A flash of Lisa

Although the weather was dreary this past weekend, it was a warm house here in Cincinnati with a great but short visit from Lisa. Owen was so excited and couldn't stop talking the entire 50min ride from our house to the airport to pick up Lisa.

On saturday, we checked out Applefest in Lebanon. Even though Lebanon is only 15 min up the road, I can't say I've really been to Lebanon but we will definitely make it back for numerous reasons. The applefest was a combination of craft fair and food fest. The highlights for Owen include seeing the Lebanon Train...and actually getting to eat an apple at applefest. (we heard his request for a solid 30 min before actually getting an apple)
Tom had a nice find with a local chocolate shop - I thought I would have to pry him from the store. They were yummy treats and I'm sure we'll be back for future visits.

Of course the weekend wouldn't be complete without story time with our guest...

forecasting a slow warm up...

With the arrival of Elise last week Monday, I was wondering how Owen would be adjusting. He did visit at the hospital on Monday in which he never got closer than 2 feet to either Elise or me. No hugs, nothing...I was only able to bribe him to be within arm's reach with some M&M's.

On Wednesday, I was released and Tom picked me up himself. Together, we went to pick up Owen from Barb's house. As soon as I walked in, Owen says Hi Mom - Go to work, I'm eating cereal...hmm, not the welcome I was hoping for. But by bedtime, he did say "Mom, I missed you."

On Thurs, Elise came home and Owen would not come anywhere near her. But by Friday, he did get within 3 feet of her and acknowledge Elise's presence. Today, was yet another step forward with willingness to sit on the couch next to Tom or I while we were holding Elise. He has yet to touch or hold her but perhaps by end of this week there will be a cute photo of Owen holding Elise. Until then, this is the official first photo of the siblings...

No shortage of cars here

We celebrated Owen's birthday today with a house full of chaos. Fun was had by all. The theme was Disney Cars and with that came many Cars presents. Thanks to everyone's generosity and I think Owen's car count went up at least 10 fold. If anyone would like to play with some cars, please stop over!
I decided to make my own cake this year and found a pic on the web that seemed easy to replicate. I was pretty happy with how it turned out and Owen thought it tasted pretty good, I think.

owen-isms

When I picked up Owen today, Madelyn had to show me her board of Owen-isms. I had to laugh. They always like to tell me stories of funny things Owen says but never knew they kept a board of their favorite ones!

Some of my favorites include:
- excuse me, i burped
- the pancake house
- pizza store
- i'm just not tired yet (as he's yawning)
- mmm...tasty
- not just yet (usual response to 'are you ready?')

Problem Solved

Tom was upstairs getting Owen into the bathtub while I'm downstairs cleaning a bit in preparation of Lisa & Bob's arrival tomorrow. Next thing I know Owen is headed back downstairs calling to me that he needs me to go upstairs. When asked why, he responds need to help Daddy, needs a kiss on his foot.

As I get into the bathroom where Tom is prepping Owen's bath, I asked what's up. I guess Owen accidentally jumped and landed on Tom's foot and he knows the magic fix to any boo boo is simply a kiss from Mom on the boo boo.

Enforcing manners

'buurrrrrp!'
Owen: What's that noise?
Tom: I burpped
Owen: dad, say 'excuse me'
Tom: Excuse me
Owen: that's better

I lost to a 5 yr old...

Yesterday, Owen and I were having a good time playing bubbles until he heard the creaking of the swing next store. Looking over he sees Kathyrn and he says to me " mom you play with bubbles, i just be right back". He leaves me sitting on our deck and makes a mad dash over the to playground to play with Kathryn. Now, if only he could swing by himself...