The Cowell Family Circus

Comparison Pics

2009-10-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Pic on the top is Asher at 18 months. Pic on the bottom is Jacob at about 15 months. Crazy huh?!?

Asher's First Day of School

2009-10-27T17:29:00.001-07:00

This post is a little overdue as Asher has been in "school" for about 3 weeks now. Asher attends Mother's Day Out at the local Baptist Church on Fridays. Fortunately, He has the same teachers as he had last year because Miss Sheryl and Miss Sue are absolutely wonderful! He's such a little wild man and didn't want to stand still long enough for me to snap his picture. So, these are action shots!

TGIF

2009-09-11T15:52:00.001-07:00

We have a lot of changes and transitions that we have been working through this past week: Jacob's new pre-school, Mommy's new work schedule, a new nanny at our house on Wednesdays, an almost-4-year-old who is testing the waters and asserting his independence (constantly), a 1 year old who is transitioning to a new napping schedule....and now that its finally Friday, I am exhausted!! Jacob has not been handling drop off at pre-school very well and today I was able to speak with his teacher. She said that he stops crying usually a few seconds after I leave. She said that he plays really well with his friends in the class and participates in all of the projects. She also said that he's very smart....well, I could have told her that! :) I'm hoping that given a little more time, we will all adjust to these new changes and that Jacob will be happy to go to school in the mornings! I'm putting these pictures on this post because they make me smile, and after the week we've had, I need something to smile about!

Aviation Museum

2009-09-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

The boys and I went to the Aviation Museum yesterday. It was great! Lots of interactive things to do, even for the little ones. And the best part is that they had a real plane that the kids could "fly!"

First Day of Pre-School

2009-08-31T19:09:00.001-07:00

Today was Jacob's first day of Pre-school. Jacob He was very excited to get to school and see his teachers, Mrs. Bell and Mrs. Gladstone. Daddy went with us to drop off Jacob and he was also excited about showing Daddy his classroom. Jacob did well, until Mommy and Daddy were ready to leave and he had a small meltdown. (And so did Mommy, in the parking lot)... But, Mrs. Bell said that he calmed down almost immediately after we left and that Jacob was her buddy for the day. She reported that he was very cooperative and a very good "sharer" of toys with the other children in the class. He said that one of his favorite parts of today was getting to wear an astronaut 'dress.'

I am so excited to see how Jacob grows and blossoms this year, making new friends, being in a new environment, new schedule, etc. I pray that his teachers are able to realize his gifts and appreciate the sweet boy that he is. And also that they will be patient with him and take the time to work with him on areas in which he needs some guidance.

Its been an exciting but an exhausting day and one that we will always remember!

A Super Huge Swimming Lesson

2009-07-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

Jacob's new thing is to do 'swimming lessons' in the bathtub. He's really proud of his new found ability to go 'all the way' under the water. We do have quite a bit of work ahead of us (translation: Jacob won't be swimming for the Washingtonian Waves any time soon), but this is a marked improvement over the days of refusing to bathe!

OBX, again...

2009-07-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

We went back to the beach again a couple of weeks ago. We couldn't stand it, so we just made a burner trip down for a weekend. (plus, we wanted to look at a lot that we're interested in). The boys had a great time playing in the sand and seeing the horses, up close and personal.

2009-06-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today was a really hard day. Today two of my friends said goodbye to their precious babies. Sarah and Jen were friends of mine from high school. In fact we were all on our school's pom pon squad together. During those years we shared many early morning practices, late night football and basketball games, laughs and tears. I haven't seen Sarah or Jen in years, but it doesn't change the fact that today they were both heavy on my mind and heart. Their stories are heart breaking. I just pray that with each passing day it gets a little easier for them. And I pray that they do not let themselves get bogged down in guilt or self-blame -- something that we as mothers know as a constant.

www.sarahbusseyphotography.com/journal/

www.therumleys.com

99 Balloons

2009-06-23T07:57:00.000-07:00

I don't know the Mooney's personally. But many of my friends from Arkansas do. I've watched this video several times, and every time that I do, I cry. Hard. It reminds me that in the midst of all of the diaper changes, screaming, time outs and testing, that my children are precious. Precious. And it encourages me to try harder. I hope you'll watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkq0

Really Bad Blogger Mom

2009-06-15T18:41:00.000-07:00

So, I know, I've been really bad at blogging lately. For whatever reason, I've totally slacked off. Maybe it might have something to do with Facebook??? So, here's my attempt to update everyone on what's been going on in our lives.

