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! 

Baby Love

Who wouldn't love this sweet baby? Sydney loves Owen (or so I'd like to believe), and I think the feeling is mutual (or so I'd like to believe).

The first evidence of feline baby love was while I was still pregnant. Sydney would often sit on my belly and purr. Owen would reciprocate his affection (or annoyance) by kicking. Here's Syd and Owen's first picture together.

In politics proximity to power is important. Assuming that Owen is the "president" of our little family, Syd is aiming for an appointment as his chief of staff. She shows her ambition mostly by napping on Owen's accoutrements such as, his stroller, his bassinet, his Dad and most recently his changing table.

Syd's penchant for all things Owen requires a lot of hair removal and shooing but Owen doesn't seem to mind. These days he's more interested in his hands, a recent discovery, and his bunny lovey blanket. For now Syd is anxious for Owen to pet her, we'll see if she feels the same way once Owen is on the move.

The Big Weigh-in

Owen turned two months on April 9th and to celebrate got three big shots in his chubby little thighs. He braved the ordeal and was described by his doctor as, "long and lean."

Sydney, our Rubenesque cat, also recently visited the doctor and was forced to face the scale. The move to Rhode Island has proven good for her physique. She lost a pound (pretty significant for a cat, I would think) and is now in the normal range of kitty BMI, barely.

Owen and Syd both weigh a whopping 12 pounds....Yeah!!!


The scale has not been as kind to Mom and Dad who both need to lose their baby weight. Unfortunately, working for the man and taking care of a newborn baby does not leave a lot of time for healthy food preparation and exercise. But, spring has sprung and we've been enjoying long, peaceful walks in the neighborhood. Walks are also usually the only time Owen will nap, making them an extra incentive for me to get moving.

By the end of the day we're all pretty much wiped out. Here's what a typical night at chez Linker looks like these days...lights out!

Look Who's Smiling!

A few weeks ago Owen started to smile. They first appeared in his sleep and while he was nursing but we're finally seeing wide-eyed, happy baby smiles. These melt my heart and feel like a reward for the non-stop work it takes to keep Owen alive and kicking. Since we'll do almost anything to get a smile out of him I wonder...what is it that makes Owen smile?

Maybe it was Grandpa Bleeden's visit? Considering that none of his grandparents live in Rhode Island Owen has already met them all. That's certainly something to smile about.

Could it be that today is the beginning of the baseball season? I hate to break the news to this littlest Cubs fan, he may be in for a lifetime of disappointment.


Is it Daddy's sweet new ride?


Or could it just be a fart?