He walks!

He has been walking for a week or so now, but the last few days he has ONLY walked.  No crawling anymore.  I'm sad because it means the baby days are over.  I'm happy because, well, HE'S WALKING! And it's so freaking cute!

Owen's One Year Stats

Owen had his one year check up today! He is 22.5 pounds and 31 inches. That puts him at about 45% for weight and 75% for height. He isn't using words for specific things yet so they want to see him back at 15 months.  I'm not worried and honestly the Doctor wasn't either, just checking a box on the developmental guideline chart.  

Other than that he is a healthy little boy who is very close to walking!  

Our July Trip!

We took a family trip back to Las Vegas to visit our family at the beginning of July!  It was very fun.  One of the best parts was getting to see Brady's oldest brother, Colin, and his family.  The are Army and we haven't seen them in three years!  They had never met Beckah or Owen in person.  It was so wonderful to see them and play with cousin's Saylor and Paisley.  They have grown so much!  

Brady had to fly home after the first week, which was sad.  The second week the kids and I got to spend the week in California with my parents, most of my siblings and niece and nephews. We spent some time on the beach and went to Lego Land, the San Diego Zoo, and Sea World!  

Sunset on the beach in San Clemente

We went to Legoland first.  Shortly before we entered the parking lot to Legoland, Beckah threw up all over the place.  We ended up having to take her car-seat apart and clean the cushions in the bathroom of the park.  We also had to buy her a new shirt and borrow some extra shorts my sister-in-law, Megan, had for her son, Liam. I'm so glad she had them with her! Not the best way to start the day.

When we got into Legoland we went through their aquarium first.  It was pretty nice and the multiple touch tanks were definitely a hit with the kids! 

While eating lunch Beckah managed to tip her chair over and hit her chin on the T bar of the stool behind her.  At first we thought she was fine.  It happened really quickly and no one really noticed that she had actually hit something on her way down.  I noticed she was bleeding a few moments after sitting her back up though and thanks to quick action by my parents and sister we had ice and towels in quick order and off I took her to the first aid building in the park.  The medical personnel were wonderful at Legoland.  I didn't really get a good look at her chin until we to the first aid building and I was shocked at how deep the cut was.  They offered to refer us to the hospital to get her stitches (which would have really complicated things with the my other kids since we just got to the park and coming back another day wasn't going to happen) or they could steri-strip it for us right there and we could stay at the park.  The medic told me that either way she was going to have a scar, but that if we could keep her hands off of the steri-strip and keep it dry for at least three days it would heal very nicely.  We chose the steri-strip, mostly because Beckah was so calm at the first aid building and getting it placed there was less likely to upset her.  She held perfectly still for him to clean and sterilize the area, apply the glue and place the strip.  Then they covered everything with a big butterfly band aid.  The medic said Beckah was the best patient he has had in a long time. He sent us off with a goody bag of first aid supplies and a dose of Motrin in case Beckah started to hurt.  

Ouch! 

There were lots of rides at Legoland and tons of awesome stuff built out of real Lego's!  Cadence was having the time of her life on all the roller coasters.  She's a girl after my own heart that one.  Rory was scared, but grandma convinced her to try small coaster and she was hooked after that!  Beckah went on every ride she was big enough to ride.  Watching her stick her hands in the air on the little train and squeal was so fun!  Even Owen got to ride a few things.

Cool Lego Spider that was easily as big as a Smart Car. 

Beckah did so good letting me change band aids and never once played with her chin.  The next day was Owen's first birthday and we spent the day at the San Diego Zoo!  We got lost in the Lost Forest and never did see the Gorilla's.  We saw quiet a few amazing animals, but the highlight for my kids was the Polar Bear.  It's Rory's favorite animal and it was all they would talk about most of the day.  They got their faces painted and we celebrated Owen's birthday with some ice cream!

Beckah the Butterfly

Birthday Boy!!

Cadence the Cat

Birthday Ice Cream!!

Rory the Tiger

I think we wore them out...

The third park was Sea World.  It was really packed at Sea World and we didn't get to see as many shows there as we would have liked.  We did see the Shamu Show and we got to watch the dolphins in their tank while they played with toys and had some interactions with people.  We also touched sting rays and saw beluga whales and more polar bears!  Cadence and I got to ride the big roller coaster in the park a couple of times and the younger kids loved the Sesame Street play area! 

Hanging with Grandpa waiting for Shamu to start!

All in all it was a really fun day.  It was nice to just spend the day at the beach on Saturday though.  It was a super fun week in California, but I was glad to head back to Vegas. 

On the way back to Las Vegas we blew a tire on the van.  It the radial part of the tire tread just peeled off like an orange. The rest of the tire stayed inflated. It was super weird and shook me up pretty good.  Thanks to my parents and a good manual we were able to get the spare on the van and made it to Baker where we were able to get a new tire.  The inside of the wheel well was duck taped back in place and the only thing with issues was my left turn signal in the front wasn't working.  Back in Vegas we had a mechanic look at it and it was a surprisingly simple fix.  Considering how much damage could have been done we were very lucky.  He fixed things up and secured things very well for us so we could drive home to Omaha safely.  My van has some cosmetic damage but other than that it's good as new. 

