Our Preschooler

Happy Birthday Benjamin! He turned 2 this past Wednesday and I was saddened that BabyCenter now refers to him as a preschooler instead of a toddler! Zero to 2 may sometimes seems that it will never end, but really it goes so fast....




On Benjamin's birthday, we went to the Raleigh Museum of Natural Science and the State Museum. He was pretty exhausted by the time we got to the State Museum, but loved the sports section and running up and down the ramp between the race car and baseball exhibits (thankfully we were there mid-week and it was basically empty!). We stopped at JRs in Burlington on the way back and didn't get home until almost 7, so a quick dinner and bath and then to bed....no cake, no candles, but other than people calling and singing him Happy Birthday, I don't think he really knew what was going on (or to expect cake and candles). And we figured he would get his fill with family visiting this weekend and next :-) Next year we probably won't be let off so easy, but figure we should enjoy it while we can. I have the same feeling about the snow. Ben had 4 snow days this week - NO preschool - argh! We didn't go out and play in the snow at all. I really wanted to get him snow pants and boots this year (didn't last year), but it went from seeming to early to then there not being any left and really unless he's going to ask me to play in the snow, I'm past wanting to freeze my butt off (Joel and I have determined that we've both become pretty wimpy when it comes to the weather!). Ben enjoyed looking at the window at the snow, but the two experiences he had were: running out and saying "Ewww" and then looking at me in near panic when his pants and sneakers got soaking wet from him running through about 6" of snow.

Anyway, he had A LOT of fun at the Natural Sciences Museum. He was really into the fish and the snakes. There was a step up to the snake case and most of the snakes were up against the glass hissing and wanting to get out. He thought this was hilarious and "SSSS'd" back. He has a stuffed snake at home from the Reptile Show we went to around his 1st birthday and he now hisses whenever he sees it. He has become quite a pro at animal sounds. He even points to the horse on my polo shirts and "neighs" ;-) He also "moos", "meows", "baas", "maahs" (goat), "woofs", "oooh-oooh" (monkey), and "roars" (which he's been doing for awhile now). He also makes a funny sound when he sees hippos, but not sure if it is intended as an animal sound or a squeal of delight. We went to the library today and picked up Eric Carle's The Very Busy Spider. I had never picked up this book before and wish I had - it's all about the farm animals! It was sooooo much fun to read with Ben doing all of the animal sounds! LOL I was so excited to pick him up books from the library today. He is finally at the point where we can read a story (vs a short board book) and I hope this is the beginning of a wonderful tradition....my connection with the library is deep....we also got a Curious George book ("Goes to the Library") and he really enjoyed that book so we will get more of those. There are so many choices at the library - hard to narrow it down, but also found a fire engine truck (another sound he makes is a fire engine siren...so cute!)

He is picking up new words every day....He has learned so many new ones that I've lost count! He is realizing that everything has a name and has started imitating and using words...like "light" "mail" "car" "dog" "church" "amen" "bite"....but has also started stringing words together....like "bye-bye daddy/mommy" "here you go" "I don't know" "there it is" "no more (apple)" "you like it?" "more bite" "don't bite"...he's actually been babbling like crazy so I'm sure there are a lot of others that I haven't picked up on yet. He's funny...I put him in his crib at naptime / bedtime and you'll hear him on the monitor saying "don't bite" or "no more" or something else and it sounds like he's practicing his enunciation / inflection - what a language explosion!

Along with his language development, he's also become really interested in letters / numbers / colors. He started identifying the letter "E" at least a month ago. Now he identifies it EVERYWHERE - sweatshirts, packages, trucks.....LOL He has recently added "O" and "M" to his regular letters and we are working on "W" (he repeats but doesn't name it on his own) and "S" (he's calling "Z" "S", so we're close :-)). I bought him foam letters and we spell words in the tub and talk about the letters but I'm not really a believer in "drilling" at this age, but I definitely believe in educational toys and making learning fun! He has also started counting "1, 2, 3" - I think they do this in large motor activities in school....he likes the idea of counting a lot, but doesn't really have the sequential part down yet when he tries to do it on his own (2 - 3 - 5 - 8)!

Other fun things that he's become a lot more engaged in - playing with play-doh, finger-painting, coloring, and crafts (this is probably one of his favorite times at school). Despite the fact that he likes to always be on the move, he is really into fine motor activities - it's a good balance! We are definitely also noticing that he likes to engage more with us and play pretend (using the teapot to pour "tea" into cups) and has become a lot more lovey too! We are having a great time with us and couldn't imagine loving any little person more! :-)

Preschool Transition

Wow, what a busy summer, and now we're already into fall....where has the year gone?? Ben is 20mos old and really becoming a "kid". He started preschool in the "Adventurous 1's" program, from 8:30am to 12:15pm Monday to Friday, at the YMCA. He is having a great time and everyone loves him. However, it is still a LONG day for Ben, who was used to napping no later than 10:30am prior to starting school a few weeks ago. He falls asleep every day in the car ride home, but isn't napping as long as he used to, so he's not happy being kept up until 8pm. I think Ben took the transition to preschool better than I did. I think this has been the hardest transition yet. I really didn't get that upset about him walking or weaning, but him going to school meant that I was going to see him a lot less. I also enjoyed the little time I spent with him during breakfast and playing and reading to him and putting him down for his morning nap. It gave me the best of both worlds - working and being a stay at home mom ;-) Now that he is at school, I get him up in the morning and have breakfast with him and bring him to school and do much of his bedtime routine, but I still miss having him hanging out w/ me in the morning....(even though I am a lot more productive during that 9am hr these days...)

