What's New in Our World

Sorry we haven't updated in awhile. Lots going on. My parents came in town 2 weeks ago after their trip back to Augusta to get their house ready for the Master's Golf Tournament. Dad helped nail up Cullen's name in his room. This task took my dad about 20 minutes. It would have taken us hours to do this and the letters wouldn't have been straight!

Cullen had his first Easter egg hunt at daycare. Cullen was able to look for eggs with his friend, Grace. Cullen was more interested in chewing on the paper bag than actually looking for eggs :)

Cullen had his first babysitter last weekend (besides family and friends). Rob and I went to the Easter Vigil at Christ the King Church in Mt. Lookout where I was confirmed into the Catholic Church. Cullen got a good report while we were gone :)

Rob, Cullen, and I went up to Miami U last weekend to see a baseball game and to show Cullen the campus. It was a beautiful day and Cullen was able to wear his Miami onesie while cheering on the team.

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous! We took advantage of the nice weather and relaxed outside. Cullen loves to be outdoors! What's new with Cullen...he's sitting up unsupported, loves his baby food- especially carrots and all fruits, he's babbling like crazy (saying da da, but he doesn't quite understand what it means), and grabs at everything, including hair and earrings!!

I have 6 weeks of school left. I am looking forward to playing with my little boy and going to the pool daily! Other than that, we have a busy summer ahead visiting lots of family and friends. Enjoy the recent pics!

Vacation!

Last week, Rob and I went to Kauai, Hawaii for 9 days without our little man. Grandma and Grandpa O'Brien were thrilled to come into town from Florida to spend time with their grandson. (They've been talking about this for the last 6 months!) Rob and I enjoyed our time in Hawaii, but we missed Cullen like crazy!!! We never knew it would be so hard to leave him! Every baby or stroller we saw made us miss him even more! Needless to say, Cullen really enjoyed his time with Grandma and Grandpa O. While we were in Hawaii, we weren't beach bums. We went on a different excursion almost every day. We went on a helicopter tour of the island, rode a catamaran and saw whales, a pod of dolphins, and sea turtles, hiked, snorkeled, relaxed by the saltwater lagoon, and just enjoyed some quality time together. If you haven't been to Kauai, we would highly recommend it. The island is absolutely beautiful! (see our photos at the link below) While we were in Hawaii, Cullen (and Ritz) traveled to see family and friends in Michigan and Columbus. You could say Cullen is quite the little traveler! Cullen is 7 months and is sitting up on his own, babbling and laughing like crazy, and very active with his hands and arms. He loves to change positions in his crib. I will put him down one way and discover him in a completely new position in the morning.

Kauai Pictures (click link below):
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=OBRIENRD&target=ALBUM&id=5319879201548728689&authkey=Gv1sRgCNv_34Pr8vSLEQ&authkey=Gv1sRgCNv_34Pr8vSLEQ&feat=email


We wanted to share some other great news. Our good friends Matt and Lydia Diclemente welcomed a little boy, Lucas Matthew Diclemente, on Sunday, March 29th. Also, our other friends Elle and Ted Folger, have announced that they are having a baby due in September. Congratulations!

Almost 6 months!

It's crazy to think that Cullen will be 6 months tomorrow! Wow, where does the time go? Cullen got his first haircut this week. His sideburns were covering his ears and he had a mullet (Rob calls it a "hockey cut") in the back. It was driving be nuts, so I took matters into my own hands. What do you think about his new cut? I think it makes him look like a little man :) He also got a new toy- Lamaze. He has begun to teethe, so he loves to put anything and everything in his mouth.

Updates!

Ready to play baseball! Gotta love that smile! He's such a happy baby with a wonderful disposition!

Cullen has started on veggies. We are trying one veggie a week. He has now tried squash and carrots. He really likes carrots, but he is an extremely messy eater! We had bath time shortly after this picture was taken :)


Rob says Cullen looks like a pilgrim in this outfit. I think he looks adorable! He doesn't get dressed up that often! Thanks Uncle Jud for the baby penny loafers! Cullen liked them so much he tried to eat them!



Cullen and I traveled to Indy a few weeks ago to visit Jenny, Justin, and their new baby, Ellie. Cullen and Ellie had a great time hanging out. I'm sure they will be good friends for many years to come.

5 Months!!

Cullen is now lifting his head regularly and he can ROLL OVER on his own!!
The happiest baby in the world, all the time!!
Cullen and his pal Kyle (Mike and Gail Cicak's son) at Panera. These two could be trouble together!

I leave for two hours and this is what I come home to...

I went out to see a movie with a few girlfriends on Sat. and Rob stayed home to watch Cullen. When I left, Cullen was looking very handsome in a overalls and a striped shirt. Rob decided to change Cullen's clothes after changing his diaper. Out of all of Cullen's outfits, this is what Rob chose...a white onesie, white pants, and an Air Jordan cap and booties. Rob said he wanted Cullen to "look like a gangster." :) I couldn't help but laugh when I saw him!
Look at that smile!
4 months old! This was Cullen's first experience with rice cereal. He made a mess. I don't think he even ate any of it! We'll keep trying!
2nd attempt at rice cereal-a little bit better!
Playing in my gym
My new jumper from Santa
Cullen and Ritz

Christmas 2008 on Anna Maria Island!

Outside of church on Christmas Eve, Cullen's first Christmas Eve and he was GREAT at the service!

Grandma O'Brien with her "little whaler!"
Father and son enjoying some pool time. We were very lucky with the weather this year, 82 and sunny the whole week!
Christmas Eve dinner. Grandpa O'Brien had a great prime rib prepared and plenty of great sides and red wine!
Cullen's outfit for church! He enjoyed his first trip to Florida and his first Christmas. On another note, he was VERY GOOD on flights to and from Anna Maria; we're proud parents and were prepared for the worst!

Rob and Dan as requested by Mom and Dad after church. Dan is busy at work right now and also busy working on the Inauguration Committee for President Elect Obama and seeking a job within his administration. Good luck Uncle Dan!





Family swim time! Cullen loved the water and was an excellent swimmer; even at 15 weeks he knew to kick his feet and shares his mom's love of swimming!
Grandpa O'Brien decided to have some fun with Cullen.
Aunt Debby (aka Grandma Debby) and cousin Jessica with Cullen in Toledo. This was at the annual Christmas gathering for the Palmer family (Rob's mom's side of the family).

We feel blessed to have had such a wonderful first Christmas with Cullen and our entire family. From the time in Toledo, Florida, and spending New Year's with Jackie's parents here in Cincinnati, it's been a great 2 weeks. I think I'm ready for a nap!