Corolla Spanish Horses

2009-06-15T18:38:00.001-07:00

The 4x4 area of the Outer Banks is home to wild horses which are direct descendants of the Spanish horses that came over in the 1600s. When we were there a new colt had just been born.

OBX 2009

2009-06-15T18:32:00.001-07:00

We went to the beach and stayed in the 4x4 area of the Outer Banks again this year. And man, do we have the bug again! Can't wait until we have a house of our own there so we can go whenever we want!! This was Asher's first real trip to the beach. Last year he was only 4 months old and didn't get out in the sun much at all. He absolutely loved the beach. He wasn't afraid of the water and kept trying to just go in the ocean! Jacob's swimming has dramatically improved. He swam in the pool all by himself from one end to the other with only his floaties on. He's getting so big and independent, I can't believe how much things change in a year.

Inaugural Emergency Room visit

2009-06-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

One Friday afternoon, about 3 weeks ago, we decided to head to the park before Ryan got home. I was pushing Asher in the stroller and had Cooper on the leash. Jacob had been riding his scooter but decided to forego the scooter and just run ahead of us. He fell in the cross walk just before we got to the park and cut his forehead. It turned out that the cut wasn't really that bad but you wouldn't know that judging by the crazy amount of blood that came from his head. It was everywhere -- his once white shirt turned almost completely red. I ran home as fast as I could, put the boys in the car and drove (sped) to the ER. They ended up gluing the laceration instead of using stitches. Jacob was such a good patient. He was so cooperative, let the hospital staff do everything they needed to do and didn't cry once. I on the other hand was a complete mess! This picture is from the day after his fall. Jacob's head is healing quickly and looks so much better even after just 3 weeks.

Preakness 2009

2009-06-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

It was another successful Preakness for the Cowell party. Drew came up from SC and Ben & Jen came in town from Fayetteville. We had a great time!

Asher's First Haircut

2009-06-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

Asher got his first haircut shortly after his 1st birthday. We needed to get Jacob a haircut and Asher's hair was getting a little long on the sides, so I decided to have his cut as well. He did really well and looked so handsome after!

Brothers

2009-06-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

Jacob and Asher are finally to a point where they really play well together. And, most importantly, Jacob is really loving having a little brother. Yesterday we ate dinner at California Tortilla and Jacob requested that he sit next to Asher's high chair. And tonight after Asher went to bed, Jacob said, "Asher sure is nice. He sure is a nice brother." Its hard to get them in a photo together, but these are some pics of some good brotherly moments...

Asher Turns 1

2009-06-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

We had Asher's 1st birthday party at the Cabin John Train park. We rented a picnic shelter and had pizza and cake and then everyone went for a ride on the train. It was a really fun day, but really hot. However, it had been raining for weeks prior, so we were happy for the heat and even happier that the party didn't get rained out. I decided that I needed to make the cake for Asher's 1st bday and so I stayed up really, really late the night before making Asher's special monkey cake with 'dream whip' old school frosting. Even though my mom was there to supervise, I did the entire cake all by myself and I was very proud! The bad part is that I somehow deleted all the pictures off the camera and so I don't have any evidence of my fabulous cake making/decorating skills. boo...

Ducky Bath

2009-01-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

Asher loves his bathtime -- which is a welcome change from his brother who doesn't really enjoy bathing all that much!!

Cowell Christmas 2008

2008-12-27T20:02:00.001-08:00

We flew solo this Christmas -- no fam visited us this year. We did have a great relaxing holiday, however. This year, Jacob finally 'got' the Santa concept. Our house has endured a toy/truck explosion and I am in desperate need of purging some unused toys to make room for new!

