WE ARE...

So Owen got to visit his future alma mater this past weekend as Brynne and I took him to State College to see her mom, her Uncle Mike, Aunt Karen, cousin Willie, and her sister. We love to show him off and of course everyone has been more than willing to love on him. You'll see in some of the pictures that he is now smiling purposefully, and he's starting to wear "real" clothes, not just his newborn sleepers. This opens up a whole new realm of creativity for Brynne each morning as she picks out what he's going to wear, and gives me something to look forward to when we Skype at the end of the school day.

Side note: I started wearing sweaters to school over my shirt and tie this winter because I have a whole stack of them and they wouldn't have been worn otherwise (and it seriously cut down on having to iron all my shirts). Well for some reason my students got the greatest kick out of it and especially loved when I wore argyle. We even dubbed Thursdays "Argyle Thursdays." On occasion a few select students who weren't too cool to dress like their teacher would also wear argyle on Thursdays. Anyway, here's Owen doing his part to keep the tradition alive (my students will get to see these tomorrow and I know they're going to go crazy!).

Owen and Kelly

Last weekend my brother Tim and his wife Bethany were in town with their son Kelly. Kelly's a month older than Owen and this was their first chance to meet each other. My parents and my aunts Mary Carol and Terri were in town to witness the event also. Here are some highlights.

Two Weeks Old

Owen celebrated his two week birthday today, and officially passed his original due date, which was yesterday, 2/7. We can't imagine what the last two weeks would've been like if he hadn't been born yet. Here are some highlights from Owen's second week of life, which wouldn't have happened for another couple of weeks:

1) Skyping with cousin Kelly, Uncle Tim, and Aunt Bethany.
2) Peeing on me while getting his diaper changed on his changing table.
2) Going to church for the first time.
3) Peeing on Brynne while getting his diaper changed on our bed.
4) Going for a walk around the block for the first time.
5) Peeing on Brynne while getting his diaper changed in his Pack 'N Play.
6) Regaining the ounces he lost after being born, taking him back up to his birth weight.
7) Peeing on me while getting his diaper changed on the changing pad of the Pack 'N Play.

Stolen My Heart.....

For 9.5 months I carried this little guy around and wondered what it would be like to meet my son for the first time. I wondered if I would instantly love him. I wondered how I would do with labor and little sleep afterwards. All it took was one look, one look and I knew my life would never be the same. His sweet little face melted my heart and I knew I would do anything for him. I love Brian immensely, even more after this experience, but I love Owen in a way that surpasses anything I have ever felt. I can't stop staring at him. Can't stop thinking about him. Can't stop talking about him. I have hopelessly fallen head over heels in love with my son. I am overwhelmed with the gift and blessing that Owen is. More than ever before I have seen God in action. I believe that he is real and my son is living proof of that. This has been the most amazing adventure of our lives thus far.
We are having so much fun getting to know him. This week he has started eating better and is awake for long stretches throughout the day. Last week Grammy Deb stayed with us and was SO helpful. She cooked for us and was an expert at keeping Owen comfortable and calm. Over the weekend we were visited by Pap-pap Colabrese, Uncle Chris, Aunt Kate, Aunt Megan, and Grandma McHugh. Pap-Pap was in heaven as he watched the Steelers win the Superbowl with his grandson by his side. Grandma McHugh has been here this week and has been a huge blessing. She has cooked and done laundry and done a great job loving on Owen. I think we will be seeing a lot of Owen's grandparents over the next few months. :) Owen is one well-loved little boy!

Owen Theodore has arrived!!!

In case you haven't heard, Brynne gave birth to 7 lb 8 oz Owen Theodore at 4:50 am Sunday January 25th. She was absolutely amazing during the entire birthing process and is now recovering well. Owen is a beautiful, healthy, bundle of joy that steals my breath every time I look at him. Here are a few pictures.

Fun Happenings.....

We have been having fun in these last few weeks trying to do things we won't get to do for a while once this little guy arrives. I had the chance to go to the PA Farm Show with one of my best friends, Allison, and her kids. We got to see all sorts of fun animals and a cool show with a horse relay event. The PA Farm Show is hard to describe if you have not been there or if you are not from this area. There are cows, chickens, goats and alpacas...just to name a few of the animals. There are different shows and competitions with the animals and a ton of really good food. :) We had a great time. Below are some pictures of her cute kiddos.




Our friends, Liz and Colin McCabe, came and visited us this past weekend. We had an awesome time with them and even went bowling. I definitely got some weird looks being over 9 months pregnant while trying to bowl. :)



Now that I am allowed to exercise we have been trying to "walk this baby out". Bri and I have been going on a lot of walks in the snow together and have enjoyed being able to get out and move around. I keep reminding myself and praying that my son would come in God's perfect timing and not in my timing. We are excited to meet him and do hope God's timing is in the next 3 weeks. :)

The Home Stretch.....9 months down.....

We finally hit 36 weeks and have been told by our doctors that we can deliver safely from this point on! We can't tell you how much of a relief that was for us to hear. After consistently having contractions and having to cease being active for the last 19 weeks Brynne is enjoying the freedom of going for walks and cleaning the house again. We're thankful, however, for God bringing us through this time and for all that He has taught us about finding our true rest in Him.

The baby is as active as ever these days, and we are entertained daily by the lumps that we see protruding from and moving across Brynne's stomach. He seems to get the hiccups every hour practically which make us wonder why. Because, when I (Brian) think about it, I can't remember the last time I got the hiccups. Maybe it happens once a year.

We're continuing to prepare for the delivery by attending our birthing class and performing "birthing exercises" such as stretching and squatting. And by "we" I mean Brynne because other than not passing out, I'm not too worried about my own physical condition. As her belly has gotten bigger she's complained that the squats are getting harder and harder, which resulted in the following exchange:

Brynne: I don't like squatting, my belly gets in the way. I'm not sure how much longer I can do these.

Brian: Brynne, you can do it. Sumo wrestlers squat, so can you.

Fortunately for me, Brynne found this as funny as I did, and has successfully continued her squatting regiment.

The nursery is all but finished at this point. The furniture is in, shelves are hung on the walls and hooks hung on the door. I'm extremely thankful to have had a 2 week break from work to get all of this done and for my father-in-law's help on other house projects. Brynne and I enjoyed his visit and our visit to NJ with my family like we never have before. The next time we will see all of them will be as parents.

So now the countdown begins....