Ahhh, vacation begins...

The house settled today!!!! YEAH!!! Such a relief. The new owners are very excited, and even expecting a baby. They began their move in process this afternoon. We're very happy for them, grateful that settlement went as planned and smoothly, and we truly hope they love Glen Vista Road, as we have. But it was still emotional to say our final goodbye.

However, we left settlement and began vacation. We picked Owen up from school, loaded the car, and hit Mickey D's and started our road trip to Ocean City. Owen had already had lunch at school, so I didn't order him anything. He took one look at the quarter pounder I ordered and gestured for it. I've often offered him a bite, but he never takes one. But today he took my entire cheeseburger! He ate a good 1/4 of it, it was so funny, to see such a little guy with such a big burger! He has never eaten meat before (other than a few chicken nuggets drenched in ketchup), we were starting to think he's vegetarian! I was so proud of him! Then he washed it down with a good gulp of Daddy's chocolate milkshake. It was so cute, and nice to see a glimpse that he'll actually start to eat meat! It'll be interesting to see if he will do it again.

We had a pretty relaxed ride down. Owen was very good, he slept about 1/2 the way, and was in very good spirits the rest of the time. We had dinner shortly after arriving, and Owen ate an entire piece of pizza, something he also hasn't done in months! He didn't want it cut up, and just pulled away at the big slice. So cute! I think he's really into mimicking us, and doing what we do, so we'll keep trying all types of different foods. Even after hopping up from the dinner table, Owen grabbed what was left of Grandma's pizza and finished that! So funny!

After dinner, we tried to take Owen down to play on the beach. He was not a big fan. He thought it was interesting, but didn't like the texture. He really did not like sand between his toes. We're not sure if he was overtired, or really hated it, but he cried and was very unhappy on the beach. Hopefully, tomorrow he'll have a new outlook... otherwise we'll be spending our days at the pool... Guess we should have tried a public sandbox, just to get him used to playing in it...

Whatever, house is sold, new house is well on it's way to being finished on time, and now we're on vacation, and it's time to enjoy. And I know I will sleep a bit more relaxed tonight!

The End In Sight

It's been a busy week (a busy month actually), but today was one of the first days we actually didn't pack anything, or clean anything. It was nice not to have much to do. In fact, we actually found ourselves bored!!! Yesterday, we finished cleaning up the house. Daddy swept up the garage and cleaned up the windows. Mommy worked on the kitchen and appliances, especially the fridge and stove/oven. Cleaning has been an exhausting process, but it was so nice to be done with it.

Last night we took Owen down to the mall to get his hair cut. The last 2 times, he had been pretty good, but last night he was not having any of. He screamed through it again, but in the end he's clean cut again... no wings! Then we decided to reward him and have dinner and ice cream at friendly's in the mall. You would have thought we decided to go to the least child friendly place in the world. Owen wanted nothing to do with dinner, and we couldn't even coax him into eating ice cream. We left with a nice case of indigestion. Guess that was pay back for the hair cut...



Then we went and walked around the new house, to see all the work that had been done. It's really coming together. And looks great. It's very exciting, espcially now that the end is in sight with the Glen Vista home...
Owen loves walking around, and following Daddy. It's still pretty dangerous, because there are so many holes and nails, and exposed objects, but we watch him closely and let him explore what will be his new house.


Today was a much more relaxing day. We had a nice breakfast, then went to Walmart, then stopped by to see Pop at the bay house. It was a very nice morning, finally one without boxes, packing tape or bubble wrap.


After lunch, Mommy went to meet the buyers at our house for the pre-settlement walk through. It went really well, so hopefully we are smooth sailing for a settlement on Monday morning. Then we'll be off to Ocean City for a much needed week at the beach.


We bought Owen this really cute push car, so that we can try it on the boardwalk, beach and just walking around. It's so cute, and he just loves it. He sits in it all the time at the apartment, hopefully he'll be just as content at the beach...

