Signing

When Owen was about 9 months old we started using sign language with him. I only taught him a few signs like "more," "please," "help," "hurt" "eat," "drink," "thank you," "angry," and maybe a couple others, but it was enough to help him communicate and feel less frustrated when he could not verbalize what he wanted. He ended up having 8 or 9 ear infections his first year of life and I think that is the main reason he was a late talker and still has some problems with speech/sounds. Sign language was so beneficial for Owen and I can't wait to teach Adam some signs. Babies are not able to really begin signing until 6 months or later, but it is never too early to start showing him some signs. I was showing Owen some of the signs we used with him and he seems excited to use them to communicate with Adam too!

Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend we went to Raystown Lake to stay with Papa and Finny. It was such a nice weekend! Saturday we took both boys out on the boat. Papa put the canopy up so Adam would be in the shade. Once the boat got moving he fell right asleep. Owen fell asleep on me (which I loved because that does not happen too often anymore). Once Adam woke up, it was Owen's turn to sleep in the cutty. Adam and I left early and went back to the trailer to nap while Papa, Mike, and Owen stayed out on the lake. Owen had such a good time jumping off the boat into the water, swimming, having "noodle battles", and driving Papa's boat. Everyone ties up their boats together to make one big party barge. It's really fun and I was a little disappointed I had to go in early, but I enjoyed napping and catching up on some sleep.

Adam did great the entire weekend. It did not seem to mess up his sleeping schedule at all. In fact, he slept through the night both nights we were there. He is now getting up between 5 and 6 to eat and then goes back to sleep till 9am. That boy loves to sleep! Adam came so close to rolling from his back to his belly. I'm sure it won't be long!We had a really nice time. Owen did not want to leave!

Rolly Polly

Last night Adam woke up around 10:30pm, which is not like him, and when I went in to check on him he had rolled over onto his back and was fussing because he was "stuck". (Yes, both my boys are belly sleepers). I am not sure why he decided to roll over then, but he did! And he kept doing it! I don't know how many times I went over to turn him back over because I was half asleep, but I think the last time I went over was around 1am. Well, I finally woke up around 5 am in a panic because he missed his middle of the night feeding which usually happens around 3am. I checked on him and he was sound asleep. All that rolling must have worn him out! He finally got up at 5:45am to eat. So I guess he "officially" slept the entire night last night (7:30pm-5:45am) although I am not getting my hopes too high that it will continue. However, now I have higher expectations since I know he can make it through the night. It's so cute watching him roll over. He gets his little bottom way up in the air. I will try to get some pictures or video. (Adam turned 15 weeks old yesterday!)

I took a video of Adam a few days ago while he was watching his mobile in his crib. He is such a happy baby!

The Circus

Last night my mom took Owen and I to the circus while Mike stayed home with Adam. We had a really nice time! Owen was on sensory overload. Before the circus begins you can go down to the floor to meet some of the performers, watch the silly clowns, and see some of the acts. Owen just wanted to sit in our seats and watch from there. He was a little scared of the clowns at first, but by the end he was fine.

Some of the acrobatics were amazing!Owen had a million questions about these guys.It was nice to be able to spend quality time with Owen. Thanks Lala!

A Soccer Pwayer

As I've mentioned before, Owen LOVES soccer. He would play all day if someone would play with him. Sometimes when he comes into a room he will say, "Here comes the soccer pwayer!" At the grocery store he will randomly tell the cashier or other shoppers that he is a "soccer pwayer". Lately, after he scores a goal, he puts his hands in the air and does a victory lap and the look on his face is a mix between pride and seriousness. It is really funny. He loves to be the "dolie duy" (goalie guy). Mike got him a pair of cleats and I think he would wear them all day long if we let him.

It Won't Be Long...

Until we are up at Raystown again! Owen had so much fun playing in the lake last year. He can't wait to get out on Papa's boat again this summer.

Cabin Trip

This weekend we traveled 2 hours up north to a cabin. We had a great time playing outside, hiking, riding 4 wheelers, and eating way too much. Thank you Ed, Mary, and Willie for sharing your cabin with us!
Owen and the guys spent most of the day on Saturday putting up tree stands.
The cabin is gorgeous! Ed owns his own custom cabinetry business. Mary, his wife, draws up the designs, and Ed and his son, Willie, build, finish, and install the cabinets. In fact, they recently did our bathroom vanity and cabinets when we had our bathroom remodeled. We have a tiny bathroom, but probably have more storage space than most large bathrooms! They also did my grandparents kitchen cabinets many years ago. If you or anyone you know is remodeling or looking for custom cabinets, shelves, mantles, vanities, etc. check out their website .

BBQ Get Together

Tonight we went over to Uncle James and Aunt Phran's house for a get together since Jesse and Anna are up from Florida. It was so nice to see everyone! We had a great time and I promised my sister that I would document the evening for her since she was unable to come up from Baltimore because she had to work. So here goes...

This is Adam in his blue boat overalls before we left.
We started out having appetizers down by the pond. Owen loved climbing up Jesse's old tree house, looking for frogs in the pond, and eating tons of fruit! Here's a view from the top of the tree house.
Adam was so good. He feel asleep on me and then we put him on a blanket in the back of the truck. Mike covered him with his Flyers jersey so he did not get cold.
Aunt Phran and Uncle James made delicious food. The ribs were my favorite!!Their house is so pretty!Jesse and Mike.Owen had so much fun playing with Anna. He would not leave her side for most of the night. Thanks Anna for entertaining him!
We had a really nice time! It was great to see Jesse and Anna. I wish we could have stayed longer, but it was way past Adam's bedtime. We missed you Aunt Beth, Eric, Kate, Beau, Maddie, and Drew!