Working on his repertoire

Owen's been polishing up his new skills. In the picture below, he had started off with his head on the white cloth. Leave and go to the kitchen for a minute or two, and this is where he ends up. We're still working on rolling from back to tummy, but once that happens, watch out world! (In other words, we're going to have to break down and baby-proof everything within 6 inches of the ground.) :)

He is also quite the charmer and knows how to break into a smile when required.

Lastly, I was doing some yard work yesterday, and Owen joined me outside. His posture in the Bumbo is much better, as you can see, and it's so fun to watch him acquire new skills and interests like the rings and ribbon ball!

Animal Ears

Not much to report other than I'm glad the weather returned to below 80 degrees, so Owen could wear this jacket (Thanks Aunt Helen!) before he's too big! I guess I'm a sucker for ears on hats... Gotta wear 'em while we can!

4-month Checkup

Today was Owen's 4-month checkup at the doctor's office, which meant measurements and 2 more shots. He weighed in at 14 lbs, 13 oz, and was 25 inches long - both of those put him squarely in the 50th percentile. The doctor even complimented him on his beautiful blue eyes and his round head! Way to go, O!

Cousins and a New Trick

This weekend marked Owen's first overnight trip away from home. Granted, it was only an hour and a half from home, but it was a new bed and different faces! He did really well with the travel and extra attention, and I think his play time with his cousins tuckered him out. Here are some pictures of him at the ranch with Hannah, Katie, Chantelle, Ken, and Granna and Grandad (celebrating 45 years of marriage and G'dad's birthday).

When we got home today, I put him on his tummy, and he rolled over for the first time on his own! He's since repeated it in both directions from tummy to back, so it counts, and we got it on record.

4 months old!

Hard to believe he's 4 months old already. In honor of the occasion, we'd like to share a video with you. Owen's generally pretty happy once he gets in the diaper changer, but twice a day (morning and night), he gets a full clothing change, which makes him positively giddy. :)

Spring = Bluebonnets and Crawfish!

As is customary in Texas in the spring, I figured we had to get a pic of Owen in the bluebonnets. There happens to be a little patch of wildflowers in our neighborhood park, so I trucked the bumbo over there on one of our walks in order to prop the little guy up. It took some doing not to trample the flowers and get him situated, but it was still too bright for him to look up. Might have to do another attempt at dusk. :)

We also took our Li'l Crabby Pants to his first crawfish boil, but we told everyone it was really a crawfish on his shirt. He was quite the trooper through the afternoon - hardly any complaints and he fell asleep in the swing in the background below. Maybe next year he'll try his first bite of the little critters.

Lastly, I'll leave you with this nice Father-Son moment.

First Out-of-town Trip

Owen ventured out of Austin for the first time yesterday and took his longest car ride yet at a whopping 1.5 hours long. :) All went well! We went to visit Granna (recovering from knee replacement surgery) and Grandad. And we had an added bonus of seeing Great Uncle Charles and Great Aunt Fayde while they were in Texas. Good trip!

3-month Portraits

Thought I'd post some of Owen's first modeling work. :P These are highlights from his 3-month portrait session from 3 weeks ago, when he desperately needed a nap! The photographer, John, and I all were unsuccessful at getting a smile for the camera. Maybe next time!

Easter

Happy Easter! Owen celebrated his first Easter by sleeping through church. :) We opted not to do an Easter basket until he can actually participate in the fun, but we did get him all dressed up for the occasion.

Dan and Jennifer came to visit, too. Sorry, Dan, but I just had to post the play mat picture!

Yesterday we went on a long, hilly walk and were all tired by the time we made it back to the car. Owen, however, was in the best mood on the ride home, so I did manage to snap some pictures of him smiling and laughing despite the heat and hunger.