Ginger

A while back I wrote asking for prayers for our friend Ginger. It is with great sadness that let you know that Ginger lost her battle with Cancer a couple of weeks ago. Please continue to pray for her family! Ginger was and still is so loved and will be missed and will always be in our hearts!

Loving the fall!

It's has been so nice to have a taste of FALL down here! One of the things I really miss from North Carolina is the fall weather. However, we've actually gotten a taste of fall this season in Tallahassee. Here are a few fall photos. We had our first trip to the pumpkin patch with Owen ( and it was a game day as well). Owen has also been "helping" daddy work on a blind for the boat and he loves to sit in the boat and play while Baker works on this project.

The coolest Frog Prince EVER!

Here are some photos of Owen's first Halloween. He was a Frog Prince- complete with lily pad that goes "ribbit" when you press the flower- CUTE!! Owen's buddy Asher was a punk and was so adorable!!

PLAYING CATCH-UP AGAIN

Ok, so I am going to do several things here. First, I will apologize for neglecting our blog page. I have not sent an update in so long. Second, I will let you know that the reason I am so behind on blogging is because our life is so hectic these days. My job is very stressful and has been particularly stressful the past 2 months. It keeps me so busy. Working moms - you know this story so just indulge me: By the time I get home I have 2 hours before Owen goes to sleep and so I devote that time to him! We eat, play, go on a walk, bathe, read, and act silly. Then Dad gets here and he deserves some good "Owen time" and after that, it's eat, put O down, and CRASH from such an exhausting day! I am so impressed with how many of you keep up with everyone so well with the BLOG. I have to learn more self-discipline. I pray for it DAILY!

Here are the most recent stats on the Big O
At an 8mth check he was 30in and 21 pounds (and sick) 90-95%ile YIKES He will be 9 months next week so I anxious to see where he's at now. He seems to me like he's getting longer, but still HEAVIER! HE's doing LOTS of talking!! He says bye-bye, da-da, and da-dee, and hey in context and he's learning to say cheese (sounds mostly like (eeeezzzzzzee). He's sitting up and standing(pulling) up but no official crawl yet. He's moving around, just kind of sliding himself around to his destination. OH- and anytime you ask Owen to say "mommy" you will automatically here the response 'da-da" and a big fat grin!

We had a nice trip to the beach a few weeks ago. Seaside was great! Julie treated us to her family's wonderful home there and Chris, Jessica, Cooper, Baker, Owen, Julie and myself had a great relaxing weekend. It was the first time Owen had been to the Emerald Coast! He liked the sand, he liked the water, but the sand and water mixed!

We've had some fun football games to tailgate for as well as fun for Bradford's First birthday party! We had our first trip to the pumpkin patch with Owen and he had so much fun. We also had our first HALLOWEEN! IT was great. Thanks to Owen's Mimi, he was the cutest FROG PRINCE ever - complete with Lily pad!

We are looking forward to spending the holiday's here in Floria with Owen and can't wait for family and friends who are able to come and visit us. I will post lost of photos soon, as soon as I can get it to work.

Your prayers are needed!

Please pray for our friend, Ginger, and her family. Ginger has cancer and the decision has been made to stop treatments and bring her home to be with her family and to have Hospice in to help. Please click on the link on the right of my site to read her story. She is a fighter and such a beloved person! Someone told me today, "the Lord on only picks the best for his garden." Here is a photo of our some of our staff at work wearing yellow for Ginger and one of our some of our tailgating group. We took this photos to send to Ginger on her website. Ginger, we love you and you are always in our hearts and our prayers!! (NOTE - they photos are fuzzy...sorry. Can't see me in the FSU photos because of Keith's big head:) In the one of us in yellow, my eye is very swollen...that was the day I learned I had a scratch on my cornea! It's the purpose of the photo that matters)

7 months old and 7 years old!

Well actually, we are 7 1/2 months old now...Owen that is:) Owen is still feeling much better and he' s on the move. He is in the first stages of crawling...inching around all over the place. We can no longer expect that he will be in the same place we left him if we leave the room- he is on the move now! He has 2 teeth on the bottom and he's very proud of them. He has one more coming in on the top and so we are still DROOLING ALL THE TIME! Owen spends a huge bulk of his day saying "hey daddy" over and over and over and over.... When is he going to say MOMMY??? My friend Lucy Clay joked that Baker must be getting up in the middle of the night and making him practice that:) He got a new high chair (Thanks Austin and Lisa) and he really loves it. I think it makes him feel very independent and much like a "big boy" that he can sit and eat on his own. He's eating more finger food and that's really cool to him (and nice for us). We are just about 22 pounds and just over 28 inches now. He has graduated to the next car seat- which is a whole different story- shopping for a car seat is stressful! You want to get the best, safe one but you also don't want to break the bank. It was much more taxing than I thought it would be - there are WAY too many brands and types to pick from. Not to mention, I GOT THE WRONG ONE the first time! Long (embarrassing) story!

On another note, our sweet Brogen turned 7 years old this week! The dogs have kind of gotten the shaft since Owen has been born, so we made sure to make a big deal about Brogen this week- he deserves it! Tuesday was HIS special day! WE LOVE YOU BROGIE!! He will always be our FIRST baby boy!

All better!

Owen had a tiny ear infection last week but he is all better now! He was a trooper through the loss of appetite, sore ears, and Amoxicillin (which bothered his tummy a bit). Of course I was in worse shape than he was! Seems like bad things always happen in bunches: Owen got sick when Baker was out of town and when I was having a very crazy week at school with the kids...not to mention, some kind of bug was floating around the classroom getting students/staff sick. The good news is that we are ALL all better now! Here's a photo of him waiting at the doctors office. Can't tell by looking at him that he had no appetite last week:)

Priceless Moments

Most of you know that I have a friend, Amanda, who is also a photographer. She photographed Owen's Baptism weekend and she did such a fantastic job! Here are just a few of the many amazing photos she took throughout an amazing weekend! Owen is also featured on her blogspot page - there is a link on the right of our page - Amanda Hammerli Photography. Thanks Amanda!!

ALSO - formal "thank you's" are in the making but I wanted to say another "Thank-you" on behalf of all of us for the precious thoughts, prayers, gifts and visits to be with us for Owen's Baptism. It was such a special weekend, and Baker and I are just touched that family and friends came from near and from far to be here for Owen.

Hey Daddy!

