I Hate My Costume - But Happy Halloween...

This photo pretty much sums up what Owen thought of Halloween Costumes... I've been working on him wearing any one of the 4 costumes I had for him, but by the time the actual day came, he didn't want anything to do with it. He's too young to understand if he puts on the costume he'll go door to door and get candy (especially since it worked without a costume on).

We did force the issue and got him into the costume, with the lure of a lolly pop and a glow stick sword... Both worked to distract him for about 5 minutes, and we went to 2 houses before starting the screaming battle again, we took him home and put him back into his Halloween "bones" t-shirt, and he was much happier, and enjoyed the rest of the evening... and that's what it's all about anyway right?

Earlier today, Owen had his Halloween party at school. When we arrived, again he was the only kid not in costume, but he took one look at his teachers - one was dress as a bug (with make up on) and the other was a witch, and he turned to me and started screaming. I felt so bad turning my little man over to a witch, but I had to leave and knew he'd have fun. I did call the school about 45 min later and he had calmed down and was having fun.

Then after Owen's nap, we ventured to the old neighborhood to trick or treat, and say hi to some of our friends, and Owen enjoyed carrying his pumpkin and getting candy. Every lolly pop he got, he had to open and taste it. In the 45 min we were on the old street, I think he ate 5 lolly pops.

We came home, had dinner, fought the costume, and did some trick or treating. He learned to say Happy Halloween, and sorta said trick or treat. But always said thank you to the people who gave him the candy. One thing that was so funny, was that he always looked in his pumpkin to see what it was, and if it was a lolly pop, he had to eat it (even when he already had one in his mouth...)

Then we came home to our house, to hand out candy. That's when Owen seemed to have the most fun, because he loved coming in and out of the house, seeing the big kids, and playing - and of course the sugar high that allowed him to stay up way past his bedtime.

It was quite a night, and lots of fun! But since Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, I sorta look forward to next year when he enjoys the costume. Of course then I'll probably have to pry him out of his Halloween costume, because that's ALL he'll want to wear.

Happy Halloween!

Pre-Halloween Festivities

We've had a lot of halloween activities this week, especially today. Owen had his party at Terrific Tots, and he had a lot of fun, despite the fact that he was the only kid not in a costume. He didn't want to wear it, so I decided not to force him and just let him wear a holloween t-shirt. He loves the bubble time, but he didn't like the parade. I don't know if he felt silly that he wasn't in a costume, or didn't want to participate. Many of the kids in the class are a little younger than Owen, but it's been helpful to expose him more kids and he seems to enjoy himself.

After Terrific Tots, Owen got a halloween card from Grandma Schantz and also his Great-Grandma Knerr. He loved the musical card, and once he tore it apart to figure out how it worked he tried to fix it with his drill. Very cute. Then he gave Great-Grandma a call to say hello and thank her for the halloween treat.

Then we had a playdate with Alik (and his Mom Melissa) and Sofia (and Robyn). The kids played very nicely together. I can't believe I didn't capture a single picture, but they had a lot of fun. It's so nice to have these playdates, because each time, I'm more impressed that the kids interact more together and not just play independently.

Tonight, Mommy and Owen made cookies for Owen's class party, and then we all carved pumpkins. It was so great. Owen loved the whole experience, especially using the tools. He made "hair" on Daddy's pumpkin. They all turned out great and we're very excited for tomorrow's fun-filled day.

Pumpkin Party

It's been a fun weekend, Owen is so chatty and talking so much, although he's having complete conversations that are pure babble, but it's very funny. He's had a fun weekend! On Friday evening we had Laura, Derek and Nina over for pizza and play time. They were up for a wedding, and so it was great that we got to have them over and play. Owen and Nina (almost 4yrs old) played very nicely together. They were so cute, and it's funny that Owen has a tendency to play better with older kids, where he tends to have more parallel play when he's with kids his age. I wonder if that's cause the older kids already know how to interact and so they're actually engaging the little kid. I don't know, but it's nice to see.

