He Sleeps

We have begun a new sleep routine for Owen. Our previous routine was to bathe him, get him ready for bed, give him a bottle and rock him to sleep. This worked so well when we stated it at 5 weeks - the fourth month. Our goal was to have him in bed by 9pm. We stayed the course for 4 months, but there was one issue. Owen would fall asleep on us as we would rock him and when we put him down in the crib he would instantly wake up and cry. So we would continue the process all over again. On a good night we would have him asleep in 30 min and on a bad night it could go on for over an hour. When he was about four months old, as I was rocking him, I felt his weight baring down as he dozed off in my arms. He was so heavy! It stated to feel all wrong. I knew there had to be easier way to get him to sleep. We tried the cry it out method and that didn't seem to work. So after talking to a few moms, they all said to feed him first, bathe him, read a story, rock him for a minute and then put him down while still awake.  I just didn't think it was going to work.  I  told Anjoli what I was up against and she was very blunt. She said, you better stop that right now because he's going to be a year old and you are going to have to feed him and rock him to sleep. So, I knew at that moment we had to try something new.

Well, we tried the new routine last night and it worked. He started to cry when I put him down, but as I left the room, within one minute he was snoring. It was so great! It was so easy for me and I think it was even better for him. I have taken the same approach on his afternoon nap. It works! We are now getting him down for it least an hour nap. Victory!

I will miss our time together at night, but I know it's time for a change and time for Owen to become a little more independent.  Looks like everyone in the McPherson house hold will be getting to sleep much better now.

Danielle's Wedding Weekend

Danielle and Shota got married this past weekend at Adina's house in Dallas Texas. We flew out on Friday morning at the crack of dawn. Owen left the house in his pjs it was so early. We got to the airport and when we went to check in, we were allowed to get in a shorter line since we had a baby. Sweet! There are some perks to flying with little ones. We made our way to the counter they asked us for his birth certificate. What? Really? Well, we didn't have it and I thought they weren't going to let us get on the plane. It was 6am and this is way before I get up in the morning. I was in no mood but, luckily I had his social security card and they accepted that in place. Ok, lesson learned! We went to the security check point, and again we were able to get in a shorter line. Yeah! So we breezed through the airport and made it to our gate in record time. We had awhile so we decided to grab some breakfast at the Silver Diner.

Owen and Daddy being cheeky at the table.

For a 2 day night trip we took the following: 1 suite case, 1 garment bag, 2 diaper bags, yes 2!, 1 stroller, 1 car seat, 1 baby carrier. Owen required 6 sets of clothes (we ran out), swim trunks, 3 sets of pjs, hats, shoes, socks, burp cloths, bibs, 4 bottles, 2 bags of milk, 1 bag of cereal, toiletries, lots of diapers, toys....im sure there is more. We just couldn't get over how much stuff we had and needed. It was quite comical. James was loaded up like a pack mule.

We took off and Owen was an angel on the plane. We flew to New Orleans where we had a short lay over. Which was good for all. We were able to stretch, eat and give him a wardrobe and diaper change.

Owen in the New Orleans airport after we changed his clothes.

We finally made it to Dallas around 2 in the afternoon. We went straight to our hotel to check in and rest up. We had to be at the rehearsal dinner at 7pm that night. We were all so happy to get to our room, but I think Owen was the happiest. We let him stretch out on our bed and boy was he a giggle box.

Well, I guess Daddy was helping him out some!

He looks so big here!

I am sorry to report I didn't get pictures of the rehearsal dinner that night. We had a nice Texas bbq at a winery in Grapevine TX. It was so nice to see everyone!

The following day we got up and ate breakfast and took Owen for his first swim in the hotel pool. It was indoors and slightly heated so that was great. He didn't know what to think. He looked like he was thinking, "this is a lot bigger than my bath tub," He was calm, but just not quite sure. I just love his little crab swim trunks and I am glad he got to ware them before he out grew them.

Ok, take 2

After the swim we were all tired and went up to our room to nap. Well, Owen and I slept. James said he was a grown up and didn't need to rest. 15 Min later he came back into the room. He was sleepy too! I have learned to sleep when Owen does even though I am not a fan of naps, they do seem to help us out. We wrapped Owen in a little blanket to keep him warm and dry.

