Father's Day Festivities

Father’s Day had a new meaning in our house this year…it was Brent’s FIRST Father’s Day! We enjoyed an early morning walk in our neighborhood, followed by breakfast. Next came presents. Owen was especially proud of the gifts he got for Daddy, especially the Super-Dad gift bag we found. By that afternoon, our house was filled with lots of family and tasty food. We traditionally have both of our families over for a hamburger/hot dog cookout, but I didn’t want to put Brent to work this year on his big day, so I ordered BBQ from a restaurant here in town and each person brought a side dish. This year, our parents were able to join us, along with my brother Edmund, his daughter Makayla, and my grandmother. Brent’s brother and his wife usually come, but were spending the day with her family. Owen was napping when everyone arrived, but after an almost two hour nap, he finally woke up and was ready for some fun. He enjoyed being the center of attention, of course, and enjoyed seeing everyone and was extremely playful. It amazes me how much more interactive he is each day. After everyone left, we cleaned up and relaxed the rest of the day. Brent was so proud on his first Father’s Day and I’m glad I could help make it extra special for him!

LOVE my grandma :-) so glad she could make it!

All the wonderful dads

My wonderful family!! Owen is so blessed to have such a wonderful daddy!


Makalya entertains Owen...she showed him and played with every toy in the house!!!

Maykalya wanted to feed Owen so bad...surprising he was full and didn't want any more...she thankful understood :-)

5 Months Old

Wow, it’s hard to believe Owen is now 5 months old. He continues to grow and change so quickly. It’s been a super-busy month for us. O and I have enjoyed several playdates that allowed us to take nice strolls in the neighborhood. We were able to get together with Cass & Lilly and then Hillary and Jack. We also had Kasie, Tom, and Ava Grace over for dinner. Owen got to meet Ava Grace for the first time and they enjoyed becoming new friends.

We also went on a shopping excursion at Concord Mills. Brent took a day off from work and we all went down for the day. Owen loves to ride in his stroller and constantly looks from one side to the other whenever we are in malls. The day was great, going in the middle of the week meant there were a lot less people and we each got several things we liked. It was a lot of fun and we are looking forward to going back again soon.

Other notables this month include the introduction of solids! Owen loved them. I hope I’m not speaking too soon, but he appears to be a very good eater and is not very picky. We were able to bring the high chair downstairs and start using it. He looks like such a big boy sitting in it. So far, in addition to rice cereal and oatmeal, he has tried and loves peas, carrots, squash, and prunes. It’s funny to watch him…after the first bite, while we are getting some more on the spoon, he already has his mouth wide open for more…he looks like a little bird waiting for some more. So cute! We’re going to try green beans and then move onto fruits.

On Sunday, June 7th, Great-Grandma Anderson (my grandma) turned 85. We surprised her at her church that morning and enjoyed a delicious lunch at my parent’s house. She was so surprised and the day was perfect. Glad you enjoyed your big day Grandma!
Speaking of church, we are so proud of little O. Yesterday we got ready for church and left around the time O normally takes his nap. He knocked off to sleep in the car and when we got to church, we took him in the nursery and he was still asleep. He woke up right when we laid him in a crib and figured he would go back to sleep. They give each parent a pager and page us as necessary. Thirty minutes into the service…no page…great, we just assumed Owen was sleeping peacefully. We got to the end of the service and still no page. When we got to the nursery, we found Owen sitting in one of the worker’s lap just looking around. She then told me O never went to sleep and has just been happy and content looking around at the other kids in the room and playing in the activity center. Now that we know he’s fine in the nursery we won’t have to worry!

This past Saturday, we went to the Carroll family reunion in Reidsville. It was nice to see everyone and catch up with the ones we had not seen in a while. Little O was the center of attention and was passed around like a hot potato. He loved the attention and was very good during the entire reunion. Ben and Doris were there and it was nice to see them and chat with them. Also, Aunt Mylinda and Uncle Glenn bought me a jogging stroller and brought it to the reunion. I can’t wait to use it! Thanks Mua & Glenn.

