Owen's 3rd Birthday is Tomorrow!

My first born turns 3 tomorrow. 3 years ago at this very moment I was in labor, intense labor, and full of excitement and awe. I'm feeling awfully sentimental; maybe it's because a little while ago, while his mommy and daddy were busy putting around, my (big) baby Owen sweetly walked over to my little baby and gave him a big hug and said "I love you Tucker"followed by a big kiss. Or maybe I'm feeling extra sentimental because after he readied himself for bed with fresh PJs and clean teeth, he came up to me and gave me a big hug and said I LOVE YOU MOMMY! It could also be because earlier this afternoon, Owen & I played a very fun game of Memory and almost followed the rules. My talking, walking, running, playing games, helping to cook dinner, entertaining his baby brother, laughing, training to be a big boy with the "potty"baby boy is not so much a baby any more. He's a small kid full of love and a warm personality. He makes me smile on a daily basis and I love him so much it hurts, the good kind of hurt - like belly "pain" after a full blown laugh attack. Maybe this extra sentimental feeling stems from legacy postpartum hormones or maybe it is because it is the first time my little baby really truly understands that his birthday is tomorrow and that with this upcoming milestone he will be turning 3 - which means it will be time to hold up 3 fingers! Whatever the cause of these feelings, I will relish my opportunity tonight to snuggle with my little boy, who much prefers to be called a big boy, as he falls a sleep hugging me. I love you Owen. Happy Birthday.

Owen's 3rd Birthday Party!

Owen's 3rd birthday party was very special and a lot of fun. We tried to keep it small and focused on his good buddies from school, the neighborhood, and a couple of family friends' kids in his age group. We wanted a simple, low-key event that would give Owen the chance to play and give us a chance to just enjoy the festivities. We had perfect weather and a wonderful morning.

the kids played bean bag toss

practiced with the hoola-hoop and played soccer and catch

they also played "adventure"

in fact, one of our neighbors had to chase Owen down because he started to explore up the big hill on his own and out of sight (thank you Cameron)

the kids played on the playground and found a super fun firetruck to entertain them for awhile

and they took turns launching the "safe" rocket

they gathered for the rocket launch demonstration and chanted a countdown and cheered when the rocket successfully launched high into the sky (3 times!)

they sang happy birthday, ate a picnic lunch, and chowed down on a very weirdly decorated birthday cake... does this look a beach ball to anybody???

the babies even cooperated and performed for the camera

could they be any sweeter?

All in all, we had a great time and will forever remember the smile on the birthday boy's face

we love you Owen

The many faces of Owen

I love when Owen wants to make faces. I think this is something most 2 year-olds love to do, but nonetheless I get a major kick out of it. Before Owen's school play, he warmed up by practicing a few different faces; in order they went:

Regular Photo Smile:

Woo!:

Super Happy:

Sad:

Bad:

Surprise:

and Super Excited (aka, let's go!)