Fun in the Sun

Finally, a break from the chaos. Now that the move is over, and the house is almost cleaned up and ready for the new owners, Owen and I decided to take a break from all the chaos of the last week, and head to the pool. It started out as a rough morning. Daddy had to wake up very early to get to a meeting. Owen woke shortly after Daddy left and was just talking in his crib, but went back to sleep. Then he woke SCREAMING at about 8:45 am. I think he was in extreme pain from his teeth. Nothing would soothe him, he even threw out his favorite juice! (Very unlike Owen). So I gave him some Tylenol, and we watched an episode of Caillou (his most recent favorite TV show), and he seemed to calm down a bit. So we got lather up in sunscreen and headed to the pool.

Ms. Robyn and Sofia also joined us. Last week, the kids were both a little tired, cranky and fell a lot, (in between some fun moments too though). But this week, they were raring to go. Owen had a ball chasing his toys around and climbing in and out of the pool. He is definitely gaining some confidence in the water, which is nice to see, because he loved it so much last year. I think not taking swim lessons all year has made us have to reintroduce the water experience to him.

Sofia, has been taking swim lessons, so she's a little mermaid! Owen's getting there. He loves to play on the steps in the big pool, and today we tried water shoes (because he doesn't like the rough bottom of the pool). They were great for about 45 min, till he figured out how to kick them off... I can't believe there isn't a better product out there for toddlers. Or I haven't found it yet, but both pairs of water shoes he has, he kicks off fairly easily. And considering they are so tough to put on, you'd think they'd be harder to get off...

We ended up staying until about 12:30, and then headed home. For the first time since we started staying at the apartment, Owen willingly went down for his nap without a peep. Guess a good 2 1/2 hours in the pool and sunshine will do that to ya.

Tomorrow it's back to the grind to finish up all the final details at the old house. Believe it or not there's still a box or 2 to be brought here to the apartment, and a little more cleaning up to do to get ready for the walk through on Saturday. But today was a nice welcome break to have some much needed fun. I think both Owen and I really needed it.

Moving Day

Today was the big moving day... It was a beautiful day for a move, no rain clouds, and low humidity (a nice break from the last few days). It's been a very emotional experience to move out of our first home. Even Owen has been very confused, and a little upset by the move. When we've gone back to the house, he's very upset that his toys are gone and everything is in boxes. I feel so bad...

Today we did manage to have some final fun at the old house. The moving truck came, and Owen was so excited to see the big truck. He loved it. they even tooted the horn for him, so cute. Then the movers came inside, and Owen seemed very scared. He didn't know who they were or why we would let them in our house... I think he was overwhelmed.

So, Owen and I took a wagon ride and went to the playground to play. It was a welcome break to have some fun, and Owen loves the playground. There was a 2 yr old boy named Christopher there, and Owen and he played together, they were cute... Owen is still in the stage of parallel play, but he is starting to engage more, especially with slightly older kids. Too bad we met Christopher on the day we're moving out of the neighborhood...

The move was slow and steady all day and ended up taking 9 hours, even though they only estimated 7 hours. Daddy stayed at the house all day, but Owen and I really couldn't, it's not a safe place for a toddler to be around moving furniture and unblocked staircases, etc... So, we helped with packing some final boxes and then got out of their way. We came back to the apartment and had lunch and then played for a while, then Owen reluctantly took a nap.

After he woke (or really after 1 hour of sleep and 2 hours of talking), we went back up to the house to check on the progress... When we arrived the truck was nearly full. Then the "head" mover informed us that it wasn't going to fit on one truck. They were down to some exercise equipment and some odds and ends, but there was no way it was all getting on. So they had to bring back a second truck out to pick up the last bit. It was a very long day for everyone.

It was hard to look at all the empty rooms and see all our belongings just piled in a truck. I know this is a necessary step to reach the next stage in our lives, but it's much harder than I expected to leave this home and the memories that it holds.

After leaving the house again, Daddy had to stay while the movers finished up, so Owen and I hit another playground. We had so much fun playing with the kids, and on the teeter totter, and swings. It was a blast. He's finally venturing beyond the swings at these playgrounds, playing with kids, and enjoying himself more. It was great. Then we had dinner at Chick-fil-a and then met Daddy for a swim at the apartment complex pool. It was a nice way to finish up the day.