I think the socializing is great for him. It may be school, or just his age, but he's been communicating a lot more in the last few weeks - he's added "Ewww"(which he uses when you say dirty, stink, garbage, yuck), "Uh oh", "Keys" (sounds more like "Eees"), "Cookie" (more like "ok - E"), and "Car". The newest one is "Keys" - he is obsessed with keys, especially the ones with the remotes...he likes to stand at the door and points the remote outside toward the car and listens for either the panic alarm or the chirps for lock / un-lock. He knows it's bad when the panic alarm goes off and his latest response when he pushes this button is uh-oh (of course...so cute...but we wind up having to take away my keys because the transmitter is VERY sensitive...and it's the end of the world to have to give up the keys). Since starting to pronounce the "E" sound, he has started using a fairly generic "EEE" to describe the binky, "Grammy" (the dog), Dirty, and anything that ends in this "EEE" sound. We have a bit of work to go on the consonants but today in the car he was practicing his M's...Ma, Mom, Me (another new word, but not sure he quite understands the meaning yet). Over the last month, he has gone from a vocabulary of about 10 words to probably close to 20 (and I feel these days he's saying a new word almost every day). Despite the many words we've heard from him, "No" is the most common word we hear....LOL! He also says Mom, Dada, Door, Out, Up, Yum (w/ sound effects), Dog, On, Hi, Hot (I've been amazed at how accurately he's applied this to some abstract instances - pic of a cup of coffee on tv and a pic of a turkey dinner on the back of a lipton soup mix box). Some other fun things he's learned to do recently - scooting down the stairs on his butt and sliding down on his belly. He loves to go down the stairs and then climb back up and do it again. He also likes to climb steps w/o holding on now (up and down - I'm surprised by what good balance he's developed). He also is starting to enjoy going down the slide at the park (though definitely prefers just climbing up to the slide and climbing back down). He's been enjoying the pool more (especially after going 3 days in a row while we waited for our hot water heater to be replaced - thank goodness for hot showers at the Y - and our meembership). He's started doing the hand motions to itsy-btsy spider and I think is trying to do the "play" sign that he learned at school. He now doesn't fuss when we get to "school" or when we walk in (he likes to wave to everyone on the way) but still cries a little when I try to leave him at the door. He gives me a big hug and pats me on his back - it's cute, but makes me feel terrible leaving him....but they say he's doing great and I always peek in before I leave to make sure he's playing.

We've traveled a good amount since my last post - Disney for Memorial Day Weekend, Charleston for July 4th, NY for a week in July and then Beech Mtn twice to visit Nana and Grandpa Johnny. Last weekend we went to Atlanta. Joel really wanted to go to the Southeastern Stamp Show and I enjoyed spending the day with Ben at Zoo Atlanta - he loves running around but did enjoy seeing the giraffes and gorillas and the birds and loves going on the carousel. We rode the train, which seemed like a good idea and he was really excited...until we went in a fairly long tunnel....something that I think reminded him of the car-wash (he loved going to the car wash when he was younger, but is now terrified. This started in July - we tried again about a week ago and he's starting to understand that it's not so scary, but was still really nervous)...and then he was really nervous the rest of the ride, looking for another tunnel. Overall, it was a fun trip (and we got a great deal at the Doubletree in Marietta!). This weekend, we stayed closer to home, but got to play at the Concord Mills play area (and ride the carousel and the train - really cool little train) and today we went to "Africa" at the Asheboro NC Zoo. Joel actually wanted to go an auction nearby in Ramseur, so after the auction, we headed over to the zoo. A fun, but short, weekend (if only the weekend was 5 days and the work week only 2...). We are still firming up plans for Thanksgiving.....we like to keep things a bit spontaneous - a cruise maybe, a tropical island, maybe Europe - Belgium or Italy are candidates at the moment. We also really want to head back to Disney (were supposed to for Columbus Day weekend, but we're hosting tailgating....) - hopefully MLK weekend in January.

I'm hoping to update this more frequently - such a great way to record all of the changes and fun that comes with raising a baby! :-)

Spring is Here

I can't believe the first day of spring has come and went. It seemed like it was just freezing cold and all of a sudden we are right in the middle of blooming trees, planting flowers and warm weather. I love spring - I really could deal with this weather all year round! I think Ben loves spring even more. He has been outside nearly every day....usually several times a day and gets very mad (yes he has learned how to throw a tantrum) when we come inside. Sharla, his babysitter, also told me how upset he got when he thought they were on the way to the park and did an extra loop of walking first....He is such a boy - he loves to play in the dirt, crawl through the bushes, play in the bird bath, and just run. He has definitely needed his nightly bath every day this week - my dirty, sweaty, stinky little boy! :-)

Some of Ben's favorite activities are playing with the dog - he tries to give her toys but then doesn't like when the dog goes and takes them - he wants them back - they are still working through this relationship (and thankfully our golden retriever is super patient w/ Ben!)