Saturday morning, we had breakfast out and ran some errands, and got back home just minutes before the rain started. It was nice to not have anywhere to go, and just play at home and relax.

Today we watched the Ravens and then headed to the Richardson's Farm for their pumpkin carving party. We got there a little late, and were quite shocked to see how many people were there. It was such a fun party. They had a moon bounce, and their barn (which is gorgeous) was decorated so cool with all kinds of decorations. They had tons of homemade food, which was delicious, and lots of people. It was such a great afternoon (especially after the Ravens win). Owen and Daddy carved a pumpkin. Owen was very patient and was interested in what Daddy was doing. He helped pull out the insides, and then watched intently at what he did.

He then ran around playing and checking out the decoration. He enjoyed playing his version of ping pong. It really doesn't take much to entertain him...

Owen had a bunch of candy while we were there, so naturally, he wasn't in the mood for dinner when we got home, but after his bath I made him dinner and he ate quite well. Good to see him get something healthy in after a day of junk food.

When we got home we put the carved pumpkin on the front porch. I think Owen is enjoying this Halloween stuff.

Painting Pottery

Owen and I had a wonderful day today. We went to our music/movement class this morning and then we headed up to Timonium to a place called Hot Pots. It's a paint your own pottery place, and since Owen loves arts and crafts so much, I though it was worth a try. We were supposed to go with Robyn and Sofia but they had to cancel.

I was so glad that we did. It's a really nice place, very clean, and fun to do. Owen got started by picking out what he wanted to paint, naturally as soon as he saw the airplane that was all he wanted. So we picked some colors, and got started. I wish I would have brought Owen's booster seat, because he was too short to sit down, and so he had to stand on the chair. He was excited though, jumped right in and new exactly what to do.

It took us about an hour to paint the plane, because they want you to get 3 coats on it, and he was very patient, very serious about it. And boy did we make a mess...

We had so much fun, it was hard at the end of the outing to leave the plane there, I wanted to bring it home, but it needed to be glazed and fired, and then we'll pick it up next week. The colors on the plane will be totally different after it is fired, and I can hardly wait to see it.

It will be fun to go back soon and do another project!

Rolling in the hay

Here's a funny video of Owen rolling in the hay today in the back yard...


Fun in the back yard...

Outdoorsy weekend

What a busy outdoor weekend we've had. Friday after work we went out to Chili's for dinner. Owen has been doing much better in restaurants lately, content to sit much longer than normal, and eat more. He's trying so many different foods, which is so nice because we have always struggled with food, maybe we're finally over that! He also turned 22 months old this weekend. I can't believe how fast this time is flying...

When we got home Owen was a mess from dinner, so he wanted his shirt off, and then grabbed the dry mop and started sweeping the floors. He did the entire hardwoods, it was so funny, and he had a blast - and bonus, I got my floors cleaned... seems he now has a new chore... :)




Saturday morning, we got an early start and headed up to Hereford, for the Hereford fall festival. Uncle Alex's band - Railaway - was playing. We were there with Aunt Liz, Aunt Jess & Uncle Tom. When we first got there, Owen was very timid. We haven't seen him act like this in weeks, but he just would not let Daddy put him down, even though he had a snack and a lollipop. Then after the band started, Daddy got some french fries, and that helped Owen open up. Then as we were leaving, Owen was interested in some of the activities.

He had fun checking out the big fire trucks.

Daddy checked out the Monster Truck.






And Owen played in a baby pool full of corn.

We were low key on Saturday evening, did a bunch of chores to get the house cleaned up. Owen had a blast helping clean up and playing with his toys.



Today was so chilly, but we decided to bundle up and head to the pumpkin patch.


We took a hay ride and then picked some pumpkins. Owen had a lot of fun finding the perfect pumpkin.


He seemed to open up almost immediately when we got to the pumpkin patch. He nearly jumped from our arms and went running around. Funny how he can be so timid one day and just bolstering with confidence 24 hours later. So bizarre!


