We had a really fun time celebrating Benjamin's birthday with a few of our good friends. The party ended up being really low-key, which is exactly what we all needed. At the end of the party, we set up our kiddie pool. Kate and Ben had a great time splashing in the water. For more party pics, visit our Flickr site by clicking on this picture. Happy birthday, pardner!
Monday, June 26, 2006
Friday, June 23, 2006
Millenium Park
Today we visited Steven at the end of his day and played in Millenium Park. Benjamin loved riding the El in his backpack and seeing the sights and sounds of the big city. We had a $7.99 Subway dinner in the park and relaxed on this gorgeous day. I could get used to this. In fact, I suggested that $7.99 isn't bad for a dinner...and didn't that guy Jared lose 300 pounds on a Subway diet???
Turkish Delight
In C.S. Lewis's book, the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, one of the children, Edwin, is enticed by "Turkish Delight." I am not sure what it is, if it is real or imaginary...it ultimately becomes his obsession and eventually leads to his demise. Benjamin had his first taste of ice-cream tonight and it could quite easily become his Turkish Delight (it is mine!). We will administer ice-cream very cautiously and sparingly in the future. Turkish delight isn't all bad, is it???
First Trip Around the Sun
Our dear son is now 1 year old. I know everybody says this, but the time goes so quickly, it is seriously unbelievable. Its gone, poof!, like the blink of an eye. The other day we were looking at his photos from his infancy and can't believe how much he's changed. I guess we have, too. I'd like to think that in the past year we have done a little more maturing, a little more growing in our faith, and learned a little bit about being parents. It is tough, this parenting stuff, and we are just beginning. I really like the idea that it takes a village to raise a child, I really agree with this statement. We're so thankful for our friends and family for your endless support in the past year...especially after a difficult birth, time in the NICU, Ben's casts, colic, SLEEP DEPRIVATION, and now the beginning of discipline issues. We couldn't have made it without you. We are also so thankful for our faith in God...without this, our year would have been much different. It provides us with such support, strength, and peace, especially when we are at our weakest.
Benjamin remains such a delight to us. We are really enjoying this stage. He is a bundle of energy, curious, talkative, and playful. He is in constant motion, always walking, crawling, or getting into something. He is kind-natured like his daddy, and also fearless! He began really walking last Saturday, and is still a bit tentative, but doing great. He is saying a few things: Daddy (Daddy), Dadoo or Dad-o (everything but Daddy), Na-Na (banana), Uh-Oh (all the time), and I can imagine that he has said some primitive version of mama (one can hope). He signs a few things: "more" and "all done", and also claps and waves bye-bye. He loves water and being outside more than anything else. The best thing of all is that he is sleeping well, finally!!! We have our times of speed bumps, but he is generally sleeping through the night, takes two naps per day for 1-1.5 hours. It is wonderful! We love our son with all our hearts. Life is rich, indeed.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Megan Sophia
Megan Sophia is now one week old and is doing well. We feel so far away from you guys and can't believe it will be until Thanksgiving when we get to see you in person. In the meantime, keep those photos coming...we love you!
Sara May
For those of you who have been asking, here is our neice, Sara May, being proudly held by big brother Zachary (6). We miss you guys so much and can't wait to see you in a few weeks!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Practicing for the big day
We had a "practice" birthday celebration for Benjamin this weekend when my family was in town. My mom made his cake for me as I was attending a conference on Saturday. I wanted a lower-sugar cake and it turned out pretty well! We all sang to Benjamin and he wasn't quite sure what to think of it all. We always sing the traditional birthday song in addition to the Porteguese version of Happy Birthday. Kim, Graham's wife, grew up singing this version and its very festive and fun! Eventually we'll all learn the words:) We all gave him our gifts, which he seemed to love. His response to the monkey was not quite what I had hoped, hopefully he'll warm up to it (I can't blame him, though, he's pretty funny looking). Benjamin officially turns 1 tomorrow...I have been thinking back to this time last year and remembering my labor/birth experience. I think mothers should be celebrated, too, on their children's birthdays since we are the major players in the birth process, yes?