He also loves playing in the kitchen and has recently become fascinated with "stirring". He reaches up for me to pick him up so he can see what I'm making on the stove and wants the big spoon so he can stir too. I let him try play-doh for the first time last week and he seemed to have fun with it. He tasted it a couple of times but never actually ate any (though the dog tried). He pulled it apart a few times but most of all liked putting it back in the little container and putting the lid on (he really enjoys putting the lid back on anything w/ a lid). Ben also has really developed a love for books and if you are sitting on the floor in his room will bring you over a book to read and then sit cross-legged in front of you like it's story time. I think this is adorable especially since he doesn't have any exposure to going to an organized story time....

He is so adventurous and although occasionally will grab onto my leg or be a little clingy for the most part, he'll go with anyone (or at least talk to them) and absolutely loved the Easter Bunny. He is so in love w/ all animals - cats, dogs, birds, squirrels that I'm not surprised but I've seen / heard of so many kids freaking out w/ these giant characters that I'm always a little nervous. Luckily there was no line when we were at the mall last week so we stopped in and saw the bunny. Ben was so lovable and full of smiles but the photographer kept missing them. He just lounged w/ the Easter Bunny while Joel and I pondered which one to pick and was all cuddly with him - it was adorable and wish we could've captured that better. :-) The easter egg hunt at our clubhouse was rained out but I really thought Ben was a little too small this year to understand what was going on...for Easter we'll go to church and then are going to go have dinner over Andy and Nicole's. I'm excited to see them because it seems like it's been awhile.

In other Ben news, as of about a week and half ago, he is officially WEANED. Although this was a little sad, it wound up going a lot smoother than I thought it would and definitely after the first day or so, he understood no more boobs for him. I am excited because hopefully we will be successful in getting pregnant w/ #2 soon now that he is weaned :-) I'm a little worried that I will start gaining some of the weight that I have lost (back into my skinny jeans) but work has made up for the calorie burning I was doing BFing. I am up for a promotion that should be official in the next week or so - my manager left unexpectedly but both him and his manager recommended me for the position so I am very excited. I have already taken on the extra work but hopefully in the next couple of weeks, I will have the official title and added compensation. I think that's why the last month or so has gone so fast - I found out my manager was leaving the first week or March and his last day was the 19th and it's been a whirlwind most of the month. I am hoping to get some more resources on my team soon and hopefully that will alleviate some of the work load (I don't like working into the wee hrs of the morning).

Over the last few weeks, we have been toying w/ putting our house on the market but we are likely to barely break even at this point so I think we will wait at least a couple months, maybe a year. It is probably an ideal time to buy right now in Charlotte but not necessarily an ideal time for us (which sucks). We don't qualify for the purchase tax credit so at least I don't feel like we're losing out on that. We know we definitely want to move before Ben goes to school but we have some time for that. In the meantime, we have had the carpets cleaned, the roofer out to look at the roof (waiting on an insurance claim due to storm damage) and started working on updating the guest bath. I changed the light fixture in the bathroom (very proud of this accomplishment - a lot easier than I thought but definitely scary to deal w/ electricity) and now am working on spackling and hoping to get to painting this weekend (this was supposed to be a weekend project a couple of weeks ago but between work and lack of motivation to work inside in nice weather, it has lingered on). I have created a cage for my garden (to keep those pesky rabbits from eating my broccoli) and need to spray paint that and get the rest of the screening up - that will first priority tomorrow morning during Ben's naptime. I've also been working on a massive mission to de-clutter our house. This is a slow process but our babysitter is looking to move back into her house in the next couple of weeks (she's been staying w/ her parents while someone was renting her house) so will probably be able to help her out w/ some interim furniture while she's saving up for some of her own.

Joel was off today. It was not feasible for me but we did get to go out to McD's and Starbucks this morning and then Ben and Joel got to spend a little time at the park together. I wound up then being on the phone from 10:30am to 5:30pm, almost none stop (didn't eat anything or even go to the bathroom during this time). Sharla still came by (wasn't sure if Joel was going to try to get his motorcycle fixed today (it needs the battery charged). When I did finally get off work, we went out to dinner at Edamae (before the evening rush...Ben was loud but mostly cooperative). We then still had plenty of daylight left so went over to Latta Plantation - we walked down to the water and let Ben run around for a bit. He has grown mostly out of the Infantino backpack so we really need to look into getting a real backpack for me or Joel to wear to bring him for walks in the woods and other places where the stroller isn't feasible (we also need a back-up stroller to keep at home / in the car so we don't have to remember to put the stroller in the car whenever we go anywhere. It's nice that he's walking much better now but he's still difficult to direct and gets distracted easily so it's much easier to push or carry him (at least while he's still cooperative!). We are going to try to get out to Wilmington one of these weekends to bring him to the Aquarium and get to the beach - I think he is going to be absolutely thrilled to play in the water.....we are going to try and sign up for swim lessons....we joined the Y but aren't feeling much healthier (what!?!?....you mean we actually have to go and exercise.....).

