Don't you wish you could read my mind?

Ben 4 months 009
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Am I deep in thought or are my fingers just really tasty? Wouldn't you like to know...

Sleeping like a baby

Ben 4 months 007
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Ben often comes into bed with us in the middle of the night or early morning for a feeding. There is nothing sweeter than watching a baby sleep, except for maybe watching your husband and your sleeping baby...

Rolling over

Ben 4 months 024
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Benjamin has just learned how to roll over, but refuses to do it on demand. He's made liars out of us to Martha and Sally. Honestly, he was doing it consistently a few days ago! He has proven to us from day 1 that he is on his own agenda :)

Home Improvement 101

Ben 4 months 020
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

We decided to tear out a divider that separated our living and dining room. We had grand plans to make a bookcase or some other divider...but we realized that it might not happen for quite some time. Also, we like the open feeling that we currently have with one big room. Our friend Mike Lipuma, a carpenter by trade, came by on Saturday morning to patch the floor. We thought it was interesting how he wove the wood together to make the repair less obvious. It looks good now, although we have to do a few other things to finish it off. Unfortunately, his construction noise impacted Benjamin's sleep on Saturday morning, which contributed to 2 days of sleep deprivation and extreme fussiness. Who knows if that was the root of it all or not, but its our best guess. Mike does great work, so if anyone needs a carpenter, let us know and we'll pass on his info.

Auntie Martha

Ben 4 months 021
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

This weekend Steven's sister, Martha, paid us a special visit all the way from BERMUDA (yes, the beautiful Atlantic Island!). Who knows why you would want to visit Chicago in November when you live in Bermuda, but we're glad for the company...I guess a work conference may have some pull :) We were so happy to have Martha here and she got some to get some quality Benjamin time. We'll look forward to seeing all of the Bassetts at Christmastime in Connecticut and New Hampshire. I saw a sign the other day that said "6 weeks until Christmas" which made me fall out of my chair! It seems like its too early for all the holidays, yet. The onset of the cold temperatures this weekend is making it feel like more of a reality. Thanks for coming, Aunt Martie!

Sooo big!

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

We set up Benjamin's high chair the other day in preparation for feeding him solids. Last night he resisted going to bed, so we put him in the high chair while we tried to get some bites of dinner. He seemed to like it!

the Three Musketeers

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Yesterday I got together with Paula and Kate, Athenia and Cole, at the Oak Park Library. We were all in a childbirth class together, so our babies are pretty close in age (about 1mth-6weeks apart). We had a great time at the library and then went to the Buzz cafe afterwards. The kids seemed to enjoying looking at each other, cooing, squealing, and fussing :)

The Low-Down on the Lowes

Ben 4 months 014
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Tonight our friends, the Lowes, joined us for a chili dinner. Diana Lowe was a RN with Amy at Midwest Midwifery. She just "retired" to begin home schooling her children and to prepare for a big move to San Antonio, TX. Rick is a pastor and just accepted a position at a wonderful church. They have three wonderful children, Eric, Amy, and Jenny. We had fun talking about movies, church, and culture. While enjoying our meal with Ben in my lap, we all heard a very loud explosion...Ben filled up his diaper and then some! We ended up having to dunk him in the tub to get him clean. He had perfect timing in the middle of our meal...all that to say it got some interesting conversation started. We were thankful to have such gracious guests who have an excellent sense of humor. We wish you the best on your move and we will miss you! God bless!

I DID IT!!!!

Ben 4 months 015
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

I slept through the night last night, 11 hours in a row! Although I don't look very happy in this picture, I can tell you one thing, my parents are! Now, lets just see if I can do it again tonight!?!?!