In other news, yesterday was Owen's first day in the Noble Steeds classroom at school. That's the class for toddlers 18-24 months. It was a perfect day to start because yesterday was the start of "Summer Camp" and his old classroom is still classified as an infant room, and can't participate in the summer activities. But the Steeds can. They had a puppet show yesterday, and Owen loved it. The teachers remarked what a pleasure Owen is, and that he did really well on his first full day in the new classroom. I'm even leaving him there longer, picking him up at 12:30 now, so he can spend more time at school and I can spend more time at work. He will really benefit from being one of the younger kids in the classroom, rather than always being the oldest kid (as he was in the Orioles room). We're looking forward to what the next 6 months hold in the new classroom, and we are so proud.

Tomorrow we continue to clean the house, while Owen goes to school in the morning. The busy week continues, but the end is in sight. We are finger tightly crossed that settlement goes as scheduled on Monday, then we can relax and have fun on vacation in OC.

Exhausted...

It's been a very busy weekend. The highlight of our weekend was definitely the carnival on Friday. Saturday morning, Owen had breakfast and then I drove him to Aunt Jess & Uncle Tom's house. He had a ball with them. He loved playing with their dog Barney, he especially loved the squirt bottle that they use to help train Barney. They played outside, took a walk, a stroller ride, had lunch, napped and then Mommy & Daddy picked him up about 5. It was a long day for all of them... But no picnic for us either. We were busy moving into the apartment and working on finishing up as much packing as possible. We worked so hard, and we are still exhausted. We're about 90-95% complete at the old house - still a few odds and ends to pack in the basement and 1st floor - and the cable boxes & electronics (Daddy's job for tomorrow). We are currently spending our second night in our fabulous apartment. It's not exactly the spacious accommodations we're used to, but we're making the best of it, and after settlement next week, it will feel like we're living here for the purpose of moving into our new home. Right now everything seems sad, exhausting, stressful, and frustrating... but hopefully the next 7 days will go smoothly and no hiccups. Fingers are crossed.

Impromptu Carnival Treat!

Today was a really nice nice day. Owen's school was closed because of a teacher in-service, so we had a rare morning to play together and just have fun. Daddy had to make a bunch of pharmacy calls to make, so he was out of the house, Sam Dog is with Grandma, so it was just us! We played inside, outside, and even took a walk around the neighborhood (quite possibly for the last time). Owen even put on his shoes for me! A rare treat.

This evening, we had to go to the apartment to sign our lease, and get our keys. It's not a bad place, we're on the 3rd floor... some might call it the penthouse... but others might just say thank goodness no one is above us running around and talking. It's furnished, clean, and will be home for only about 6 weeks...

After paying our first months rent, we headed to the mall for dinner at Fudrucker's. Owen was awesome. He was so good! One of the most civilized meals we've had in ages. And to top it off he ate! While we were waiting for our food to be ready, Daddy and Owen hung out in the food court. Owen kept gesturing and making the horse sound, and Daddy finally figured out, he was pointing to the merry-go-round. Daddy took Owen for a ride and then they came back and had dinner. It was so cute! Our table was peering out at the carnival going on in the parking lot. Owen just kept shoveling food in, I think in hopes of heading over to the carnival. So, we decided we couldn't help but go over for a little while.

We started with the train ride. Owen loved it.

Then we rode the helicopter. He had so much fun steering and driving the helicopter.

Then we made a huge mistake. We jumped on the Dragon, which was a roller coaster, but not like the one we were on a few weeks ago. Owen was very scared, he was petrified, clinging to me, and I felt so bad for taking him on it. I just assumed it was the same ride we were on a few weeks ago at the other carnival.

He recouped quickly, and went back on the train with Daddy before we headed home.

It was such a fun evening. But Owen was so tired, when we got home, he didn't even want to take a bath. He just grabbed his blankey and cuddled with it, didn't even want to change his clothes. But he did finally get in the tub. And then went to bed shortly after that.

