Tonight Keith and I had the pleasure, nay the sheer joy, of watching Owen play with a sticker. It was on the bottom of one of his toy baskets, so for awhile we watched him try to pry the sticker from the wood. Then - and there is no way I can possibly describe the adorable hilarity of what ensued - Owen succeeded in pulling the sticker from the basket, but being the first time he'd encountered a sticker before, this new object was entirely perplexing. He would pull it off one hand, only to find it stuck to the other hand. He would pull it off that hand, only to find it stuck, again, on the first hand. He would put it on his foot, shake his foot, and then try to get the sticker off his foot and, you guessed it, it would stick to his hand again.
To say this translates here poorly in writing is an understatement, and for that I wholly blame my inability to write. But suffice to say Keith and I had TEARS rolling down our faces we were laughing so hard. It's kind of like the first time you give a dog peanut butter, maybe when you're 7 or 8 years old, and you can't stop laughing at how long they lick their mouth and how earnestly they look at you the entire time. You can completely imagine what they're experiencing, and that is what makes it so entertaining. Seeing Owen discover the world is the best, most entertaining thing we can imagine. Especially if that part of the world is sticky.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Return to Owen
OK I could only manage one blog post about something other than Mr. Wonderful Cute Baby Sweet Boy. Does anyone really expect me to post about something other than Owen? OK then, it's settled.
Owen is a kisser now. In addition to the dancing moves he learned a few weeks ago (he's pretty much always dancing now, I plan to enjoy it as much as I can until he becomes an awkward teenager who says "MOOOOOM" when I dare to suggest that he dance at some future celebration), he will give kisses if you ask for it. Don't expect him to pucker and make a kissy noise, the best you can expect is a slobbery open mouth offered with an earnest "here is your kiss" expression, but even the most slobbery and zombie-like of those kisses is still better than anything, and yes that does include a slurpee on a 100 degree day because those are really valuable slurpees. I'm saying these kisses are better than that.
Owen is a kisser now. In addition to the dancing moves he learned a few weeks ago (he's pretty much always dancing now, I plan to enjoy it as much as I can until he becomes an awkward teenager who says "MOOOOOM" when I dare to suggest that he dance at some future celebration), he will give kisses if you ask for it. Don't expect him to pucker and make a kissy noise, the best you can expect is a slobbery open mouth offered with an earnest "here is your kiss" expression, but even the most slobbery and zombie-like of those kisses is still better than anything, and yes that does include a slurpee on a 100 degree day because those are really valuable slurpees. I'm saying these kisses are better than that.
Friday, February 22, 2008
A non-Owen post (gasp)
This is for...oh, you know who you are.
So - some other stuff on my mind lately: politics. I'm an avid reader of Daily Kos - a left-leaning website with some fantastic writers and GREAT fact checkers. There was recently a blog - I will put the link off to the left - that wrote about why someone decided to support Obama over Clinton. Now, I could do with either in the White House. Anything is better than what we currently have, we can all admit that I hope. But it's more than that - I feel that Obama has more to offer than policy (though he CERTAINLY has that and the refrain about "all style no substance" makes me want to scream - just check out his website at http://www.barackobama.com/ and you will find a PDF with PAGES of info on his policy ideas). So, the DailyKos recently had an article and in it, the author wrote something that I found so fantastic, so perfectly worded that I felt that I needed to share it with anyone reading this. The author is talking about how Kerry called upon Democrats to filibuster Alito, and even though Alito was eventually put through, the response of the public was heartening.
Obama Finally Got Me
"It finally occurred to me that this is what we need. We The People need to push back against the cynicism, push back against the defeatism, push back against the pacifism, push back against the entrenched interests who depend on our non-participation.
We The People need to take control of our nation back.
Hillary is asking that we place our trust in her, Barack is asking that we place our trust IN US.
This is the Change that he's talking about, and let's just think about what that might mean in the long term future."
There's more to it, and it's all great.
