Dance Party ------Owen likes Toto

While cleaning out my closet this morning Owen was in his crib looking at books--or throwing them out and laughing. I had turned up Itunes and when Africa by toto came on Owen was thrilled. The little guy stood up and sang along and danced! I laughed out loud, so for all your listening pleasure enjoy this and get up and have a little dance party. We enjoy them quite alot in this home
ps He also enjoyed Dance by Lady GaGa

10 months

Owen had a wonderful December and January is turning out just as great. Full of cousins lots of parties and Santa and the Grandparents were really good to our sweet boy. Eliza got him the cutest Little people noah' s ark that he just loves! He carries Noah and a giraffe around the house with him and can get a bit protective of them in the bathtub. He has just started to cut his third tooth on top left hand side. The boy can bite and leaves his marks on just about everyone and everything. He sings and dances in the car to any music and during hymns at church, loves to give kisses and yell mama & dada into his monitor while jumping in his crib, can twist, dive and crawl so fast and with such momentum he has a few bruises on his forehead to prove it and loves his new baseball and bat. He is walking with the little wood cart and gets so excited when he sees us jumping up and down and getting so excited for him, its a riot. Owen also loves other kids , he reaches for them, tries to give everyone kisses and thinks they enjoy being followed everywhere. Thankfully his cousins don't mind him so much, in fact on Christmas Eve Mariah asked Kelly, pointing to me, "Can you ask her if we can keep baby Owen? "Our little guy is such a dumpling, we will keep him. But Mariah you are welcome to visit anytime! Uncle Tom was holding him the other day and mentioned how you really do get strong baby arms holding lifting and carrying a 29 pounder everyday, just wish I could lose some more of this chub to show those guns I have developed. BIG Loves to all
Happy friday to ya!

Quite a bit later......

So Christmas season has come and gone and I have to say this one was one for the books! Where to start I am so far behind in posts, our computer went a bit haywire and is still acting funny at times but at least we can connect to the Internet now! OK first off Brett, Owen, Auntie Emily, Grandma Shelley and Grandpa Kurt and I had a wonderful time at the Magical Forest. It was cold but Owen liked being all wrapped up in blankets and his favorite doggy hat. We got to see Santa, ride the train and the carousel. Owen was so cute on the carousel, he laughed and smiled the whole time!

Christmas pre-eve we had a fabulous party at Jillian and Drew's home complete with great tamales, the name game and a webcam chat with the Burdetts. We all had a wonderful time together with the Trythall would had driven from California to be here. ( sorry no pictures for that event)
Christmas Eve Mom and Dad once again got the party started! A classic family photo --of which we were late to, I was sick and spent most of the night drinking water and bathroom runs---and I think I passed it to multiple family members--so sorry, back to the events of the evening during dinner the doorbell rang and we heard carolers singing. I thought it was their neighbors or the Waids but NOPE it was the HOPKIN FAMILY all the way from TEXAS!!! It was a Christmas gift like no other and I was so happy to meet the twinkies and have Owen meet his closest cousins, only 3 months younger.

9 Months and some crazy weather!

As a side note thank you to all for the kind words they were greatly appreciated.
My last post was not a very happy one but alas I am feeling better and have a ton of wonderful picturs of Owen to share from our trip to Mt Vernon---it was a blast and we miss the Burdetts and send them bug hugs and kisses! but first Owen is another month older!

