Benjamin is 10 months ... you MUST be joking.

While I know it's around the corner, I just have to pinch myself to believe it's actually happening. I distinctly remember how I felt this time last year ... I was sore, exhausted, chasing a 16 month old and trying to keep up with my tennis girls too. I'd end each day more exhausted than I thought possible, simply wishing this baby out. If you don't believe me, check the blog archives from last March/April. You'll remember then! At any rate, I'm still trying to keep up with my tennis girls, only this time I can run along with them (sometimes), do the calisthenics (except for the 2 court lunges ...) and I have amazing babysitters (more on that later) who are helping me keep the kids happy. In the meantime, the beautiful miracle that gave me such an enormous belly is alive and well ... smiling and giggling his way through each day. It's time for a blogpost on just my baby boy! Here's where Benjamin Steven is at 10 months old:

Physically - we don't have stats, but he's pretty much slowed his growth pace. He isn't gaining weight (I'm almost positive of that since all of his clothes are very baggy), but things seem to be getting slightly shorter. When we stand him up next to Kayleigh, they are quite close in height. Closer, at least, than I'd expect my 10 month old to be. As far as his gross motor skills go Benjamin can get from sitting position to "crawl ready" quite quickly. Then, he goes no where and ends up falling to a rolling position. He will also scoot along in full split mode pushing himself forward with his arms and scooting his backside to catch up. It's slow going for him, but it helps him get where he wants to go. More than ANYTHING, Benner likes to stand. We have not yet found anything for him to be able to stand on (that is safe but also doesn't topple over under his crushing 27.5 lbs), so he mostly just works on his standing holding our hands. This is potentially problematic because as soon as he feels balanced he tries to "take off" and shrugs off our hands. Only he doesn't move his feet, therefore he simply face-plants. Poor boy ... his little spirit wants to move, but his big body just isn't quite cooperating. As far as fine motor is concerned, he's excellent at clapping his hands, waving "hello/goodbye," putting food (even as thin as spaghetti noodles) into his mouth, he even holds and attempts to draw with a crayon.

Socially - Benjamin loves people as much as ever. His Bible Study nursery workers at church have commented that he shows recognition and preference to them over other workers who only help out once a month. I've also been told (and observed) that he adores other babies. His spirits lift and he goes into "excited mode" as soon as another baby (yes, he does prefer other girl babies) comes into the picture. Just today I saw him babbling back and forth (with as much animation/conversation as I've ever heard from him) with Alexa Visser! He was completely captivated by her. As I mentioned earlier, he is able to wave hello/goodbye. He also is great at "mocking" people. He picks up "sound effects" more readily than words (buzzing your lips, high pitched squeals, shouts, etc) but he will try to repeat certain words if he's in the mood to focus. As far as independent utterings, he regularly says "Mama" and "Dadda" when in need of something desperately (most often when he's lonely and wants to be held or hugged ... just for a few seconds though and then he wants to return to play).

Ben's "Style" ~ Sometimes my baby boy is paradoxical. He LOVES being snuggled, but just for a minute. He LOVES his naps, but not entering his room in order to TAKE his nap. He always wants a clean dry diaper, but REFUSES to hold still while I change it. He can't wait to be down on the floor and independent, but he doesn't want to be left completely alone.

~ Benjamin is a family man and a homebody. There are few people in the world who can make Benjamin smile quite like Mommy, Daddy and Kayleigh. I mean, seriously, the kid smiles for everyone, even strangers at the store, but he REALLY reserves a special little gigawatt for the family. And oh is my son great when we go away. He sleeps like a champ in strange places (as long as he has his teddy), he'll go down wherever you lay him ...BUT when the van pulls in to the driveway at home, he breathes a little sigh, his gigawatt smile returns doubly bright and he gets excited. The boy LOVES his house.

~ Nothing in this world makes my son as happy as eating food. I mean that, NOTHING ... the kid can be whining, exhausted, or all manner of lonely/upset and food WILL cure it. On top of that, not only does he LOVE to eat, he eats a tremendous amount of food ... seriously, some days he eats more than I remember eating in high school. Here's a SAMPLE day ... (no exaggerating ...)

Breakfast: Adult bowl of Cheerios and a whole blueberry Nutrigrain bar, chased down with 5 oz of formula 10:00: Small Snack (6-8 veggies straws, a child size bowl of puffs, or half of some adult sized snack he splits with his sister) Lunch: A whole banana (or 6-8 strawberries), a whole string cheese, and either an adult sized portion of dinner leftovers OR Macaroni and Cheese ... (one afternoon he consumed HALF OF THE BOX!!!!), chased down with 5 more oz of formula 4:00 Snack: 10-12  veggies straws, fruit or granola bar Dinner: An adult portion of whatever the family is eating plus some of the "side" we are having or some more fruit (again, a whole banana or 6-8 strawberries), sips on the formula 7:00 - Bedtime bottle - 8 ozs of formula. (and sometimes stealing some of Kayleigh's bedtime snack...assuming she earned one by eating any dinner at all).

I never feel like he is full. He almost never turns away one more spoonful. So, I feel like, if I had the patience, he'd eat all day long. I know he's big, but seriously ... it's gotta taper sometime, right??? Just the other day he had 2, yes 2 portions of leftover lasagna for PART of his lunch alone. They were not small portions ... I'd cut a similar size for myself for dinner!! Where does all of the food go?

