This photo is of B sitting at the table with us...B's cousin, Mia, has a "big kid chair" like this and enjoys participating in meals when their family goes out to eat. B is finally old enough, and has enough head and core control to sit in his own chair. Last week, B sat at the table with us and played with a couple of his toys, while we ate lunch. The funniest part of our lunch was not watching B in his chair, but was when Chad picked B up to hold him and B grabbed Chad's glass of Dr. Pepper...consequently, Dr. Pepper spilled all over the table, floor, Chad and Owen. Chad was a really good sport...we learned our lesson that everything on a table needs to be out of Owen's reach!
This photo is in honor of B's Uncle Jeff who is getting ready for his first day of Boat Building School. B hopes that Uncle Jeff has a great first day...B wanted Jeff to know that in life, a shirt is always optional...though he may need to wear one for his first day. (Jeff gave B these overalls as a gift.)

This life size golden retriever stuffed animal was a gift from B's grandparents before he was born. We have understandably named the stuffed dog, Ella, in honor of Ella...and she "sits" at the end of Owen's crib in his nursery. For the first 18 weeks of Owen's life, I took "week" photos of him laying next to "Ella" to capture his growth...taking the photos each week got somewhat tedious...so I have decided to take "month" photos instead. This is our five month photo...he looks so grown up! He is not standing on his own, though the photo looks like it...however, he does love to stand with help. The sandals that he is wearing have some rubber on the bottom of them, he really enjoys standing when he has these shoes on...I think it is because it prevents him from slipping.

B's Gram (my mom) has been in town for a visit...it is such a gift to watch her interact with B and listen to her share how she thinks he has changed since her last visit. I don't notice the changes as much because I have the opportunity to be with him each day. Since B was born, it has been especially difficult to live away from family, ...we are learning how to treasure all the bits of time that we can get. During this visit, my mom has taught me how to quilt in between B's naps. I have really enjoyed learning from her and can't wait to make a quilt on my own!