And just like that, he is 2!

In just the blink of an eye, he grew up from a 5 pound newborn to a rambunctious 2 year old who tears around the house, gets into everything, and keeps an eye on where the adult is so he can make his escape into places off limits!

Today we celebrated his 2nd birthday.  It was a rather quiet gathering of just family and a couple of close friends.  "Quiet" probably isn't really the right word for it. Any time children are involved there is noise and since Landon is 7, Tessa is nearly 5, Cooper is 4, and Lauren's son is around Landon's age, there were no uncomfortable silences through the afternoon.


Owen is just perfect as our 4th grandchild.  He is lovable.  He likes to cuddle.  Just mentioning Creepy Mousey will cause him to stretch out in my lap with his little legs extended, ready for me to make the mousey creep up his legs to his neck and tickle him. He always squeals in delight and stretches out again for more.

He is the perfect little brother. He adores Landon, he loves Tessa, and he looks up to his cousin and daily playmate Cooper.

His best buddy, though, is Papaw.  He and Papaw have a special bond, one that Papaw also shares with the other three grandchildren.  Papaw gets the first hugs, the first kisses, the first snuggles when we arrive.  Owen will sit with Papaw and watch Paw Patrol, so still. He will take anything to Papaw and return to retrieve it from him, more than he will with anyone else.

Even though he is so lovable, he also is a stubborn little guy with quite the temper when he doesn't get his own way.  Screams, stomping feet, lying on the floor and kicking---all of the classic traits of a temper tantrum.  Maybe a sign of the Terrible Twos coming on?  Could be.

Hilary mentioned that he is spoiled, but I think he is a very lucky little boy.  He has a family to love him, extended family who shower him with love and affection (and birthday presents), a warm home, cute clothes, nutritious food, and lots of hugs and kisses whenever he wants them (and even if he doesn't!).

Gone are the days when I could hold him in my arms, cover him with his light breezy blanket and he would struggle a bit, then fall asleep, cuddly and warm.  But those days have been replaced with squeals of delight when we come in the house.  He wanted me today in a roomful of people he just wasn't too sure about and had a deathgrip on my arm as I held him.  He grabs my leg and doesn't want me to leave or move away from him.  He smiles that little crooked smile and just melts my heart.

He is my grandson.  I love him with all my heart.  And today he turned 2.  Happy Birthday!