Anyway, eater, drinker or non-crawler, he's the most charming little boy I know. (I'm sure he gets his charm from his Daddy, who can be QUITE winsome when he tries). And now, for the piece you all LOVE to see (okay, so maybe you don't love it, but I do) :) ... the baby photo comparison ...

[caption id="attachment_1130" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Benjamin Steven, 10 months: March 2010"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1129" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Kayleigh Elaine, 10 months: September, 2009"][/caption]

Detroit Adventure Part 2

It's now Monday - I've caught up on the housecleaning, the laundry from our time away, and the rest we all needed. We're back in the routine and I have a few minutes before tennis to blog about our time in "the D." The kids were AMAZING, sleeping in the hotel. Kayleigh took a little longer than normal to fall asleep (Mom and Dad watching tv and packing for the next day didn't help), but once she was out, she slept soundly. She managed to not fall out of the bed (my biggest worry) despite sleeping without bed rails for the first time in her little life. I think it helped that she had her own double bed to thrash around in. Benjamin, slept like a champ in... the CLOSET. The room had a large, walk in closet that housed his pack n play perfectly. He had a cozy little "room" all to himself and he rarely woke (even to find his pacifier). As a result, Mommy and Daddy had VERY restful evenings, despite sharing a hotel room with 4. The kids and I ate breakfast and lunches in the room to save $. So, they ate while watching a few extra episodes of Disney Channel television. Before morning nap we would stroll around the Renaissance Center, people watching, site seeing (Kayleigh LOVED watching the "choo choo train!" (aka people mover) go in its loops), and making friends. Kayleigh had no shame and approached many VERY well dressed businessmen and said, "Hi... what YOU do today?" Then she would listen politely as they listed their day's activities. She'd smile and say "Ohhh that's nice." When some adventures men returned the question, she would say, (with SO MUCH excitement) "I sleepin' in my HOTEL BED!!!! It was SO SO SO nice." And with that she'd run along to the next waiting person or curious object, leaving me to simply smile at the man, and push my son along after her. It was QUITE the adventure. I had several people say that it was so nice to have a little girl brighten their day. If they were too busy to stop, Kayleigh was unconcerned and simply moved right along (but those were VERY rare.) Almost everyone she approached engaged her in conversation. Benjamin was not without his OWN adventure ... he made it a point to smile and wave at nearly every woman he could find. He'd flash his dimple and they'd light up ... commenting on what a sweet, handsome man I had. It truly was nice to have no particular place to go. Kayleigh and I shared coffee (she had the kids hot chocolate) each morning during our "visit downstairs." Afterwards we'd return to the room for an hour and a half nap.

On Thursday, we ventured out to the Detroit Children's Museum. Kayleigh absolutely adored it. There was almost no one else there (one other family was there for a bit while we were), so Kayleigh had the staff to herself. She talked and charmed her way through each location, and as is typical, we ran out of time before she was done doing all that she wanted to do. I took lots of pictures and will post them below. In the evening, we met two of our friends from KCSA for dinner. At first, Kayleigh was a little shy, but after her dinner with Mr. Chuck and Mr. Ivan she warmed quickly. The trip out of the restaurant, back through the people mover and up to the room was as though Mom, Dad, and Benjamin didn't exist. She only had eyes and ears for her two new friends. We love how she makes friends so easily (and that our adult friends are willing to "fall prey" to her charms). The kids went down easily for bed (quite an exhausting day) and slept well. The next morning was very similar to the first and we were on the road by 12.

We tried to stop at Ikea on the way home, but after the kids ate their cheap hot dogs, they had had enough of being good sports. We ran out of patience somewhere in the kitchen section and abandoned our search for a new dining room table. They both slept like champions on the way home ... not really waking until Battle Creek for a snack. After all was unpacked, unwound and tucked in for the night, Steve said, "you know, we really do have great kids." I have to agree .. they went through a lot this week with tennis starting and being gone in Detroit ... but no one melted down ... sigh ... it was delightful.

As promised, here are some photo highlights of our trip:

[caption id="attachment_1122" align="alignleft" width="224" caption="Watching the River through the beautiful glass windows"][/caption]

Front and Center at the Children's Museum

[caption id="attachment_1120" align="alignleft" width="224" caption="First stop inside the museum ... a computer, was there any doubt?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1119" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="Kayleigh lovin' the travel snacks we packed"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1118" align="alignleft" width="224" caption="Hot chocolate with Mommy"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1117" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="Chattering away to Mr. Commeret"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1114" align="alignleft" width="224" caption="Getting her prize for finding "gold" in the "mine""][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1112" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="Coloring ... I guess it's more fun when you're somewhere else :)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1110" align="alignleft" width="224" caption="Hanging out with her two new friends"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1108" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="Playing in the triangular mirrors"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1106" align="alignleft" width="224" caption="Wishing he could color too"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1104" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="Just takin' in the view!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1107" align="alignleft" width="224" caption="Proof we aren't THAT horrible. The closet was plenty big :)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1109" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="Cashin' out on the way home ... iPhone still in clutches!"][/caption]

That pretty much concludes the picture highlights :) ... We had a blast. I'm so glad we could join Daddy on his conference trip. It was great to have that extra time with him in a different location.

Detroit Adventure Part 1

So, here I sit, with only the iPad for entertainment; Kayleigh is all aflutter as she's staring at "all of the cars." (Her way of describing the breathtaking view that we have out of the window of our hotel room.) My infant son is snoring in the closet on the other side of the bed. Steve is tolerating (rather well, considering our evening) Kayleigh's incessant chatter very late at night as he tries to snuggle her into silence. And so, I have a few moments to reflect on why on earth we take ridiculous trips like this... Why is sharing one hotel room with two small children in a busy city worthwhile? Wouldn't it have been easier to stay at home? We always end trips asking ourselves those exact questions ... But we always take them anyway when the opportunity arises.

