Welcome, Sweet Corbin - Part 3

Corbin was beautifully perfect.

The moment I heard his first cries, I was struck at how different he already was from his brother. They sounded nothing alike, and how interesting it was that I recognized and remembered immediately.

He had dark hair, a dimpled chin, and a cry that reminded me of a little cat (not so much the pterodactyl of brother).

He was born at 8:22 p.m. He weighed 8 pounds, 3.4 oz, and 20 inches long...so a little bigger than the 7 pounds the doctor told us at our last appointment.

I was able to feed him right after they cleaned him all up, which was a great feeling. I was also doing sooooo much better than after I delivered Owen. It was so sweet to be able to enjoy my son right after birth, along with our excited family.

Corbin, Joe and I got to great our family, and I got to love on my first born while Mr. C was in the nursery getting checked out and scrubbed over. Owen was pretty excited to get to see me and Daddy again. And Daddy was pretty excited to get to show off Baby to Brother in the nursery too.

We had a pretty long first night in the hospital with waking up baby, getting woken up for medicine and vitals for me and baby, and noise in the hallway. The zombie phase had begun.

All went well health-wise for us both, and we were able to go home Thursday morning. My mom and dad stayed with us through the weekend, then my mom stayed for the next week and help us adjust as a family of four. THANKS MOM and DAD!

Owen has been great. We've had a few bumps with attitude issues and wanting me to hold him and sit in my lap, when there was no way I could. That has been hard for me as a mom to know I can't do everything for my son, whom I have tried to do everything for the last 3 years.

Corbin has proven to be his own person too. He, sadly, is not quite the easy-going baby I had asked for, but I wouldn't return him for the world. He wants to be held most of the day. When he is held, he bucks back and kicks his head out, making it difficult to hold him. And he throws his little head every which way...making it difficult to hold him. See an interesting trend? Wants to be held, but not??? Yeah, it's neat. The kid can pass gas with the best of them too! He nurses pretty well, but falls asleep very easily -- making him want to eat more often because he keeps falling asleep! ARG! Then, on the other hand, he goes on marathon bouts where he wants to eat for like an hour straight. Ahhh, babies....why can't you just have a display screen of what you need?

Corbin Jack, we are so excited to have you in our family. You have blessed us already, and you've only been here for a short time. Welcome, Sweet Corbin, let's do life together. What do you say?

O's First Day of School

Another first happened today!

Owen had his first day of school!

We chose to send Owen to Mother's Day Out two days a week this year at the local First Baptist Church. I'm excited to see how much he'll learn and grow this year. The program includes music, Spanish and all sorts of fun activities!

The morning started with breakfast with the grandparents and "a little bit of Arthur" (his fav tv show of the moment).

Then Daddy and I took our buddy to school complete with nap mat, pack-ack, and lunch box. Oh, the cuteness!!!! We didn't have the picture perfect hand-off this morning, but it is my prayer this gets easier and easier.

He is growing leaps and bounds every day. This summer it has been so fun to watch him become a stronger swimmer, explore the yard and play pretend, meet new friends on the playground and play together, learn tons of new words and phrases. What doin', mama?

Don't get me wrong, I am a little apprehensive. But I am confident that God is our protector and comforter and he will be there for all of us as our little buddy continues to grow. Let the school adventure begin!

The Sweetest Thing

Isn't one of the sweetest things a child does is say goofy words when they are learning. Either just on the cusp of the right word, or something all their own. Owen is growing and learning so fast these days, I feel that these moments will bee short lived, so I thought I'd write a few down before I forgot.

Pepanohni - pepperoni: his favorite pizza topping

Qatar - guitar: O's favorite musical instrument besides a drum...can be played on the real thing or anything he decides is a qatar! =)

Pack-kack - back pack: bag for packing snacks, toys, and clothes to go to Nana's/Grandma's and soon school!