Mushy Toddler

This last month has been exciting. Ben and I just got back from an impromptu visit to see the grandparents and aunts in FL. We flew out last Sat and returned Wed. Although active, Ben was very good on the plane. It's only about an 1 1/2 hr flight, but that's a long time for a toddler that wants to run around and investigate...he stayed in the seat w/ me for the whole way down and we got up once on the way back to sit in the seat across the aisle (there were 2 empty seats) and look out the window. Any longer a flight I would definitely get him his own seat but to FL, it works out well to have him as a lap baby. And Ben's favorite airplane game - Teddy bear peek-a-boo - Teddy hid under the tray, under the seat and Ben would laugh hysterically when he popped out...this game kept him entertained at least 15-20 min (forever in toddlerville). So, while Ben and I were in FL, Daddy and Uncle Mike went to Las Vegas (though they spent more time searching for aliens and driving through the dessert than actually in Vegas...LOL)

It has been colder than usual in Charlotte for this time of year but today it was slightly more pleasant (and surprisingly dry). I did some organization in / around the garage and Ben played in the driveway / side yard. He really enjoyed walking on the cement and grass and went around to investigate all the different plants in the yard. He also got to meet the little doggy next door - Ginger (who is a real yapper....but Ben just watched and didn't get upset, maybe b/c she wouldn't get any closer than about 10 ft). I actually brought Ben back around the front so our neighbor could put Ginger back in the house and he went running right back to their fence to go look for the doggy. He really loves animals - had a great time w/ Eric (Bern's cat) and Marley (their dog) though preferred Marley when she was quiet...Ben actually got a lot of time outside today as earlier in the afternoon, Daddy brought him out w/ Graham to the backyard. He had a great time watching Graham chewing on sticks (surprised he didn't try this out himself!)

So far, it is a pretty laid back weekend, which is a welcome relief after the last week of traveling. Tomorrow is Joel's birthday - we don't have any big plans but will definitely read Birthday Monsters ;-) and sing Happy Birthday. We'll go to church (we even went to St. Thomas for the Knights Lenten dinner on Fri) and then will head down to the outlets in Gaffney - we went to Concord Mills tonight and got a couple of things at Bass and Carter's but weren't impressed by the deals / size availability at Brook's Brothers. Kathy told us Children's Place pants are cut a little slimmer than some of the other brands - I am excited to pick up a couple pairs at the outlet store!

In Ben news, he has cut through 4 molars - top and bottom and is now back to himself. He is much happier and sleeping better and eating better (though still refusing most veggies). He is enjoying walking around and climbing every chance he gets - we were waiting in the baggage claim area and he walked over to the belt and climbed right up (it wasn't moving). It was super fast! Then I was talking to his babysitter, Sharla, and found out he can climb on the futon in his room too! His gross motor skills are progressing right along. He is starting to use things for their intended purpose - he puts the phone to his ear (and I think he said "Hello" when the phone rang the other day), he brushes his hair w/ the comb, brushes his teeth and loves to "type" on the keyboard. He has gotten really mushy - he comes over and will give hugs and put his head against my chest. He also walks over and will hug your leg and will grab your hand and rub his face w/ it. It's so sweet - I hope he stays sweet! :-) He also hugs his teddy bears, which is super cute! I am hesitant to say Ben is using any real words yet, but I think a few have slipped out - "yeah" "hi" "yum" "hello" "milk" and we've been working on "more" (which he does fairly well, or at least something close) and "up". He's definitely starting to throw tantrums and I've been trying to nip this in the bud and help him use words to ask for things, or at least make him calm down before I acknowledge him.

Mommy and Daddy went out for Valentine's Day (to Bravo and to see When in Rome) and then to see Celtic Women (what an amazing concert). Not sure what our next night out will be.....but we're thankful for Sharla!! :-)

Walking and Waving

It's been awhile - I should just write shorter posts and then maybe I could get this updated more often. It's been pretty hectic - Thanksgiving in FL, preparing for Christmas, having Bern, Bridge and Annie for the week of Christmas and then heading into the new year (nevermind the crazy work schedule I've been keeping as of late - it's been hectic!)


Ben turned 1 on Jan 12th - it's amazing that a year has passed already! The other amazing part is how much he is developing every day in the month of turning 1. Each day, he looks (and acts) more and more like a toddler. The other evening after getting up from his afternoon nap he sat on the bed next to me eating his snack (puffs) and I just looked at him and was really taken aback by how he looked like a "kid" and not a baby.....

I didn't really want to make a big deal out of his birthday - he's only 1 for goodness sake - how many years will I have of planning parties and doing all this craziness!?!? We sang him Happy Birthday a million times and Joel went out at lunchtime and got him a cake (awww!). Joel also stopped on his way home from work to get party hats at Target (I thought a party hat was necessary for the birthday cake picture!) So at least Ben had cake and a party hat - isn't that all that's necessary? Also, last weekend, on Sat, Papa and Oma came by to visit and then on Sunday we had Aunt Chrissy and the kids and Mikey and Sharla over for dinner. On Monday, we went to Riverbanks Zoo with Mikey and Sharla - all part of an extended birthday celebration!