I cannot believe my little Owen is a 9 months old! He is quite a character and loves to follow me from room to room all day long. He loves the kitchen ---mainly the front of the stove where he can see himself and likes to crawl under our bed which makes me nervous. If I sit down to fold clothes or sort the mail Owen thinks his Mommy has become his own personal climbing gym, the little guy is a monkey! And folding clothes are his favorite thing to mess up, two loads of laundry folded were strewn around our family room in seriously less than a minute. He will raise his arms in the air if you ask him how big he is --its adorable! He loves to eat cheerios, rice with a little veggies, applesauce and we have tried may kinds of cheese. He loves to stand in front of his gate and watch me cook or do dishes and our Christmas decoration boxes are a big hit for drums. He likes to cross his feet at his ankles and will do it at the funniest times, when we read stories, during his bath and when he has a bottle, we get a good laugh everytime I see it!The snow and rain Las Vegas has had over the past few days and meant owen is wearing his grey doggy hat! It is so adorable and he knows not to pull it off when its cold outside. After coming home from the grocery store on monday we were covere in snow and Owen's long eyelashes were all dusted with little flakes. I wish I had taken a picture it was the sweetest thing. We had snow again yesterday and possibly today. Tonight we are going to the magical forest--our favorite Christmas time tradtion! Lots of pictures tomorrow!!!
Brett and I were Mary and Joseph but Owen wasn't asked to be the baby Jesus, I guess they didn't want the baby Jesus to sit up and say dada

Owen's third tooth on the bottom peeking through and two new ones on top!

Holiday Funk

I am in a funk or a bad mood or just being cranky or maybe just getting more mean in my old age. I have been venting in my head all morning and I will probably erase this post later but for now I just need to get all this stuff that has been rolling around in my head out! I lost my wallet.I know its not the end of the world. I shouldn't get mad or sad or angry about it, but its just so sad that I can lose it in a 50 foot area( the parking lot of my apartment complex to my front door) and not have anyone turn it in or just leave it on my door --take all $30, the two gift cards to nordstrom and the faboulous freddy's car washes, I don't care!I just want my temple reccomend back( its in the sleeve my parents gave me when I first went through the temple 7 1/2 years ago), and Owen's insurance card (Blue Cross Blue Shield are being stupid about a new one) I feel like its a violation of privacy and I know someone will just throw it away ( Brett has already dumpster dived for me bless his heart) It was a great wallet too and I had paid too much for it but its little strap and all its compartments were so handy when I was trying to carry Owen and fifteen other things. I have a few other things to say, I miss my family, I wish all my sister's lived closer, they are amazing and I miss them alot. I miss my parents, they still live close, but I took my mom to the airport this morning and she sat in the back with Owen(who loves his munca soo much) and I started to think about them leaving for their mission and how much I already miss them and how am I going to deal with them being gone for 3 years? I miss working with my Dad and seeing him daily, I miss my job at the dental office and feeling productive and like I am contributing to my little family. I miss my husband, he works a ton has finals that last forever (the national board exam on monday lasted 5 hours!)and I wish I cooked better for his sake. I miss my friends at work they were such good people and the working at DII made me appreciate them even more. I miss my clothes and feeling pretty I am still not anywhere close to my pre-pregnancy weight and I am beyond frustrated. My sister told me Coons girls are seriously like work horses we aren't the dainty kind and I appreciate that but man what I wouldn't give to be back to how I was and then not be as hard on myself as I was. I have never been thin but I was strong and on the leaner side. I wish I had been smarter about working out more and eating less during pregnancy---its my own fault , its just frustrating to see other ladies bounce back soooo quick and I am jealous. Ok I think I feel better now ---My Owen is 9months old today he is my sunshine. I can't believe it time has flown by. Thanks for letting me vent, I have stopped crying now.

Off to Mt Vernon

Owen and I are flying here


To visit these happy faces!