After our rest we decided we needed some lunch so we took a stroll next door to the Bass Pro Shop that was next to our hotel. It was a huge place for people who like to hunt and fish. Why were we there? I have no idea! I decided to try and make it educational for Owen by pointing out all the stuffed animals and making the appropriate animal noise.

Owen, can you say Bear? Big Bear? What does the Big Bear say?

We ate at a steak house next to the Bass Pro Shop. Owen was getting a little antsy.

And finally without further ado, we made it to the wedding. It was so pretty! Here are Danielle and Shota just after exchanging their vows. It was nice to be back in Texas with everyone and nice to show James where I once lived. Danielle's dress was so pretty! She looked so grown up!

James and Owen at the reception

We ate outside in the garden and Owen wasn't use to the heat. Jennifer who was Trevor's assistant for many years sat with us. She was so sweet to hold and feed Owen for me. He did really well throughout the whole service and dinner. We had to take his shirt off to cool him down. Poor baby just couldn't take that Texas heat!

Jennifer and Owen

Owen insisted on standing up while drinking his milk

We wore him out! He went to sleep in Adina's room before we left the party. When it was time to get on the bus back to our hotel he never even woke up.

Sleepy little boy

Bye Texas! On our way back home.


He did so well on all the flights. Looking out at the ground below.


Mom, where are we flying next? Owen we are going to California to see Aunti Anjoli and Baby Aidan. Yay!

He Jumps

This is Owen jumping in his jumperoo. He likes it most days and then there are days when he screams to the top of his lungs when you put him in it. When we first bought this, his head barely stuck out from the top. Now I can see from the photos that he has gained a good 3 inches in a little over a month and a half. He is getting so long, or tall, I should say. Last time I checked he was almost 28 inches amd growing.

Baptism

Happy to announce Owen's Baptism is scheduled for July 11th. For those of you who can't make it, we hope to see you very soon.

With Love,
Amanda & James

Owen Eats Squash

Yes, we have arrived at our next big milestone! Owen is eating solids, well purees. I wonder why they call it solids because there is nothing solid about rice cereal and those 1st starts. I bought a few fruits and veggies to try out since they were on sale. I really want to start making his foods, but thought I'll try out some of the flavors to see what he'll tolerate and then we can go from there. It probably isn't any cheaper to make your own food since you need the containers and the time, but I figure it least you know it's fresh.

Owen has really been enjoying the rice cereals and today he tried squash for the first time. He really likeed it much more than the cereals and even gave us a sweet smile. Seemed to really be enjoying himself. I was going to wait until the following week to start him on fruits and veggies, but he was doing so well with the cereal I thought, what the heck, maybe he's ready.

Busy week

I am so bad. I never remember to get his picture with his bear on time. I took these on Tuesday after we got back from our outing at the park with Jennifer and Rachel. Owen really isn't feeling the photo ops these days.  He'd rather roll round.

 I got your toes!

The weather has been absolutely perfect this week so Owen and I have been taking full advantage. We went to the grocery store together on Monday. I don't normally take him...it's just easier to get in and out alone, but I have decided to start going early on Mondays because it's a ghost town. Soon he'll be big enough to ride in the buggy (cart) and I wont have to lug his heavy carrier up there. He is about 14.5 pounds now and add another 3 pounds for the carrier. Owen is really loving stroller rides in his new big boy umbrella stroller. He can sit upright and see so much as we move. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I pushed him around the neighborhood. Gosh he's really growing up and I am proud of him. He was sitting up so straight and so alert. There really are so many changes from 3 months - 4 months and I'm sure even more will show up next month. He's starting to look and act like a little boy and not a baby.

We had a play date with the girls and Matthew and Jacob on Tuesday at this great playground. It was every kids dream park. They even had a carousel. Owen and Matthew hung out in their strollers while Jacob who is almost 2 ran all over. We had a blast! This time next year Owen and Matthew will have to go back join Jacob in the running. That will be here before we know it!

 Jennifer and Jacob

Matthew hanging out and looking at his Mommy

Owen with his keys

Matthew stretches!

