We were reunited with Papa Rog and were a family again! We took the dogs for a walk, but the heat was almost too much. Roger blessed me with another morning to sleep a bit later--he fed Owen breakfast from a bottle and put him back down to sleep. We were all just that much more rested for a whole day-Sunday, together!

Our "vacation" ended with a trip to Bayfield, Wisconsin, where we were greeted by Great Grampa Howard and Ruby. We had a nice fish dinner, then Owen woke up and we headed to their beautiful home that overlooks Lake Superior. We slept quite well, considering there was a pounding thunder storm for most of the night, and woke to a wet but peaceful Saturday morning.

I have said, I cannot say in words how dear some friends are to me. Once again, no matter the distance or time, Mr. Rebz has always been one of those friends and a light in my day who never fails to encourage me. You will never meet a man who can meet, greet, and encourage so easily with just a handshake and a smile, and I am glad Owen has the opportunity to meet people like Greg who have touched my life so deeply. I know Greg's light comes from his savior, Jesus Christ, but it takes a man of character to let that light shine so bright. He lives his life like a man who knows all blessings come from above.

We finally got our chance to go for a dip. Is that a smile I see on Owen's face? It sure was exciting to share one of my favorite things with Owen: swimming! He never cried or wanted out-he was as comfortable as can be! As soon as we decided it was time to get out, the temperature dropped and a storm blew in. There even was a tornado warning and we had to head to the basement! Soon it was all over, but we never got to get back in. These days I wish we had a pool!

Special moments...I overheard someone ask the question..."What does it take to make a grown man cry?" Owen seemed to smile or giggle whenever Grampa Phil talked to him...was it true "baby" talk? Early morning breakfasts and lunchtime "conversations" were baby Owen's and Grampa's special times. I got to sleep in and eat a peaceful meal during these times too. Precious. Moments to hold forever...when Owen is grown, I hope he can experience this with his own children and grandchildren...

After our wonderful time with Gr-Auntie Paula, we spent a bit of time, and only a few dollars, at Carter's and The Children's Place Outlet stores...dreaming about what Owen will fit in this fall...winter...spring...and next summer! It sure is fun but very hard to tell what size he'll be.

I went to get the car and, leave it to Gramma Mama, she found a toy for Owen to play in. She said the horn beeped, but she resisted putting the coins in to get the ride going...I just had to take their picture. :-)

I have been made aware that a "great aunt" is called a Gr-auntie, and today Owen met Gr-auntie Paula for the first time. Paula was as happy as can be to show off her new nephew to the neighboring table at Pine Cone Restaurant. She filled them in on how old he was and who she was and how he is her great nephew and all that fun information. We really had a nice time with Paula and were glad to hear how busy she is keeping-she says she loves her life and what she is doing-. If only more people in the world could truly say they loved what they do...and look as great as she does too!

I cherish the friendships that never dull, even when time and distance keep us apart. Some of those dear ones we see more rarely than once a year, but those rare times are oh-so precious. Michelle and I have actually grown to be better friends as we grew up and chose to live in different states. We both have a little one now...her Kylie is seven months older than Owen. It also was Michelle and her mother who gave a sweet devotional at my shower which was held in this lovely home. We all got to visit for a bit yesterday afternoon.

Cherished friends...cherished moments.

Here was our trip to Starbucks! Gramma Mama got the caffeine...mom and Owen had none! We had two orders of iced soy latte with a shot of sugar-free something...one decaf with breastmilk to go! Heehee...what else do you do with an hour to kill?

Today we had a picnic in the front yard! We took a walk, went for a swim, went to Walgreens, sat in Starbucks for awhile, stopped at Target...overall had a great day! Owen is so interested in the world around him that he favors sitting up (with a bit of help); in other words, he likes to be held so he can watch the world go by. He's not about to take anything lying down!

Literally and figuratively!

Monday evening was fun time with Grampa Phil once he returned from a hard day at work. Swimming, sunning, sleeping, enjoying being loved... many of our favorite activities! Owen even has his own swimmy trunks, but he wasn't quite ready to jump in yet. Soon enough we'll have him splashing & jumping & diving in the pool.

There is something peaceful about being able to hear the wind blow and the birds chirp. Owen is experiencing a brand new place and is handling it well. He seems to take time to "smell the flowers" and take in the nature all around us here at "Cherith Oaks" (a.k.a. "Camp Larsen"). On Monday he got to take a walk, or two, with Gramma Mama and take a nap, or two, on the porch. At six weeks he is quite steady and strong...today he did one and a half pushups while resting with mom! :-)

Before we left for Camp Larsen, we had to call Granny Nanny and Grampa Steve to come and say Good-bye because neither has gone a week without seeing little "O". After they left, Owen got to try a few slurps of his first cereal. Very diluted, but he seemed to like it!

To all of Owen's faithful "fans," FORGIVE ME for not updating sooner! The weekend was full of time with Gramma Mama and Grampa Phil, and then Rachel and Owen were swept away to spend the week at Camp Larsen in Wisconsin-today we finally got some pictures put on a CD so we could show them to you here. In this photo we stopped at a rest area to take a stretch, walk the dog, feed the baby, and empty our "tanks." The drive was very nice and leisurely, and we arrived at our destination Sunday evening. What a beautiful day for a drive!

Either Owen is really not feeling well or he is sure getting used to all that spoiling! I couldn't get anything done around the house and he sure was getting fussy, so I called in the troops! Actually...super Granny Nanny came to the rescue! Always looking for the opportunity to sing and play patticake and rock and bounce her favorite grandson, Nancy came over and I was able to fold about six loads of laundry, put it all away, go get adjusted by MB, and finally clean that gross crud that was accumulating around the drain. By that time...Owen was happy, mom was happy, and granny nanny had got her fill...for now. :-) We are so blessed...all of us!

I have been reading that you cannot spoil a newborn by loving and holding him too much. That makes me feel better because Owen is then loved very much. He is ccuddled and rocked and kissed and hugged by all the family that can't seem to take their hands off of him. Auntie Emmy is guilty of hugging and kissing and squeezing him...'til he barfs...here she is caught in the act! Owen does not seem to mind-he coos and cahs and smiles at the sound of her voice, so I suppose he'll let her babysit again!

Yesterday we pulled out an outfit that is oh-so-close to fitting! The hat is a wee bit big, but the shoes are lookin' good! He's our little Rookie!

Some more pictures of our night out without little "O"...

Our first Saturday night "date!" Auntie Emmy babysat little Owen while "mom" and "dad" hit the town--actually, just the reception for a bit of buffet and good dancing! It was nice to get away, but Little One was missed. The night went well for everyone...we so believe. :-)
Thanks Mary Beth!

Asleep...Awake...Asleep...Awake... We spend our days just enjoying what we have...time. Owen truly is growing fast and seems to be a happy baby. Today we had a chiropractic appointment, and then we went bra shopping. Very exciting.

To the left we have Owen's new pillow...ok, so mom uses it too! To the right we have sleepy Owen on the verge of waking up. He had his itty bitty chin resting on his itty bitty hand-of course we had to capture it on film!