Marshmallow Gun War

you read that right: marshmallow. gun. war.  We went over to the Weathersby's this weekend for a roaring good time shooting miniature marshmallows at each other with home-made marshmallow guns.  

prepare to die!!

 future marshmallow sniper:

Well- Rowen and I never actually got to fire one as I was on baby duty and Matt was having too much fun to share. haha.  But Rowen and I had a super time enjoying the weather and the watermelon! 

 

And lastly: Matt demonstrates how to enjoy delicious pot-luck goodies while holding a baby.

  

Help Rusty find a New Home

It's not fair- to poor Rusty- to try and keep him any longer.  He is obviously not a "family" dog.  We thought he'd get used to having Rowen around, to being the family pet rather than the fur baby- but after 9 months he's only getting more and more sad.  He needs a family without small kiddos- who aren't tugging his tail and feeding him cheerios (he's allergic to wheat- makes him scratchy scratchy!)

Before Rowen came home, Rusty was the best dog.  He doesn't chew or bark, he loves his owners and is very faithful.  He can hold his bladder for 14 hours straight!  (it happened once in a while when we were both working- sad- I know...)  He doesn't run away when you open the front door, doesn't need a lot of space to run- just likes to look out a window and watch the day go by.  (Preferably on a soft blanket or pillow!)  He does a few tricks and is a fast learner.  The biggest challenge we've had with him is keeping all wheat out of his diet.  Lately it's just not happening.  We try to- and imagining having two kids (someday)- the crackers and cheerios and pasta and toast... it's just not happening.  So Rusty is an itchy mess.  he's eating his backside like it were prime rib. (ew- maybe a bad mental image!)

So if you know anyone who wants a free, sweet, adorable, well behaved small dog- let us know.  It's sad to have to give away part of your family... but we really think it's the best for him.  He's old and isn't up to the baby game. :o(  

A Visit to Sun Gold Farm

Yesterday we had the opportunity to go and visit the farm who is providing our harvest box!  (Just two more weeks until our first box!)  I thought I had written a post about us doing a CSA harvest box this year, but I can't find it in the archives so I guess I never did.  SO- if you don't know, CSA stands for "community supported agriculture" and basically, we paid in advance for a share of Sun Gold Farm's crop.  They pack up boxes of vegetables, fruits, cut flowers, beans, herbs, whatever they're harvesting every week and we pick it up at the beaverton farmers market on Saturdays.  We get fresh, local, organic produce every week at a great price, and they get to stay in business as a small family farm.  Neat, huh?  Anyway, they had an "open house" yesterday and we took advantage of it.  It turned out to be such a beautiful afternoon- we went for a tractor-pulled hay ride and learned a little about the farm and got to walk through the fields and orchard and greenhouses and see what was growing! Everything is still cute little sprouts :o) (except for the strawberries, which smelled sooooo good ripening in the sun!)

Can't wait to share with you what comes in the boxes and what we decide to do with it all summer!  Oh, how I love food.

New Home!

Reason #3 why I've been a blog slacker:

Rowen was very helpful during the moving process!

Actually, he got to play with Nana while the rest of us moved.  Thank you thank you thank you to Lindsi, Trevor, & Brit (my siblings,) Tim, the Reid's, BJ, Matt & Kristi

for helping us move, Kristi for helping me unpack and organize my kitchen, Mom, Lindsi, and Kathleen for helping to paint Rowen's room, Jered for helping prime the apartment, and all the little people that helped make this day possible.  lol.  Seriously, we were so blessed with lots of help and we LOVE you guys!

Oh No! Don't pack me, Momma!"

here's a little "tour" curtosy of Matt- the place is a disaster, but it IS less than 24 hours since we moved in.  It looks much better now of course, but we still have a ways to go!  Can't wait to hae everyone over :o) 

6 months!

Can you believe my baby is six months old? I can't.  I just can't. I wont! It's not true!

okay..... it is.

