Owen's Checkup

Owen had his 18month wellness checkup, here are his stats:

Weight: 23lbs 7oz (3lbs lighter than June) 19th Percentile 

Height: 33.8 in 86th Percentile

Head Circ: 48.3cm 63rd Percentile

AND....

an ear infection. At this rate, I am shocked if he doesn't have an ear infection! This poor kid, But he's still happy and more irresistible than ever! 

Yes his love for cars keeps him content and happy 

Owen's in Nursery

My not so little baby boy went to Nursery for the first time this past Sunday. In the LDS church, children do not go into their own little classes until they are 18months old and it's a bitter sweet time. 

The last couple of months, He has been a handful at church and we were pretty darn excited to get him into nursery, especially Dan, since due to my calling in the church, Dan had the little monster during 3rd hour with him, which meant he hardly went to 3rd hour. 

We were excited to take him to nursery after Sacrament on Sunday, and June wouldn't go to primary first, she really wanted to go with us to drop Owen off. In all honesty I was so ready for him to go, I really thought that I wouldn't be that sad about it. I was wrong. 

When we went and sat him down in his little chair, he looked around for a bit, but then they gave him fruit snacks and he was all set. The nursery leaders encouraged us to just leave him, and they would come get us if there was any problems... I just couldn't leave. I wanted to sit there and watch him. Dan gently ushered me out, we took June to primary and then I had to take a quick sec to catch my breath. Even right now writing this brings a sting of tears comes into my eyes... I just thought it would be so much easier with the second one. It wasn't. I had such a hard time letting him all of the sudden take a big step into toddler hood. My heart hurts a bit. I'm sure I'm getting a few chuckles for my overly attachment to my children... but I just cannot help it. 

He did great all through snack time, but when they changed rooms to go to singing and lessons he had a hard time understanding what was going on. They came and got me, and I went and sat with him for a while. We sang songs and played for a bit, but then slowly I took a step back and let him take the lead. He looked back every once in a while to make sure I was still there. I just smiled and told him it's ok, and then he engaged right back into the activity. 

When they went into the toy/puzzle room I slowly walked slower so he could walk with the rest of his class, and then didn't follow him in. He went in and bolted for the cars, (of course). 

For me it was a quiet 3rd hour, I was able to accomplish all I needed for the 3rd hour and listened to our lesson. After ward I had a few things I had to take care of, so when I found Dan he had June, and Owen was zonked out on his shoulder. I guess about 10 minutes before class got out, Owen started fussing, so they took him to Dan. Dan said he fell asleep within seconds. 

All in all I feel his first day of nursery went rather well. WAY better then June did on her first day of nursery. 

I think it caught me off guard with how much Owen is growing up. I feel like he is so much littler than June was at that age. The babies growing up is a bit of a heart string tug. I love it and absolutely  hate it all at the same time. 

Owen as of Lately

The little stud is 18 months old today! I can't believe it and I LOVE IT! I really do think that 18+ months are my favorite. They just start becoming their own little people, their fun, they have a little more independence, and it's just so enjoyable!

Owen has really stepped up his game in the last six months of awesomeness. He was not the easiest baby, and by the easiest, I mean difficult. I was a bit worried that he was going to be an on going thing, but thank heavens he seems to be outgrowing the neediness, the tantrums, and the constant-ness of being a grump.  We partially blame him being sick for sooooo long. We obviously still loved him, but he has become such our little bud lately, that lets be honest, makes parenthood a whole heck of a lot easier!! Oh man I love him. 

A few stats: Owen's Dr's appointment is next week, and I am sure I will be posting an actual measurement stats update, but here is a few of our own stats...

Owen is 1.5 years old. He wears size 5 diapers and is currently wearing 18-24 month clothing, though some 2T items fit him. Depending on the brand. 

He is still sleeping in his crib, obviously, and we don't know when that transition will happen. We assume sometime this year, but we aren't in any hurry to push him out of his crib. 

Owen goes to bed at about 7pm. Though lately he has been staying up a bit later. We would love to only have one bed time routine, but we know that will come with time. He seems to not be getting as tired at night, so we are slowly seeing if he stays up later... not sure, still working on that one. 

He will sleep for about 12-13 hours, give or take and is completely sleeping through the night. Obviously there are nights where he wakes up... teething, can't find his blanket, or scared of a storm. He is SUCH A LIGHT SLEEPER! We have thought about having him and June share a room, but he wakes up at any sound, and sleeps with a sound machine... so the transition might now go so smoothy. For now we don't really see the point in having them share yet... we don't need that room for any reason and don't feel it necessary to go through the hassle of having them share a room. Though I'm sure its going to happen at some point. 

