Finally - Christmas Pictures

Our family had a wonderful Christmas this year. We were able to spend several days celebrating with our family and friends. Owen had a lot of fun and really got excited about some of the fun toys he received! He must have been a good boy this year.
The Handy Manny tool box and Mickey Mouse books were his favorite.

Christmas morning




All the cousins in matching Christmas PJs
(not a great picture, but the best we could do!)


Opening gifts


Goofing around with Ashleigh & Jalen


Mimi & Papa


Mommy & Dada


Reading books with Grammy

Owen & Noah

On Saturday we had a Christmas dinner with the UDM roommates, spouses and kids. Well, there were only two kids; Owen & Noah. They both got some fun presents and didn't have any problem sharing.

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Unfortunately, due to an ear infection, overall crabby-ness and lots to do before Christmas, I will not make it to 12 posts by the 25th :(

However, there will definitely be posts after Christmas, assuming Owen is on the "nice" list!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Like most people in Michigan, we got our share of snow last night and this morning.

Since we weren't going anywhere today was "Pajama day" at the Zischkes! Only Owen & I participated since Jon had to go to work.

However, seeing all the neighborhood kids having fun outside playing we did get dressed after Owen's nap and ventured out into the winter wonderland.

We opened the garage door and the snow was up to Owen's knees. He couldn't walk in it so I plopped him into it and he had fun for about 15 minutes, mostly eating it!

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Time to warm up those rosy cheeks!

Tough Puzzle

Owen has this one puzzle where the pieces really stick. He usually asks us for help to get each one out. The other day Jon captured him on video figuring it out on his own! He makes the animal sound each time he takes out one, but you can't hear that part really well.

Christmas cards

We're sending out our Christmas cards today. We did a photo card with a picture of Owen and I think they came out pretty good. I wouldn't say it's the best picture of him, but it's the best I could do that day! He's not what you would call cooperative with the camera these days. But I think the card will definitely make you smile. Here's a few of the out-takes, you'll have to wait for the card to see the winner!
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18 Month Stats

Owen went for his 18 month check-up today.

Everything went fine and he seems to be growing normally.

Height: 33.25 inches

Weight: 26 lbs & 4 oz.

Here's a photo from today.

It blows my mind that Owen is already 18 months old. I was looking at Christmas pictures from last year and was amazed at how much he's changed.

6 month stats

Height: 28.25 inches

Weight: 19 lbs & 11 oz.

One year ago . . . where did my little baby go?

Owen's No-Good, Very Sad Day

Today was supposed to be a fun family trip to get a Christmas tree, see Santa & pet the reindeer. Turned out not to be a very good day for Owen. He cried pretty much the whole time we were there. Not surprisingly the tears stopped when we were looking at the reindeer (he loves animals), but no smile could be found. It was cold out today, but I thought we bundled him up good enough. Oh well, we got the tree and the pictures!

We hadn't even left yet; one sad boy :(

Maybe Owen didn't like the tree we picked!

"Mom, is this Dasher or Dancer?"

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He's too young to know not to be naughty when Santa's watching!

Our Little Helper

Owen really likes to help out in the kitchen. He'll put things in the garbage for you or take things back to the refrigerator. His favorite is being up on the stool to help cook or prepare food.

Last week he helped Jon make salads for dinner. As every good cook does he had to sample the finished product!

Crazy Hair Day

Owen & Jalen

**As a special Christmas gift to all the loyal blog readers (who claim I don't update enough) I will be attempting to post 12 times before Christmas.

Yes, there will be new pictures of Owen about every other day until Christmas. No, he will not be posing with a partridge in a pear tree, turtle doves or French hens.

These pictures are about a month old but really cute. Here's Owen and his cousin Jalen playing in the ball pit. Obviously we've taught Owen that it's okay to hit other kids with a ball as long as you hug them after!

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Men at Work

I've been meaning to post these pictures of my guys at work. A couple weeks ago Jon was outside getting the snow blower ready and Owen was right there to help!
Jon can't wait for the day that Owen can cut the grass and snow blow the driveway.

Could this be a future engineer?

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

In honor of Jon's 30th Birthday today, I decided to post some of my favorite pictures of Jon & Owen.

Jon & I spent last weekend in Las Vegas to celebrate his birthday. We had a blast! I think Owen had more fun spending time with his grandparents, aunts and cousins. We really appreciate everyone who watched him while we were away.

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Costume Inspiration

How did we decide on Owen's Halloween costume?

Well, he's obsessed with cows. How do we know?

1) He will carry his plastic cow around the house all day.

2) "Moo" was the first animal sound he knew

3) He always points out the cows in books before anything else

4) On our 2 trips to the Cook's Dairy farm he ran immediately to the cows and with a huge smile and little fear would pet them and feed them hay.

We definitely need to get to Battle Creek and visit Uncle Dan's cows!

Here's a few pictures of our latest trip to Cook's. We were supposed to be there to go on a hay ride and pick pumpkins but of course Owen preferred the cows!

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Happy Halloween!

Owen had such a fun Halloween. He loved watching the kids come to the door and was helping me pass out the candy. Jon took him to a few houses and he got a bucket full of treats! He was so funny running around in the cow costume and watching all the kids on the street.



The best part of the costume was the "puffy" behind!




Whose cow is this in my yard?


Jon's expertly carved pumpkin


Enjoying some of the loot!! M&Ms are his favorite.