In other Ben news - He has been taking a step or two for a couple of months to aid in getting from one piece of furniture to another (or to a wall) but now he is officially walking. The day before his birthday he took 3-4 steps across the kitchen and in the last two weeks has been improving his balance and practicing squatting and turning and he looks just like a penguin walking - it's so cute! Now that he's walking a little more, I have to try and get a video of it...before he gets more steady :-)

Also this month, Ben has caught up w/ some of the other finer motor skills - he is waving (almost on demand, but usually a little late - he had a perfect bye-bye at the dr. office - there was a guy in the waiting rm that called me over to warn me of germs from another patient that was there before me, odd but good, and when we walked away, Ben started waving....adorable!) and as of this week he is clapping (which is also super cute, something about those little (ok, big) hands clapping that melts my heart).

Unfortunately, the last month has also brought Ben's first and second colds and although he was really very good, Mommy and Daddy were also sick and that was no fun. I think our next big "thing" is going to be an array of new teeth popping through. He hasn't gotten any teeth since Sept (though he got 6 of them in rapid succession from July to Sept) and you can see the rest of the bottom row about to burst through - poor baby! He handles teething very well all in all but has definitely been more cranky and clingy than usual.

And a few more friends for Ben - welcome to Baby Cooper and Baby Logan!

I love Fall

I love fall - I couldn't imagine living in a place where the leaves didn't change color. I think of my step-dad and his funny quips when he travels up from FL in the fall or winter and asks why all of our trees have "died". I was going to call him today and joke w/ him that I think all of our trees are dying b/c their leaves are changing color and falling off....LOL

I was determined to go apple-picking this year - when we lived upstate NY (or even LI), it was fairly easy to find an orchard and you didn't have to go very far - it is afterall the Big Apple :-) I have always figured there was apple picking somewhere around here, but it was never as obviously close as it was back in NY. I searched online a couple of weeks ago and found this orchard - Stepp Apples - in Hendersonville - about 2 hrs from Charlotte. My friend Sharla (also Ben's babysitter) told me her family went apple-picking down in York but they only had these Winesap apples that she was undecided about (or maybe just sick of after having at least a bushel worth). Stepp Apples has 22 varieties, though there were only 2 left when we got up there (Rome and Yellow Delicious). I got 1/2 bushel of them mixed. They also had this great "real" pumpkin patch. So, we went apple picking last Saturday. We probably missed the "peak" leaf time by about a week but it was still beautiful. We had hoped to do a bit of hiking (and maybe see a waterfall) but we spent a long time at the orchard (especially since we decided to fully enjoy the experience and walk through the orchard - you can drive up closer to the apples but we thought this kind of spoiled the experience). The weather in Charlotte was damp and cool but we had nearly 70 degree weather and beautiful sunshine all afternoon. We actually managed to miss the rain completely on the drive out there and back. It was a lot of fun. We stopped at another orchard after apple and pumpkin picking and Ben got to see a Llama and a couple of goats. He thought it was really neat - I'm excited to bring him on the safari at Disney (we're heading there for Thanksgiving). He would squeal when the goat started walking over to us - it was adorable, though hard to capture on film....(ironic statement considering everything is digital but I suppose it has the same meaning...) I can't wait to go back next year - though I wish Joel could've enjoyed it w/ us, though he was having his own fun at the Wake vs Navy game.





Last Fri, Ben and I had dinner w/ Marshall and Mike and since then, their family has had an addition. Mary Marshall (7lbs 11oz) was born on Wednesday morning. Congratulations to Marshall and Mike! Speaking of new babies, congratulations are also in order to Penny and Chris, who welcomed little Judah Asher last week (8lbs 8oz). Two weeks ago, Ben and I also went to Kathy's shower for Cooper (due to arrive the beginning of Jan - another Capricorn!) I think I am starting to get baby fever again....next week we're going to go visit Marshall and the new baby - hopefully that will quell it for a bit.

So, Benjamin is a lion for Halloween. It is kind of frustrating celebrating these "first" holidays. It's like you want to make a big deal of them because they are the "first" but the baby is really too little to understand all the fuss.....I got him a lion costume that is adorable and at least we got some professional pics done of him in it - when I dress him up in it, he looks at me, like Mom, why do I suddenly have fur....and a tail!?!? I brought him to the Pumpkin Patch Party at Gymboree and he seemed to enjoy it - lion suit and all. We had a lot of fun - a lot of the kids were a bit older, but he definitely seemed to enjoy all of the excitement. Tomorrow, we are going back to Gymboree for a free preview class of the 10-16 month class. I am excited that it's a Sat morning class and want Ben to be around some more babies / kids. Despite his lack of experience, he gets along well w/ other kids. Joel had an election event at the Imaginon and we played for a bit w/ a little girl who was 8 months old and Ben jumped right in there and played nicely (it made me a little sad that I couldn't spend time there w/ him during the week...). We have a gift certificate for 3 free classes at Gymboree so at least we will try to use those.

He is getting big so fast, though I have discovered that either his proportions are completely skewed or the manufacturers of kids clothing have no idea what they're doing.....the sizes are not even close to consistent from size to size and I don't understand how 6-9 month old clothes can be so small and then 9-12 month clothes be too big - what are you supposed to do in between? I am actually already buying 18 month clothes a little at a time b/c they tend to jump sizes so quickly and he's so long that I don't think these 12-month pajamas are going to fit very long.