:o)

he's getting so big (well, he's really just a squirt, but he seems big to me!)  He's eating avocado, brown rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and peas.  He can sit by himself, roll over any which way he wants to, (usually onto his tummy, which he seems to prefer.) He scoots around the kitchen floor (carpet is still a challenge,) and he LOVES the johnny jumper.  He wants to stand all day, and will pull himself up from sitting if you hold his hands.  He never stops moving- except for when he's asleep.  When we wear him in the moby his feet continually kick.  I love it!  He still coos and squeals a bunch, and lately sticks his tongue out and says "da da da da da da." His laughter is so contagious- he makes strangers smile everywhere he goes.  One of my favorite things to do with him is take him to Costco- all the old people love to stop and talk to him and smile at him and grab his feet- and he's so polite and plays along!  Oh, Momma's pride and joy. 

On a less (much less) "momma's joy" note- he's just about weaned himself, little stinker.  At his 6 month appointment he'd dropped down to the 3rd percentile in weight (doc still says he's fine and stop worrying!) but said I should offer a bottle after nursing just to see how much more he'd drink.  Well, a few days of that and he decided that bottles are SO great (still breast milk) that he could do away with the boob all together.  He'll still nurse in the middle of the night, because he's too sleepy to notice. haha.  That's the only time he'll let me hold and cuddle him too, so go figure!  So now I'm pumping every 2-3 hours and just giving him bottles during the day, because the battle to nurse was breaking my heart.  (For a few days, he would scream and cry real tears every time I'd put him to breast!  On the other hand, when he sees a bottle, he smiles and reaches out and kicks his feet. Stinker.)  It's not a supply issue, because I pump the same or more ounces than he's drinking.  He's just letting me know he's a big boy, I guess!  Wont be the last time.... I'm sure!  I'm going to give it my best to keep this up for another 6 months because I know that breast milk is absolutely the best thing for him.  So- got any good books you want to lend me?  I'll be having plenty of time to sit and read- (15 minutes out of every 2-3 hours, to be exact!) hahaha

First Beach Trip!

oooooh cuteness :o)

there's a 5 minute video on YouTube if you're interested!  He liked the sand, I was making little sand "castles" out of nesting cups and he'd squish 'em and coo. He's such a doll!  It was kind of bright and a bit windy, but it was sooo sunny and nice for april at the coast! We really lucked out. I can't wait for summer!

Bill Update, Monday evening

God is good, my friends. I just got off the phone with my dad and he sounds so much better- he's in a hotel because he got discharged from the hospital! He and Mom are getting a flight home tomorrow. The doctors said he should make a full recovery as long as he's very careful to obey all the rules for the next three months. (no lifting, no driving, no cleaning, etc!) That's going to be tough- but praise the Lord- a full recovery is possible! Thank you all so much for your prayers & well-wishes.

Warped Speed!

I thought that I would post a video that I found on Youtube of Bill in his jet powered funny car. (If you don't know who Bill is read the last couple posts.) The video was taken last year in Las Vegas. The car that he was driving yesterday when he crashed was actually a new car and this was the first weekend that he has raced it, but it will give you a better idea of what he drives. He is usually the "half time" entertainment and is always a crowd pleaser with his burner pops. As you can tell in the video the windows on the building are shaking from the power.

Bill Update

This morning I got a call from my mom between flights and she heard that he wouldn't need surgery, praise Jesus, but it's three broken vertibrae in his lower back. He'll need to be in a brace for 3 months.
And just now, I talked to my dad!! It was great to hear his voice. His pain is down to a 5 (which I imagine still sucks, but has to be a lot better than a 10!) and they've got him all fitted up with the back brace. He's going in for an x-ray soon to see how the brace is affecting the broken vertebrae. He still doesn't know when they'll let him come home. He hasn't gotten out of bed yet and just got his first meal- mmmmmm hospital food! And he said he was aware of everything the whole time- boy, that had to be terrible.
Anyway, I'm relieved- it could have been so much worse. Thank you all for your prayers- they really work!

Prayer Request

This is my dad Bill.

He drives a jet funny car. Here's an older picture, as I'm assuming many of you don't know what a funny car is. Drag racing. You might have to click the picture to see the whole car... anyway...

