Conversations with Rowen Thomas

At almost 2 1/2 years old, Rowen has a wide vocabulary and gives much thought to his sentence structure and the meanings he wishes to convey. He is very particular and has a firm opinion on most things. We have already begun arguing about what outfit he wishes to wear to school or what shows he would like to watch. I honestly never thought these discussions/arguments would begin at 2!!

Recently we were watching a movie and it started to snow on the movie. Rowen asked, "Mommy, where does snow come from?"  Lisa: "Hhmmm...I guess it comes from the clouds."

While driving to school, we often pass by gas stations and Rowen frequently asks, "Mommy, do we need to get gas in the car?" He is constantly looking out the window asking questions or telling me what is going on in other people's cars. "Mommy, do you see that lady in her car? What's she doing? Is she eating in her car?"

The battery recently died in my car. Since Rowen LOVES putting new batteries in his toys and books, when I told him we needed a new battery for the car he said, "We have lots of batteries in the house. I will fix it for you, Mommy."

Lisa: "What do you want from Santa for Christmas, Rowen?"
Rowen: "Toys, puzzles, books, a train...um"
Lisa: "What do you want Daddy to get you for Christmas?"
Rowen: "that tree right there" (pointing out the window)
Lisa: "What do you want Grandma and Grandpa to get you?"
Rowen: "that big tree" (pointing out the window)
Lisa: "What do you want Mommy to get you for Christmas?"
Rowen: "A Christmas tree"

At this age, he likes: girls, mermaids, play doh, arts and crafts (he LOVES to glue things together), likes to take pictures with the camera, cutting things with scissors, writing/drawing with markers (even on furniture and stuffed animals).

I often find myself explaining things to him because he's so eager to learn. He has already asked what near and far is, and is aware of the difference between up/down, here/there, and boys/girls. While he doesn't know exactly what makes boys and girls different, he is certainly aware they are different. His best friend/girl friend at school is Maddie. She is about 6 months younger than him - and full of life! His teacher (Ms. Tamara) calls them an interesting couple. Maddie likes to push the envelope when it comes to boundaries and being naughty, but unfortunately Rowen seems to think she's funny.

Lots going on!

The last few months have been more busy than usual. Since we haven't blogged since June, there was a 4th of July party at Auntie Christy & Uncle Chipper's house, Jason's new job, Christy's Birthday, lots of play dates and visits from Grandmas and Grandpas, play doh, beach days and bubbles! We also went kayaking in Big Bear, had a Labor Day BBQ and much, much more!

Here are some pics - you'll be surprised at how Rowen doesn't look much like a baby anymore.

Beach Day...

Christy's Birthday...

 

 

 Labor Day BBQ...

Big Bear...  

 

 

Now it's time to get ready for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and all the festivities!!!

Meeska Mouska MICKEY MOUSE

Rowen turned the ripe old age of 2 on Sunday, June 23rd. We had a fun Mickey Mouse Party! Family and friends ages 2 months to 90 years came to join the celebration at our Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Here are some pics from the event:



{#2 made of pics from the day Rowen was born thru June 2013 & Candy Buffet}

{cupcakes with Mickey Mouse heads on top ~ made of Oreos} 

{Decorations}

{Craft Table & Bubble Station}

{Mickey was bigger than Rowen!}





Mickey was a big hit with the little ones! 

They all wanted to play with him and throw him into the air.



{Sam & Aria  (6 months)}



{Kim, Tanner(2yrs) & Luke (2months)} 

{Grandma & Cole}

{Papa & Albi}

{Uncle Chipper & Auntie Christy}

{Mikaela, Rowen & Suri LOVE bubbles!}

{Hochberg kids & Lindsi}

{Rowen & Mikaela after pin the nose on Mickey} 

{Grandma & Papa, Jason & Rowen}

{Grandma & Rowen}

{Rowen & Nonna}

 

{Little B's}

YAY to MICKEY & TURNING TWO!

Smarty Pants

Now that Rowen is TWO years old, he has a new found attitude. Yes, he is officially two years old and boy does he act it! Every response is "no mommy" or "no daddy" and he has begun to talk back. I thought I had until at least age 4 for talking back!

While riding in the car on the way to school, we usually sing songs, play games, count cars, etc. Last week while we were singing songs, he says, "no talk mommy." I guess that's the nicer way of telling me to be quiet?

On the way home that same day, he was whining and I told him, "That's a horrible sound Rowen. Nobody likes whining." His response was: "I like whining."

He is growing up so fast! Pics from his 2nd birthday bash will be posted soon!

Mommy's Day, Disneyland, New School, & New Job

My second Mother's Day was very nice and relaxing (as much as relaxing can be with a 2 year old). We went to brunch in Chino, visited with my mom, April, and Grandma Diana and took lots of pictures. It was very enjoyable!

May 6th was Disneyland day! YAY!! We saw Capt. Hook (Rowen said "don't like hook"), we saw Peter Pan and played with him for a few minutes, and we even saw Mickey Mouse (he did the Hot Dog Dance for us!). Rowen was almost 36" tall when we went, so he could go on quite a few rides. He went on Pirates of the Carribean, the Rockets, Winnie the Pooh, and even slept through the entire Small World ride.

On May 13, 2013 Rowen began attending Montessori School. Since he loves learning and speaks so clearly now, the school suggested we put him in the 2-3 year old class. At 22 months old, he was able to count to 5, already knew the names of many animals, he could sing the beginning of the ABC's, he ran much faster than before, and was still very bossy. He is growing up so fast - when we went to his 2 year check up, the doctor said he is in the 95th percentile for height and 80th percentile for weight - and is the same size as the average three year old. No doubt, he's a BIG BOY! He still kicks and throws left handed, but writes with his right hand. After three weeks of school, he tells me he doesn't like any of his teachers (even though he gives them hugs every day when he leaves), doesn't like the kids in his class, and doesn't like school. Hopefully he will start liking it soon.

On May 16th, I started a new job as a firm administrator for a large law firm in Newport Beach. We have 9 locations throughout California and 120+ employees. While it is a lot of work going to all the offices and getting to know all of the employees, at the same time actually running the offices, it is an excellent opportunity for me.

It has definitely been an adjustment for all of us ~ but we are all figuring out the best system and making it work!