Bachelorette Number 3

Ben 4 months 009
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

We spent the day today with Amy K and Caden, Sally and Francis. The moms had a yummy lunch and the kids had fun hanging out (if you can call what Ben does--drooling, crying, cooing--hanging out). Benjamin took one of his first 1.5 hour naps for me at Amy's house. This was wonderful!
One of my favorite memories of the day was being stuck in traffic with Sally, Francis, and Ben...He can usually only tolerate about 30 minutes in the car without melting down. At about 45 minutes and being in bumper-to-bumper traffic, he started to get what we call "cranked up." The only thing that seems to work for us temporarily, is to sing. So, Sally and I, in our best singing voices, began recalling every childhood song we could remember. Benjamin did calm down for awhile listening to our renditions of Old Macdonald, Jingle Bells, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, etc. We had some good laughs as we remembered songs we haven't sung in many years (especially some of the songs from Sunday School!). We wonder if some of the songs we knew are still being taught like Deep and Wide, I am a C, and Oh, You Can't Get to Heaven. Hmmm. I guess we'll have to wait and see! College roommates and old friends are the best. I am so glad we live close by, Sally! Its such a treasure to have you as a part of my daily life! You know I love you more than my luggage...this is why Francis is an excellent choice as bachelorette number 3.

Role Reversals

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Last night, we as a couple, experienced role reversal. Not that we are really into traditional roles anyway, although I do tend to the laundry and Steven takes out the trash. Tonight, being a mechanically-minded female, I put together Ben's high chair (one of my favorite things to do!). Steven, being a man who loves to cook, made us a lovely salad with asparagus (and we had pizza, too). Aren't we such a modern couple?

A stitch in time...

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

At the conference today, I was able to resume one of my favorite hobbies, knitting! Ironically, it helps me to concentrate, especially when I have to sit for long periods of time. I made this hat for Ben...he looks like he's in the army :) Its fun to have a chance to do this, I haven't knit a stitch since he came into our lives.

All in a day's work

Ben 4 months 003
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Steven took a day off work today and walked a day in Mommy's shoes. He did a fantastic job with Benjamin...they went to the hardware store, Radio Shack, and played rough at home. I attended a conference all day and missed them both terribly. When I arrived home, it seemed as if Benjamin learned many new things at once. He can now roll from front to back consistently, is talking up a storm, and blowing raspberries. He's got a tooth just about to pop out, and LOVES his exersaucer (another loan item from the Guldes). Gone for a day, and he's all growed up!!!!

Superben!

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Benjamin was Superman for his first Halloween, a borrowed costume from the Guldes. He sure was cute and loved seeing the trick-or-treaters come by!

Nana and Pappa

First Halloween 005
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Grandma and Grandpa Smith (aka Nana and Pappa) saved the day by coming to babysit for Benjamin today. Amy had to work a 24 hour call shift and was unable to find local child care. We are so grateful to have family care for Benjamin...they did a great job and had a fun day. They even got to pass out some Haloween candy:)

Bachelorette Number 2

Ben 4 months 003
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Here is another of Ben's candidates for an arranged marriage, Ellen Clapp. Isn't she cute??? Does this qualify for too much P.D.A. (Public Display of Affection)???

Crisp fall afternoons

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

When Steven arrived home from work tonight, we seized the opportunity to walk on this beautiful fall afternoon. The trees are stunning, in their peak. My favorites are the brilliant orange-red maples with their dark brown trunks. Benjamin got bundled up and doesn't look so good in this picture, the hat kept falling over his eyes. He enjoyed the walk and kept looking up at the trees in all their splendor. We love Oak Park...such a great community!

4 Months and counting

Ben 4 months 035
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

We visited our pediatrician, Dr. Jerry Umanos, at Lawndale Christian Health Center on Tuesday night. Ben is doing well developmentally and is growing well. He continues to follow the 50th percentile for his weight and is WAY above the 95th percentile for height...as we always suspected, our little string bean :) He received his shots with bravery, but did scream a bit as expected (5 vaccines in 3 shots is a lot!). We battled with a little fever yesterday after the shots, but calmed him down with a warm bath and Tylenol. He seemed to be himself despite all of this and even did some cooing. His newest trick is to blow bubbles, which I have just learned is called making raspberries :) Its interesting what you learn when you become a parent.
We are pleased that a Chicago team has won the world series and even caught a little of the game last night. Go Sox!

Ben at the Chiropracter

Ben 4 months 028
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Its hard to catch a smile on camera, but easy to catch him with his fingers in his mouth :) We had a good visit with our chiropracter, Dr. Sean, and he has a good report on his alignment. Way to be in balance, Ben!+

Tuckered out at Trader Joes

Ben 4 months 026
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

We visited Trader Joes (our favorite store) yesterday with Sally and Francis Gulde. Ben was pooped after receiving his shots the day before. He was a good sport and slept in the car seat on the way home.
For pics of adorable Francis and Sally, click on this picture to visit our Flickr site.

