What a Blast!

We had so much fun at the beach. Between handfuls of sand, naps on the beach, and conquering a fear of the ocean water, Owen hit many milestones. He turned 7 months this week, got his second tooth, and slept like a champion even up to the moment we left... (He conked out on the bed before we could even get the car loaded...) He was such a trooper, and made me feel a bit overly confident about our upcoming cruise to Bermuda... However, I think one thing was apparent. the more time we spend outside, the better Owen sleeps. So whenever we're in a strange place, strange crib, etc... best to be worn out! Should be easy to accomplish on a cruise ship with several laps around the deck.

We even capped off the week with dinner at Pei Wei's outdoor sidewalk dining near Belvedere Square. Robyn, Jaime & Sofia, joined us for a nice evening.

Today, we ran several errands, which included picking up the latest Harry Potter book to savor on the cruise ship during Owen's naps. We also went to the country club for dinner, what a great day! The weather was perfect, and tomorrow is supposed to be the same.

Happy Birthday Sienna!

Welcome Baby Sienna!

Sienna Elise Schantz was born today at 3:52 p.m., July 19, 2007 - to Uncle Steve and Aunt Lisa and Cousin Taylor. Sienna was a happy and healthy 7lbs, 1 oz, and was 18 3/4 inches long.

Congratulations to Steve & Lisa and welcome to the family Sienna.

We can't wait to meet you!

7 months!

Wow, time is flying! Owen turned 7 months when we were in Ocean City. It's hard to believe how much he's changing. It's truly amazing that this is the same baby that was just content in my arms and being held. Now, he's playful, excited and on the verge of being mobile. I know it's just a matter of time before he starts moving around.

They say a baby changes your life. They should say how wonderful your life is after a baby... That's not to say we don't have our ups and downs... but I can't imagine my life without Owen. Happy 7 month Birthday Owen!

Beach Boy

Today is day 3 down the ocean, and we are having a terrific time. Owen was an angel the entire car ride down, we even stopped at the outlets in Rehobeth. Owen really enjoyed the pool the first day, and we dipped his toes in the ocean. Monday, we got down to the beach early, set up all the umbrellas, and Owen got a chance to really feel what the sand was like. He wasn't bothered by it at all, except when he ate it... He enjoyed a nice nap on the beach, and is a bit unsure of that ocean. He's very interested in WATCHING it, but not a huge fan of the cold water and the rush back and forth. We went to the boardwalk last night, and he just stared at everything, as if saying... Can't wait to be big enough for THIS!



Today, Owen woke up after nearly 12 hours of sleeping, and I noticed that his second tooth had appeared overnight. Yesterday, he was drooling profusely, so I new it was coming soon. We had another great beach day and had a nice swim in the pool, Owen napped on the beach this morning, but it was just too hot to leave him down there again for the afternoon nap, so I'm up here in the condo while he naps.




The vacation has been a bit more laid back than I ever thought it would be, Owen is just very go with the flow, and has enjoyed playing both in the condo and on the beach. Has made this a very enjoyable experience.

What fun we are having!

What a fun week we have had! We've done quite a bit of swimming over the last few weeks, it has been so hot we have tried to get to the pool (or play in our baby pool) almost every day.

Thursday (7/5) we also went to the Rainforest Cafe with Candace and cousin Tyler, and Robyn and Sofia. Although it was quite a bit chaotic without high chairs, Owen loved getting another look at the fish, and he loves being around Sofia and Tyler.

Friday (7/6) we went to the pool, and Robyn and Sofia joined us. They played for quite a while and swam for almost an hour, and really had a great time. They are just so cute together, I hope they will be lifelong friends. For the meantime, though, we'll just focus on having lots of fun. They are just so interactive, and they reach out to "say Hi" and Sofia get so excited when she sees Owen, it's SO cute!

Yesterday, Sofia and Robyn came over to play at our house. We ventured out to the neighborhood playground and took a turn on the swings. It was such a gorgeous day outside, and it was nice to get the kids to the swings. Sofia had never been to the playground swings, but she giggled and laughed and we all had a great time.

The latest issue in the Schantz house is back to the feeding again. Seems Mr. Owen is just too interested in the world around him to want to eat. I've even tried retiring the highchair until he's a little bigger, and tried a booster seat... But as cute as he looks he just doesn't want to eat his food in the seat. He likes to eat his snacks here, and play while Mommy & Daddy have dinner, but he is just NOT interested in eating here. It's been very frustrating for Mommy. Not sure if it's another tooth coming in, or him just learning to be a little manipulative, but it's got Mommy very frustrated. Hopefully, whatever the phase is, it'll pass soon. But if you have any advice...please forward it along!!!

We're leaving for Ocean City... Will have lots of fun beach pics posted soon.

Happy 4th of July!

My first 4th of July!!! What a fun day we had! We had a great breakfast and played at home this morning. I took a terrific nap, then we headed to a fun party at Laura, Derek, and Nina's new home. I even took a swim in their pool.

When we came home, Mommy and Daddy blew bubbles and I chased them around the deck (OK, so I just watched them intently). But I'm finally starting to figure out this walking forward thing in the walker. Up till now, I've only mastered backwards, but today I took my first few steps forwards...progress. Soon, Mommy & Daddy will be chasing me around.

Daddy also lit a few fireworks for me on the street tonight. They scared me pretty good, and even though Mommy held me tight, I was quite afraid. Good thing we didn't wait downtown (in the rain) for the fireworks... Maybe next year. Happy 4th!

My First Tooth

My first tooth broke through the surface today. It's hard to see in the picture... but if you get really close, you can see the sliver of white that finally broke through. I'm so happy it's finally come through, and I've been quite a trooper, hasn't really affected me much, but it's nice that it's out of the way now.

And Mommy let me test out my new tooth with a Gerber Wagon Wheel. It was tasty, and the first real "snack", I've ever had.

New Play Area

Seems Mommy & Daddy have finally given in and moved some furniture out of the way for my toys. I'm no longer confined to a little quilt, I've now got really great play mats that safely hold me and all my toys. It's great to have this place to play!