October 2, 2013

Today was a fun day for us because we had a visitor for most of the day.  We aren't complaining.  Even though Benson acts jealous and cranky and doesn't share well, I can tell he LOVES having a companion and tomorrow and Friday are going to be even better.

One of his favorite things to do is play in water.  While we were back living in our house we would do this out on the front porch, but now that we are in a basement and don't have a porch the kitchen sink it is.  He loves it and could probably be there all day if I allowed it.  My favorite part is his tongue, he was concentrating extra hard on getting that water where he wanted it.  

This picture below is my favorite from today because THIS is the face he makes when he sees something exciting and awe-inspiring.  This is when he thought he heard an airplane.  The excitement he feels about the little things truly do make life exciting and fascinating again.

Anyone who knows me well, knows I do not cook!  Well, staying home at full time has changed that.  I actually cook dinners :).  Tonight it was my mom's spaghetti for the first time.  From Benson's face and the fact that he ate two full bowls, I am thinking it was a success.

Today was a good day for us.  We played with our little friend, went to the Orem library for laptime, came home and had lunch and then both of them went down for a nap.  Later this evening I made dinner then Benson and I walked down to Grandma's so she could watch him while I went out for a jog/walk.  We walked home together in the cool, almost rainy weather and then had dinner and bath time.  It was a very normal and typical day for us, but we were both in great moods and extra happy today.  Maybe we need visitors more often.

October 1, 2013

I have not posted about our family happenings for 6 months!  6 months!!!!!  Because it has been so long I have been overwhelmed with the idea of catching up and I just keep putting it off.  So, I made a decision to start from today and if and when I have time to post about all our goings on over the last six months, then I will.  But, we are starting with October 1st and moving forward.

Benson is doing the cutest things lately.  He just started "skipping" when he walks.  Its like a little hop every few steps and he does it when he is happy.  He has become a bit obsessed with belly buttons.  He loves any type of button, so the fact that he has one on his body makes him very happy.  He can say so many words and is saying new ones every day.  He especially loves trucks, buses, airplanes, helicopters and anything else big and loud.  He is all boy!  The other thing memorable he started doing today was yelling "baby" at me.  I could not figure out what he was trying to say until I realized he seemed to be yelling it every time I "babied him" and I really think he might have been trying to tell me that he isn't a baby! WOAH!  When did that happen?  He still is my baby and always will be :).

The first picture below was taken this evening at the softball fields.  Benson and I picked up Grandma and headed down there to watch Nate's championship game.  It was Benson's first softball/baseball experience and he LOVED it.  Did he have any idea what was going on?  Nope, but this kid loves anything and everything that gets him outside.  He ran and played on the grass with the girls, had his first snow cone, climbed up the bleachers, pointed out every airplane that flew over and just had fun. Plus, as soon as he saw Nate walk up to the fence with the bat he pointed with this big grin of recognition on his face.  He isn't saying names yet, but he knows and recognizes his family.  He was in heaven.   

October 1, 2013

While sitting there watching Benson run around that park, I was reminded of one of the first memories I have after moving back to Utah six years ago.   We were in the same place to watch Nate play softball on August 17, 2007.  Hailey was just a little baby and Ben played with her on the same patch of grass where she, Benson and Addy were playing now.  I remember sitting on the bleachers and thinking "this is why we moved home, the simple life; family, evening softball games, beautiful weather, getting away from the stress and craziness of it all".  Tonight I realized that although it has taken us six years we really have finally attained the "simple life" we were looking for.  I am staying at home full time with our son, Ben is literally gone 18 hours out of the day to support us, we are living in a a basement apartment that is simple but comfortable, and we are truly happy.  This is what we were looking for.

 August 18, 2007

Life is moving quickly and these pictures and memories reminded me of that.  Maybe six years from now we will be attending a softball game watching Hailey or Addy, or maybe even Benson...who knows, but I cannot wait to find out. 

Happy Birthmothers Day!!!

Today is official Birthmothers Day.  We have been thinking and talking about you all day.  We love you!

Benson is doing amazing.  He is growing up, walking, running, climbing and just being crazy.  He has such a fun personality and loves to make people laugh.  His favorite thing is as soon as he gets out of the bath and gets his diaper on, he runs away from us laughing and giggling and the chase is on.

He loves toilet paper and definitely loves to make a mess

Hanging out with cousins

This was his favorite expression for like a month, haha!  He would make that face for everything.

He loves to play ball

He LOVES feeding himself.  He eats so much more if he is in charge.

Swimming with his favorite person

Chasing mommy, giggling hysterically!