So - some other stuff on my mind lately: politics. I'm an avid reader of Daily Kos - a left-leaning website with some fantastic writers and GREAT fact checkers. There was recently a blog - I will put the link off to the left - that wrote about why someone decided to support Obama over Clinton. Now, I could do with either in the White House. Anything is better than what we currently have, we can all admit that I hope. But it's more than that - I feel that Obama has more to offer than policy (though he CERTAINLY has that and the refrain about "all style no substance" makes me want to scream - just check out his website at http://www.barackobama.com/ and you will find a PDF with PAGES of info on his policy ideas). So, the DailyKos recently had an article and in it, the author wrote something that I found so fantastic, so perfectly worded that I felt that I needed to share it with anyone reading this. The author is talking about how Kerry called upon Democrats to filibuster Alito, and even though Alito was eventually put through, the response of the public was heartening.
Obama Finally Got Me
"It finally occurred to me that this is what we need. We The People need to push back against the cynicism, push back against the defeatism, push back against the pacifism, push back against the entrenched interests who depend on our non-participation.
We The People need to take control of our nation back.
Hillary is asking that we place our trust in her, Barack is asking that we place our trust IN US.
This is the Change that he's talking about, and let's just think about what that might mean in the long term future."
There's more to it, and it's all great.
Sleep Success
I would like to let the myriad of readers who have wondered about this know that the Sleep Solution book ROCKS and our new night time routine is fantastic. Owen now knows that it is time to settle down when we sit in the rocker and read Is Your Mama a Llama? and then Goodnight Moon. The first book varies, but he loves Goodnight Moon so much and it seems to be so soothing that I don't dare mess with that selection. I've also tried Kiss Good Night in the first book position, but something about that book makes me want to throw it, and I can't figure out what it is, so for now, we're going with Is Your Mama A Llama until we find some other 1st book options. See, these are the things that you think about when you're setting up a nighttime ROUTINE folks. The book has to be soothing to the kid, yes of course, but also the PARENT.
We then walk down the hall saying good night to the pots and pans, good night to Louie (the dancing devil on the wall), good night to the thermostat, good night to Cate, Ava, and Jack on the wall. You get the picture. Then we snuggle for a bit in bed, then he goes into his crib. I think it's fair to say that Keith and I have been pretty shocked at how easily he's transitioned out of being carried in the Ergo to being put to sleep in the crib. Now we just need to figure out how to get him to stay in the crib at night, sleep through the night, and not be attached to my boob from 10pm-6am. First things first: we need more books for spot #1.
We then walk down the hall saying good night to the pots and pans, good night to Louie (the dancing devil on the wall), good night to the thermostat, good night to Cate, Ava, and Jack on the wall. You get the picture. Then we snuggle for a bit in bed, then he goes into his crib. I think it's fair to say that Keith and I have been pretty shocked at how easily he's transitioned out of being carried in the Ergo to being put to sleep in the crib. Now we just need to figure out how to get him to stay in the crib at night, sleep through the night, and not be attached to my boob from 10pm-6am. First things first: we need more books for spot #1.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Wanted:
WANTED: Babysitter who can travel back in time and take my child from the bedroom in the middle of the night when he couldn't get comfortable and fussed for hours, and again this morning at 5am when he decided it was play time. I will pay a years salary if you can figure out how to do this & give me my sleep back.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Long Beach Aquarium
It's been a busy holiday weekend for us! Although both Keith and I are congested and coughing, we've managed to fit in a lot of play time with the kiddo. We went to the Aquarium on Saturday, and while I think Owen is still a little young for the bustle of the crowds, he managed to hold his own all right. The aquarium was crowded on Saturday, and even though we didn't get there until ~2:30, the hallways with the different tanks were packed. We were with Monica and Kai, and Jenny and Stew. People are talking and kids are playing, but don't you know that it's my son who is the loudest thing in those halls. BA BA BA BA BA BA DA DA DA DA all the way down the hall. Most people looked at him and laughed, though there was the occasional person who would look at us with pity as though our child were particularly special in his ability to yell. And not special in a good way. But Monica seemed to find the yelling useful; she said "I can't always see you guys, but I have no problem finding you."
