Happy Birthday Owen

Happy 3rd Birthday Owen. We love you so much!!

Time always flies faster than we can imagine, but this last year has been quicker thank quick! In the past year, Owen's changed from a little toddler to a little boy. He's gone from few word sentences to telling stories and joking around. The amount he comprehends and the stories he tells are often mind-blowing and very entertaining. He's become a big brother and taken on that role gently and proudly. Like most other kids his age, there are rough moments where we bump heads, both figuratively and literally, but most of the time, those moments even bring a giggle or a smile to our face. The kid knows what he wants and usually a tv show is at the top of the list; luckily for us we can still distract him out of a fit or two without too much struggle (most of the time anyway!). Owen continues to be one that needs his daily nap and food at regular intervals, but the signs are clear and there is some degree of flexibility. He loves to play beach ball baseball, memory, read books, lots and lots of books, do the robot dance in the car to Tucker's favorite car song, make Tucker laugh, ride his balance bike, play all types of ball, ride trains, race his cars, build legos, play on swing sets, go to the park, play in water features at the park, eat food, fall asleep hugging mommy after 3 stories, eat more food- especially candy, run, make faces, play tricks, build forts, do the alphabet, negotiate for 3 more, snowboard, jump, or skateboard down the couch cushions if positioned like a mini-slide, play home-living at school, dance, sing songs, play on car toys he can ride and push around, play with his friends and neighbors, and today he found out that boat rides are fun! He doesn't love to have his hair or face washed, though is pretty good about brushing his teeth and usually loves the bath once he's in. He doesn't ever want to get his head wet in the bath or a pool, but will happily frolic in a pool or at the beach up to his knees. He loves the television and most cartoons and movies- Cars, Toy Story, Ice Age, and lately Land Before Time are on definitely his top 10 list. He looks out for his little brother, regularly telling Tucker which toys are dangerous and which ones are good. He's slowly potty-training - and bribing with candy is somewhat effective, note somewhat is being applied very loosely. Generally, he's a very happy and fun little boy who runs like a cartoon character and melts my heart.

Some shots from today

Owen practicing his "are you serious" face

Owen practicing his "pout" face

Owen laughing between his "faces"

the birthday boy enjoying his first boat ride -"this is fun!"

some shots from earlier this year

Tucker's 2 weeks, Owen 2 1/2 (Jan 25 2010)

Owen (February 2010)

Tucker & Owen (Feb 5, 2010)

classic Owen face (Christmas 2009)

Owen working on his first bike (July 2009)

Easter 2009

Owen 12 1/2 months (Sept 14 2008)

Owen on his giraffe (April 2008)

Owen days after birth