Fast forward a year from now

Ben 4 months 020
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Jim and Kirsten Bell came over tonight with 14-month old Luke. We hadn't seen each other for awhile, so it was good to reconnect. At least if thats what you can call our fragmented conversations in between attending to our boys :) We laughed about how we used to hang out and talk about politics, religion, our marriages/relationships, etc. Tonight we talked about our children's sleep habits, eating habits, and the latest books on parenting....how times have changed! We were amazed to see how much Luke has grown since we last saw him and can't imagine that Benjamin will ever be that big! Luke is a lot of fun and just starting to walk. Its so great to have such good friends.

Daddy's Nightly Ritual

Ben 4 months 021
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Benjamin has never been one to fall asleep without a lot of soothing. Steven has gotten into the habit of walking with him every evening until he falls asleep. He always swaddles him and puts him in this "colic hold." Steven knows he's asleep when his head starts to relax. Unfortunately with this colder weather, the velcro strap on his hat tends to wake him up when his hat is removed...it has become our downfall. We are not sure what we will do when it gets too cold to go out??!?!? He'll probably never sleep...

Happy 4 Month Birthday, Ben!

Ben 4 months 017
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Ben is 4 months today. It seems unbelievable how quickly the time has gone. After learning about an acquaintance whose baby has many congenital problems and is facing months of surgery and hospitalization, we feel very blessed indeed. Benjamin has had a fussy day, but overall seems to be getting more manageable. He LOVES his fingers and is always putting them in his mouth or looking at them. He also loves to kick his legs, either in his crib or on his playmat.
We spent the day today at Auntie Pam's house making applesauce. Steven joined us later for a great fall dinner of meatballs, acorn squash, and fresh applesauce. MMMM. Fall is wonderful.
The top 5 five things I love about being a mom are:
1) Watching the incredible love between Steven and Benjamin
2) Breastfeeding and special bonding time
3) Benjamin's smiles, coos, squeals, and the sound of him breathing as he is on my shoulder
4) Watching Benjamin learn new things each day
5) Marvelling at how he is "fearfully and wonderfully made."
We are truly filled with great joy at this incredible gift of our son. Happy Birthday!

Arranged Marriages

Ben 4 months 012
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Benjamin has many quality women to pick from when it comes to marriage. Here is Caden, Amy Klobucher's daughter, now 10 months old. She comes from a good family, has a solid faith, and is really cute! What more could a guy want??? And what is wrong with arranged marriages? (let alone the fact that he won't date until well into his twenties:)

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Ben has a regular habit of counting his fingers, just to make sure they are all still there...Its amazing how entertained he can be by looking at his fingers!

Howdy Pardner

Ben 4 months 003
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Here is Ben is another one of his western outfits, given to him by Grandma and Grandpa Bassett, awww, how cute?!?!

Ivy Leagues, Here I come....

Ben 4 months 007
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Our brilliant son did an amazing thing the other night. It was the middle of the night and after his feeding, we put him to sleep in his bed. A few minutes later, we heard a musical sound coming from the nursery...it started, then stopped, then started, then stopped. Steven went in to check and Benjamin had a huge smile on his face! He figured out how to turn on his "Ocean Wonders" toy with his feet!!!! And he's only 4 months old!!! Clearly, a genious :) Many of you may be chuckling at our parental pride, but it is remarkable, don't you think??? He-he! The "Ocean Wonders" toy is something he received from his Aunt Martha last Christmas, a toy that has water, bubbles, music, and lights. When we first used it last week, Ben's eyes lit up like it was the most amazing thing he had ever seen. It is now a source of great entertainment and learning. Now we need to figure out how to remove it so we get some sleep :)

