Snyders of Rochester

Baby Brother

2008-08-22T20:06:00.002-04:00

26 week belly!

Owen at a Maxon wedding

Our little family is fast approaching an expansion! As you all know, we are expecting little boy #2 the end of November, which means we are now 26 weeks into this pregnancy. I am doing good, other than some tiredness and general aches, but lately have had more energy. Work is crazy and good delivering babies.
Chris is also enjoying his job and the end of the summer. Owen is busy discovering the joys of Disney and playing with his friends at daycare.
We are all looking forward to a vacation in North Carolina in a little over a week...we cannot wait for the escape! Other than that, it's getting ready for baby and the cooler weather.

Summer!

2008-07-07T23:20:00.006-04:00

Dad & Grady with the Verazzano in the background

Fireworks

Steve & Kathy

Emma & Grady

Owen being initiated as an official New Yorker

The beautiful weather is finally here and we are all making the most of it. Over the July 4th holiday, Owen and I, Grandpa Leonard and Grady traveled to Staten Island to see Emma and to New Jersey. Staten Island was cool, for those of us who have never been there but definitley not green enough! Emma's coast guard base is practically right under the Verazzano Bridge leading from Staten Island to Brooklyn, what an amazing site up close. She was crazy enough, along with Sean, to put us all up for a night and day or two. Off to Toms River, NJ we went to see Aunt Kathy, Uncle Steve, Eric and David. They put together a pretty awesome cookout on the holiday and hosted about 20 people for a relaxing afternoon of food, talking, and backyard fun. The fireworks show for the 4th was pretty cool...and would have been even better without the rain that started during it!
For those of you who do not know, Owen will be getting a baby brother in November! Yes, we just found out that our new baby is a boy. Owen seems to know what we mean when we tell him "baby brother", but then he's only 2 years old.

Enjoy the pictures, everyone!

Round here....

2008-05-26T07:36:00.007-04:00

Celebrating Tony's Birthday; Tony, Megan & Owen

Damian & Tia at the Cookout (which they hosted)

Daddy & Owen being crazy

Megan & Emma

Leonard Girl's Feet (Owen affectionately calls this picture "pew")

Hello to all our not so devoted readers as I have truly slacked on posting regularly here. Since my last post in January it has been crazy here. Between work, school, and various other events cropping up, we have been pretty busy. Sara finished the semester off in May with shouts of joy, which I am sure Chris agreed whole heartedly with. Owen has been busy tiring us out and learning a vocabulary that amazes us every day. He is now running and jumping and exercising his little sense of humor. He comes out with a new word every day and has been using 2 and 3 word sentences for a few weeks now. Daycare has been fun for him now that they are going outside on their large playgrounds and doing lots of projects in the classroom. We haven't started officially potty training him yet, but he uses his little potty whenever he feels like which is at least daily. Oh yeah, and I'm sure most of you know that we're expecting baby #2 around November 30th!! Sara has been feeling not so great until a week or so ago until the cloud seemed to lift (thank god). We are trying to prep Owen but he doesn't really understand it yet. When we ask him if he wants a baby he says "yes" and he loves to see babies in general, so that's promising.
Last week we had a visit from Emma, from NYC, and Megan and her flame, Tony, from Hawaii enroute to NC. A fun time was had by all, although the weather could have been nicer. Chris's sister Raeanne comes home this weekend from 10 months living in China, so we are all very excited to see her!
In other news, the beautiful summer weather is greatly anticipated as well as a visit from some of the SD Leonard's next month.
Enjoy the pictures and I'll try to keep it updated more regularly.
Love from Sara, Chris, and Owen

Goodbye...

2008-01-08T22:08:00.000-05:00

Living Room after Christmas 2006

All empty...December 2007

Just a small post to say...

Goodbye to 428 South Meadow Street
Never again will we meet.
Your tiny bedrooms and one bathroom,
we never thought it would end so soon.
Parents and children alike tortured you
still you survived and came bravely through.

The fond memories of days past:
Mom and Dad heading out west
Sara leaving you for her man
Megan for another land
Damian breaking a window somehow
Emma all grown up now
Nels..not quiet at all, as you well knew
Grady still the baby, we'll all remember you.

Happy 2008!

2008-01-08T21:45:00.000-05:00

Sledding with Megan

Owen on the Beach

Christmas pictures

The Leonard Clan (October 2007)

Me, Danielle, & Alicia at Danielle's Wedding

Well, it has been quite a while since an update so I'll try to recap the last months for you. Chris is still loving his job and doing well, as is Sara. Owen has been growing and changing right before our eyes!! He loves to run, climb, takes baths, and play in general. He does not like being separated from his parents very much at all. He is still talking up a storm and more frequently when we say a word to him he will give a try and repeat it back to us.
We had a great vacation in November when we traveled to NC and stayed for a week oceanfront for some much needed R & R. Aunt Megan visited us in December and we tried to entertain her as best we could. In fact, we're now babysitting her kitty, Sadie, for her while she gets her sea legs. Our holidays were good if uneventful. Owen loved opening presents and loved playing with them even more.
As I am writing this I am recovering from my latest workout at the YMCA (we treated ourselves to a membership recently) and we're having quiet night at home while Owen sleeps. School starts again for me next week so the updates may continue to be few and far between, but keep checking!!!

