Owen is SIX!

Ready or not, our Owen is suddenly SIX!!  He is handsome, strong willed, smart, unpredictable, playful, hilarious, rebellious and methodical.  He weighs 48 pounds and stands 3 feet and 11 inches tall {both around the 75th percentile}.  At his check up Dr Knight was impressed with how much height he has gained over the past year!  He wears size 5/6 clothes and size 13 shoes.

 

 

He is a loyal friend, a ball full of endless energy, has a great memory and is very competitive.  He enjoys making people laugh, dancing, singing in children's choir, playing football with his daddy and riding his bike.  He dislikes matching socks, not getting his way and trying new foods.

 

 

He is still a very particular eater.  However, he has expanded his horizons and now enjoys broccoli and cheese soup, chicken noodle soup, garlic bread, salad and string cheese.  His favorite meal consists of a peanut butter sandwich, Gogurt, fruit snacks and a juice box. 

 

 

He is a terrific big brother!  He {usually!} loves to help but still must be watched closely and can't be left alone with Hudson. 

 

 

He is thriving in the land of Kindergarten but dearly misses the more intimate setting and special friends at Pre K.  I am incredibly thankful for his teacher and that he is learning so much.  He has only had to move his behavior color down a few times: for chasing girls and trying to kiss them, purposefully unplugging friends' headphones during a lesson and for turning book pages with his mouth {did I mention he likes attention?!}  Ms T says that he is a leader and that his fellow students often follow him.

 

 

Owen is extremely determined and adventurous.  He is a rock climbing machine!  He zips up quickly and doesn't stop until he reaches the top to ring the bell.  He frequents the one at the Baylor exercise facility and this one was at our local Independence day celebration.  

 

In lieu of a big party this year we  let Owen choose a few friends to take out for a day.  He chose three Pre K besties and celebrated with a trip to 7 Acre Wood and Double Dave's for dinner.  The kiddos enjoyed a hay ride, train ride, pony ride, petting zoo, playground, mini golf, zip line and more.  {L to R Willa, Emma, Keaton, JK & Owen} What a fun bunch :)

 

Owen chose this Lego design for his cupcakes!  Shoa at our local Red Barn Bakery always does a great job :) 

 

Hopefully the next six years won't fly by as quickly as the first six did.  We love our middle little with ALL our hearts and count it a blessing that the Lord chose us to be his parents.  There is never ever a dull day with this fellow and we love it!  :)

 

 

Current favorites:

 

TV show: Paw Patrol

Movie: The Incredibles

Sonic drink: Dr Pepper

Color: orange

Hobby: playing outside

Food: rice

Friend: Keaton

Day: Friday {because it's the weekend!}

Book: Pete the Cat series



Hudson at 7 months

Hudson is now seven months old!  Our little pumpkin weighs 15 lbs 6 oz and measures 24.5 inches long.  He still wears mostly size 6 month clothing and size 2 diapers.  His hair is getting longer on top and has some curl to it.  Some days it goes wild and is as cute as can be!  He is such an easy going child and is as smiley as can be :)

 

 

Overall he is still a great sleeper but has regressed a bit lately.  He awakens periodically some nights and nurses back to sleep each time.  Daddy can swaddle him crazy tight but he always manages to wiggle his arms free.  He still cat naps a few times per day for about half an hour each time.  Snoozing in noise doesn't bother him at all {of course he has no choice with big siblings!}  Daddy's football games kickoff at bedtime which has been an adjustment!  He goes with the flow and snoozes well in the Ergo carrier.  Typical coach's kid :)

 

This month he endured his first cold and also enjoyed his first shopping trip in the big boy stroller as well as his first time swinging at the park.  He could have stayed there all day!  Once Fall-like temps arrive we will be spending lots of time outdoors :) 

He is our social butterfly and people often stop to soak in his sweet personality.  Unless he is very hungry or sleepy he is usually happy and content!  He especially loves to bathe, swing outside and spend time with his favorite big sister :)   He doesn't reach for toys yet but often gets a strong grasp of hair or earring and doesn't want to let go!  He has become VERY talkative this month and loves to share his opinion {whatever that might be!}  He even says "Mamama" :)

He still enjoys eating!  He eats 5.5 ounces every three hours like clockwork and eats baby food twice a day.  We added avacados and bananas this month and we also started mixing foods together.  He seems to like both fruits and veggies and opens wide for the spoon :)

 

He had his quarterly clinic day at TCH this week and everything looked great.  He only had to endure one quick test.  He had blood work done on his arm for the first time (opposed to his heel like before) and was NOT a fan.  He impressed everyone with his smiles and chatter.  As long as everything stays stable we won't have to go back until mid February (yay!)

