Cry It Out.......

So, Owen is now 7 months old and for the past 3 months has STOPPED sleeping through the night. What's a mama to do? I've got another child to tend to and just can't go night after night after night on 4 (broken) hours of sleep **sigh**, so.....here we are......we've resorted to "Cry.It.Out." We are on day 4 and it has only gotten marginally easier. I must confess, I am not a die-hard fan of this method. I modified my "version" to stay in his room where he can see me and quitly talk to him and ocassionally pat his booty. Still, I am a total wimp when it comes to hearing my baby cry, so this has been especially hard for me emotionally. Now, mind you, Owen doesn't so much cry as YELL at me to COMEGETHIMRIGHTNOW!!! I know I'm doing the right thing in the long run by helping establish healthy sleep habits and teach him how to deal with things on his own.

Kah-Kah-Kah-Katie!

Here are some pictures of my beautiful sister! She was kind enough to pose as my model for yet another photo assignment. I'm not sure if she checks my blog or not, but if she does, I hope she knows I LOVE HER and she is the best sister in the world! She is a beautiful person inside and out and such a wonderful mama to Hannah. Oh, and Katie...if you do read this....I put the diamond is forever song on here just for you! :)

Owen's Baptism

Owen Christopher Marshall (whew, what a long name!) was baptized on Sunday, March 3rd, 2008 at First Presbyterian Church by Dr. David Swanson. Family who attended: Tutu and Papa, Granny and Grandpa, Grandpa Jim, Great-Granny, Uncle Marshall, Aunt Katie and Uncle Chris and Hannah, and Uncle Mike. Owen did great...he stole the show, smiling and pinching David's nose. He wore a christening gown that was made by his great-great grandmother and worn by 4 generations of Owen men before him (including Daddy!) it was very special, and we are very honored that our little Owen was able to wear it! All in all, it was a very special day, which concluded with a wonderful brunch at Tutu and Papa's house.

My Model

I feel like I am always posting pictures of Owen on our blog, and rarely pictures of Jack! My big guy isn't so fond of having his picture taken, or insists on making goofy faces all the time. However, I did convince (read:pay) him to be my "assistant" for my latest photography assignment the other day, and he did a smash-up job as my "model"! :) Here are some pictures of the most handsome 8 year old boy I've ever seen!

When Daddy Does Baby Food

Normally, my night-time ritual is feeding O, bathing him, nursing him, putting him to sleep. I'm rather neat and methodical in how I do this in order to save time on clean-up. However, sometimes Daddy wants to participate and have some fun with his baby boy. The following is the result of such interaction (with blueberries!) Daddy + Baby + Food = Big Silly Mess!

So, some of these pictures were for an assignment I did for my photography class. I love the ones of Owen, even if he is a little crusty from his cold! Jack didn't enjoy "modeling" for me quite as much ;) but was a pretty good sport and enjoyed getting dirty!

Kisses for Brother!


I know I'm a bad Mommy! We just let him have a taste - he loved it!! (of course)
Playing in the backyard with Harry Elephante
His face in this picture cracks me up! If only you all could hear his little "hehe" laugh that he does!
PEAS!

La Noche

These are from early December when Jack and Chris went to the Christmas campout at La Noche with Jack's boyscout den!

Jack and Evan

Why roast just one marshmallow when you can roast 3 at a time?
Do you think I would've let him this close to the fire if I had been there?
Fishing


He came home SO dirty!

These are from early December when Jack and Chris went to the Christmas campout at La Noche with Jack's boyscout den!

More Christmas Pictures

Here are some more pictures from Christmas Eve and Christmas morning/afternoon/night. The boys really enjoyed opening their presents! Jack got a basketball hoop from Santa and has been out back shooting hoops every day since Christmas! Owen got lots of fun little toys and is very interested in all of them. We had a great day! (These are in reverse order - sorry!)

A big day for Owen - his first Christmas!

Santa Papa and Santa Baby

Owen's big toy - his big boy super saucer Daddy and Owen
My Santa Baby!
Hannah Banana in her Tutu from her favorite Aunt Sissy :)
Jack and his presents from Tutu and Papa - golf clubs!

After Santa came
Jack and Bama trying to wake Chris up so we can open presents!
Bama gets a special treat too!
You think Jack likes his basketball hoop from Santa?
My sweet boys having fun

Jack and Hannah think they hear sleigh bells!

Mr. too cool for school
Milk and cookies for Santa
Tutu and Papa and all the grandchildren (making such lovely faces)
Our grown-up tradition: champagne at midnight on Christmas Eve!