Life with Owen

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-30T16:22:00.002-04:00

Owen was quite a helper with pumpkin carving this year. He was not a fan of the stuff inside the pumpkin, but he loved the carving aspect.
Due to a heavy snow storm, we were without electricity, so we had to run to get our carving done during daylight hours in a chilly house.
The finished masterpieces turned out pretty cool.

Halloween Parade

2011-10-29T16:15:00.000-04:00

Our local preschool network holds a Halloween parade every year on the Lexington Battle Green. The little tikes get dressed up and march around with their noise makers. The Kuder boys decided that a wagon pulled by Daddy was more enjoyable than walking on their own.
Owen's buddy, Danya, also came and joined in on the festivities. It may have been cold, but it sure was a lot of fun.

Fire Station Open House

2011-10-22T16:12:00.002-04:00

Owen continues he adoration of firetrucks and everything about firemen. When our local fire station had an open house, we knew Owen would love it. Not only did he get to climb all over the trucks, but he got to shoot water with a fire hose.

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

2011-10-16T16:10:00.001-04:00

For my birthday, Owen gave me some wonderful artwork.

Parlee Farm

2011-10-16T10:17:00.001-04:00

We went to Parlee Farm to pick out our pumpkins, but they had lots of other fun activities to enjoy. These tractors were something else. They were automated, but the petal was too far for Owen's foot. Daddy had the pleasure of pushing Owen around. Isn't that face priceless?

Owen absolutely loved running around on top of the haystacks. He went back 3 times!

Then we got to pick out pumpkins and Owen did a great job. He was so thrilled with his selection.

Columbus Day with Daddy

2011-10-10T10:14:00.000-04:00

Mommy had to work, but Daddy had Columbus Day off, so he took the boys to the Boston Children's Museum. It looks like they had a great time.

Thomas Day at Edaville

2011-10-09T10:10:00.000-04:00

We had a fantastic day at Edaville.
The carousel is a favorite.
And Owen was especially excited to ride Thomas!

Apple Picking

2011-10-08T10:05:00.001-04:00

We had a warm day to go apple picking at Shelburne Farm, in Stow.
Little Boys + Tractors = Big Smiles

Custume Tryout

2011-10-05T10:03:00.000-04:00

Owen decided that he wants to be Spiderman for Halloween. We aren't really sure where he got the idea to be Spiderman since we have not toys or seen any tv of spiderman. But none the less, he is super excited to be his favorite super hero.

Melt My Heart

2011-10-05T09:59:00.000-04:00

I know I'm Owen's mother, and I'm a bit biased, but isn't he just the cutest, most charming little guy? This boy has melted my heart in ways I didn't think possible. I love to see him smile -- I feel like it brings out the best in me as well.

Our Little Artist

2011-10-02T09:47:00.001-04:00

Owen has been really into drawing and coloring these days. He has gotten so good with coloring in the lines and producing drawling that actually look like something. We are so proud of our budding artist.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

2011-09-25T09:36:00.002-04:00

The boys have gone crazy with all the football playing. Somehow Daddy manages to watch the Patriots and play with the boys in between plays. It just kills me to hear Owen say how he loves Tom Brady, but I guess he's not old enough to understand that his mother bleeds scarlet and gray!

Mario Cart

2011-09-24T09:33:00.001-04:00

The boys are obsessed with playing Mario Cart on the Wii...and by playing, I mean watching Mommy or Daddy play and pretending that they are playing too. I can't wait until they can play on their own, because Owen gets disappointed when I don't win a trophy at the end!

Family Soiree at Grandpa's Property

2011-09-17T09:26:00.001-04:00

Owen had a great time playing with his cousin, Elizabeth. Here they are chasing after the fishing line bate that Grandpa was teasing them with.

Owen did a great job with casting his line into the pond.

Ewwwww. Gross!

Uncle Mike was a great fishing buddy.

Family portrait...the little men were not super thrilled to be taking this photo.

And of course tractor rides with Grandpa were the best!

Nail Clipping Sagas

2011-09-10T09:24:00.002-04:00

Owen hates to have his nails cut. We either have to bribe him or just do it while he's kicking and screaming. When you find the right thing to bribe him with, he doesn't seem to mind it so much (notice the calmness above). I wonder at what age they do these things themselves?

Patio Dining

2011-09-10T09:21:00.000-04:00

We got a new patio put in and we have been really enjoying all the time we are spending outside.

New Wheels!

