, many, many hugs and cuddle moments
-showing off Tucker to Amber's co-workers
-Kris & Granddaddy's casino night out - (they came home winners)

Owen's 2 and 1/2 years old!

On March 1, Owen celebrated his half year birthday. It's unbelievable how fast time goes. It's so cliche, but it really seems like yesterday that Owen was the size of Tucker. Maybe what's more amazing is that our love for him continues to grow every day.

In the last six months, Owen has grown in so many ways. He's learning to share and plays directly with friends. He comes home from school telling us about who he played with at school or where he wants to go in the afternoon - he even likes to go to specific parks like the "regular park" which is the park near us or the "castle park" which is the big park he loves, or the "other park" which is the school park near the "regular park". He's learned the alphabet and his vocabulary has increased so much; he's now talking non-stop and telling us stories about his day and his favorite things to do and what he likes and doesn't like. He loves to play with his friends and has really formed a special bond with Colton and also his pal Ricky (the three of them go to the Little Gym on Tuesday evenings together). He associates crying with being sad and smiling and laughing with being happy; he regularly tells us that he's happy. He asks for music on in the car or music off if he doesn't like the song playing. Just recently, he started to learn his numbers and can count to ten, though not always in order. He likes to pick out his outfit for school- sometimes we battle because he doesn't want to get dressed at all or wants to wear shorts or short-sleeves on cold days, but for the most part, getting ready for school is pretty easy. He's started to floss and brush his teeth, but usually requires a scrub from mommy or daddy to help finish the job. He likes bath time, but doesn't like to have his hair or face washed yet. The cries stop as soon as we're done though. He can sit down on the couch watching tv while we're upstairs and if we call down and ask him "Owen are you ok" - he responds with, "I'm fine". He also says "see ya later" when he's leaving to go somewhere. He often asks us what we're doing and tells us what he's doing or what he wants to be doing. His favorite thing to eat is oatmeal- and usually has a great appetite- at least at school and at restaurants- normally eating everything in front of him. His other favorite foods are Thai pineapple fried rice, miso soup, edamame, and rice. He actually has poured himself one glass of water to date and may even take a cooking class at school. Of course, we love to watch him ask for Tucker. He usually says "I need him" while gesturing for us to bring Tucker lower in order to give Tucker a big kiss. He loves to ride his scoot bike in the house and down the street - he's now lifting his feet a bit and learning to glide. He also loves to play with his train set and build forts on the couch and dig in the yard on sunny days. It's impossible to record all of cute things he does and says, but every day he makes us laugh. Of course, we have typical two-year old moments with whining or crying, but for the most part it's mild and we feel lucky. Watching and helping him to develop is such a treat!

During the weekend, we celebrated with puddle jumping and feeding ducks at one of our favorite places and we also went on a long walk along the trail at Lake Natomas.

Bonding Leave Update

Bonding leave is going really well. I am enjoying every minute of my time off. During the first 8 weeks with Tucker, we decided to keep Owen in school full time except when we've had visitors. Its worked out really well since it's given Owen the chance to stick to his routine and me the chance to focus on Tucker and catch up on rest. Starting on Monday, Owen will stay home two days a week- Monday and Friday. I'm excited.

I usually spend most of the day cuddling/nursing and changing Tucker's diapers. Tucker still sleeps for many hours of the day, sometimes in my arms and sometimes in his pack n play or swing. When the weather is cooperating, I usually take Tucker for a long walk in the late morning and then I do laundry, clean the kitchen, or make/prep dinner. The house is definitely messy most of the time, but we're ok with that for now. In the late afternoon, Tucker and I pick up Owen (usually between 3 and 4) and then play until Daddy gets home. We have an early dinner followed by a couple more hours playing (every couple days we have bath time, too). Quiet time starts between 7:45 and 8:15 on most nights and includes three of four stories and a review of our day or a preview of the coming day. I love this time as it gives me a chance to cuddle close with Owen.

It's hard to pick a favorite time of the day, but I think I have to say that it's when I have a few minutes to hold Tucker and also hug/snuggle with Owen. I also love it when Owen whispers, "goodnight mommy, i love you". And really, every minute snuggling with Tucker is the best!!

I will be off until early June and plan to enjoy every minute. In a couple of weeks, we're taking a trip to Orange and then Kris's sister will be here to spend Easter with us.

Tucker's 2 month doc appt

It's hard to imagine that we've hit the 8 week mark and that on Saturday, Tucker will turn 2 months old. Life has changed like expected; we're happy, busy, and and definitely sleep deprived. Tucker has continued to grow strong and healthy, and Owen has continued to be a very sweet big brother. We have our hands full, but we wouldn't want it any other way.

Tucker's stats:
Weight: 12lbs 13 oz (Owen was 12lbs 2 oz) - both gaining nearly the same during their first two months
Head: 40cm - (Owen was 37 cm)
Height: 22 inches (Owen was 22 inches)
Key milestones: all on track














8 weeks