As far as new developments, Benjamin is becoming a pro at getting around. He crawls quickly, pulls himself up and has started getting really daring where he will hang onto something w/ one arm while reaching toward something or someone else. He has also tried a couple of times in his crib to let go of his railing - he stands momentarily and then falls on his butt. I wonder when he will have enough balance to start taking a step or two. He has also gotten really into checking things out. This last week Ben has made a couple of interesting discoveries. He has figured out how to open the cabinets in the bathroom but he stands in front of them while opening them so his weight leans against them and closes them right away - I'm sure soon enough he'll figure out how to take everything out. He has also discovered the doorstop behind our door in the master bedroom. He will lay on his belly for 5-10 minutes using his little pointer finger to make the spring go "boing". He is fascinated by it. He has also been developing a great relationship w/ our golden retriever. She has been wonderful w/ him since he came home but now he is really into crawling down the hallway to her "squirrel" or bone but doesn't really want to do anything w/ it - he just wants her to come over and play w/ it. Of course as soon as Ben heads for them, Graham runs to get her bone or toy and will play w/ it. Ben just sits and watches her and occasionally will crawl over to her - it's cute b/c it looks like he's trying to "play" w/ her. I can't wait till he really is old enough to play w/ her.

Where did the summer go?

So, where did the summer go? It's amazing that it's September already....we had a very busy summer...and I'm sure the business is likely to continue since we're throwing a baby shower for Marshall at the house in a couple of weeks (her and husband Mike are expecting their first on Oct 22nd) and now we're in WFU football season, I'm sure we'll be heading to some games. Oh, and Joel is going back to school on Saturdays for a certification. It is going to be Christmas before I know it...hopefully I don't miss Halloween and Thanksgiving on the way :-)

So, how have we spent the last two months? We had a great visit w/ the Coogan family in July and then spent a week in Chicago in August and then Labor Day weekend up at the Biltmore and in Beech Mtn (we've gotten away more this year w/ baby than the last couple w/o...amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it). Joel and I have gone out a couple of times to the movies or dinner and we have a new daytime babysitter. Our previous babysitter (before Bridgie) was expected to come back once Bridgie went back to FL (we still miss her) but not surprisingly her mom made her find another job in the meantime....though she neglected to tell me this until the Fri before I expected her back (we had already set up time...). So, no babysitter.....Ben was and is still sleeping really well during the day (and night) so it wasn't that big a deal but obviously frustrating. Well, in the end it worked out well. A friend of ours has found herself unemployed and although it is not a long-term solution works very well in the near term. Sharla is a friend of ours and Ben has a babysitter. Although he is attached to me, he has not yet really started w/ bad separation anxiety (and hopefully won't...). At night, all he wants is mommy but otherwise he's pretty easy-going and generally will go to anyone (especially girls LOL).

In Ben's world, he is developing leaps and bounds. He has 2 more teeth (the top 2) which both popped out right after Labor Day weekend (poor baby). He is sitting up and going from belly or back to sitting really well - it's amazing how easily they can do that.....He is almost crawling though not yet. He can get his belly off the ground and rock but then kind of lunges forward. So, he can move but not very gracefully (and luckily not very quickly....). He is really moving in the walker though and loves chasing Graham (the golden retriever). He loves being outside and it is cute how he "walks" over to the back door in his walker and looks out. Sharla, his babysitter, takes him on walks and to the park. He has really started enjoying the swing though is still indifferent about the slide. In addition to a new babysitter, Ben has also gotten a new RED stroller (the Joovy Kooper - I LOVE it!) and a new blow-up duck tub - it seemed like the best option since he likes to lounge in the tub - I wanted to get one of those sitting positioners but I don't think he would be as happy in that as he is in the duck (and the beak quacks!). Ben is also pulling himself up - which he just started this week! I can't believe it....he is going to be walking and talking before we know it. Though no "real" words yet, he definitely communicates. He started over the last week "singing".....it's really cute to hear these little high pitched noises that sound very much like either Rock-a-bye baby or Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (ok, to hear it, it would be like having to squint to see something meaningful in abstract art.....but it is "singing" nevertheless). He babbles quite a bit and we're hoping one of these days that he's going to say mama and dada with some meaning!

Ben in his Joovy Kooper:


So, since my last post, Ben has gotten two more teeth, is sitting up unsupported really well (at about 6 1/2 month) and is scooting around on his belly / back - he does this thing where he kinda of lunges forward and half rolls and somehow gets across the room though he is not really a mover. He much prefers to stay in one spot and investigate whatever is in front of him or to watch something that is a little further away. He is not officially crawling yet but I think it will be anyday. . Not only is the summer over, but so is September - kids have been back in school over a month. I just can't believe it. I suppose I say that every month but time really is just evaporating before my eyes. We had a fun and very busy summer - we had Bridgie w/ us for 6 wks and then Annie for 2 wks and then went to Carowinds and then spent a week in Chicago (maybe a future home...). We spent Labor Day visiting the Biltmore House in Asheville and then went to see my mom and Johnny in Beech Mtn. We had a couple more date nights and brought Ben to his first Wake football game (vs. Elon). We also threw a baby shower for our friend Marshall - her and husband Mike are expecting their first Oct 22nd.