On the car ride down, I started making notes on my notepad ... Little things the kids said or did that made all of the packing, the sleeplessness, the travel worthwhile ... It's a good thing I did because we were met with disaster immediately upon arrival.

I actually don't even want to waste my breath explaining all that went on. I'd rather just focus on the things that, thus far, have made it a pleasure.

Exhibit A: We had barely been in the car more than 10 minutes and Kayleigh, ever our daughter, said, "Mommy? I probably need my iPod now so I can watch my Mickey movies and play Angry Birds." 1.5 hours later, we piled back in the car after a rest stop and were barely back on the highway before the same question came out again. She needs to be plugged in, even if it's not Mickey Mouse or movies, it's something to do with her hands ... Buttons to push. She even told me once that she was texting Daddy while he was driving!

Exhibit B: During our dinner at Wendy's, Benjamin, began chuckling at something. We followed his gaze and discovered, it was a clover hanging from the ceiling. This small clover captivated him so thoroughly that he was simply roaring with laughter by the end of our dinner. To add to our noisemaking hilarity, Kayleigh began to rid herself of excess energy by doing laps around our table. Each time she would pass her brother he'd relapse into more peals of contagious laughter. Steve and I found ourselves completely captivated by the simple, beautiful sound of our children laughing together.

Exhibit C: Benjamin has taken to repeating everything as of late... He wants to copy all sounds! While riding in the car, Kayleigh began playing with Talking Tom. He's a cat who repeats all you say. Her favorite button is the one where he scratches the screen of the iPod and it makes a horrendous noise. Benjamin found this noise to be worth listening to and replicating. So, by they time Steve and I realized what he was doing, it was a regular part of his new "vocabulary." It's eerily similar to the Talking Tom screech... What a talented little boy we have.

Exhibit D: While Daddy was taking Kayleigh around the hotel, managing the issues we had with our reservations, Mommy played in the room with a very exhausted Benny. He was well past tired and into a slap happy stage. I was working on keeping him from melting into the screaming stage, so I made his favorite sounds (not surprisingly it's the letter "B".. Anything with a B sound sends him into solid giggles. So, I said, "Big Benny Boy" 5 times fast and the little man laughed for a minute solid. Listening to his incessant giggling made all of the annoyances of the evening sort of fade away.

And that, my friend, is just night 1... I'm excited for a fun day tomorrow at the Children's Museum. I know my kids will enjoy their day, pool or no pool... And we will look back fondly at these days someday and wish for this much closeness with the kids.

The B-I-B-L-E

Today is the 10th which basically reminds me that Kayleigh is aging. She is now 2 years and 4 months. She is a constant jabber mouth and has more personality than a 2 year old probably should. She teaches herself and is a language sponge. I enjoy spending time with her and teaching her things. Just this last week she dusted her room by herself, put away her laundry and helped me fold Benjamin's diapers. But sometimes, every so often, she does something that no one taught her. She learned it herself! Today was one of those days. I heard her talking and made out the words "I stand alone on the Word of God" and it caught my attention. She was singing the B-I-B-L-E to herself. I asked her where she learned it (expecting Grammy, Miss Susan her nursery teacher, or Daddy). "My iPod taught me, Momma!" Then she ran to get her iPod and found the song. She's been learning right under my nose. ;)

Here she is singing for you. We will work on her annunciation... But it's not bad for her iPod teaching her!

The Blessings of Staying Home

Staying at home has afforded me many opportunities that I truly enjoy: watchingmy kids grow, never missing a moment, getting them to fun places when it's far less busy, having fellowship with other Moms, getting to know my nephew and sis in law so much better, etc.

One selfish reason that I simply LOVE staying at home is because I have energy left for reading. As a teacher all of my time was spent grading, writing curriculum, or designing new lessons plans. When I had a few minutes for fun, I certainly didn't want to spend it reading... It was far too much work. But, now that my work is far more physically demanding than intellectually demanding, I get to read often. Since January, I have made it a priority to read some fiction and some non-fiction. I rotate between fiction and non. So far I've read all of the Girl with the Dragon Tatoo books, and have "Graceling" on the shelf. Alaina passes along good fiction titles to me ;) In the non-fiction category, I make a habit of writing down all of the books my Bible Study teacher or SS teacher recommends. So far I've read Love and Respect by Dr Emerson Eggerich, and am mid way through Bringing up Boys by Dobson. In addition, I studied A Marriage without Regrets by Kay Arthur and A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George. I think that's more reading in 2 moths than I managed to do during all 5 years of my teaching career. It's so nice to be able to read again. I'm accepting all kids of book recommendations, fiction or family/marriage oriented non-fiction! ;)

On a totally unrelated note, I got to post this from Wordpress for my iPhone!!! I love it!!! Blogging on the go!

February Photo Challenge Conclusion

Wow! So, I sort of failed on the last few photo challenges. Again, I knew I should, but I simply didn't take the time to post. So, what do I owe you, 5? Yikes ... fortunately, I take a lot of pics of these kids :) 24 - Benjamin watching the Indy500 and pretending he's driving too:

25: Rafael in the laundry - It's a tough call who likes laundry baskets more, Rafa or the kids ... He's staking his claim early on this one.

