Eight Months Old!

Holy cow, where does the time go?! I certainly missed a whole month of blogging. Between the increased demands of both of our jobs, Owen and Ralph, and Super Bowl XLVI, Nate and I both feel like January came and went faster than the holidays. I hope the year slows down at some point for us to actually sit back and enjoy it. Here's to wishing!

Since going back to school from the holidays, Owen has grown tremendously! Not only is he bigger in size but he's crawling (fast) everywhere and starting to pull himself up on furniture and toys. I've been "baby proofing" our home on a room by room basis. When he decided he could crawl on the hardwood floors, I had to race to Wal-Mart to buy the little electrical outlet protectors. This weekend, I need to buy at least two baby gates and some kitchen and bathroom cabinet locks. HE IS INTO EVERYTHING!

O's hand-eye coordination has also improved quite a bit. He's able to pick up his pacifier and put it in his mouth on the first try. He's also successfully feeding himself snacks like Puffs, Yogurt Melts and crackers. HE LOVES RITZ (which we discovered on a Sunday in Kroger as we were sampling cheese) and, not surprisingly, cheese. He's doing better with his sippy-cup but he's still not really drinking from it, just chewing on the spout. I'm hoping he will just one day take to it and put the bottle down. Again, here's to wishing!

Winter has been extremely (infact, eerily) mild in central Indiana this year. So mild that it's been arguably warm out and spring-like. Owen was able to take his first stroller ride since he outgrew his infant seat the week before the Super Bowl. He giggled the whole time watching Ralph walking beside him. It was too cute for words!

The week before the Super Bowl also marked Owen's 8 month birthday! We celebrated with another walk around the neighborhood with Ralph and some chicken with veggies for dinner. I can't believe our little man is nearing his first birthday. It will be here before we know it!

Speaking of birthdays... Papaw and Mamaw Williams made it up for the Super Bowl and to celebrate Papaw's birthday. Owen got lots of quality time with his grandparents and I, in turn, was able to run and take some time for myself. THANKS MOM & DAD! Brandt, Sarah and Mason came over to have dinner and watch the Super Bowl with us - and eat birthday cake. Owen had so much fun just watching Mason walk around and play. At one point he took Mason's pacifier away from him. Surprisingly, he didn't put it in his own mouth - but it's like he was saying, "You don't really need that." Mason disagreed. The highlight of the night was when Owen imitated Mason going up the stairs from our basement to the kitchen. We were all laughing and smiling and then the little booger (Owen) did it! HE CLIMBED A STAIR ALL BY HIMSELF! We're so in trouble.