The Grim Meeper: April 2013

The Little Things,

Lately Owen has been doing so many funny things that I’m scratching my head saying ‘where did he learn that?’ He’s also talking a lot more and I feel like he understands most everything we say. Whether he chooses to listen however, is a different story. But it is so much fun to see him mimic Mike and Me.

Owen always is talking to Mason and trying to take care of him. The other morning I was getting ready and Mason was in the swing crying, Owen started to climb into Mason’s bed, and he knows he’s not supposed to. So naturally I used the best mom-voice I could and said “Owen get out of Mason’s bed!” (He laughs at my mom-voice half the time anyway.) At this point I hurry super quick so I can help Mason and then all the sudden he stops crying. I looked over and Owen had gotten in Mason’s bed to get his binky and was standing there holding it in his mouth. I felt so bad for being frustrated with him, but I was so happy to see him being such a loving older brother. I went right over to tell him what a good boy and amazing big brother he is.

Both the boys have been so cute together lately. Mason is always watching Owen with a huge grin on his face. And when Owen talks to him he laughs. It’s adorable. For the first few months of Mason’s little life I was constantly reminding Owen to be gentle and not to sit on, or feed, or hit the baby. So now whenever Mason makes a noise and I’m in the kitchen or something, my natural reaction is to say Owen don’t hurt your brother, be gentle, or come here now. But lately Mason has been making noises of happiness. I’ll look over and see Owen just chatting away with him. The best part is Owen talks to him the same way I do in a higher voice, squints his eyes, smiles, and says, “Hi cute guy” over and over again. It’s been so much fun to watch Owen start to see Mason as a part of the family and not just some baby that is stealing his mommy away.

Among other random things that Owen has been up to. We were running some errands and I had Mace in one arm and was holding Owens hand in the other. When we got close enough to the door I told Owen he could run up by himself. I know this will come as a shock to you, but he got distracted by some rocks outside. So I started walking in and said good bye Owen, to see if he would follow me inside. He just looked at me with a big smile, waved, and said good bye back. Then I got my brave mom voice and said Owen you come in here right now! There was some guy who looked a lot like my dad standing inside laughing at Owen. I said hello to the nice man and told him that my son was testing me. He laughs and said “I can see that”. Finally I started to walk out to get him. He knew I wasn't super happy with him, so he started to run in. The best part is that when he ran in. He ran right up to that nice man standing in the door way and wrapped both arms around his leg and smiled at me like the man was going to save him from me…… Wow ……really…… Owen! You’d think I beat the boy. Never the less it was still cute and pretty fun.

Then one night I was putting him in bed. I told him that we loved him so much! I said if you need anything at all just call for me and Daddy and we’ll come. He took his binky out of his mouth looked back at me and said thank you. And then went right to sleep. It totally made my night. At church the next day Owen was so excited to get out of sacrament because he knows it’s time for nursery. He walks himself there. I watch to make sure he’s safe but he knows exactly where to go. Well on this Sunday he ran in with the biggest smile and his arms in the air like he was surprised or something, and said “HI GUYS!” as if to say ok the party can start now I’m here. It’s so funny to watch them grow up. It just happens so fast though. Mason is already eating baby food. It is the funniest thing ever to watch. Owen never wanted anything to do with it and went straight to solids. But Mason loves it and screams in between mouthfuls of food for more. It’s hilarious! He’s like a little bird kicking his legs as fast as possible waiting for his food. But of course I gave his fruit first so he is picky about what he will eat. He totally gagged when I gave him veggies. But he loves sweet potatoes so that’s good.

Mason will be 6 months in a week. I cannot believe that he is so big!!! He really is one of the most lovey little babies. I know it sounds funny and I used to always think moms were crazy when they would talk about knowing their babies before they are born. But when he was in my tummy I knew he was going to be a very soft and loving little boy. He’s always smiling and laughing. That boy is made of grins. And lately he has been lying down next to me and very softly playing with my face and talking himself to sleep. Seriously he is so adorable and has the kindest little hart.

