#102 - 18 Months Old Today!

Happy 18 month birthday to our little boy! But, he's not a little baby anymore. The little guy is running all over the place and is ALL BOY! He loves to climb on everything. He loves to get rough and wrestle on the floor. He loves to play with the football, and the basketball and the soccer ball. It's truly amazing how big he is, and how much he's developed into his own little self. Each day is a miracle around here, and he never ceases to amaze us!

Before we get on to the good stuff, I've got to share a story from church today. During the sign of peace, Owen watched us shake hands with our fellow parishoners. After it was over, he then insisted on shaking everyone's hand on our pew just like we did (even though the priest was well into the communion prep at this point). And, during all of communion, he repeatedly turned around to the folks in the pew behind us to shake their hand over and over. It was pretty darn cute. He's got the church thing down.

Alright, some videos for our friends and family. As I mentioned, Owen loves playing with the basketball and football. Enjoy!

#101 - Taking a Trip to the ATL

I had another work meeting in Atlanta this week, so this time Owen came along with me! We got to see the Flemings and spend time with their three little ones - Andrew, Luke and Lauren. Owen had tons of fun playing with the two boys and the toy wonderland that is the Fleming home! And, of course, I loved, loved getting to see Heather. We talk all the time, but rarely get an opportunity to see each other these days.

The three boys - Owen (18 months), Andrew (almost 6) and Luke (almost 4).

Owen with Mrs. Heather and little Lauren (almost 9 months). Isn't she the sweetest thing ever? She's got the most beautiful eyes!

Then, after spending a few hours with Heather and family, we went over to my Dad and Catherine's which is where we stayed for the next two days. It's been a year since we've been to their house, and I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it was to spend the quality time with them and Owen. It was incredibly heartwarming to watch Dad and Catherine and Johnny (Robby was sick) interact with the little guy.
Catherine (a/k/a Mama - that's Mama with an accent over the second a, but I can't figure out how the heck to do that on Blogger) and Owen.

Johnny is quite an accomplished swimmer in high school (by the way, can you believe he's a senior this year???), and once Owen found his swim goggles he didn't want to take them off.

Uncle Johnny was so sweet with Owen. They horsed around together and Owen especially loved wrestling with him.

I think Dad had a smile on his face the entire time Owen was there. He is such a sweet grandfather..... When I went to work on Monday, Dad and Catherine took Owen for a walk around the neighborhood. Concerned that it might be too cold, Dad dressed Owen in layers, put his jacket on him, put a pair of socks over his hands as mittens, and then put a pair of his own adult socks over Owen's legs to wear as leg warmers. And on top of that had a thick blanket. It was 50 degrees. :) I love them!

In addition to the walk, they played basketball, soccer, read books and played with Owen's school bus. Owen was in heaven!

Uncle Johnny, Mama, Owen and Papa - Thanks for a wonderful time!

#100 - One Hundredth Blog Post

In honor of my 100th blog post, a little trip down memory lane..... Enjoy!

#99 - Lots of videos

#98 - A New Decade

Happy New Year!!!!

Lou and I rang in the New Year at the Von Bruening's Annual NYE Party. We had a fabulous time - great friends and great food! They ordered 30 live Maine Lobsters and a dozen bags of clams, and had bottomless glasses of champagne. It was a blast! Owen stayed at our friend Christa's house, and did great with their babysitters.

The last family picture taken in 2009....

The next day, Lou began "nesting" - I don't know what got into him, but he organized two closets, cleaned out multiple drawers and even scrubbed the toilet. I like how 2010 has started!

Owen has learned to say football. It actually comes out more like "ba-ball", but it's so cute! He even will sit in Lou's lap for a few minutes and watch a real football game on the TV. Every few seconds he points at the TV and says "ba-ball" and starts giggling.

Check out the cute outfit his Abuela Isa sent him. We saw my boss at breakfast this morning and they commented that I have a future banker here based on that outfit.

Chillin will his Mama on the couch. He loves wearing Lou's hats.

Gotta love him....

It is really cold in Savannah right now. Highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s. But, we bundled up and took Cocoa for a walk today. When we got home, Owen didn't want to take off his hat.

Happy New Year to each of you. We pray for a safe, happy and healthy 2010 for you and your families. Thank you for keeping up with this blog, and taking such an interest in our sweet little boy. We are truly grateful.

Love,

The Saez Family

#97 - Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope you had a happy, safe Christmas celebration with your friends and families. The Saez Family was joined in Savannah by Nana, Pop Pop, Aunt Debbie, Aunt Jenifer, Uncle Claudio and Kaylin. It was a truly special time, and we loved spending Christmas with our family. Christmas Eve was really nice, and yes, Santa found Owen and Kaylin in Savannah! We could barely walk through the living room after he visited!

Unfortunately, little Kaylin got sick on Christmas Eve night, so Christmas morning Owen had to open his presents by himself, and we weren't able to get any family pictures. She is just now feeling a little better. Say a prayer for her, if you don't mind.

A few pictures from our holiday...

Our sweet Owen wearing an adorable Christmas outfit that belonged to Noah. Noah wore this on his first Christmas in 1999.

Opening a present on Christmas Eve from Nana

Nana brought Owen a Little Tykes Tricycle and he had a blast riding it around the house!

Owen and Kaylin on Christmas morning. We were about to go to church, and poor Kaylin wasn't feeling well.

Owen goofing off with Nana! The outfit he is wearing was given to him by Tita Maria Antonia. He looked so grown up in it.

Enjoying his new reading chair that Santa brought him.

Taking a break on his new step stool from Nana.

Coloring on his new easel from Santa.

Great Aunt Pat is in town too, and Paw Paw drove down with Little Aunt Pat today (Sunday), and we all went out to lunch Here's a picture with us and Paw Paw and Great Aunt Pat.

#96 - Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Dear Santa,

My name is Owen Saez, and I've been a very good boy this year. I'm a happy, healthy toddler, who eats all my vegetables and fruits, drinks lots of milk and water, and goes to bed on time most nights. I brush my teeth all by myself. I can take off my clothes and shoes when Mommy and Daddy ask me to. I fold my hands together and pray before all meals and before bedtime. I can almost do the sign of the cross too. I'm a good friend (just ask Liam), and an even better cousin to Kaylin, Noah and Grace. I take good care of my dog, Cocoa, and regularly ride on her back and give her lots of hugs. I give my Mommy and Daddy lots of kisses too. I say about 5 or 6 words, and can sign about 8 words. At night, I help my Mommy unload the dishwasher, and I help my Daddy put away all the shoes. I'm trying very hard not to bite anymore, or hit, but it takes lots of practice and oversight by my parents.

So, I hope to see you this Thursday night. I'm not really asking for many gifts, just the opportunity to spend Christmas with my family. The only think I ask is for you to bring Cocoa a bone. She's my best friend.

Love,

Owen Luis

Outfit courtesy of Rory Byrne Zimmerman - our sweet sister living in Beijing, China. We miss you!!!!!