Owen's Return To Toronto

Sorry for the huge lapse in posts, but as you will see in the coming weeks, I've been a busy boy. Multiple international jaunts, birthdays- including my 2nd, music fests and more.
I'll start with my second visit to Toronto, Canada, where I celebrated my birthday, while visiting my great-Grandma Aina and great-Aunt Zane.

A Parent's History Of Owen Martin Rucins - Pt. 1

This blog started well into Owen's first two years, so we now return to the recent past and take a look at some key moments, or at least good photos, of Owen's early months.

In our first installment, we exam the name that might have been. Oscar was Owen's original moniker, but it fell in the delivery room to the likes of Oliver and Wes and finally to Owen. Add the middle name Martin, which is in tribute to Owen's late grandfather, Myra's father, Martin Mazzei. The last minute name change meant we already had some gifts with Oscar emblazoned on them, including the cap seen here. Owen seems a bit surprised, doesn't he?

I Won The Lottery! Sort Of.

Although I am only 23-months-old, I have played the lottery three times. Not a lottery to win some scratch, rather to get into a safe, accredited, quality pre-school. Like my much older parents I don't quite understand why our government doesn't provide for this kind of service for all the children in this country, but dad assures me that our military is kick-ass and that's what really matters to most in power.

I was crushed when I lost all three lottery attempts. But mom and dad kept on digging for new options, until yesterday, when Chalk Preschool called to say that the last winner had backed out and I guess I was the runner-up. Woo hoo. I start on June 2 and it's only three days per week, but may jump to five in July. Wish me luck and check out Chalk by clicking the logo below.

Choo Choo

On a recent beautiful, yet windy day, Dad decided to ditch working from home in favor of taking me on the El for a quick ride through the Loop. Then we walked the length of Grant Park into Millennium Park, where I took my afternoon nap. Dad caught up on his e-mails, while sitting in the sun.

All Cleaned Up

Mom tried her best to cut my hair, but we had to go to a professional in the end. Check out my before and after photos.

Drummer Boy

While my mom's at work, i play in a band called the NEANDERTOTS.

Owen For Obama

I swear my mom and dad didn't put me up to this. The camera's on a tripod.

Gettin' Down

Oh here she comes
Watch out boy shell chew you up
Oh here she comes
Shes a maneater

Christmas Eve in St. Louis

We spent Christmas Eve at Uncle Jerry's and Aunt Chris's house/bar/grotto.
It was lovely seeing my large and beautiful family.

Handsome Fella

This is my mom's favorite photo. I think the red ivy is pretty cool.

John Stewart is Clever

My Aunt Megan told me to read this book. It was very funny.

Thanksgiving 2007 "One Big Turkey"

I spent Thanksgiving at GiGi and Papa's house in La Grange. GiGi makes a mean turkey.

Owen Loves Disco

There were too many parents, but the bubbles were awesome and DJ Bald Eagle is a badass.

My First Crush

So I met this girl, Tallulah Grace Stirrat. Isn't she a babe?

Seattle Aquarium

My Mom and Dad took me all the way to Seattle to see some fish.