Owen's New Look

It's tough to get new and interesting with this guy.  We've posted a ton of pictures of him on here.  But this is kind of a new look for Owen.  I like the mustache, but I'm trying to talk him out of the fro.  Carrie's the exact opposite.  We'll see.

Interestingly enough, my dad rocked this look for like a decade (sans the frog).  

No Shirt For Owen

I happen to be a onesie man myself, but Carrie likes to put Owen in little shirts and shorts.  For me, this makes handling him and changing him a little more difficult in contrast to the snaps at the bottom of onesies.  Little real outfits also mean bunching and bagginess versus the relatively form fitting and snugly in place onesies.  One positive, however, is that when you're feeding him you can just yank his shirt off and you have a much less messy feeding, especially with spoon fed stuff. 

Footage Of Owen Chowing Down

If the photos didn't do it for you, here's a live show.

Update: Owen's knife juggling/fire eating act is almost polished enough to put on video, but he wants to really have it down before we upload it.  Stay tuned.

Blood, Sweat & Drool

Being a baby isn't all fun and games.  At times it can be hard work.  Tummy time is an example of this.  It takes a lot of work for this guy to lift his head up and take a look around.  He does a pretty good job of making an effort, but for the moment the majestic views from atop the rolled up blanket are short lived.  We're working on making these few minute exercises more frequent throughout the day and we're getting inventive with methods of engaging and interesting him. 

A rare picture of this guy looking (kinda) small.

I think a baby is the only subject that this pose could work for.  

Owen's Introduction To "Solid" Food - A Process

What in the name of all that's holy are you putting into my mouth?

I'm really not so sure I like this.  

Actually, it's not that bad.

I'm in, grill up some steaks. 

How Do We Clean?

This is how we clean.  

One nice thing about having Owen getting a little stronger is it's possible to strap him in and go about your business.  The beauty of this sling is that for a while he was turned the other way and his head was supported.  Now that he can hold his melon up for himself, he gets flipped around so he can see the world for all its glory (e.g. mom vacuuming).  

Today Was A Good Day

Carrie and I had a good day today.  First, Owen went to the pediatrician and she said that he is coming along very well.  For those of you who don't know, there was a little concern over his muscle tone and how active/strong he was in the beginning, but she's very happy with where he's at now.  He's 14 pounds and 27.5 inches long, which coincidentally means he's gained 5.5 pounds and grown 5.5 inches since he was born.  

Second, there was a sudden rain storm when we went for our walk tonight, but we still decided to do a lap around the lake.  It was actually very nice because it was kind of cold.  It was the first time that we've been outside and not hot for about three months.  It cleared our heads a little.  I think all of the changes that have been going on over the past few months had started to catch up with us from a fatigue standpoint and simply having a change in physical environment for a few minutes reminded us that it's not always going to feel as crazy as it does now.

Finally, it was bath night and we were surprised to have a very happy baby on our hands.  Of course we busted out the camera and have included some of the best photos here.  Enjoy.

I just like the kid's smile. 

I don't know why we spend so much time on his feet, he's not walking around.  I think people just like baby feet.

Dude, check out my ears. They're hilarious.  I'm a Vulcan.  Live long and prosper, dad.

We've sung the praises of our camera before and we'll do it again, but I'm always amazed by the detail it captures.

It's Raining Babies, Hallelujah, It's Raining Babies

We've entered the golden age of child rearing.  The Age of Play is upon us; there is no return to the amorphous being that was without concept of fun.  This dude loves to be tossed around.  He has big ol' wide eyes and then the biggest grin upon reentry (to safe arms).   This is a very good thing.  I'm going to be done with my job in a week and a half and this turn of events couldn't have occurred at a more opportune time.  I'm going to have a blast playing with this guy.

Please Note: No babies were harmed in the photographing of this scene, although a cat got a little jealous of the attention lavished upon the airborne baby.

Missed It By That Much

Just one of our cute little outtakes.

Instilling A Little Culture

Our friend Susan is a little artsy and a sculpture professor of hers was having a showing at Tempe's new Center for the Arts.  She rallied the troops and got some folks to show up to take a look.  Of course, we jumped on the opportunity to be around some adults, albeit for an hour. 

Owen and I are equally fascinated by the same painting.  Either he's really cultured for his age or I've got the artistic taste of a 3 month old.  I'm not sure which, but suffice it to say, the painting was purdy.

I don't know if Susan and Ashley crossed the line between fawning and gushing, but they were flirting with it.  I'm sure O-dog was pleased as pie to be the center of all the attention.  He was cool too, I got a direct quote from Josh "it's babies like this that make me think having one wouldn't be too bad."  That's about as good as it gets in this crowd.  In fact, they liked Owen so much we had to get him out of there because I thought they were going to start buying him shots.

Clockwise from left: Bryan, Josh, Hut, Ed, Susan, Carrie/Owen, Ashley.  Not a shabby group if you ask me.  In fact, these guys account for close to about half of the people we're close to in Phoenix.   

The Little Things

Owen has started doing the sweetest thing.  As you feed him he slowly runs his hand up and down yours.  It is the gentlest little touch.  I find feeding him to be a relaxing time. You have no choice but to stop what you are doing and sit down for however long Owen feels he needs to drink his milk.  But sometimes as you are sitting there, your mind is still thinking of everything you need to do or replaying things from work.  Then you feel that little hand on yours and you can't help but quiet your mind and be in the moment with him quietly drinking his milk, staring into your eyes and the feel of his tiny hand touching yours.   

If you know us well, you know we are constantly thinking of the next thing we are going to do.   Moving, going back to school, new jobs - these are common challenges we like to take on.  But Baby Owen doesn't care about those things.  He only cares about what is happening to him at that exact moment.  It's nice having someone around to remind you that, though thinking of the future is important, being in the now is too. 

Revisiting The Visit

This is my mom and Trina with a baby, we think it's Owen.

I didn't feel like brushing my teeth this night so Tejas was kind enough to sit on the ground with me so we could brush our teeth together.  Nice guy, that Tejas.  Big heart.

How much fun is it to be inside our house for five days straight?  About as much fun as an imaginary roller coaster will provide.  

Suneela and Owen both looking pretty excited to be having their pictures taken.  This picture encapsulates forever the momentous "First Sitting on the Pleather Chair with Child".  Epic moment.

This is Owen advocating peace.  My mom and I are advocating tickling.  Both efforts succeeded, it was a peaceful tickling.  

Little Help Please

Man it's tough being a baby.  Our little man has gone from having his first cold to being constipated.  I think if he had a choice he would choose the cold.  Talking to his doctor, she recommended giving him some water.  Well it turns out Little O is not very fond of water. Owen loves his milk and he was quick to put together that water is not milk.  So after making some confused faces he refused to swallow the water.  Then he proceeded to angrily coo at us for a good 10 minutes.  Like I said - it's tough being a baby.

P.S. I am not cruel enough to take a picture of Owen struggling so the above picture is from happier, easier times.