Screw scriver - screw driver: his go-to tool for dismantling the house

Emplix - Olympics: our summer sports entertainment, big fan of swimming

Mocha Tater/Moke dTater - Smoke detector: he loves reading his firemen books. This gave the grandparents a run for their money when we were out of town one weekend.

Noonles - noodles: mac & cheese or spaghetti, this kid loves 'em

Uncle Ohdrian - Uncle Adrian: This just cracks me up! He can say Adrian perfectly fine, but Ohdrian keeps popping up

Libuhdee - Liberty: his sweet friend

I know there are more, and I'll have to add. I just didn't want to forget this sweet part of growing up.

Amazement and Sadness

Owen is awesome. Every day he amazes me. About two weeks or so ago he started talking in sentences. It just clicked he got it. Now, don't get me wrong, he mostly still sounds like Yoda, but he's awesome.

His first sentence was "I see a plane!" when we went to the DFW Airport Park where you can watch the planes take off and land. SOOOOOO COOOL!!!!

Steps where we were so scared before that he'd trip or fall, he's walking right on by with not a care. Drinking out of a big boy cup, oh yeah, no sweat...except for the fact he might knock it over or dump it on you.

Sadness has ensued because pants once too big are too small. His baby fat has all but disappeared. He talks in sentences. He eats sauteed onions and broccoli on his own. Owen is awesome, but he's not a baby anymore.

Our Elmo/Curious George, plane-loving, car-racing, sentence-slinging toddler is here for the long haul.

O's First Real Trick or Treat

I have to say, this Halloween thing is a blast...even with your own kids!

I love Halloween. I think it's a great holiday to dress up, eat fun sweats, laugh about the scary things in life and actually say hello to your neighbors. Think what you might, but that's what I THINK!

This year's Halloween fell on a Monday night. Lame! Especially since Daddy Joe has to go to class. Well, we did the pumpkin patch thing and we were given a puppy costume that I embelished a little and that was that. No high stress there. But I was totally bummed that Joe wouldn't be able to go trick or treat with us. So, I made plans for O and I to go trick or treat with Aunt Jenni and our friends the Harkins in there neighborhood in Frisco.

We headed over a little before 5pm in hopes to catch Joe before he went to class (also in Frisco), but we missed him. So we were bummed, but started getting dudded up anyways. Well guess what! Joe turned in his homework and told the teacher he'd be back in a bit (advantages of grad school!), and he found us to go trick or treating!

WE HAD A BLAST! Owen loved it. He and his more experienced buddy Austin headed up to each door (Owen even knocked a few times), held out his tiny hand for candy and dropped it in his bucket! Cutest kid on the planet!

I loved sharing this bit of fun with our boy and can't wait for next year!

15 Months of Fun

Owen is going and growing these days. Sometimes it takes my breath away seeing what a little boy, not a little baby, he is!

At his 15-month check-up he was: (can't find my paper right now with exact numbers)
60% in weight
75% in height
90% in head (shocker)

He's still eating like a champ. He LOVES fruit like his daddy and could eat it all day if he could. He also likes pizza and will try a bite of most anything. He's still in size 3 diapers because of his trim little waist, but he's in 18mo clothes for the most part with some 12mo pants (but they're getting a wee bit too short). He also wears a size 6 shoe now!

Owen still goes and goes and goes and goes. But very rarely, he'll actually lay down and enjoy the view for a while. He loves chasing Ryker and thinks they are the best of friends (too bad Ryker hasn't gotten the message! He's terrified!) We're down to one nap a day in the afternoon after lunch, and most of the time it works out pretty well. We're outside multiple times a day, playing in the sand box or with the water hose or whatever tool he finds. It is so hard to keep this guy entertained without fear of death too!

He's talking all the time, a few words are:
Mama
Da
GoGo
Bye (with the cutest little waive now!)
Ball
Hot
That
And I'm sure many others I just dont' know the meaning of.

We've also started taking O to Sunday School while we go to church. This had been hard on all with major crocodile tears coming and going (once even called out of service). However, last Sunday, we made it all the way through with no tears on both ends. Joe and I couldn't have been happier.