Owen is at the age where he needs to get down and crawl. A lot. It will probably be easier when he's walking, in some ways, because I won't worry so much about his hands getting all over the dirty floor. At the aquarium he was full of back-arching and yelling for me to put him down, on the gross dirty carpet. Sigh. Of course there are some things we'll still have to worry about when he's walking (and surely some new as-yet-unknown things). Yesterday at the park, Owen and Mattie were "painting" in the sand and Owen grabbed a handful of sand and...ate it.
He's definitely teaching us all the different ways one can explore their world!
Owen is at the age where he needs to get down and crawl. A lot. It will probably be easier when he's walking, in some ways, because I won't worry so much about his hands getting all over the dirty floor. At the aquarium he was full of back-arching and yelling for me to put him down, on the gross dirty carpet. Sigh. Of course there are some things we'll still have to worry about when he's walking (and surely some new as-yet-unknown things). Yesterday at the park, Owen and Mattie were "painting" in the sand and Owen grabbed a handful of sand and...ate it.
He's definitely teaching us all the different ways one can explore their world!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
My Squirmy Valentine
We got our school portraits for Owen the other day. Of course, they’re totally adorable and he was such a good boy – they took three pics and got three smiles. But…I guess they decided to not photoshop out the big drool spot after all. In a way, I’m glad; I mean it does accurately reflect how he looks most of the time because let’s face it: he’s a baby and produces way more saliva than his body sees the need to swallow at this stage. It also looks a little like an grease spot, though. Which I guess it could be: he’s got 6 teeth now, and they are pretty sharp. Maybe he sneaked some fried chicken past me on the drive into daycare that morning.
Keith and I are working on a new night time routine with Owen. We’ve traditionally walked him to sleep in a baby carrier. This worked great (and actually still does) but I think we’re both worried about the prospect of finding a carrier big enough to hold a 12-year old child someday, so we’re deciding it’s time for a new routine. Since we’re not believers in the cry-it-out method, we’ve gotten the No Cry Sleep Solution which we’re hoping is our answer to getting the boy to sleep. Last night was the first night with our new “routine”. It was almost like Owen sensed something new was going on and it made him REALLY HYPER. He was trying to climb off the bed, squirm out of our arms, do anything but GET SLEEPY. Finally he went to sleep out of sheer physical exhaustion, I think. Here’s to hoping night 2 goes better. We’ve had an easy baby for so long that neither of us is used to more than 10 minutes of frustration (yes, I know – we’re lucky, I’ll shut up about it soon). So last night, with 45 minutes of squirmy not-sleepy baby was just torture for me. How did I fail at motherhood, why is my child not able to self-soothe, etc. I’m guessing the experts would tell me to give it more than one night.
Happy Valentines Day everyone!
Keith and I are working on a new night time routine with Owen. We’ve traditionally walked him to sleep in a baby carrier. This worked great (and actually still does) but I think we’re both worried about the prospect of finding a carrier big enough to hold a 12-year old child someday, so we’re deciding it’s time for a new routine. Since we’re not believers in the cry-it-out method, we’ve gotten the No Cry Sleep Solution which we’re hoping is our answer to getting the boy to sleep. Last night was the first night with our new “routine”. It was almost like Owen sensed something new was going on and it made him REALLY HYPER. He was trying to climb off the bed, squirm out of our arms, do anything but GET SLEEPY. Finally he went to sleep out of sheer physical exhaustion, I think. Here’s to hoping night 2 goes better. We’ve had an easy baby for so long that neither of us is used to more than 10 minutes of frustration (yes, I know – we’re lucky, I’ll shut up about it soon). So last night, with 45 minutes of squirmy not-sleepy baby was just torture for me. How did I fail at motherhood, why is my child not able to self-soothe, etc. I’m guessing the experts would tell me to give it more than one night.
