Ornaments

One of Ben's favorite ornaments... the squirrel :) Thanks Tor!

The Main Event

Consider this a reward for keeping up with our blog :)

Remember the dancing practice Ben was doing?  Well it paid off!  This a short clip of what what went on for a good 15 minutes at about 11pm at my brother's wedding.  He got going and then as soon as I picked him up he put his head down on my shoulder and was asleep by the time we got up to our room :)  If anyone else has footage of his dancing, please email me!

Ben dancing at reception Video Link

enjoy!

Goodbye leaves...

Long overdue pic I meant to publish in November...

Halloween 2011

So I've established the fact that Ben loves dogs.  What better costume for him than a dog!

Finishing Touches

Cutie

Meeting a real dog :)

Trick or Treating

That's one cute dog :)

Family pic

2 points?

Practice makes perfect! Although we may have to discuss what really goes through the hoop :)

Sew Fun!

Check out what's goin on at my other blog dedicated to my newly rekindled love of sewing- learning how to do it and wanting to help others with it. Sew Simply

Time for overalls...

It's getting chillier again... Going through Ben's clothes again, trying to figure out what fits him and "retire" the rest.

Squashy Mac

sneaking in squash was too easy... they're the same color!

What do you do when your child loves macaroni and cheese and eats it well but you would like to up it's nutritious content? You make Squashy Mac!
I bought a little frozen box of winter squash puree in the frozen veggie section because i know that Ben loves squash and it would be easier and cheaper to thaw the block of it than to buy squash, roast it, scrape it out and then consider freezing it if it made more than Ben would eat in a week.  So I skipped a few steps.

Well a couple weeks ago I was making macaroni and cheese for our lunch and thought that I should defrost the squash for Ben's dinner while I was in the kitchen.  Then, when I looked at the pot and pan in front of me... the concept for Squashy Mac was born!

Polishing off a trayful

Ben seemed to have no idea that a good portion of his beloved Mac and Cheese was actually squash!  The squash also made the quantity larger so I was able to serve it for a few meals over the course of the week by just putting portions in the microwave.

I'm starting to think I'll make mac&cheese like this all the time and hope my kids just think that it has a naturally earthy flavor to it :)

Dancing Boy

We're practicing our dancing for a September wedding...  and a November wedding...

Benjamin's 1 year old video

I made this video about Benjamin to document the blessing he has been in our lives :)  I'll let it do the talking...

Best way to watch the video is in HD, here's how to do that if you aren't familiar with youtube:

• Click on "Benjamin's Birthday Video" below and pause the video when it first comes up.
• Click on "360p" on the grey bar and change it to 720pHD.
• Wait about a minute  (better to wait now than for buffering during! Get yourself a drink of water or something...)
• Make the video full screen (click on the icon of 4 arrows)
• Hit play!

 

Benjamin's Birthday Video

 

 

 

 

Benjamin hearts dogs

Benjamin loves dogs. He also likes signing "dog" and making woof woof sounds :) I decided I needed to preserve his antics in video form one morning so I experimented with the webcam on my computer- having it record while I played a youtube video of a dog barking. This was originally filmed June 20th.

Nap Prayer

I wanted something to say to signal to Benjamin that it was time to take a nap and thought it would be nice if it was a prayer too.  So here's what I came up with.  I printed it out and matted it in the colors of his room.
--------------------------------------------------------

Dear Jesus,

It’s time to nap, please help me rest,

So that I’m always at my best.

And when I wake, dear Lord I pray,

You bless and guide me through the day.

Amen.

First Hair Cut

I know that it probably violates some rule, giving a haircut before the first birthday but my little boy was starting to look like he had a mullet if his baby curls didn't curl up real tight. Therefore, we cut off just a TINY bit to keep him looking like a well groomed little boy :)
Here's a picture just before we got started.
How to keep this little guy still while cutting-- put on a Baby Signing Time video and you are good to go! He loves them and is starting to sign more and more!

New Van

Wahoo! After months of searching we stumbled on the van we wanted. Ended up that it was as the dealership that my parents have bought a few vehicles from! So a week and a half ago we travelled to Noblesville for a short visit and to buy the van.  Luckily we got there just in time.   It drives so smoothly and quietly.  I loved being able to hop back a seat to be able to take care of Ben for a second on the way home.  It should serve us wonderfully for years to come!

PS. I was SO sad to leave my CRV at my parents but at least I know that it is in caring and appreciative hands. (perhaps my sister's, wink, wink)  There's something about your first car...

finally updated

Phew... it seems that my blog has finally showed up as being updated even though I've been updating in the 2 months that it didn't show up in blog readers or blog lists as such.  I spent hours yesterday trying to figure out why it wasn't, perhaps I fixed it?  Either way... welcome back! :) 

Look through the last couple months!

