Happy 1/2 Birthday Owen!

We celebrate half-birthdays at our house, because I feel there aren't enough sanctioned cake-eating events otherwise. Today Owen is 6 months old, so we lit up a candle, sang him a birthday song and ate a Boston Cream cupcake in his honor. Unfortunately, the poor little guy was so wiped out from flirting with everyone at a Evan's department picnic that he slept through the whole thing!

Sitting Up

Two Great Tastes that Taste Great Together

Peanut butter and chocolate, you ask? Nope. Gin and tonic? Guess again.

Rice cereal and Amoxicillin!

This week we started Owen on solids, and he also got his first taste of antibiotics, thanks to a sinus infection. Here are a few shots of his first food experiences. We've since expanded the menu to include bananas and avocado, and he's been a big fan.



Charlie shows Owen how it's done




Not so happy with that bite


Happy in his high chair

Tea Shower

My little sister is getting married! The wedding is in September, and this weekend I did my matron-of-honor-ly duty and threw her wedding shower. We decided on an afternoon tea, and it was very lovely.

Tea sandwiches and a teapot-as-vase. I also found some lovely tea tins that served as vases elsewhere.


My favorite food item was the tower of rose petal-topped cupcakes. Yummy and pretty - who could ask for more?


The Loper girls mug for the camera


Aunt Niki & Owen


The happy couple on their porch swing

Dino Days

A few pictures of Charlie, Buddy from Dinosaur Train and Gabriel rocking out at the Museum of Life + Science:

At the Beach

After going up to Ohio, some of Evan's family came to NC for their annual beach trip and we were able to hang out for the weekend. This was Owen's first beach trip, and he had a blast!





Beach Bum-bo


Mugging in the beach tent




Laughing with Great-aunt Sue


Charlie and cousin Talon play under the umbrella - 2 seconds after I took this picture, Charlie popped the latch on the umbrella and it came flying down


Lounging in the tide pools




Watching the World Cup final

Owen's First Day

Today was Owen's first day of day care, and Charlie was so excited to help get him settled. He put all of his bottles in the fridge, and was able to come and visit Owen in the afternoon. Owen had a great day!