He's in Arizona for a race this week, and early this evening (Saturday) he crashed. From what I understand, everything was right until he pulled the shoots, (sp?) which because of the wind threw him directly into a wall. He was going around 250 miles per hour at impact. The car is destroyed, the paramedics cut him out with the jaws of life, and rushed him to a hospital where they are currently running tests and trying to see the extent of his injuries and help his pain. We are so thankful that he's alive, which is a miracle in itself I hear. My mom is flying down there at 5am tomorrow morning to be with him, he may be there for a day, or weeks. We don't know yet. So please be praying for them both- praise Jesus that he's okay, but pray for healing. The morphine isn't helping him and his pain is at a 10 (out of 10) and the last I heard they are running a CAT scan to get a better look at his back. It could be broken, or blown discs, or something internal. He's in critical condition and stable I think, but his heart is racing. Probably from the pain, I'm assuming. Hopefully they'll find something to give him to take the edge off.
Thank you for your prayers. I'll keep you posted.

Nikki's Wedding Weekend

My little sister Nikki got married this weekend, and it was probably the longest weekend of Rowen's life so far! He was super cute, though- and a very good baby, of course!
Thursday night he hung out with Nana and Poppop while Momma & Daddy went on a date- well, out to dinner and then to Nikki & Josh's "dessert reception." Luckily, he's used to spending Thursdays at Nana & Poppop's house. But he was still out super late. Then Friday we went to the rehearsal dinner, and he got to meet lots of new people, like his Great Aunt Tina! Much fun and socializing led to one tired, slightly dischevled baby.
Then Saturday was the big night. He even wore a tuxedo! It was all black so we didn't get a great picture of the tux, but you get the idea :o)
Being tickled by Daddy:
Lookin' sharp! They had a "black and white" theeme. I think the vest and bow-tie were the best part about his outfit! hahaha. Maybe if you click the picture to enlarge it you can see it better...
And again, much fun and socializing leads to....

...zonked!!!

ooooooh.... those little toes :o) We thought he was pretty hot and uncomfortable with all those clothes on, so he lost them piece by piece. Shoes, socks, jacket, bow tie, vest... what a night! After this little nap (in the picture) he woke up happy as a clam, so we headed out to the dance floor where he promptly started crying & screaming- I think it was a tad bit overstimulating! So we headed home to tuck him in. ...he got maybe 6 hours of sleep Saturday night? (He wanted to continue the party in his crib all night long... ) And then Sundays are always busy days as well, of course. So up and adam, off to church, home for a nap, off to the grocery store, then costco, then to Home Groups- (a local fellowship & worship time with our church family) where he screamed and screamed... until I got him to fall asleep. Poor baby!! He slept great last night, thank goodness, but woke up with a stuffy nose and a cough. Good thing the next wedding isn't for another year!

The Rowen Report 2/9

Well, Rowen's great grandparents all live out of state and aren't exactly blog followers, so I thought I'd have Rowen wright them all a letter and include some pictures so they can watch him grow. Thought I'd share here what "he" wrote- haha