Tomorrow is going to be such a busy day. Owen is going to spend the day with Aunt Jess & Uncle Tom, while Mommy and Daddy pack and move our stuff into the apartment. We'll also hopefully finalize all the packing so we're just in a position to be waiting for the movers. I can't believe it's already time to move. Depending on how tomorrow goes, tonight could be our last official night in our house. It's kinda sad, but it also means a new chapter in our lives...

Climbing our Hill...

Despite some "shoe" meltdowns today we had an excellent day. Owen has been loving walking barefoot, and cannot stand when I put on his sandals or water shoes. Basically he's a sneakers/socks kinda guy (much like his Daddy)... But today he was especially trying at the country club when he threw a temper tantrum in the parking lot over a pair of crocks... are you kidding me??? He was laying on the hot asphalt screaming his head off while every one watched because I put on his shoes... Fortunately, Ms. Robyn and Sofia were a little late and missed our throw down fit... Once at the pool Owen had fun, even though it took him a little while to warm up to the water. He seemed to be enjoying himself in the end, and I'm sure if we get to go back this weekend he'll understand that we're going to have fun... and I'm not just out to torture him with shoes...

In other news, an amazing new stunt, Owen has learned very how to climb all the way to the top of our hill... If you know our back yard, this is a feat for some adults, and like climbing Everest for a wobbly toddler... Quite impressive!

He really attempted it for the first time yesterday, but since we're down to just a few days left here, I felt compelled to get it on camera several times. It's hard to believe we won't be spending the rest of the summer in our back yard... Kinda sad, but exciting at the same time.

I'm not sure you can tell in the videos but he's very proud of himself!

18 Months Old!!!

It is so hard to believe that my little man is 18 months old. As crazy busy as our house has been these past few days, we did some things today to mark the day and make it special. First, Mommy made Chocolate Chip Cookies for Owen to take to school to share with his classmates. Today was the last day he will be in the Amazing Orioles room. (School is closed on Friday). Monday he will become a Noble Steed. He moves to the 18-24 month class room. He's done a little visiting there the past week to get used to new teachers and kids. It's kinda hard to see him in this class room. It means so much has changed. He has always been one of the older kids, now he will be one of the younger kids. It also means he really is growing up. Kind of sad for me. Plus we love the teachers in the Orioles classroom, but I know the teachers in the next class will be great too. They seem very nice.

Mommy had a very busy day at work, so it was very hectic getting everything done today. But we ended up having a nice dinner, Owen sat very patiently and had dinner with us. He really likes all of us to be eating together, he does not eat nearly as well when Daddy is gone, or when we feed Owen early. Tonight was great though, he even tried everything on his plate!

After dinner Daddy took a ride by the new house and picked us up ice cream to celebrate Owen's 18 month birthday. Owen really enjoyed it! He has tried ice cream before but has never been too excited by it. But tonight was different. The past few weeks he's taken a new outlook on food, and has really enjoyed meals, but especially treats.

It was a great day, but still so hard to believe that he's 1 1/2 already. It sounds so cliche when your pregnant how fast time will go, but it really does fly... And you almost forget all the difficult moments, and enjoy his developing personality, and just watch him learn everything that he can now do, and you can't imaging how much love you have for the little guy...so much you can't believe it.

Whirlwind Weekend & Happy Father's Day

It was quite a busy weekend for us! Grandma Diane was delayed getting back from Kentucky on Friday so Mommy & Daddy had plans to go out to a movie, but that didn't happen. Instead we packed... Daddy picked up Grandma around 8pm, and then came home. They got a chance to check out the house, and it's progress over the last week.

Saturday morning was hectic as usual. Mommy & Daddy had cousin Justin & Samantha's wedding, so Grandma watched Owen for the morning/afternoon. It was great to have an afternoon to relax and enjoy a wedding without chasing Owen and able to spend some fun time with Jess & Tom, Liz & Ryan, & Alex. It was a lot of fun. They had a beautiful wedding & we wish them the absolute best!

