Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Cousin love

Michelle was feeling under the weather last Friday, so Clara came to spend the day with us.  Benton was thrilled.  These two babies love each other!  Clara girl is growing up so fast, and we were so happy to get to spend the day together.  She is a joyful little helper and was so excited to carry my mail, throw things away, and share with Benton.
We read about 50 books.  Not even exaggerating.  She wanted to hear the same one at least 20 times.  It's always fun to be around her to get a little glimpse into my future.
I just wanted to see what would happen.  I could hear them talking to each other for a few minutes, then I snuck back into this.
She kept putting these sunglasses on and saying "Cheese" so of course I took her picture.

Also on Friday, Hunter's slab for his shop was poured.  Anything camo, hunting, guns, or fishing will no longer be allowed in the house.  Thank goodness!  After the babies nap I took them out for handprints in the concrete.  After seeing how Benton's hands and feet got messy, Clara girl told me No way!  I guess that's a girl for ya.  Thanks for letting us play together Clara!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

9 months

Another month has passed by, filled with more enjoyment than I ever though possible.  There have been many times lately where I wished I had a pause button, or at the very least a way to slow down and relish my time spent with our sweet baby boy.  Last week the incredible Tammy came to document our precious angel in all his 9 month glory.  Here is the link to his incredible slideshow: http://marcelainphotography.blogspot.com/
I have no idea how to choose only a few to order, so if you have suggestions, leave me a comment and help me decide!  I am amazed at how quickly Benton is changing and growing.  Anyone who meets him asks "Is he this happy all the time?"  The answer is an overwhelming yes.  

He loves, I mean really loves to be outside.  Saturday night we had a picnic at the tank in Baird to test out Nana, G-Daddy, and Benton's new offroad toy.  You see, God really did answer Benton's prayer (see prior posts).  We road around in the Ranger, ate some Chicken Express, and admired the bulldozer moving all the dirt around.
Benton also got to try out his Christmas present to G-Daddy, a backpack so he could be in the middle of the action.  He helped shoot the bow, kicked his feet merrily, and tried to grab anything and everything they walked past.  So cute!We are in the not-quite-crawling, but into everything stage.  He does this,
and this,
and this, but is still in reverse mode.  I've found him in all sorts of compromising situations, under the bed, feet stuck between the crib slats, etc.  Bottom line, the boy really doesn't like his tummy much.  If I lay him on his tummy, he automatically walks himself back up to sitting position.  His preferred mode of transportation is sitting, lunging for something, grabbing it, then sitting back up only to start the process over again when he finds something else he wants.
He loves his new toy from dittos for kiddos, and will pull himself up to play all the musical gadgets.  It was so fun watching him learn how to flick, turn, slide, and open all the little thingies.  I feel like he is watching and absorbing everything we show him!
I sat him in the front seat while I got his car seat ready, and this is what I found.  This was his first time to pull up.  When he saw me, he smiled and was so proud of himself. 

 He also has started signing "more" to me when eating.  So much nicer than yelling when he wants something!  He eats anything we put in front of him and does a great job chewing with his tooth and gums.  Benton also claps for himself while yelling ahhhhh loudly.  He says Mama to me and Dada to Hunter.  We think we've also heard Nana.  He loves to throw the ball and one of his favorite toys is his egg shaker.  Benton also looks for Fred, and cries when he leaves the room.  He sure loves his puppy.  He's always talking, and the people who sit around us at church would probably agree.  I treasure every moment spent with him!

Monday, March 23, 2009

ACU Class of 2030

Good news!  I've finished my yearbooks.  I feel like a whole new person.  Today I did laundry, played with Benton, and downloaded tons off my cameras.  No more feeling guilty about doing anything except the yearbook while at home!  I am way behind on my blogging.  We'll start with a short and easy post. 




If you can't tell from the pictures, sweet boy was clapping for himself.  I just love him!  The first pic is the one I sent in to the Alumni office.  I'm working on my editing skills.  Late 9 month post, Sing Song weekend, and Hanner Chevrolet softball game post to come!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Fun with Nana and G-Daddy

Benton is one lucky boy to have two sets of grandparents in town.  He has them all wrapped around his chubby little fingers.  Yesterday he helped Nana and G-Daddy run some errands around town.  
Will the girls dig me at the lake on this waverunner?
Daddy wishes!  He has already told me he and Uncle Chase neeeeed a four wheeler (to ride with Benton) 
Dear God, 
Please let G-Daddy buy this for us to ride around in Montana.
Thanks,
Benton
I'm a good driver Mom, I promise!
Rides nice back here too!

Here are some pictures from Nana's camera from their trip to the zoo.

Twas a bit windy, and I didn't send a coat, so Benton is going for the layered look of everything in his diaper bag to keep warm.



Wild man!
Benton spending some quality time with Great-Grandpa John in town visiting from Montana.
We've just been hanging around the house today.  Seems like a great day to be lazy.  We are loving the rain!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Playday

Bring on the spring weather!  This week has been so nice out (minus the wind--go away wind) and we decided the cousins might enjoy a little picnic at the park. We held on to all our food and had a great time for Benton and Clara's first park playtime.  Sweet Benton slept through the eating but woke up in time to play.  

Benton loved the swings, and Clara was not so sure she wanted her feet off the ground.  I'll skip the pictures of Clara realizing she was terrified.
Of course, Honey couldn't stand to miss any action and came on her lunch break.
Benton loving being outside!


Clara girl, we had so much fun with you and your mommy!
Peek!
As always, Benton wants to touch his big cousin.
Wee!

Benton Blayne, I can't believe how fast our time with you is going.  Every day you are starting to look more and more like a big boy instead of a baby.  You take every new adventure in stride with such a happy attitude.  Your daddy and I are so blessed!
There he goes again!  Clara, it's only because he is fascinated with you.  
Things at our house are busy as usual.  I am sure our entire family is ready for me to be finished with my yearbooks.  One down, and one to go.  I can't decide which of my part-time job I like the least.  I am positive my favorite employer.  He's that 21 pound, blue eyed, blonde boy who now is calling me mama.  I wonder how many times I'll hear that in the next few years....
Have a great weekend all!