Benson signs a lot of words now, like mommy, daddy, more, food, drink, sleep, ball, bath, please, thank you, etc.  It is SO cute.  His first word to say ,other than mommy and daddy, was balloon.  He said it April 20th.  Below is the video. 

 This last month we were able to take him to Hawaii.  It was so much fun to see him at the beach.  He loved digging and playing in the sand.  It was his first time on an airplane and for how much flying we did, he was amazing.  So many people commented on how good he is and how happy our little family seems.  We are happy and especially on vacation.

First Plane Ride

His first glimpse of the ocean in Hawaii!  Priceless!

Our little family

We are doing so well.  Benson is healthy, happy and such a sweet little guy.  We hope all is well with you and you know how much we love and miss you!

He's WALKING!

I know I have a million other things that I need to post, but I just HAD to share.  Benson is WALKING!  He had taken a few steps here and there between Ben and myself over the past few months but never actually walked.  Then, just in the past few weeks I would walk with him holding my hands and he was getting so comfortable with it.  Only last weekend he started standing up from sitting on his own.  He was SO proud and would clap for himself.  It was adorable!  I guess the next step was literally taking steps because last Thursday night, February 28th, right after his bath he stood up and then.....WALKED!  It was SO exciting and still is every time it happens! 

By the way, Happy 14 months to our boy!  Love him so much!

Happy Birthday Sierra

We wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday and let you know we are thinking of you today! 

Thank you!

I was just up in Benson's room rocking him to sleep and could not get you off of my mind. One year ago today, one year ago right now, you were at the hospital, in labor.  We are thinking of you tonight! Thank you for all the pain you endured to bring him into the world.  There are no words to express how much we admire and appreciate you!  We love you and he loves you!  THANK YOU!

11 Months

Benson is growing up and things change so fast.  He is 11 months old.  Where does the time go?  I was just watching a video from this month, November 9th to be exact, where Benson started going down the stairs.  The best part is, he was going down head first and it was hilarious.  Then, just 9 days later, there is a video of him going down the stairs correctly (on his stomach, feet first, backing down the stairs).  I just found that amazing.  Babies learn so quickly.  He learns so quickly.  They change right in front of our eyes. This month we have seen tons of that.

Here go the pictures!

 Exactly one year apart....12/5/2011 to 12/5/2012.  Pretty amazing!

 Love this man!  Look at that smile and laugh.

 Benson loves his little ride on car.  We make "vroom" sounds and he laughs and laughs.

 This face is truly perfect!

 He is starting to take steps and enjoy "walking" with mommy and daddy, but still isnt ready to do it on his own

 We have started dressing for the cold.

 Benson is obsessed with toilet paper.  I know this is typical at this age, but wow does he love this stuff. 

 Benson LOVES his daddy's guitar.  He figured out that he can play it himself and was ecstatic! 

Look at that smile!

 

 Thanksgiving Day!

 His first time seeing the Christmas tree.  He was completely enthralled.

 Baby Boy's first Christmas is coming up.  We can't wait!

Brrr!

His first time eating a banana on his own

 Benson's first self portait

Benson met Santa for the first time.  We figured he would not be a fan since he doesn't like men, glasses, facial hair or hats.  We were right!

Benson's got at least six teeth now.  He is loving cheerios and other snack foods.  He tried spaghetti, turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and other fun foods this month.  When he decides he doesn't like something he is eating he spits it right out.  He eats best when we follow him around with food.  I think he just is too busy to eat.  

He is a great sleeper.  He goes to bed at 6pm and sometimes sleeps til 8am.  He naps well, but only at home.  He has spent a few days at Grandmas house while mommy was working and he barely sleeps there.  Poor kid!  He does love playing with Grandma and Grandpa though.  Benson is extra lucky to have so much family around to love and help take care of him.  

Benson has also become completely attached to his mommy and his daddy.  We are the people he wants to be with all the time. When I go pick him up at Grandmas house, even though he has had so much fun, he clings to me and whines if I leave the room. 

We celebrated Benson's first Thanksgiving.  We decorated for his first Christmas and he LOVES all of it.  Every time he sees the Christmas tree light up his face lights up.  He looks at all the decorations with complete fascination. Too bad he is not a Santa fan.  But, I am sure that will come.  We are looking forward to starting our own family traditions as Benson grows up.

This month has been so much fun, as is every month spent with Benson. We cannot believe how lucky we are to have such a sweet, cute, fun, good baby.  We just cannot believe he is almost a year old.  WOW!  Where did the time go?  We are loving this little boy each and every second of every day.