2011-09-04T09:19:00.000-04:00

Handymen

2011-09-03T09:16:00.000-04:00

Franklin Park Zoo

2011-08-20T15:22:00.001-04:00

A Budding Artist

2011-08-18T15:18:00.000-04:00

What a Character!

2011-08-15T15:13:00.000-04:00

Great Brook Farm, Carslie, MA

2011-08-12T15:10:00.002-04:00

My Big Helper

2011-08-10T15:08:00.000-04:00

The Lowell Spinners

2011-08-06T15:06:00.000-04:00

Big Brother Duties

2011-08-06T15:05:00.000-04:00

Maximum Destruction

2011-07-31T13:30:00.000-04:00

Soccer Freak

2011-07-30T13:29:00.001-04:00

First Dentist Appointment

2011-07-28T13:33:00.000-04:00

Learning the Wii

2011-07-25T13:27:00.000-04:00

Good Times in the Backyard

2011-07-24T13:25:00.000-04:00

I have no explanation!

2011-07-24T13:24:00.000-04:00

A Day at Cape Cod

2011-07-22T13:21:00.000-04:00

Little Helper

2011-07-16T07:45:00.000-04:00

Owen loves helping with home improvement projects. Today he and Daddy put in a new toilet seat that had a special smaller seat that folds down, just for Owen!

Hanging around Lexington Center

2011-07-15T07:42:00.000-04:00

Yeah for Underpants!

2011-07-10T07:37:00.001-04:00

Owen went the entire day keeping his underpants clean and dry. He was so proud.

His reward: the Batman monster truck.

The Kuder Family

2011-07-10T07:35:00.001-04:00

Lexington Fair

2011-07-04T13:32:00.000-04:00

4th of July

2011-07-04T07:15:00.000-04:00

Raquette Lake, NY

2011-07-02T07:13:00.000-04:00

Driveway Crusin'

2011-06-30T14:15:00.000-04:00

Shushi Lover

2011-06-27T14:13:00.000-04:00

Water play

2011-06-26T14:11:00.000-04:00

Putting Genius

2011-06-26T14:06:00.000-04:00

Owen's First Lobster!

2011-06-25T14:03:00.000-04:00

Grandma and Grandpa Kuder visit

2011-06-24T13:53:00.000-04:00

Storyland, New Hampshire

2011-06-19T14:17:00.001-04:00

Pajama Playing

2011-06-17T13:52:00.000-04:00

Mary comes to Visit

2011-06-05T16:05:00.000-04:00

"Cherry" Comes to Visit

2011-06-05T13:50:00.000-04:00

Sweet Shot

2011-05-27T15:38:00.000-04:00

Monter Truck Obsession

2011-05-27T15:36:00.001-04:00

Outer Banks, NC

2011-05-20T15:16:00.012-04:00

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T15:08:00.003-04:00

Out and About

2011-04-30T16:34:00.001-04:00

Today we took a walk to our local playground. It is a rare, but nice occasion when the boys both ride in the stroller together.

It's hard to believe Owen is now big enough to be climbing all over the equipment on the playground. It seems like just yesterday he was too little!

Lego Lover

2011-04-30T16:22:00.000-04:00

Owen has been spending lots of time playing with his duplo legos. His creations are becoming more and more elaborate. I love the creativity and imagination it sparks.

Big Brother Pushes

2011-04-29T16:32:00.000-04:00

Owen was being so sweet with Marcus today at the playground. Since Marcus likes the swing so much, Owen was giving him pushes. Marcus couldn't get enough.

Faster, Faster!

2011-04-27T16:19:00.000-04:00

This is the fun that is going on at our house right now...can it get any cuter?

Easter Photo Session

2011-04-24T16:12:00.001-04:00

Mommy wanted to get a couple of cute shots of the boys, but sitting in front of the camera is not something that Owen is interested in doing. Especially if he's outside - there are more fun things to do!

But while the boys were being impossible, Mommy did get a few keepers!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T16:06:00.001-04:00

Owen was thrilled to look for the eggs that we colored. The Easter Bunny did a good job hiding them.

If there is a theme to this year's Easter gifts, it's Monster Trucks! The boys were thrilled with their new wheels!

Egg Painting Party

2011-04-23T16:00:00.002-04:00

We had a blast getting in the Easter spirit with some good 'old fashion egg dying. Owen was excited to see what color each tablet turned into once it dissolved.

It is hard to teach a 3 year old patience, which is needed with dying eggs. Owen enjoyed all the dipping and progress checking.

Pajamas and Smiles

2011-04-23T15:51:00.001-04:00

We spend lots of time in our cozy pajamas around here. Owen and Marcus are just too cute together. They just melt my heart.

