Yummy Applesauce

Owen has discovered that he has a sweet tooth... or I guess that's a sweet gum. He has tried cereal, but didn't really like it, although I'm sure we'll try again later. So, the doctor suggested we try some Baby Applesauce. And boy does he love it! It's so cute to see him try to figure out what to do with this stuff in his mouth. He's really got the bottle down pat, but this spoon thing, well that's totally new...

Owen's 2 Months Old

At two months old, little Owen is really developing his personality. He's still got his moments of "crankiness" but overall, Mommy and Daddy are learning how to read his mood and when to feed him or let him sleep.

He's taking his naps during the day in the swing, but he's now sleeping in his big boy crib at night. Thanks to a wonderful invention "The Miracle Blanket" which truly is a miracle, Owen is sleeping through the night. Daddy feeds him his last bottle around 10:30pm, and then swaddles him in the Miracle Blanket and puts him to sleep in his crib. Then he wakes around 7am.

He's starting to get interested in toys but not quite there yet. He likes lights and things that are brightly colored. But his favorite activity is the swing, within just a few minutes he's usually peacefully sleeping...

He also takes about 2-3 long naps during the day, in the swing. He gives us the "5 minute warning" with his hands as seen in the picture here.

He's also been out and about quite a bit. Sometimes he loves and sometimes he HATES the car seat, but usually once he's in it he calms down and just waits to see what the outing is. He's been to church, several restaurants, and even shopping at the mall.

What a cute baby!

Our First Play Date

Today Owen had his first play date. Sofia, was born to our friends Robyn and Jaime, approx 18 hours after Owen, so they are growing up together. Although they're still just little babies, Robyn and I have been trying to get together and finally made it happen. Hopefully, we'll get the baby's together more often and it's nice to have another Mom to talk to that understands exactly what your going through, especially since the kids are exactly the same age. Hopefully, Owen and Sofia will develop a friendship and enjoy each other's company.

What cute kids we have!!!

Granny & Pop

Owen's Granny & Pop have come by this past week to see him. Everyone loves to hold Owen, especially when he's happy and not fussing at them. Lately, he just likes Mommy & Daddy, but he often lets others hold him for a little while, as long as Mommy is in view...

Daddy's First Trip

This week has been Daddy's first business trip, so Grandma came down and helped out. Mommy was afraid she wouldn't be able to do it all by herself, but things are getting better and easier, although it was really nice to have Grandma with us. Grandma was shocked at how much I have grown and changed since she last saw me when I came home from the hospital.

Daddy will be back on Friday, I can't wait to see him. He won't believe how much I've changed in just 1 week!

Feeling Better & Smiling

Owen is finally feeling better, and we've finally captured that first smile on camera. Thank goodness for digital pictures, it took a photoshoot of nearly 30 pictures to get him to finally grin at the camera... Boy has he changed in this last month. He's becoming a happy child, although he definately has his moments. He really has Mommy's temper, and he's not afraid to get mad!

He's sleeping pretty well at night, last week was a pretty big set back, so now he's sleeping in a "nest" in bed with Mommy and Daddy. It's made it a lot easier to get him up and fed in the middle of the night, and Mommy can check on him during the night. Hopefully he'll go back in his cradle soon, but for now, we all seem pretty comfortable with this arrangement.

Great Mom-Mom

Owen's Great Mom-Mom came for a visit today. She and Great Aunt Denise we shocked to see how big he's grown. He's changing so much every day, it's fun to see the reaction of people who don't get to see him every day. Great Mom-Mom even gave him a nice bottle, and he went right off to sleep, seems she still has the touch...

Kids Will Get Sick

Barely a month old, and Owen has been diagnosed with RSV, which is a lung infection (basically a bad cold) and an ear infection. Fortunately, he is responding well to the medicine and treatment, and doctor thinks he's going to be just fine. Mommy and Daddy on the other hand are exhausted. We've spent every waking moment with him in our arms, and even sleeping with him in a chair, so that he doesn't lay down. Tough way to be your first month of life, but hopefully the next month will go smoother.

First Bath

Today, Owen experienced his first real bath. He wasn't quite sure what to make of it, but it was way easier those sponge baths. He liked the water, not exactly a fan of the drying off part, because he got cold, but overall, this new adventure went well. Mommy was quite nervous about it, but is relieved to have the first bath done. Hopefully, the next bath will be even easier, because we know what to expect.

The Holiday Season

Owen has truly made our holiday season wonderful. It's hard to imagine life without him. We are very blessed to have such a great baby. But a new baby brings so many things for new parents to learn. Owen actually ended up in the ER in the very early morning hours of Christmas Eve. Apparently, he a bit of a lazy eater and hadn't been getting as much as Mommy had thought, so he was somewhat dehydrated. Mom and Dad have decided - enough of this - time for some formula.

We have had so many visitors, it's tough to keep track of who has stopped by! I think Owen knows how many people are so happy he's here with us.

Owen has been taking the formula very well, and we're still nursing several times a day. He's sleeping pretty well, getting up 2-3 times each night, and feeding and going back to sleep. Hard to believe the new year is almost here. But what a way to start, with a fantastic addition to our family. Happy New Year...

First Ravens Game

Today, Owen experienced his first Ravens game. We even made the big trip down to the basement to watch it on the big screen. Although Mommy and Daddy have their favorite teams, Owen is sure to take after his Mommy, and be a huge Ravens fan... He even dressed the part. Next Game - the playoffs!!!

Proud Daddy

It's really amazing how a baby changes you. Everyone tell you this before you get pregnant and while your pregnant, but I don't think you understand it fully until you're actually a parent and the baby is in your ams. It's not only changed our relationship, and we're now parents, but we're 100% responsible for the health and well being of another human being. That's exciting and scary.

Troy is such a good Dad. Owen is one very lucky boy. It's nice to finally have Owen here with us and that he's healthy and doing well. We are very blessed. It seems that pregnancy goes on forever and all you want to do is meet the baby, and then once he's here time just flies, I can't believe he's already a week old!

Owen Christopher Schantz

Owen was born on December 18, 2006. After months and months of pregnancy, Owen still decided he wanted to stay put, so I had to be induced. We went into the hospital at 6am, and after a very long day with many ups and downs, Owen was finally born at 10:52pm. He weighed 7 lbs 15.6 ounces, and was 21 3/4 inches long. He's an adorable, wonderful addition to our family. We are very proud and very lucky parents.