tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16125712924329003002024-02-14T14:55:00.008-06:00The Balow BunchMy thoughts on life, its lessons, my husband and pets, miscarriage and pregnancy, and some of my passions including cooking and running.Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.comBlogger549125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-8126317011721411642013-05-01T12:05:00.000-05:002013-05-01T12:05:00.762-05:00The blink of an eye<div class="MsoNormal">
These days time is like the blink of an eye.<br />
<br />
Blink. It's May 1. Blink.<br />
<br />Heidi is 6 months old.<br />
<br />
Heidi is a thriving, beautiful, healthy and happy 6 month old.<br />
<br />
As much as I don't want to compare Heidi and Owen, I do. I didn't realize it then, but taking care of one child is easier. Meals, naps, bedtime can all be easily scheduled and focused around the one child. With the second child, that's not the case because big brother can talk and tell you when he needs to eat or sleep.<br />
<br />
But Heidi is wonderful, and takes her not-quite-scheduled-life with ease. She doesn't scream when she is hungry -- although she will let you know she isn't perfectly content. She doesn't get crabby if she gets one big nap during the day or two shorter naps or if she goes to bed at 9 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m.<br />
<br />
Although she likes to be held and nursed in the middle of the night. Which I forgot how exhausting that can be.<br />
<br />
Anyway.<br />
<br />
Heidi has only been with us for 6 months, but it seems like she's always been part of our family. She makes us complete. Her giggles and smile are contagious, and we all love to make them appear. Her cheeks are rosy and full. She has chubby little wrists and thighs. She has blue eyes and a dimple in her chin. She doesn't have much hair, but it looks like it's going to be brown. I love this girl, and I am so glad to be able to call her my own. <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-17974505946041959392013-03-27T11:44:00.000-05:002013-03-27T11:44:16.095-05:00Home<div class="MsoNormal">
Today is a very big day for the Balow Bunch.<br />
<br />
We're buying a new house. This is something Dave and I have wanted for a long time, and we're so excited this day is finally here! A house with a yard and enough bedrooms for the kids! It has a gorgeous wooded backyard. And it's brand new. Never thought that would happen, but everything has pretty much fallen into place perfectly once we decided that this house was the one we wanted.<br />
<br />
It's way more exciting to say hello to our new house than to say goodbye to our old house. Even with as many memories as we've made there -- we got married, brought home two puppies, and brought home two babies. It was our first house we owned and we put our hearts into making it a home.<br />
<br />
But we always knew that we wouldn't live in our that house forever. With no yard and only two bedrooms, we planned on only living there a few years. Even though we lived there for longer than we anticipated, I guess I always had a feeling of it being a temporary home.<br />
<br />
Now I feel like we're moving into our "forever" home, and I love daydreaming of all the memories we'll make in our new house. This is the house that our kids will remember growing up in. This is the house that they'll leave to go to college. This is the house where we'll *hopefully* have great neighbors with lots of friends for the kids. This is the house where we'll celebrate holidays and birthdays and create our special traditions in. <br />
<br />
This house is our home.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-63133346790538245822013-03-26T11:01:00.001-05:002013-03-27T11:30:16.209-05:00Conversations<div class="MsoNormal">
It's happening. Real conversations with Owen. And it's so fun!<br />
<br />
Most nights part of our bedtime routine is rocking with Owen with the lights turned off. I always ask him about his day -- what he did at daycare, who he played with, what made him happy, etc. Generally, when we have these conversations, I have to ask a lot of leading questions to get him to answer. (i.e. "Did going to Papa's house make you happy?") A couple weeks ago, I asked him about circle time. He responded with one word, "posey." I had no idea what he does during circle time, so it was a real unprompted answer about something that happened in his past. And sure enough, when I asked Jen if they do "ring around the rosie" during circle time, she said yes. And the kids love falling down before the song ends.<br />
<br />
This morning I was driving Owen to daycare and was really realizing how big his vocabulary really is getting. He saw two smoke stacks, and said, "Mama, two smokes." And at daycare, he pointed to the garage and said, "white garage." There are cranes and trucks, and a Vikings football flag, and trees and turkeys, and he points everything out to me while we drive around town.<br />
<br />
Also this morning in the car, he was telling me about our new house. He told me that Heidi gets the crib and Owen gets his big boy bed. Two days ago he specifically requested to drive by the new house. It's so cool that he really comprehends this big change and that he's as excited about it as we are.<br />
<br />
Apparently, I tell Owen too often that he has two minutes left to do something. Last night he started a new game trying to get more TV time before bed (for watching Thomas the Train, of course). We went back and fourth, with him saying 4 minutes (4 mitts), and myself saying 2 minutes. I'd play the game all night just to hear him say the word minute. <br />