2011-04-17T15:45:00.000-04:00

Basketball has been an obsession with Owen lately. He's actually pretty good at shooting with his kiddie hoop. Pretty soon he's going to be making real hoops!

Daddy's New IPhone

2011-04-08T15:42:00.000-04:00

Daddy got his IPhone today and he and Owen were engrossed in it. The touch screen is perfect for Owen. The game, Angry Birds, seems to be a big hit.

Bulldozing Boy

2011-04-08T15:31:00.000-04:00

Owen still loves his trucks and plays with them endlessly. The April weather is still chilly, but that doesn't stop Owen. The sandbox is a favorite place to play.

Sliding Brothers

2011-04-08T06:00:00.001-04:00

We were at the Mall really early in the morning, thinking we could purchase an Ipad 2 from the Apple store. We went in our pajamas only to learn there were too many people waiting for it to be possible for us to get one. Oh well, we went to the deserted playground and had a little fun. Owen was teaching Marcus the joy of going down the slide.

Celtic Boys

2011-04-07T15:27:00.000-04:00

Basketball play-offs are happening, so the Kuder boys are showing their support with their Celtics shirts. Each of them have their own player...Daddy wears Rondo, Marcus sports Pierce, and Owen loves K.G.

White Kitty Love

2011-04-02T15:23:00.001-04:00

Owen very much adores his white kitty. He is definitely a comfort item as Owen seeks him out in the mornings and evenings. He's not looking so white these days, but loved so much, nonetheless.

Games with Daddy

2011-04-01T15:15:00.002-04:00

Owen was enjoying the "where's the ball?" game.

Happy Birthday, Marcus!

2011-03-28T14:40:00.000-04:00

Today Owen helped Marcus celebrate his first birthday. His duties included helping his little bro open gifts and eat his cake!

We had our neighbors over for cake and ice cream and Owen got to hang out with Dave, our teenage neighbor from across the street. Owen adores Dave, and the two of them went to town with all the Legos. Owen proudly showed off all their creations after the party.

Coloring

2011-03-26T14:09:00.003-04:00

Owen got a coloring book at a friend's birthday party and he has really been enjoying coloring in it. I guess it took the right pictures to grab his interest (Toy Story). It is great to see him color with more intention and he tries to stay inside the lines. I think we may need to work on his pencil hold!

Wagon Buddies

2011-03-18T14:32:00.002-04:00

We tried to take advantage of some warmer weather by getting out for a wagon ride. Owen has always loved riding in the wagon, but I'm not sure he was too thrilled about sharing room with Marcus.

3 Year Check-Up

2011-03-17T14:46:00.001-04:00

Today Owen went to his 3 year check-up and saw Dr. Palant at Lexington Pediatrics (above). All seems to be going well with Owen's development.

3 Year Stats:
Weight: 28 lbs.
Length: 35 inches
Overall he's in the 46th percentile for size.

Puzzle Enthusiast

2011-03-15T14:42:00.010-04:00

Owen has really been into putting puzzles together. To our surprise he has quickly gotten so good at putting them together. It is wonderful how he spends lots of time entertaining himself with assembly. In the photo above, he proudly shows off all his puzzle accomplishments.

Extra Birthday Celebrating

2011-03-12T14:35:00.000-05:00

Owen loves mini-golf, so we thought it would be appropriate to do a mini-golf outing with Danya as a birthday treat. Luckily there is an indoor place that was perfect for our budding golfer.

The fun was capped with pizza for lunch. The boys were being so silly and cute. Such a perfect day.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Owen!

2011-03-11T14:16:00.001-05:00

Owen's 3rd Birthday was met with much anticipation. All the birthday talk was so fun...getting him excited for the special day.

The big day began with a Duncan Donut breakfast. If you talked to Owen, there is no better breakfast and that's saying a lot because he loves most breakfast foods. Doughnuts with sprinkles on them have become a favorite...and he proceeds to eat the top portion of the doughnut only!

We took Owen out for lunch at a local pizzeria and had the cutest time with our birthday boy.

When it was time to open gifts, Owen jumped in with full gusto.

Owen got a play tent that immediately had to be put up. Owen then decided that the rest of his gifts had to be opened inside of the tent. So cute!

Owen got a couple of new puzzles so he wanted to put them together right away.

Grandma Kuder got Owen a computer/story machine that he enjoyed checking out.

I must admit that Daddy had the brilliant idea of doing a monster truck theme cake. I took that idea and ran with it which resulted in this creation. To say that Owen loved it would be putting it mildly. He talked about it for weeks afterwards.