Saturday night we did some more packing while Grandma occupied Owen, and then we had some PF Chang's carryout (new White Marsh restaurant). Sunday was much of the same. Grandma watched Owen all morning, while Mommy & Daddy packed up the garage & kitchen. It was very time consuming, but awesome to have 2 more rooms done!

Happy Father's Day Daddy! We also managed to squeeze in a bit of fun too! We went over to Pop & Granny's bay house for a late afternoon cookout. Great Mom-Mom & Great Aunt Denise & Gary came over too. It was so nice to relax, and despite the fact that Mommy was in a lot of pain, Aunt Jess & Aunt Liz & Uncle Alex all played with Owen and gave me a break! It was terrific. Owen played inside and outside. He had some crackers, but even ate a nice dinner (about an hour before our dinner) but then gratefully hopped back in the booster seat to have an frog shaped icing cookie that Mommy bought his dessert. He LOVED it. We sat on the deck with us, and it really finished out the evening nicely. I think all the "dad's" enjoyed it, and it was relaxing for all. Just being on the water made it worth it.... so nice!!!

Should they stay or should they go???? The house is making significant transformations. The brickwork is continuing, the HVAC is almost done, the electrician started today, and so much more is happening. Friday the garage doors were installed, and we're hoping they stay. We're not sure they are they are the garge doors that we orderd, but we LOVE them! We hope they stay, even if we end up paying for the upgrade, they look so nice!

It's been a very hectic few days. Between being very sore from my knee pain, and working our tails off packing everything up, it's been very stressful & painful. But in the long run, I know it will all be worth it. All the displacement and hard work will be worth it... when we live in our new house.

Owen wishes Daddy, Pop, Grandpa & Uncle Steve a Happy Father's Day.

Tempers Flare

We've reached a new stage in toddlerhood... the temper tantrum... This is not the whiny crying please mommy temper tantrum we have experienced over the past few months. No, this is a whole new level. This is a throw self on the ground, bang head, scream, whine, and cry at a godforsaken decibel level you didn't know could come out of someone so small. This is I will cry until I even forgot what I was crying about but I'll keep crying anyway, especially if you're watching me.

For the past 3 days Owen has been reaching this meltdown mode that is very unprovoked, and very hard to stop. Monday and Tuesday were terrible in the afternoon. He bit me really hard on the shoulder (left teeth marks and all!), when I tried to comfort him. We've tried ignoring it, but that seems to spiral him down a new path... What has worked is putting him in a room by himself and letting him scream it out when we're not watching. He'll cry it out and then calm down a little. Sometimes though when we go into the "alone room" he starts up again, but sometimes he's calm. We're trying to figure out the balance of what is a frustration temper (usually a communication issue) and what is just attention desiring temper tantrums. It's definitely very trying on one's nerves, but we're trying to figure it all out.

We're also attempting time out. He's getting the concept, we use one chair, and he cannot leave that vicinity - he will climb down out of the chair, but we'll put him right back, so he'll eventually stay right there but he's just screaming!!! Oh my, if this is a glimpse of the terrible 2's (or now I've heard that 3 is worse than 2) we definitely will have our work cut out for us. We're trying to establish boundaries now, because it'll be harder to work on later. It's defiantly a trying time during the evening hours when he's tired, hungry and impatient... oh my!

So today was a bit of a tough day - we started at Owen's ENT appointment and we were really hoping his ears would be clear. But he has a little fluid in one ear and "negative pressure" (whatever that is) in the other ear. I hope this is not leading to needing tubes, but we won't know for a few weeks... On Monday, I'll call to get the results of his culture to see if there is an infection. I pray that it's just a little cold or allergies. I hate to think that he's in pain.

Then I had a apt with my Orthopedic Surgeon, because my knee is still so painful. I slipped and hurt my knee, and then lost my balance and fell last week in Kentucky... (yes, I am a klutz, but if you ask anyone that saw my fall, it was graceful, in making sure Owen was completely unharmed - I on the other hand have more black and blue bruises appearing daily)... So the results were that I tore my meniscus in my knee and dislocated my knee cap, and might need surgery. UGH... yes, I've got a very active toddler, and I need to limit activity, do exercises, wear a knee brace round the clock, and might still need to have surgery later this summer - right around the time we MOVE! How convenient, maybe I won't have to unpack. :-) Crossing my fingers that it magically heals on its own, or at least the pain subsides enough to make it tolerable.