I'm Sure You're All Thinking "Finally!"

2007-09-30T10:55:00.000-04:00

Mommy & Owen (Camping at Letchworth in August)

Daddy & Owen at Ontario Beach

Dylan & Owen in Our Wagon

I don't remember putting this in the cupboard!

Hot off the Press...Owen this morning.

Yeah, yeah. It's taken me a long time to finally update our blog and I am sorry for that to all our faithful readers. A lot has happened this summer, from Owen growing like a weed, to Chris working a lot, to me starting school this fall.
As I am writing this Owen is unloading the bookcase in the den. You can't really blame him because he loves books lately, even if they are grown up books with no pictures he likes to take them off the shelf and give them a quick look. He has definitely turned into a little boy over the last months. He started really walking at about 13 1/2 months and has now conquered running and climbing, unfortunately for us. He has gotten 6 new teeth: his top 2 molars and 3rd and 4th bottom front teeth are about 1/2 way in, and a couple bottom molars are still making their way up. We took him for his first big boy haircut last week because the back of his hair was very full and getting ratty easily. He did phenomenally well at the cut, sitting on daddy's lap and sucking a lollipop I got him for distraction. I totally forgot the camera though so we have nothing to share with everyone. He's also coming out with a new word almost every day. He can say the usual mama and dada, as well as a version of turtle, shadow, dog, walk, eat, juice, snack, milk, euw, down, up, book, night-night, morning, bath, ball, poo-poo, baby, mine,and so on and so forth. He has a great sense of humor and loves to 'play' with the cat (read: torture the cat).
Daddy has been golfing the summer away and working like a maniac. And I have been working and starting college at U of R this semester to work towards by bachelor's of nursing degree.
This fall is going to be very busy so I may not get to updating this again for awhile. Chris and I have close friends getting married, a vacation coming up, people having babies, and life as usual, not to mention a visitor coming in December.Until next time, take care and keep checking for the next post!!

Happy 1st Birthday!

2007-06-14T13:39:00.000-04:00

Owen assisting Grandpa Leonard with the drool-and-pull hair revitalizer treatment.(patent pending)

"Wanna ride? Here we go!!"

"Wanna play ball?"

Yes, it takes 3 people to dress a wiggly one year old.

As many of you know 'baby' Owen turned 1 on June 10th!! We were lucky enough to have a beautiful, sunny day for his birthday party with family and good friends. Chris and I put together a big barbeque for the event and Grandma Snyder made a cake with Winnie the Pooh on it. Owen was showered with attention and presents and sends a huge thank you to everyone who celebrated with us whether in body or in spirit. So he still seems so much bigger than a little boy but Chris and I know we'll have to get used to that as it will only get worse. He is talking and crawling and playing as hard as he can and almost walking. Everyone enjoy the pictures and thank you to Daddy who was our photographer for the day.

Summer is Here

2007-06-01T09:39:00.000-04:00

Hello to everyone who has been wondering when I would update this again. A lot has been going on in the last months. Owen is growing like a weed, getting into everything and has started to take 1 or 2 steps by himself depending on how adventurous he's feeling.
It has become more and more apparent to us how BIG he is getting. Our little baby is grown up and more independent. Lately he has started giving lots of hugs to Chris and I and the cat so it helps to know he loves us still. I started a new job in April and am loving it while Chris is still enjoying his job.
May was a long month complete with a trip to the Lilac Festival with the Leonards and a visit to the Snyders over the holiday weekend. We are currently very excited to be planning Owen's first birthday party to be celebrated with family and friends.
Enjoy the pics and we'll post some fun birthday party details after the 10th!!

Four New Teeth!!!!

2007-04-06T18:32:00.000-04:00

Movin & Groovin

2007-03-30T11:35:00.000-04:00

Our little baby is now 9 1/2 months old!!!
Owen has become a lot more mobile in the last month...and kept us on our toes a lot. He is pulling up and standing confidently with minimal support, climbing the stairs, and becoming the sweetest little boy. He is still a little ham: smiling from ear to ear at the camera and at strangers and performing for visitors when he feels like it. We have really enjoyed hearing his little voice a lot more as he can say "cat" and the usual mama, dada, baba, as well as "hi" when he feels like it. Everyday he gets bigger and bigger and more loveable...and tiring. As the warm weather approaches we're looking forward to tiring him out at the playground this summer and freqenting the zoo and parks in Rochester.