The clan at Carowinds:

Halfway to One....

Ben is 6 months - I can't believe it!! The time has flown by, but in a weird way, it seems that the only thing that is changing is Ben.....some type of metaphysical oddity - the time goes by so fast that it seems to stand still....anyway, he is getting so big and developing so fast. In the last couple of weeks, his first tooth has "erupted" (all you can see is a little white line where it broke the gum but it was still exciting), he has started rolling from back to belly and is chewing on everything!! He is "talking" up a storm, which includes babbling, shrieking and screaming. There are occasions where he looks like he's yelling at you. He has also started blowing raspberries - mostly he does this when he's frustrated but it's so cute that I laugh every time he does it. I'm sure this makes him more mad......He has really started to become mobile so he is enjoying his walker more and we got him one of those foam put together mats that he rolls and scoots around on. He pushes himself up and lunges so I am convinced he will be crawling before we know it. Ben is also just becoming more of a little person and less of a floppy baby - it's cute how he holds on when you carry him and reaches for you when he wants out of his walker or car seat or stroller.

His 6-month Dr. visit went great - he is growing like a weed and Dr. Coyler continues to be impressed with his motor development. Joel came to this visit even though he knew Ben was going to get shots....Joel did not like Ben getting stuck but he was really a trooper (Ben that is). I leaned over him and hugged him and he cried of course but calmed down a lot faster than he had at the 4-month shots. They stuck him twice in the same leg (ouch!) I didn't get a picture this time b/c he ripped off the band-aid later in the day before I had a chance. Thankfully, his reactions to the shots have been mild to non-existent so Joel and I had plans to go to dinner w/ Andy and Nicole that night and Ben was seeming a little feverish by the cheek to the forehead mommy feel :-) He was acting fine so I gave him a little infant tylenol before we left. Later that night Bridgie felt his first tooth had popped through - on the bottom - we're thinking he will have another any day....he is chewing on his fingers like crazy! He was a bit fussy for Bridgie that night but she did a great job and we had a nice night out - I think that was our first time out to dinner w/o Ben :-) It was also my birthday last week - I love my birthday - I like all the fuss, don't care about being a year older - want to celebrate w/ cake and dinner and at least cards (though presents are nice too :-)) Bridgie started the day by collaborating w/ Annie a big breakfast - she made me eggs and bacon (first time she ever made "real" bacon) and waffles w/ cut-up bananas and a cup of coffee - it was delicious! She was going to make me lunch but I actually made lunch b/c I wanted to show her a "real" steak sandwich - can't explain this but I fry up some onions and mushroom in some crazy and slice up the steak w/ the gravy on top of some bread and then top w/ cheese and put under the broiler - her idea of a steak sandwich was cold steak and butter....we wound up going to Dave & Busters for dinner. Joel was willing to accompany us to Chuck E Cheese which I thought would be good for Annie - I felt bad having to work during the week and then going out the following night so thought this would be fun ....and I wanted to play skee ball :-) We actually didn't know the Chuck E Cheese had been relocated until we couldn't find it....so then Joel suggested Dave & Busters - it was fun but had a lot of games that were more a matter of chance than skill.....Joel left me, Bridgie and Annie and took the baby over to the Disney Store and bought him the talking "Doug" dog from "UP" (Ben's first movie)...we had seen it sometime before but Joel couldn't resist this time :-) This dog talks....it is adorable :-) We will definitely be buying the movie when it comes out on DVD.

So, a couple of weeks ago we went back to NY for the first time in 3 yrs. It was an exhausting trip but all in all I think Ben faired well in the car. He shares his mother's distaste for NY traffic, but otherwise Bridgie did a good job entertaining him - the miserable trip from Manhatten to Plainview took over 2 hrs. Danielle's wedding was nice, but the weather was less than cooperative and I was exhausted so we left the reception early (we had Ben w/ us so it was a good excuse regardless). We got to spend sometime visiting w/ Grandma and Grandpa Stankowitz and even got to see Great Nana. It was so nice to see everyone at the wedding but I wish we had more time. We drove back the Sunday after the wedding and did the whole trip in one day (although that sounds bad, it actually seemed shorter than breaking it up on the way down).

I have an unnatural love of fireworks - Joel does not share my love. I had to go see fireworks on July 4th. I was very disappointed that I did not get to see them in Charlotte last year (bad weather) but Joel did give in to watching them w/ me on TV (thank you Macy's). This year, since it was Ben's first July 4th, I was determined to see fireworks in person.....although we did not put a lot of planning into July 4th, we actually found an awesome spot on the top of a parking garage in Charlotte that put us literally right in front of the fireworks (so far enough away to avoid the smoke). The pics came out pretty well. I made Joel and Bridgie pose w/ me - as you can tell, they were not so happy about this - oh well :-) Of course Ben slept through most of the fireworks (amazingly) but he did get to see a few on the walk back to the car....and I got a picture of him awake on July 4th :-)

