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.

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!

Reflecting on my year and Giving Thanks...

Thanksgiving was, as always, a wonderful time for us.  I remember last thanksgiving being anxious wondering if I may be pregnant.  Wow, how time flies!  It makes me think of everything that's happened to me (and to this family) in the last year...  We found out we were pregnant, I taught middle school religion while I watched my waistline expand beyond all expectation, dealt with morning sickness, ate lots of potatoes and chocolate shakes, went to numerous appointments, unsucessfully tried to keep my ankles from becoming beach balls, walked around the neighborhood listening to "faster, stronger" by kanye in anticipation of being in better shape for labor, going through labor and delivery (life-changing), days in the hospital full of challenges with jaundice, breastfeeding, possible infection prompting monitors, IVs and a lumbar pucture for a 2 day old son; then came going to the pediatric urologist and waking up for night feedings. 

I'm most thankful this year for the life that God has shared with me.  Me of all people has been given the gift of this little person, this little soul that needs cared for and taught- a little one that needs love and has love to give.  I am ever saying those words that came to me in a prayerful way at 4am Aug 6th when the nurses brought Benjamin to me to snuggle because his temp wasn't going back up...  I rested in the hospital bed with Joe's sleepy breathing coming from the corner and the dawn light softly illuminating the twin spires of the Cathedral outside my window, and most of all the feeling of the warm little body moving ever so softly and steadily on my chest with tiny breaths... I couldn't help but just keep repeating.. "Who am I that God should give you to me?"

Getting Bigger every day



my little man



First off... Adorable, no?  ---->

I had a CT scan on Monday with some dye to see if things were going where they are supposed to, etc. and was told I couldn't breastfeed for 24 hours afterward.  No problem I thought, I have a nice little supply in the freezer for just this occasion.  Well, for whatever reason (i'm looking into it, doing experiments etc) none of the freezer milk smelled or tasted good- Ben wouldn't take it.  So I dug out the formula samples from the hospital and pediatrician.  I'm so glad I saved them just in case.  We had enough to get through the 24 hours although Benjamin alerted me to the fact that he didn't like the taste of it either, but at least I knew it was good for him. 

 

do I have to?!



When I don't like it, i don't care
 how much runs down my chin!

I'm sure babies that start on formula don't even think about the taste of it.  For a kid who takes vitamins and medicine well, Ben acted like this formula was disgusting- it took 30 min to convince him to drink it and he just spit some of it back out at me.  And just to quell my curiousity, I tasted and smelled it- I wouldn't want to drink it unless it was the only thing I had on deserted island!  I can't tell you how nice it was to finally have him back nursing, both of us felt SOOOO much better.

Week Update

Quick notes from the past week:

- Thank you to anyone who sent sympathy cards to me or my family, it means alot to know that people care so much!

Picture courtesy of Joe's mom



- Ben dropped a night feeding this past week (well, for a few nights at least).  I can't tell you how different I feel when I've only gotten up once in the night!

- We enjoyed some of Joe's homemade beer last night with his family, it turned out pretty well!  The brand is Ben's Best :)  This first attempt was an American Pale Ale.

-Ben got his 2 month shots last week- I didn't like it very much.  There's something about sitting there watching someone put a large needle with chemicals into your child.  It seems so unnecessary at that moment.  I know it's important so I do it, but it stinks.

- I did pilates 4 out of the 5 mornings this week and walked 3 days - credit to my cousin Theresa for inspiring me to get my Pilates DVD out... I heart Denise Austin!

- Got to spend some good time with some girlfriends.  I can't believe how lucky I am to have such great women around me who are also striving to be good wives and mothers.  More on this topic later...

I'm finishing up my chocolate mini wheats and going to bed now.  I have to fast from now on for some scans I have to have done in the morning... probably a good thing after eating my way through the weekend :)