We've got teeth!

2008-10-28T08:05:00.001-07:00

Asher has teeth! Two of them, actually. They came in yesterday, finally!! We went for his six month checkup last week. He's 16 lbs, 1 oz. (25-50%) and 27 1/4 inches (90%!!!) So, looks like we're going to have another tall and skinny boy! He had to get three vaccines (shots) but actually did very well and cried just a little. He also got a flu shot, which he wasn't real happy about, since by that point he was tired and hungry and wanted to go home to sleep in his bed. Mommy got a flu shot too, which she wasn't real thrilled about either.

This morning after I fed Asher breakfast, I poured some puffs and cheerios out on his tray and he was able to pick them up himself and get some of them in his mouth! What an advanced little boy!! He is developing his 'pincer' grasp and will soon be able to feed himself table foods!! Yay!!

Halloween 2008

2008-10-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Our neighborhood gets really into Halloween. There is a house decorating contest, judged by a committee of neighbors. Last year we didn't even place in the contest. So, this year we've ramped it up a bit at 506 Midsummer Drive. We got a spotlight for our skull this year so it is visible at night. We also have new black urns with black twigs and orange lights on the porch to complement our new Halloween wreath. And of course, we have our grave yard with skulls and bones poking out of the ground. Oh yeah, and the skeleton hanging from the tree......Here's to hoping we make a good showing in the contest! Well, I guess we can't do any worse than last year, right?!?!?!

Jacob for President

2008-10-01T08:48:00.001-07:00

Grandma Cowell bought Jacob this Kenneth Cole suit last year. Even though it was way too big then, she couldn't resist. We tried it on the other day, just for fun. I just had to roll the waist band down one time and WOW, my little boy turned into a grown up! I can't believe how big he is. More so, I can't believe I'm the mother of a three year old boy!

After we got the coat and tie on, Jacob asked, "Mom, can I go to work now?" Of course you can, kid! Its time to start earning your keep around here!

Grandma Stephanie gave Jacob this laptop at the beach and its been quite a hit. He spends a lot of time in his room doing 'work' now. This laptop has so many educational functions, it is my new favorite birthday gift for all of Jacob's friends.

Brothers

2008-10-01T08:47:00.001-07:00

This picture didn't turn out very well, because I had to quickly grab my camera and try to capture this precious moment between brothers. They're having their first little conversation!

OBX Slideshow

2008-09-11T09:57:00.001-07:00

Sugarland and cars

2008-09-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Two of Jacob's favorite things are Sugarland and matchbox cars. Check out this video of him dancing to a Sugarland music video and playing with his cars while we get the groceries put away at the beach house.

Kisses

2008-08-27T11:35:00.001-07:00

Jacob has really taken a liking to his little brother. He has started giving him kisses and hugs. I'll keep this picture for blackmail later.......

Silly Hat

2008-08-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

Grandma Cowell sent us this silly Razorback football "helmet." Jacob loves it!

Getting serious about watching football when it starts in a couple of weeks! Woooo Piigggg Soooiiiee!!

Rice Cereal

2008-08-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

I tried giving Asher some rice cereal today, just for fun. I'm not quite sure if he liked it or not......

Asher Update

2008-08-15T18:05:00.001-07:00

Since most of our blog posts are about Jacob, I thought it was time to update everyone on Asher. Asher is quite a big boy for his 3 1/2 months, weighing in at an estimated 15 pounds. He's pretty long too, my guess is 23 inches. But, we'll find out for sure at his four month check up in a couple of weeks. As most of you know, we've been having a lot of trouble with his sleeping endeavors due to his reflux. We now have him on baby Zantac and I think its helping. He has been sleeping a little better and he has been screaming less. We've also changed formulas to see if that helps too. As you can see from this photo, he enjoys sleeping on his tummy.

Montgomery County Fair

2008-08-15T17:51:00.001-07:00

We went to the fair this week. Jacob really enjoyed the rides and animals. Not to mention the corn dogs, gyro sandwiches, french fries, lemonade and funnel cake!