 

He now recognizes his bottle, the sound of the bath water running and his nap time hymns.  He does PT once a month and is getting stronger.  He can sit independently for a few seconds and is learning how to hold his own bottle.  He can turn from side to back when enticed by the TV ;)

This month he attended Bunco with me so I included him in my costume!  I may be biased but he was the cutest little pigskin I've ever seen. 



1st Runner Up

Emma participated in the 'Little Miss September' pageant during the annual Trinity fair weekend, hosted by the local Avalon nursing home.  She decided on her own outfit {and Lita helped with her very first cowgirl hat and boots!}  A few days before the big night there was a social at Avalon.  Emma delivered a pink rose to each resident and enjoyed having the opportunity to meet and visit with them.  She especially loved this 101 year old new friend! 

 

   

The pageant was on a Friday and started an hour before kickoff across town.  We were fashionably late to the game but it was well worth it :)  I was SO proud of how courageous and beautiful she was!  I even let her wear some light makeup and glitter!

 

A talent was allowed but not required.  Emma was a comedian and did an excellent job!  She had prepared three jokes and spoke them into the microphone perfectly!  Her sweet and spunky personality really showed and was well received by the judges, fellow contestants and crowd!  Emma won 1st runner up and received a trophy, t shirt and flowers! She enjoyed the entire experience and it was fun to watch :) 

Hudson at 6 months

Happy HALF birthday, sweet boy! 

Hudson is officially six months old.  He weighs 14 lbs 13.5 oz and measures 24.5 inches long.  His head circumference is 17 inches.  He is now in all size 6 month outfits and size 2 diapers.  It's amazing to compare photos from March.  Here he is with the blue bunny his siblings gave him in the NICU. 

 

 

Hudson sat in his high chair for the first time at breakfast on Sunday 8/16.  He was so glad to be up at our level :)

We introduced baby foods this month and decided to make our own.  It was pretty easy with the Baby Bullet and the big kids enjoyed helping with the first batch.  He has tried butternut squash, pears, sweet potatoes and apples so far.  We allowed four consecutive days for each new food, just in case of an allergic reaction.  He enjoys his food and opens his mouth wide like a little hungry bird when he anticipates the spoon!  He has started babbling with each bite which certainly creates some royal messes :)

   

A few weeks ago Hudson was fitted for AFO {ankle/foot orthotic} braces.  Right now they are mostly to help with his dorsiflexion and to prevent foot contractures.   

Hudson was {mostly!} patient during the molding process.  The big kids were very helpful and even got to choose the design {camo}.

 

This set is expected to last for approximately six months and must be worn for a total of ten hours each day.  This sweet boy loves to accessorize :)

He now does physical therapy once a week.  Jenna is pleased with his progress and provides us with great strength exercises to do.  He still despises tummy time but his head/torso have become much stronger.  He is able to sit up unassisted while holding on to his feet for a short few seconds.

Our little man is very verbal and has recently started exploring a few labial consonant sounds {most often M and B}.  He often grins at strangers when we are out and about and really enjoys their attention.  He admires himself in the mirror and looks back and forth to be sure his reflection is still there!  He stayed in the church nursery for the first time on Sunday 9/6.  Weeks prior he seemed to either hiccup or 'chat' very loudly during the sermon :)

He continues to sleep very well at night and to mostly cat nap during the day.  There have been a few times recently that he has napped for a few hours.  He prefers to snooze in my arms opposed to his crib {which I don't mind at all}!

Rub a dub dub; he still enjoys the bath tub.  It seems to make him calm and content and starts his bedtime routine.  He especially likes having warm water slowly poured onto his tummy and isn't always sure about having his hair washed.   

 

We love this sweet boy! 



First day of school 2015

We were all smiles for the FIRST day of school!  Both kids are at Lansberry Elementary this year. 

