Owen: 3 years

My baby is turning 3.

It has been fun to watch Owen's personality develop over the past year. It seems that certain characteristics don't fade over time, they just get stronger the older he gets. Owen is very persistent. He does not forget about anything. He still talks about Elliot being in the "hospi-bowl." He still refers to the time he broke his fire truck when he dropped it down the stairs in our old house 8 months ago. For a year now he has pretty much refused to nap unless he is sick. He also cannot stand to have his food messed with. Owen has some little rules in his mind about food. They are:

1) My food shall not be cut up. Ever.

2) My food shall be the exact same as everyone else's. Nothing shall be added to or taken away from to make it more child-friendly. 

3) Not one person shall ever stick their fork in my food and offer me a bite. I can do that myself thank-you-very-much. 

4) If my food breaks or crumbles or separates I will probably throw a fit. Food shall remain intact. 

5) Do not ever offer me a bite of food from your plate. I will utterly refuse and cry a little.

6) Do not ever offer me cheese unless it is shredded or in cube form. I will not accept slices or chunks or anything of the sort.

He is an intense little being. 

But such a joy!

Yes that is the fire truck I'm referring to. I found an exact replica at Walgreens this year. He will be getting it for Christmas. 

He loves to give hugs and kisses. My favorite is when he comes up to me and says, "I love you" and gives me a hug. He insists that "Mama and Owen are friends; Dada and Owen are buddies." He loves to kiss his brother's fingers or toes. Up until now Elliot hasn't been much of a threat to Owen's environment! But it will be interesting to see how things start to play out in the next 6 months!

His favorite games to play with his dad are "Down, set, hike" (football); "catch and throw" (also football); wrestle, and hide-and-go seek. He missed his dad terribly while he was in China last week. Despite everything I told him I am pretty sure he thought grandma was dad's permanent replacement until we dropped her off at the airport. 

He has recently learned how to pout even if nothing has made him sad. My favorite was at dinner the other night. He put his arm up on the table, buried his head in his arm, and said in the saddest tone ever, "Poooor Owen." I am not a fan of the pouty behavior but that was hilarious. 

Owen is starting Sunbeams in a couple of weeks and he will be the youngest child in there. Thankfully he has an awesome teacher who I just love. She is GREAT. She has been taking the upcoming children into primary for about 10 minutes each week the last couple of Sundays to get them ready. Apparently, the first time doing this, Owen sat on her lap and said, "I am sick. I need to go home and get in my bed and take a nap." This, of course, was not true. I informed her that Owen has recently taken on this little attitude and to not take it too seriously. 

His favorite things:

Muffins

Helping me cook

Watching Mickey Mouse Club-louse (Clubhouse)

Eating (I swear he would eat 10 times a day if I let him)

Playing with trucks, tractors, monster trucks (he has yet to show any interest in cowboys or super heroes)

Also...

He can recognize most of the alphabet

He loves books and going to the library

He loves to grocery shop with me, although we don't go together near as often as we used to

He has started loving puzzles

More about foods...

He loves/and or is willing to eat...

Broccoli

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Rolls

Tacos

Corn Dogs

Stouffer's Vegetable Lasagna

Chicken Parmesan

Waffles

Pancakes (Banana Chocolate Chip)

Chicken Nuggets

Smoothies

Sometimes, apples

Pizza Lunchables

Graham Crackers with Nutella

And of course all the junk.. pudding, popsicles, candy, cookies

Eating out he loves:

Chicken Nuggets

Roast Beef Sandwiches

French Fries

Papa John's Original Breadsticks