When we got home we had lunch, and then we all went outside. Daddy raked up some of the hay that is still remaining in our grass (from the new lawn), and my normally "I hate messes" Owen chucked it all to the wind and dove into the hay pile. He had hay every where, and just had a ball rolling around, kicking it, and giggling.


Despite the cooler weather this weekend, we managed to really have a lot of fun outside...

Peanut Butter Boy

It's been a fun week! I can't believe how much Owen's temperament has changed over the past 3 weeks. We're still having some temper tantrums, but the quantity is certainly decreasing. It's awesome, we're having so much fun, and just enjoying every minute of it! We're no longer battling over little things (like a jacket or shoes), he is understanding more and more and is much better able to communicate -- I think he's now tripled his vocabulary, and he's putting 2 and 3 words together to make phrases. It's amazing what he has absorbed and can remember.

Last week Grandma came over to baby sit Owen so that Mommy and Daddy could catch up on some errands and have some nice dinners out. It was great. Owen was very good and Grandma enjoyed getting to spend so much time with him. Grandma bought Owen an Eagles outfit - and he wore it, and the Ravens lost... I mean got slaughtered... But he sure looked cute in his Eagles outfit, even I can admit that...

This week we've been relatively busy doing a lot of fun activities. Owen has been having a blast playing outside and riding his fire truck up and down the side walk, so we've been trying to enjoy this amazingly warm October weather. We also had our gymnastics class on Tuesday, and it was awesome. Owen listened so well, and followed directions. He is getting so big and so strong, it's hard to recognize him! He can almost do a pull up unassisted, he can swing on the rings, and can walk the length of the balance beam without help. It's incredible. He loves to play in the foam pit, and loves to swing on the trapeze and jump into the pit. So cute! On Tuesday he also swung like Tarzan on a rope swing. Of the 12 kids in the class, Owen was the only kid to try it and succeed. Amazing! His shyness is starting to diminish a little, and he's feeling more comfortable in a group, which is so nice to see! He's still wary around strangers, but not panicky shy.

We've also all been fighting a bit of a cold. I started with it, and now Owen is trying to shake it. I feel bad, but it's that time of year, where the warm weather but cold nights, cold season is inevitable.

Last night, we went to dinner at the country club. Owen didn't want to play with toys as he normally does when we arrived, he wanted to sit in his booster. So he wrote with a pen, played with stickers, colored, and was a champ the entire dinner. He even ate - which is something he rarely does when we eat out. It was such a pleasant meal, I still am in shock. He even tried new things and stuff off our plates. He sat at the table for over an hour, and just was such a good boy. Dare we try it again this weekend???

Today was also a milestone day. Owen had his first taste of peanut butter. We've been waiting and waiting to attempt it (because you're supposed to wait until 2 years old), but since he doesn't eat meat, we figured it's another great source of protein not to mention give him a little variety. He LOVED it. Was licking the crackers and kept asking for more.

He's usually very timid to try new things, but this week, he's been more interested in what we're eating. He's been in a "rut" of about 10 different foods he'll eat, but this week he's added noodle soup, pineapple, mozzarella stick (kinda) and today peanut butter. Tonight at dinner he even tried chicken (granted we dipped it in chocolate sauce, but seriously)... who is this kid???

Funny Guy...

What a ham! Sam Dog popped Owen's favorite Cars Ball, and he doesn't want to part with it. So today after school, he found the popped ball sitting on the floor, and decided it belonged on his head. It was so funny, and he was cracking himself (and me) up. He was laughing and trying to balance it on his head. He then decided it was a hard hat and grabbed his drill. He couldn't stop laughing, I know he was tired and ready for nap, but he was being so funny!

This evening he broke out his hat again and rode his car around the house, as if it were his helmet. He even stood up to Sam when she tried to take it from him. It was so funny.
I obviously spend way too much on toys, when a popped ball can provide endless entertainment.

