White Boys Can Jump!

Oden has been making progress in leaps and bounds (see video). He is also talking independently; his favorite words being: moon, home, down, dig, no, uh-oh, and more. Oden is also playing much more independently, and can entertain himself for several minutes at a time. He loves his new play structure that Mom and Dad got him (pictures to come), and he is hitting the baseball better than ever too!

Enjoy the video!

Terrible Two's

It's official, Oden has finally hit the unavoidable TT's. It doesn't seem fair since he's not quite 2 years old yet (not for another 4 months!). But alas, our docile and sweet child has turned into an independent and extremely demanding little toddler (i.e. beast). But we still love him to death. It's actually pretty neat to see how he tries to exert his power, to get what seems to be so important to him at that moment. And it doesn't help that he's also teething. Not sure exactly which teeth are coming in (fangs?), but he's drooling and biting like crazy... and just that much crankier!

Mommy's Daukmai

I came across two very beautiful quotes today that encompass what I feel for Daukmai ("flower" in Laos)...

Imagine a love so strong that saying hello and goodbye in the same day is worth all the sorrow...

Most people only get to dream of angels... I held one of them in my arms.

Oscar Allen Daukmai Rowley

Conceived: October 26, 2007

Calculated Due Date: August 2, 2008

Birth Date: March 2, 2008

Death Date: March 2, 2008

Oscar unfortunately came 5 months too early....

too early to be able to survive outside of his Mama's nurturing belly

too early for Oden to have the role of "big brother"

too early for his Mama to kiss him and nourish him with her breast milk

too early for his Daddy to brag about his every little milestone

too early for his Grandparents to fawn over him

too early for his family to know him

but not too early for everyone to love him

and remember him

Please remember our little boy.........

Oden's new words

Oden is getting really good at attempting new words. In the last 10 minutes he has said "cheese", "cracker", and "more", while he was eating cheese, as well as "bowl". Earlier today he said "home".

Our boy is on a roll. If you ask him to say something, he will more often than not at least attempt to say it.... "cracker" didn't turn out so hot, but "more", "bowl", "home" and "cheese" were all pretty recognizable.

More good stuff from Rowleyworld!