I am so excited to report that the O man is talking. Well, not really talking but he actually says 2 words, and in context. Owen can say "hey" and "daddy" - it is SO COOL! Owen's 'first word" was "Hey" and he actually said that the other week when he was playing with his cousin Clay. We had heard him mumble it a few times, but it was never in context. We even have it on tape because we were video-taping the boys playing. Clay had been saying "hey" over and over to him and he looked right at him and said it back! This week, he said "daddy" and at first we thought it was just babble but he will look right at Baker and say it! Not, "da- da" but a clear, sharp "dad-dee." I have been saying and signing "mommy" over and over for MONTHS so it's only fitting that he would say "daddy" first- isn't that the way it goes? Last night he actually said them both back to back, so I wonder if can go as far as to say he has said his first sentence?? If I can ever figure out how to transfer the video recordings to something like You-Tube, I will post it. Of course we have been using up more DVD's than you can imagine trying to get "daddy" caught on tape this past week.

Funny Classroom Stories

So most of you know that I work with students with special needs- specifically behavioral and emotional needs. So it's needless to say, I hear some of the funniest things in class. I thought it would be cute to let you know the ones that allow me to laugh, even at myself some days.

I have one particular student who pays very careful attention to what you are wearing and the cleanliness and quality of your attire. Now by the end of the school day I am usually pretty dirty. My clothes are adorned with various pencil, ink, and marker stains and I usually have some evidence of being on the floor as well. Well this student I am referring to stopped me at the end of the second day of school (when I was dirty) and says to me "Wright's clothes dirty! Take them home; put 'em in the pile; wash 'em!" The next day I was wearing clean clothes to work and sure enough he stopped me at the door with a precious smile on his face and said "Wright clean clothes today- Wright did the laundry!" The other day I wasn't quite on task myself and was running around trying to gather my materials and he says to me: "Wright stop waisting time!" I had to laugh!!
I had another student who was frustrated with me as I had been the one who had held his feet to the fire most of the day. Later on that day, after receiving a consequence from me, he told one of our instructional aides "Man she really does take her job seriously!" Again, I had to laugh! There is never a dull moment, but there is ALWAYS a rewarding moment each day, even if it is a hug at the end of the day from the kid who tried to kick my ass all morning.

Hurricane Party at the Drabiks!

When Fay decided to head down our road...literally, we packed up and headed to Southwood to stay with Joe and Elaine because they had power and we had been without for almost 2 days. Lisa and Austin joined us there and it turned in to a very messy, wet but FUN weekend together! After rescuing the dogs and finding them a cool, dry place to evacuate to, there was no other option but to have a party! A great time was had by all. Owen got a bath in Aunt E's sink from she and his Aunt Li. A HUGE thanks to Joe and Elaine for allowing us and their God Son to evacuate our home and enjoy spending time with you. We had a great time. It felt like college again! We need more of that!

Owen's Baptism Weekend

This past labor day weekend Owen was baptized at our church here in Monticello and it was a day I will always remember. We were fortunate to have so many family members present who traveled from near and far. We had many of our close friends and family over for a BBQ and party Saturday night. It was quite a party for the kids and the grown-ups! Owen had a great time being passed around and playing with his guests. He loved every minute of it! After the service on Sunday, Dad and Martha hosted a luncheon at the bed and breakfast they were staying in and it was so delightful! We even had Owen's cousins, Clay and Marshall, from Virginia here to have Owen's first Sleep Over party Sunday night before they left on Monday. The kids had a ball together in their PJ's. We had a photographer shoot the various events and will have access to those great pics soon but I have some from the weekend to share no.

Mommy Moment: standing there holding Owen with Baker's hand in mine as we listen to the scripture and commit to raising Owen in a Christian home as Owen is just smiling and sucking his thumb and staring at the beautiful stained glass windows of the church...WOW. It simply takes your breath away and really puts things into perspective. For me, it was a moment that I will never forget. Then to hand him to Janice, who is our stepmother, who is also a priest, where she baptized him with Holy Water and Oil just made me cry and made my heart still. This was the moment where we vow to the best that we can by God to raise him along a path to Christian Love. I am so excited about this endeavor and I was touched and moved by love and support that Baker and I experienced over this weekend.

THANK YOU!!!

I just want to say a very special "THANK YOU" to all of my friends and family who have so thoughtful to call and write with their support on my journey back to work. It means so much to know that I am in your thoughts and prayers. I am so blessed to have such a a wonderful support system! Baker, especially, has been even more amazing than usual! This weekend he cleaned the house, kept Owen while I worked Saturday and Sunday, came home early for me to have a much needed happy hour on Friday, gave baths, took extra feeding shifts, and changed even more poopy diapers. Today he brought home BEAUTIFUL roses for me for my "First Day of School." I appreciate this more than I can explain!! I couldn't me the mom that I am without the help and support of my friends and family and Owen's AWESOME dad!!

6 Month Upate

Life at the Wright house has been pretty busy lately. I am back to work now so we are having to get used to our new schedule, including earlier mornings (for all of us), LONG days, and late nights (for me, not Owen). Owen is going to Ms. Glenda's each day and has been such a good boy. He's pretty much on the same schedule that he was at home, but now he has friends to play with each day. He's still sleeping about 11-12 hours each night and eating every 4 hours. He can hold his sippy cup of water and he thinks he pretty cool when he does. The first day back at work for me (last week) was pretty emotional. Baker went with me to take Owen to Glenda's and I cried off and on ALL DAY! It got much better each day and I had so much to do at school that the days have FLOWN by! Owen is as happy as can be when I pick him up each afternoon and the change in his routine hasn't seem to even phase him at all! He simply loves Glenda and loves being with the other children that she keeps- not to mention that buddy Bradford is there too. When I went to pick him up one day last week, I don't think he wanted to leave he was having so much fun. He eats, plays and naps for her with no trouble. It's such as blessing to know he's so well taken care of.

Speaking of eating, Owen is DOWNING the veggies these days! I don't think he's going to have a problem with any kind of baby food! He's not a huge fan of sweet potatoes, but he'll eat them. He LOVES green beans! He pretty much just loves to eat - he's not picky. We are using sign language with him and I swear that he has learned to sign "eat" when we put the bib on him. He says "Mmmm" when he eats and will imitate you saying that almost every time. His funniest noise is by far elephant noise. His exersaucer has the rain forest animals (including an elephant) and he purses his lips together and imitates the sound of the elephant. It's pretty hilarious (except when he has food in his mouth). He's making all kinds of LOUD sounds and noises. He's really taking an even bigger interest in Brogen and Luci (or anyone's dogs for that matter) and loves to pull their hair. He's grabbing anything he can get his hands on. I also swear that he prefers blonde's -especially his Aunt E and Lauren. He gravitates to them! He's quite the ladies man with that adorable smile and laugh.