 

We are thrilled to have two of our favorite teachers.  Emma had Mrs Meredith in first grade and she moved up to third!  Owen was very familiar with Ms Thornton because she was Emma's kinder teacher :) 

I made these spiffy supplies cakes for both teachers.  Hopefully they will come in handy soon {thanks Pinterest!}

 

 

Emma is in third grade.  Time flies!  She has lots of familiar faces in her homeroom class.  This year they switch classes and her teacher for math and science is Mrs Smith.

 

At Meet the Teacher Ms T gave each student a gift and instructed them not to open it until the night before Kindergarten.  It was magic confetti to sprinkle under his pillow.  He was thrilled :)

 

Of course we read 'The Night Before Kindergarten' at bedtime.....

 

The next morning this guy marched into the Kindergarten hall like a pro!  He even requested that I not walk him in from the second day on {sniff sniff!}

Kinder is such a bittersweet journey but we are excited for Owen as we know the many adventures that await him!

 

We pray that these two have the best school year yet! 

 

Galveston 2015

In July we enjoyed a few days in Galveston with Big Daddy and Lita.  Uncle Joseph, Aunt Natalie and cousin Tessa met us there.  Our beach house was right on the sand and the kids had such a fun time.  We got just the right dose of vitamin 'sea' :) 

 

We spent time taking walks on the beach...

 

 

 

Building beautiful sand castles and creations....

 

Searching for the perfect shells...

{he even brought home a huge collection!}

 Burying one another in the sand....

{this way he stayed still for at least a few minutes!}

 

 

...and making lots of salty memories :)

 

Our sweet beach babies :)

 

We explored the strand on our last day there.  We watched them make taffy at the confectionary, shopped, ate at Fisherman's Wharf {our fav!} and took part in a guided dolphin tour.   Arrrrrr!!  My favorite pirates on the strand!

 

Goodbye Galveston!  See you next year!

 

Summer 2015 Highlights

The Smiths had a full calendar of events this Summer!  I knew ahead of time to fill our schedule with as many fun activities and camps as possible.  Emma and Owen often drive one another bonkers if they are home together for very long :)  Here is a chronological run down of what kept us busy!

 

University for Young People at Baylor University - Emma was accepted to attend the first week of June.  The class created a pretend town and she was voted as co-mayor!

 

 

The kids enjoyed swim lessons in Big Daddy and Lita's neighborhood evenings after UYP.  Their instructor was amazing and they learned a lot! 

 

 

UMHB Lil Cru Football Camp - Owen enjoyed a morning of drills and fun at Crusader stadium!  The camp was well organized and he had a blast.

 

 

Father's Day - Hudson's first!  The kids are so fortunate to have such a devoted, playful and fun daddy!  I'm soooo thankful to have this guy beside me in this crazy parenting gig :)  He got to choose where we enjoyed lunch - Outback Steakhouse of course!

 

 

Jarrod had the first two weeks of July off work.  We certainly made the most of every minute!  We spent the first week in San Antonio.  We enjoyed Sea World, the Witte Children's museum, River walk, Natural Bridge Wildlife Safari and even spent a day in Gruene. 

 

On the 4th of July we enjoyed patriotic pancakes for breakfast!  That evening we went to Huntsville for fun, food and fireworks.  The kids enjoyed rock climbing, bouncy houses, balloon animals and snow cones.   

 

  

Emma and Owen did great at both Tiger basketball and football camps! 

 

 

We took the kiddos with us to THSCA coaching school this year in Houston.  Their favorite thing was hanging out with the Rhoades girls and playing Bingo each afternoon!

 

The last weekend of July was spent in Salado with family.  We did a lot of swimming, eating, visiting and even canning grape jelly!

 

 

The kids took part in an art day camp at the Wynne Home in Huntsville.  They enjoyed pottery, paper mache and plants/gardening.  They made all sorts of fun masterpieces including bird feeders and drums. 

 

   

 

Last but certainly not least, Emma enjoyed another full week at Carolina Creek Christian Camp.  She counted down the days all summer and was thrilled to finally go!  This year she was in the tiger cabin and received the compassionate cabin award.  Owen looks forward to attending with her next year :) 

 

Owen enjoyed junior golf camp at Elkins Lake in Hunstville.  His best buddy from Pre K went too. 

 

 

We were sad to see Summer go but we are looking forward to the new school year and all that Fall has to offer......