A Little Work To Do

We have some more practicing to do before he's ready to dress himself :-)

Fish Watching

For Bennett's birthday, we had a hard time deciding what to get him as a gift, since he was spoilded rotten by everyone at Christmas and for his birthday. We finally decided it was time for a pet--we got some fish! Bennett went to the pet store with us and picked out some fish last weekend. He has placed his stool right in front of the tank and watches them often. He always asks for the "fishes on" and we turn on the light so he can watch them swim around. He seems to be enjoying his new friends.

A Bennett Original

Bennett has discovered how to use our camera--here is one of his first snapshots! Fingers and camera strap in the way but he gave it a good effort!

4 Months and Counting!

My beautiful baby turned 4 months old on the 19th! I can't believe how fast the time is going. I'm enjoying watching both of the boys learn and grow and change. Landon is smiling a lot, giggling, and cooing. He is in constant motion--always kicking his legs. He rolled over from his tummy to his back and he has found his toes. Last night, we had Landon in his crib for the first time. Not sure how this room sharing is going to work. He woke up at 3:30 and of course then woke Bennett up! He has become such a mellow boy, only crying when he's hungry. I was so curious to compare Landon's stats to Bennett's at this age--thinking that he is so much bigger than Bennett was. Not true--they are almost exactly the same! Bennett was 1/4 inch longer and Landon is 3 oz bigger. We have ventured to a few of Daddy's basketball games and he is such a champ. If he's not watching the game, he's sleeping through all the commotion. I'm love watching Bennett interact with Landon. He seems to love him so much!! He tries to give him his pacifier when he cries, he tries to help feed him, lots of hugs and kisses and he likes to play with brother--although he doesn't quite understand that Landon can't catch the ball when he throws it! I am so blessed to have two healthy, wonderful children! I look forward to posting more on his growth and development!

Bennett Update

On Wednesday, we headed to the clinic for doctor's appointments for both the boys--Bennett's 2 year and Landon's four month. Landon is 12 lbs and Bennett is still at 22. Both are hanging out right around the 3rd percentile.

For those of you who know and follow along, our pediatrician has been concerned with Bennett's lack of growth. Even considering the fact that neither Ryan nor I are very tall, they would expect him to be bigger than he is. We checked his growth hormone levels over the summer and all was fine.

On Thursday, I headed back to the clinic to see the endocrinologist. She is struggling with what to do and wants to explore all options. Bennett's carbon dioxide levels have been slightly lower than normal. Even though it's only 2 points, she believes it's worth exploring. Once a month, a nephritologist comes up from a larger town about 2 hours away. She is a pediatric kidney doctor and we are going to see what her thoughts are. Aparently, Bennett's kidneys aren't holding on to enough carbon dioxide, which can cause growth problems. We'll see her on Feb. 17th. She may say 2 points is nothing or she may start him on some medication. But that's the latest news. I'll keep you posted when I know more!

Bath Tub Crayons ~ A Hit!

Bennett is totally loving his Christmas gift--compliments of his Aunt Heather! Every night when we go in to take a bath, he asks, "color??" He will play with them for such a long time. Not only is it giving us time to spend with him and time to work on his color words, he is having a blast--except when he took them and tried to draw on the hallway wall. No honey, they are ONLY used in the bath tub!

Quality Time

Since heading back to work, I feel like I don't spend any quality time with the boys these days. And to top it all off, I have been sick for the last week with a lovely virus that has caused tiredness, coughing and a horribly sore throat. So I made the decision today that I would pick up the boys from daycare, head home and stay in--sorry daddy for not coming to your game tonight. I got Landon fed and in the swing where he fell asleep, leaving me some one-on-one time with my first born. After a few minor tantrums, we ate supper and decided to make some cookies--I just wanted the cookie dough :-)

Bennett had his first experience being in charge of the mixer.

Taking a bite of cookie dough--the best part!

While waiting for the cookies to bake, we played with his Lightning McQueen car--had a blast! Bennett didn't actually eat any of the cookies, but I had so much fun spending time with him. He is such a sweet boy when he's not screaming!