Brady's mom, Suzi, was kind enough to make the long drive back with me and the kids.  She stayed for a few days after we got back too which was wonderful!  

We had a great adventure but it was so nice to get home to Brady and our own beds!

Owen is ONE!!

Then: 

Now:

Dear Owen, 

Honestly I never thought I would have a son.  After three girls I figured that you would be a girl too.  I was shocked when they told me you were a boy.  I honestly didn't really believe it until they put you in my arms after you were born.  

I'm so happy the Lord chose to send you to our home.  I am so thankful to have the chance to mother both girls and a boy.  This year has been such a joy.  You are such a joy.  I can't believe that you are already a year old!  It has gone by much too fast.  

We love you so much my dear boy!  I love your darling grin.  I love how much you adore your daddy.  And your sisters.  I love your little nod when you when someone says "hi" to you.  I love that you growl and roar.  I love your crazy bed hair.  I love that you cuddle with me so much.  I love that you and Beckah get into trouble together.  I love that you are starting to stand up for what you want, even if it means you throw a bit of a fit.  I love your nonsensical chatter.  You talk as much as the girls do and I am confident you will be able to hold your own with them.  

I can see a bit of the boy and young man you will become one day in your sneaky little smiles and full bellied laughs. I look forward to watching you grow.  Feel free to take your time doing that though, okay?  

Happy Birthday my sweet boy!  Here is to many, many more!

Love, 

Mom

Owen is growing up!

Owen has recently learned to crawl.  It's wonderful and terrible at the same time.  I love that he is enjoying being mobile and following his sister's around everywhere.  I am hating that I have to vacuum every day (sometimes twice), hating paper (he always finds some...always), and hating that he is growing up so fast.  Thankfully he is still a big cuddle bug!  

He already puts up with a lot of dumb girl stuff. Poor guy. I'm just grateful that his sisters love in him so much.

I am also thankful that he loves his daddy!  He is perfectly content to sit, sleep, and play with daddy and it melts my heart to watch the two of them together.  The girls were such mommy's girls up until they were about a year and it is so nice to have a baby that will be happy with daddy.  

I have a feeling this will be a theme in his life.  Sorry buddy. 

I seriously love this boy and I am so glad that he surprised our family.  I can't imagine things without him. 

Owen Four Month Stats

We had our 4 month well check yesterday!  Owen is perfectly healthy and growing very well.  He was 16lbs and 27 inches.  The doctor we saw was a new resident again, but this time around when I said Owen was my 4th baby he didn't bother going through the whole "you can tell I have never done this before" thing.  Instead he just asked me if I had any concerns and then let us go.  It was GREAT!

So happy for a healthy boy!

Cady loves him...

And he really loves her.

Rory said it best.  After dropping Cadence off at school in the morning, Rory looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, "Mom, Cadence is an AWESOME big sister."  It's true.

Cadence is so grown up.  She often picks Owen up for me and will rock him, cuddle him, and talk to him for me.  He laughs and grins and giggles for her (and all the girls really).  It's so sweet to watch them together.

And here is a rare smile.  He smiles and laughs a lot actually, but the second I get the camera out he gets his serious face on and stares that big black thing down!  :o)

Owen 3 months...

Things have been a little bit nutty for us.  Good but Nutty.  

Owen is three months old and I have no idea where the time has gone.  

He is very beloved by all his sisters though.  They are all offering to hold him all the time. Poor kid might never learn to roll if they keep this up.

Beckah is being...well...Beckah.  She keeps going through this weird phases where she doesn't sleep well and is a cranky nut for a week and then sleeps like a champ is the sweet, funny girl we know and love.  

 

Cadence isn't in these pictures.  She was at school.  She is super amazing girl and is doing AWESOME at school.  Her teacher told us that if she had a class room full of Cadence's she would be in heaven. She really is one awesome girl and I will do my best to get some pictures up of her soon.  For now you will have to settle for some of Owen being silly. And cute.  And both. 

I know...he is just so handsome.  Sigh.  He gets it from his daddy. 

Rory is actually doing much better this last month.  She has been having some issues with not listening (I know...a 4 year old not listening?? What??).  She is getting better at listening the first time I ask and things have been MUCH less tense around the house. It's nice.  

Beckah actually took this next picture...I held the camera up and she wiggled it a bit, jabbered some nonsense, waved her arms at Rory, then said "Cheeeese!" and actually pressed the right button.  Pretty awesome right?  

We are gearing up for Halloween now and I am excited to have been making two of the girls Costumes this year!  Hope you all are looking forward to Halloween too!

Rory's 4 year stats, Beckah's 18 month stats, and Owen 2 month stats...

It was a busy couple of weeks for us.  Rory turned 4, Beckah turned 18 months, and Owen is now 2 months old.  All of them needed to go in for well checks!  lol

Rory is 38 inches tall (so 3'2") and 30lbs 5ozs.  Still on the skinny side, but she is holding steady on the growth chart so we aren't worried.  Rory is always awesome at the doctor's office.  She answers questions and has no problem holding still for the exams.  The only thing she didn't like was having to get her shots, but I am pretty sure that no one likes to get shots.  At least now she is done with shots until she is 11 and needs a booster.