Our bedtime routine is read stories with him while he drinks some milk. He is fully off bottles and only drinks out of sippy cups, or regular cups. Then he usually starts pointing to his crib when he's ready to go to sleep. He doesn't really like to be sung to, but I still sing him one or two songs as I stroke his hair while laying in the crib. He puts himself to sleep, with a HUGE mouthful of blanket. I have to change his blanket every morning because it's so wet from him having it in his mouth at night. 

He takes one nap between 12:30-1:00pm and wakes up between 3:00-4:30pm. Depending on the day. He sometimes falls asleep in the morning, and will zonk out for an hour, but that isn't always the case. 

Owen's favorite foods/drink are: peas, noodles, milk, chocolate milk, water, chicken, apples, bread, cupcake goldfish...

Really the kid eats anything you put in front of him. He is a heavy eater. He pretty much eats out the entire family. Thankfully we haven't hit the picky eater stage and I would love to keep it that way! (doubtful, but a girl can dream)

Owen is walking all over the place and starting to kick up the pace. He will be running soon, and I can only imagine how much fun that's going to be. 

We think he is going to be left handed. (Just like Grandpa Lancaster) He favors it 90% of the time and uses it for most hand functions. Dan already has him pinned as a left handed pitcher... haha 

He is speaking more and more everyday and learns new words regularly. 

He now says: Mama (and knows that I am Mama), ball, car (his most favorite word) milk, and tickle (he grabs your arm, rubs his fingers against it and says "tickle, tickle, tickle")

He is a super Mama's boy

Ok now on to a bit more of his personality: 

HE IS ALL BOY.

Owen is a go getter. He loves getting into every thing, exploring anything that he isn't allowed to explore and putting everything into his mouth.  He is always on the move and wants to do it all on his own. He loves exploring, picking up and poking at things. 

Our little guy is tough, He bonks his head, falls over, gets knocked down... so on and so forth, he just gets right back up and keeps going. 

Owen is mischievous, and he knows it too. He knows when something is wrong, so he'll do it then quickly waddle away, grinning that two dimple grin that is so irresistible. Toilet paper rolls are is go to, but he tries to not leave anything undisturbed in his path. He colors on walls, on floors, on his sister, on himself, He throws things into the toilet, and just causes havoc if not carefully watched. But he is so quiet about it. It's kinda funny. 

                    

I opened the cupboard one day, and found the box of cheerios opened and his little cars. It made me chuckle, because I obviously knew who had been in the cupboard. sneaky little man. 

He LOVES to body slam, wrestle, tackle, and keep doing it over and over again. If you are sitting on the floor, you don't stand a chance. June has a love/hate relationship with it. It depends on the day if she plays along or if she screams. 

                             

Owen is a climber, He climbs onto everything, and is really good about it. He loves climbing onto our bed, which gives me a mini heart attack each time he does, because our bed is pretty high off the ground. He climbs onto a bench we have in front of our bed and the shuffles himself on top of the bed. The he throws himself on the pillows. I can't blame him for that... I mean, our bed is pretty darn comfortable. But still mini heart attack!

As much as that kid moves, he also has a very gentle side to him. He loves to cuddle with stuffed animals, and LOVES to give hugs and kisses. If he finds something that really intrigues him, he will sit and play for a while. It's usually his talking bear that sings and talks.

He loves watching Chuggington and ONLY Chuggington. TV doesn't intrigue him all that much. We don't offer that much to him, but when it is on, he has no interest, unless those trains are on. 

He also LOVES his blankets. Those blankets are his little lifeline for security. They comfort him so quickly, and you put one of those near his face, his whole body just folds into your arms. It's kinda my favorite. 

He will have a blanket in his mouth has much as he can. He loves just having it in his mouth! 

He is a little sweetheart, and becoming my good little shopping buddy. We have a pretty good system down now, and that include a cup of cookies to keep me and the kiddos happy! 

 Owen is such an independent little thing. He plays SO WELL by himself and it's super nice. He does love to play with June and follows her around all the time, but he also knows how to keep himself happy. Lining up little figurines and then knocking them down keeps him occupied for hours. 

 Owen loves playing outside. He loves splashing in the water and coloring with chalk. He goes to the window and points to go out every morning. 

The kid LOVE LOVE LOVES his cars and balls. I swear we have given him all sorts of other toys, but this boy is just drawn to cars and balls. He can't get enough of them. 

His cars are his most favorite. We don't go anywhere without a car in his hand and a spare in my purse. He loves any kind of car, truck, motorcyle, anything with wheels. He's really awesome at playing with them and making the most adorable "vroom" sounds. 

