Nana & Papa!!!

Nana and Papa are in town! After spending over a month in Europe they are home safe and full of new stories as always. We met them for dinner in New Buffalo before Nana headed off to Ft. Lauderdale; awaiting the arrival of Owen's newest cousin. We can't wait until he is born... any day/week now!







At dinner, Owen had his first taste of Louis Leather!

How Does Anne Geddes Do It?

Today our friends Barbara and Nathan moved into our building. We are very excited to have them as new neighbors. Because Barbara is pregnant with their first baby, she and I watched the little ones while everyone else moved everything from their old place. Although it was fun to have Owen's first playdate, it made me thankful that I only have one baby right now. Here are some pics from our little photoshoot with Owen and his girlfriends:


Owen and Elsa hanging out on the couch.


Elsa, and Owen trying to console Gwen.




Owen realizes that girls talk too much.


Owen chillin' with his girls.


I really don't know how photographer Anne Geddes does it!

LAFITE

We went to dinner at our friends Rachel and Jeff's. Owen had a lot of fun getting tickeled by Lafite, and we can't forget about the big kisses too!

And I thank God!

After posting the paper towel pictures, I couldn't stop thinking about how Owen is truely experiencing everything this world has to offer for the first time. It isn't like going on a vacation and visiting some historic landmark or having an exotic meal you never tasted. Because in these instances you have a preconceived notion of what you are going to see and some idea of the different tastes that will cross your palate. It is such an amazing process, life, that is. I love watching Owen's expressions when he experiences something new, like putting his hand on my cold drink or getting that first fist full of Diesel fur. I love the way his head whips around at new sounds on our daily walks with the dog. I love the way he surprises himself by making new sounds, by mouth and by banging things on any surface possible. I love the way his face lights up when he splashes water in his bath. I love the way his face grimaces when he tastes something new. Every day I try to put myself in his place and see the world through his wide eyes, if only for a moment. And it makes me smile! And I thank God!

To experience everything for the first time... even paper towels!

THE DUNK TANK

This Saturday Mike was in the dunk tank at a school picnic for D.A.R.E. As soon as he entered it all the kids ran to get in line. It was really funny actually, and I can tell you that it never got old watching him fall in! Good times!

Our First Baby... DIESEL

Ok, so I know he wasn't our first born, but Diesel was definitely our first baby. And had I known about blogs when we got him almost four years ago, he would probably have had one dedicated just to him. So here are a couple of pics of our first baby, Diesel. We love him so much!

This is the picture we received of Diesel before they sent him to us from South Dakota.
He was the cutest one of the litter!







Diesel is such a gentle giant.
Below are pictures of Owen and his first Diesel ride,
and Owen's cousin Riley cuddling with Diesel.

What a day...

Owen started out his day picking up his friend Gwen and her mommy Linnea. Then they headed off to a casting call at O'Connor Casting Agency for a Sears commercial.











Owen and Gwen tired after their big debut at the Sears casting call. Now we just pray for a call back!

Then Owen showed Mama that he doesn't need her help with the sippy cup.










Then when Papa came home we took some pictures to send to Great Grammy Helen.



This is an amazing quilt that Great Grammy Helen made. This picture does not do it justice, with all of its details and the hard work that obviously went into it. Thank you Great Grammy Helen!!!



Papa holding Owen up for a picture with the quilt. He took one of his typical Buddha poses. (He's also wearing one of his new cloth diapers that we picked up from the post office today while running errands.)

Just another day in the life of Owen Wyllie Willard!

Football Season Begins...

GO PATRIOTS!!!

Owen's football stance. Grrr!

Owen and I are going to a casting call for a Sears commercial on Tuesday.
This is our headshot. Wish us luck!