Beckah was also very cooperative with the doctors. She is 31inches tall and 25lbs 3ozs.  She talked a bunch  (some nonsense and some completely understandable lol) and is a little bit ahead of where they say average is for her age. Beckah also needed shots which she milked for a couple of days by talking about her "ow-ies" and getting weepy.  She is a little bit of a drama queen.  

Owen had his two month appointment on the 18th.  He did very well, was smiling at everyone and even "talked" for the doctors.  He was 12lbs 15ozs and 24 inches long.  He got a few shots too, which wasn't very fun.

Sadly we are going to be saying goodbye to a few of our favorite doctors as they will be finishing up their residency soon.  This means that there are a whole bunch of new residents coming into the clinic and this drives me a little nuts.  As Owen is my FOURTH child there are somethings that I really don't need to sit and go through step by step with the new residents assigned to our care, but at the same time I feel that I need to let the resident go through the steps they need to for their benefit. They are learning and trying to get these things to be second nature.  Most of them seem insanely nervous, especially when dealing with children and I so want them to be at ease.  My kids are so good about letting them listen to hearts and lungs, letting them look in their ears, nose and mouth.  They get the giggles from doing the response tests (tapping of the knee to make the leg kick stuff) and like to talk to the doctors about how they are doing (even when they are sick).  I know my kids are good for these new Residents to work with because they don't have to worry about upsetting them and can really get a feel for what healthy/sick looks like in kids their ages.

But...It is really exhausting for me to have to go over proper infant care, car seat safety, and/or what they should be doing/learning at this stage/age in detail at every. single. appointment.  Further frustrating things, most of these residents are young, have had no children themselves, and are mostly male.  They also have to go through the appointment once alone with me and again with their attending present to make sure they are checking right.  Sigh.

Good news is all the attending doctors are very good are thanking me for my patience and giving the attending a chance!  The attending at Owen's appointment had an awesome sense of humor and the resident relaxed a lot when he realized that I was going to be as helpful and patient as he needed me to be and that Owen was happy and relaxed.  I really hope that we can get in with him consistently (and I am annoyingly persistent with the appointment people so I'm thinking I will get my way lol) because he had a pretty good bedside manner with the kids once he relaxed and sounded the least like a walking textbook of all the attending physicians when dealing with me and my questions.

Comparison Pictures...

Here are all my kids at roughly the same age...

I think it's fair to say there is a resemblance.

More Owen

Owen is growing like a weed!  He is still mellow as can be and I love that.  Here he is right after being assaulted by Beckah's not so gentle kisses.  

He loves having faces to look at and was very fascinated with the big black thing mommy was waving around. 

I'm in love with his newly developed double chin. 

 

And he really does smile now, but...well...the big black thing doesn't smile at him so he just kind of glares at it.

 

Her really is the sweetest thing. 

Newborn pictures...

There are so many things that I don't want to forget about this time in our lives.  I am the busiest I have ever been in my life.  Things seem to snowball into crazy so fast with four young kids, one day bleeding into another until you forget what day it is entirely.  Case in point? My baby is a month old already and I am just now putting up his newborn pictures. 

It was a struggle just to find quiet moments just to take these pictures.  I remember it being so much easier with the girls to find moments of peace to take pictures.  I remember there actually being moments of peace to find.  

Owen is pretty easy.  He eats, sleeps, and poops.  He poops a lot. 

I want to remember that though.  That he pooped a lot.  That he has the saddest little high pitched girlie cry.  His cry makes me smile, though I probably shouldn't find it amusing that my only son has a girlie squeal of a cry.  But I do.   

I want remember his crazy long feet and toes. His wicked long fingers.  

I really hope he grows into these suckers.

I love the faces he makes. 

And how he looks like the girls...but still like a boy. 

I want to remember how noisy he is when he eats.  And sleeps.

And how much he loves to cuddle with me at night.

I want to remember how much my girls love him.  How they have adapted better than Brady and I to having him around all the time.  Like he has been here all along. 

I want to remember how much he reminds me of his sister Rory.  She too was little and long.  She still is and probably always will be.

I want to remember how good Cadence is with her siblings. 

How ready she is to help me when I need it.  And how she is way to grown up.

I want to remember how silly Rory is. How much she loves us all. 

How excited she is to have a little brother. 

I want to remember how fun 16 month olds are.  How sweet and crazy Beckah is.

How she has accepted her little brother with no jealousy, only love.  How quickly she learned to say his name.  Almost as quickly as she learned to say cookie.  How curious she is about everything. How she loves to be rocked to sleep. 

These are Beckah's huge feet next to a three week old Owen...

Owen you have changed us. When I first found out you were coming to our home I was overwhelmed.  Scared.  With your arrival you have brought chaos, yes, but you have also given our home a sense of completeness that we didn't know we wanted.  That we didn't know we needed.  I feel a wholeness to our home now that wasn't here before.  I am so grateful. For you.  I love you.  We all do.  

We can't wait to watch you grow up.