Rowen's 1st Birthday

Hard to believe, but Rowen is officially 1 year old. Thanks to everyone who partipated in his 1st birthday party over the weekend. Below is a short slideshow of the party:

[Slide Show - Short Version]

[Slide Show - Long Version]

Below are a few additional photographs of Rowen's Party which were not included in the short version of the slideshow:

{Picnic Shelter}

{Albi relaxing}

{Chipper putting up the Birthday Banner}

{Steve & Christina}

{cute pic!}

{Great Grandma Diana}

{Margaret & Makaila}

{Kaitlyn & Ashley practicing for the three legged race}

{the Dessert Table - so cute!}

{Excited about TURNING ONE!}

{Creating the finish line}

{Sydney & Christina before the race)

{Tyler & Kenzie waiting for the race to start}

{the Papparazzi}

{Three legged race}

{Relaxing on the grass during the three legged race}

{Kami & Madi won the three legged race}

{It was fun watching him figure out he was supposed to EAT IT}

{Cake face}

{Cuzin Brenty & his usual face}

{Sharing his cake with Auntie Christy}

{First time tasting sugar...YUMMY}

{Kami couldn't wait to BREAK the Elmo Pinata}

Rowen's Party and this blog were brought to you by the LETTER "R" and the NUMBER "1"

P.S. He started CRAWLING on June 17, 2012 (Father's Day )!!

Recent Photos

Rowen's Newest Word(s)

The day after I blogged last (May 23, 2012), Rowen turned 11 months old. On that same day, he began to say a new word "NO" with his hand moving horizontally in front of his body (as if he really meant it). Since that day, he has continued to say new words - I think "dog" is his current favorite word to say while he points out the window. He also says "duck" and "quack." He is becoming quite the little character - very smiley and social with adults (mostly women) - we are still working on social skills with other babies. Here are a few recent pics from Rowen's music class.

{Dannon is eyeing Rowen's toy)

{Rowen doesn't want McKenna to get his shaker}

{I didn't do it, Mom}

The Latest Happenings

It has been nearly 3 weeks since the last time we blogged - so I wanted to give you a quick update on what's been happening in the Bettendorf household. On April 22nd, Rowen went to the beach for the first time. Although it was a bit chilly, he still had fun playing in the sand and feeling it between his toes. He was so amazed at this new texture, he didn't even try to eat it!

On May 3, 2012, Jason & I celebrated our three year wedding anniversary. Since it was during the week, we went out to a quick dinner and celebrated by going to see the Avengers the following week. I also got flowers and balloons.  : )

May 12th - my first Mother's Day was very nice. We spent Saturday evening with my mom and Sunday with Jason's family. Rowen (thanks Daddy) got me a beautiful necklace and heart charm from Tiffany & Co.

On May 15, 2012, Rowen had surgery to remove a dermoid cyst from his head/skull. The surgery was performed by pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Muhonen at CHOC Hospital. He is an excellent surgeon and definitely reassured us that this was a common occurrence in babies (although I had never heard of it before). Anyway, Rowen did well and has a few stitches in the back of his head. He barely even complained!

As of today, Rowen is (finally) getting up on all fours and trying to crawl. He rocks but doesn't quite know what to do with his legs yet. He would much rather stand up holding onto furniture or someone's hands. He is growing quickly and is very tall for his age (31 inches at his last appointment!). Rowen will be 11 months old tomorrow so we are getting ready for his first birthday. WOW! 1 already? This past year has sure flown by!

{relaxing with daddy}

{playing in the sand}

{sandy little feet}

{Bobby & April took us out for our Anniversary - Maggianos - soooo good!}

{Lucille's BBQ with my Mom}

{Grandma Diana's house - Rowen can never sit still}

{the Bettendorf family}

{my poor baby after surgery}

Music Class

Every Tuesday we go to a baby music class. We started going in April and Rowen really enjoys it. He has learned how to play the tambourine and the drums and has made some friends. It's so fun to watch him learn and play with the other babies. Here are a few pics of Rowen in his music class.

{playing/eating the tambourine}

{Rowen and his friend Makaila}

{Rowen and his new friends}

New Foods for Rowen

Every week we try new foods. To date, Rowen hasn't found anything he doesn't like or won't eat. He has had a bit of trouble eating non-pureed food (he gags and sometimes vomits) - but he WANTS to eat EVERYTHING!

He has eaten all kinds of fruits and vegetables, so this week we tried beets. Remember when you tried tequila and you made the "tequila face"? Well, that's what this face reminded me of and I wanted to share it with you.

{the beet face}