Mr. Personality

2007-02-10T10:20:00.000-05:00

The last month has been quite busy for our family. Chris has started the night shift at his job which is an adjustment but very worth it because he loves it and home life has been busy in general.
Owen amazes us more and more each day as he is more mobile and more fun. He has a little tooth coming through finally! It's so tiny and sharp but I'm sure it will come through quickly. He is enjoying the army crawl still but don't think for a second that dragging his behind around slows him down. We love to play with him and he loves to be chased...Chris described it the best when he said Owen does his version of the "baby peel-out" when you come after him. He has started to smack his lips like he is giving kisses and play attack mom or dad by coming after you with his open mouth while he growls. He is definitely a never ended source of joy and love. He is also getting more vocal...I think he talks nonstop some days. He can say "ba-ba" in response to showing him a bottle and various other noises (ma, da, ga, etc). He has had a cold for a couple of weeks now and a minor ear infection we're getting over, but he's taking it in stride and continues to be the happiest baby.
Needless to say, the last 8 months have flown by and before we know it he'll be 1 year old!!! But we love every minute of it and I hope everyone has enjoyed following us thus far...with a lot more to come.

It Really IS Winter

2007-01-10T15:21:00.000-05:00

Well it finally snowed here. Not that we were waiting anxiously for it but I am sure some of us Rochestarians were beginning to think we were getting away without it this year.
The holidays went by so fast and all of sudden Owen is 7 months old! It was great spending time with family through the holidays and Chris and I got a special treat of our first night out alone. Well, not really alone being that it was a New Year's Eve dinner party, but without Owen thanks in part to Damian who readily agreed to babysit.
Owen is army crawling like a champ with surprising speed and change of direction at times. He is also sitting on his own, drinking from a sippy cup with some help, and we're starting some finger foods this month. He does the cutest little bounce on his belly when he wants to be picked up and his personality is growing everyday. He is a lot more vocal lately...probably because he's realized if he talks I don't, which I am sure is a blessed break after the last months.
Chris is loving his new job and looking forward to his career at U of R. Uncle Damian now lives in Rochester so we are lucky enough that he falls for bribes of dinner and entertainment to come over and see us. Over the coming months we're looking forward to settling into our new schedules, watching Owen change and grow, and a visit from Aunt Megan coming from Hawaii!!And Happy Birthday to those of you with birthdays this week...you know who you are!!

Merry Christmas

2006-12-22T13:30:00.000-05:00

Tis the season to be jolly...
We all hope that everyone is having a good holiday season and enjoying themselves.
To all our family and friends not able to be with us this year...we miss you and cannot wait until we see you next!!!!!

Happy Holidays

2006-12-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

The post turkey nap

"The shnozz berries taste like shnozzberries!"

Okay, Owen did at least get those baby blues from me...

Our family has been very busy since the last post. Owen is officially 1 week away from turning 6 months old..it's hard to believe that half a year has passed already. Owen and Mom journeyed to Watertown early November, visiting the Hayes' from New Jersey and watching Emma's performance in WHS production of High School Musical. She was awesome! I turned 25 this past month..another year filled with stuff and looking forward to the coming year. Our entire family visited Watertown over the Thanksgiving weekend, spending time with all of our family including one hilarious game night with the Snyders and Leonards. Chris started his new job a few weeks ago and is really enjoying it. We found out he will definitly be working the overnight shift starting late January so although it will be an adjustment, we're looking forward to it.
Owen starting scooching, or doing the army crawl really, this past week and he's pretty good! The first night he was showing off to us he moved a few feet pretty quickly chasing after a ball. Before we know it he'll be crawling!
Owen is a little under the weather right now. He developed a low grade fever Sunday and a snotty sounding nose and has been very blah since then. Not quite as energetic and bubbly, although this means he wants to be cuddled a lot and we don't mind at all.
Well hope everybody is enjoying the season and you all have a good one!

Busy Bee

2006-11-01T07:54:00.000-05:00

We had a very uneventful Halloween...we visited Mom's and Dad's workplaces, where everyone gushed over the baby (as usual). We're looking forward to a trip to Watertown this weekend to visit family and Chris's job is winding down as his last day is Friday. He is really looking forward to some time off next week.

Little Angel...

2006-10-28T10:55:00.000-04:00

Fall Is Here

2006-10-24T10:01:00.000-04:00

We have had an eventful few weeks since the last post. Owen is officially on his way to being 5 months old. Owen is growing like a maniac as always, weighing in at 16 lbs and 9 oz at his doctor's visit and getting a very good bill of health as well as the usual gushes from the doctor. He took his shots like a champ again, however Mom got to spend time with 'post-shots' Owen this time around and he was not a happy camper the following day.
Owen is learning all sorts of new tricks: he now does the 'razz' daily if not continuously, causing a constant river of drool and bubbles on his face, he's doing great pushing up on tummy time and is 80% of the way towards rolling from back to tummy (if that arm would just get out of the way...), and he's reaching for everything he can see around him. In fact, he would have had eggs for breakfast today if he was a little quicker with snagging dad's food. He loves his barley cereal and eats like a champ...we've conquered sweet potatoes so far and moved onto bananas yesterday. Dad and Owen had a brief visit from the Snyders and Maxons clan last week while Mom was stuck at work so the cousins had another meeting of the minds. I've posted a pic of the two: Dylan (or Dyl Pickle as we've nicknamed him) is a month younger than Owen.
Also, Chris is in the first stages of a new job at the University of Rochester Security doing all the necessary tests prior to starting in November. We are really excited at the change although we like Strong Museum a lot.

What we've been up to...