Jacob & Dad on the carousel.

Jacob with the piggies.....

On Jalopy Junction cars....
Jacob & Dad on the fire truck ride.

Jake & Cole's Birthday

2008-08-15T17:38:00.000-07:00

Last week was Jake and Cole's 3rd birthday party at My Gym. Everyone had a great time. Here's some of the best pics:

Jumping into the ball pit.
Getting ready to leave the house for the party!
Everyone on the gym swing.
My little gymnist -- 2024 Olympics anyone???
Ryan, Allison & Jacob
In the ball pit.............again.
Woooo Hooooo!

Move Over Beethovan

2008-07-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

During our visit to Grandma's house in Little Rock, Jacob became quite the little pianist. Here's a video of him playing the piano and singing the "ABC song." When he saw me break out the camera he became a little hesitant to perform; but as soon as he took his hat off, he got serious. [Just ignore Asher's crying in the background........]

Move Over David Beckham!

2008-07-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was soccer again and Jacob was amazing out there! He was dribbling the ball back and forth across the field, kicking the ball into the goal and then shouting, "Goooaaaallll!"

He followed the instructions of Coach Matt and Coach Chris -- sititng on his color spot and sitting on the soccer ball when told, and doing the 'airplane' after each set of 'little kicks.'

Getting ready to leave the house for soccer - with uniform and new shoes on!
Even Asher was dressed for soccer!
Ryan, Jacob and Allison at the playground before soccer class starts.
This move is called 'airplane.' They put one foot on the ball and their hands in the air.

Tired

2008-07-08T11:47:00.000-07:00

Asher got so tired doing 'tummy time' on his mat today that he just conked out!

Look at these feet! They're so yummy that I just had to take a picture and put them on the blog!

Build-A-Bear

2008-07-08T11:41:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we went to Build-A-Bear with Grandma and Papa. Jacob made Puffy the Panda for himself and Elliott the Elephant for Asher. Jacob picked the USA shirt and jean shorts for "Puffy," but went for a more preppy look for "Elliott" with the argyle sweater. These new "bears" were introduced to the other members of our Build-A-Bear family, Curly Bear and Baby Jaguar.

Jacob's New Motorcycle

2008-07-08T11:36:00.000-07:00

Last week Jacob got a new motorcycle. He helped Daddy put it together and then we went for a ride around the neighborhood! Vrrroommm!! Vrrooommm!!

Tommy's Party

2008-06-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went to Tommy Scherphorn's 3rd birthday party. The hit of the party was the castle moonbounce. The kids had a blast jumping and jumping until they were exhausted!.....

Jacob thoroughly enjoyed his cupcake......
.........and licked all the chocolate off the top, of course.

And Jacob was able to practice his soccer skills as well!

Lil' Kickers

2008-06-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

On Friday we had our first soccer class of the summer. It is being held at the big park in our neighborhood. Several of Jacob's friends are in the class.

It was a very hot day. Jacob wore his daddy's soccer shirt from his Algonquin soccer team that he was on when he was little.
Jacob and Ryan Travis sitting on their 'color spots' listening to Coach Chris and Coach Matt.

Jacob is getting ready to kick one of the soft balls. In the background is Darby Farell.

Jacob insisted on wearing his Lil' Kickers uniform once we got home. The shirt is a little long! I told Jacob that it looked like he was wearing a dress. He replied, "Yeah, its kind of like a dresser!"
Jacob really likes being 'Number 5!' He ended up taking his nap in his soccer uniform and wore it the entire evening.

2 Month Checkup

2008-06-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

Asher had his 2 month doctor visit today. He weighed in at 12 pounds, 6 ounces (75%) and 23 inches long (75%). This was quite a difference from his brother at this age who only weighed 10 pounds, 12 ounces (25%)! He had to get three shots and one oral vaccine to prevent the Rotovirus. Unfortunately for the nurse who administered the vaccines, Asher projectile puked the oral vaccine and his lunch all over her and the examination table! Apparently, this is quite common and nevertheless, Dr. Kaplan reported that Asher is perfect! I agree..........