Happy Father's Day
I made this (with not much help from Benjamin) for Steven for Father's Day. My big challenge was to try and keep Steven from guessing what it was...Steven is notorious for figuring out his gifts, no matter how secretive I am. He swears to me that he didn't know about this gift, I'm still trying to decide if I believe him :) We put it in our garden, and it looks great. May it remind you of how much Benjamin and I love you every time you see it.
This was Steven's first "real" Father's Day, last year we were in the hospital being induced on the night of Father's Day. I love you so much, honey. You are such an amazing father!!! I get tears in my eyes when I think of how great you are with Ben, rough-housing, reading to him before bed, being tender with him. You are the perfect balance of what it takes to be a great father. He is so blessed to have a father like you, and I am so thankful that you are my husband. If Ben could really talk, he would thank you himself. This year, I'll have to be his spokesperson :)
This Father's day I had the privelege of celebrating not only with my husband, but my father, too (aka Dadio). It was great to celebrate together and honor who you are, Dad. You are also a fabulous father, I'm so thankful for our close relationship and all the great memories I have with you growing up. Thanks for teaching me to fish, always supporting me in whatever I did, and for loving me so well! Too bad we didn't have a chance to have a heart-to-heart on the porch swing this weekend. I love you, Dadio!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Tickled Pink!!!!
We are proud to announce that we have two new NIECES born 22.5 hours apart to Steven's two sisters, Martha and Jennifer. They were both due at the end of June/beginning of July. Martha gave birth to Megan Sophia in Bermuda last night at 11:55 and Jennifer gave birth to Sara May at 9:55 tonight in New Hampshire. We'll post some pictures as soon as we have them.
We are thrilled for both of your families and love you so much!!! It will be torture to wait until August to meet Sara and NOVEMBER to meet Megan. Its hard being so far away...
The ironic thing is that Steven's parents will be celebrating the birthdays of three of their four grandchildren within one week: June 14, 15, and 20! What are the chances of that?
We are thrilled for both of your families and love you so much!!! It will be torture to wait until August to meet Sara and NOVEMBER to meet Megan. Its hard being so far away...
The ironic thing is that Steven's parents will be celebrating the birthdays of three of their four grandchildren within one week: June 14, 15, and 20! What are the chances of that?
Monday, June 12, 2006
Our entertainment for the night
Isn't this the cutest face you ever did see???
Linda Bassett (Steven's mom) gave me a Rockford Red Heel Sock kit for my birthday which is classically used to make sock monkeys. So, I decided to make one for Ben for his 1st birthday (which is a week from tomorrow). Every little boy needs a monkey like this, don't they??? He still needs his arms, which I'll hopefully complete in the next few days. Tonight after I made his ears and his tail, I couldn't stop laughing when I looked at it. Its a pretty funny lookin' monkey, don't you think? I had to get a picture of him without his arms as it is just too funny for words. His legs aren't the same size and his ears are HUGE, but its made with so much love I hope that it won't matter. Shhh, don't tell Benjamin, he hasn't seen him yet....Any ideas for names??? By the way, our wooden horse has been lovingly named Roxanne after Steven's horse growing up. It just fits.
Two little monkeys
Last night we had a wonderful homemade pizza dinner at our friends Paula and Pat's house. They have Kate who is a little over a year old. It was so fun to watch them play together and imitate each other...Ben would say "uh-oh" and Kate would repeat it. The most entertaining was mealtime...We have both been wondering how to handle their throwing of food from the high chair. It was a bit comforting to watch each others' children do the same thing...somehow it felt less defiant and more of a developmental stage :) We love you Paula, Pat, and Kate, thanks for having us over!
Benjamin is getting some more teeth and has been really fussy the last day or so. We even had to get up with him in the middle of the night last night...hopefully this is not a sign of a pattern, but merely a bad night.
Benjamin is getting some more teeth and has been really fussy the last day or so. We even had to get up with him in the middle of the night last night...hopefully this is not a sign of a pattern, but merely a bad night.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Frank #2
These two photos below were "pre-Frank" haircuts, notice the uneven bangs and nape of his neck...