<br />
But for all the progress we're making on language, Owen still offers his cute pronunciations for some words as well. The oddest one is his word for water. It sounds like "fly". Don't ask me how that happened.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-47969346489238357672013-03-09T07:28:00.001-06:002013-03-09T07:28:40.643-06:00Snippets <div class="MsoNormal">
In the car today, I was thinking of some things that were special about today and how I didn't want to forget them. But I know that inevitably as the day fades long into the past the little memories of when they occurred -- or even if they occurred at all would be forgotten. So here I am to document so i have a way to remember this day long when I am old and my kids are grown up. Even though yesterday was a rough day at work. I know down the road the memory of the stress of work wont mean anything -- or maybe i will feel a sense of pride for making accomplishments and pushing through the battles But it is the sweet snippets of memories from my family and friends and espevially my sweet little ones that will bring joy and warmth to my heart.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">Owen made Heidi laugh for the first time</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">At his post tear duct probe surgery appointment, Owen's doctor said all kids should behave like Owen. Owen was so tolerant of the doctor looking at his eyes. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">When I told Owen we were going to the doctor, he wanted to go to his pediatrician, Dr Judy</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">When I pulled into the parking lot for the appointment, Owen announced that we were at the doctor's office. He's only been there twice before but he definitely recognizes landmarks and places as we drive around town -- the pediatrican's office, his auntie's homes, zpap's home, the turkey hill. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">Owen always remembers the names to his trains. Even the most obscure ones I've never seen on the show, ie Hank and Molly</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">"miss" is owen's word for kiss</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">Dave telling Owen to give me a big hug when I got home from a long afternoon at work</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">Feed Heidi and after I sneeze, she unlatches and gives me a very serious look. After a moment of silently staring at each other, she breaks out into a big smile. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">Owen asking to hold Heidi</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;">I wrote this from my phone. So please ignore the typos and grammar</span></span></div>
</div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-50528751467845143602013-02-28T17:01:00.003-06:002013-02-28T17:01:47.493-06:00February has come and gone<div class="MsoNormal">
And just like the snap of a finger, February has come and gone. I've been back at work for over a month already. Life just seems to be getting crazier. <br />
<br />
Let me share my morning routine with you to give you a quick glimpse of my so-called-crazy-life.<br />
<br />
Alarm goes off at 5:15 a.m. with the hope that I got a full nights sleep and no kids woke up. I shower. Go make coffee and grab bottles/pump parts. I wake up Heidi and feed her. Then I put her back down and pump. I get myself dressed. Dry hair. Brush teeth. Apply make-up, etc. Get Heidi's milk in a bag. Wash pump parts and pack what I need for pumping. Get Owen's juice and snack ready. Take Heidi's milk, pumping stuff, purse, laptop, Owen's snowsuit, etc out and put in the car. Go wake up Owen. Change his diaper, get him dressed, turn on Thomas the Train and give him his juice and snack. Wake up Heidi again. Change her diaper. Get her dressed. Put her in the carseat. Get Owen's hat, jacket and boots on. Put up the gate, so the dogs can't go upstairs. Get my hat and boots on. Refill Owen's snack and juice. Get all three of us into the car. And take a deep breath and go.<br />
<br />
And I'm sure I forgot something in that routine. I'm luck if I get it all done in 2 hours.<br />
<br />
But I'm the proud mother of a 4 month old and a 2 year old, and the wife to a wonderful husband. And they make the crazy all worthwhile.<br />
<br />
Also, since I last wrote.<br />
<br />
The pacifier is gone. I'm at my post-pregnancy weight. And we're in the middle of buying a house. <br />
<br />
And that's why I fall asleep at 8:30 p.m. on the couch.<br />
<br />
Gotta run!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-91494089178191040972013-01-02T11:33:00.001-06:002013-01-02T11:33:21.227-06:00It's a new dawn, It's a new day<div class="MsoNormal">
I love the fresh start of a new year. It feels so full of new opportunity. Reflecting on all that's been done in the past year, it's fun to wonder what will be done in the next year. New job. New degree. New baby.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of last year, I didn't think I'd have a 2 month old at the end of the this past year. Pregnant, maybe. I hoped so. But being done with a pregnancy and having the little baby to show for it?? Even better. God's timing is so impossible to predict. <br />
<br />
There is so much I am hoping for this year -- in terms of resolutions and goals. Also, in terms of how I live my life.<br />