26: Benjamin Misses Daddy - This kid LOVES his dad. Each time the door creaks open he gets whiplash looking for who came home. When he discovers it's not daddy, he gets pretty mournful. Being the mean mommy that I am, I staged a "gotcha" moment so I could get his face ... What Daddy could resist coming home to turn this frown upside down?

27: Hope for the WIN!!! - We have some great friends who, unfortunately chose to attend Calvin. While the women lost the tournament final at the buzzer, the Men won. So, Benjamin is celebrating in his Orange and Blue (then we sent the picture to our friends via text). I know, I'm so nice.

28: Mommy, Take my Picture - Kayleigh is getting bossy and jealous! She can't stand it when I'm snapping pictures of Benjamin. So, she demands to get her share of the limelight. Here is the result (which she verified as, "OHHH super cute!") after much begging and pleading AND re-taking.

While I still promise to post pictures of the kids, I don't intend to do another Photo challenge. A picture a day is FAR more work than I thought ... Goal for March - Schedule each day to the minute (no lie this is what my Bible Study book suggested to try for improving time management). I have never had trouble with time management, but kids throw a whole new level of unpredictability into life. Therefore, written schedules seem like they could help. So far, 2 days into March ... I am 2/2 and have had 2 of the most productive days I can remember in a LONG time (despite having a son, who is NOT sticking to his normal routine). So far, I'm excited about this possible life change. All other goals are progressing, weight loss - happening, but much more slowly, bible reading - I'm almost through the Old Testament (about halfway through Zechariah at present), garden - yeah, I think I'm going to abandon that. The way the summer is shaping up, it's not looking like I'll have any time to prep it before June and once we hit summer we're gone almost constantly. So ... maybe next Spring. Enjoying a family of 4 - AMEN!!! Benjamin is feeding himself, Kayleigh continues to do so, and Mommy is counting down the days until she's done making all kinds of separate meals/specifications. Just a few more months and we're all on the same meal plan!!! WOO HOO!!!!

February Photo Challenge - 22, 23

After our delightful, action packed playdate on Monday, I had my work cut out for me. Kayleigh was ready for some entertainment, and we were basically back to being stuck inside. It was way too cold for the kids to play in the snow, but she had a taste of Spring (like her mother) and was ready to blow off some steam. So, I had to get creative. I saw a few ideas for "keeping kids happy on Snow days" and modified some of the ideas for my toddler. Here was her favorite:

The baby bathtub required at least 3 refills before she was done being entertained by scooping and packing all of the snow. Even Rafael enjoyed getting in on the action.

Today, I decided a little photo shoot was in order. I’ve been slacking a bit on the quality of these photos for my photo challenge. So, I made an effort today. Just after naps, with plenty of candy to bribe, here’s what I ended up with. Now my only regret is that I didn’t dress them up a little better  …

This is especially sweet because today was a tough day for Benjamin (3 teeth at once is a bear)! Anyway, he didn’t have many moments when he wasn’t whining. Kayleigh is at her best with him when he needs her to be. So, each time he’d cry or whimper or “get frustrated with his mouth” (as she calls it) she would work on cheering him up. She gave him her iPod, she gave him her all of her little Mickey/Minnie dolls (which he ALWAYS wants and she never gives him), she even tried to share her Smarties (no worries, I stopped it in time). So, when I told her I thought Benjamin needed a kiss she was determined to do so. She probably tried to kiss him about 15 times before he finally realized what was happening and (as you can see here) graciously accepted it. (He loves kisses).

February Photo Challenge - 19, 20, 21

Yeah, so the weekend was pretty eventful -thus, I didn't put up pictures. We had the Kettners over for dinner Saturday night, and I'm not sure who had more fun ... all of us catching up, or Kayleigh making friends with Chad. She was a RUTHLESS flirt. Had I been thinking, I'd have taken a picture of the two of them ... so cute. But, since we didn't take pictures of that dinner date, I'll have to use another. Here's Benjamin, exploring what it's like to "be a princess."

The 20th was pretty uneventful for us - lots of catching up on sleep. So, the following two pictures are from today's "compound group" playdate. I didn't get pictures of all 7 - by the time I got my camera out, some were sleeping others on their way home ... but, nevertheless here are my favorites of "the girls"

It's super exhausting being a little girl with all the big girls around .... Eden Hoeksema is just taking a quick nap.

[caption id="attachment_1071" align="alignleft" width="1024" caption="Kayleigh and Emma, being cute girls!"][/caption]

February Photo Challenge - 18

Today it was absolutely exquisite outside. There was a bit of a wind, but the sun was shining and there was no bite to the air. So, as soon as Benjamin woke up from his a.m. nap (early than I would have liked, due in large part to his noisy sister!), we put on coats and went to play in the backyard. Kayleigh was something of a caged animal all morning; I think she could sense it was a day that was suitable for playing outside (Okay, she actually said to me, "Momma, it's a FANTASTIC day to play in the backyard."). So, as soon as we could, we were outside. Benjamin had plenty of time to experience outdoors/swings/slides when he was very little. BUT, I'm sure he doesn't remember. Today was a completely "new" experience for him. He squealed for 45 straight minutes with sheer delight at the sunshine, the breeze, the swing's movement, his sister's laughing, you'd think he was "truly living" for the first time. Seeing the kids so happy - and so free - gave me a huge longing for Spring. Don't get me wrong, I had spring fever before the beautiful weather hit, but now that I see how much my kiddos can enjoy it, I'm longing for it even more. I've spent the past 2 summers (the first because Kayleigh was not moving and seemingly always sleeping and the second because I had newborn Benjamin) relatively cooped up. This summer, we're going to "live it up" and get outside as MUCH as possible. I think they're both going to LOVE it ... IN the meantime, I'm not stupid enough to think Spring has sprung in Michigan (I've looked at the extended forecast and know the 30 degree temps are headed back), but for now, we're going to enjoy every bit of these sunshiny days that we can!