Check out my shoes!

Yesterday was a rainy day and Owen and I slept in a little. We hung around the house until it stopped and then we made our way over to Kholes to get James a pair of pants. Owen doesn't like Kholes! He cries every time I take him there. I think they did a remodel and have new lighting that's much brighter and seems to put out a lot of heat. He is so hot blooded and breaks out in a sweat. So we were in and out in about 10 minutes. Today the sun is out again, so we are going over to Gunner's lake to meet up with my Mom group. We are meeting there to walk or jog (i'll be walking) with the babies. Tomorrow we are taking it easy and I have decided to make Friday's clean house and grill/eat on the patio Friday's. James and I don't get to dine out any more so this is the closet we can get to having a happy hour-date of sorts. We'll have steak and maybe a cocktail!

Oh, I should also mention that Owen has been back to his normal sweet self this week. He hasn't been fussy and sleeping well again. That was a hard patch we hit and I am so glad things have settled down. Although this little clip may show something different. :)

Four Months

Owen is four months, one week and a few days old and here's what he's up to:

• rolling over
• pulling up when in your lap
• takes 5-7 oz of milk
• just started rice cereal this week
• smiles and giggles
• teething (early stages)
• drooling
• sleeping on tummy
• grabs toys and can put them in his mouth
• can move toys from one hand to the other
• loves to see himself in the mirror
• has developed a shy side (hides his head)
• sleeps through the night (although he didn't for a few days)
• watches Emma and Leo and lets them lick him
• loves to play with his Uncle Shannon
• started waring shoes this week
• favorite song is the Itsy Bitsy Spider and Head and Shoulder Knees and Toes
• is ticklish
• favorite time of day -still bath time (he could sit in the tub all day I think)
• first words: Ah Ghooo (does this count?)
• likes to watch TV (takes after his father)
• bounces in a jumperoo
• can now sit up in an umbrella stroller (and really likes this)
• plays with my hair
• pulls my hair and bites (you wouldn't think a baby bite with just gums hurts oh but it does)
• wares size 3-6 months and 6 months clothes
• wares size 2-3 diapers

Memorail Day Weekend

We set out for Lake Anna on Friday afternoon.  Traffic wasn't too bad and we made it in 3 hours.  Owen did well in the car.  I gave him a bottle around the second hour of the ride and he went back to sleep.  We settled in that night and did well getting him bathed and ready for bed by 9pm, but  he just wasn't having it.  He was not in his place and cried for it least an hour before we got him to sleep.  At that point I was exhausted!  This was Owen's first overnight trip and the first time to sleep in his pack and play.  He work up crying at 3am and it took a bottle to get him back to sleep.  When he woke back up at 6am I put him in the bed with us and we slept until 9am.

Saturday we just hung out around the house.  The weather wasn't pretty, but it was nice to lounge around and rest.  It was also nice to have so many hands to help watch Owen.  I think Uncle Shannon is becoming his best friend. He can really get Owen to laugh and chuckle!  It's pretty cute.  Saturday night we stuck to our same bed time routine and Owen went down much easier.  Thank goodness!  We just aren't use to him being overly fussy so it's hard and strange when he is.  He woke up again that night crying for a bottle.  I thought for sure this had to do with him being in a strange place, but this has continued since we got back home on Sunday.  It's a little dishearting since he had been sleeping through the night for over a month now.

A friend mentioned that at 4 month they go through a growth spurt and can digress.  I hope this is all it is and maybe he'll settle back into his routine again this week.  He's been overly cranky all weekend!  Where did my little boy go?

Since getting back home we realized Owen has learned how to scream!  Oh yes he has!  And he is smart too, the louder he screams the faster we move!  He's really trying to sit up, roll over, stand and I think this is a lot for his brain to process and he gets frustrated.  He wants to do it all and now.  Poor guy! Oh and did I mention, he's in the early stages of teething too.  It really started up this weekend.  Drooling, chewing, spitting and sucking on anything he can get into his mouth.  I guess this could cause his shift in mood too.  I don't see any tooth buds just yet, but he's getting ready.

My sweet little boy has worn me out :)

Here are a few pics of the weekend at Lake Anna.