Happy Valentines Day everyone!
Monday, February 11, 2008
California Living
Sorry to those of you who have thus far been following the exciting lives of two scientists with a 10-month old – I haven’t posted in a few days because I’ve been enjoying the wonderful easy company of my sister Erin, who was out sans kiddos for three days. I think all of the Gods got together and agreed that Erin was due for some good weather because we had the most beautiful days while she was here – it was 72+ every day with the most wonderful breeze. Ahhhhh, California Living. Mind you, it was -40 in Minnesota this weekend.
I spent a good amount of time talking to Erin about all the fun things we’ll do WHEN she moves back to California, and the rest of the time we ate ridiculously unhealthy snack food and talked about our cute babies. At one point last night, she and I were exhausted and smeared ourselves across the sofa after Owen finally fell asleep. We were watching You’ve Got Mail for the millionth time (and this time mostly because changing the channel would require far too much effort). I looked over at her and remembered fondly the days where we’d drink 40’s in paper bags over a game of cards with some friends, end up painting each other purple, and then we’d all pile in the shower with all our clothes on. Now we were both ready for bed at 7:45 pm and had recently discussed how breastfeeding changes your boobs.
Being around my sister gets me thinking about a sibling for Owen and how much I love how close in age Erin and I are (18 months), and then the reality of California Living hits me. Sure, it’s 72+ degrees out in early February, but we’re also faced with the choice between buying a house OR having another baby sometime in the next couple of years. I guess it's good we're thinking about such things, but childcare is so expensive and housing is just...insane. Who knows what the next two years will look like. Funny thing is that it doesn't stress me out - I'm curious and excited to see how it all unfolds. It helps that Owen is just so much fun to watch and mother right now - I'm pretty content even in our tiny home.
I spent a good amount of time talking to Erin about all the fun things we’ll do WHEN she moves back to California, and the rest of the time we ate ridiculously unhealthy snack food and talked about our cute babies. At one point last night, she and I were exhausted and smeared ourselves across the sofa after Owen finally fell asleep. We were watching You’ve Got Mail for the millionth time (and this time mostly because changing the channel would require far too much effort). I looked over at her and remembered fondly the days where we’d drink 40’s in paper bags over a game of cards with some friends, end up painting each other purple, and then we’d all pile in the shower with all our clothes on. Now we were both ready for bed at 7:45 pm and had recently discussed how breastfeeding changes your boobs.
Being around my sister gets me thinking about a sibling for Owen and how much I love how close in age Erin and I are (18 months), and then the reality of California Living hits me. Sure, it’s 72+ degrees out in early February, but we’re also faced with the choice between buying a house OR having another baby sometime in the next couple of years. I guess it's good we're thinking about such things, but childcare is so expensive and housing is just...insane. Who knows what the next two years will look like. Funny thing is that it doesn't stress me out - I'm curious and excited to see how it all unfolds. It helps that Owen is just so much fun to watch and mother right now - I'm pretty content even in our tiny home.
Keith went on a long ride yesterday with some friends (one of whom is married to a woman that I went to college with in Minnesota – small world!). He came home his usual post-bike cheerful self, looking several shades tanner from all the dirt. I know it takes him away from me on the weekends, but I do really love seeing how happy biking makes him.
Owen got two more teeth this weekend. Maybe now he can eat those green beans. I was wondering why he kept biting me all day Saturday, but it made sense when we noticed two new teeth. He’s such a happy boy, and just loves being out and about. Erin and I went out to lunch yesterday and Owen ate some, but then spent a good amount of time turning around in his high chair, checking out everyone in the restaurant, and laughing at nothing and no one in particular. I think I have a flirt on my hands.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
A glimpse into my musical future
So, I guess music is the theme this week.