6 month Stats:
Weight = 18lbs
Length = 28 in.
Head = 42.5 in

New Brag photos...

Here are some photos of Owen. There's one of him swimming with Bradford, one of him in his Fly Fishing Vest, one of him in his camo ready to go to the grand opening of a new sports store, and one of him OUTGROWING his t-shirt and proud of his big belly,

"La-La-La, Owen's World"

My best friend, Maridith, has a portion of her blogspot that she calls "Lawson Talk" - her daughter. So, I decided I would steal that idea and tell you about the things we are "saying in Owen's World. We are making girgling noises on command, we can say "Mmmm" when we eat, and we also make a sound that sounds just like "Hi." His Jump-a-Roo makes an elephant noise and he can make that noise (and that face) and it's HILARIOUS! We are sitting up and we can do the "Super Man" position on command when we hold him in the air. He learned how to hug and kiss (big nasty wet ones, of course) He's FULL OF ENERGY!

The title of this blog post is prompted by our new favorite thing...ELMO!! Owen is crazy about Elmo. I have never seen such a thing. I let him watch the Sesame Street episode that I TIVO each morning while I am cooking dinner each night and he watches it from his seat or jump-a-roo. The kid goes CRAZY when Elmo's segment comes on. I do a pretty good Elmo voice and he thinks it's the best thing ever! He can be on the other side of our house and hear Elmo's voice and will immediately start looking around and laughing. So, I guess we know what to ask Santa for this year! (Personally, I think "Mr. Noodle" is a bit creepy, but whatever - it makes the kid happy:)

We miss daddy!

Baker is Montana fly fishing and we really miss him! We are keeping busy, of course, but it's not the same without daddy around. Baker is SUCH a team player when it comes to taking care of Owen. I am so grateful to him for the time he spends with Owen and all of the things he does on a daily basis to take care of the little man. So now for almost a week, it's just me "single mom-ing it" and I appreciate Baker even more! I must admit, I am having so much fun having Owen all to myself, but still we miss daddy!

Mama Mia! - Girl Time

If you haven't already, go out and see Mama Mia! My friends Natalie, Elaine and I went to see it and it was THE BEST! It's such a feel-good movie and I got in the car when it was over and sang the soundtrack and have been doing so for the last week.

Girl Time: Priceless! Even if it's only long enough to see a movie, having some time with the girls is such a blessing! Thank you, Natalie and Elaine, for those 2 hours of FUN!!!

Click on this link...
http://www.fandango.com/videos_1_154568/v385390

Congratulations to Dad and Martha!

Dad and Martha became Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth B. Hicks on July 6th. A great time was had by all! Martha's kids and Baker and I hosted a Low Country Boil for them on the 5th and it was lots of fun!! The ceremony was simple and sweet at church on Sunday. I am so happy for my daddy and I love Martha and her family dearly!! Here are some photos from the festivities!! There's Dad and Martha and all their grand kids, cute ones of Owen (of course) and us with Martha's children. One FUN happy family!

Visit With Mary Burke

While in Rome, we were able to spend some time with Jimmy, one of Baker's childhood best buds, and is wife Hollye and their precious girl Mary Burke. Owen loved her!!

Special Time with Peggy

Owen got to meet his Great Grandmother, Peggy Wright this weekend and it was wonderful! He was enamored with her! He gave her lots of smiles and kisses and they had a special time talking about Baker's late grandfather, CB who is watching over all of us in Heaven. The photo of Peggy showing Owen a photo of her late husband (C.B. Wright, JR) holding Clay is PRICELESS!!

"The Wright Stuff"

This past weekend we were in Rome, GA, Baker's hometown and spend some great time with his father and Janice. Nana (Janice) is teaching Owen all about Winnie the Pooh and about Magic Kingdom. Big Daddy and Dad are just anxiously awaiting the day they can get Owen in the Duck Blind.The ladies got mani-pedi's and ran errands and did a bit of shopping while he guys went to the hunt club. We got a sitter and went with Baker's parents to a good family friend's wedding: The wedding Jack Rogers and Ashley Clark. It was so beautiful and made for a nice adult night out! We were also able to spend some time with some of Baker's best friends while we were there. We spent some quality time with Peggy, Baker's Grandmother and Owen just adores her. Owen did great, once a gain on his 5th big trip! This time we took advantage of the portable DVD player. Barely a peep our of him.! Those things are lifesavers when you have a bored child who has practically been in the confines of his car seat ALL DAY! It was Elmo's World and Baby Einstein for part of the trip...especially in Atlanta traffic. Meanwhile I was glued to the Ipod and Baker was glued to talk radio. We all travel very well together.

I am so proud of my baby boy. No matter where we go or what we do, he keeps his cool. We are blessed with such a fun and relaxed baby. I know he had a good time and that is so comforting to me!

5 + months to share

We've been swimming, playing and sitting:)

A Tough Decision, but a good one.

Well, after lots of thought and prayer (and holding out until the last minute) I have decided to go back to work. I am actually going to still be teaching with Leon County Schools, but at a different Elementary school where I will still be teaching Special Education. My students are those with emotional and behavioral problems and autism. Challenging, I know, but something I think I am good at. There were millions in budget cut backs this year and over 200 teachers positions were not renewed...pretty crappy, huh? I knew I didn't want to take a job at a "bad" school and this position kind of found me. Baker and I prayed about it and talked about it and decided that if I was offered the job, I would take it and if not, then I was going to stop looking and keep waiting and maybe just tutor a few kids and make some extra money possible doing some office work for Baker. However, I think it must be meant to be. I love teaching so much and I know the people I am going to be working with ( I will even have Baker as a resource at this school for me). Still, the thought of not being with Owen all day when I want to hurts my heart. You working moms know just how I feel I bet. I am so fortunate that this is a good school. I am so blessed that I was able to stay at home for 6 months with Owen- those times are priceless. His babysitter is actually down the street from my school and it is in a pretty centralized location of Tallahassee, so when we move it will not be too far away. I am trying to focus on the positive! This is going to be the best for our whole family. So August 11th (Owen's 6 month birthday) I will return to full-time work.Blah, blah,blah...Boo hoo (just kidding)


We are heading to Rome, GA - Baker's hometown for the weekend. Owen will get to spend some time with his Nana and Big Daddy and see his grandmother Peggy. We are also going to a wedding while we are there and there have been arrangements for a babysitter so we CANT WAIT for an adult night out!

