Owen mastered fake laughing. Ironically, it's genuinely hilarious.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Welcome Back
I make no apologies for how long it has been. Do I regret not having a post dedicated to Owen's first birthday? Yes. Do I wish I had kept up with all the going-ons and shared them with you, dear reader? Of course. Do I have plenty of excuses? You tell me.
I started working again. Just 20-25 hours a week, but it turns out that's a lot when you have toddler in the house. A toddler who took two 30 minute naps per day. Fortunately, the coworker I was "subbing" for came back from maternity before my breaking point...or at least shortly after it. I think both Zach and Owen can attest that I was stressed, which was ridiculous considering Zach was encouraging me not to work as much (or even at all). I'm still picking up some days here and there, but nothing consistent.
Next up: Owen-face. The little dear went back to his favorite sleep-deprived state. He started waking in the night again, and only falling asleep in his swing. It all started with traveling for the holidays, then a well baby visit to the doctor's office which brought on a two-week long cold, then letting him sleep propped up in his swing "just for a little while..." You can imagine how this all worked out. When we finally tried to get him back on track (you know, falling asleep in his crib and sleeping through the night like a ONE YEAR OLD should be able to do), it was pretty horrific. I'm talking three hour crying spells. Oy. I don't like revisiting these memories. Moving on.
And now for the final excuse. It's one you aren't expecting. We have a social life again! Yay! In general, Zach and I are homebodies. It's nice just to hang out at home as a family, and we're content playing a game (Scrabble Apple is my new favorite, by the way) or watching a movie while eating baked goods. It's a simple life and one we enjoy. Now that we have an amazing church - Valley Presbyterian - we have had lots a great opportunities to hang out with fun people. Plus, we're going to a "young marrieds" Biblestudy once a week, which inevitably leads to more plans made for later in the week. Throw in some park play dates and a few weekend trips and that's a busy schedule. I think Owen really enjoyed all of our adventures.
I will update more frequently because, guys, this kid is ridiculous.
I started working again. Just 20-25 hours a week, but it turns out that's a lot when you have toddler in the house. A toddler who took two 30 minute naps per day. Fortunately, the coworker I was "subbing" for came back from maternity before my breaking point...or at least shortly after it. I think both Zach and Owen can attest that I was stressed, which was ridiculous considering Zach was encouraging me not to work as much (or even at all). I'm still picking up some days here and there, but nothing consistent.Next up: Owen-face. The little dear went back to his favorite sleep-deprived state. He started waking in the night again, and only falling asleep in his swing. It all started with traveling for the holidays, then a well baby visit to the doctor's office which brought on a two-week long cold, then letting him sleep propped up in his swing "just for a little while..." You can imagine how this all worked out. When we finally tried to get him back on track (you know, falling asleep in his crib and sleeping through the night like a ONE YEAR OLD should be able to do), it was pretty horrific. I'm talking three hour crying spells. Oy. I don't like revisiting these memories. Moving on.
And now for the final excuse. It's one you aren't expecting. We have a social life again! Yay! In general, Zach and I are homebodies. It's nice just to hang out at home as a family, and we're content playing a game (Scrabble Apple is my new favorite, by the way) or watching a movie while eating baked goods. It's a simple life and one we enjoy. Now that we have an amazing church - Valley Presbyterian - we have had lots a great opportunities to hang out with fun people. Plus, we're going to a "young marrieds" Biblestudy once a week, which inevitably leads to more plans made for later in the week. Throw in some park play dates and a few weekend trips and that's a busy schedule. I think Owen really enjoyed all of our adventures.
I will update more frequently because, guys, this kid is ridiculous.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Walking Man
Here's the much awaited video of sweet baby boy showing off some steps.
And the walking man walks.
In other news, he had his first Christmas, first New Year's celebrations, and first hike in his brand new jogging stroller.
And the walking man walks.
In other news, he had his first Christmas, first New Year's celebrations, and first hike in his brand new jogging stroller.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
When My Boy Walks Down the Street
First things first, we cordially welcome Sir Shepherd Owen Smith (great middle name) into the world as of today. Congratulations Smith Family!