the problem with health care today

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Today was a great day off with Benjamin. He seems to be coming out of his colic little by little. The first part of our day we spent at our new Orthopedists office to get a second opinion about Ben's feet. Children's Memorial is a classy place and has a fancy waiting room. The staff is also very nice. We also really liked our new doctor, Dr. Grayhack. He thinks Ben's feet are "as straight as they come." He will most likely not need any further treatment (including braces), but we will have to keep an eye on his feet. He's not sure if he would have casted Ben in the first place as he never saw him...in my opinion, no harm done. I am just glad he doesn't have to wear the braces right now! We will only see the doctor again if his feet look crooked in the future (to be determined by our pediatrician). YAY!
The only problem with our experience today was that we waited almost 3 hours to see the doctor. Being a health care provider myself, I totally understand getting behind and having urgent things take priority. I, myself, can run behind with patients and understand both sides of the story. However, EACH TIME I have had an appointment for Ben, I have waited at least 1 hour, average of 2 hours. This is not too big of a deal when you are without children, you can just bring a book, people watch, catch up on whatever is on TV, etc, but with a child, the story changes. It is extremely difficult to entertain a baby for 3 hours without some major meltdowns happening. We changed 3 diapers, had two naps, ate twice, and played. I'm not sure why this happens. If it happened rarely, I could roll with it, but it concerns me that it is routine. Why do are appointments scheduled for 10:00 when you are not put in the room until 11:00 and aren't seen by the doctor until 12:20? And why arrive early for your appointment if you won't be seen on time? I may be asking for criticism as I am sure some of my patients have experienced this from me, but I like to think it is the exception rather than the rule. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
After our ortho excursion, we met Daddy at his office to have lunch and meet his co-workers. Ben got ooohed and ahhhed over quite a bit, and especially enjoyed all the windows and the quiet elevators in Daddy's building. We've had a delightfully quiet evening at home, stuffed cabbage for dinner, and are preparing to go to Michigan this weekend to celebrate Grandma's birthday. We forgot our camera today, so the best we could come up with is this logo. Despite my complaints, I'm thankful for the excellent report we received today at the doctor.

The Joys of Homeownership

Wheaton 10 year Reunion
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Yup, its true. We have mice. At least we have 2 mice spotted so far...from what I understand, that means there is MORE. YUCK. While up at 3 am the other morning getting ready to leave for the hospital, I heard a soft knawing sound coming from the pantry...I then spotted the little creature dashing away. I screamed, "Steven, we have MICE!" It was almost enough to send me over the edge at 3 am....
To top it all off, our sewer is acting up again. Apparently in this old house, we have old clay pipes. Since we live on a lovely, tree-lined street, we have roots growing into our sewer pipe. This creates quite the issues with back-logs, shall we say. Steven had to go into the basement with his combat boots on the other day to clean it up...I won't say anymore. So, the sewer guy is coming tomorrow to hopefully fix our problem. Ugggh. Why didn't we choose a condo????

Ken and Irene

Wheaton 10 year Reunion 001
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

We enjoyed some quality time with Ken and Irene Kraegel as they stayed at our home this weekend. We love you guys and your calm, peaceful attitudes. We also enjoyed Ken's wit, as he always keeps us in stitches :) Irene can sure make a mean apple pie, mmmm!

Amie K

Wheaton 10 year Reunion 013
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

It was great catching up with everyone at the reunion this weekend. Amie K stayed with us last night and we enjoyed hearing about what is new with her. She is one of the most adventurous women I know, always with something interesting and new she is doing. Her latest is that she is taking Italian just for fun (she is already fluent in French!). She is also a flight attendant for United. Here is Amie holding Simeon...what a wonderful chica! We can't wait to see you again, Aim!

Tim, Saranell, and Simeon

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

The Hartmans, Tim, Saranell, and Simeon came over today to check out our home. We then enjoyed a walk to Sally's on one of the most beautiful CRISP fall days we've seen yet.

Amys squared

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Amy Klobucher came over today with Caden to join in the Wheaton brunch at Sallys. Caden is almost 10 months old and is crawling up a storm! What a cute girl!!!! We were conniving about arranging a marriage between her and Ben...but have a few years before we finalize the plans :)

Phoenix Girls reunited

Wheaton 10 year Reunion 015
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Here are all the "Phoenix Girls", so deemed after living in the Phoenix House senior year at Wheaton. Although I was not part of that house, I was adopted as an honorary member.
We all had a great time catching up at a brunch at Sally's house today. We all picked up right where we left off and can't believe its been 10 years since we left Wheaton! So much has happened, yet so much has stayed the same.
I love you, girls, and am so proud of all of you and what amazing women you are...can't wait until we meet again!