Owen Stats:
* standing up in your lap
*pulling himself up
* trying to sit up - he can do it no problem with the boppy, but not yet totally unassisted.
*Eating 4 7oz bottles day and cereal and oatmeal and LOVING it
*an unofficial weigh-in of 16.5 pounds close to 26 inches
*imitating a few regular sounds
*laughing all the time at things like fart noises, tickles, Elmo, Earnie, and the silly songs we sing to him
* Still rolling from front to back and trying hard to get from back to front.\
*Bedtime is 7:30 -8 and he sleeps soundly until 8am. (we are counting our blessings)


Baker and simply couldn't love anything more!

Cute photos

Such a Sight!

These are pictures of us at the 4th of July fireworks with Grandmama. It was such a sight to watch Owen watching the fireworks. He loved them!!

Fireworks, Friends, Family and Freedom

Over July 4th weekend, Baker, Owen and I were in North Carolina to celebrate The 4th AND the wedding of my dad and Martha. It was a wonderful weekend. Owen is only 5 months old and has already accumulated TONS of frequent fl yer miles. He was such a good boy! There were, of course, flight delays again this time but he handled it so well. We arrived in Raleigh late Thursday night, after waiting on the first plane for over and hour due to mechanical problems and THEN having to be re-booked to another airline. On July 4th, Owen was in the parade with his Grandmama and had a fantastic time. He was so cute on that red, white and blue float! I think he was the cutest thing in the whole parade and I am grateful that he was able to have that time and experience with my mom. That evening we had dinner with mom and went to watch the fireworks...Owen LOVED the fireworks. He was mesmerized with the sounds and colors. He wasn't scared in the least and just sat and watched. It was a feeling I can't quite explain- watching him and thinking about how blessed we are as Americans.

Saturday, we were very busy setting up for a BIG party that we, along with Martha's children, gave them to celebrate their wedding. We had a Low Country Boil at their new home with over 100 people. We had so much fun with Kelly and her husband and kids (Martha's daughter) and Mike (Martha's son) planning and getting ready for the celebration. We are thrilled to have them as part of our family now. Baker did an AMAZING job preparing the Low Country Boil for all those people. A great time was had by all. Owen got to meet LOTS of family and friends. We are so happy for them and know that they will be happy together. We are grateful to have new members to the family.

Sunday, Dad and Martha were married at the church I grew up in and it was a very nice ceremony. After that, the family gave them a reception then we were off to the airport to travel home. It was a busy weekend, but a great one as we got to spend time with Mom and Dad an lots of friends and family. We saw beautiful fireworks and we were able to sit back and take the time to appreciate FREEDOM. I hope that Baker and I do a good job teaching Owen about what a privilege it is to be an American and to appreciate the men and women who have made that happen.

I can't believe my little boy is 5 months old! He has grown exponentially in the past couple of weeks...he's getting HUGE! He's getting close to being able to sit up on his own and he's rolling over ALL the time! He's such a happy boy. He laughs and smiles all the time. Baker and I get a stomach ache from laughing at the funny thing he's always doing. Motherhood is such a dream come true for me! I thank God every day for Owen. I realize how blessed I am to be a mother and to have such a precious son. Family and friends mean so much to me. I am so grateful for my family and friends for their constant love and support. This is the time of my life!

Do I look like my cousin, Marshall??

Baker and saw some photos of our nephews, Clay and Marshall and we were really noticing even more how much Owen looks like Marshall (when Marshall was about Owen's age). Tell me what you think. The first one is of Clay and Marshall recently on vacation- they are precious! Then there is one of Owen and one of Marshall. Isn't it crazy??

The Power of a SMILE

Owen's laugh and smile just lights up my world. I have had a pretty yucky day (not to mention the yucky weather) however each time I look at him, his smile makes EVERYTHING better! It's like magic. It's like he knows when I need boost. All of you mothers know exactly the smile I am talking about:) It's pretty powerful! I look at him and suddenly the bad things just don't seem so bad anymore.

Owen's Second Photo Shoot

Here's a sneak peak at a couple (of the 300) photos taken of Owen by our friend and photographer, Amanda. She is so talented and Owen was so precious for these pictures.

Me and My Daddy! Happy Father's Day!

Getting my exercise...

Nothing like a day at the pool!

I love playing with Bradford!

Life in our world

Life in our world couldn't be much better. Baker and I just celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. Baker is such an amazing father and husband - I am the luckiest girl in the world! We had a great date night and Owen got to stay up late with his Godparents (which he loved!!). Speaking of the little man, he is getting SO BIG!! We started cereal last week and he can't get enough of it! It's like a race: he wants to see how many bits he can take in a minute. We thought the first day or two of cereal would be just trying to get him to figure out how to do it...he didn't need any instruction -he knew exactly what to do and immediately wanted more! He looked at us as if to say "why haven't you given me this before???" The boy likes to eat! He is "talking" and making all kinds of cute and funny noises. The tooth still hasn't quite broken through yet and we are still pretty much covered with drool all the time. Owen is putting anything he can grasp in his mouth these days. He is such a happy boy! for the most part, he is either eating, sleeping, or LAUGHING! He is so funny and he makes us laugh and he makes himself laugh. He's been playing a lot in his jump-a-roo and it looks like he's at a hoedown when he dances and bounces it that thing. He loves it!

Since I (still) don't know what I am going to do in the fall, I decided to teach Summer School. It's just Monday thru Thursday, 2 weeks in June and 3 weeks in July. It's down the street and I am home by 1 each day. Our neighbor and dear friend Lisa has been babysitting Owen while I am there. Owen ADORES Lisa and loves being with her. I cant' stand being away from him but I think it's a nice transition.

Owen and Baker had a very special first Father's Day! I love watching Baker and Owen together- they are 2 peas in a pod! Owen tells me all the time that he wants to be just like his daddy one day!

Owen had another photo shoot with our friend and photographer, Amanda, this past week. She is so talented and Owen did great for her. The photos are priceless. I am just in awe at how fast he is growing and changing. You hear that, and people tell you "how fast they grow" but to actually experience it is unbelievable. He just lights up our world!

