29 Month Update

It has been a while since we've updated on Owen. Owen's life currently revolves around Thomas the Train, tools, and little brother. He likes his books and enjoys picking out new ones each week at the library. School is going well, our early morning "pep talks" seem to work well. We remind him to share and be nice to his friends ... not hitting, no kicking, no biffing, no headbutting, no stealing toys, etc.

In a few days Owen will be a big brother and no longer be an only child. We're still not sure how Owen will react to the change ... but he'll get over it.



Some of Owen's favorite saying are:
No thanks!
Not again!
Left, Right (he knows the difference ... 95% of the time)
I need a rest (normally followed by a 2 hour nap)
I want Thomas!
I'm biffing, I'm biffing, I'm biffing
I want chocolate milk
Knows his alphabet. This is slightly different than the actual alphabet. (abc, mnop, qrs, xyZ! ... not necessarily in that order)
Little brother is in my tummy.
Owen and daddy are boys. Momma is a girl.
I want dump trucks (gummy snacks)
The Jeep is broken.
The car is broken.
My shoes match the car!
What?!
I hit my friends!
Duck duck goose!
Hey? What's this?
Wait a minute!

He likes to sing the following songs:
Alice the camel
Itsy bitsy spider
Sticky bubble gum
Open shut them


His favorite toys are:
His train set
Chalk
Tools
Puzzles
Uno Moo game
Coloring
Play dough
Throwing the football

Way to go Mommy!

Melissa was recently named a state finalist for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Today she was formally recognized at the "Every Child a Graduate" annual conference in Madison.

Way to go!

With State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Evers

Posing with Presidential Award finalist groupie

Nick's attempt at artistic photography

Aaay!!!

Arthur ...


... and Owen Fonzarelli.

Christmas 2009

Another Christmas has come and gone. Here are a few highlights. If only Owen understood that this was his last Christmas as an only child ... he may have pushed for more presents.

"Grandpa, I can't believe you bought a 5 drawer jewelry box for Grandma. She totally needs 7 drawers. Now hold this while I fix it."

Another successful cousin picture.

And an unsuccessful one ... which one can be trusted to hold the next cousin?


Owen is beginning to develop his own decorating style. When it comes to Christmas trees he prefers 6 ornaments per branch. Could he be a trend setter?

It's Finally Happening!

Owen has "helped out" a lot in the past. But tonight was a first for the big guy. With the storm of the year dumping over a loads of snow on our driveway, Owen was hard at work shoveling with his brand new snow shovel. Unlike most projects, Owen was really moving some snow! Granted, Owen wouldn't have his own shovel if Nick hadn't lost his in the move, prompting a late night visit to the hardware store (who could resist the kid sized shovel).

If only Owen could wash the dishes ...

Engineering Feats

Owen has developed a fine attention to detail, a love of building things, and a fascination with all things that move. Here are a few highlights in the past few weeks.

Owen was in his element at the Olbrich Gardens Holiday Express. Big electric trains are much better than the little wooden ones at home.

What goes up ...

... must come down.

Owen saved the day in Little People land. He finally completed his life-long dream of connecting all his buildings. Unfortunately he was stuck inside the ring.

Thanksgiving 2009

Owen had a fairly traditional Thanksgiving this year.

He took a nap.

He played football.

What more do you want out of the little guy?