Ordinary Days

Ben and Friends 005
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

We're having a good day. Good naps, good fun, good eatin'. We are having SO much fun with Ben squealing, cooing, and smiling. He is a delight! We're gearing up for Amy's big 10-year reunion at Wheaton College this weekend. We can't wait to see many friends and enjoy catching up.
Ordinary days are a good thing!

Bubbles and Music Class

Ben and Friends
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Today was my first day this week to be home alone with Benjamin (and not go to work!). It was so much fun...and makes me realize just how much I miss him. We attended "Music Class" at our friend Karen's house. Every Friday morning, Karen has moms and their children (mostly babies and toddlers) over to listen to music and play with our babies. We listen to songs like "Pop Goes the Weasel" along with bells, whistles, wooden sticks, and all the motions that go along with them. The babies have so much fun, as do the moms. At the conclusion of every class, we listen to some classical piece and Karen blows lots of bubbles...its magical!

Babysitters Extraordinaire!

Babysitters 002
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Here are Ben's Great-Grandma Dixon and Grandpa Smith tuckered out after a very full 3 days of taking care of Ben. PHEW! Ben kept them very busy with rocking, walking, feeding, changing, etc. Dad said he was reminded how little you can get done with a baby around :) We appreciated their help immensely and love having those that love Ben to watch him. Today, Ben's Auntie Pam watched him for the afternoon. THANK YOU all for your help!

Auntie Kim's Birthday!

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

We celebrated the birth of Ben's beloved Aunt, Aunt Kim, last night with Great-Grandma Dixon, Grandpa Smith, Uncle Graham, and Kim's parents, the Rothwells. We had a scrumptious dinner and MUD PIE for dessert. We sang the traditional Happy Birthday song, along with "Para Bengs Pra Vo Se" (not sure how to spell this), the Portaguese version of Happy Birthday. We had a wonderful time together, but were sad that Grandma Smith couldn't join us as she was home sick in Michigan. Get well soon, Mom!
Grandpa Smith and Great-Grandma Dixon are here through Wednesday to help us with childcare while Amy works. What great help they are...it takes 3 of us to keep Ben happy, and we love it. He sure loves the extra attention, too :)

Enjoyable evening with the Nobles

Nobles Visit 002
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Scott and I were roomates for several years in Lincoln Park and have stayed in touch ever since. Our world's have pretty well been rocked since Dec. '93 when we both moved to Chicago to work for Aetna. We both married women very much our superiors, and now have families (Scott being one up on me). Jacob is about the most well mannered young man I've met and Ellie is as cute as they come, albiet sorta fussy like Ben! We had a great time with a Pizza dinner and lot's of playing and catching up at Barry Park. Best wishes to the Scott and Kim as they leave Chicagoland to establish themselves again in CT.

Overstimulation?? Nah...

Daddy and Ben 005
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Here is Benjamin playing on his playmat, aka: his overstimulation mat :) He does love all the bright colors and reaching for things.

Mom is back to work this week and our blog entries will be much less frequent from now on...

Mr. Mom

Daddy and Ben 006
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Steven has enjoyed his increased bonding time with Benjamin since Amy has gone back to work. Here we are at the Buzz Cafe feeding Ben his first potato chip :) HA! Steven has learned how to be creative in feeding Ben a bottle and has walked circles around the block to soothe him to sleep...great job, Daddy!

"Grandma" Sally and "Grandpa" Jim

12 weeks 003
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Jim and Sally Rothwell visited today while in town from Ferndale, WA visiting Kim, our sister-in-law. It was so much fun seeing them again and having them meet Benjamin. We had a great time over waffles discussing many topics. The Rothwells are amazing people, with such spiritual wisdom and insight. Thanks so much for visiting!

Sooooo big!