2006-09-29T10:04:00.000-04:00

Show off

What IS this stuff?

Owen taking after his Daddy

The Falls and Family

Owen taking after his Uncle Nels

Hello to everyone. A lot of you have said you check this everyday and for that I have to apologize that we aren't more on top of updating our page. But today I am going to try to make up for it by telling you all what's been happening and posting some pictures.
We journeyed to Niagara Falls a couple of weeks ago and spent the day there seeing the Falls, a little shopping, and a lot of walking and taking in the sights. It was fun and Owen slept through a lot of it but, as always, was a good boy when awake even though it wasn't a usual day for him.
We went to the Syracuse Zoo this week with Grandparents Leonard and Great-Grandma Leonard. It was very fun. It was definitly different and a little more enjoyable when you're not chasing anyone around (yes, we'll live it up until that day arrives).
Owen had his first taste of rice cereal this week..the doctor said we could start about this time but we still didn't want to start too early for him. However, he's been chewing his fingers, watching Chris and I intently eat our dinner every evening, and making chewing motions with his mouth for weeks now. Needless to say it's been very messy but fun. We know he's taken a few mouthfuls each time and swallowed them so we think he's doing well. Dad got to feed him last night and Owen was treated to a facial...and then a thorough bath.
We will update again in a couple of weeks as we have a doctor's visit coming up where we'll find out how he's growing, etc.
Until then everyone enjoy the fall weather (except Megan of course) and we'll be thinking of you all.

Preppy baby...

2006-09-14T20:11:00.000-04:00

More to come after our trip this weekend to Niagara Falls!!

Our Little Guy...

2006-08-26T09:07:00.000-04:00

Tipsy baby!

Freaked-out baby!

Super baby!

Owen continues to bless us everyday...with smiles and happy squeals just when he sees or hears us, with cuddling, and each day Chris and I fall more in love with him. Our little man is growing by the minute it seems: He had a checkup almost 2 weeks ago where we discovered he has gained a little over 3 lbs and grown 3 inches in 5 weeks. He showed off to the doctor talking up a storm for most of the visit, trying to show her how he rolls over, and he took his shots like a champ, looking to Chris and I after each one as if to say "Am I still okay?". He is sleeping nice long stretches at night consistently (finally!) and learning to talk and whine instead of just cry when he is unhappy.
Mom is back to work and really liking day shifts and the satisfaction of knowing she doesn't go berserk with her days after being out for almost 3 months. Owen and Dad have 'guy-days' while Mom works and they both come through great, but who would expect anything less with my wonderful husband? Owen's first day at daycare was last Monday...he did great and everyone loved him and remarked at how happy he seemed and Mom did okay too...teared up in the morning when she had to leave him but left before the waterworks REALLY started.
We've posted some pictures this time that are brand new! This is because our last post was a couple of weeks ago so we wanted new pictures showing how big he's getting.

Two Months Old...Already!

2006-08-12T15:11:00.000-04:00

Owen showing off holding his head up high.

We're mobile!!

Just since the last posting Owen has grown and changed. It's hard to believe and awesome to see...but I'm sure it will always be that way with him. All of a sudden Owen loves tummy time and started holding his head up good and high and very steady last week. He loves to look around and can roll from his tummy to his back...now truthfully the "rolling" part is because his head is so big and heavy but we're still proud of him. Mom must have rubbed off on him these past weeks because he is very chatty when he wants to be "oohing, aahing, and cooing" as well as still doing his little happy squeals. He likes to try to sing along with Mom sometimes we've noticed.
We went to Watertown for a visit with everybody yesterday and that was very nice although we were missing some aunts and uncles on the Leonard side. As usual Owen traveled very well and was a crowd pleaser after his grumpy morning passed.
Mom and Dad are still doing good. Mom goes back to work this next Friday and is/isn't looking forward to it..I'll definitely miss being home with Owen as well as being a little homemaker.
Well, baby is up from his nap and ready to play again so I wish everyone a pleasant weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Hello To All

2006-08-02T07:16:00.000-04:00

Happy baby!

This is Owen listening intently to his Mom's rambling.

Aunty Em, Aunty Em...

Hi to everyone from all of us here....hope your summer is going great. We have been baking here the last two days but tolerating it with the help of some a/c. Chris has been working hard and just received a well-deserved bonus and I have been working hard at home...doing some late spring cleaning and taking care of my boys. Aunt Emma came to visit last week and spent some time with us...even bravely volunteering to change Owen's diaper! (Much to Dad's delight as it was his turn.)
Owen has been a little more awake during the day as the weeks go on and he is quickly being domesticated as I show him how to fold laundry, do the dishes, and vacuum. We play every day...he HATES tummy time but we still do it and we play with blocks and he has a squeaky book we got from the baby shower that he loves. (Probably because Mom makes all the really cool animal noises!)
Now for the biggest, greatest news: Owen has settled into a bedtime routine-bath, food, bed about 8 or 8:30 every night. He has put himself to sleep a few times now (Amen!!!) And the last two nights he has slept 6 hour stretches!!!!!Yay!!!! Granted he wakes Mom up at 2 or 2:30 since that's where the 6 hours end but it's still pretty nice. Of course now we look forward to it continuing (cross our fingers).
Well, thanks for reading th news of our household. We have a doctor's appointment in a couple of weeks so we'll definitly have more to say then if not before. Until then everyone enjoy the weather and we'll be thinking about you.