How the mundane can feel new

Went to HyVee today and used coupons to save about $10 off the total bill, didn't use any plastic bags because I brought my own and took them home in our new van... I almost felt like a different person!

I'll post pics of the van as soon

You are my sunshine...

Gotta love big hats for pale boys :)

my little Learner

Whoa... we're learning! It seems like just this past week Benjamin has gained a certain level of conciousness I haven't seen before. He's already started on some basic things like waving, clapping, making a number 1 (pointing), dancing and blow a kiss. Usually blow a kiss has to do with Jesus which made for a funny moment yesterday at Mass when I whispered, "see Jesus?" as the cross was carried in the procession at the end. He responded with blowing a kiss in the general direction of it... Of course the former religion teacher/rel ed director would have her kid blowing kisses to a crucifix at 10 months- it may be a bit cliche but I'm thrilled! :)
Since he's doing these basic motions I feel that his signing should start to take off a little too. I'm trying to teach him super basic sign language for fun and help in our communication. We're watching the "Baby Signing Time" videos, he loves the characters and songs that go with it.

I got him to do a few things on command the other morning, here's the fruits of our labor so far...

To helmet or not to helmet...

I took Benjamin to his 9 month appointment about 3 weeks ago and the pediatrician asked if we had talked about his head shape.  She mentioned that he might have a mild case of positional plagiocephaly- an asymmetry in the shape of the skull due to the baby favoring a certain position for laying his head. Click here for an example.  She referred us to a plastic surgeon.  She recommended getting him an orthotic helmet.  I did alot of homework into cost, maintenance, support, etc for helmets.  BTW I also found some cute websites that help parents with decals for the helmets so they can make them "cute."  I know, minor in importance, but if you have to have it on for 23 hours of each day for at least a few months then it might as well be fun. :)

This week we met with the orthotist and Benjamin was measured and given a scan that would give us accurate numbers.  See how that works here.  We got the call today that his numbers are actually too good to get a helmet.  His case is mild enough that a helmet is not necessary.   WAHOOO!  It's crazy to go from expecting that Ben would be wearing a helmet for the next 3 months to hearing that it's not really needed.  Thank God!

Learn more about plagio and support for it: http://community.babycenter.com/post/a22249005/welcome

Awwwwww

Something about this pic just gets me. I think it's because he looks like such a big boy standing there in his plaid shorts... well, they're supposed to be shorts :)

Gotta post some video of his walking, he's going everywhere these days! Every moment he is awake I have to be near him or I fear for what corner he may fall on. He's definitely getting better though!

Walk this Way...

I apologize for no updates in the last month.  I got out of the habit!

Meanwhile... Benjamin is on his way to walking!  He took a couple of steps between Joe and I just this evening.  He's still creeping around on his tummy but pulling up on anything he can so he can get on his feet.  He's getting to be more interactive as well, I'm not sure if it's on purpose but he tends to clap when he needs another cheerio on his tray and when he sees other people clapping.  I just noticed the other day that he tried to cough after hearing me clear my throat.  I just love knowing that each day will bring new things for him to see and learn!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day- I got some lovely cards and organizing racks for my thread and bobbins which will help with my sewing projects and the three of us went out to breakfast together.  (on Saturday, of course, because there was no way I was going to fight crowds)

Joe has been working SOOOOO hard on his masters classes.  He just finished another final yesterday so he has a couple of weeks before some intense summer classes.  I admire his dedication so much.  I know that I would struggle so much more than him trying to work full time and take grad classes and have a family.  Just one more reason that I love my husband.

Testing

I've been working on trying to understand this whole "feed burning" thing relating to google and blogger.  All I wanted was a way for people to subscribe to this blog and get an email when I update it because I don't update daily (far from it).  We'll see if we're back up and emailing after this post...  If you did get an email check out my last post from Friday for a snapshot of my life...

7 quick takes...

 ... that don’t include how I found Ben’s banana from 5 days ago...
smooshed and rotting in the bottom of the baby bag.
And I found it by putting my hand down into it.

7 Quick Takes Friday

1. Doing laundry today reminded me of a college moment. While sitting in the lounge area of a guys’ dorm with some friends I witnessed the following conversation:
    Boy A: “I see you use dryer sheets?”   
    Boy B: “no, oh, you mean this? I must have forgotten to throw it away after scraping the screen thing”
    Boy A: “wait. You mean you’ve been using dryer sheets just to clean out the lint trap and then throw them away?!”
    Boy B: “isn’t that why they are there for us?”
    Boy A: “um, no… and they’re not provided… who’s are you stealing to waste?!”