After we got home, Asher ate a 5 oz bottle, burped, had a diaper and outfit change and went to sleep. Isn't he precious?

Club Fun

2008-06-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Club Fun was established at our house tonight. The leader is Emma Farrell, membership consists of Jacob Cowell, Darby Farrell & Kayla Tyson. Activities include bringing play food upstairs to the Dads and running around in circles.

Smiley Guy

2008-06-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Asher has really been smiling and laughing a lot. I tried to capture it on camera and this was the best I could do. I'm sure we'll get some more smiles very soon!

'Bear' Needs A Bottle

2008-06-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

Jacob has blossomed into such a good big brother; and quite the little care giver. He has started feeding Bear a bottle (and insists on feeding him in the nursery rocking chair). He also puts Bear in a diaper and swaddles him for his nap.

Yesterday, I was putting Asher down for a nap and left his blue Swaddle Me blanket downstairs in the mud room. Jacob volunteered to go and get it for me. When I asked him if he knew which one to get, he replied, "Yep. The blue one." He then promptly went downstairs and into the mud room and brought me back the Swaddle Me for Asher. What a helpful little boy, and so smart!!

Ode to Uncle Ben

2008-06-10T16:11:00.000-07:00

Uncle Ben came for a visit in May, namely to go to the Preakness with Daddy. But, he did get to spend some quality time with Jacob watching the tube!

Weekend with Grandma & Papa

2008-06-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Grandma and Papa came for a visit.

Grandma & Papa bought Jacob this new sand and water table. It is sure to provide us with hours of entertainment this summer!

We also went to the pool and got some sun. Jacob really likes his veggie sticks! Yum...Tasty!!!

Mommy's 30th Birthday

2008-06-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

Mommy's 30th birthday was celebrated at home with Daddy, Jacob and Asher who each signed cards and sang happy birthday. I love my boys!

The Arrival of Asher

2008-06-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

Asher Samuel Cowell arrived on April 23, 2008 after only about 5 minutes of pushing! He was ready to come out and meet his new fam -- especially big brother Jacob. The past six weeks have been quite an adjustment for Jacob. And after several weeks of refusing to eat, bathe, or pee pee on the potty, I'm happy to report that all order has been restored. The hunger strike is over, Jacob voluntarily took a long bath last night and has been going pee pee on the potty consistently for the past two weeks!

Our beautiful circus

2008-06-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

Cooper
Asher

Jacob & Scout

Well, it seems as though everyone and their dog has a blog these days. So, I've decided to create one detailing the life and times of the circus that pervades our family. And with two dogs and two kids, it is very much a circus here in the Cowell household.

As introductions go, our firstborn was Scout, a Yorkshire Terrier. He's a sweet little guy who has had his share of health problems over the years but has provided us with lots of joy. He used to be about 2.5 pounds but has recently crept up to about 4.5 pounds (with the arrival of Cooper) and has become quite bitter about the newest additions to our family.

Jacob arrived next. He's two and a half now and such a little man. He loves any and all trucks, cars, trains, puzzles, Diego, and his new sand and water table. He is super smart and inquisitive and makes us laugh everyday.

Then about six months ago, we adopted Cooper from the Humane Society. Someone had given him up and I just couldn't pass up that sweet face knowing that we could provide him a nice yard in which to chase squirrels and birds. He adjusted quickly to our routine. He loves all children and is very protective and sweet. Except to his brother, Scout, whom he enjoys taunting and antagonizing, constantly.

Our newest addition is Asher. Or as Jacob calls him, "Baby Asher Samuel Cowell." He is six weeks old now. He was a big boy at birth, weighing in at 8 pounds, 9 ounces. He's a cutie, of course, but still hasn't been educated on the importance of sleep. We're anxiously awaiting when he sleeps through the night -- or at least for several consecutive hours!

So, that's our story. We'll update periodically when milestones occur or when we just get some cute pictures to share. Hope you'll check back often.