Photo update

Here are LOTS of photos! These are pics from our visit with family in NC, our trip to Chicago, the White Sox Game, the pool, playing with friends...everything!

4 Months old - finally...an update!

Wow! This past month has been full of fun, growing, travel...everything! I am finally getting around to an update! Since I last "blogged" we have been to Roxboro, NC ( my hometown) and to Chicago ( for business and pleasure). About 2 weeks ago, Owen's first tooth emerged (hasn't broken the skin yet, but it's showing - again, he's an early bird!) Owen is holding his head up so much more and even trying to pull up! He turned 4 months old yesterday and is weighing in just 3oz shy of 14 pounds! Sleeping is still going so well! He is sleeping 10-11 hours each night! We had our check-up today and we are starting cereal in the next week or two. He got shots today... I HATE THAT!!! He was so brave...only cried for a few seconds ( I think I wept more than he did! He's laughing more and more, playing more and more, and yes, fussing more and more with that tooth coming in! It's so fun and so amazing to watch him grow! He is showing more personality with each day. It's so cool that we can tickle him, or make certain faces and gestures and watch him laugh and play! He LOVES the pool and water! We've taken him swimming several times and it's so much fun!

Our Travels: Owen and I took a trip to NC to celebrate my friend, Melinda's wedding and to visit with my family. Owen did GREAT on the airplane! I must say we did very well flying for the first time with just the two of us...and ALL OF OUR STUFF!! He met so many new friends and family members. It really was a great time! Owen got to spend time with the grandparents, meet his great-grandparents, visit the Roxboro Senior Center and be admired by all the people there AND learn about electricity at his Grandpa's work (the power plant). Another really cool part was being with my best friends from home and seeing their children. That was an Epiphany...all of us with all of our kids! SADLY, One of my biggest fears came true...and we survived: Our flight was canceled! The flight from Charlotte to Tallahassee on the last leg was CANCELED due to weather. So Owen and I spent a day in the airport. We were re-booked, then delayed several times, but we finally made it back to Tallahassee....@ 2:30am....12 hours later than scheduled. He was such a good boy. THEN - we had less than 24hours here at home before leaving (with Baker this time) for Chicago. Baker had a conference there. While Baker worked, Owen and did lots of sight-seeing and shopping! We saw a White Sox game and visited "Wrigleyville" right after a Cubs win, so that was fun!!! Owen is a great traveler!

So things have been busy for us, but totally worth all the fuss! I am teaching summer school and dreading the thought of going back to work! We are SO BLESSED to have our neighbor and friend, Lisa, watching Owen while I teach in the mornings. Owen loves her so much! We also have a new friend...Serafina! One of my teacher-friends, Emilie, had a baby girl. She is so precious! Owen loves to visit her. We are so happy for them. My great friend from college, Charity, is also expecting her 2nd child in December and we are SO HAPPY for them. Tis the season!

Enjoy all the photos

When he sleeps...

I know there are a million things I should be doing when Owen sleeps: Laundry, resting, cooking, dishes, watching everything I have recorded on TIVO - but I can't seem to stop watching him sleep (and taking pics of him sleeping!) I am getting better about it, but I haven't given it up yet. Maybe I need a support group for this! He is just so beautiful!

Check out Mc Lovin..I mean McOwen!

Mother's Day

My first Mother's day couldn't have been much better! I have been looking forward to this day for so long and it was simply perfect! I was treated to a special day, special cards, special gifts, special brunch and got to spend this fantastic day with Owen and Baker - my special men! I am so grateful to be a mother, to have such a wonderful Mother, and to know so many wonderful mother's and call them my friends. I have heard that the bond between Mother and Child is like no other.... I totally understand that now!

Owen celebrated is 3 month birthday Sunday as well. He is becoming more and more curious with every day. He is also becoming more and more verbal each day! He laughs so loud! He thinks spitting up is hilarious! Thank goodness we are over the cold and cradle cap...yuck!!

Extra TLC

My precious boy has had a yucky cold this week and I am learning about how much it literally hurts as a mom when your child doesn't feel well. He is a trooper and for the most part, this cold hasn't been too bad, but when I know he feels bad I just hurt all over! So, he's been getting LOTS of extra TLC from me this week. It is, however, such a good feeling to know that I can "make it better." Even though he is under-the-weather, Owen continues to be so much fun! I find myself laughing at him all the time. It's like he knows when I need to smile or laugh...he just giggles and knows that my sour mood can be turned right around by his "cute factor!" He is such a joy!

Early bird...

My precious boy has been an early-bird since birth. He was born 3 weeks early. He tried to come 7 weeks early. He rolled started rolling over at just 3 weeks old and now he's 12 weeks old and TEETHING!!! The doctor said some babies just do that...start teething early. I have mentioned several times that he "chews" his hands and drools like a kid who's teething but never imagined he was. I thought it was too soon. He has a cold and a little cough so I took him to the doctor for a check-up (he is fine) and she said "this baby is teething!!" She said he's an early teether and to go ahead and break out the orajel and ice-cold teething rings! It could still be a couple of months before we actually see anything. My little baby is growing so fast!!! Will we have to deal with the fussiness of teething gums for months?????

12 weeks stats: 11lbs, 15oz and 24 inches. What a big boy!! He is so much fun! He is starting to yell when he laughs! At first, I thought he was hurt...he's just playing! We're having a ball!

Funny man!

Well, 11 weeks into motherhood and it's more fun, more exciting (and often more tiring) than I could have ever imagined! Owen is laughing out loud and it's so funny! I am glad he thinks I am so amusing. He loves it when I talk with something in my mouth (like my glasses, the burp cloth or his pacifier). He loves when I play peek-a-boo with my sunglasses and when I kiss his belly and sing the "naked baby" song (yes, the naked baby song). He loves his tongue and is so entertained by it and by watching it in the mirror that hangs from his play gym...hours of entertainment!! He is still sleeping through the night from about 10pm to 7am, so he's rested and FULL of energy and so happy first thing in the morning. We have lots of fun then! He smiles so much, but I still can't resist his sad face. Owen has the cutest pouty lip!!! Now while the fun times are really fun, this kid does have a set of lungs on him! When he screams, he screams and I am surprised my family and friends in NC haven't heard it from down here:) He hates to be burped! He has started spitting up more so we burp more frequently. He does not like his meals interrupted! He's just too funny - he has me in stitches most of the time!

Staying well....