Beautiful Blue Eyes!

One of my favorite photos of my little Landon!

Again??

A few weeks ago (I know . . . I'm a little behind!), Ryan took Bennett up to the land we own and sound some nice, small hills for his first sledding experience. Sadly, I wasn't there to witness it, but Ryan said he would go down the hill saying, "weeee!" and when he got to the bottom, he would turn around and ask, "Again?"

To My Beautiful Big Boy ~

Dear Bennett,

Today was a special day . . . you turned two years old! I can't believe how fast the time has gone and I can't believe how much my life has changed in these two years. For so long, I couldn't wait to become a mom, but nothing can prepare you for that moment when it becomes a reality. Every day, I learn more and more what an enormous task being a mom and parent is. At times, it is the best job in the world--when you reach out your arms and ask for a "huggie." Seeing your beautiful smile make my heart skip and hearing your contagious belly giggles makes me laugh right along with you! You are such a sweet little boy--full of independence and spunk. I may be biased, but you are such a smart boy, too. You love books and can "read" some of them to Daddy and me. Among your favorites are Bear Who? (Bear's New Friend--most of which you can recite), My Daddy (your read most of it to us), choo choo book, and puppy book (Buscuit). You constantly amaze me at what you know and can understand. We are able to have some semi-real conversations where you answer my questions with "yah." Your vocabulary and communication skills are beyond what is expected for 2 year olds. You speak in 3-4 phrase sentances, name things, and remember small details. You hold the gate open for me so I can bring brother up the steps, you love to help put dishes away, and you like to rummage through the refrigerator and cupboards for favorite snacks.

The biggest change is how your presence has affected me--the way my heart hurts when I know you are sad or in pain, how I get butterflies when I think you're hurt, or the way I can't help but smile when I see the way people respond to you. Everyone you meet stops to smile at you and within a few moments, they fall in love with you. Not that every moment is magical--tonight, in particular. You have certainly entered your terrible two's--you get frustrated when you don't get what you want. I silently giggle when you throw yourself on the floor with such dramatic flair and then peek to see if I'm watching. The screaming at the top of your lungs and your obsession with Daddy--not always so cute, but I love you anyway.

These first two years have change me more than you could know. I love to watch you learn and grow, I love watching you sleep--only a parent knows how special those moments are. I take such pride in the little boy that you are. I look forward to all the new things ahead of you and watching you continue to grow and develop into an amazing person.

We love you so much! Happy 2nd birthday, Bennett!

Celebration Saturday

What an incredible weekend it was! On Saturday morning, we headed to church for our baptism preparation class. I learned a lot, actually! I learned that Landon is forgiven for all the sins he may have for the rest of his life. What a reassuring feeling!

After class, Ryan and I headed our separate ways to run last minute errands to prepare for not one but two parties to come later that night!

We then went back to church for the amazing baptism that followed! Pastor Jason baptized Bennett as well. My little love bug was close to falling asleep when the wonderful water was poured over his head. He made a few squeaks but never once cried. After that, he was wide awake for the rest of the ceremony, unlike Bennett who slept the entire time!

We chose aunts Kristin and Kelly as godparents. We hope you will set a good example for our little Landon and be there to help him whenever he needs it. Provide a voice of Christian values as you help guide him in his life.

After that, it was party time! We went back to our house for a big taco bar and 2 different cakes--one to celebrate each of the momentous events--Landon's baptism and Bennett's 2nd birthday.

Bennett is obsessed with Cars right now, so his birthday had to have a Cars cake complete with Lightning McQueen and Mator on the top.

Lightning slippers . . .

toy cars from the movie . . . Cars shirts . . . need I say more?!?! He's obsessed!

Although it was a tiring day, I enjoyed every moment. The baptism always makes me tear up. God has given us two amazing gifts and I hope that Ryan, me and our godparents can help both the boys become strong men with a strong faith in God.

Cheers to a wonderful weekend!