5k is the New Marathon

Here's my little couch (I mean Bumbo) potato watching the Olympics. Not even six months old, Owen is already consumed by the glowing orb, be it the TV, iPad or phone. I didn't think this would happen so quickly. I've already given up watching The Tudors, my new guilty pleasure, in Owen's presence but this latest maneuver was a wake up call to get moving.

Inspired by Team USA, more accurately some stubborn post-baby pounds, I bought a jogging stroller and downloaded a 5k training program. Today is day four, 1.5 miles. In the old days, this would have been a breeze.

Here's Steve cheering me on at mile nine of the 2008 Chicago Marathon. We look so young and... well-rested. Something to aspire to as I struggle through 5k training, my new marathon.

Thankfully, Owen makes an amicable running companion, ever willing to pound the pavement in search of that fabled runner's high. We're both exhausted after our runs but as the saying goes, a journey of 3.1 miles begins with a single step.

Summertime and the Livin's Easy

Ah, summertime. In a former life this meant boozy brunches, long runs, bike rides and happy hour. These days a good time is dressing Owen in cute yet embarrassing hats and documenting his monthly growth. Yes, we need to get out more.

Thankfully plenty of visitors have been an impetus to explore our new neck of the woods. Our adventures have been mostly day trips to beautiful Watch Hill and Newport, Rhode Island and Falmouth, MA on Cape Cod. Owen also took his first train ride and delighted in the taste of oh-so-sweet prunes. But that, my friends, is a story for another time.

Last weekend the Linker clan headed to Highland Lake, Connecticut. Steve and I were grateful for a few days of much needed rest and Owen had a chance to practice his newest trick, sitting like a little gorilla. He also "enjoyed" a dip in the lake.

No summer would be complete without spending time with friends. Here's Owen hanging out with a few of his new buddies, Amirah and Micah.

As you can see, Owen has this whole relaxation thing figured out. Don't get too cozy kid, in about 15 years it'll be time for a summer job. Daddy has big plans for you...

It's Not Easy Being Green

Owen's culinary education continues. Once he got the hang of eating off of a spoon and started enjoying his daily bowl of cereal, we quickly moved onto vegetables. Green ones. We are finding the ups and downs of these new tastes and textures thoroughly entertaining. Owen, not so much.

Here is Owen's first spoonful of avocado. While tentative, his initial reaction was promising.

Then came a three day downward spiral of avocado loathing...

Round two, peas. He likes these even less...

Turns out, Owen still prefers his food in liquid form. Especially when he's being fed by Grandma. Who can blame him?

Lights, Camera, Owen!

For Father's Day I decided to get professional photos taken. Up to this point we've only taken pictures with our iphones. Here are the best shots of Owen Linker, drool monster.

As you can see, Owen totally hammed it up for the camera. This last one is my favorite. The look on his face is priceless, "Um, excuse me, what's she doing in my picture?" 

Month 4

The changes we've seen in Owen in the past month are astounding. He's gone from being an adorable little blob (I mean that with the utmost affection, I do) to an alert and engaging little guy.  It seems like every day he's able to do something new like sitting in his Bumbo and sucking on his toes.

 

'Sup Ladies? Breaking hearts since February 2012  

Feet are one of Owen's recent discoveries and I was lucky enough to capture the exact moment he realized that they can fit into his mouth. These days his feet can hold his attention for a good 5-10 minutes which is is enough time for me to check my e-mail or make a sandwich. Score! 

Owen has also learned to enjoy his bath. Major Score! I know he looks scared in this picture but the other night I swear he was actually having fun kicking and splashing in the water.

By far the most exciting thing that's happened has been the introduction of "solid" food. Here's Owen's first taste of cereal.

For better or worse I've always been a good eater, so it came as a surprise to me that Owen seems to have his reservations about eating solids. Or perhaps he just has a far more discriminating palate than your average four month old?

 

Rice cereal, No! Foie gras, Oui!

All these exciting milestones are not without a downside. For one, gone is the day of Owen sleeping peacefully through a meal at a restaurant. Last week we had to leave half a bottle of wine on the table. I assure you this would never have happened pre-Owen. Steve left with Owen while I paid the bill so we wouldn't be "those people." And we were totally "those people." 

Oh, The Places We've Been

"Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to GREAT places! You're off and away!" Dr. Seuss

On May 9th, we three Linkers headed west to Los Angeles celebrate Owen's 3 month birthday.

I kid. The real occasion was Aunt Amy's graduation from USC's School of Social Work. Much to the delight of his anxious parents, Owen traveled like a champ. The anticipation of travel was much worse than the trip itself.

While in sunny California little Owen dipped his toes in the mighty Pacific Ocean and had great fun with Bubbe Linker, Grandpa Stan, Aunt Amy and friends. He also earned the moniker, "Cheeks." Is this a cute baby, or what?

The breezy California life-style had calming affect on Owen. In fact his only meltdown was when Amy shared the gory details of her life as a graduate student.

It's okay Owen, finals are over!

After a quick regroup back in Rhode Island, it was off to Chicago where Owen spent a week charming the pants off of his Midwestern friends and family. Here he is with Grandma, cousins Anna and Holly, and "big kids" Henry and Bea.

We had a great time on our travels but are happy to be back home and ready to enjoy our first summer in New England!

Going Places

Being a resident of the smallest state in the union has it's perks. One of them being that it's easy to get out of town. Considering that Owen is three months old, I have to say he's pretty well traveled. He's made a trip to Boston and has visited America's oldest family farm in Dover, NH. A student of the world, Owen has been soaking in the rich history of the original 13 colonies and has enjoyed meeting family and friends along the way.

Most days aren't that exciting, although Owen did travel from his tummy to his back for the first time today. Here are a few pictures from our adventures about town.

This was Owen's first walk facing forward but I think he was more excited to nibble on his carrier than check out the world. 

Steve and I are missing big city life but another perk of living in Rhode Island is our proximity to nature. Here's Steve and Johnny at Lincoln Woods State Park, about 10 minutes from our house. 

Much to my surprise, Rhode Island is a lot more Jersey Shore than J Crew. While we haven't had a chance to beat the beat, here's a couple of  Pisan's relaxing at a cafe on Federal Hill in Providence.

And here's some male bonding on the front porch.  Daddy is telling Owen all about our big trip to California for Aunt Amy's graduation. Yup, little Owen (and his parents) are in for the adventure of a lifetime. Wish us luck as our Little Rhody goes west!