<br />
Choose joy. No regrets.<br />
<br />
Those were two different mantras I used to live by. As I've become an adult, I think I've focused on those words less. And more I've thought about what others think of me, keeping up with the Jones', and worrying about things outside my control. <br />
<br />
I want to live in the moment. Enjoy each moment with my husband, two children, friends and family. I want to spend less time on the internet and watching TV, worrying about what others think, keeping up with the Jones' and worrying about that which I have no control over. I want to spend more time doing family activities, doing crafts with Owen, snuggling my daughter and enjoying conversations with Dave.<br />
<br />
But I still have some resolutions, or goals, or whatever you call them.<br />
<ul>
<li>Lose the last 5 pounds of pregnancy weight, and then some more.</li>
<li>Start running again. Complete a 10k.</li>
<li>Potty train Owen</li>
<li>Get rid of Owen's pacifier</li>
<li>Go on at least one family vacation</li>
<li>Buy a new house</li>
</ul>
It's a good list. Challenging, yet doable.<br />
<br />
And with that, I'm going to go get started. Peace out, internet.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-25688456888223572222012-12-12T15:47:00.002-06:002012-12-12T15:48:29.990-06:00Snippets (24 months)<div class="MsoNormal">
Owen's 24th month has come and gone. I think this has been my favorite age so far. His vocabulary increases every day, and it's so fun to teach him new words and hear him try to say the words back. Here's a couple of Owen snippets from the last month:<br />
<ul>
<li>He loves his sister Heidi so much. He always wants to kiss her, hold her, grab her hands and toes. Sometimes he isn't as gentle as he should be, but we're working on it. I love witnessing the sibling bond that they share, and I hope that it continues to strengthen as they grow older.</li>
<li>Speaking of Heidi, apparently we practiced the answer to, "What's your sister's name?" a little too much. If you ask Owen, "What's your name?" He replies, "Heidi."</li>
<li>Owen has the most enthusiastic, "Choo-choo," I've ever heard.</li>
<li>He pretty much knows the sound every animal makes. The best is his sound for bears, tigers, lions and dinosaurs. They all go "rawr", but Owen whispers the roar every time.</li>
<li>Owen had his first kiss on Thanksgiving with my sister's great niece.</li>
<li>When we leave for daycare in the morning, Owen says, "Bye-bye, house."</li>
<li>He likes giving good night kisses to everyone, including the dogs.</li>
<li>He prefers wearing clothes and pjs adorned with footballs.</li>
<li>He loves spotting buses. When he sees one, he often waves to it, and then says bye-bye to the bus. </li>
<li>He's learning his colors. Must everything is blue, although snow is either white or yellow. He gets the color of the buses right the majority of the time (city buses are white and school buses are yellow, of course).</li>
<li>Snow is pronounced, "nose." </li>
<li>Our family from North Carolina came to visit. Owen had a lot of fun with his aunties and grandparents. His aunties even took him to the Mall of America for some shopping. </li>
<li>Dinners with Owen are [usually] a blast. He loves making us laugh, and laughs at himself. He also loves telling us his food is nummy, nummy.</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-31403504036556983232012-11-21T15:44:00.002-06:002012-11-21T15:45:55.943-06:00Owen is two!<div class="MsoNormal">
Owen is 2. I can't believe it's already been two years since his birth. He's grown into a such a sweet, loving boy. He loves giving kisses to everyone, including the dogs. He melts my heart every day with his laugh. He loves animals, books, trains, planes and buses.<br />
<br />
Owen has grown up so much in the last year. A year ago, he wasn't walking and barely talked. Now he runs and is saying new words every day. He knows colors and animals (and their sounds). He's learning how to catch balls. Here's a video montage of Owen's last year.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WaoGOaEA0vE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
<br />
We celebrated Owen's birthday a couple of days early. Thankfully, we had planned on keeping it low key this year, as I was on bed rest. Dave did an amazing job of making sure Owen's birthday was special. He bought and prepared all the food. He did the clean up. He picked up the cake. Thanks to my mom for letting us have the party at her house! Here's a little video of the b-day celebration!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RZveaIjd-hE" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-52652220513960297112012-11-09T14:02:00.000-06:002012-11-09T14:02:02.698-06:00Introducing Heidi Noelle<div class="MsoNormal">
Heidi's birth story:
I spent 6 days on bed rest, because of high blood pressure. Even with the bed rest, it wasn't getting much better. Thankfully my urine and blood work were negative for pre-eclampsia. But we still decided to get induced since i was 39 weeks, and there wasn't really any benefit to keeping the baby in longer with the risk of continuing the high blood pressure.
So I was induced around 1:30 p.m. I was about 3 1/2 cm. I wasn't sure if I was going to get an epidural or not -- with Owen everything progressed too fast and I delivered him without any pain med. So I knew I could do it. However, since I was getting induced I was afraid the labor would be longer and more intense from the pitocin.
