Yay for more family!

Bill's parents and sister came up for the night from Austin yesterday. It had been 6 weeks since Ben saw them. He had a wonderful time playing with them. He LOVES his Aunt Tina. We put Ben in his UT outfit we had originally bought as his going home outfit. It finally fit him-6 weeks too late. It just so happened that they brought a gift from his great grandparents- a UT hat! It's still a little big, but his big head will fit in it soon.

Bill and his dad installed the block and tackle (pulley system) for Ben's window. Ben has a round window in his room. We've always called his room the Pirate Room because of the round window. It was impossible to find window treatments for it so I wanted it to look like a port hole. Back in March Bill and his dad designed it and then started building it in April. His dad finished the pulley part and brought it up with him. I wasn't so sure about it when it was on paper, but it's so cool. You can tell it was designed by an engineer-everything is perfect. I love how it was made just for Ben by two people who love him so much.

We all went out to dinner last night. This was Ben's first time to go to a big restaurant for dinner. He did great-slept the whole time. Then we headed across the street for ice cream. I think he was jealous we didn't order one for him because he got fussy, but his grandpa calmed him down...something about the deep, low voices of 'the Bills'. When we got home we decided to take a walk in the unseasonably cooler weather. We took the stroller, but Grandpa held him the whole time and Ben LOVED it. We took the dogs and were gone for about an hour. Ben ended up falling asleep a couple times.

The best news- we fed Ben at 11 last night and he didn't wake up until 5!!! After he went back down he slept until 9! Like last time I'm sure this will be followed by 2-3 hour sleep increments the next few nights, but we were so happy about last night.

Here is the window with the block and tackle installed-just like they had on pirate ships! We can just see Ben causing trouble with it when he's older. The things he'll do to his younger siblings...

Our future Longhorn.

Please excuse the spit up and the unbuttoned onesie-only one snap would stay.

Happy with Grandpa on his walk

Ben and Grandma relaxing at Double Dip

Ben at Manny's waiting for his fajitas

Sooo cute-Ben loving on Tina

When I said my prayers last night I prayed that every baby is loved as much as Ben. He is just so blessed to have so many people who care for him!

A VERY good night!

My sweet baby boy slept for 4 hours and 45 minutes last night!!! This is huge for me because he hasn't found it necessary to sleep any more than 3 since he's been home. Bill and I couldn't believe I only got up once during the night with him. I think he's afraid to sleep for 5 because that's the magic number to get him upstairs and sleeping in his crib. Who knows if this will happen again, let's pray it does!!!

Mom's Visit

My mom flew in from Florida for a week. My dad was nice enough to give up my mom for a whole week, THANK YOU DADDY! We had a great time and I was very sad when she left. Ben had a wonderful time with his Grandma. He wanted to be sure she remembered him so he had a horrible blow out while she was playing with him right before we left for the airport.

We took Ben to my mom's favorite restaurant here-La Madeleine. I was a little worried, but he did great (slept the whole time). We got some shopping done over the weekend when Bill was on Daddy duty. My mom graciously took him every morning when he woke up and let me sleep in. Ben now knows all the shows on Food Network and could probably cook you up something yummy. Bill and I were able to go see a movie one night and go to dinner another. Bill watched a fight at a friend's house on Saturday and had to be there early the next morning to help him with his attic so he just spent the night so Ben, Mom and I had a sleepover! Again, she took him when he decided that it was time to get up at 2 am and stay up for an hour.

While she was here Ben found his thumb and rolled over from his belly to his back. He's now done it 8 times! He's also started to laugh and smile. Never at me, but at his own jokes.

The A/C upstairs started acting weird while she was here. I told my darling hubby and he said it's fine. Of course after she leaves he goes up there and tells me, "hey, they a/c doesn't work." DUH! My poor mom suffered in horrible heat each night and never complained. We sent her home tired, full of spit up and very hot!

Hopefully she'll be back super soon! We miss her. And this time, she can bring Daddy!

Over 175 pictures were taken during her trip. Here are a few:

Mom took this while Bill and I went out to eat. Bill says Ben is in a football pose.

A typical night at the Mahrer house (Ben was about to get a bath which is why he's just in a diaper). Bruiser has adopted the Boppy as his own.

Ben looking at Grandma on her first night here.

Ben found his thumb/fingers. It's so cute-instead of bringing them to his mouth, he moves his head to his hand. If he can't find them he gets SO frustrated and mad.

Mom and Ben at La Madeleine

Happy Birthday, Aunt Tina!

Ben's 1st Independence Day

Ben had a great July 4th! It started with Bill letting me sleep for 8 hours Friday night! He made sure we had bottles filled and took all of the feedings. He even slept upstairs so I wouldn't wake up. When I woke up he was asleep on the floor of Ben's nursery. I'm SO blessed!

Ben had his first 'outing' on Saturday. He went with us to the AT&T store so we could get new phones. He slept the whole time. Ben and Bruiser 'bonded' that afternoon. Bruiser is so interested in him, but doesn't like it when Ben gets too close. This time Bruiser let Ben touch him and then laid his head on Ben-that's what he does when he's happiest. So cute! That night Bill convinced me to let him take the Jeep to see fireworks. I wasn't thrilled about Ben being in the Jeep, but we stayed in the neighborhood and parked up on a hill. We were able to see all of the fireworks from Pizza Hut Park. I took Ben out of his seat and he sat on my lap the entire time and stared ahead. I wish it had been light so I could take pictures of his fun night! We're already looking forward to next year!



Ben at the AT&T store.



Best Friends



Happy 4th!

One Month!

Today is Ben's 1 month birthday! I can't believe my baby is already a month. I had to go to the hospital today to pick something up at the gift shop they have for new moms. All these newborns were going home and they were so tiny. I can't believe Ben was that tiny just a few weeks ago.

Ben and Monkey

How adorable is this?

Another A+ for Ben

This morning Ben had his one month check up. I think he's like me about doctors and was nervous all morning because he was FUSSY this morning. Oh my goodness! Once we got in the car he was better and was great when he saw his daddy (figures).

Development: A+
Physical Exam: A+

Weight: 10 lbs (75%tile) - he's gained over 2lbs in 2 weeks-living up to his name, Big Ben!
Height: 21.5 (75%tile)
Head: 15.3 (80-90%tile)-yes he's got his Momma's big head!

He also got a shot today. This was the first one we had to watch. I held his little hands and oh boy did he scream (which made me cry). I hate seeing him in pain. They said he might be irritable after his shot...how is that any different from this morning???

Bill gets off early today, yay! I've almost made it through my first week by myself. My mom flies in Monday for a whole week, I can't wait!

Tomorrow Ben will officially be 1 month! I can't believe it.