Our tradition has been to have all our neighbors over for cake and ice-cream, and this year was no different. Owen was so proud to show off his cake and couldn't wait to blow out the candles.

Is there something about kids where they just instinctively know how to blow out candles? Owen blew his out like an old pro!

Pre-Birthday Celebration

2011-03-10T14:13:00.000-05:00

I wanted to bring in a birthday treat to Owen's preschool class the day before his birthday (since his bday was a Friday and he's home with me on Fridays). Owen was overjoyed to have me there with HIS cupcakes. I just loved the way my little boy sat there with the biggest grin on his face as they sang Happy Birthday to him.

2011-03-06T14:03:00.000-05:00

We took a trip to Harvard to the Museum of Natural History. Owen is fascinated by all the animals and it is so cool how he recognizes so many species now. Nothing beats a child's curiosity.

We then decided to jump on the subway and head downtown for some lunch. Owen is such a fan of trains, that riding the subway is super exciting.

While downtown, Owen was a menace to the pigeons. He just loved chasing them all over the place. I'm not sure if he wanted to catch them or scare them away, either way it was so funny to watch him at work.

First Professional Haircut

2011-03-04T13:58:00.002-05:00

Owen got his first paid haircut today. This picture says it all. He did not love the experience and had to be majorly coaxed into getting it done. He calmed down towards the end, but it was rough going. Lesson learned, don't take a baby and toddler to the salon because Marcus made me completely useless in helping to keep Owen calm and still. I also thought that the hair cut was no better than what I do with hair clippers at home, so we probably won't go back anytime soon!

Inventive Eater

2011-03-04T13:47:00.000-05:00

Owen got a super cool two-step stool built by his Uncle Eric so that he can be tall enough to join in all the kitchen fun. BUT he also figured out a fun way to enjoy a meal with his stool. Pretty clever, though I don't think he'll be small enough to do this for very long!

Sous-Chief

2011-03-01T13:51:00.000-05:00

Owen has become such a cute little kitchen helper. He loves to help cook and constantly asks what everything is and what is going on. While this can be fun, it can also be cumbersome to actually try and get things done. This night he helped Daddy put together a pizza. The dough was like play-doh heaven for him. All this interest will occasionally get Owen to try new foods, which is a huge plus. I think he found out he liked red peppers with this adventure in cooking and he loved showing off the mushrooms.

Bad to the Bone!

2011-02-27T09:42:00.000-05:00

Owen loved showing off his tattoo. I'm not sure what the "J" stands for, but he doesn't care. Just look at those biceps!!!

"Owen, where are you?"

2011-02-25T09:36:00.000-05:00

Another new favorite place to hide is in the cloths hamper. Owen gets upset if there are too many dirty clothes in there!

Monster Trucks

2011-02-20T10:07:00.001-05:00

Like a typical boy, Owen loves trucks. Every kind of truck, including Monster trucks. A while back, Daddy decided to record a Monster Truck show on tv, and ever since Owen has loved watching it. So when Daddy found out there was a Monster Truck show coming to western Mass, he thought it would be a fun thing to take Owen to see.
Since it was just Owen and Daddy, I had to rely on Brian to get some photos. This is what I got back. The pickings were slim.
The show got mixed reviews. Owen was very chatty about it afterward, but he didn't last very long at the arena. It was apparently very loud and smelly from the exhaust. Daddy found out that outdoor ones would have been better, so maybe they'll try again in the summer.

Puzzle Boy

2011-02-19T10:04:00.000-05:00

Owen got this puzzle for Christmas and he loves putting it together. At first he needed a little help and encouragement, but now he can complete the entire puzzle on his own. He is so proud of himself when it accomplishes it.

Shoppy Shopping

2011-02-18T09:25:00.002-05:00

Owen and I invented a little game of shopping, where we set up lots of food and took turns "Shoppy Shopping" (a name that Owen came up with).

Owen wanted to do it over and over again, so we got more elaborate as time went by. First we started bagging the groceries.
Then we added a counting aspect with pretend money. Such a serious little shopper!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T09:18:00.000-05:00

This ensemble got printed out as Valentines for Owen's classmates. I think next year I just have to buy the store/pre-made kind, because Owen actually liked looking at all those that he received.

At home, Owen got spoiled by Mommy and Daddy with a couple of little gifts.

And then dinner was capped off with yummy cut out cookies that Owen and I had made over the weekend.

I just love this little guy!