February Photo Challenge - 17th

Steve had a late night meeting, so the kids and I survived the "difficult 4-6" time frame and had dinner alone. Then we did our dance party without Daddy (so sad) and did bath and bed alone. It's 8:46 and he's still not close to being home. BUT, we wanted him to know that we were still doing okay. So, this is a photo to Daddy, taken on my iPhone (so quality is not so awesome). BUT, it conveys the appropriate sentiment, "We love you, Daddy, but we're doing fine!"

Where DOES the time go?

I remember thinking as I walked out of Benjamin's 6 month appointment (with his crying sister, having just completed her 2 year appointment) that we would be heading out of the "winter blues" by the next time we went in for a well-baby. Well, here we are ... 9 months have past, and we've reached the mark where Ben has been "out" as long as he was "in." I have now been NOT PREGNANT for the longest stretch of time since I was first ever expecting. Yes, I'm enjoying that status :) BUT, this post is about my precious, baby boy! Let me take a few minutes to recap just who Benjamin is (for those of you who don't get to see him on a daily basis):

Physically - Doc Stats: Height: 30.25", Weight: 26.2 lbs, Head Circumference: 48 3/4 cm!! Percentile: Height: 95th, Weight: Off the chart, Head Circumference: Off the chart Conclusions: He's still big

* He's still in his 18 months clothing, though it's getting pretty snug. I often put him in the 24 month stuff because I think he enjoys the "space" it provides. * He has (drum roll please) not a single tooth ... nope, not a one. That's not for lack of teething symptoms, they just aren't poking up! * He sits forever and LOVES his jumpy. Between sitting and playing with toys and bouncing in his jumpy, I'm not sure the boy would need another thing. * He reaches and grabs ANYTHING within his arms length (and that includes items that he can basically "fold in half" to grab). That's truly the best way to describe what he does. If he can't get at something, he reaches WAY past his toes and folds in half to get it! It can extend his "danger zone" quite readily. Rafael often underestimates him and winds up getting pulled into Benny's lap. * When placed on his belly, he will push and kick with his legs like a little frog swimming in the water. Sometimes he can get a grip and push up on a fours, but he falls down almost immediately (hey, it's heavy lifting to move this kid, I'd know!) He's very proficient at scooting himself backwards, but often that only frustrates him. Most often, he'll roll right back to his back and find the nearest toy to chew on ... he's not really motivated to move beyond where he is ... (sounds A LOT like his sister in that respect).

Socially/Emotionally - *Benjamin has developed acute "stranger" recognition. He is VERY sensitive to people who aren't familiar. He used to go to the nursery ladies without a single whimper or complaint. He hardly acknowledged that we were gone, but last week has taken to breaking out into piercing screams as soon as he even gets to the nursery wing. * Despite his stranger acknowledgements, he still really LOVES people. As soon as he knows he's safe and secure and that Mommy isn't, in fact, leaving. He will smile and flirt away. I think he has THE MOST fun at tennis workouts on Tuesdays when there are 5-7 high school girls to observe. His little dimple flashes, and he just watches all the pretty young women ...  I'm gonna have to watch out for this one * If you know what you're looking for, you can hear "Ma-ma" and  "Da-Da" quite often. He will cry for me by name when he's angry or scared. He LOVES his Daddy and usually screams "Da-Da" during weekend playdates when he gets extra time with his Daddy. He's also big into kisses ... they are disgusting, nose swallowing kisses, but when he's really pumped to see you (usually first thing in the morning or after naps), you can get a face full of spit really easily from this little guy. * Benjamin knows several words and responds/acts to them appropriately. Each time you say, "Benny, where's..... (Mommy, Kayleigh or Daddy) he can find his target. He knows how to "dance" and will, usually, dance on command. Benjamin also knows "splash" much to his sister's dismay ... He's an excellent bathtub mess-maker. Ben is also JUST learning how to wave. Today at the grocery store he held out his hand in a semi-Hitler-esque solute everytime someone smiled at him. I didn't catch what was happening until this evening when I said, "Hi buddy" and he did the same to me, trying to mimic my wave. He was SO PROUD! He's great with responding to his name, but you have to use the "full name." His sister calls him Benjamin Steven so much that that's what we always call him ... therefore, he pretty much ignores, "Ben" or "Benny" but will respond to "Benjamin" or "Benjamin Steven" pretty quickly.