Way to go, O! Can't wait to see what we'll get to do together this fall!

(Have you seen a cuter blond baby boy in overalls??? I die!)

12-Month Stats

We were a little late in going to his 1-year check-up at the end of last month, so here's the low-down.

Owen is wearing 12-mo and 18-mo clothes. He's pretty tall, and there's the head issue, so a lot of 12-mo clothes are getting harder to fit. He's still in size 3 diapers for now, but can wear size 4 fine too...just have to cinch a bit more!

At his check-up, he was:

Weight: 22 lbs 14 oz - 50%
Height: 31 in - 80%
Head: 80%

He is so active and loves life right now. Being one certainly agrees with this little guy! He has recently fallen in love with playing ball. He has small, medium and large rubber balls that he will pick up and walk around the house with. He can get get them when asked and even throws them to you as well. He is also saying, Mamma, Dadda and now BALL! He's a genius. He chatters all the time now too!

He has started playing chase with me too. It is SOOOO much fun! I'll say, "I'm going to get you...," and he takes off! He has the funniest laugh lately that sounds like a little Tarzan. Silly boy. He still stalks Ryker and tackles him often. Poor dog. He loves hanging with his dad outside and taking bubble baths together. We have pretty well child-proofed the house, because this kid gets into everything! The cabinets, the toilet, climbing the fire place, climbing stairs at others' houses, climbing the wall (ok, maybe not)...This kid will not let life pass him idly by! No, sir!! 

So far, Owen is still a pretty good napper with two naps most days. He's eating table foods and whole milk like a champ, and down to two nursings a day. The END IS IN SIGHT!! We have quite enjoyed having afternoon snacks together and we do pretty good at restaurants if we don't stay too long!

I have to say, I love this new stage in Owen's life. He's learning every day. He is funny and clever. He is strong-willed (not so fun all the time) and determined. He can figure out things very quick (again, hard for mom and dad to stay on top of some days!). Here's to a great 2nd year. You're amazing kiddo!

Thanks, Lydia @ LMNovations for the great photos!

One Great Year!

My baby, my little OwieBear, squanchy baby, little fud is ONE!

Some days I just marvel at the passage of time. How can one event seem so long ago one moment and so, so short the next. This year has been filled with more ups and downs, trials and jubilation than I ever thought possible, all because a little boy came into the world one year ago!

I remember being so over being pregnant, so excited to meet our son and so frustrated that we still didn't have a name for him (because everyone still kept asking). I remember being frustrated the hospital wasn't ready for us when we arrived for our induction after they told me I couldn't eat, I remember being so nervous when the contractions started. I remember being in horrible pain when the lovely epidural stopped working. I remember feeling the strangest sensation and awe when Owen Daniel O'Brien finally made his way into the world.

The next few days, weeks and months were filled with the joys and frustrations of new parents trying to figure out how to continue being productive human beings, while learning to care for this little baby who seemed so vulnerable and changing. Slowly, we got the hang of different things. And slowly we understood we never would get the hang of others, and we'd all manage to survive.

Slowly our love for this little guy grew and grew and grew, to where it is hard to remember not knowing him and having him in our lives.

Owen, you are a true treasure. Your strong will is evident when you try to climb or open something you can't quite do yet, but you keep trying. Your sense of adventure is evident now that you can walk where ever you want by yourself. Your sense of humor is evident by the way you chase after Ryker and bury your head in his soft fur and laugh. Your love is evident when you walk up to one of us and give us an honest-to-goodness hug.

Happiest First Birthday, sweet boy. We love you more than words can say!!

And We're Walking

For a little more than a month, Owen has been taking independent steps and cruising around the furniture. 

But while we were on vacation, we got to hang with some friends and their 13mo baby girl showed O what to do! Here's a bit of Owen walking across the room!

11 Months and a bit of Denial!

Happy 11 Months, Mr. Owen!