Staying well brings on a whole new meaning after this past week! Baker and I both got some sort of stomach bug AT THE SAME TIME!! We survived, but man it's hard to take care of a 1o week old when mom and dad are BOTH feeling horrible! We both had it all - the upset stomach, nausea, fever, aches , etc. Thank GOD Owen didn't get it! It was surely a test in what you can tolerate. I decided you pretty much can't get sick if you are a mom. Our neighbor, Lisa was a LIFESAVER! She was to the rescue for us and we really appreciate her! I had to summon her help twice this past week! She came and took Owen for a while so Baker and I could get some sleep when we were both sick - thank goodness we each had our own bathrooms! THEN she helped out in another HUGE way yesterday when our lab, Brogen was sick. I came home from errands and Owen crying and needed to be changed- I walked in to our house to one of the worse smells EVER! Brogen had pooped and peed ALL OVER THE KITCHEN! Bless his heart, he had been to the vet after getting accidentally hit in the eye playing ball, and was given pain meds and I guess the medicine didn't agree with his stomach too well. I guess the theme for this week in our house has been POOP!! Time to double up on the vitamins! Thank goodness we are on the mend and thank goodness for LISA!!

Time is flying by!

On Monday, Owen was 10 weeks old - time is really flying by! With each day he grows and changes and continues to bless our lives in ways we could never imagine! The last few weeks have been busy! Baker's sister, Mary Margaret came for a visit and we had a ball! We took Owen to his first FSU tailgate - one of our favorite pastimes! He had so much fun! Bradford spent the day with us last week and he and Owen had so much fun "playing." Just this past weekend, My grandmother, Aunt and two of my cousins came down from North Carolina. We had such a good time! (I regret that I didn't take pictures, but they did and we will get them soon:) We took Owen to St. Marks (where Baker proposed and where we love to go fishing) and saw lots of gators! Slowly but surely, Owen is getting to spend time with his big, wonderful family from all around!

Is there room for Owen??

We win the Traveling Family Rookie of the Year award! Tuesday we hit the road for Montgomery, AL. Baker has to travel over here about once a month but he hasn't been since Owen was born - he wasn't ready for an over-night trip without us, so we decided to join him. I never imagined how A: long it would take to pack and get ready for a trip with a baby and B: how much stuff we would (potentially) need!!! I am sure that many of you are laughing and hopefully saying to yourself "I have been there before!" The trip was for 2 nights ...it took a day to get ready for it!! I packed our stuff and the car while Baker was at work. Here is what I had to include for a 2-night stay: My clothes, Baker's Clothes, and Owen's clothes (plenty of extra outfits -sometimes we go thru 2-3 a day!), LOTS of diapers, wipes, changing stuff, stroller, my computer, Baker's computer, Diaper bag, breast pump, bouncy seat ( a MUST), pack-n-play, and lots of other random bags of things. I really did wonder if we had room for Owen! The other thing was that we had to transfer ALL of this to a rental car (No need to put the miles on our car!)

Well the trip has been a success so far! It's about a 4-hour drive from Tally to Montgomery. The first 2 hours of the drive up were pretty good - he did scream a bit right before we stopped for dinner, but he was hungry and poopy! He slept the 2nd half of the drive. He has been great at night...still sleeping like a champ! Yesterday while Dad worked, we had breakfast here at the hotel, lounged around, went to lunch with dad, then hung out by the pool. Last night we took Owen to Bass Pro Shops - the biggest one!! They have a really nice restaurant there which we had dinner at, then we did some shopping!! We took lots of pictures and Owen even wore his Bass Pro Onesie that Baker got him on his last trip over here. Today we are bumming around the hotel for now. Owen and I are going to go out and do some more shopping until Baker finishes working, then it's back to Tallahassee!

8-week stats: 9lbs 12 oz and 21.5 inches (that was actually at 7 weeks...he is gaining at least an 1oz each day so he's well over 10lbs today:)

A dream come true!

I can't find the right words to explain how much I love Owen! Being his mother is my dream come true! Here are so photos of him that a friend/photographer took last week. I cry every time I look at them!!

Your Prayers Are Needed!!

Please keep a very special little boy and his family in your prayers please. Zach Bradsher, a family friend, who is 8 years old, was hit by a car while riding his bike about a week ago. Zach live in my hometown, Roxboro, NC. He was flown from Roxboro to Duke via life-flight. He ventured into the road where a car stuck him in a curve. Please read his story...I have included a website about him and his progress. He is still at Duke. Among many of his injuries is a broken neck - surgery was performed an so far seems to be successful. Zach is doing much better now, but needs continued prayer. You never want to hear stories about children being hurt and involved in accidents, but for me, it seems now that I have a son - it just hurts even more. Zach has a very strong support system. Please add him to your daily prayers and include him on as many prayer lists as you can. He has already shown that PRAYER WORKS!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/zacharybradsher

Week 7 - Things are FANTASTIC!

Yesterday Owen was 7 weeks old...time flies! He continues to bless our lives tremendously and amaze us daily with his progress and growth. He is so much fun! Depending on what you consider "the night" - you could say Owen is sleeping through it! Let's just say he can go 6 hours straight! He still gets up once from the time we put him down until sunrise, but I don't mind - he goes "down" around 10 and is up around 8am. Baker has been (usually) feeding him for me when he wakes each day and when he gets home from work each day. He also gets up for the middle-of-the-night feeding on the weekends so that I can get longer stretches of sleep, then he can sleep in...we trade. This weekend was a milestone for us. I got almost 8 HOURS STRAIGHT of SLEEP!!!! That hasn't happened since I was about 6months pregnant! It was PRICELESS! Owen went to bed around 9, I nursed him around 11:30pm then was in bed by midnight. He woke around 5:30am and Baker fed him, then I woke up about 8am...Owen & Baker still sleeping! I couldn't believe it! I had to wake Owen around 9am Saturday morning! It was a GREAT DAY! Baker was able to sleep late...since he is up early each day. I felt like a new person!

We had a great weekend. Baker has been working long hours and really working hard (As usual) so Owen and I spent most of Saturday away, and he was able to relax then go fishing! Owen and I went to a baby shower brunch Saturday morning for a former co-worker, Emilie, who is having a girl soon:) Then we went downtown to Springtime Tallahassee - a great annual festival. It was HOT!!! We got lots of exercise, took in the great sunshine and enjoyed the shopping, food, music. Saturday night, our neighbors came over for TACO NIGHT. Then, we stayed up to watch my TARHEELS make it to the Final Four...GO HEELS!!!