He loves to read books, I will find him in his room, sitting in front of his book shelf just looking at all of his books. Once they are all pulled of the shelf, he moves into June's room and looks at all her books. 

Owen is a snuggler for sure. He loves to just sit and rock at night, He will sit and watch baseball with us and loves having the back of his neck/hair line rubbed. It just freezes his body. When he is snuggly its hard to put him down, because he tends to just bury his head into your neck and stay quite content that way. (as long as he has a blanket shoved into his mouth) 

He is becoming such a little toddler and just so much fun. His little smile sends my heart to the moon and back. I know I am in trouble with those dimples as he grows up. This boy has my heart, and keeps me on my toes. He has become such a fun happy little man who I absolutely adore with my whole being. I crave holding his little body in my arms at night, and can't wait to go get him in the morning because I know that smile and those out reached arms are waiting for me. He brings so much laughter and joy into our home and I am eternally grateful I have him forever! Love you my little boy. 

June as of Lately...

Today my little chicka is 3 and 1/2 years old and time for an update on this little love of mine.

I sit here and think how or where to start, and I just start laughing at all the amazingness and crazy that comes from this little person. I don't even think I will be able to capture all of the things this little Juniper is, but I will try. 

Just a few things about June's schedule or life before I get into the more detailed items. 

June is our small little thing. She wears 18-24mo pants and Shirts. Some 2T fit her, but depending on the brand.

She sleeps for about 11 hours at night, going to bed at 8pm and waking up around 7. She loves to play Disney Jr. computer games before going to bed. 

We sing Christmas songs to her most nights. She loves "I want a hippo for Christmas". "Jingle Bells', "Rudolph" and "Away in a Manger" 

She has to have her blanket snuggled up to her head and then her "comfy, cozy" which is her Frozen blanket. 

When she's not tired, or pretends to not be tired, she comes up with the lamest excuses ever to get out of bed. It's hard sometimes to not laugh, especially when she's so serious about it. 

June does not take naps and actually hasn't for a long time now. She still has quiet time, which is usually consisted of playing in her room, playing with items from the "quiet bin" or watching a movie on her iPad. 

June has been potty trained for a while. Before she was two, but she has now finally started going completely by herself. Before she would come tell us she had to go potty and one of us would have to go with her. She now tells us and then just goes on her own. It's SO NICE! When it's a bathroom she doesn't know, we obviously go help her, or if there isn't a stool, we have to be there, she's too little to climb up by herself. She now flushes (which is tricky on our toilets because the flush button is on top of our toilet) and can wash her hands all on her own! 

She Loves building forts, attempting to play Mario Kart, pretending she's a robot, "My Little Pony" and Disney Junior. 

Now onto more details of our little Junster:

June bug is my sweetheart. She is very concerned about other's feelings, and aware of so much emotion that happens around her. She is compassionate and very tender hearted. Her feelings get hurt pretty easily. Thankfully, she is very good at expressing her feelings and letting us know if she is mad, excited, frustrated, sad and others. She communicates phenomenally well and it helps cut out a lot of tears and tantrums. She never has been a big tantrum thrower, and I am forever grateful for that. 

She is incredibly smart and much more mature for her age. She grasps things and thinks so logically sometimes, that I wonder how in the world she could ever have thought of it. Her reasoning skills are impeccable for a 3 year old. We are a bit worried for the teenage years. When we are discussing what needs to be done that day, or what chore needs to be done, she will think about it then say "How about this, how about this" with her hands out in front of her. She then will tell us what she thinks and asks "Deal?" Honestly sometimes her thinking actually makes more sense and she wins. 

Or when she knows we are getting up set with her, she says "wait, I have to talk to you first!"

She LOVES to read. I mean LOVES it! She asks us to read stories to her whenever we are sitting down... Breakfast, lunch, dinner, bath time, going potty... anytime, she asks to be read to. 

June has recently asked us to start teaching her to read. She has a leap frog pen that reads the words to her, but she said she would like to learn on her own. We have slowly started working with her. We don't know if it's sinking in at all, but we will never turn her down when she asks us to teach her to read, no matter her age. 

The questions never stop with her. She wants to know what everything is, does, whats it for. She just asked me if Dan and I were married, and then asked if we were in love first or if we got married then fell in love? She then told me, she can't wait to be in love. It turned into a precious conversation about different kinds of love. She is very curious of the world around her. She loves exploring outside, and being an "expert" finder. We do multiple scavenger hunts a week. She loves little pill bugs, but HATES ants. The tiniest little ant freaks her out and it has to be taken care of immediately or she wants to go inside. 