I am amazed every day the things you learn, all you can do and how much you've grown. This months seems to have been very busy for you.

Owen is wearing 12 and 18 month clothes, and still in size three diapers, but maybe not for too much longer. He is somewhere around 22 lbs from our at-home weigh-ins and is quite tall (ahem, we haven't measured). O now has 2 bottom teeth and 4 top teeth!!! And more and more fuzzy white-blonde is coming in every day!

A few of this month's accomplishments have been pulling up to a stand in our crib. This is so neat when you go to get him in the morning and he's ready and waiting! This is so not neat when it's time for nap or bed time and he fusses, fights and stands up defiantly.

O has also mastered the crawl pretty well. He can get any where he wants pretty much, which again is great for him and sometimes not so great for mommy, daddy or puppy. However, we'd still rather walk anywhere than crawl still. And that is our major update!! Not only can we walk with one hand now, Mr O has EVEN walked a few steps and stood by himself. He is a lot better at it when he doesn't know he's doing it. Wow, it is just around the corner. I really do believe if he really wanted to he could walk right now by himself, but that's ok, I'll give him a bit more time!

What else...we still love to clap. We are an absolute pill on the changing table. We love to talk to other babies when when we're out and about. I've even seen Owen crawl over to Ryker to get willingly licked. I have a feeling these two will be all sorts of trouble together.

This month has been a hard month too. Owen wants so desperately to be more independent, but being a baby that is a hard thing to come by. So, mom and baby have suffered through many battles together. It is a hard, hard thing, this parenting gig. But when he smiles and laughs, oh, the whole world melts, I think.

So, denial. I'm there, that river in Egypt. I'm swimming in it.

One. How can my squanchy baby be one? We just brought him home a few weeks ago, right?

Are they still babies? I am excited about all the things O will get to do soon in his second year of life! But wow, I am so amazed at how time that seemed to drag day by day has rapidly turned into a year!

Happy 11 Months, O! Keep growing, learning and having a ball!

Busy Busy Beaver

Seems Owen is learning, doing or trying something new every day now!

This kid wants to grow up so fast sometimes, he can hardly keep up with himself.

On a recent Craig's List adventure, O and I found him a walker. Sometimes (like in the video) he is IN LOVE, and sometimes he finds it to be limiting, but I think it's a pretty entertaining buy for $15.

As of this past Saturday, Owen has also learned to clap. We LOVE to clap. We clap for Owen, we clap for food, we clap for puppy, we clap for joy. You get the idea! We clap! =)

7 Months

Seven MONTHS! How did we get here!? Every month, I know I say the same thing, but I'm still trying to figure that one out.

Little dude turned seven months the day after mama turned 29 years. So, I guess he's still relatively young.

We've been growing, eating, learning and laughing.

One of my favorite memories the past few weeks was when I was feeding him and got the hiccups myself. He looked at me at first then just started belly laughing every time I hiccuped. Owen is a happy kid, but he just doesn't laugh all the time. Oh, it made my heart melt! What a memory!

We now have 2 bottom teeth! We are in size 4 diapers and wear mostly 9 month clothing at this point. Some six month can still fit but it is a stretch indeed. He's slimming down a bit in the waist, but is still quite 'sturdy!'

Owen has also become quite the challenge on the changing table twisting and turning and grabbing for anything he can get. So, not wanting CPS called on me, we change on the floor a lot now.

Last night, Joe and I went out for a date with my sis and b-i-l. While gone, we were informed Owen pulled himself up from sitting to standing in his crib for the first time. Ooohhh dear! We will be dropping the crib soon it seems.

These next few months will be jam-packed with firsts! Excited and nervous! We love you little one!

We still love our jumper and exersaucer. We miss the warm sunshine...please hurry up spring.

A New Year's Surprise

Hello 2011!

My 6.5 month old has now lived in two years. Kinda funny to think about.

After enjoying Second Christmas with the O'Brien clan, and a wonderful New Year's brunch with the Harkins Family and friends, we returned home for some down time.

