Home Sweet Home

Dear Owen,
I am sorry that it's been a while since my last letter, but in the past few weeks there has been a lot discussion and decision making going on in the Beale household. I am happy to tell you that as of April 1st, I will officially be a stay-at-home Mommy! I have been struggling with balancing motherhood and work since I went back to work. It has always been our dream that I would be able to stay home with you. A few days before your baptism, my manager called me into her office for a chat. The company I work for is suffering in this current economic state. In today's world, lots of people are losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet. I wasn't shocked to learn that my weekly hours were going to be reduced from 40 to 30. This cut back still allows my company to keep it's employees while attempting to reduce cost. I can't say that I was surprised, but it was still a very sad day. This meeting proved to be the ultimatum we needed to make the decision for me to stay at home. After lots (LOTS) of discussion with your Daddy and other family/friends, we decided it was not in our family's best interest for me to continue working. With the majority of my salary going to childcare expenses, would it really be worth it? After much deliberation and consideration, we decided no. I am excited yet nervous. I have always been on the go and a very active person. I worry I will miss the adult interaction I have on a daily basis. It will be a change to have more solo time dedicated to you and the housework that is usually neglected. If everything works out, I am hoping and praying that your Daddy and I will soon be able to give you a sibling without having to worry about paying twice as much for childcare. I know this is the right decision for our family. While I am not entirely sure of the logistics of the finances, we are willing to take this leap of faith. I am confident that we won't regret this decision. Life as we know it about to change forever and I can't wait to start enjoying every day with you.
I love you,
Mom

Baptism

Dear Owen,
This past weekend you were baptised at our church. We had a wonderful weekend celebration with lots of family and friends. On Friday, your Grandma Lumsden arrived in the morning. She hasn't seen you since the New Year and she couldn't wait to give you a million kisses. We picked her up at the airport and headed home. You needed something to eat and get a quick nap. Your Uncle Ross and Aunt Amber were the next to arrive. When they got here, we scooted out to get some lunch and get everyone all checked into the hotel. We had to be back at home before 3 PM because Pastor V was coming over to meet with us to discuss the service. I am sure she was quite shocked when she meet the whole family and we all started talking at once. It was really funny because you were the one who talked the entire time she was here! You have started this growling/shouting thing and you were not shy about sharing it with all of us. After Pastor V explained the service, we hung around the house for a bit. Then we grabbed a quick dinner because everyone was tired from the early morning and traveling. Saturday was spent running errands and getting everything ready for Sunday. The weather was down right uncooperative this weekend, so we were home inside as much as possible. Aunt Kristi arrived from Washington DC that afternoon and stayed at your Grandma & Grandpa Beale's house. Sunday was the big day. I don't have any pictures from the church yet, but I will post them as soon as I can. You did a great job during the ceremony, even closing your hands in prayer while Pastor V held you. I was so proud of you and overcome with joy. It was an emotional day for all of us. Everyone at church was so excited and you could feel the love that our friends at GPPC have for us. I feel so grateful that you will be growing up with such a strong community of faith. After the service, all the family and my circle girls came back to our house where everyone crowded into our tiny living room. You had a total meltdown and were all out of sorts the rest of the day. I hated that you had to miss most of the fun afternoon, but it was really hard to settle you back down. All your naps/feedings were off and it took a toll on you. Even Monday was not easy because the weekend festivities threw us all off schedule. Sunday afternoon, your Uncle Ross & Aunt Amber drove home and yesterday your Grandma went back to Chicago. It's incredibly sad when they leave and we haven't even scheduled our next visit! They couldn't get over how much you had changed and what a grown up baby boy you are now. I hope that you don't have to wait too much longer to see them again. We are so blessed to have such great family and friends. I know that you will grow to love Guilford Park as much as we do.

Love, Mom

Five Months Old

Dear Owen,
Today you are five months old. I am sure I sound like a broken record (or in your case IPOD), but I seriously cannot believe how quickly you are growing up. You are literally changing overnight and learning new skills all the time. You have done an amazing amount of motor skill development over the past month. It was like you woke up one morning and said "I know I look like the cutest baby ever and now I'm gonna start acting like one!" So far, the best thing is hearing your laughter. It began slowly and was sort of disguised as other baby babble until you got the hang of it. But once you started laughing, there was no stopping you. We have also noticed that you are ticklish, which leads to even more wiggles and giggles! Your laughter is the sweetest sound. I love seeing you smile, laugh, and knowing that you are happy. You are also grabbing things and trying to put them in your mouth. Your hands seem to be in your mouth the majority of the day and you have become quite the drool-monster. Speaking of your mouth, you have also experienced a variety of solid foods recently. Your favorite is applesauce. You love, love, love some applesauce! This weekend you will be baptised into our church family. Grandma, Uncle Ross, Aunt Amber, The Beale Family, and lots of our friends are going to be there to celebrate with us. I know you will be able to feel the love that will surround you on Sunday as we celebrate another milestone in your life.
I love you son,
Mom

Laughter is the Best Medicine

Dear Owen,

You have started to giggle. Which in turn makes your Daddy and I laugh. Most of the time your laughter starts when we throw you in the air and catch you. But sometimes we hear it when we are playing or tickling your tummy. I took this little video last night when your Daddy was rough housing with you. Your laughter is music to my ears. I hope that you will have a good sense humor and that laughter will play a big role in your life. I love being able to hear that you are happy and enjoying yourself. So laugh loudly my son, because laughter truly is the best medicine.

Love, Mom

First Snow

Dear Owen,
Last night the snow fell on Greensboro! Before your Daddy and I went to sleep the flakes were steadily coming down and we woke up this morning to about 5 inches of snow. I think that's the most snow I seen since I moved here. Unfortunately, I was on a delayed start today at work, but your Daddy stayed home to take you out in your first snow. Good thing you had your snowsuit from Chicago! Apparently, you are not a huge fan of snow and your Daddy told me that things would have been a lot easier if I had been able to help him out. Daddy did manage to snap a couple of shots before you headed back inside to get warm. Hopefully next time we get a snow like this you will be a little older and able run around in it.

Daddy & Owen

Snow Angel

Protesting the Cold

Happy first snow day son! I love you,

Mom