Little Ju-Ju-B is much more of a mild child, and takes things with cation. We still take it easy on the swings. 

She doesn't like anything too crazy or wild. Loud noises really bug her, and she doesn't like when there are too many children around. We leave the park if there are too many kids playing there. She doesn't like rough play. She has gotten a little more brave though. At her gymnastics class there is a big rope that they swing on into a foam bit. She NEVER has wanted to go on it... until a couple weeks ago she stepped up and totally swung on it!!! WE WERE SO PROUD OF HER! It was a big deal for her to do that!! 

She does love to jump around and yell out "Ballerina Jumps!" Her little regular babysitter is a Ballerina and June loves dancing with her. We think thats where it came from. 

She also loves to play Hide N' Seek, tag and loves to race. She really loves to be chased and does not watch where she is going. That little bug gets more goose eggs than I thought possible! 

She loves the special time that she gets to spend with daddy, especially riding in his car. That is one of her favorite things to do! 

She is independent and is getting more and more so. She likes choosing her clothes and accessories for the day. Like this super awesome dress with her winter boots. She wore this to church. This isn't even half bad compared to what she chooses! I say this more openly in hopes I am not judged for how my child is dressed everyday. hahaha 

She loves playing princesses, house, airplane and grocery store. Her imagination has taken off by storm and it is so fun to watch what she will come up with next. Every day our living room is turned into some type of store, or house. 

 She pretends to go camping on a regular basis, which consists of bringing out her pillow and as many toys as she can that will fit in her back pack. Along with her camping chair and flash light. 

She loves taking pictures with my phone and that includes selfies!

She Loves to text! Her and daddy have pretty regular conversations that regard emoji's. She is starting to get the letters and can write her name. 

She is really big into magic tricks and loves putting shows on for me and daddy. She loves when we announce "Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing June Loretta Lancaster!" Then she will run into the room. We do that all the time, over and over again, and she thinks its so funny! 

HER FAVORITE FOODS: She loves yogurt, apple Juice, water in water bottles, grapes, cuties, crackers, peanut butter and honey sandwiches, ice-cream, wasabi almonds, chocolate covered almonds and popcorn. Really anything thats bad for you she likes!

She is so funny and she loves to tell jokes. Knock knock jokes are her go to, but sometimes she will just make up some random joke. We do not get it at all, but we pretend its super funny, so then she will go tell anyone she sees or that will listen to her.

She loves to say the prayer and does not like being helped unless asked other wise. Her little prayers are precious, and sometimes something comes out of her mouth of what she is grateful for or asks to be blessed. 

(She was very upset one day that the other kids were not saying a prayer first before eating the pretend food) 

June wants to help with EVERY. SINGLE. THING that we do. It in all honesty does not bother me that much, the only time it becomes trouble is when it's too dangerous, like pulling food out of the Oven, or changing lightbulbs, or when we are in a hurry... but for the most part I think Dan and I both enjoy her help and she is actually really good at helping. She now helps me with all the load of laundry. She is super awesome at sorting clothes into different colors, and collecting the clothing items from her and Owens room. She knows how to work the washing machine as well, along with the dryer. She loves doing the dishes and loves getting the water for dinner/lunch. 

(Helping daddy trim the peach tree)

''

June is my precious little spirit. She has enough spunk to keep things entertaining, but keeps it at a level where it doesn't drive her mother bonkers. My heart is so incredibly full with how lucky I am that I get to be her mother. She is pretty darn close to perfect as a 3 year old, and I love her so so much for everything she is, and does! 

June's Primary talk

June gave her very first talk today in Primary! 

When she first received her little post card to tell her she would be giving a talk, she was ecstatic and has held onto that post card for the last two weeks!

Her talk was on how our Church is organized the same as the primitive Church. Article of faith number six. When writing her talk, she sat next to us and we discussed all about how our church is organized. She was so excited to give it. We practiced over the weekend and she was ready for her talk in Primary! 

She kept asking us all Sunday morning and during the sacrament if it was time to give her talk yet. She could hardly wait and we were right there with her. We were all so excited!

June gave her little talk and did a fantastic job! She spoke clearly into the microphone, which she could barley reach, and did exactly what we had practiced. She held up her pictures and was really proud of herself when finished. 

It was amazing watching her up there. She was just so big and brave and I can't get over that she's my little girl. It was one of those moments that being a parent is an absolute win over everything else. I am excited for more primary adventures to come! Love my little June bug and I am so proud of her!! 

Happy Easter 2015

Another Easter has come and gone! We had a fabulous weekend with lots of festivities and just having some awesome quality time with my little family. It's been such a busy time, that it felt really good to have a weekend that was just for us. Loved it. 

