Our big boy, Owen Christopher Grimes, turned 16 months old on Christmas Day. We thought it would be a great time to update everyone about what's going on. He has come a long way from the chubby, "three-elbow" baby of six months old. He can run, say a few words (mainly Dada and sometimes Mama, as well as "what's that?") and loves to read. He is able to use a few signs as well, like please, more, and all done. Owen's last visit at the doctor's office placed him off the charts in height at 35 1/2 inches, and in the 95th percentile for weight at exactly 30 pounds. He's not slim or light by any means and his Dada is proud.

Owen still enjoys watching The Backyardigans and has now come to love The WonderPets as well. Upon waking in the morning he must eat right away, then he's a very happy man for most of the day. He still naps, but only once a day now and for usually 2 to 3 hours. Oh yeah, and the funniest skill Owen has employed lately...grunting or barking like a dog at every animal he sees.

In Georgetown, SC on Christmas Day. (Present unwrapping round #2 after Owen's nap)
Too adorable!

Cool, a Backyardigans book in my stocking from Grandma and Grandpa! Thanks!!!

Mommy in action trying to catch up to Owen to snap a picture. This was the best we could get!

Down! Set! Hut!

Owen's on his way to his morning classes at Wake Forest University...maybe in another 17 years?

Grimes Family Christmas #2

After breakfast with GREAT Grandpa at K&W, Avery, Harrison and Owen frolicked in the snow covered parking lot."We love the old snow...can we stay and play all day?"

To the ATL with Poppy & Car-Car

Can you say, "couch potatoes?"
Owen and Harrion love to wrestle...the victor has yet to be determined since both boys are still standing.

Owen playing in the Fall leaves. (At home it's the Fall dead grass and sand).

A Happy Thanksgiving Homecoming for The Eschens

Gotta love the big group of Eschens, Carters and Grimes families together for Thanksgiving this year! We definitely enjoyed the Gator game too!!!

Trick-or-Treat!

Wow, that must have been a tough game for Dada...or did Biker Mommy cause those wounds?

Ew, what is all this pumpkin goo? I don't know, but I like it!

Owen is that you? What a great Halloween disguise!

How's this pose? Do I look like Pablo from The Backyardigans?

Owen went "trick-or-treating" around Poppy and Car-Car's neighborhood. He decided to be extremely cute this year instead of spooky.

Our new puppy!

Oh my gosh! I laughed until I cried. Mom's friend from school let us borrow a doggie and a bee costume. To my surprise Owen let this stay on his body for about 5 minutes. Long enough to take a few prize photos.

Scratching his fleas. Too cute!!!

Owen senses near doom for The Gators!

Owen's pre-game day face said it all. The Gators squeeked by with a win against Arkansas last Saturday. He must have College Football sixth sense...care to use him in a bowl pick anyone?

I ain't afraid of no ghost!

Meal time has not been "grins and giggles" lately, but check this out...Dada's booing brought on hysterics.

Owen loves his time in the bathtub. He would stay in all night if we let him!

A few hours before the Gator game Owen is watching cartoons online...I think he senses doom for Tebow.

Bad boys, bad boys what'cha gonna do, what'cha gonna do when Owen comes for you!

Playing outside one morning before the Florida heat can sap all of our energy.

Dancing with The Backyardigans!

From August 25, 2008 to August 25, 2009

Check me out, I'm a one year old now!

My linebacker type stats are: 28 pounds and 33 inches!!

A Pine Island Getaway!

Our baby boy is only one month away from his one year birthday. At 11 months old Owen has been walking for a little over a month, developed an affection for spheres (or balls, but that sounds kind of icky), and enjoys hanging out with little kids of all ages. His "at home" measurements place him at 27.2 pounds and 32.25 inches...wow, what a whopper. He enjoys paging through books, watching the Backyardigans, and playing outside in the front yard. Oh yeah, he loves the water too. Car-Car and Poppy's pool as well as the beach water. We love our big-little boy SO very much!!!

Scoping for some babes!

Not only is Owen working on his farmer's tan here, but he's also practicing his juke moves.

Owen loved his first trip to the beach!

Owen's New Talents: Gardening & Walking

Owen took his first unassisted steps (seven to be exact) while on vacation in Indiana. Here the big boy is helping mommy and daddy with their gardening after returning to Florida.

Owen only needed a few days of practice with his walker before taking off on his own.

Owen's walking his way towards one year!

The effort put into taking Owen's 10 month photo was well worth it. What a little cutie pie! When he's not biting us. Mommy and Daddy were constantly placing Owen back into his photo opt spot, and he was constantly getting out to play with his Cubs baseball. (Not pictured due to being used as the focal point).
Unofficial 10 month stats: Weight 26 pounds/Height 31.5 inches.


Owen and his Mommy found quite the lovely napping spot in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard in Indiana.

Is that Sweet Lou Piniella? No probably not after all. I think Owen just wanted to feel like one of the guys at the Reds vs. White Sox game.

Here we are in Cincinnati, Ohio about ready to enter the sauna. Had we known the temperature inside the stadium would be 100 degrees hotter than outside we might have had second thoughts. JK.

OOOHHHH, these rims are so shiny. Can I have these for my power wheels? I'm sure Owen will one day be cruising around in one...Transformer themed no less. This was the prize for a hole-in-one at the 8th hole at Otter Creek Golf Course in Columbus. Owen, Mommy, Grandma, and Great-Aunt Susie sat here all day with a watchful eye. Daddy, Grandpa, and Cousin Andy played in the Andy Critzer Memorial Scramble with over 140 other people. Their score was not so good, but they had tons of fun.

Lots of lush green grass in the backyard at Grandma and Grandpa's. Owen was probably checking out the bunnies hopping around eating clover.

Owen's 9 month update!

Mama and Dada are hefting around quite the load these days...25 lbs, 10 oz. Yikes, holy burning biceps! Owen is seen here walloping his competition for the "biggest bear" in the house.

The Eschen, Carter and Grimes' families spent Memorial Day (Sunday) at the Colitz house. The little ones had so much fun playing in the water features. Harrison and Avery set the example for bravery that's for sure!

Owen's second of bravery. Once the water hit his face all bets were off.

Avery and her Mommy chillin' with Elmo.

Alex Colitz and Owen are two months apart. Alex is clearly demonstrating to his younger buddy his water table talents.

Our second trip to the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park was a blast.

Dada and Baby Owen are getting ready to see some really cool animals. Alligators, a hippo and bears too!

Comedy Hour at our house!

The other night Owen and his Dada found a new pastime to entertain them both...dropping a toy lid from up above their heads. I know, but you'll be peeling with laughter after watching this!