Sunday Owen went to his first birthday party for Bryson, the son of our friends Jason and Sheila. Owen also had his first professional photo shoot here at El Destino Sunday late afternoon. My friend Amanda, who is also a photographer, came out and took AMAZING photos of Owen. The afternoon sun was great and she shot some unbelievable photos of him...they made us all cry! I can't wait to share them when we get them. She as able to get him along with the great scenery here on the farm. After that we took her out to dinner at a a great new Mexican place!

Each day I am still in awe at how great motherhood is. God has blessed our lives with Owen. Being a mom brings me more joy than I can explain...any of you who are mothers know exactly what I am talking about. Sunday night, I had one of those evenings (which I have often) where I just didn't want to let him go or put him down. I went to put him to bed and just couldn't leave the room. I just stared at him and cried tears of joy. He is just perfect! I couldn't leave the room...I just wanted to watch him and hold him. I found myself just standing by his crib for the longest time thinking of how lucky and blessed Baker and I are that he's in our lives now.

One final (random) note.... Why didn't anyone (until today) tell me that I misspelled the word "family" on this web page title??!!! Baker brought it to my attention today. For weeks, the "l" in "family" was missing!! Guess that's baby brain for you.

Sitting up already!

Here are few great pics of Owen sitting up in Bradford's Bumbo seat. He is pretty strong! Dad thought it would be cute to give him beer to hold - WHATEVER!

Happy Easter

This past week has been filled with fun! Owen is growing and changing everyday and he continues to amaze us with what a good baby he is! He is still eating well and sleeping well. He only gets up once during the night to eat,around 3:30 and is so close to sleeping through the night!! We spent the afternoon and evening on Saturday next door at Austin and Lisa's for Austin's birthday and had a great time! Sunday, Owen went to church for the first time and was a big hit! The last time we were at church, 6 weeks ago, I went into labor that same day. It was Feb. 10th and people were commenting at church that day about how uncomfortable I seemed to be...sure enough, I went into labor that night and Owen was born on Monday, the 11th!! He was so cute in his Easter outfit! Just yesterday, Mimi (Baker's mom) arrived and is here to visit and help put until Friday morning. I am sure we are going to have a great time!!

Week 5 Update

Yesterday was Owen's 5-week birthday. He is still doing great and growing daily! Not sure of his exact weight but he has passed the 9lb mark! The weather has been GREAT so we try to spend a few hours outside each day. Lately we have been having our afternoon nap outside, and we play with the pets and take a walk, too. Owen LOVES to be outside.

With each day, we get to see more of Owen's developing personality. He is smiling more and it's such fun to see him smile at you. He is so alert - he is constantly looking around at noises and voices he hears. He is so strong! It amazes me how he does his "push-ups" on the floor, rolls over (from stomach to back), and looks around when sitting up. This weeks he showed us how he can sit up in the bumbo seat...pretty good for such a young, small baby! Along with the increase in alertness and changing personality comes more crying!! He has his "fussy time" around dinner time most days. IT kills me to let him cry, but I know there are times that we must do it. In all honesty, he is such a great baby. He rarely fusses and when he does it's only for a couple of minutes, but to me it seems like forever! He has started sleeping up to 6 hours at night - YEAH!!!

We are headed to Montgomery for a couple of days (Baker's work) - it will be nice to get out of town for a few days. Owen and I will sit by the pool and go shopping while Baker works!! Baker is looking forward to taking Owen to Bass Pro Shops!

1 month old!

I cannot believe that Owen has reached the 1 month mark! He is doing so well and has already made our lives so much better! He can already roll over- it's really cool to watch! He rolls from his stomach to his back! We have learned quite a lot in the past month:
* Soy beans give Owen BAD gas!!!
* Pampers are better (for us) than Huggies!! Huggies leaked and caused diaper rash!
* Bourdreaux's Butt Paste is the best!
* I can function better than I thought on limited sleep!
* It is possible to out and have a nice meal...with wine!
* A broken toe doesn't even hurt compared to the pains of childbirth!
* The breast pump (noise) can double as a sleep aid for Owen.
* Watching a baby roll over is just as entertaining as American Idol or Celebrity Rehab!
* Nursing really is demanding!! - but worth it!

We've been getting out more. He have been having dinner with friends, doing some shopping, and just this weekend, we had a great time with my dad (Grandpa) and his Fiance, Martha (Nonie). The weather has been nice so we are getting lots of vitamin D. We even went to our first cookout!

Just adorable!

I had to post a few photos of Owen in his fleece outfit. He is so cute!!!

First Bath

Owen had his first real non-sponge bath this week! HE LOVED IT!! He didn't like being cold after the bath, but was much better after he was wrapped up in his frog towel! For those of you who do not know, bathtime for babies - at least most that I know and Owen FOR SURE - is like alcohol for babies! He was so calm and relaxed after his bath! What fun!!

Dining out & Diaper Rash!

Owen had his first dining out experience last night at where else...Nino's : our go-to restaurant! We were going out to celebrate Uncle Joe and Aunt E's birthdays. Owen did great! - - he slept the whole time!! Will we always be this lucky?? The grown-ups were able to enjoy a GREAT meal!! Thanks, Owen!

Owen does not cry and fuss very much, but when he does it's usually during the diaper change. His poor red rear! The kid poops a lot - my butt would be red like that if I pooped that much I guess! Thank goodness for desitin!!

I am a growing boy!

Owen had his 2-week check-up today and he is doing so well! He was actually 2 weeks old on Monday. He is 7lbs 5oz and 19.75 inches long. This is super impressive considering that 10 days ago he was only 6lbs 3oz!! He is eating (nursing) every 3 hours and is sleeping so well! He gets a bit fussy around 3am (for some reason) but other than that, he sleeps until I have to wake him to nurse. He has a "fussy period" each day around 6pm...just in time for Daddy to come home to play with him:) We are ready for flu season to be over so we can go out and play more, but for now we stay in most of the time to make sure we don't get sick. Owen is starting to smile and grin more and is showing more personality each day! The photo of Owen with the bear is so darling! Owen's cousin, our nephew Clay, made this bear at Build-a-Bear for him. Clay named him Quint since Baker is a "4th" and Owen could have been the "5th" - I thought that was too cute! Clay chose to build Quint for his 6th birthday party. How sweet!

I am growing!!!