Yesterday morning we all went to the Hair Cuttery, a local "cheap" haircut place much like super cuts, etc. I have gotten my hair cut there previously as a means to cut costs. My hair is pretty low maintenance and grows so fast that its not a big sacrifice. We thought we'd just have Ben's cut also since it was getting pretty long. Just like his first haircut with Frank in Michigan (see previous post), he wailed and screamed through the entire thing. We definitely drew much attention to ourselves. The hairstylist, a female, was okay but pretty timid since he was wiggling around quite a bit (I can't say I blame her). He came out looking worse than he went in(see above photo), fortunately it was only $10 out of pocket. We weren't really happy with the results, so we decided to take him to the real professional, a man. No offense against women, but men know how to cut boys hair, especially men who have been practicing for most of their lives. So we took him to Frank #2, an older gentleman who has the real old-fashioned barber shop complete with the swirly-candy cane looking thing outside (does anyone know what this is called???). Poor Ben was tortured twice but came out looking pretty dapper (and with a lot less hair). Frank knew what he was doing and is a perfect caricature of a long-time Chicagoan. We think that we are only going to get Ben's hair cut by men named Frank. Its a requirement for the job. We all three got our hair cut yesterday, Ben twice. Poor guy.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Growth
I love spring and this time of year! Last summer we didn't do much with our yard as a certain little baby was occupying almost all of our time. We did plant a few perennials, though, and they are doing beautifully this year. I love my Clematis and the deep purple blooms. This year we planted a small garden, some flowers from seed, and a few more perennials. Our yard still has a ways to go, but is looking GREAT! It always amazes me when I plant something to see it grow and bloom. People often make comparisons with gardening to life...I can see why. With sunlight, care, and weeding growth occurs. Sometimes the weeding and the storms are painful and stunt growth, but usually it only improves the flower.
P.S. Mom and Dad, for more pictures of the yard, click on this photo to go to Flickr
P.S. Mom and Dad, for more pictures of the yard, click on this photo to go to Flickr
Goodbye Battersbys!
Our dear friends the Battersby's moved a week ago to Colorado Springs. They lived two blocks from our house and have been great friends as well as neighbors. Ruth and Geoff and I all attended Wheaton together, Ruth and I were in a Bible study together right out of college. We have been friends ever since, 10 years! I've watched Caleb, James, and Anna grow and develop since birth...it is so sad to see them go. I know this move is a good one for them, and I must say I am a little jealous. Colorado is my absolutely favorite place on earth, no question. I guess I have one more good excuse to make a trip out there.
11 Months
This is way overdue, but happy 11 months, Ben! We have visited the pool the last three days due to extremely hot weather. Benjamin loves it and smiles constantly in the water. We love living close to the pool and have a summer pass. It will be a great diversion for all of us!
11 months has been a fun age so far, he is so much more verbal which is so great! He's a climber and very active, loves to climb stairs. He started walking (4-5 steps in succession) a couple weeks ago, but now has seemed to have lost interest. We don't want to push him, so he'll walk when he's ready. The best part of 11 months is that he is sleeping 98% better. We couldn't be more relieved! Now, if we could only get to bed earlier, we'll all be more rested :) We're planning his 1 year old birthday party for the next few weeks, a low-key event with a few friends. We can't imagine life without you, dear Ben!
11 months has been a fun age so far, he is so much more verbal which is so great! He's a climber and very active, loves to climb stairs. He started walking (4-5 steps in succession) a couple weeks ago, but now has seemed to have lost interest. We don't want to push him, so he'll walk when he's ready. The best part of 11 months is that he is sleeping 98% better. We couldn't be more relieved! Now, if we could only get to bed earlier, we'll all be more rested :) We're planning his 1 year old birthday party for the next few weeks, a low-key event with a few friends. We can't imagine life without you, dear Ben!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Breakthrough!!!!
