Stop. You're Under Arrest.

Owen had his first run in with the law, it's true. Much like his Uncles (not his Mom) it was with the feared Park Ridge Police Department. Thankfully his only crime was being cute. Owen's badge reads, "Junior Police Officer," but he looks a little unsure of his assignment. I don't blame you kid.

One thing that our little guy is sure of is having fun. These days fun comes in the form of a walker, an exersaucer and a jumper-roo. Here's Owen out for a "stroll." Unfortunately our house doesn't offer much space to roam but Owen doesn't seem to mind.

A boy and his dog 

An exersaucer came on the scene during our visit to Chicago. This thing kept Owen entertained for 20-30 minutes, maybe more. Amazing. So much so that a new rain forest jumper-roo was waiting when we returned to Rhode Island. Having a toy designer for a Dad means that Owen will never, ever, be in want for toys.

 

Not to worry. Owen's been having plenty of fun outside of the house too and so far has been able to steer clear of the Providence PD. Phew.

The Half-time Report

The last six months have been a blur but we've come a long way since February 9th. It's hard to believe this is the same baby. Melts my heart.

Here's a serious Owen on his six month birthday. As hard as I tried, he had no interest in flashing his adorable toothless grin. But who has time for smiles when you have yet to figure out the key to forward propulsion?

Over the weekend a proud Owen found his smile as he mastered the art of sitting upright. We know that crawling will soon follow and are both excited and terrified for the transition. By the numbers, Owen weighs 18.3 pounds and is nearly 28 inches long. And despite his initial apprehension to solids, it turns out that he's a hearty eater, after all.

In the midst of all this developmental excitement, Owen has been a perfect host and tour guide of his home state. We were lucky enough to have visits from Bubbe, Grandpa Bleeden, Noel and Owen's new buddy Ben. Here are some pictures from our recent adventures.

Enjoying a dramatic reading of the classic, "Are you my Mother?"

Showing New York pride at brunch with Grandpa and Bubbe in Newport 

Visiting our new summer get away, the Breakers

Ben, Owen and Ben's Mom, Elizabeth, geared up for day trip to Cape Cod
 

A couple of beach bums

We'll be ending our first summer together with a trip to Chicago then it's back to the bump and grind. I start school in Boston after Labor Day. While I'm looking forward to Mom's day in the big city it's bound to be a change for us all.

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."