plus eliza katie and james catch ya later

Turkey day wrap up

Our Thanksgiving started off a little strange. Early Thursday morning around 12:30am someone threw a rock through our porch sliding glass door, shattering it to tiny pieces all over our living room. Brett jumped up immediately to see what was going on and I got Owen. He had slept through the entire thing and looking back I should have just stayed in his room with him instead of getting him out of his crib but I was so shaken up I just wanted to hold him and know he was OK. The security guard came, Brett called the police, lot of phone calls were made and pictures taken and reports written. Owen and I went to lay down again and try and get some sleep at 2 but poor Brett was up forever cleaning up all the glass and helping the maintenance man put a new door in. Despite the chaos we were all able to go back to sleep, thank goodness! A few hours later I went to my father-in-law's thanksgiving spin class.Let me just tell you it was long, hard and with no A/C in the room sooo sweaty. I was pretty proud of myself for pushing through all 90 minutes of the class yep that wasn't a typ-o it was 90 minutes and am going to add another spin class to my workouts--they are a kick in the pants! After class I rushed home to get the famous orange rolls rolled out and rising and they actually turned out pretty good. I don't think it feels like Thanksgiving to me with out them and not being with my family this year I was already a bit bummed but a big ol orange roll sure did help put a smile on my face. Owen was a gem baby the whole day, he even took a nap before dinner and was SO excited to have a little mashed potatoes at the table! He loved them and he is finally eating like he normally does. These ear infections sure do put a little damper on a baby but no worries he is getting better every day! Dinner was great and we got to spend time with Brett's family. I tried to get a pre- dinner pic with all the food just like I know Dad was doing in Sacramento but it didn't happen so we took a few after dinner! We are all stuffed and ready for a little nap, and right about when we took these picture my leg muscles started to ache like I haven't felt in months and months, hence the funny smile! We ended the day going to the movies just like old times, the girls saw Twilight and the boys Quantum of Solace. and Owen took a bath at his Grandma Shelley's house in the sink and loved it!

SOMEBODY IS SICK.....again

Round #2 of the ear infection ding ding ding

Just a few pictures from the week. We had a great morning at the park with some wonderful friends. I was sorry we didn't get a picture of the whole group Just thought we share these sweet faces, they sure made me smile.Have a lovely Sunday!

8 months and a few days......

We are a few days behind on this post, but Owen didn't seem to mind and I really didn't want to post pictures of my sick baby on his eight month b-day. Our little man is doing sooo much better, he had two ear infections but thank you to antibiotics he is finally sleeping without me holding him. We made a visit to Dr DeSimone after a few days of a runny nose, I didn't want to be the paranoid new mom and just get sent home with a cold diagnosis but I was glad I followed my instincts and a few calls to pediatrician and nurse across the country ( kate and james we miss you sooo much) Owen is weighing in at 26pounds and 31 inches long. He is pulling himself up on everything and everyone and is one smiley baby. He still has just the two teeth but don't let them fool you he can bite and if he gets just the right angle it hurts! My American Girls doll, Samantha, is his new fascination, he talks to her, gives kisses and loves , pulls her hair and trys to drag her along his crawling route. I think she reminds him of his bosty( his bestest buddy). Oh and just when we thought the dragon growls had gone away he has brought them back with a new intensity. He now crawls to the side of the crib where his monitor is, stands up and growls and grunts directly into the microphone, it has scared me more than once from a dead sleep. Such a little pumpkin head! As a side note Brett started his new job at the Palazzo as an EMT, such a blessing in this city where everyone is losing their jobs, someone at work even told him they couldn't believe he was hired because they had just laid off a bunch of people! I am still emotional about it, the benefits package is wonderful and the job is great experience .He had orientation a few days ago and got a cute little vinny the ventian lion for Owen and tickets to Blue Man Group and Phanthom for us :) I am soo excited to see both!

THE END OF THE MONTH EXTRAVAGANZA

Halloween has always been a favorite holiday of mine--probably because we always got the day off of school growing up in the good ol silver state. We went to my sister's home for a party and a little trick or treatin in her neighborhood and in my parents neighborhood. Owen got a nice stash of candy considering he fell asleep in his stroller after 5 minutes. Brett and I didn't dress up ---I know pretty lame of us but just you wait we are planning for next year already. My whole family out did themselves--M&D even joined in the fun as Chiquita Bananas complete with a song and dance! by far the most entertaining costumes. Julie made her sweet geisha costume ---so impressive and even has the facial expressions and hand gestures down. Jillian and Drew were so cute as Mary Poppins and Burt, so authentic and resourceful to make all of their costumes themselves as well. Owen was a little teddy bear and if I would have thought and acted on it a bit sooner we would have been Goldilocks and the three bears oh well may be will the next little one( that was by NO means an announcement for baby number two) The rest of the crew were as followed Ethan-Darth Vader when he takes is mask off in Return of the Jedi, Mitch- the Joker, Tom--a cholo, Cari-Rachel Zoe and little bostyn--Dorothy. Everyone was looking fabulous in their costumes and we missed our family in Illinois, California and Texas. And NOW that it is November I have started to play Christmas music! Hey if Costco can have all their stuff out and playing for almost a month now why can' t I ?




DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TOMORROW! DO YOUR DUTY AS AN AMERICAN AND RESPECT THE FOUNDING FATHERS WORK TO ESTABLISH OUR GREAT COUNTRY.OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN CALIFORNIA MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FELLOW CAILFORNIANS TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE TOMORROW

Election 2008

Yesterday morning Owen and I took a detour in our daily jog and headed over to the closest early polling site. We are trying to take advantage of the beautiful October weather and perform our duty as an American at the same time. Seems we weren't the only ones with that idea. We live close to a Sun city retirement community and four little white haired ladies on their morning walk were right in front of us in line. I was surprised to see a line of about 40 people and I honestly felt bad for the little ladies standing in the sun for over a half and hour. Owen sat in his stroller turning his play wheel and talking to anyone that would listen. As we were standing in line I started to wonder who the other people in line would be voting for and why? What issues concerned them most and who had said what they wanted to hear? For me I am concerned about an international relations policy and family values, Owen was just happy to outside and get some attention. After getting our "I voted" sticker we headed home. I felt a sense of accomplishment and relief just knowing only few more days of Dina Titus and Shelly Berkley Tv ads---ohhhhh man will that be great or what! Happy Voting to all!

Prop 8

7 months

big toothy smile and his little teddy

Owen is a happy crawling, biting, drooling, talking seven month old. He is getting so fast with his army crawl I can't turn my back on him for one second or he has started to get into something other than his toys. He especially like to gnaw on coffee table and his dad's calfs/legs. We had the chance to go to Colorado this past weekend to visit family and for US Footy Nationals. Owen was super on the plane and was such a good little boy all weekend. It was really cold with lots of rain and wind but Owen weathered it all so well. I had him in a long sleeve onsesie, jogging suit with a hood, a snowsuit(polar fleece), long socks, a beanie, a blanket wrapped around him, bosty's baby uggs and another blanket on top of us both. It was about 33-35 degrees the whole time, I lost feeling in my toes a few times and I am still amazed that Brett played in that yucky weather and just needed a long hot bath to unthaw.

After 3 hard cold and wet games we had a fabulous dinner at Aunt Kathy's and headed off to the airport. Its always nice to be home and I know Owen is happy to see all his toys and is crib again.

Our last day......

Today was my Dad's last day working as a Dentist. He has been practicing dentistry in Las Vegas for 32 years and was a treasured gentle doctor by thousands of patients. My mom was his first assistant, front desk receptionist, office manager and bookeeper/accountant, and all six of his daughters have had the privilege to work with him as well. He was the best boss I could ever ask for and I will miss all the fun times we got to share together as a family at the decatur office, the jones office and yes those chaotic times at DII. I want to make a list of my favorite memories of the dental office and I know my siblings have some as well so share ok!
-DEB ( she was one entertaining fireball)
- Jeanette and Milton Knopf (my favorite New Yorkers)
- Dr. C gardening in between patients and those huge zucchinnis
- Sid Flum and Tatijana's Rascal and seeing my dad drive it around the room or watching Roberta try to park it
- Frozen Yogurt cakes ( who knew she was allergic?)
- Christmas parties and bonuses
- Scrubs (especiall the brown and pink ones)
-Tommy bell and the leg raise hand squeeze
-Mr. Gach's boils and is willingness to share too many medical details
- Vince the collections man ( he looked like a vampire, long nails, all black clothes and white hair)
-the DHL guy, UPS lady linda and the new guyI forgot his name, but he saw us at DII and got sooo confused and the postmen that would talk to us and drop off mail BEFORE 4:30
-the proper RBI impression technique--its all it the angle of the air nozzle
- Jerry's poster& Mr Rogers' poster
- the nursery upstairs
-moms' stash of goodies under her desk
I know I'll think of more, it was an emotional day and I cried. I felt like Meg Ryan in You've got mail, and I can't even imagine what my Dad is feeling but I hope he knows hope much his hard work and dedication meant to me and soo may others. So long SVFD and my work in the dental field its been real.