The contractions weren't bad until my water was broken at 4:40 p.m. when I was 4 cm. It was a little frustrating that all afternoon I hadn't progressed hardly at all, but I was hopeful that would change with the bag of water being broken.<br />
<br />
From then on, labor was really intense. I had a couple of moments wondering why I didn't opt for pain meds earlier, but I was still determined that I could do it. An hour later, at 5:40 I was at 6 cm. 20 min later I was pushing. <br />
<br />
The last couple of contractions were right on top of each other and were super intense. They weren't ready for me to push yet, so i was trying to fight the urge to push, which was really hard. She came out in one contraction -- 2 1/2 pushes. <br />
<br />
The nurse that came in for the baby couldn't believe I didn't have an epidural...apparently i handled myself well. I know I did better than with Owen -- I didn't cry because of the pain and anxiety, and I didn't scream when pushing either. There was something reassuring about having gone through it once before that labor wasn't quite so scary. Mostly, I knew that it was going to end. The first time, I thought the pain was going to continue forever. <br />
<br />
Heidi was super alert when she was born. She nursed right away without any issues, and didn't want to stop. She weighed in at 6 lbs 12 oz and 21 inches long. She's really long and skinny<br />
<br />
She's been such a great baby. She still loves nursing. She loves to sleep. She hardly cries. We are all so in love with her -- even Owen. <br />
<br />
We went back to the doctor at 6 days, and she already surpassed her birth weight -- weighing 7 lbs 2 oz. Her weight is the 26th percentile and her height is 90th percentile. <br />
<br />
Here are a couple of pictures.<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
5 days old</div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sweetest love of all.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F17aq_MXjsA/UJ1g4V_PFJI/AAAAAAAACJA/7tbFkrhimVg/s1600/603944_10100416826659822_197012672_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F17aq_MXjsA/UJ1g4V_PFJI/AAAAAAAACJA/7tbFkrhimVg/s320/603944_10100416826659822_197012672_n.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm here!</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-42986204199296102792012-10-27T10:28:00.000-05:002012-10-27T10:28:54.082-05:00Snippets (38 weeks)<div class="MsoNormal">
Baby girl, this has been an eventful week. Two doctor appointments. Two trips to the hospital. Bed rest. Whoa.<br />
<br />
At my doctor's appointment last Friday, it was noted that my blood pressure was high. My doctor wasn't overly concerned about any immediate danger, but she was concerned enough that she wanted me to come back again on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
So I went back on Tuesday. My blood pressure was higher. At this point it was high enough that I was sent to the maternal assessment center at the hospital to be monitored and to do some tests on me and the baby. Thankfully, there were no signs of pre-eclampsia and baby was looking great. My blood pressure went back down and I was sent home with no restrictions.<br />
<br />
The next day at work, I started feeling light headed. I went down to the blood pressure monitor, and the reading freaked me out. I called the doctor's office, and they told me to go back to the hospital. Once again, while I was there my blood pressure went down. I was sent home, but told to take it easy. I couldn't go into work, but I could work from home.<br />
<br />
I went back to my doctor for my regular weekly appointment. My blood pressure was once again really high. They checked the baby again, and she is still doing great. Since the blood pressure is my only issue and that the bed rest at home was helping keep it down, I was put back on bed rest until Tuesday. No more work for me until after maternity leave. If she doesn't decide to come on her own, I'm pretty certain the doc will recommend getting induced, since I'll be 39 weeks. <br />
<br />
So she's not here yet, but her birthday is likely just days away! Stay healthy baby girl, we can't wait to meet you!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-18803204023114922352012-10-27T10:06:00.001-05:002012-10-27T10:06:15.410-05:0010 years later<div class="MsoNormal">
I don't have very many memories of meeting the important people in my life. My parents, my sisters, my friends -- either too much time has past or I didn't realize the significance of the moment while it was passing.<br />
<br />
However, there is one meeting that is so deeply etched in my mind that I can replay it in my mind as if it just occurred last night. It was ten years ago. <br />
<br />
I was sitting on Heather's bed talking to Megan trying to convince her to join us for a night out at Stargate.<br />
<br />
I heard him walking up the stairs and before I even saw him, I was telling Megan that "Hot Dave" was here and that she should definitely come over. <br />
<br />
He walked into the room. He was wearing a Northwest Airlines t-shirt, a black leather jacket, and a Corona hat.<br />
<br />
I doubted him, but he was right. Even though his hands are bigger than mine, the lifelines etched on each of our hands match.<br />
<br />
Somewhere, deep in my subconscious, I knew that this was a moment to remember. This man was my soul mate. Within the next ten years, he would become my best friend, the father of my children, husband, life partner. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-56728493577455520012012-10-16T12:41:00.002-05:002012-10-16T12:41:24.180-05:00Snippets (37 weeks)<div class="MsoNormal">Full term. We made it. Now we need to start getting serious about things like installing the car seat, getting bottles washed, etc. Because we only get to work on these projects on weekends for the most part, and there are only three weekends left until the due date. One weekend my husband will be out of town and another is Owen's birthday weekend, so our weekends before baby are already busy. Although worst case, Dave could install the car seat before we drive home from the hospital, and we probably won't try bottles for several weeks anyway.</p>