In other news, we've had a fantastic week so far. Owen has been so funny, entertaining and pleasant. He is learning so many new words and that is helping him communicate and is finally reducing the temper tantrums from me not understanding what he wants. He even puts on his jacket without much fuss, so that we can go outside! Drop off at school has been terrific, and the teachers report he really seems to have come around, and everyone seems much happier in this household!

Tonight we also started bringing out the Halloween decorations, and costumes. Owen is so unhappy when introducing something new, that I figure he'll hopefully be ready for his costume if we start showing it to him now. He has multiple costumes for this year, one is a turtle - and he proudly wore the hat this evening. Very cute.

Fall Fun

What a fun weekend! The weekend was all about Owen. Friday evening, Robyn, Jaime and Sofia came over or an impromptu play date and dinner, and it ended up being one of the best play dates we have ever had. The kids played so well together, and they had a blast. I don't ever think I've heard so much laughter! We had dinner and Owen and Sofia dined at their own little table. They both ate well, and it was so funny. Owen would pull the table close to him, then Sofia would pull it close to her. This went on and on and on. So funny!

Then we went downstairs and played in the ball pit, and they both had a blast running laps around the basement. By the time we came upstairs about an hour and a half later, they were so hungry they both ate snacks and drank a yogurt juice (as Owen calls it). Seems they worked up quite an appetite!

When they were ready to leave, Owen and Sofia "high-fived" each other, then Sofia came in for a hug, which was so adorable...

Saturday morning we had a little clothing battle with Owen - he's still getting used to wearing pants/jeans, and long sleeves... So we got a little bit of a late start heading out the door. But we ended up going to Chapel Hill Farm and Owen enjoyed running around the farm and playing on the playground equipment. He loved driving the bus, and the fire truck. He also climbed up the pirate ship and swung on the rings. After a rough morning, it really turned all of us around. The weather was quite gorgeous.

In the afternoon, Owen napped, Mommy cleaned, and Daddy ran errands. Then more fun began. Our old neighbors, Dave & Lisa came over for dinner and a play date with their boys Carson (5) and Noah (2). Owen really seemed to enjoy having company over again, but was a little overwhelmed by the boys. As brothers, they're learning to rough house, and were wrestling and having fun, but it was a little rough for Owen. Then we went downstairs, and they all played well together again. It was another late night for Owen, he didn't make it to bed until almost 9!

Sunday morning, Owen and Daddy spent the morning together while Mommy cooked dinner. Granny, Pop, Uncle Alex and Aunt Liz came over for the football game and dinner. Owen slept through the game, but woke up just after it ended... It has been a few weeks since Owen has seen everyone, and he seemed a little shocked and surprised to see a house full of people. Which just made him freeze up and cling to me and Daddy. I felt bad for him, because he just wouldn't warm up to everyone, he just clung to me, and all I had hoped was that everyone would get a chance to experience Owen! Every time we're in a restaurant, he's just not himself - he's a toddler and not really into 2 hour dinners... But finally he came around and started opening up. He started talking and playing, and then he started riding around the house on his pooh car, and played with his train set. He and Alex played with the race track (although I think Uncle Alex enjoyed it more than Owen).

We had a nice dinner, and Owen was very funny, after he finished his dinner, he was running around, talking and driving his car all around the house. I was very pleased and proud of him for coming around and showing everyone the true Owen. Hopefully it won't be such a long lapse till we see my family again, so Owen won't be so timid.

Here's an adorable video of Owen zooming across the floors in his car. He just loves this thing!

What a great weekend...

Today we had a great day at school. Owen helped the teachers clean out a pumpkin, and seems to be having better days again. I'm glad to see him happy again there... It's rough to drop him off when he doesn't want to stay it makes you feel terrible! But we're getting back into a better routine, and everyone is happier!

This evening we went back to Chapel Hill Farm, and Owen picked out his very own pumpkin.