Tee tagged me

8 TV shows I like to watch:
Biggest Loser
Jeopardy
Project Runway
CSI
Ellen
Eli Stone
Greys Anatomy
The Amazing Race

8 restaurants I like to eat at:
Tony Romas
Kona Grill
Pin Kaow
Bucca di Beppo
Chipotle
Benihana
Rachel's Kitchen
Original Pancake House

8 things that happened today:
Woke up soooo late
Worked at the Dental Implant Institute (helped my dad extract my lil' brother's #1 3rd molar, I love extractions)
Made my hubby his new preferred dinner
Played with my Owie and watched him army crawl all over the apartment
Vacuumed
Worked out
Had a dance party
Went to walmart and witnessed two ladies profess to be true Christians, but seriously almost threw some punches



8 things I am looking forward to:

Being able to run in a race and enjoy it again

Owen's first Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas

General Conferance

Brett NOT working graveyard anymore

Wearing tights and sweaters soon

Going to Denver and Sacramento to visit family

Losing all my pregnancy weight(counts as two because I am REALLY looking forward to it & I miss my cute clothes)



8 things on my wish list

No car payments

More patience & peace of mind

All the cute little people and fisher price zoo toys that my little boy just loves

New mattress

Year round garden

Great CPAT and oral board scores for my husband

Healthy baby

A trip to New York with all my sisters :)

8 lovely ladies I TAG:

Dana, Katie, Julie, Emmy, Liz, Dani,MK, Janae, Lindsey, Sommer and Tiffany

After dealing with the Clark county school district, health department and the library system this week and getting very very little accomplished with all three I am ecstatic it is Friday and no government agencies are open on Saturday--here is a little comic relief for y'all

And in this corner weighing in at.......

25 pounds even, standing 28 3/4 inches tall, with a head circumference of 18 inches,we introduce the newly crowned 6 month old


This little guy is such a "bee charmer" I am loving this age with all his perks. He truly has the sweetest personality and is just "delicious ", as his munca says. He is sitting up, scooting backward and trying to "army crawl", eating all fruits and veggies with no problems, giggling and talking to all that will listen and loves to showoff his two little teeth. Owen will now reach for us and just about anyone else that smiles at him. He almost made CJ at the JJPAPER store cry today with a big reaching out love to her.She told me about five times that I had to be sure and have a couple more of these sweet dumpling babies--all in good time. He still loves to be outside and with the heat of the summer finally behind us we are enjoying longer walks and more of the great new parks Las Vegas has to offer. Both Brett and I can't wait for all the milestones that will soon come--- but I am so enjoying right now and all the fun days we are having with this adorable little boy!

His new smile, from ear to ear!

TEETH

Owen is the newest patient of our favorite Dr. John K Coons II DDS. Tooth "O" has fully erupted in all its glory and tooth "P" is almost there.Good ol central incisors. I could feel the little bumps but thought the little teefers would take their time. He is a bit early, most babies don't start teething until at least 6-8 months but once again our little guy likes to jump the gun. He has been pulling his ears and has had a rough couple of nights, he wants his mommy to hold him but no major crying or even tears. I am amazed at how tough babies are, I remember all four of my 3rd molars were coming in and I was hurting. I didn't wait like most to have all four out at once. I asked Dad to pull #17 after work one day because I just couldn't take it anymore. What a wussie.


"Mom why do you keep sticking your fingers in my mouth? Its not so nice."




"Alright I will show the blogging world my pearly whites"