Visit to the Snyders

2006-07-26T19:45:00.000-04:00

A trip long-requested, we decided that on one of Daddy's days off we'd make a trip to Watertown to visit the Snyder side of the tracks. Owen, getting his morning-person'ness (is that even a word?) from Mommy was all smiles while Daddy grumped around the house until he got his coffee. He seems to tolerate mornings with an exceptional air of happiness, which obviously shows Daddy that he has some work to do.

Two hours and some change later, we completed our trip down 104 and Route 3 (the scenic route) and arrived at Grandma and Grandpa Snyder's house. After a short time visiting with the grandparents and Aunt RaeAnne and Uncle Alex, Uncle Ben (so funny) and Aunt Kristy brought over Dylan for the "meeting of the cousins".

After a rousing game of "lie around and make the adults talk funny to us" the babies got some sleep and let the rest of us catch up a bit. Later in the afternoon, Great-Grandmas Maxon and Snyder made appearances and got to hold the babies for a bit, although from the looks on their faces a lifetime holding them wouldnt have been enough.

Great-Grandma Snyder

Great-Grandma Maxon

And finally, a picture that doesnt have a baby in it. Amazing isnt it?

Right to left: Daddy (Chris), Mommy (Sara), Uncle Ben (I laugh every time), Aunt Kristy, Aunt RaeAnne, Uncle Alex

What A Big Baby!!

2006-07-21T10:48:00.000-04:00

Owen sucking his thumb for the first time...or is it???

"My first bubble bath!" (No, he's not eating the bubbles...although he had bubble eyebrows.)

Hello to all!
Owen is 6 weeks old and growing like a champ, while using his charms on us more and more each week. We've had an exciting week since the last post. (Please take the term exciting lightly as just about everything is exciting these days) Owen has been getting better and better about trips outside the house and he went shopping with Mom last weekend and took his first trip to the new Strong (National Museum of Play) Museum...which he slept all the way through. We toured the new exhibits and gift shops and went through the butterfly house. We got a swing for him this week with lights and music hoping that it might calm him during his fussy times (which it doesn't) and allow mom to put him down a little during the day (which it does...he stays asleep during transfers from mom to swing). As the weeks go on Mom is getting more lonely during the days...I guess this never occurred to me when all these years I would've given anything to stay home after having kids. Who knew! We are REALLY looking forward to the Leonard's visiting tomorrow. But Owen is trying to help...we sing everyday and lately he's been "talking" more when we sing (proof that singing is a good thing to do) and smiling more and interacting more overall. Today the munchkin is napping in the baby front pack we have and getting a good on it looks like.
We chose a daycare...mixed emotions there because we really like it but we didn't want to have to do any child care but it's a necessity and it's only for 2 days a week. So Owen will start that the end of August a week after Mom goes back to work.
Well, that's all on our end, hope everything is great on your end.

Doctor's Visit

2006-07-11T08:40:00.000-04:00

Owen had his 3 weeks checkup yesterday, a little late on his 1 month birthday!!!Yay! Owen christened his pediatrician (that's code for he peed on him) and got an excellent bill of health. The doctor remarked on his great color for his age and he weighed in at..(drumroll please...) 11 lbs 11 ounces. Yes, our little monster has gained an impressive 2 lbs in 3 weeks and I suspect it has something to do with the fact he likes to eat every 2 hours and started doing so about 2 weeks ago. Owen also has a clogged tear duct so he gets baby eye massages indefinitely.
On another note Mom and Dad had a personal victory last night: Owen does not like to fall asleep or stay asleep unless it's on one of us and we stay near for a little while. Last night I rocked him to sleep, put him in his crib within 5 minutes of him falling asleep...AND HE STAYED ASLEEP! He didn't awaken until 3.5 hours later to eat. Yay!
Well, Mom is off to start celebrating Chris's 27th birthday today with Owen!!!! Happy Birthday Chris!

Naptime...

2006-07-07T19:29:00.000-04:00

Among other things, Owen likes to nap with Dad while masquerading as a bookstand.

Adventures in Baby Land

2006-07-06T12:21:00.000-04:00

The happy post-bath Owen

"I'm so excited...I love bathtime!"

"Aww Dad..."

