month 9

dear owen,
you are nine months old today.... and officially a slobber monster. cutting two teeth has been so painful, for me. with your fingers constantly in your mouth, who knows where those things have been, and drool hanging off your chin, and boogers dripping down your face, no wonder your not hungry or thirsty.

you say "da da" now.... and your dada feels so special when you say his name... psst... it actually gets him up out of bed in the morning when you are in your crib crying out "da da da da!" - so keep it up buddy! you've been able to spend so much time together, just you and him while i'm out coaching soccer. i'm so thankful for the time you two have had together. your daddy loves you so much and everyone can tell that you love him too. its kind of you to let him show you how to html and code... oh... and javascript too. he's real good at it, learn well son.

this month has really flown by. we've been able to do alot of things. your aunt beth and jackson took us to the zoo a few weeks ago, and i think your favorite part was the otter exhibit. as they were swimming along the glass you giggled and smiled the whole time. but, the giant turtles and hippo didnt do much for you.

we also went to ct this month, which you can read about here. but i do have to say i keep thinking about our first night there and you were a pretty miserable creature. i'm not even really sure what was going on with you, but i can attest to the fact that at that point i decided that 1 of you is enough for right now. and i think the tudors decided to wait on having kids for awhile too.

i think that as each month passes by things get better and easier. its crazy around here right now, but you are doing an amazing job at keeping up with us, as we are with you. as we pass you around to different families, we've seen you grow into a self-confident little kid. yet there are times when all you want is mommy... and honestly its at those times when all i want is you. i've struggled with the whole idea of nurturing. many times i feel inadaquate and that i dont know how to relate to you as a mother. but i've come to the conclusion and the change of heart that at those times when i feel the farthest from you, i rock you. i pick you up and cuddle. not because it feels natural to me, but because i want it to. i am learning son, and you are teaching me.

love,
mama (which you are coming close to... but "dada" is definitly all you like to say)

new york, ny

two saturdays ago we were invited by aunt charlotte to meet her up in new york city. we were so excited to go and show off owen to her. the last time she saw him was when he was only a month and a half old... back when he was pretty much just a cute little blob. my, how things have changed!

we had such a great time visiting and just walking all over mid-manhattan. it was just so nice to get caught up on each other's lives. owen was in awe of all the sights and sounds of the big apple... staring at everything. we hung out at a bryant park, near the fountain.... and for dinner we went to a great french restaurant... the ravioli was awesome... i didnt know ravioli was french though... hmmm. owen thought the tablecloth was tasty.... :)

our first family photo

We even got the little guy to smile :)

litchfield, ct

this weekend we spent time in connecticut at a youth retreat. the boys were leading worship. during the free time though, we strolled around litchfield and owen finally got to wear his hat. it was a bit chilly; no jacket, but at least his head was warm, cause 80% of your body heat escapes through your head... or something like that...