The past 2 days we've definitely made some strides in the packing department. Closets are being cleaned out and packed up, pictures are off the wall and bubble wrapped, and tomorrow I tackle the kitchen. Just12 days till the movers arrive. Hmmm, not exactly the 12 days of Christmas - 12 more rooms to pack up, 11 rolls of bubble wrap, 10 days till we move to the aptment, 9 oh you get the picture.

With all the downsides of moving, come the upsides of the new house. Progress is really happening quickly! We never got to see the rapid transformation of our current home, because we were living in Boston at the time, and didn't get to see the house except every few weeks. But the new house is rapidly taking shape! The roof is on. Windows are going in, we even have a front door (albeit a temporary one), they even started the brick work today! The plumber is working on all the internal plumbing, and the HVAC people also got started today. Considering in just a few days well be living in an 850 sq ft apartment, the progress they are making on the new home is very exciting - I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel - and it looks good.

Life is very busy for this Schantz Family...

Final Gymnastics Class

Kentucky Trip Photos

Fun in Kentucky!

What a fun weekend! We had a blast. Owen was a trooper on the plane ride out to Kentucky. I thought for sure he was going to be a nightmare being confined to such a small space, but it was like he understood he needed to just sit, because there wasn't much choice... He was an angel! Thanks to some new books, a few DVDs and some snacks, he got through the 1 1/2 hour flight, and the 1 1/2 hour car ride to Uncle Steve & Aunt Lisa's house.

We got there about 8:30pm, so it was already after Owen's bed time, but he wanted to play a bit, and see everything. He was very curious. He ended up getting to bed about 9:30pm (over 1 1/2 hours later than normal). But it ended up being a good thing. He needed to get used to his surroundings, stretch his legs and settle down. He slept until about 8:15am Friday morning, and then the fun began.

We had some breakfast, and then were ready for SWIMMING! Owen was a little apprehensive getting into the pool. He hasn't been swimming since January, and even then we were in a baby pool, not a big pool. So he resisted his independent floating suit and ended up enjoying his baby boat. He had a ball once he got over the initial shock and fear. By the end of the weekend, he had really re-adjusted to the water, and I know he'll have a ball in the baby pool at the club, I just hope he'll eventually like the independence of wearing one of the floatation suits, without the screaming!

Friday afternoon Taylor had a dance rehearsal, so we had the pool to ourselves. It was so fun to relax and enjoy the beautiful home that they have. It was lovely! Friday night we did some BBQ carryout, and it was terrific! We all took an evening swim, and it was so nice! Owen was having so much fun throwing balls and splashing around, although again he only wanted to be held or in his boat. He slept like a rock (we all did)...

Saturday morning we took a nice swim, played a bunch (Taylor and Sienna have so many fun toys) and then were ready for nap time. Owen took a great lunch while Mommy & Aunt Lisa went to the grocery stores and Walmart to get supplies for dinner.

In the late afternoon, we decided to head out to a horse farm and see the horses. Owen finally allowed Uncle Steve to hold him, and they fed the horses.

Miss Taylor got a bit close, but enjoyed the experience. We had a hard time getting the horse to eat our carrots, but we all enjoyed getting outside and seeing the horse farm. The area around where they live is absolutely gorgeous, so despite Owen's disapproval of the car ride, we got to see some gorgeous homes! (Owen basically screamed every moment in the car seat, but was happy as a clam 10 seconds after being released!) Oh well, he's not much of a sightseer...

Grandma was also surprised with a birthday cake. Owen LOVED the cake. He's been eating like a champ, especially this weekend with all the activity, he ate nearly 4-5 meals each day! Crazy, but as they say it's like icing on the cake (and that's what Owen loved...) He had it from ear to ear...