As I was rocking my little guy to sleep, he started sucking on my chin. Ok, this weirded me out. Then he started sucking on my cheek. Seriously, what is wrong with you, kid? So, I gave him my finger to chomp on.

And what did my funny finger feel? A tiny teeth nub!

Owen has a tooth! His very first tooth! On 1-1-11 no less!

Owen, welcome to the world of biting, gnashing, chomping and snapping! Ok, maybe not quite, yet, but we're getting there!

6 Months Old!

Owen is now six months old! A whole half a year old.

I feel like I should know everything about this kid and how best to care for him, but both Joe and I are challenged every day.

At his doctor's appointment, he weighed in at 18 lbs 13 oz (almost 19 lbs) (75th %) and 28 inches long (90th %). We're in 6-9 month clothes, and still wearing a size 3 diaper for now...though maybe for not too much longer with his chunky thighs!

He is grabbing everything. He is grabbing spoons, cups, noses, tables, toys, toes -- you name it.

We also started real foods. So far we've done carrots, peas and a wee bit of avacado and banana. He does NOT seem to be a fan of peas. He also does not seem to b

e a fan of the high chair, but I hope that that will get better with time. He does love trying his sippy cup.

We're still not crawling or anything (as we are still not a fan of being on our tummy), but we love to lunge!

Nap time has become quite a trying experience for us all. Owen no longer likes to be rocked, but he doesn't quite know how to go to sleep on his own. So it's a lot of screaming and crying on both parties. Ugh.

However Owen is babbling and laughing, so when he isn't scream

ing, he's pretty darn cute.

Here's hoping for a super fun Christmas for all of us! We'

re road-tripping it to Houston, then back again for a second Christmas with the O'Brien clan!

Eating Like a Big Boy!

We are working on our eating of solid foods over here. We are still just munching on rice cereal mainly, waiting for our 6 month checkup next week to go for the gold, or green or orange...

Some days it goes well. Other days, well, he thinks you're trying to kill him. But he loves his spoon no mater what, and he's just so stinkin' cute! Enjoy!

Too darn!

Ryker says, "What about me guys?"

"Umm, Dad, you got any chips and hot sauce anywhere? This stuff is lame!"

"Load it up man!"

Time for clean up. "Man I hate this part!"

Owen Discovers Jumping!

So our dear friends, the Pounds, loaned us a jumper for Mr. Owen. At first, he was afraid. He was not impressed...

A few tries later and he was IN LOVE! Check out the cutest little jumper on the planet right now!

4 Months!

Four Months? Really? That's all? No, wait? So soon?

It's so weird to think back on when Owen first arrived, and it seems so far away from where we are now, but also everything is still so new and scary.

At our doctor's appointment this last week, our stats are:
Weight - 17 lbs (80%)
Height - 27 in (98%)
Head - 43.81 cm (80%)

17 pounds! Sheesh! He is giant baby! We're also in size 3 diapers and 6 month clothing.

Let's see, some of his favorite things these days are "walking" and standing. He loves to stand up in our laps or on the ground. And sometimes, we can get him to walk between Joe and me, and he LOVES it! He loves when we stand him on something high too...he wants to be a big boy so bad.

He'll also follow you a lot more with his eyes, and might even carry on a conversation with you if you're really cool. He loves his toys. He's found his feet and it's soo funny when he's chomping on his toes. The boy has definitely started teething, so we'll see when he actually has them come in!

He'll give you a smile and maybe even a laugh almost any time and it's so great.
We're still working on sleeping during our naps and giving Mommy enough time to get SOMETHING done, but sleeping at night is doing good! Although!!! The doctor told us his head is getting a little too flat from sleeping on his back, so we've be trying his side and tummy...side - he wakes up from 20-30 mins later, tummy - not at ALL! Blarg.

So, that's where we are! Next month, I think we'll start rice cereal and whatever else comes our way!

(top photo thanks to Mr&Mrs Smith Photography!)