His little -isms - I love this age because you start to see the little personality begin to emerge. Unique things begin to happen that are truly YOUR baby .. Here are some of my favorites about my son: ~ FOOD ... I don't believe that Benjamin truly knows "full." The docs always say you can tell when they're done eating because they turn away or refuse food. Aside from "preferences" with his food, but Benjamin doesn't refuse food, not ever! He'd truly eat all day if I let him. In a typical day he consumes the following:

Breakfast - 1/2 cup of oatmeal with 1/2 cup of applesauce or pureed bananas, 6 oz of formula via a sippy cup Snack - 6-10 veggies straws or 1/4 cup of puffs after naptime, 6 oz of water (with a splash of juice for flavor) Lunch - 1/2 cup of a vegetable, 1/2 cup of fruit, 1/2 cup of some meat (chicken or beef usually), followed by 1/4 of some soft finger food (mac n cheese, leftover pasta, casseroles, pretty much anything because he's like a human garbage disposal ... he gets almost all of the family leftovers!) oh yeah, and 6 oz of formula Snack - 6-10 apple straws or puffs, yogurt cup or yogurt melts, 6 oz of water Dinner - A full toddler meal plus whatever table foods he can handle from the family meal, 6 oz of formula.

Seriously, there are days I think he's going to eat the kitchen sink and wash it down with the entire refrigerator! But you know what? He's a happy kid ... So, eat he shall ...

~ His sister - I have no other sibling relationships to compare him to, but Kayleigh can do NO WRONG in this boys' eyes. Each morning she wakes him up with me. She climbs up unto the rails of the crib and peers over the side. I never get as big a grin from him as she does. In fact, he often flips himself over, unto his belly, and pushes up as high as his little arms allow so that he can see as MUCH of her as he can. He just giggles, grins and tries desperately to get as close to her face as possible. They will play together (when she's in a giving mood) and whenever she begins to approach him he drops all of his toys, turns to face her and his eyes and arms and hands just LIGHT UP. She's his WHOLE world whenever she takes time to acknowledge him. They often "play legos" together and will sit on the floor (he's pounding them together to make the most terrific racket and she's coaching him on how to assemble them PROPERLY to make a house). When she dances to music by waving her arms and hopping in circles his little feet tap to the music and his arms pump in time. He giggles and laughs more and just truly believes he is copying her every move.

~ His Mommy - I still get to be this little guy's favorite person (at least for a little while). When things are going south, when he's tired, when he's hungry, he is SO his mommy's little boy. Daddy tries (bless his heart) but when Ben's hurting, it's his Mommy he wants (and it's Mommy he gets). It's amazing how fast "changing of the guard" produces positive results with Ben ...

~ Sheer joy - I'm going to have to go back and check my blog for Kayleigh, but I don't remember her being quite as joyful in all circumstances. Ben can go ANYWHERE, for ANY length of time and be truly happy. He's been to several tennis workouts, a few tennis meetings, office visits and lunch and nap time, Bible study nursery during nap time, it all doesn't seem to phase him. He just is truly a happy kid ... even when he has every excuse in the book to let the screams fly.

We love you Benjamin, you're such a blessing to this family. We wouldn't be the same without you!

[caption id="attachment_1057" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Benjamin Steven, 9 months February 2010"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1055" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Kayleigh Elaine: 9 months, August 2009"][/caption]

February Photos - 13, 14, 15, 16

Yeah! So I epically failed ... It's not that I didn't think about posting a picture a day. I simply didn't do it. On the 13th, Steve and I had a special date for Valentine's Day. We ended up going to our friends, the Commerets (http://thecommeretcorner.blogspot.com) for a fantastic dinner with the Netz family, and the Scott Van Dyke family (of Kalamazoo ... we do actually have two friends who are Scott Van Dyke ...) and, obviously the Commerets. It was a great time of fellowship and just general merriment! We weren't exactly popping out the camera for that event, but, in honor of "the day of love" I'll give you a great throwback. Here's me with my Valentine (it might be one of the oldest photos of us together ... we weren't even officially dating, just friends!)

The 14th saw massive iPhone drama. I literally spent most of my day chasing down the solution to my non-functioning visual voicemail. One thing led to another and Valentine's dinner became heart shaped pizzas with my parents, the kids, Steve and his sister, Sarah. There were some fun pics from that day, so I'll let 14, 15 and 16 be from that event :) .... (I know it's sort of cheating but there hasn't been much to photograph over here since Monday ... just lots of sleeping kids!)

Kayleigh's Grandpa pulled her up and down the hill so many times ... such a labor of love that I know he enjoyed (though he might be feeling it today!)

Benner LOVED that Mommy gave him his own red velvet cupcake. (Don't worry too much, mini cupcakes ...). I'm pretty sure it was the reason he was awake the entire van ride home too ... smooth move, Kristi

Having Aunt Sarah join us was so much fun! We were all excited to see her before she flies off on vacation!

Happy Valentine's Week everyone!

February Photo Challenge - Day 12

The Best Part of the Day Today was awful .. to say the least. Short story: en route to Grand Rapids today I hit a patch of ice and buried the van (not an exaggeration) in a snowbank. I couldn't open any doors, just windows, and the kids and I were thoroughly stuck. In any emergency, my call chain works like this: Steve, Mom/Dad, Ipemas ... (sometimes Ipemas before Mom and Dad if it's a time sensitive/local thing). Steve was skiing with his family at Caberfae. Mom and Dad were an hour away awaiting us, and Ipemas were at the cabin. I panicked. Mom and Steve told me to call a wrecker, which I did ... but it was going to be an hour at best. I'm trapped in a van with two babies and have to wait an hour to get hauled out. I have no shovels (if I could even get out), much less appropriate winter attire. Person after generous person stopped to offer phones or blankets, as I racked my brain on what to do ...