<p>At the last appointment (36 weeks), we had an ultrasound. It is crazy how big the baby is compared to the 20-week ultrasound. They put the wand down and boom, there is the head, or boom there is the foot. There is no way they could get the whole baby's body in one shot like they could do a couple of months ago. We had the ultrasound to double check the baby's size, since even though Owen was born healthy, he was tiny. But good news. All measurements are right on track. The weight is estimated to be over 6 pounds and 61st percentile. (Owen was less than 6 pounds at birth, so it's good that this one is already that big....and kinda crazy considering we still have three weeks until the due date). Fluid levels are good. My measurements are right on track too. The baby and I impressed the doctor with all the measurements being so spot on. I'd like to think the only thing that isn't spot on is my weight -- I've already gained the same amount this pregnancy that I did with Owen. However, considering this baby is already as big as Owen was at birth, I guess my weight gain is ok. And it's not really out of control either -- especially considering the number of trips to DQ we've been taking. lol.</p>
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-57863905263784966122012-10-16T12:18:00.002-05:002012-10-27T10:30:57.185-05:00September Snippets (22 months)<div class="MsoNormal">
The month of September flew by. For most of the month, we kept things pretty low key. Between the pregnancy and my allergies, I didn't have much of a desire to do too much. But we still managed to have some fun. Here's a bit of what we did, and what Owen is up to.<br />
<ul>
<li>Swim lessons. Owen and Daddy started swim lessons in September. Have I ever mentioned that Owen loves the water. He still does! The hardest part we've been struggling with during swim lessons is keeping him focused on the lesson for the full 30 minutes. We've learned he does much better if I'm not there watching. He'll make it through 20 minutes, but then just wants to get out to see me. So it's kinda a bummer not to go watch, but if it gets him through his lesson, I'll make the sacrifice.</li>
<li>John's farm. We took a day trip down to John's farm. We had a great picnic lunch and Owen enjoyed hanging out with his Great Aunt Ann and eating all the delicious food. I'm pretty sure he ate a whole quart of freshly picked raspberries -- or would have if we let him. He also enjoyed the graham crackers (aka snacks) that Ann brought especially for him. And he had to make sure he had the most comfortable chair. </li>
<li>Trains. Owen's friend Liam's birthday was at a train museum. Owen LOVED it. Trains are one of Owen's favorite things. He got to see and go in a lot of trains. He even got to see a big Thomas train. We bought him a little Thomas train to take home.</li>
<li>Apples. We enjoyed lots and lots of MN grown apples. Of course, Owen has no problem eating a whole apple (and half the core). He'll often come into the kitchen when I'm cooking or cleaning, and say, "apple, apple." </li>
<li>Words. Owen's vocab continues to grow. He mimics singing songs and likes to repeat words. He loves saying things like Mama's car or Dada's bike -- everything is Mama's or Dada's. He even often calls us Mamas or Dadas now. </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-34365658117561017332012-09-25T10:58:00.000-05:002012-09-25T10:58:10.309-05:00Snippets (34 weeks)<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometime in the next 3-6 weeks, a baby girl will be joining our family. That's like a month, people. We're slowly getting ready. We need diapers, but the clothes have been washed and put away. We have a bassinet, but it still needs to be put in its spot. We need to re-install the infant car seat. We've bought new pink receiving blankets and a video monitor. Owen is getting ready too. Last week he stopped sleeping in the crib and started sleeping in his big boy bed. He'll pull out a bottle out of the cabinet to tell me it's for the baby.<br />
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We need a name! We can't seem to figure it out the right name for our girl. We don't like crazy names, but don't want a common name either. This is the first time we've struggled with names. We've come close a couple of times. The name has been my biggest stress this week -- especially as I'm realizing how much time we've had to pick a name and how little time we have left.<br />
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As the pregnancy is coming to an end, I'm trying my best to make the time to just treasure this pregnancy and our new baby girl. It seems our life is pretty chaotic right now, so sometimes it's hard to find those moments. I love feeling the kicks and watching my stomach roll around. While my body has been more uncomfortable throughout this entire pregnancy with Owen, I try to remember that this could very well be my last pregnancy. The kicks and the hiccups and the stomach rolls are something I may never get to experience first hand again. So this is it. <br />
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We're looking forward to meeting our baby girl and to touch her toes and smell her new baby smell. We're excited for Owen to finally understand what the baby is all about. We're looking forward to being a family of four. We can't wait to meet you, baby girl!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-47535059576155009232012-09-04T15:08:00.000-05:002012-09-04T15:08:04.082-05:00August Snippets (21 months)<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li>Last week, Owen pooped in the toilet for the first time! Dave and I weren't even considering potty training Owen yet, but perhaps he is more ready than we think. That night, I went to the store and bought a potty chair. Unfortuantely, there hasn't been a second successful attempt -- yet.</li>
<li>This month we took a vacation to visit Dave's family in North Carolina. Owen loved spending time with his cousins, aunts, uncles and Pappy and Grandma! We spent a day at the ocean -- Owen's first time really spending any time in the water. He loved swimming with Dave and I as well as having the chairs at the shoreline, so he could kick the waves as the came up to his feet. We spent another day at the aquarium. It was a short, but fun trip.</li>
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<li>Owen usually calls Otis by the name, Puppy; Cooper (Coops) by the name, Oops; Gracie by the name, Kitty.</li>
<li>Owen recognizes my parent's neighborhood, and yells out, "Papa's house" when we turn onto their block.</li>