Other activities include many day trips to Target and regular evening strolls in our neighborhood. We have a very busy summer planned, so I’m sure it’s going to fly by. We will be going to the beach next month for Owen’s first beach trip, how exciting. We plan to go back to Concord Mills for some more shopping next month, and Brent and I are planning to go to Asheville for a long weekend next month for our 5-year anniversary (July 24th). I guess I will have a lot more updates to post. Keep checking to find out how our summer fun goes!

All ready for my walk!

Lilly and Owen...takes good notes O...she's a smart and sweet one!

Auntie Doris at the Carroll reunion



Aunt Mua loves Owen


ummmm delicious!


more please.....

sitting in my big high chair

Rise and Shine

AKA squeaky

Our little man has a new trick! He LOVES to hear himself squeal...this becomes ear piercing at times- but it is so cute and funny. We were at Target the other day and O was having a ball squealing... everyone was turning around and laughing...who needs a horn...Owen's vocals work pretty well :-)

He has also gotten where he really loves his stroller. Taking the car seat carrier in grocery stores has become a thing of the past...O wants to get out!!! He is so curious and loves to watch people...especially other children. He just loves to look around and take everything in...the carrier is a bit confining and doesn't allow him to explore.

Worn out after a long stroll! Check out those eyelashes!! He gets them from his Daddy :-)

Mommy, "please do not tell me I have to wear this hat"?

Owen Bouncing the Night Away

One of O's new favorite things to do...running his "motor boat".

4 Months!

It's hard to believe that our baby boy is 4 months...getting closer and closer to 1/2 year!!! Owen had his four month shots and performed wonderfully..only cried 30 seconds or so...our boy is tough!!! He weighed in at 15 lbs and 3 oz and was 24 1/2 inches long. While we also learned that O has silent reflux...it was difficult for doctors to diagnose b/c he doesn't throw up...he just has a lot of acid when and after he eats. This makes it difficult for feeding b/c he can only eat small amounts at a time...2- 3 ounces.... so we feed quite often during the day. The good thing is that it usually peaks at 4 months....so we should be getting better from here. We knew that something wasn't right... after several visits...change of formulas..gas drops galore... we learned that it was a reflux issue not gas.... Our poor baby boy has to take medicine everyday... the first couple of times weren't so good... however, the past three mornings he has done very well!!! GO OWEN!!! We are so proud of you! In the midst of all this pain that he encounters, he still remains to be a very happy baby... smiling, cooing, grabbing his feet, and starting to play with some of his toys. We hope you feel better little man!! We love you!

Giggling up a storm

warming up to my activity center

my 2 fabulous men!

Rise and Shine!

Owen waking up smiling, laughing, and talking like he usually does...

My First Mother's Day

Today is a very special day for me...my first mother's day! We have had quite a busy day. After breakfast this morning, I opened my lovely presents from my little man. He gave me a charm for my bracelet with his initials and birthdate engraved on it, a gift card from The Loft (one of Mommy's favorite places), and a cute pink Nike gym bag. Each one was very special and I can't wait to go shopping. We had a cookout at our house this afternoon and Mimi, Papa, Uncle Kev and Aunt Kev came to celebrate with us. My parents are on a two-week vacation out west, so they weren't able to be here...happy travels Gramps & Grammy. The weather was absolutely perfect and we enjoyed lots of good food and relaxing on the porch afterwards. We then took an excursion to Babies R Us to get Owen a sleep positioner so he won't roll over on his back during the night. Of course, while we were there we had to get him a little toy...not at his request, but we couldn't resist and it had been a good while since we had gotten him a new one. Now, we are relaxing and watching some TV while Owen takes a nap. This day has been perfect and I am thankful for my family.

Love my family!!! I am so blessed!