Finally, a man simply started trying to dig us out. When we ended up pulling his truck closer to the ditch without budging our van, he offered to help me get the kids somewhere safe. We climbed out MOST ungracefully and (not by coincidence, which I don't believe in but BY THE GRACE OF GOD!) loaded them into his 2 car seats (He had a 4 year old and a 2 year old and was thus equipped for driving kids). Vissers (again, BY THE GRACE OF GOD) were able to house us, as they lived just about a mile and a half from our "crash site." Megan came home to watch my kids, and Dave drove me back to get the van just as the tow truck arrived. Just about 15 minutes later, we were unstuck, and I could pick up the kids to go back home. No way was I driving up to GR ... My knees are still knocking ...

SOOOO, enter our 3rd hero(ine) of the day, my Mommy, drives down. She brought Valentine's presents for the kids, my favorite foods (thanks for making the Swiss Chicken early Dad!), and, what I wanted most of all, COMPANY. We had a great afternoon with the kids ... So, in tribute, here's my Day 12 photo of the day:

February Photo Challenge - Day 11

Why did I wait so long?Because of the age separation between my kids, I have almost always had to think critically about EACH errand. How am I going to maintain control over BOTH kids AND accomplish what needs to be accomplished. The grocery store was always the BIGGEST fiasco. When Ben was a newborn Kayleigh rode in the front of the cart and Benjamin's carrier was in the back. If I had lots of groceries and they wouldn't fit around him, I had to strap him to me in the Moby and let Kayleigh ride up front. THEN when Benjamin could steady his head, I carried him in the Baby Bjorn and Kayleigh stayed in the cart. By the time Ben was 5 months old and well over 20 lbs, I couldn't carry him (it wasn't just the strain on my back: lengthwise he kicked my KNEES!!! and his head hit my chin) in the Baby Bjorn any longer. So, we switched him into the cart, and Kayleigh walked alongside, holding the cart. Since then we've discovered the "fun carts" (aka the impossible to steer without crashing repeatedly ones) with the benches for older children, she plays her iXL on the bench while Benjamin rides in the front of the cart. Well, at any rate, grocery shopping was always a well-oiled machine. BUT any other errand or store that didn't provide shopping carts was a nightmare. Benjamin is simply TOO BIG to carry on a hip and shop. PLUS, if Kayleigh so much as steps out of line, I have no hands to grab her unless I drop the basket or items I'm carrying. And either way, I'm chasing her with a 25+ lb infant.

The drs office was especially difficult. When I went in for their 6 month and 2 year joint check up, I carried Benjamin (he hasn't fit into the removable car seat carrier since he was 4.5 months old) and Kayleigh held my hand. This was fine (because Kayleigh sat in a chair playing games and reading for most of the appointment) UNTIL shots. I totally hadn't thought about shots. I couldn't set Benjamin anywhere while Kayleigh got hers, and I couldn't put Kayleigh down after her shots while Benjamin had to be held for his ... SIGH .... The nurses helped and held a child who was waiting. Nevertheless, I vowed that next time I went in, I'd have a better solution.

Not a single one of our 3 (yes, 3 strollers) was a viable solution. The offices are too small for the double to fit through, the carseat attachment is too bulky once its inside, the single jogger doesn't turn sharp angles well (and is still bulky). ENTER: need for a 4th stroller. Steve didn't care what the cost was, it's ridiculous that one family, in a small home, should have 4 strollers (and in his defense they are truly EVERYWHERE around our house). Well, I waited patiently, at each viable opportunity, mentioning how convenient having a thin umbrella stroller would be at just this precise moment. Steve always rolled his eyes but finally, he gave in.

We purchased a $16 collapsible umbrella stroller. It's as long as a golf umbrella but truly slides right underneath the back seat of my van. Ahhh the bulky strollers are gone and I am now equipped for the drs office, the mall, errands into school or businesses without carts, AND I can keep my back seat up all of the time ... sigh ... just in time for tennis season. And guess what? I'm not the only one who loves it.

Benner slept through half of Air Jam (don't ask me how ... I thought he'd wake up with the screaming and the loud music, but nope, out like a light) and chilled out while we ate at Taco Bob's that night. Not a bad first two outings. The only lingering question is ... how long can my big man fit into an umbrella stroller with a 40 lbs weight limit?

February Photo Challenge - February 10

The iPhones arriveEveryone in the house is excited when the new Verizon iPhones arrived. Mommy and Daddy because we get new phones with better service, Kayleigh because she gets to help Daddy break in his iPhone with a few games of Angry Birds (or "Floating Balloons!), and Benjamin gets the trash. Don't worry, he loves it ... Boxes, Papers and MORE boxes.

February Photo Challenge - February 9

"It Pays to be a Princess" OR"Daddy Spoils Me Rotten"

About 4 months ago, when we were looking for a "music" solution now that we needed two simultaneous nursery atmospheres, we toyed with the idea of getting Kayleigh a new iPod and docking station (one which Daddy found that screamed "perfect for his baby girl"). We decided that was ridiculous because we had an iPad and there's no reason we couldn't rig up some old speakers to make that dock work. So, Kayleigh got the iPad ...

Enter child technology prodigy who managed to, one morning, find her collection of Mickey Videos and help herself to an unknown number of bedroom viewings before Mommy woke up at 6:00 a.m. and discovered what had happened. At that point, we needed a new solution ... remove the Mickey's (surprisingly handy, though with upcoming tennis season) OR remove the speakers she climbed on to touch her iPad.

BACK to  Daddy's solution. We got her an 8G iPod touch for a very reasonable rate, used a gift card to bring the price of Daddy's "perfect" iHome down and HERE, is the result.

