Ben's 1st Oktoberfest

So it might not be October just yet, but Ben got to 'learn' a little about his German heritage this weekend. Downtown McKinney had it's Oktoberfest celebration and we dressed Ben in his lederhosen and took him down to have some fun and enjoy his first braut and beer. Okay, well maybe there was no lederhosen, braut or beer, but he did have fun. The weather was beautiful and it was nice to take him out and let his little sponge of a mind soak it all in. There were pony rides, face painting and a petting zoo-we just said over and over how much fun it will be for him to enjoy those activities one day. Other than that we had a pretty uneventful, but super fun weekend. They go way too quickly and there aren't nearly enough hours to get everything done. Last night I didn't even eat until 9:30 and for some reason I will never understand, let the dogs out before bed and never let them back in. Thank goodness B got up in the middle of the night and wondered where they were. Poor dogs.

Every week Ben amazes us in how much he's learning and how much more fun he's becoming. Last night Daddy was on the treadmill and we went up to see him. Ben's exersaucer was in the workout room. I haven't put Ben in it in about a month because he just wasn't having fun and seemed to like the jumperoo much better. I set him in the exersaucer for just a minute so I could run back downstairs and get something and oh my goodness! It was like a different child in there. We were AMAZED at how much he could do in it. They have two at school for him, but I didn't think he ever played with them. I guess he does! Ben had a blast. We're also noticing how much better he's getting at Tummy Time. And I swear he's starting to make the B sound. I know it's just a fluke, but how does he know that's the best sound for this house (Ben, Bill, Bruiser, Bailey...)! I love my B's!

The weather cooled down this past week and I busted out the long sleeve/long pants jammies. He looked so cute in them!

Another cool weather PJ. He wore this one to school and matched Mommy's outfit for school.

After a fun day at Oktoberfest.

Look Mommy! I'm getting so big!

note to Ben-the reason you never see Daddy in any pictures is because he's a dork who doesn't like his picture taken-just ask our wedding photographer!

A Full House

We've decided that weekends are even more fun now that we have Ben. This weekend was no exception. Ben's Uncle Tommy, Aunt Kristin, Aunt Tina and her boyfriend Brandon, and Daddy's cousins, Kevin and Tommy made the trip up here to go to the UFC fight last night. I was worried that Ben's schedule would be disrupted with so many people, but it turned out to be a great weekend. Ben hung out with everyone and had his first glimpse of Rock Band. I wasn't around, but was told that he loved it! He cried whenever the songs stopped and lit up again when they started. Silly kid.

Last night Ben and I had a quiet night at home while everyone went to the fight. It was the first time I've done the grocery shopping with just Ben. Daddy has either done it himself or we've all gone ever since Ben has been here. We got home in time to play and watch UT beat Tech. Everyone left this morning and it's been laundry and playtime ever since. We can't wait for next weekend.

Check out this side by side comparison of Ben. The one on the left is from the day we came home from the hospital (6/6/09). The one on the right is from today. Total coincidence Uncle Tommy is wearing the same shirt. My baby is getting so big!

More pics from our weekend:

our happy guy

Cousin Tommy, Aunt Tina and Brandon (Tina said Ben was cold and needed a blanket)

our future rock star

chillin in his jumper watching UT (he did this for about 30 minutes without fussing)

snuggle time with Mommy

Work/daycare update: Monday was fough, but Ben is really enjoying going to school. I love picking him up. He's been sleeping through the night this week, too! Me on the other hand, not so much! At least one of us likes it.

A Parent is Born

I saw this phrase on the Pampers website last night and it was perfect for this post. My friend Ashley, who has become one of my very best friends, had her baby girl yesterday. Ashley teaches in the room next to me and I don't know how I would have surived without her last year. How does this relate to Ben you ask? Well, since the moment she knew she was having a girl, I have said that Mayson is Ben's future wife. So...just in case Cupid strikes his arrow at these two, I want it on record that I called it first!

I am SO excited for Ashley. Not so much for the sleepless nights ahead, messy diapers and spit up (except she had a girl so of course Mayson will be great), but excited for the love. The love B and I feel for Ben is the BEST feeling in the whole world and it is my wish that everyone gets to experience a love like that. There is truly nothing better.

Ben can't wait to meet Mayson (and pull her hair like all boys do to girls). Now that Ben's at daycare and around germs, their meeting will have to wait until she's had her shots.

Ashley delivered in the same hospital where I had Ben. It was so weird being there to visit last night. I can't believe how TINY newborns are. Mayson is so itty bitty and still over a pound heavier than Ben was at birth. Hard to believe my HUGE boy was ever that small. And their cries-oh their cries! I remember telling someone it was loud-HA!

Oh my!

Yes, oh my...the only way to describe going back to work! It's been pretty hard being back (might have thrown a little fit outside my school on Wednesday stomping my feet and refusing to go in). There have been lots of tears and stress on my part, but Ben loved having Daddy home last week. Like Bill said when I walked in the door on Friday, "I can see why you had such a hard time going back, he is a lot of fun during the day." DUH!