In some of his more recent developments he has decided that his dad is cooler than me. This makes me sad. Michael won’t even be in the same room and he’ll hear his voice and starts kicking his legs as fast as possible like he going to run away or something. It is so funny! Whenever Mike and I are talking he just stares at him with his huge toothless smile. It doesn't make any sense. I’m fun too. Don’t get me wrong I’m love that my boys think their daddy is the coolest ever! But come on….. Really!? I do all the hard stuff. And I know I do because my eyes are bleeding from lack of sleep for you stinky little people. I’m just kidding. It’s probably one of my favorite things to see the boys adore their Dad. And I especially love that they both realize that they’re going to be best friends!

Surprise trip to Utah!

Michael had an interview with a pretty big company for an internship and the best part is that we would be in Utah all summer. We weren't planning on coming home for spring break. It really just sounded like way to much work to pack the whole family up and drive the 12 hours to UT. Plus the drive is brutal! It’s such an odd amount of hours to have to drive. Not long enough for two days, but too long for one day. And I felt really stressed going on such short notice. It’s definitely overwhelming to think about stilling the car for 12 hours with two kids that don’t understand why they’re all the sudden stuck in car prison. Owen has is starting to get the hang of the whole road trip thing. So knew that he would be fine. But Mason has never needed to be in the car for longer than about a half a second. So I was worried he was going to lose his little mind. But he was a trooper and slept most of the time too.

It was a pretty crazy week once we arrived. We were all so tired but of course the kids had a full night’s sleep and they were not going to bed anytime soon. So I was a long day for all of us. I decided that this trip I wasn't going to worry too much about who I got to see. So we just relaxed and stuck close the family for most the week. I was such a nice break even though Michael still had a lot of work to do for school. Although it was fast and crazy it was definitely worth all the effort. Michael was able to make a good impression with his interview. We got to go on a little family adventure for the first time with Mason. And I was so excited that we were able to be in Utah on Owens birthday. That was definitely one of my favorite parts. There is nothing I love more than seeing my kids have fun with all of their cousins. It melts my heart.

Owen is two!!!!!!

I cannot believe that my little baby is two years old! Owen you are such an amazing little boy. You are so loving and full of life. You are definitely the life of the party where ever you go. Your love for people is one of the most adorable things about you. I don’t think you have a shy bone in your body, even though you try to trick us into thinking that it is even a possibility. You love to make people laugh and you are a total show off/ smarty pants like your Daddy. You are determined little boy when you want something and you never stop moving. I guess I’ll take credit for your stubbornness and huge amounts of energy. You have a very passionate personality. You do everything with either extreme excitement or like it is the end of the world. This makes our life extremely entertaining at times. You love music and jump around the house all day listening to it.

You are you and there is no one else in the world like you. Heavenly Father has given you so many amazing talents and blessing. Life is so much fun! And there are so many amazing things that I can’t wait to share with you. Always stay as excited about life as you are today. Know that you are loved and special to us. We have had so much fun the last couple of years being your mom and dad. And I’m excited for the rest of forever. It’s going to be a party! Happy birthday my love!

It's been a crazy last couple of months. So the pictures are a little out of order. But I don't want to miss out on any of the picture I work so hard to get of my crazy little minions! Here are some of Owen and Mason becoming friends:)

Our little Owen just show in off. He is not at all like his daddy!!!!

Owen loves to wake up his brother. So fun for me! But... how can I be mad at him for loving the baby?

Party at our house!!!

These two have so much fun together.... (When they're not biting, kicking, hitting or stealing each others toys)

Finally a little outside time.... Don't get me wrong it was still freezing. But if anyone know Owen. You know that he can't sit still for 35 seconds. So I'll take any outside time I can get!

How most play dates end.....

Valentines from grandma and grandpa Nickell!!!

Mason is growing ridiculously fast. Some of these pics are only a week apart. But it looks like it could have been a month or two to me....

Happiest Baby ever!

Surprise trip to Utah! And Owen's birthday!

Aunt Monae was nice enough to share her birthday party with Owen. It's so fun that they share the same birthday. She even made a cake just for Owen. What a special day!