As soon as my blonde beauty saw this baby, she was lost in a world of adoration. "Ohh Mommy, it's so BEAUTIFUL! I need to see all sides of this box." She past the time as we waited in line (literally 3 minutes AFTER Best Buy opened) by naming every color that her iHome would change. She carefully carried her treasure up to the man at the counter and reached up to give it to him. She said to him, "This is MINE but Mommy has to pay for it first and then I GET TO TAKE it to MY ROOM." I don't think the college clerk knew quite what to do with my precocious 2 year old. BUT, she CAREFULLY carried her treasure to the van in its bag, walked almost tip toeing with it into the house and had it out of the package and on the nightstand before I had Benjamin out of his outdoor clothes and into a new diaper.

She's now sitting in her bed, falling asleep by reciting the colors as they change (which is hilarious when a "faster" song comes on because they change almost as fast as she can speak them). ... THANK YOU DADDY, for the Valentine's gift. She truly knows you love her!

February Photo Challenge - February 8

My loves ... enough said

February Photo Challenge #7

The Quest for World DominationDaddy reads some interesting books ... this is his latest: Evil Plans (and having fun on the way to world domination)... or something like that. Kayleigh picked it up this morning and spent about 10 minutes "reading" it. I couldn't resist the picture ... Someday, I have a feeling she's going to try and dominate some part of this world ... just exactly what remains to be seen!

For Good ... For Grandmas

One of things I do while I run is reflect. Since I've been running to the Wicked soundtrack for about two weeks, I've often used the lyrics to help me think about something other than pain! (I know,  I'm a reformer at heart ... I blame my KCMS colleagues) Even though I set the track to random shuffle, I almost always end up hearing "For Good" as I run. It helped me to reflect on some of the people in my life that have really helped shape who I am. There are so many people who are still living, still influencing my choices and decisions. But, there are some who have headed to their eternal home already. Today, I spent my run thinking about the way in which they made their "handprint on my heart." 18 For Good

Grandma Badeau: My mom's mom past away when the cousins and I were young. I don't remember my exact age, but I'm thinking I was close to 13. The photos from our "first Christmas without Grandma" were at Disney. Based on the hairstyle (hahah) it must have been 6th or 7th grade. At any rate, my grandma Badeau was the supreme in grandma's "who spoiled." I remember mom telling her to STOP buying us things, but each time we went over to her house, whether it was candy, eating out, or a new toy, she always had something. I remember sitting in the recliners watching The Jungle Book over and over, eating our meals on tv trays so we could keep watching. Grandma Badeau also made it a point, EVERY CHRISTMAS (yes, much to our chagrin, even as we were quite old) to buy us our footy pajamas. All of the cousins got them ... and as I zip my babies into their Carter's footy pajamas (many of their pairs from my mom!), I think of her. It's in the simple things ... isn't it? ... I love you Grandma.

Grandma Creswell: Grandma C past away, very unexpectedly during the winter of my freshman year at Hope. Her memory is one that prompted this blogpost ... Each week at church, I think of her. I can't even help myself, it's sort of a gut reaction (I know she'd be proud ... especially when she hears why!) Calvary Bible, where we are pursuing membership, makes a point to play a few "good ol' hymns" in their original arrangements each week.  I know most young people would be irritated by that fact, preferring instead the more modern choruses. But I'm not like most young people. I get a sheer thrill out of hearing the old hymns with fantastic lyrics. At any rate, Calvary's minister of music is great at picking all of Grandma's favorites. I used to sit with her and Grandpa C during night church sometimes. (I welcomed it as a chance to sit somewhere else, but DREADED how "loud" both Grandpa and Grandma would sing! I thought EVERYONE was staring at us!) I remember it fondly now, my grandparents loved singing for Jesus, Grandma did it ALL of the time ... and most often it was the oldest of the old ones. So, each Sunday morning I hear my Grandma's bright voice as she belts her heart out to "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus ...", "Come Thou Almighty King", or "My Jesus I Love Thee." And I smile as I picture her singing with us (and the whole host of heaven).

I firmly believe that those "who come into our lives" do come in for a reason. They help us to grow, we learn and we are CHANGED. I thank God that I was able to be "changed for the better" by both of these amazing God-given role models. Even though they were never able to see my college graduation, meet my husband, attend our wedding (at least not in a bodily sense), or hold my babies, I believe they watch from the "Grandstands" and cheer us on.

Thanks for letting me share my heart ... K

February Photo Challenge 5 and 6

So, fail ... I missed posting on Saturday. :( BUT I have double pics to make up for it. They are both Benner ... what can I say, the kid was so photogenic this weekend! Enjoy! February 5: My matching mountain men - This is hilarious because when I first met Steve (aka when he was trying "pursue" me and I was giving him the cold shoulder), he showed up at my house wearing this logger hat. It was NOT impressive, and I was so irritated by it. Since then I love to tease him about how hideous this hat is. Enter nephew Ryan and amazing Sis-in-law Alaina, who got Benjamin an ADORABLE logger hat. I love it, and must admit that I think the two of them are just adorable!

February 6: Benny's first SuperBowl - You wouldn't think that a little boy could truly love the SuperBowl. BUT, Benjamin thought that sitting in the matching IKEA chair next to Daddy, with his shirt pulled up, kickin' back was exactly what he wanted to do this evening. Clearly, he's into the game and doesn't want Mommy interrupting him to take stupid pictures. He's really yelling (reacting to Mommy and Daddy's excitement at the early touchdowns/interceptions by the Pack!) GO PACK GO!