Well, Owen is now almost 4 weeks old! It's hard to believe so much time has passed already. Our lives have changed a lot obviuosly....Owen rules the house now. He is a great little guy though. He's eating well, interacting a little more each week, and starting to make more little baby noises. He has a pretty good temperament and lets Mom get some very decent sleep some nights...not so much other nights. He likes his parent's bed more than his crib and some night gets pretty fussy when we try to keep him in his crib. He has had numerous sponge baths (his cord is hanging on by a thread...literallly) and we were able to document the latest.
We took Owen on his first trip this past holiday weekend to Watertown where he got to visit our friends Bill, Becky, and Lexi, the grandparents of course, and got meet Aunt Emma, and Uncles Alex and Ben and Aunt Kristy for the first time. The parents hardly got to hold Owen the entire weekend!
The three of us are getting closer to settling into a routine every day and Chris and I are just enjoying our little guy as much as we can. I know Chris wishes he could stay home with us instead of going to work and tries to make up for it by grabbing Owen almost as soon as he comes through the door each afternoon. Owen seems to love Dad time and loves looking at Chris and giving him HUGE grins more than Mom!
Enjoy the pics and keep checking for new posts although they will be somewhat randomly posted.

The Overdue Update

2006-06-25T11:06:00.000-04:00

Hello to all of our avid readers! Many of you I am sure have been awaiting an update with pictures etc., including one individual who has been threatening us to motivate an update.
Mom is home (obviously) and doing well..coping better each day with the lack of sleep. Baby Owen came home Friday the 16th and we have all been settling into a routine (kind of anyways) over the last week. He had to receive shots of antibiotics at the pediatricians for 4 days after he was released from the hospital and he tolerated those pretty well. He has been more awake as the days go on and looking around more. He is trying very hard to hold his head up when on his belly and succeeding some of the time, he's smiling when he feels like it and he will look right at whoever's holding him most of the time. The new parents have taken him on a few outings shopping for groceries, house items, and to the doctors.He has had many visitors including family and friends.
We want to thank everyone for the prayers and support surrounding Owen's birth and the last weeks. He is totally beautiful and we are both very taken with him. Enjoy the pictures!!
Baby Owen...up close and personal!

Mom and Owen taking a nap.

Owen groovin in his vibrating rocker chair.

...still groovin.

And finally, the boys.

Happy Birthday Owen Christopher

2006-06-11T08:51:00.001-04:00

On 6/10/06 at 9:46pm, we welcomed Owen Christopher Snyder into the world. He weighed in at in impressive 9lbs 10oz and measured a healthy 22" long. From the get-go he has his sights set at being as big as his daddy, if not bigger. This post mainly is to get some pictures out there for the family/friends, I'll let the mommy post the whole story once she gets home from the hospital. I will say though, almost 15 hours of labor and a bout with a 39.4 degree temperature left her a little drained... so if she takes a little bit posting here it's understandable.

So without further ado, the goods:

Mr Owen has some nice blue eyes:

The stunningly handsome father and son... the ladies can barely control themselves around this dynamic duo.

Mom and Owen, her looking AMAZING for 15 hours of labor.
Here's my closeup!

A shot of the weight and some embarrasment for later... sorry you'll have to come over to see the photo album for the unedited version.

Time for mommy and daddy to get some sleep before the terror comes home. Look for more updates soon!

Baby Checkup: 40 Weeks

2006-06-09T08:31:00.000-04:00

Our visit this week was of course a few days past our due date. Mom has had some changes that the OB doctor was happy about and her verdict is I just need contractions now...which are no where to be seen yet. But she did mention that she was working this weekend in one of those "maybe i'll see you there tones" so that helps us be optimistic.
Other than the waiting everything is good...a little bit more back pain and irritability for mom (which Chris has been a great sport about).
So until our baby boy is born or next week's visit, whichever comes first, we'll look forward to any comments and most of you reading the site can look forward to a call to update you soon hopefully!

Still Waiting...

2006-06-07T11:25:00.000-04:00

Well we are officially 2 days past due! It seems our munchkin is very happy where he is for the time being. Anyways, I promised nursery pics and here are a few although one angle came out blurry so you don't see most of the crib...Sorry.
Enjoy and we'll post an update after our visit tomorrow (Thursday).

Baby Checkup: 39 Weeks

2006-05-30T17:20:00.000-04:00

Hello to everyone checking out the site regularly!
Everything is going well here in rochester....it's like a thousand degrees out but no baby yet. This week's check revealed no changes in Mom that would indicate our little baby boy wants to join the rest of us out here anytime soon.
So if this continues the doctor has said that around 41 weeks is when they'll do tests to make sure everything is alright and seriously talk about and/or perform an induction.In the meantime, Mom is off work finally and trying to relax a little at home while tying up some loose ends around the house. The nursery is totally ready, Mom's bag is packed, and I think both Chris and I are really looking forward to meeting our little guy some day soon.
We'll keep everybody posted along the way of course and chances are if you're one of the people reading this, you'll get a call from us when he is born if not when we enter the hospital.

Baby Checkup: 37 Weeks

2006-05-17T10:47:00.000-04:00

This beautiful picture of the expecting couple was taken at a wedding we went to on Mother's Day weekend. We wanted to chronicle the the two of us and the belly a short time before our due date.
Our checkup this week went the same as usual. Baby is doing well...the heartbeat was good and strong, and we had an ultrasound the day before (just to check size) and we were able to see his little nose, his balled up fist and confirm (again) that it's a boy! Mom's belly is measuring smaller so apparently the baby has dropped a little and we are trooping along for the next few weeks. Mom is exhausted of course but we're taking it day by day...if no baby before June mom's last day of work will be June 2 because we'll be off officially the week the baby is due (although the time off will probably come sooner because we'll need it).