Meanwhile back in the family room.... While Owen was devouring cake, Miss Sienna found Owen's blanky and bunny and mischievously crawled away with them. She was so proud of herself!

Saturday night, we took another swim, got the kids to bed and then the adults watched a movie. It was a really nice way to wrap up the day. Everyone was exhausted, but we made it through the movie, which was a rare treat for people with kids.

Today was time to prep to head back home on the airplane. Uncle Steve made a terrific breakfast. Pancakes for the kids, and grand french toast and bacon for the grown ups. Everything was so good, and it was nice to be able to rinse off Owen in the pool because he had syrup from ear to ear... We then took a quick swim, and it was already time to shower and pack up. We ate lunch, and then headed back to the airport. Owen fell asleep about 10 minutes from their house, so he had about 1 hr 10 min nap on the way back to the airport. I was really worried that he would be so overtired on the airplane, but he was again a trooper. He sat the entire trip, even though the mean man in front of me decided to recline his chair into our lap. Ugh...

He again was very interested in his DVD player, and loved watching movies, eating snacks and drinking more juice than I would normally allow, but hey we're confined to a small seat and we're not worried about the "potty" yet... Overall the entire trip far exceeded my expectations. Owen was terrific, and I'm sure his next flight he'll probably have his own seat, but the weekend was so nice and enjoyable I wish we could go back again soon.

On our way home from the airport, we wanted to check the house progress, and were SHOCKED! It's completely framed and even the roof boards are up. With any luck, they'll stay on schedule. It's a very busy and exciting time for this Schantz family.

Discovering Pasta & Sauce

Another great day. Owen had a terrific day at school, he really seems to be enjoying it so much lately. And the summer months, they have a lot of fun activities planned - including petting zoo, water days, a clown, lots of fun things for the kids. Even better, they don't go on field trips, they bring the activities to the school, so you don't have to worry about the kids being transported in cars/vans, etc. He's so cute at drop off now, he engages in the class, then I give him a kiss, tell him I'll be back after lunch and walk to the door. He used to whine and follow me, but now I just blow him a kiss and he blows one back to me, it's adorable...

We got a chance to walk through the first floor of the new house today, it's taking shape nicely. It's going to be so exciting to see it when we get back from Kentucky on Sunday, it the weather is nice, they might be totally done framing! Very exciting. Because the house is so close, I go there 2-3 times a day. It's hard not too! We also passed our termite inspection today, so hopefully we're smooth sailing now... just have that pesky packing to do.

Tonight Daddy was again out of town for a training meeting and so Owen and I had dinner again. Since he's developed a love of Spaghetti O's, I tried to give him pasta with marinara sauce. He ATE IT UP!!! He ate 2 1/2 bowls full. He just kept shoveling it in, as if to say - Mom, you're finally learning to cook... where's this been???

It's such a relief to see him not only eating, but actually enjoying what he's eating!

He's been doing his animal sounds for a while, but I finally got him to do it for the camera today. He knows a few more than I did here, but it's so cute. The horse is my favorite!!!

Here's another quick one in the bath tub tonight... He is SOOO CUTE!

Walls Start to Go Up

Today was a great day. Owen was just a joy all day long. We finally booked movers, and so we're only 21 days away from the big move! YIKES! Too bad we're about 200 boxes away... but we'll get there.

Owen had Gymnastics today, and he really listened well and followed directions. He understands that in order to do some of the activities that he has to listen and boy did he listen well today. I'm so proud of what a nice little boy he's becoming.

The house also had some exciting advancements. We now have a first floor and some of the walls have started to go up. It's very exciting. The last few weeks have been kind of dull, because it's been a lot of inspections, but Owen and I were at the home site three times today, and just so excited about the new home.

Daddy had Golf League tonight, so Owen and I had dinner together. It's been a great day, and we're just about ready to head to Kentucky. We have the termite inspection at our current home tomorrow, but we did find out that our house appraised, and the buyers loan has been approved. Two major hurdles! Things certainly seem like they are on the right track.