In other news, Owen can walk. Surprise! A few days ago, I was going to post a video of him walking with his walker, but it seems a bit anti-climatic now that he can take steps without it. Well, shoot, I'll do it anyway. Consider this your appetizer:
Three days ago, Zach and I were unpacking some groceries while Owen cruised around his Jumperoo in the middle of the kitchen (he prefers to walk around the outside of it now, rather than be trapped in it). Next thing I know, he's holding onto a chair at the kitchen table, which is three feet away. "Did you move him there?" I asked Zach. He hadn't. "Can he walk?" I asked Zach. He didn't know. So we tried it.
Owen walked four steps to me. It's like he's known how to do it for a while and we just haven't give him the opportunity. I guess you start walking early when you refuse to crawl. So he's been taking four or five steps here or there ever since. Since I always catch him when he starts falling, now he often just dives headfirst towards me--while laughing hysterically--rather than trying to walk. Anyway, be prepared for another video shortly (once I take it).
In other news, Owen can walk. Surprise! A few days ago, I was going to post a video of him walking with his walker, but it seems a bit anti-climatic now that he can take steps without it. Well, shoot, I'll do it anyway. Consider this your appetizer:
Three days ago, Zach and I were unpacking some groceries while Owen cruised around his Jumperoo in the middle of the kitchen (he prefers to walk around the outside of it now, rather than be trapped in it). Next thing I know, he's holding onto a chair at the kitchen table, which is three feet away. "Did you move him there?" I asked Zach. He hadn't. "Can he walk?" I asked Zach. He didn't know. So we tried it.
Owen walked four steps to me. It's like he's known how to do it for a while and we just haven't give him the opportunity. I guess you start walking early when you refuse to crawl. So he's been taking four or five steps here or there ever since. Since I always catch him when he starts falling, now he often just dives headfirst towards me--while laughing hysterically--rather than trying to walk. Anyway, be prepared for another video shortly (once I take it).
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Yes, I Am Talking To You
One of the best things about being a mother is that I am slightly less crazier in the view of the outside world. If you see me in the supermarket, hiking around the ranch, or just driving in my car, you'll see me talking to my baby. "How sweet," you think, "that mommy is teaching her baby his colors, or animal noises."
Suckers. It's all a ploy. I talked to myself just as much before, but now I have an audience. And he can't say, "Mom, really. That's quite enough." Sure, he can cry or go to sleep, but that doesn't matter to me. There's still a warm little body present who I may or may not be addressing.
This realization came to me today, as Owen and I sat on a swing together at a beautiful park on a hill. The sun was setting and it almost felt like autumn as the temperature started to drop. I was telling Owen what we were going to do next (pick up Daddy), what we were having for dinner (beef stroganoff), and what I thought of our new neighbor (potential mom-friend, booyah). Then I saw this teenage girl coming up the hill behind us with her dog. No doubt she thought me crazy (lone woman, creaking swing, dusk approaching, jumbled muttering) until she crossed in front and noticed the babe. Who's crazy now random teenage girl? Still me, I think.
Added bonus to being a mom: dressing in semi-matching outfits.
Exhibit A: VEST DAY!
Suckers. It's all a ploy. I talked to myself just as much before, but now I have an audience. And he can't say, "Mom, really. That's quite enough." Sure, he can cry or go to sleep, but that doesn't matter to me. There's still a warm little body present who I may or may not be addressing.
This realization came to me today, as Owen and I sat on a swing together at a beautiful park on a hill. The sun was setting and it almost felt like autumn as the temperature started to drop. I was telling Owen what we were going to do next (pick up Daddy), what we were having for dinner (beef stroganoff), and what I thought of our new neighbor (potential mom-friend, booyah). Then I saw this teenage girl coming up the hill behind us with her dog. No doubt she thought me crazy (lone woman, creaking swing, dusk approaching, jumbled muttering) until she crossed in front and noticed the babe. Who's crazy now random teenage girl? Still me, I think.
Added bonus to being a mom: dressing in semi-matching outfits.
Exhibit A: VEST DAY!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Halloween
Happy Halloween, everyone! Don't worry, nothing wordy this time. Here are a few pictures from our Halloween festivities.