Pictures

2006-05-10T12:55:00.000-04:00

Well, Chris and I are counting the weeks...how can you not when it's only about 3 1/2 to go!!!
Meanwhile we have been yelled about not updating pictures so here are some pictures for everyone to enjoy until the next checkup update later this week. And this weekend or next week I will post pictures of the nursery. It's almost done just things that need to be put away and other minor organizing.
Thank you so much from Chris, me, and of course the baby-to-be for all the gifts and well wishes. We're reminded how blessed and loved we all are.

Baby Checkup: 34 Weeks

2006-04-29T00:09:00.000-04:00

This weeks checkup was very routine. Mom is gaining weight as she is supposed to and everything is looking great. Baby's heartbeat is good and strong and he even had a little fun kicking at the doppler on my belly!!
Mom and Dad had a small reality check as we made appointments for the OB through May and 1 for after the due date. Definitely makes the time go by quickly when you measure it in OB visits.

Well, sorry we're so boring this week but keep checking back as the time winds down.
Mom and baby are off to Watertown this weekend to visit family and go to a baby shower given by the grandma's-to-be...sure to be tons of fun and we have been looking forward to this for a few weeks!!

Baby Checkup: 32 Weeks

2006-04-15T09:58:00.000-04:00

This weeks checkup went well. This is the first one that the dad-to-be went to so he got to meet some of the staff and watch the usual routine. The baby was very active during this visit and the heartbeat was good and steady with some ups and downs but nothing to worry about the NP said. They also said that they would expect baby to big for term and not earlier than expected at this point.

So...we have about 8 weeks to go! It seems like such a long time and then i think about all the things we still need to do and how fast we've gotten to this point and i start to feel a little panicked...like we won't get everything set before he gets here. But i know everything will fall in place.

The Cats

2006-04-05T21:35:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post showcasing our current "family" members.

Shadow - A little under the weather at the moment.

Sammy

Molly

Baby Checkup: 30 Weeks (?)

2006-03-31T14:03:00.000-05:00

By far this checkup was the most involved...and nerve wracking for the parents to be.
Mom is doing well...could be gaining more weight but the doctor isn't worried too much. When we listened to the baby's heartbeat this week it slowed noticeably, so...mom got to be on the monitor for about a half an hour. They did a Non-Stress Test just to keep track of the baby's heartbeat and see if it did that slowing thing again....which it did, twice. However in Owen's defense both times were when he was moving around a lot. The doctor kept saying nothing to be worried about but just in case...you get the drift. So we got another ultrasound to check and make sure he had a big enough 'swimming pool' in there. The 'swimming pool' is fine and the suspicion is that the baby pinched the cord a little when he was flipping around.

And...at the ultrasound the baby measured a larger size than anticipated for 30 weeks. He weighs approx. 3 lbs 14 oz and Mom is measuring a little big too. So we may have a late May baby. We got a nifty souvenir at the ultrasound...a 3D picture of the baby's foot (he was tucking his face under at the time).
We'll see how everything goes at the continuing checkups and keep updating so keep checking back. Oh and enjoy the large pictures of the mom to be.

The Expectant Father Speaks

2006-03-29T20:23:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted something worthwhile so I figured I'd make use of the rampant downtime I have on the evening shift here and write a quick update.

We're currently in our 30th week and going strong. I've made a nightly habit of talking to Owen, having little mini one-sided conversations. You quickly find out how women feel when talking to guys that are watching sports/reading/playing on the computer feel. It's not easy to think up things to say with no feedback, so props to you female readers out there. He seems to kick more often though when I mention certain subjects, his favorite thus far has been me picking on his mothers voice and how funny she must sound from his side. I come out on top in that category in the game of "Daddy vs Owen: Who has it better?" Although, he comes out on top with constant temperature regulation and free food... throw in a TV and a computer and it'd be the envy of every guy out there.

I took a picture of Sara this morning, showing off her 30th week belly, we'll post that soon.

In other news, I got the opportunity to switch to a different shift at work. I currently work the 4-12 shift and as of April 1st I'll be on days. This will work out well for when the baby comes, as we'll have very little overlap for childcare. Now all we have to do is convince one of the sets of parentals (both would be nice) to move to Rochester and our baby-watching worries will be over. I'm taking suggestions as to how we should go about convincing them to move... I may be willing to pay for a foolproof plan even.

Ok, back to work now.

**EDIT 3/30/06**

Here's the newest picture I promised.