12 weeks 006
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Benjamin is 12 weeks, and I think it is now that we begin counting by months. Funny how that is...
We can daily see him learning new things! His new "trick" is to grab onto our finger or small rattles. His eyes get big and he concentrates very hard to coordinate his eyes, arm, hand and then fingers to make contact. His movements are robotic and jerky, but he is getting much quicker now at the whole process, which is such a small miracle. He has also found his voice is and "oohing" and "aahing" (with an occasional squeal) quite regularly. It is such music to our ears and makes us laugh with delight! He is a little person now with an emerging personality. God is so good! His napping is getting a little better after recovering from many days away from home and routine.
His feet are without casts now and we decided to get a second opinion from a new orthopedist regarding his feet. We are exercising his feet now several times per day to prevent further in-toeing.
He is still pretty fussy, but has been better since being home. It helps to be in more of a routine this past week. Despite all of this, he remains such an incredible delight to us!

Dinner out!

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Here we are with the Clapps before our first night out without Ben! It was an AMAZING dinner and we enjoyed every bite (and were glad to return to Ben 2 hours later). We were glad his first babysitting experience was with my parents. They had a blast!

Concord Grapes

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

The Bassetts live on several acres in which are growing many wild concord grapes. The delicious smell of grapes is in the air everywhere! MMMM. The Bassetts collect grapes every year to make grape juice and jam. It was fun for me to see the process of boiling and straining the grapes. I'm just glad we didn't have to mash them with our feet :)

Coventry and Family Times

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Here we are at the Bassett's home in Coventry, CT. We spent Saturday with the family and got to meet many of the extended family (Linda's side). We celebrated Great-Grandma Hagenow's birthday and had a wonderful time. Sunday morning the Smith's and Steven started the drive back (Amy and Benjamin flew back due to the traumatic trip out). Amy stayed on with the Bassetts, giving them some extra days to see Benjamin. We had a wonderful time together and were sad to part ways on Monday night.

11 weeks

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

Benjamin turned 11 weeks on our trip. Here were are on the stairs leading down to the water from the cottage.

Brewster Magic

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Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

After the weekend in Swanzey, NH, we headed to "the Cape" and picked my parents up in Providence, RI on the way. The Bassetts have had "Brewster Magic" in their family since the 1920's. It is a very special, rustic cottage on the bluffs of Brewster, Cape Cod. When you enter the cottage, you are taken back in time and feel an instant sense of peace. It is also in a unique spot...at low tide the water recedes over 1 mile out to sea. You can then walk on "the flats" (which is the ocean floor). It is wonderful to feel the soft sand beneath your toes as you look for treasures and creatures. My favorite are hermit crabs, tiny animals which crawl on your hands out of their shells. Many people fish into the deeper water from the flats, Steven and Dad caught a nice bluefish which we had for lunch.
Karen, Bill, and Miriam (3y.o.)Clapp also joined us at Brewster Magic and stayed from Sunday to Wednesday. We so enjoyed our time with them... especially to experience Miriam's wonder and delight at it all. We had a bonfire on the beach and made great S'mores. My parents babysat Miriam and Benjamin so that the four of us could enjoy a marvelous dinner out. It was an amazing seafood meal and great to get a little break.
Our favorite day we did absolutely nothing...took naps, read books, ate dinner and played Scrabble to kerosene lamps. We watched the sunset almost every night, enjoyed amazing stars, and falling asleep to the surf. This is the good life!

Swanzey, NH

Cape Cod Vacation 011
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

On Saturday we were so happy to be welcomed by Steven's side of the family: Jenn, Kai, and Zachary, Gardiner and Linda Bassett, and Martha and Paul Kellam. Their beautiful home on Lake Swanzey was like a refuge. We enjoyed good family times, great meals, naps, and pictured here a 2-mile walk around Lake Swanzey. Thanks Jenn and Kai for hosting and all of your hard work!

Road Trip

Cape Cod Vacation 015
Originally uploaded by steveandamylou.

This was the beginning of our road trip to Swanzey, NH and then ultimately to Cape Cod. Long story made short, we left mid-day Friday in my parents van and drove through MI, Ontario, and upstate NY. We spent the night in Syracuse, NY at a seedy "Motel 6" for a 5-hour "nap" before continuing on to Swanzey on Saturday. Benjamin did not tolerate the car very well, which made the trip much longer (and more stressful) than we had anticipated. We arrived in NH Saturday mid-day with our hair standing on end and our nerves shot!!! My parents ended up flying out and joined us later in the weekend. The highest we paid for a gallon of gas was $4 in Canada. UGH.

We're on vacation!

We're now on vacation and will post some updates upon our return, Monday, Sept 12th. Take care!