2. Burps in the face following a meal of Cheerios, banana, mixed fruit and breastmilk are both disgusting and humbling.

3. It’s a good thing that Benjamin’s a good sleeper because when he’s awake he’s getting to be a heavy and busy handful.

4. There’s nothing so therapeutic as some time in the sun shine- call it vitamin D, call it spring break, call it brightness, heat, or "non-snow," it doesn’t matter. I often think heaven will be like closing your eyes and basking in perfect warmth and brightness after not seeing the sun for a lifetime (literally). How much would I love that!

5. I can’t imagine playing this game of life without my VIP husband. Thanks God!

6. I think our microwave may have to go. I just burnt popcorn in it for the 2nd time in 2 years and it smells so bad I want to leave the room. One more reason that I’m done with microwave popcorn and moving to only stovetop or air popped. (besides reading that the microwave popcorn bags contain toxic chemicals) -- Update: the microwave is in the garage and we're taking our food out there to heat it up... I almost don't mind it.. ha ha.

7. It’s good to take some time and remember what it is that distracts us from Jesus. It’s not that the things we have or do are necessarily bad sometimes but they need to be held in moderation by us, not us being held by them. Is there anything holding you?



PS Remember to SUBSCRIBE to my blog with your email... I just changed the subscription application on the site over to google's version.  Otherwise you may forget to read the blog seeing as how I only update about once a week!  Remind other family members too!

Playtime for little boys and parents

Benjamin has been moving around all over the place when he decides he wants to travel, but when I put him down for some sitting play time he's been so cute!  I HUGE thank you goes out to my college roommates who got him a bus with some Fisher-Price Little People building blocks.  He mainly just trys to eat them but he does like to put his hand in the bus and swirl them around to hear the loud sounds.  Joe's glad that he's already liking building blocks. :)

On a separate note, Joe and I got to go to a good friends' wedding yesterday and Ben got to spend some time with his grandparents while we went to the reception last night.  We had such a wonderful time!  The place was beautiful, the food was unique and fun, and most of all, we got to be with some great friends. 
It was liberating to know that Ben was taken care of, I was with the man I love, I felt good and I got to dance!

Friday morning fun...
Benjamin looked up from his playing to make some funny noises between laughing and sneezing.  Then he added a little singing. :)

Creepy Crawling

We have forward motion!  Benjamin is creeping all over the living room now.  I can't leave him alone on the floor for more than a few minutes at a time because I"m always unsure of how far he'll get.  We switched out the coffee table for the plush ottoman but there's still plenty of hard things for him to head butt.  He often concentrates harder on getting moving than how close he is to something :)

Ben and I got to spend a week with my parents and it was wonderful.  It's great to have so much help around all the time!  I walk in the door and hand him over.  It was also great to see so many friends and extended family as well.  I have a couple fabulous friends who are a step ahead of me in the mommy game and it was such a strengthening grace I was able to receive to simply be around them and witness their lives.  It still cracks me up to think back to our high school days and contrast that to our lives now.  It takes such humility and confidence to be a mother and I'm in awe of women who do it well, I hope I'm on that path.

Peas mom, no more?

To continue with entertaining videos...

Ben tried peas a few weeks ago and sadly was not thrilled by the idea.

Happy Benjamin

Dad time

never know where he'll roll

Benjamin has been up to some fun stuff.  He's getting more mobile so the house is going to be getting some changes soon- padding on the fireplace, a padded toybox instead of the coffee table, etc.  He mobility comes mainly from just rolling and pivoting but we're starting to see signs of crawling.  He's started to pull his knees up to push his tush in the air :)

The last few Saturdays I've been busy with different things that have pulled me out of the house for extended periods of time- bridal shower, baby shower, lunch with a friend, and this Saturday is the Behold Conference.  Joe's been able to have some time alone with Benjamin.  It's so nice to be able to leave the house and do something without carting Ben and his stuff along and to know that he's having good bonding time with Dad. 

the list of foods we
like is getting longer!

I head to my parents' house on Sunday with Benjamin to spend the week there.  I haven't seen them since Christmas so I'm excited to get some time there!  I think I'll also get some time with the grandparents' up north, high school friends and more.

Gotta run to Moms and Tots at church...  I'll leave you with a quote from my morning -

Cat in the Hat: "Some birds like to eat seeds like a soup, then they carry them far away in their poop."

New day, new food...

Last week I froze a bunch of different puree baby foods.  Among them were carrots, sweet potatoes, pears, green beans and pumpkin.  Ben's a big fan of the pears, sweet potatoes and now prunes.  He pretty much gagged on the peas ha ha.  He's not a big fan.  I tabled that taste to try again later. 

