Owen Royce from 1 to 12 months

It's crazy how fast a baby's face (and hair) changes.  I'm glad it's not the same speed in adults. Here's Owen photographed every month starting with baldy at 1 month, developed mohawk at 7 months which then turned into a peacock tail at 12 months.

Christmas 2013

We "went for gold" this year for our Christmas tree theme.

Due to my procrastination, I ended up buying these hideous leftover stockings at Target. At least Wyatt's stocking looks cute. We literally looked in every store in the area (including the Dollar Tree) to find stocking holders but they apparently ran out too, and that's when the command hooks came in handy. When we hung up the stockings on Christmas eve, we realized what our initials combined to spell and thought it was funny.

My gift-wrapping skill makes up for the ugly stockings though, don't you think? ;)

Brandon and I broke the tradition of getting up very early to open presents. We waited until Owen woke up and we ate breakfast first before anything. Our "reindeer" however, didn't seem to want to wait any longer.

He specifically asked for his favorite chocolate to be included in his stocking.

Wyatt got all that he wanted for Christmas.

Playing with scotch tape, then eating it.

We took this picture by setting the camera on a timer. When I looked at the shots, I almost died to see that all of us were looking at the camera in this one. I mean, what are the chances of a cat (who, just like the 2 other males he lives with, hate having his picture taken) and a 14-month old looking at the camera at the exact same time? This probably will never happen again.

2013 is definitely one of the best years for us. We look forward to what 2014 has in store. :)

Owen is 1

I found out that it's not easy to plan a party... even a small and simple one... for a soon-to-be one-year old. And it's even harder when you're in a small town where finding party supplies, party utensils, and a good cake decorator is a challenge. Owen and I were in the Philippines visiting my family when he turned one year old and I wish I had brought a cake stand, cupcake stands, and some juice jugs on the trip for his 1st birthday party. Ha!

The only thing I really cared for and was very particular about was the cake. I wanted a big fat nicely designed custom cake for him and I looked all over the internet for several designs. I decided to go with this "little man" theme I saw on Pinterest, since Owen was now... well, a little man. :)

I emailed the picture on the left first to the cake decorator. She thought the color of the top layer was white :O , so I sent the one on the right for a clearer picture. (Note: I do not claim ownership of either photo. I found them from here and here, respectively.)

This was the cake decorator's final product. I know it doesn't look exactly the same as the one on the pictures, but I think it's very close. However, after I had bite, I didn't think it was worth what I paid for it.

It was supposed to be a children's party, but it turned out that more adults than kids showed up. These were some of Owen's guests.

Please excuse the celebrant's grouchiness. We had to wake him up shortly after he fell asleep for his nap to get ready for the party. And if you wake up Owen from his sleep, he'll make sure you'll regret it, haha. The kids didn't seem to be bothered by Owen's screaming though, especially the little boy wearing a baseball shirt. :P

But all it took to simmer him down was some spaghetti and a big slice of cake (which he mostly played with)...

... and also a personal entertainer. :D

This little guy might be Owen's biggest fan. He wouldn't leave my son alone. He just stood there in front of Owen the entire time, watching him and holding his foot.

Owen attentively listening to an elder talking to him. I'd like to think that this could be a sign my boy will one day become a full-time missionary for our Church himself, just like his dad was. ;)

Wait, what's your name again? :D

The little man got himself an instant big brother, haha. This is my childhood bestfriend's son, an only child, and he liked to pretend Owen was his lost baby brother.

Isn't it adorable how he cares for him? How many little kids show affection to other kids that they have just met?

Some snapshots from my iPhone

My dear Owen Royce, what a fun year it has been with you. I wish you more sleep, more hair, and less crying throughout the years of your toddler life. I love you, little stinker!