Since General Conference was on Easter Sunday this year, we wore our Easter outfits the Sunday before. 

Look at these two... I mean the cuteness just about does me in. I sometimes get so overwhelmed with how much I love these little ones of mine. 

It has been really fun this year to talk more with June and have her understand about the Resurrection of our Savior and why we really celebrate Easter. June was so proud of being able to say the word resurrection, so she would ask us CONSTANTLY to tell us the story of how Jesus was Resurrected. 

Dan had Good Friday off, so we spent the morning playing with the kiddos and then we headed up to the mall to look at new running shoes for Dan. We of course rode the carousal. We can't go to that mall without riding it!

We then went and played at the park

We made a trip to Costco and headed home. A low key day off, but a much needed day of just little errands and spending time together. 

Saturday morning we woke up and got ready to head to the annual Easter egg hunt that we go to every year. We met up with friends and spent our morning there. 

It was a bit chilly that early in the morning, so we bundled June up in Daddy's hoodie. She was pretty cute in it. 

June was mad because we wouldn't let her go get the eggs yet. 

And this little happy kid just took it all in. He's the coolest!

So the past years, June has been trumped when it comes to getting the eggs, so this year I made sure she got her fair share of eggs! She did great! 

Owen was loving it too!

After the Easter hunt, they have a lot of fun festivities set up. Games, crafts, free food, and also being able to see inside a police car, a firetruck, and an ambulance. 

 When we went and saw the fire truck, she saw the fireman and told him all about how the firemen came and rescued her from the bathroom and how a firetruck came to her house. 

Sitting in the back of the ambulance, where she told everyone how her brother rode in the back of one of these because he was sick. Hahaha she shares everything! 

We then went and rode a little train that goes around the parking lot. June was giving people "thumbs up!"

Owen was starting to have enough fun, and ready for a nap. We spent way longer than we planned there, but it was so much fun and the kids were loving it there. 

June's little confidence has boosted so much lately! She used to hate bouncy houses but when she saw one she got right it! Dan and I were shocked! Then a rambunctious little boy, was being way to rough  in there, kicking and pushing people and ended up kicking June in the face. 

Later that day, we listened to conference and then dyed our Easter eggs. I prepared myself for the mess, but June was super awesome and dying eggs, and in all honesty her eggs turned out the best! 

Owen just ate his eggs. We painted a few for him to put in the basket. 

From the Easter egg hunt, we got a bunch of sticky hands that stretch when you throw them. Well daddy and June were having fun chasing each other with them, and somehow one ended up on the ceiling. We have very tall ceilings. 

That night Dan went to the Priesthood session of General Conference, while June and I played. She was beyond excited for Easter to come the next day. I mean more excited than Christmas! It took her a while to get to bed and she was desperate to sleep with her Easter basket. I get why, I mean it's a soft pink bunny, but we needed to fill it! hahaha. 

I waited for Dan to get home, and we filled the baskets and hid them. June's was put in the oven..

Owen's was "hidden" on a chair. 

Easter morning going through baskets!

Owen became a chocaholic that morning. We would find him hiding with 4 or 5 mini eggs in his hands plus three in his mouth. He would sneak into other's baskets to grab more and melted to the floor when we completely cut him off. 

June kept all of her treasures in her basket all day. She is such a little sorter, and loved taking things in and out an sorting everything. 

Then we all got ready for a day spent inside listening to Conference. The kids got to stay in their special "Conference Jammies" all day... The kids did rather well for conference, June laid on the couch for about 40 minutes and just listened. We were surprised, but she said she was comfy and didn't want to move. Owen went down for a nap about an hour in, so really we got to enjoy conference more than we were expecting. It was very nice! 

In between sessions we played and then we had a traditional Easter dinner of ham and potatoes, along with some other sides. Then with full stomachs we got ready for the last session of Conference. 

Owen plays so incredibly welly by himself. Give that kid some trucks and he is set for hours. He lined his trucks up on his chair over and over again through conference. 

After conference we headed to the park for a bit of fresh air and then came home and got the kids ready for bed. It's always sad when a fun weekend comes to an end, but it truly was a much needed weekend together as a family. 

I am so grateful for this time of year, for the Resurrection of my Savior! He died for me. For me! Such a personal most sacred sacrifice that I won't ever be able to repay, So I try my best to live my life full of joy and happiness, with praise to my Father in Heaven, try to complain a little less,  and try to live by Christ's teachings. I'm FAR from perfect, but because of him, I have this wonderful life. I get to live and try again each day. I truly love this life that I have been given. 

Happy Easter all you fabulous people!