It's very convienent to have my little ice cubes of food in the freezer to just heat in the microwave and stir.  It's worth several hours in the kitchen to have them on hand for the next month or so as we keep trying new things.

It's funny, as soon as you get past one phase you're onto another. :)

Doing his own thing...

 What could be more fun than tooling around the kitchen blowing raspberries?

Blizzard of 2011

I Looooove snow!  It's a good thing because we had tons yesterday evening. 
Overall it was pretty exciting but for a couple of nervous moments because of the thundersnow... yeah, thundersnow.  It was really crazy, there was a brilliant flash of lightning and then thunder that seemed more like a small eathquake that just kept going, meanwhile the snowfall would increase.  I knew that as long as we had power everything would be ok.  Joe took the opportunity to brew some beer and I chilled out.  Both of us shovelled today.

Blizzard of 2011

Resolution check

I know that it's as cliche as possible but I did it anyway.  I vowed New Year's Eve to lose weight in the new year.  This is important to me more this year than any other because of the, ahem, baby weight.  It's funny that while I was pregnant I gave myself the green light to eat just about anything.  I tried to make sure that I didn't get too sick with morning sickness by snacking almost constantly for the first 3 months.  Then there were the chocolate milkshakes and the many potatoes that I downed.  I kept thinking that I would have to work off baby weight anyway so why not have some fun while no one could tell if it was me or baby...  any other mothers feel that?!?

So I've worked very hard this month to keep my calorie count in check and ban all sweets from the house.  I'm trying to find little tricks here and there that help me stay on track.  (Like sugarfree gum and diet hot chocolate in place of desserts.)  I think the biggest thing to help me though this time has been Joe's desire to eat more healthy.  I feel like it's given me license to really try new healthy reicipes and habits.  Oh and I try to get some exercise in at least every other day in the form of workout tapes, 8 minute abs and pilates.

Progress so far... a couple of dress sizes I think.  About 10 lbs left til I get to prebaby weight.  Wahoo!!!  I'm slowly being able to wear more of my clothes but there's still many that I'm just not there yet.

You learn something new every...

For Benjamin lately he's been doing something new about once a week.  In the past few he's figured out how to roll over onto his tummy and sit up with a little assistance.  He ate some rice cereal for the first time last night and looks like he'll be an eating champ.  Also he has 2 new bottom front teeth!  No more chewing on mom's fingers in church.
It's funny how much babies change in the first 6 weeks or so as they change from newborn to infant.  I feel like Ben's look has stayed similar lately but he's just proportionally getting bigger or doing new things.  I watched some video's of his first week at home lately and couldn't believe how little he was... or how many forehead wrinkles he had!

We had some great time with friends and family this weekend watching the Illinois basketball game the Bears game.  Joe's started his new class for the semester and I have gone back to running the CCD program at church.  Just when I thought I was out of it... :)  it was strange but almost comforting to be walking the halls of the school again making sure that all the teachers had what they needed and that the kids were able to behave themselves.  There's many days where I wonder how I did all that I did at work for those 5 years.

Here's a peek at our first try with some really liquidy rice cereal on spoon.  I'll try to get the video working...

Christmas Time...

Joe and I truly count our families as huge blessings.  It was so wonderful to see so much of them for the 2 weeks of Christmas.  We played games, laughed, ate way too much and just hung out :)  I always find it entertaining that both of our families have the tradition of waiting on the stairs Christmas morning.  No one can go down until everyone is on the stairs and ready.  Then when the parents have prepped the living room and say go we race down the stairs.

Benjamin did well travelling and hanging out for the most part.  He did better the more I kept an eye on his sleep and eating schedule making sure to accomodate his needs before he got too frusterated.  He's such a good sleeper whether it's home or either grandparents' place.  I'm pretty blessed to have my first child sleep so well. (I'm sure it's mainly his personality but I did try to do "sleep training" from the very beginning.  I read, or rather, skimmed, the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child which helped give me direction)  We did midnight Mass this year but since Benjamin sleeps from about 7:30pm to 7am getting up in the middle of the night sorta threw him a little.  I didn't do well with it myself though because I hoped he would just stay asleep the whole time but instead he woke up halfway through and got hungry/tired and we had to head home quickly after Mass.  Being a new mom I feel like every experience in a learning experience.

I tried to let Benjamin open gifts when he could which was pretty entertaining.  He's got a good grip, be it on hair, necklaces or gift wrap :)

5 months old!

Ben is now sitting up with a bit of help.  I can't believe my little baby is getting so old and so big!  I weighed him last week and he was 19 pounds!  His personality is starting to show through which is alot of fun.  More on Christmas stuff in a later post.


Happy Boy!