Oden's New Discovery

Oden has recently discovered his feet. This video shows a typical 'foot session': Oden removes his sock, slobbers on his foot, gets distracted by his hand or Levi, slobbers some more, and then eventually moves onto his other foot.

We hope you enjoy watching Oden move through all the exciting development stages of infancy.

Infectious Laugh

Tickle me Elmo has nothing on Oden!!!

Mommy Makes Oden Squeal

Mommy is tickling Oden with her hair, making him Squeal.....

Failed Experiment

It likely takes 4-6 (or more) video shots to lead to one good video to upload. This video is one of the ones that wasn't going to make the cut... but it is a fun video so we decided to post it. We were trying to get Oden to sit up - but he wasn't having a good balance day.

Getting Ready for Our First Christmas

We are all set for Christmas. The tree has been up since Thanksgiving, the halls have been decked, and travel plans are set (Kalamazoo for Christmas Day, and Aurora the next day). You can see that we have lots of gifts under the tree from one another, and to/from family and friends. We consider ourselves lucky to have such a wonderful family and network of friends both near and far.

Happy Holidays to everyone, and we wish you a festive New Year!!!

Oden's 5 month haircut

As many of you know, Oden had LOTS of hair at birth. So much that he needed his first haircut at 2 months old. Well, he REALLY needed another haircut, so we asked Senate (who cuts Jon's hair) to do it, as he has a 9 month old and knows how to handle babies. Oden did good with Senate and the clippers as he sat on Daddy's lap.

However, after the first minute or so, Oden started to get unhappy.

Then he really started to WAIL!

However, in the end, Oden ended up just fine, and he is now pals with Senate.

Rollover Oden

Oden has had 24 hours to practice his rolling over, and now he is a true pro. Note his technique and how he first gets his leg over, then lifts his left shoulder, and finaly twists his big head in concert with his shoulder in order to get his upper body over his arm on the other side. A mastery of skill and grace that transcends both space and time...... That's my boy!

Oden Rolled Over All By Himself!!!

Today, we are proud to announce, that Oden rolled over all by himself - no intervention by Mommy or Daddy. He was at his Baby & Me class, and was watching the baby next to him, and he just had to roll over and get a little closer look. All the Moms in the class applauded Oden's big accomplishment, and his parents are very proud. Next thing you know he will be graduating from college... so we are savoring this moment.

As soon as we can get this on video, we will surely post.

Oden's first breakfast!!!

Oden is sitting up!

Oden is really getting his balancing muscles in tune, and he can sit up really well all on his own.

Next is the roll-over. I predict by Jan 1, 2007.

Oden Moans Himself to Sleep...

Oden's assisted rollover

Oden is ALMOST rolling over. He is wiggling his body and trying to do it on his own, but he can't seem to get his upper body started. With a little help from daddy, Oden can complete the move with no problem.

Christmas Wishes from the Rowley Family