<li>We celebrated 22 months by getting Owen's first haircut. He tried so hard to be brave for mama and dada, but a few crocodile tears slipped. So long baby curls, hello toddler! </li>
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<li>The word "no" has finally made its way into Owen's vocabulary. Morning conversations with Owen often go like this:</li>
<ul>
<li>“You’re going to go see your friends today.”</li>
<li>“No.”</li>
<li>“Don’t you want to see your friends?”</li>
<li>“No.”</li>
<li>“Put your paci in your crib.”</li>
<li>“No.”</li>
<li>“It’s time to put your shoes on.”</li>
<li>“No.”</li>
<li>“Do you want me to get your neck?” (tickle his neck.)</li>
<li>“No.”</li>
<li>“Do you want your train?”</li>
<li>[silence] (hasn’t quite figured out the word for yes yet.)</li>
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<li>Owen's understanding of language keeps growing every day, and it's really remarkable to watch. He follows instructions when he wants to (brushes his teeth, leaves Baba and paci in his room, puts trash into the garbage). He is also starting to put two words together at a time -- some examples: Dada bye-bye, bike loud, Papa house, Dada bike</li>
<li>He got new shoes for fall, and he loves wearing his socks and shoes.</li>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span>Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-49872173279445277532012-07-23T20:39:00.001-05:002012-07-23T20:58:04.870-05:00Snippets<div class="MsoNormal">I haven't posted in a long time, but Owen is at an age where he's developing and changing so much every day. I need to keep track of all the cute stuff he's doing. Otherwise, I'll forget it. So here's a couple of cute things he does. <br> He hasn't figured out the difference between nouns and proper nouns. He refers to most men as Dada. He refers to almost all women as Mama. He refers to kids as Manna (after his cousin, Amanda). Little boys are Maa (after his buddy Max at daycare), or else they're babies.<br> Owen calls himself the baby. He loves looking at the pictures and videos on my phone, so he can see the baby. <br> Bananas are no longer his favorite food. Now he loves Teddy Grahams, crackers, Chipotle and any kind of berries. And naturally, he wants to eat or drink whatever is in my hands. <br> Owen loves planes. <br> Owen recently started singing along with songs. His favorite is "Yeah, yeah, yeah" by GB Leighton. He also likes "Drive By" by Train and was also singing an Usher song that I hadn't heard before he was singing along to it. <br> That's enough snippets of life with Owen for now. It's crazy how adorable I find him to be. After he goes to bed, I find myself looking at the pictures in my phone. I sit and wish that he was still awake and goofing off with Dave and I. The boy makes my heart swell every day, and I just can't get enough.
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-38775875283766639202012-01-04T11:30:00.002-06:002012-01-04T11:30:33.571-06:00New year and stuff<div class="MsoNormal">
I've had a couple of blog post ideas swirling in my head. Mostly about the new year. I can just feel that 2012 is going to be a significant year for me. I'm starting a new job. I'm turning 30. We even have fairly realistic hopes to buy a new home. <br />
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But nothing gets me more excited for what the possiblities of this new year than this: <br />
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Going to Haiti.<br />
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I just got off the phone with my friend of a friend, whose uncle started <a href="http://www.healinghaiti.org/" target="_blank">Healing Haiti</a>. He makes it sound so easy to go. I simply pick from one of their already scheduled trip and go. Obviously, I know there will be more than that. But really, what have I been waiting for?<br />
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I can't really explain why I would want to give up my vacation time to go to such a poverty stricken place. And visit kids with no parents. And see first-hand how people live without clean water, clean clothes and a decent home. I know it's going to be sad. I know it's going to be so difficult emotionally. But I have a deep, deep desire to do this. I know it will change my life. <br />
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Stay tuned...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-29807898210351757232011-12-30T09:12:00.004-06:002011-12-30T09:12:29.962-06:00Christmas<div class="MsoNormal">
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I can't believe Owen's already celebrated his second Christmas. And like many kids, he had to do what kids do best. <br />
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Get sick. <br />
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His stomach bug started two days before Christmas, actually. Just in time for him to miss his first daycare Christmas party and his cousin's birthday dinner. It was our first time dealing with Owen having the flu, so I thought we did pretty well making it to 14 months before ever having to deal with puke.<br />
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By Christmas Eve, he seemed better. And we had seemed to make it through without Dave or I getting sick. But he was having wierd spit up with a puke smell on the way home from church, so Dave took him home while I went to my parents for dinner. I missed Dave and Owen, but it's so nice of Dave to be willing to take care of Owen, so I could have some time with my family.<br />
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But that night, Dave came down with the flu. As did my sister, Stevie. So apparently we didn't escape the flu after all. Dave did make it down to the couch, so he could watch Owen open his presents (or me open the presents as Owen wasn't that into it). We skipped going to my mom's house for Swedish pancakes, but Owen and I went later for Christmas Day dinner. <br />
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And that night I came down with the flu. And so we had to cancel the family Christmas dinner at my house. My mom ended up having the rest of the family at her house, and Dave and I went over to celebrate while I stayed home in bed.<br />