Favorite Meal

2011-02-11T09:59:00.000-05:00

Here, Owen is showing off his favorite meal which is known as "Arthur to the Rescue Cheese". We have a book titled "Arthur to the Rescue" that Owen enjoys. So when we found Mac and Cheese with Arthur on the box (and Arthur shaped pasta), it immediately became "Arthur to the Rescue Cheese"...so cute.

My Sweetheart

2011-02-11T09:54:00.000-05:00

Owen likes to do self portraits and immediately see himself on the back of the camera. When he's so willing to do these kinds of photos, I get some real gems. Like this one. When I look at Owen here, he just melts my heart. Don't get me wrong, he can have his moments, but for the most part he his such a happy, charming and fun little guy.

A Warm Day

2011-02-06T09:33:00.002-05:00

While there is still TONS of snow on the ground, mother nature blessed us with a warm day. We decided to take advantage by going for a walk. We can't wait for spring!

Hide-n-Seek

2011-02-06T09:13:00.002-05:00

Owen has always liked hide-n-seek type games. He hasn't mastered the "quiet" part of hiding, but he has become more inventive about where to hide. While he has his favorite spots, he has been seeking out new places. Sometimes I'm surprised at where he can fit....like inside this china cabinet. He also managed to climb inside the dishwasher, which was funny but definitely a no, no!

Chuck-E-Cheese Party

2011-02-05T09:44:00.000-05:00

We were at a local Chuck-E-Cheese for our friend Danya's 3rd Birthday. This was a fun place for Owen, even though it seemed like chaos for the rest of us! Owen was really good about waiting his turn for games and rides. I wish I could say the same for some of the other kids there.

Owen's favorite was the basketball game. He and Daddy played together TONS of times.

Bribes

2011-01-28T10:14:00.000-05:00

Owen is a picky eater. And sometimes he's a non-eater. When he doesn't want to eat, we have resorted to bribing him with yogurt covered pretzels (his favorite). "Owen, do you want a pretzel? You have to eat your meal."

The one meal we never have a problem getting him to eat is breakfast. Only now after he finishes his breakfast, he insists on pretzels. We've been outsmarted by a 2.5 year old!

Mario

2011-01-28T10:09:00.000-05:00

Owen seems to enjoy watching Daddy play the Wii every once in a while. He has lately started asking to play Mario where he is able to get the Mario character walk around a bit. I know Daddy can't wait until Owen and he can play the Wii together.

Games

2011-01-23T10:06:00.001-05:00

Owen is getting at an age where he is interested in playing games. He got memory for Christmas and enjoys playing the "Match Game". He has interesting rules for playing, but he is good at taking turns.

The Big Bed

2011-01-16T10:01:00.001-05:00

Owen started sleeping in the queen bed in his room this winter. I'm not sure why he transitioned out of the toddler bed...but I think the big bed is a bit more warm and cozy. There is an advantage to a big bed...laying down with him to read books is so much more comfortable. The disadvantage is that he sometimes insists that you stay in bed with him until he falls asleep.

Playing in the Snow

2011-01-16T09:55:00.001-05:00

We got Owen a snow sled and he enjoys riding down the little hill of snow in our front yard. Daddy had to get a bit creative with maneuvering the sled since he can't climb up on the snow.

Our yard can be quite the climbing adventure for a 2.5 year old.

Mr. Personality

2011-01-13T09:26:00.000-05:00

Owen is so full of personality these days. His new saying is "Yes, Sir." I can only guess that he hears this at daycare because we never say that around here.

Some other current favorite expressions:
"What are doing?" (the you is left out on purpose)
"What's that?"
"I don't like that."

A Time for Shoveling

2011-01-12T09:18:00.000-05:00

It's pretty much a snow day here with the 2+ feet that we got. Owen was excited to get all dressed up to go out shoveling.

Owen was happy to shovel AFTER Daddy shoveled. It was like walking around in tunnels for Owen.

The whole family was out for the snow clearing fun.

So much snow!

Play Dough Mania

2011-01-06T09:11:00.000-05:00

Owen is always asking for his play dough. While it can be a bit messy, we love it because it keeps Owen occupied for quite a while. There aren't many things that can hold his attention for so long.

He has quite an imagination on what his creations are as well. Dinosaurs, sharks, bears. Doesn't matter if they don't really look anything like that!

Tractor Love!

2011-01-03T08:52:00.000-05:00

It is never too cold, or the wrong time of year for Owen to check out a tractor. He and Grandpa happily trekked out to see the tractor (aka ridding mower). Pretty soon Owen is going to be begging him to take it for a ride.