He Talks

(From March 2016)

Anthony wants me to record all the words that Owen knows. He's learning so fast and soaking everything up like a little sponge. It impresses me how he goes from understanding a word to stringing along phrases and sentences. He's a nonstop talker sometimes, babbling away. I can't wait to see what he'll learn tomorrow.

For now I'll leave you with his current list of words :
Momma
Daddy
I lah you
No
Yes
Aman
Row row
Ball
Doggie
Go
Boo boo (Bruce)
E Yi Yo  (think Old Macdonald)
Hi
Bye
Outside
Foutball
Down set hut
Yay!
All done
Night night

He also had his 18 month appointment recently and is 34 inches tall and 25.4 lbs. He's very healthy too.

Our birthday

Anthony and I just celebrated our 29th and 27th birthdays. My dad was in town and we decided to go to Velocity Airsports sports for our birthday party. It was tons of fun jumping on the trampolines, going through the Ninja Warrior course, and jumping and diving into the foam pits. I even worked up a couple of flips and Anthony fell off on the tightrope over the foam pits. Owen had a blast and his smile was so contagious all of the people there loved him. I was surprised he enjoyed it as much as he did. We had a great turnout with some wonderful friends!

People That Celebrated With Us
Vivian
Lierin
Kelsie
Nathan
Doug
Dane
Mary
Mallory
And Owen

After bouncing, we all went over to Your Pie for dinner followed by dessert at Whit's frozen custard. It was a wonderful birthday celebration even though I spent the morning working. I can't believe this is Anthony and my 8th birthday we have celebrated together.

The week he said, "Amen"

It is hard to know exactly when your baby grows up. It is difficult to know and understand what he is gaining from what you are teaching him. This week he showed me that he is learning about Christ and he shared with me and tender moment during bedtime prayers.

Rocking him to sleep, we've gotten in the habit of saying our evening prayers together and I always start the prayers by addressing,  "most kind and gracious Heavenly Father" and end them with, "in Jesus name, Amen." This week Owen responded to my amen with an amen of his own.

I was surprised, touched, and moved by his sweet innocent response and his understanding of amen.

Quite a few months ago, Anthony was receiving a blessing from the elders and during the blessing Owen wouldn't sit still in my arms but wanted to crawl into his dad's arms. As soon as he was in Anthony's arms,  he calmed down and listened to the words of the elders as they shared a priesthood blessing. Own feel the spirit and that is a powerful thing.

It blows my mind that Owen isn't even 2 years old yet and he can feel the spirit. With the trials that I've experienced lately in my life it is easy for me to lose some of that feeling but I continue to do the things that I know I must do out of habit and principle. When I see the growth of my young son it will shows and reminds me of the why. I stock to the routine even when I feel disconnected because I know Heavenly Father is blessing us. I know that Owen will grow strong in the gospel and I am so grateful for his connection already.

Thanksgiving Week with Uncle Les

Looking at the giraffes

 

Great picture with Uncle Les

He loved the aquariums!

We have a walker!

 

Stinkin' Cutie!

We were lucky enough to have Uncle Les, Uncle Dane, and Aunt Mary at the house for Thanksgiving this year and it was tons of fun. We watched way too much football in my opinion but we also dined on 2 turkeys, mashed potatoes, collards, stuffing, squash and zucchini, rolls, and cheesecake. It was delicious and we all had wonderful naps afterward.

On Black Friday, I did a little shopping to get Anthony some new clothes that fit and then we headed to the zoo which was great. The weather was mid-70s and Owen loved it and was really engaged in looking at the animals.

His Favorite Animals
- Giraffes
- Penguins
- Goats (he called them Bo which is his word for dog because Uncle Dane and Aunt Mary have a dog named Beau)
- Birds

Not So Favorite Animals
- Ant Eater
- Jaguar
- Lizards
- Monkeys

He was tired after the zoo and slept really well in the car.

Owen's 1st Birthday Party

While home for Ryan and Candice's wedding and enjoying the mini-high school reunion it created, we decided to let Diana do what she does best and we threw Owen's first birthday party at The Breakers in Fort Walton Beach. It was fun having Owen's first birthday party there because that is where Anthony and I married so it was kind of a neat experience.

Owen is extremely loved and we are so blessed. I tried to discourage gifts but friends, aunts, and grandparents don't listen to those types of things and Mr. Owen ended up happily spoiled and we are grateful for it. He hit the jackpot, too! With new clothes, a custom red wagon, balls, legos, a bike, a dump truck, puzzles, rattles, books, and so much more! Thank you so much to everyone that gave Owen a gift or came to the party.

SPOILED!

I think he likes chocolate cake

He cleaned his plate and Aunt Annie cleaned him!

The weather was crummy but we did get to do some swimming for his pool party birthday and Owen love the food too which was funny because he has gotten so picky lately. He really enjoyed the chicken salad sandwiches and clearly the chocolate cake which I felt was the best decision for his gateway chocolate!

Guests at the party:
- Grandma Diana and Papa Jim
- Gi Judi and Papa Mark
- Grandpa Aho
- Wendy
- Uncle Les
- Aunt Annie
- Brittney and Jalyn
- The Drowns
- The Roses
- The Connellys
- The Duttons
- Dana Davis
- The Churches
- Diana Nguyen
- Darryl Lamar
- The Fretwells
- The Traftons

I can't believe how quickly that first year flew by. I'm so happy and blessed to have Owen in my life and I know that Anthony feels the same. We are both so proud of our son and we can't wait to see what incredible things he does in his life. He makes us so happy and we are truly enjoying life as parents.

Drs. Hidalgo

Isn't Candice stunning?

I couldn't be happier for them!!!

Mid-August 2015, two very dear friends of mine Candice Langdon and Ryan Hidalgo FINALLY tied the knot after dating nearly 10 years. I was so, so happy to be invited and able to participate in the celebration of their love. It was a beautiful ceremony and very intimate for a couple that has had such an impact on so many of their close friends.

In high school, Candice was the social planner for the entire IB group and really made me feel welcome as I was navigating the awkward social world of high school. I didn't quite fit into any one cliché so I appreciated her including me. Ryan and I swam together for Choctaw High School although he was always WAY faster than me... probably also because he was a sprinter and I was a distance swimmer. Anyway, at the wedding, I was one of the few people that was able to say that had shaved the groom's legs... Ok, so I was the only one that could claim that. So many great memories surround these two friends of mine and I look forward to watching their family grow throughout the years.

Congratulations Ryan and Candice on the beautiful life you two are starting together! I'm glad to have participated and I'm here to bolster you up if you need it.

Aunt Mandy's Visit

They are both Goofs!

I love them!!! Mandy is so beautiful!

Yay for Friends!!!

Mandy came to visit in August for her mom's birthday weekend and it was SO much fun to see her and introduce her to Owen. We don't get to chat as often as I'd like and I know that is my fault but I am so grateful to have her in my life. It is crazy how it can seem like nothing has changed or time has stood still when you are together with dear friends.

Oh, and we went to Sushi House of course! This was a frequent hang out when we were in college... about 5 years ago... where does the time go?