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The stupid flu altered every single one of our Christmas plans. But while our plans didn't go as we wanted, it was hard to not be happy for all the blessings that I have. I have a wonderful son and husband and family. We got to celebrate Christmas without worrying about finances (although I admit that we got Owen's big gift second-hand. He won't ever know and won't ever care). We have health and love and laughter and stability. I couldn't ask for more.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-32153957399896867672011-12-23T09:22:00.000-06:002011-12-23T09:22:29.119-06:00Home.<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, somewhere in the world (Haiti to be exact), little orphan children are waking up in their brand new beds. It warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes to think of it.<br />
<br />
Two years ago was our first Christmas after our miscarriage. It was at that time, that Dave and I decided we wanted to help orphans somewhere in the world. We found ourselves parents without children, so we wanted to give to children without parents. It really helped me give a little bit of reason and hopefulness to our loss.<br />
<br />
So we decided to help an organization called <a href="http://www.healinghaiti.org/pages/Home/">Healing Haiti</a>. An uncle of an acquaintance of mine started the organization to help orphans in Haiti. They were building a new orphanage for the kids. As they built, they also provided food, water, education and love to those kids. <br />
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We've supported this organization when we could ever since. My parents and I attended a fundraising event, we've donated in honor of Chubby's birthday, gave after the earthquake. Anyway, today I woke up an awesome surprise.<br />
<br />
The orphanage is finished! And the kids have moved in!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://healinghaiti-friends.blogspot.com/2011/12/grace-village.html">Here's a blog post by Krista</a> giving her perspective of watching the kids arrive and how happy there were. "The children's screams of pure unbridled joy as they saw it were so loud they were heard in
the vehicle that followed the bus. It was indescribable," she wrote. She also said that for the first time in their lives, they will get to use a toilet and end the day with a shower. Can you imagine?<br />
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And even better, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150443365293907.366547.67620373906&type=1">here are pictures</a> of the kids checking out and enjoying their new home.<br />
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Home. Can you imagine a better Christmas present? <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-60755002096834223062011-12-21T12:13:00.001-06:002011-12-21T12:13:32.461-06:0020 minutes in the life of Owen<div class="MsoNormal">
At almost 14 months old, Owen is still not walking. He's just not interested in it. As excited as I am for that list big milestone, I'm ok with the fact that he still prefers getting around on his hands and knees. Because I consider a crawler a baby. And a walker, my friends, I consider a toddler. And I'm ok with my baby staying a little baby a while longer. </div>
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And let's face it. Owen knows how to get around. Let me show you. And just so that you're clear -- all of these pictures were taken in no less than 20 minutes.</div>
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Feeding the dogs his snack</div>
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Playing with wrapping papger</div>
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Playing with his toy (standing!)</div>
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Grabbing the dogs' paws</div>
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Opening Amanda's Christmas present (sorry!)</div>
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Pulling an ornament off the tree</div>
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Eating the ornament</div>
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Trying to put the ornament back on the tree</div>
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And this is why I'm content with a crawler!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-11484565268896496782011-12-08T14:25:00.001-06:002011-12-08T14:36:24.812-06:00B-A-N-A-N-A-S<div class="MsoNormal">
No Thanksgiving post. No 13 month post. No quick updates. I'm not doing such a great job of chronicling the life of the Balow bunch, huh?<br />
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Life has been crazy busy -- but in a good way. And we dote on our little man as much as we can.<br />
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He's not walking yet, but why would he want to when he can scoot all around on all fours. One of the cutest things he'll do is the hypervenilating-sounding laugh if you pretend your chasing him. Oh the things I need to get on video. He also taught himself to go down the steps (he's already mastered going up.)<br />
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I did get this on video last night -- Owen eating his banana. He eats them so fast, but I actually bought the biggest bananas I could find the other days, since he usually cries when he's done eating it. So he couldn't squeeze half the banana in his mouth like he usually does.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FCP80gufOC0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Other things Owen is doing: talking. He's got mama, dada, banana (nana), bye, grandma, doggy and all done (complete with the sign for all done). Banana (nana) is his favorite word by far, probably because saying the word results in him getting to eat his favorite food.<br />
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Another cute thing he does: simultaneously scrunching his nose and breathing loudly through it<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-12709055394339036852011-11-14T16:13:00.001-06:002011-11-14T16:21:21.402-06:00Owen's first sick day<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm at home with Owen for his first sick day off daycare. He has a
nasty runny nose, but no fever, but he just seemed sick enough that it
seemed best to not send him to daycare. At home, he can have extra
snuggles, he can nap better, he can relax more, he can't spread his
cold.<br />
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As the day has gone on, he seems to be feeling a little better.