Baby Checkup: 28 Weeks

2006-03-17T10:32:00.000-05:00

Well, we have technically reached the third and last trimester!!! Everything is still going well...baby has a good, strong heartbeat and is being very active. (Practicing his martial arts moves as we like to joke.) Mom is itchy all over which is driving her out of her mind but other than that feeling well except some tiredness this week. Mom is onto her checkups every two weeks so we will have much more frequent posts until the end.
The baby room is coming along very well...we are almost done painting and look forward to putting together the crib and starting to set the room up. We're really proud of the job we've done and love the color. Chris (Dad) has put some major time and effort into the room and done an awesome job. Checkout the progression of the baby's room:

Baby Checkup: 25 Weeks

2006-02-25T09:51:00.000-05:00

The latest visit went very well...Sara had to do the glucose tolerance test so the baby was very active after that. In fact the doctor had to chase him around a little to get a heart rate! Mom gained the perfect amount of weight this time around too.
Baby is doing very well...moving a lot and we've started playing him (and my general belly) some music via headphones. Chris has started to be a little bit more excited now that he can feel the baby's gymnastics also.
The baby room is a work in progress and hope to have some pictures to post when we are done...it has been a lot of work as we had to sand and heavily prime the walls. We have bought a couple of furniture items for the baby room also so we're getting a lot more excited!
Look forward to comments and posts...I probably check this site as much as our peanut gallery.
We'll have another update in 3 weeks!

On a very sad note, our youngest kitty (aka our second child) Sadie passed away very suddenly this Friday. We miss her very much and are pretty upset by it. Needless to say her brother Shadow looks very lonely and it's a lot quieter and gloomier in the house.
Unless you have pets you love you won't understand how upsetting it is when one dies so suddenly.

Baby Checkup: 21 Weeks

2006-01-25T10:35:00.000-05:00

Welcome to fat belly stage! We are now about half way through the pregnancy and everything is continuing to go very well. I have felt a lot of movement the last few weeks...feels like a potential socccer player to me. This checkup also went well...the heartbeat was loud and clear for the doctor, i have gained about 6 pounds so we're better there, and as you can see i am in the self-proclaimed "fat stage"...Slowly looking more pregnant. Chris has been very sweet and attentive...especially since i have had a bad cold the last week. He is the best! And he has taken to calling the baby "my little boy".
Looking forward to posts from our frequent readers...we'll update everyone again at the end of February after our next checkup.

Baby Checkup: 18 Weeks - Ultrasound

2006-01-04T11:04:00.000-05:00

Scary face picture!!
He's kissing his toes...or kicking himself.

It's a boy! (hint: this is looking up between the legs at the face)

Cute little feet!

Well, we're officially 18 weeks pregnant and everything is going well.
We had our latest ultrasound and the baby was very active, flipping around, kicking, and playing hide and go seek with one arm. I have also felt a lot of activity the last week so it seems we have an energetic little BOY on the way. Yup it's a boy!!!! Our name for him is Owen Christopher, a name we've had picked out for him since before he came along. And we are very excited about him!

Enjoy the pics...they are very good for the most part. The technician was able to a get a shot of his face but she was a little too close and it looks kind of scary.
We'll update again the end of the month after our next checkup, so until then we'll continue to enjoy the comments.

Baby Checkup: 17 weeks

2005-12-28T12:22:00.000-05:00

Well, the latest checkup went well. The baby is getting a little bigger as evidenced by my barely noticeable baby belly. His/Her heartbeat was good and strong.
Mom is apparently not gaining weight like she's supposed to be though...although it's not for lack of trying so we'll be adding a few better snacks to my day.
Check back next week as we'll have ultrasound pics and a possible sex of the baby!

Also, thanks to the families for all the baby gifts for christmas!

Baby Checkup: 13 weeks

2005-11-30T11:19:00.000-05:00

The latest baby checkup went very well. The doctor was able to hear the heartbeat VERY well and made the comment that he/she must be very happy in there!
We are looking forward to another checkup the end of December and another Ultrasound the beginning of January...hopefully the baby will cooperate so we can find out whether its a boy or a girl!
The 'grandparents' are very excited as are we.

The Parents Know...

2005-11-14T22:39:00.000-05:00

We went up this weekend as a suprise for both Snyder and Leonard parents. Our main objective was to infiltrate and secure a position inside the residences. Once inside we would implement the second phase of our plan; the sneak-attack. Our payload was delivered in the form of a book called Our Story: A Grandparents Record Book. We recorded a success in both theaters with the mothers reacting with hugs and tears.

More to come in the future.

Ultrasound Pictures

2005-11-10T00:52:00.000-05:00

We had a "Dating" ultrasound appointment on Tuesday. One of the most amazing moments of my life was to see this tiny little body growing inside my wife, wiggling around like it wanted us to know it was there and knew we were watching. Hearing the heartbeat was amazing, so clear and fast (171bpm, sounds like the beat for a good dance song.) I figured that the best thing I could do was to share my amazement with everyone (like nobody has ever seen an ultrasound picture before).

Heart Rate!

Convienently labeled for easy blob-recognition.

Another picture, you decide if it's clearer than the first.

Little baby mooning us, definitely poppa's kid!

Welcome!

2005-11-10T00:40:00.000-05:00

Stardate -318857.61, these are the voyages of... just kidding.

This is Chris and Sara's blog, recording the beginning of our life as "more than a couple". We found out that we were pregnant October 2nd, and then again on October 14th (thank you to Sara's neuroses). We've kept it pretty much secret, hoping to suprise the parents, so if you find this blog and know us... keep a lid on it if it's before November 18th or else.