It's hard to believe that technically Owen isn't even supposed to be born yet! (his due date was the 29th!!!) He seems to grow everyday! We went for a weight check on Wed. and he was 6lbs 12oz!! He gained 9 oz in 5 days!! YEAH MILK! He is such a big boy! We are having a ball. This is Owen in an outfit that his cousins Clay and Marshall picked out for him. He is so handsome!!

Our days are filled with sleeping, eating, and POOPING and we've mastered them all! We will get more baby STATS on Wed. at our 2-week appointment.

I miss daddy!

This was the day daddy went back to work. This is Owen's "I miss daddy" face. HOW ADORABLE!!!

TOUCHDOWN...IT's GOOD!

Relaxing to Ray Charles

Luci and Owen

Brogen Watching Over Me

Owen's first week!

I can't even believe that Owen is a weeks old today! We are just so blessed! This kid is amazing!!! He has been doing great at home! Nursing is going much better now that the supply is plentiful:)!!! He is sleeping so well at night - we have to wake him to feed him every few hours. Baker has been unbelievable! He gets up to feed just like I do and I bet he has changed more diapers than I have, as well! He is the perfect dad! and Owen loves him so much! We go back for a weight check at the pediatrician Wednesday, and hopefully he has gained some weight back...we are pretty sure he has since he is now nursing so well and eating ALOT!! He is opening his eyes more, smiling and grinning and always reacts to mine and Baker's voices which feels so good!!! He is not a big fan of being naked or sponge baths but loves to cuddle up in his green towel after the bath. He is such a good baby! I can't get enough of him! It's so true that you never knew you could love someone so much! We already could never imagine life without him!

Owen has had so many wonderful visitors, calls, flowers, cards and gifts! We are so grateful to everyone for being so generous and so kind to us. We appreciate it more than you could know! Come and visit us soon!!

Happy Birthday Owen!!

Owen Hackett Wright arrived happy and healthy on Feb 11th at 7:42 am. Labor and delivery were TEXTBOOK perfect and everyone is doing great! He was 6lbs, 10oz and 19.25in. We are at home and can't wait for everyone to meet him. More to come...

photos from dinner...

A little over a week ago, I took a chance with the bed rest and went to a birthday dinner party for a friend. Natalie (birthday girl) is actually the wife of on e of the OB's I see (who is also a friend). We "doubled" with our friends Nathan and Caroline Ray. Here are a few pics of Baker and me as well as one of Caroline and me. There is also a cute one of Baker with their son, Bradford (Owen's best buddy). It was a fun night away from bed-rest. And the doc was there just in case:)

The Final Countdown!

Well, we are almost there! At last Friday's appointment, Dr. Franz (a friend AND one of our OB's) scheduled Owen's induction! They are inducing labor on February 17th!! I will be 38.5 weeks at that point. We all still believe that I will go into labor beforehand on my own, which is FINE BY ME! Owen looks great! We are taking it day by day at this point...it could happen anytime now. I was about 2.5cm, 80% and minus 1 station on Friday. He also told me I could be OFF of bed rest...YEAH!!!! He seems to think that after several days of being vertical again and walking around, that gravity will "help" bring Owen on. He stopped the pre-term labor medication, and boy can I tell it! The contractions are starting to become stronger, but still irregular at this point. I went back to work as of yesterday which I am so thankful for! It was much harder (physically) than I thought it would be, but I don't mind because I get to be with the kids and it's such as great distraction from early labor pains! I feel a lot better emotionally because I know we've made it to the "safe" zone and all of Owen's tests show he's doing just perfect! He should weigh around 7 pounds at this point. Baker and I are just playing the waiting game now! We'll have Owen in 2 weeks or less!

Big Foot!

Owen has such big feet...that love to kick my ribs!

Owen's Face

Here's an ultrsound photo of Owen's face. He's looking straight at you!!

Baby Porn

Here is an ultrsound photo from Friday of Owen's boy parts....

chubby cheeks!

This is a photo of Owen's chubby cheek! He is facing you, with a shadow over one side of the face. You can see one eye and one chubby cheek:)

Waiting for Owen

A Daddy gift!

So often during a pregnancy, the mom gets all the attention. Mom's even get "mommy gifts" for carrying the child and being the one to actually labor. I think there should always be a "daddy gift." Baker has been unbelievable during this pregnancy! He has endured morning sickness, aches and pains, cravings weight gain, lack of attention, trips to the doctor and hospital, worry, stress, excitement, curiosity, and so much more! I went ahead and gave him his daddy gift this past weekend. I have been planning this ever since I saw the original photo. When we found out we were having a boy and talked about a fly fishing nursery I was so excited! The gift is a portrait of Baker fly fishing in Montana several years ago. He and his dad take a trip out west to fish each year. I sent the photo to an artist in South Carolina who has done some artwork for us before. She is so very talented! I can't believe she was able to take a photo and paint such an amazing piece of artwork She did a fantastic job! I wouldn't be where I am now without Baker. I already know he is going to be an amazing father!

Mixed Emotions

This afternoon I am filled with mixed emotions. I had a scheduled test for baby today, and had pretty noticeable contractions last night, but the test showed only that...contractions. Owen is doing fantastic!! We had an ultrasound Wed (pics to come...gotta scan them) and he passed his tests at 100% and was about 5lbs 11oz. They checked me today and I am still 2cm, same effacement. I am pretty anxious and uncomfortable, not to mention in pain at times, and it looks like I will remain like this until active labor begins which could be days or even weeks. Good news is that Owen is doing so well- that is what is most important. However, I am pushing miserable at times! I want him to be born for obvious reasons, as well as because I am "over" being pregnant. At the same it's better for him to hang out in my belly for as long as he can. so, for my son who I already love more than I can explain, I will endure bed rest for another week or so, and the contractions and ongoing early phase of labor until 3 more weeks when we will induce if he hasn't come on his own. It's like I am so glad he is OK, but so ready to deliver (for selfish reasons). I am also full of emotion and cry in an instant at just about ANYTHING...that's normal right? I am nesting can't act on it (having to be off my feet really sucks!) I am reading a lot, including great new cookbooks I got for Christmas, but I am not allowed to be up cooking. Baker's birthday was yesterday and I felt so bad because I always cook him one of his favorite meals, but his year he had to prepare dinner. I did manage to get instant brownies in the oven. Oh well, this too shall pass. In the meantime, I will keep praying for more patience and thanking God as often as I can for all of the MANY blessing I have, especially Owen:)