After 2 weeks of sleep training, I feel confident in saying that we all made it through "boot camp." It was a really tough road. REALLY TOUGH. We (and Ben) suffered through a whole lot of crying in efforts to help him self-soothe. Many times I cried right along with him. "Crying it out" was not our preferred method of teaching Ben to sleep, in fact, it was quite the opposite. But, after quite literally trying everything else, it was our last resort. Our sleep "bible" has been the book "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." I love this book as it has a very balanced approach to sleep training, and is very non-judgmental in dealing with your lifestyle, philosophy, and baby's temperament. Our goal was to help Benjamin to self-soothe, as we were spending an hour or more attempting to get him down for each nap or bedtime, only to have him wake up as soon as we laid him down. For the past 5 days, he is not protesting sleep and is on somewhat of a schedule, napping at approximately 9am and 1pm, and sleeping essentially through the night. I feel like a huge load has been lifted off of me. God is so good.
Last Sunday, I was about at the end of my rope. We were over a week into sleep training, and all three of us were frustrated and very sleep deprived. Steven graciously watched Ben so I could attend church alone, without distraction. It was an excellent service, and just what I needed. One of our pastors (a woman) spoke about being joyful despite challenges in our life. I was reminded about how much I have for which to be thankful, and how much I can trust God to meet all of my needs. I'm so thankful that God does not give us more than we can bear...Just when all seemed hopeless in relation to Ben's sleep, he made a breakthrough. I truly believe this is not coincidence. This first of many parenting challenges is shaping my character, hopefully making me more fully into who God has created me to be. I know for sure that I often respond very poorly when I am cranky, sleep deprived, and want to shut down. This is normal. But, somehow I hope to learn from these experiences by becoming more patient, gracious, and loving. I know I can only do this through God's intervention because it sure doesn't come naturally. I'm so thankful for so many of my friends who have also been such a support to me these last several months!! I'm sure we're not completely out of the woods, but I am so full of joy that things are improving...thanks be to God!
Last Sunday, I was about at the end of my rope. We were over a week into sleep training, and all three of us were frustrated and very sleep deprived. Steven graciously watched Ben so I could attend church alone, without distraction. It was an excellent service, and just what I needed. One of our pastors (a woman) spoke about being joyful despite challenges in our life. I was reminded about how much I have for which to be thankful, and how much I can trust God to meet all of my needs. I'm so thankful that God does not give us more than we can bear...Just when all seemed hopeless in relation to Ben's sleep, he made a breakthrough. I truly believe this is not coincidence. This first of many parenting challenges is shaping my character, hopefully making me more fully into who God has created me to be. I know for sure that I often respond very poorly when I am cranky, sleep deprived, and want to shut down. This is normal. But, somehow I hope to learn from these experiences by becoming more patient, gracious, and loving. I know I can only do this through God's intervention because it sure doesn't come naturally. I'm so thankful for so many of my friends who have also been such a support to me these last several months!! I'm sure we're not completely out of the woods, but I am so full of joy that things are improving...thanks be to God!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Happy Anniversary!
He's WALKING!!!
Over the past few days, Benjamin has showed increased interest in walking and yesterday took 4-5 steps in a row. I am not sure when you really classify walking as walking, but we feel safe to say that he IS walking! We can't believe how much he seems to be learning and taking in lately...all of a sudden he seems to be making the connection with all sorts of things. He's waving bye-bye, signing "all done", doing "sooo big", and is starting to be able to communicate with us. Its mind-boggling. He's growing up. My mom gave me a book for mother's day about sons and letting go. I cried all the way through it and can't believe how fast time has already flown. I love each and every stage that he is going through. I know many mothers say this, but I wish he could stay this way forever. One of my dear friends told me that as soon as children are born they begin the process of leaving you. Its true, and its hard. I love being Ben's mother more than anything I have ever known. I love you, son.
Giddy Up
My Dad made Benjamin a wooden rocking horse, just like the one we had growing up. We have it hanging from the ceiling in the basement. Ben gave ol' Bessie a test drive and loved it! Thanks, Dad, for carrying on tradition. We love our new horse! Any suggestions for what to name her, post them here...
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