On the way home today, Owen and I were listening to XM Kids, which about 50% of the time plays fantastic songs that crack us up, and the other 50% of the time plays Hannah Montana. The songs today were I Like Yaks and You Only Love Me For My Lunchbox. I'm being completely serious. I have been singing the yak song in my head over and over so that I did not forget these lines so that I could share them with all two of the people who will ever read this blog.
From I Like Yaks:
Big and black
Making tracks
Carrying a sherpa's pack
YAKS
And later...
They're the playas of the himalayas...
YAKS
That is good stuff.
On the way home today, Owen and I were listening to XM Kids, which about 50% of the time plays fantastic songs that crack us up, and the other 50% of the time plays Hannah Montana. The songs today were I Like Yaks and You Only Love Me For My Lunchbox. I'm being completely serious. I have been singing the yak song in my head over and over so that I did not forget these lines so that I could share them with all two of the people who will ever read this blog.
From I Like Yaks:
Big and black
Making tracks
Carrying a sherpa's pack
YAKS
And later...
They're the playas of the himalayas...
YAKS
That is good stuff.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Doin' the lizard dance
Owen is starting to dance and it is awesome.
We babysat Mattie (Meg & Adam's son) on Friday and were playing Beatles for them. Clearly, Mathis is a very experienced dancer, and was showing Owen some moves. Owen, who has been known to bob his head or his torso on occasion, was actually really starting to get into it. Keith and I were in baby heaven, singing along and dancing to encourage them. Mattie is hopping up and down on his bottom, Owen is gyrating his head and torso while on his hands and knees. It's awesome! Keith runs to grab the video camera and starts recording this entire scene...and then we realize that he did not hit record. Sigh. But, the image of the boys bobbing to the music next to each other will be ingrained in my head for a long time.
Later, I realized how much Owen likes being around other kids. Mattie is kind of crawling all over, checking out all the "new" toys (new to him at least). Everytime he goes somewhere new, Owen drops what he's doing and follows Mathis. Sometimes he takes the toy Mattie grabbed (and we gently remind him to share) and sometimes he just watches his older (by 4.5 weeks) cousin play.
At one point while I'm watching this scene, the boys are sitting near the coffee table in the living room (ok, I know I know, every place in our living room is "near the coffee table") and Owen looks up at the table, and it is then that he sees it. He sees The Remote Control. This is no ordinary remote, it is a $250 remote that we HAD TO HAVE (don't you know?) with a video screen that babies cannot possibly resist. We never let Owen play with it (because I'll be damned if we're buying another $250 remote), but it's closer to him than me and with the incongruously fast speed that babies have, he grabs it. He has this look on his face, and I wish I could describe it, but it's like one of us would look if we just found a wallet packed with hundred dollar bills laying in front of us in Mexico (damnit, Erin!), like excitement intermingled with a healthy amount of apprehension. He holds the remote and looks at it like it is an absolute treasure. I say calmly "Owen, no thank you." and hold out my hand (as if, right? As if my 10 month old is going to just pass it over). He looks at me, and at this precise moment he gets the most fantastic look on his face when he realizes "You can't reach me." And he smiles the most hilarious "I win" smile, and turns his back to me and puts the remote in his mouth, for the first, wonderful, long-anticipated, time. I just love seeing their sense of humor come out.
We babysat Mattie (Meg & Adam's son) on Friday and were playing Beatles for them. Clearly, Mathis is a very experienced dancer, and was showing Owen some moves. Owen, who has been known to bob his head or his torso on occasion, was actually really starting to get into it. Keith and I were in baby heaven, singing along and dancing to encourage them. Mattie is hopping up and down on his bottom, Owen is gyrating his head and torso while on his hands and knees. It's awesome! Keith runs to grab the video camera and starts recording this entire scene...and then we realize that he did not hit record. Sigh. But, the image of the boys bobbing to the music next to each other will be ingrained in my head for a long time.