We had a great weekend just hanging out as our little family. It rained (and rained and rained) which made snuggling together even more perfect. Ben got to experience his first full day of NFL football.

At church this weekend he was so happy and smily and kept laughing super loud!

Today Ben started school. It's going to take some adjusting and getting used to. I took a 1/2 day so I could spend some more time with him. Say a little prayer for us.

Here are some pictures from the past week:

such a happy little guy in his bouncer

Ben's newest seat in the loft-the end table. Not too happy, but what a funny face! B says he looks like Popeye

Daddy gave him a bath last night. Ben gets Daddy baths in the kitchen since he says he's too big to bed over the bathtub upstairs. I don't think Ben minded too much. He loves his Daddy.

could his belly be any bigger?

all ready for his first day of school

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's off to Work I Go

Dear Ben,

Tomorrow Mommy has to give up her title as World's Greatest Stay at Home Mommy and become World's Greatest Working Mommy. I would much prefer the first. We have had SO much fun the past 14 weeks and I am so thankful I had that time with you. Daddy is super excited to stay home with you the next few days while Mommy spends her days with her 'other' children...21 bright eyed little 6 year olds who are eagerly awaiting their teacher. I plan on spending most of my day tomorrow telling anyone who will listen how perfect you are! I know you'll miss watching 90210 each morning, especially our fist bumps during the opening credits. I wish I could stay home with you each day, but it's just not what God has planned for me...yet (we hope). You have no idea how much I'm going to miss you during the day. You must know Mommy is sad today because you've been a little fussy today, too. Remember-we aren't mad at Daddy for this because he would love for me to be home too, we're mad at the bank for not magically putting lots of extra money in our account. Be sure to be good for daddy and have lots of stinky diapers-he's earned his time! I'm expecting one of your huge smiles and a big kiss when I get home!

Love,
Mommy

In honor of my last day off, today was 'Mommy's Day' and I got to do whatever I wanted with my two favorite boys. Since Ben loves to be outside so much, we went to the Dallas Arboretum. It's so pretty and we are looking forward to taking Ben back when the weather cools. It was a very hot day so we didn't stay more than an hour or so, but I think Ben enjoyed looking around.

Some pictures from our day:

I know-random picture, but when Daddy made breakfast for us this morning he cracked open a 'twin' egg (on the right). Two yolks-one egg. I thought it was pretty cool.

Mr. Cool ready for a stroll sitting like a big boy


The sun was bright (notice blue Monkey made the trip, too- we don't travel anywhere without him)

our favorite! There was a pirate ship (random) and Ben had to go check it out.

Three Months

Today our prince is 3 months old! He doesn't have another Dr.'s appt until next month so here are his 'unofficial' measurements from Dr. Mom:

weight: 16-16.5 lbs (our scale is flaky)
height: 25.5 inches
head: I have no clue, but big

Mommy's exam: A++++ and extra credit for being so stinkin' cute

Monkey must have told him something funny
It's fun to watch his personality emerge and they way he is different with Mommy vs. Daddy. He's much more active with Daddy. He's also more content to just chill with Daddy and watch tv. When Mommy's around he wants to be cuddled, but 'talks' more with me. He also insists on your undivided attention. If you're playing with him and look away or start doing something else he will let you know his feelings on that. Ben is finally getting into this sleeping habit, thank you Lord! He still won't give us more than 7-8 hours, but it's payback because as babies we both stayed up all night, too (sorry Moms). Our Monkey eats about 6 oz every 3 hours during the day (and probably spits up half of it). He still loves to be outside and we're all happy the weather is slowly cooling. He graduated to sitting in the stroller like a big boy this week and enjoys being able to look around during our walks. It's been said before, but we just love our little man more and more each day!!!

Bye-bye August

The boy is growing everyday!!! Ben spent most of this past week squealing in delight, blowing bubbles with his spit and playing with his best friends-his hands. He also loves his jumper. Doesn't really get the whole jumping thing, but will sit in there forever (a huge bonus if he can see the tv). He's just so much fun and full of love. He's also thisclose to rolling from his back to his tummy. He's getting so strong with tummy time. He's rolling from tummy to back all the time now and likes to lift his head super high.

loves, loves, loves this!

The weather was beautiful on Saturday and Daddy convinced me to take the Jeep with the top off to the library, dinner and church. Ben LOVED it! I sat in the back with him (of course we put the shade up to block the sun and wind). He was so happy.

His first trip to the library

Ben does not like the quiet rule at the library. He never got fussy, but squeaked a few times and oh boy the dirty looks we got. So rude!

Ben also experienced his first cold last week. The poor little guy sounded awful all congested. He couldn't sleep, but was so tired. We took full advantage of it to let him sleep in our arms-something we both love and miss so much. He's a little champ and sounded so much better just the next day. Nothing like having Daddy call in to stay home with him (well us).