Time for some carving.
Zach's coyote
The finished pumpkins in front of the house
Since it was hot and sunny, we went to a fall festival, outdoor mall and a park. Owen loved the swings (of course) and the ducks.
Then it was the ole "keep the baby up as long as possible because of Fall Back" trick. 
He didn't mind so much.Tuesday, October 27, 2009
That's Not My Name
I had an unexpected awkward moment as we filled out the lease for our townhome.
Name: no problem.
Social Security Number: check.
Occupation: Hmmm.
Seriously, I felt like Derek Zoolander, looking at the stars and asking, ”Who am I?” (Too obscure of a reference?) When I was in elementary school, kids would ask what my mom did, and I always said, “Homemaker.” That has a nice ring to it. Certainly better than “housewife.” Ugh. “Yes, I’m his wife; when he’s in the house at least.”
But the real work is in caring for the child, so it should be stay-at-home-mom or some other mouthful of a title. Residential mother? Owen’s caretaker? I could be really obnoxious and list a bunch of titles: “housekeeper-breastfeeder-photographer-butt wiper-lullaby singer-baby food maker-hand holder-clothes washer-locomotion trainer…” There’s more, of course, but I have to stop before I become overwhelmed and need to go do something productive. And how do you put a name to all of the other little things? Like how my huge Swedish chin is apparently the perfect teething ring? Shouldn’t that be recognized in my occupation? Or do I just write “None?” No, that can’t be it.
I should have quoted Proverbs: “She watches over the affairs of her household.” Or borrowed from Wordsworth, “She was a woman of a stirring life, whose heart was in her house.” I think I just put “homemaker.”
The next box on the lease application was Salary. I told Zach I would put, “With what currency should I measure love?” But really, how am I repaid? What is the retribution for the “menial” and nearly unnoticeable tasks I complete every single day? For the sometimes demeaning and frustrating moments of the day? Could it be the building of my son’s trust and affection? The surety and confidence that he is being cared for to the very best of my ability must carry some weight. I get to be there for almost every moment of his life and watch him grow and change. I try to keep a clean, pleasant home for my husband and make sure he's well-fed. And my gosh, I'm so happy and blessed. So, you tell me to what that equates. As for the lease form, I just put a dash.
Name: no problem.
Social Security Number: check.
Occupation: Hmmm.
Seriously, I felt like Derek Zoolander, looking at the stars and asking, ”Who am I?” (Too obscure of a reference?) When I was in elementary school, kids would ask what my mom did, and I always said, “Homemaker.” That has a nice ring to it. Certainly better than “housewife.” Ugh. “Yes, I’m his wife; when he’s in the house at least.”
But the real work is in caring for the child, so it should be stay-at-home-mom or some other mouthful of a title. Residential mother? Owen’s caretaker? I could be really obnoxious and list a bunch of titles: “housekeeper-breastfeeder-photographer-butt wiper-lullaby singer-baby food maker-hand holder-clothes washer-locomotion trainer…” There’s more, of course, but I have to stop before I become overwhelmed and need to go do something productive. And how do you put a name to all of the other little things? Like how my huge Swedish chin is apparently the perfect teething ring? Shouldn’t that be recognized in my occupation? Or do I just write “None?” No, that can’t be it.
I should have quoted Proverbs: “She watches over the affairs of her household.” Or borrowed from Wordsworth, “She was a woman of a stirring life, whose heart was in her house.” I think I just put “homemaker.”
The next box on the lease application was Salary. I told Zach I would put, “With what currency should I measure love?” But really, how am I repaid? What is the retribution for the “menial” and nearly unnoticeable tasks I complete every single day? For the sometimes demeaning and frustrating moments of the day? Could it be the building of my son’s trust and affection? The surety and confidence that he is being cared for to the very best of my ability must carry some weight. I get to be there for almost every moment of his life and watch him grow and change. I try to keep a clean, pleasant home for my husband and make sure he's well-fed. And my gosh, I'm so happy and blessed. So, you tell me to what that equates. As for the lease form, I just put a dash.
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