The Rowen Report!
February 18th, 2009

Hey there, Great Grandparents! This is Rowen, and since you’re all so far away and can’t watch me grow, I wanted to write you all and let you know how I’m doing these days. I am four months and ten days old. Yeah, I’m really getting up there! I had my four month check up about a week and a half ago and I’m doing great. My doctor is impressed with how strong I am when I’m on my tummy, and also with how good my skin looks despite the winter weather! I had a pretty nasty case of cradle cap, but thanks to some magic natural aloe lotion from my Nana (Wendy) it healed up in just three days. Now my head is GORGEOUS! And still pretty much bald. Oh well. I weigh just over 12 lbs and am just over 2 feet tall. And, cute as a button, of course. That makes me pretty small for my age, but I’m healthy as a horse. Eating great and active all the time! Sometimes I can roll over, but it’s super hard work. It’s much easier just to twist and turn every which way to see what I want to see. And I don’t mind being on my tummy, so rolling over is not my highest priority. Especially if there is something to chew on!
My favorite pass times lately are playing with my feet, eating my fingers, being naked, laughing at my daddy (he’s SO funny,) drooling, and of course, chattering away. I have lots to talk about and love it when people talk back. Momma thinks I’m going to be very social some day. I’m happy nearly all of the time, it’s so easy to make me smile and laugh! I love faces, my stuffed “Mr. Frog,” my “fuzzy” blanket, links, and my yellow crinkly paper. I also love to slam my hands down on my baby table because it makes a GREAT loud noise! All by myself! I still hate going in the car. Momma and Daddy put some links up so I can play while we’re driving and sometimes that’s okay, but sometimes it just doesn’t matter and I scream and cry anyway.
I also love to sleep. When I’m tired, just put me in my crib and walk away, I’ll do the rest! I find my thumb, my “fuzzy,” and drift off to dream land. It’s great. (Of course, that doesn’t mean I’ll sleep all night- I still like to wake up every two hours to eat some nights. I just want to make sure Momma knows how much I need her. That’s all.) :o)
I hope you are all doing well, staying happy and healthy and enjoying the New Year! I know I am (not that I know what a “new year” is… everything is new to me!) Enjoy the pictures, I’ll try and write again soon.

Much love,
Rowen Micah Happel

My Horn can Pierce the Sky!

Too bad the pic didn't quite get the whole box- click on it to zoom in and see her beautiful horn! hahahahaha.
my dad must have been very good this year, he got a "princess unicorn" for Christmas! It was from Dwight.

(aka- my sister & brother in law who felt a little cooped up in all the snow and ice and got crafty with a barbie, a screw, and a little photo shop!) The box was complete with the phrase "my horn can pierce the sky!" Oh man, my sides STILL hurt from laughing. hahahaha

(If you don't watch The Office, this will be totally lost on you. Sorry.)

Christmas Eve with the Happels

Rowen's first Christmas with Gramps & Grams! Check out my Christmas PJ's

I got lots of nice new clothes!
and a bow on my head- which is the most fun of all, of course.

Hey Santa!

Despite the blizzard, Nana just had to take Rowen to meet Santa. (How else would he tell him what he wanted for Christmas???) So- we met Nana and Poppop at the mall, and of course Nana brought Rowen a Christmas outfit for the occasion. Since the line was so long, we just decided to dress him right there on the mall bench. How embarrassing for him! hehe.


Funny, Santa didn't ask him if he'd been a good little boy, or what he wanted for Christmas. I guess he already knew!

Arctic Blast 2008 with the Happels

My hubby put together this little viddy for your enjoyment-

Rowen was neither pleased nor dismayed at the frigid temperatures- even when I put him down face up on the hood of the car (it was snowing!) to make his first snow angel. Funny guy...
Don't worry, we didn't stay out too long.

Conversations with Nanna

Cutting Down a Tree!

I love Christmastime! Exhausted as we were, we decided to go chop down a tree with my fam on Sunday. Crazy, huh? It was pouring down rain while we ate lunch, but thank heavens it stopped just as we got to the tree farm! The ground was still all mushy, but it was so nice to be "warm and dry." (We had been in South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska all weekend, afterall!)

Rowen thoroughly enjoyed himself, as usual!



Searching for the perfect tree...

"Hey mom, Nanna and I found one!"




Hmm.... this one is more like it!

Flyin' Rowen!

Rowen did so great on the airplane! (Or should I say, airplanes?) We flew from Portland to Minneapolis, then from Minneapolis to Omaha. The next morning we drove to Akron, Iowa (about two hours.) After spending most of the day there, we drove back to Omaha to spend the night, then flew from Omaha to Minneapolis and Minneapolis back to Portland. Whew! It was a lot of traveling in one weekend for an 8 week old! He made hardly a peep (which is more than I can say for the baby sitting behind us...) We have such an angel-baby!
Brrr!! The Midwest is COLD!!! It was around 16 degrees while we were there! A big snow storm came in just after we left. So grateful to miss it! The wind blew right through you. There's no place like home afterall!