Later, I realized how much Owen likes being around other kids. Mattie is kind of crawling all over, checking out all the "new" toys (new to him at least). Everytime he goes somewhere new, Owen drops what he's doing and follows Mathis. Sometimes he takes the toy Mattie grabbed (and we gently remind him to share) and sometimes he just watches his older (by 4.5 weeks) cousin play.
At one point while I'm watching this scene, the boys are sitting near the coffee table in the living room (ok, I know I know, every place in our living room is "near the coffee table") and Owen looks up at the table, and it is then that he sees it. He sees The Remote Control. This is no ordinary remote, it is a $250 remote that we HAD TO HAVE (don't you know?) with a video screen that babies cannot possibly resist. We never let Owen play with it (because I'll be damned if we're buying another $250 remote), but it's closer to him than me and with the incongruously fast speed that babies have, he grabs it. He has this look on his face, and I wish I could describe it, but it's like one of us would look if we just found a wallet packed with hundred dollar bills laying in front of us in Mexico (damnit, Erin!), like excitement intermingled with a healthy amount of apprehension. He holds the remote and looks at it like it is an absolute treasure. I say calmly "Owen, no thank you." and hold out my hand (as if, right? As if my 10 month old is going to just pass it over). He looks at me, and at this precise moment he gets the most fantastic look on his face when he realizes "You can't reach me." And he smiles the most hilarious "I win" smile, and turns his back to me and puts the remote in his mouth, for the first, wonderful, long-anticipated, time. I just love seeing their sense of humor come out.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Superbowl Sunday
Well folks, here it is: The Luhrs Family West blog! Not sure how active we'll be - we'll just start it and see what the interest is from the family, friends, etc. Instead of sending out mass emailings, I figure I'll just give friends the link to the blog and hope that Keith will occassionaly check in too.
Owen is a little over 10 months old now and is SO fun. He calls everything Dada but seems to say it a lot more to Keith, so we're thinking it's catching on. Who knows though! He is so smiley and happy - just a total joy. Yesterday he and I went to Gymboree class for the first time, it was pretty fun. Owen had a blast playing with all the toys and crawling all over the place. I had wished that the mothers and fathers there were a little more interactive and interested in socializing, but I guess it's hard to do that much when you're trying to corral you kid for 45 minutes straight...I'll keep going for awhile - it's fun to see Owen socialize and play and he certainly seems to love it!
Keith and Owen are at the supermarket getting things so I can make Guiness pie for dinner tonight. I think Eddie/Steph and Jenny/Stew are coming over for dinner, maybe later in the game (if it's a blow-out) or maybe after the game is over. They'll be going to a bigger superbowl party, but it's just not realistic for us to take Owen to something like that right now - he's so active and into everything, neither of us would be able to relax and no one would be able to enjoy the game!
I'll post more this week, more updates, more info. Gonna try to get some things done while the boys are out running errands...
Owen is a little over 10 months old now and is SO fun. He calls everything Dada but seems to say it a lot more to Keith, so we're thinking it's catching on. Who knows though! He is so smiley and happy - just a total joy. Yesterday he and I went to Gymboree class for the first time, it was pretty fun. Owen had a blast playing with all the toys and crawling all over the place. I had wished that the mothers and fathers there were a little more interactive and interested in socializing, but I guess it's hard to do that much when you're trying to corral you kid for 45 minutes straight...I'll keep going for awhile - it's fun to see Owen socialize and play and he certainly seems to love it!
Keith and Owen are at the supermarket getting things so I can make Guiness pie for dinner tonight. I think Eddie/Steph and Jenny/Stew are coming over for dinner, maybe later in the game (if it's a blow-out) or maybe after the game is over. They'll be going to a bigger superbowl party, but it's just not realistic for us to take Owen to something like that right now - he's so active and into everything, neither of us would be able to relax and no one would be able to enjoy the game!
I'll post more this week, more updates, more info. Gonna try to get some things done while the boys are out running errands...
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