He napped for 2 1/2 hours this morning, and is taking a good nap this
afternoon. He hasn't had much of an appetite either, so you know he's
not feeling well. This morning, he wouldn't eat eggs or cheerios. But he
ate bananas, so I gave him two. At lunch, he struggled to get down a
ravioli and a meatball, but he liked the applesauce. <br />
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It's been nice to get a day to stay at home with Owen. I just wish it wasn't because of the circumstances.<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-37757689568919867502011-11-10T12:49:00.001-06:002011-11-10T13:03:40.013-06:00<div class="MsoNormal">
Owen is one now.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7agMqm6l7I4/Trwf95dp8BI/AAAAAAAAB4s/zDbdIU7inxM/s1600/birthday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7agMqm6l7I4/Trwf95dp8BI/AAAAAAAAB4s/zDbdIU7inxM/s400/birthday.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Seriously, I'm not sure where the time has gone.<br />
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I think back to a year ago (which I've been doing a lot lately) when a little baby that would curl up into my ball on my chest. Then I realize, that little infant isn't here anymore. I now have a boy who will barely sit still in my lap long enough for me to read two pages from a book. I love that boy so much.<br />
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It's absolutely amazing to me to think of how far we've come in the last year. People quit commenting on Owen's small size a long time ago. But some things haven't changed yet. Most people still think he looks like his mama. <br />
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Owen's disposition hasn't changed too much either. Most of the time he's a really good-natured, laid-back kid. Except when he's hungry. That's when he gets crabby.<br />
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He's getting close to standing on his own and walking. He actually will stand on his own -- until he realizes that he's doing it.<br />
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This video is a must-see. It's my favorite. Owen was giggling like this for 5 minutes, so this is just a snippet. I love seeing my baby boy have so much fun with his daddy. It's the best. thing. ever. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-22344910423735667122011-10-17T15:50:00.001-05:002011-10-17T15:52:58.670-05:00The details are in the fabric<div class="MsoNormal">Recently I've noticed Owen likes to point. Mostly when he sees himself at the mirror. Or he sees his picture on the wall at daycare. Or he sees his pictures that are framed at home. I'm sure he can't help but notice himself; he is so handsome.
But he likes looking at baby pictures too. He loves his baby books with photos of babies. Opening up a book to a baby playing peek-a-boo or clapping for Owen to look at provides the best chance I have at getting him to sit still long enough for a diaper change.
Owen not only likes to look at those books with baby pictures, but he also likes to tell me about those babies. I can't understand what Owen's saying, but I think it's the sweetest thing that he mimics reading books already.
Yesterday, we went to my aunt and uncle's house for lunch. Owen loved eating egg roll. I'm so glad he likes Vietnamese food. He's definitely his mother's son.
Speaking of food, I had to ask Owen's daycare teacher to feed him a little later in the afternoon, so we can have a little time to prepare dinner for him when we get home from work. He's old enough that baby food isn't cutting it anymore -- which is a shame, because it's so easy and convenient. One night last week he ate three jars of babyfood plus puffs and some other finger food. I'd swear that his tummy is Mary Poppin's carpet bag.
Owen loves laying across my back with his head hanging off the side. It's the perfect position for tickling his neck, and boy, does he errupt in giggles. It's the best. We call him a monkey.
Less than two weeks until Owen's first birthday!
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1612571292432900300.post-1112988516434629222011-09-28T13:55:00.003-05:002011-09-28T13:55:37.632-05:00Don't want to forget<div class="MsoNormal">
All of a sudden it seems that Owen is learning A LOT.<br />
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I need to blog more, so that I can kep track of these milestones. I don't want to forget when he started doing what. And I know I'll love looking back and re-reading these posts. Even if I keep them simple, they'll definitely job my memory and bring a smile to my face.<br />
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Owen is finally crawling on his hands and knees! Last Monday, he was just in his diaper, and we were in our kitchen. I guess the tile floor was cold on his belly. It was just enough of an issue to force him to figure out how to crawl on his knees. He still army crawls, but is definitely crawling "normally" more and more.<br />
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Owen loves pulling himself up and standing. And he's constantly finding new places to pull up -- the stairs, the couch, the bin that holds dog food, the humidifier in his room (not all of these are good to climb, obviously), and worst of all -- the crib. Owen used to be so great at falling asleep. Now, he just pulls himself to standing and starts crying, which causes his paci to fall out of his crib. It's cute and annoying all at the same time.<br />
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The cutest thing of all happened the other night. I was on the floor playing with Owen and I told him to go get his daddy. He got on his hands and knees, crawled over to the chair and pulled himself up to see his daddy. Sooo cute!<br />
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On Monday, Owen was diagnosed with an ear infection. His second. Dave and I were so much better at noticing the symptoms, so we got him into the doctor (with a regular appointment -- not a 9:30 p.m. urgent care visit) before he was in too much pain.<br />
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His 5th and 6th teeth are starting to come in!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">J.B.</span></div>
Jenny | The Balow Bunchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01973386026706449932noreply@blogger.com0