I was actually off the Fri before July 4th and since Annie was going to be joining us after the weekend of the 4th, I spent this day going w/ Bridgie to the Whitewater center. Joel was also off but didn't want to go rafting so he was the babysitter. We got there at a little after 11 but couldn't get a rafting appt until 5:30pm so we were ok w/ this (we wound up getting to go on both zip lines and take one of the mountain biking courses - that made me realize how out of shape I am...) but Joel was very worried that I hadn't pumped enough for him and that baby was going to be miserable but daddy and baby survived for about 6 hrs w/o mommy. I am happy that I really didn't miss the baby terribly...not to say that in a mean way but since I am with him so much, I worried that I would have terrible separation anxiety but I had a blast hanging out w/ Bridgie and exploring the Whitewater center. Daddy tried to bring Ben down to the Columbia Zoo but Ben started crying shortly into the ride and so Daddy went home....at first he was disappointed by this but then realized he didn't need to "do" anything to entertain Ben - he is very happy to just hang out on the floor and have you make funny faces at him :-)

As of now, we are planning a trip for next month but we don't know where we're going yet.....will keep you posted on that. As I mentioned, Annie joined us after the 4th (Mom drove her over from Beech Mtn) and in a week, the rest of the FL Coogan clan will be up - they will stop in for a weekend visit and then go to NY and then stop back the following weekend before heading back to FL. We have a busy rest of the month - definitely a trip to Carowind's when Dan comes up.....

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Another exciting couple of weeks.....two Fridays ago, we left NC for FL...to see Aunt Bernadette graduate from HS.

Joel suggested that we spend a little more time than just the weekend so we could visit w/ Grandpa and the aunts (doesn't that sound like some type of cheesy band?). Anyway, he originally suggested 2 weeks, but I thought that was too long for Daddy to be away from Mommy and baby. So, we decided 10 days was a good amount of time to visit, and that Aunt Bridgette would come back with us to spend a couple of weeks helping w/ the baby.

So, last Friday, we drove w/ Daddy to the airport and met up with Grandma to fly to FL. We drove to GSP in SC b/c the flight was unbelieveably cheap...we flew Allegiant Air (I think I should have minority stock options the amount of times my family has flown them in the last 2 yrs). Although it stinks to have to drive 1 1/2 hrs to the airport, the price can't be beat AND it's a direct flight. It was right around Ben's nap time when we took off; he nursed on the tarmac and was asleep by take-off. He slept right through until we were landing. I think his ears bothered him a little but he was a trooper. He slept the majority of the trip home as well though woke a couple of times and was twitching his head in a funny way making me think his ears were bothering him as we started to descend.

While we were in FL, Benjamin took his first dip in a pool - in his cool little board shorts and wetsuit top. He also went in the Gulf and swam w/ the sting rays - he is such a happy baby but is very serious when he's checking something out - he was sitting in the water kicking his feet and was just mesmerized - it was so cute. I had a lot of fun at the beach too! We had a great visit and enjoyed spending time w/ Dan and the girls. We were lucky to be able to bring Bridgette back w/ us for the next 6 weeks and will have Annie come visit in 2 weeks for a couple of weeks before the rest of the family comes up and then they all leave July 27th.

Checking out the water (and stingrays) with Grandpa:

Hanging in the water with Mommy:

All tuckered out:


I can't believe how much Ben is changing every day. Not only do I think he's growing like a weed, but he wants to eat everything (the list of tasted foods includes: strawberries, lemons, pickles, fries, soft pretzel, green beans - whole, graham cracker, apple....he wants to try everything - hopefully he will hang on to this adventurous appetite).
Sucking on a lemon at Houlihans:

He is also moving around like crazy. He kicks his legs and swings his arms like he wants to take off and when you put him on the floor, he moves around A LOT! On his belly, he will scoot forward and around 360 degrees - he pushes him self up with his arms straight and then will lunge one of his arms forward and is on the move. He also rocks a bit on his knees but thankfully hasn't figured out how to move his legs in conjunction with his arms (though I swear he looks like he's going to start crawling soon). On his back, he grabs his feet and swings side to side. He is almost rolling over from his back to his belly but his one arm seems to get in the way and when he is almost over he seems to get distracted and then will try going the opposite way for a while. I'm wondering if he will start rolling over and over once he gets from his back to his belly or if he will just scoot on his belly. He is also talking a lot more (love's Joel's "Benjamin" song and sings w/ him). He slept well in FL though stayed up a lot later than usual - we'll see how well he does getting back to his usual schedule.....

Look at the chunky baby legs on the slide:

Bye Bye Swaddle

Time is passing so fast it's hard to keep up. I think that is why I am tired all the time. I certainly can't blame the baby because he sleeps like a hibernating bear. I have expected him to start sleeping less each day or week but he is holding steady, if not sleeping more. I might be concerned if he weren't growing like a weed and as happy and content as can be. We suppose he has just learned early that sleep is good and that he should get it while he can :-)

Speaking of sleeping, up until this past weekend, Benjamin has been swaddled at night and has happily slept that way 10+ hrs. I started looking into discussion boards and web sites the last month or so to trey and determine when I should stop swaddling him and how the heck I was supposed to make that transition!! Dr. Colyer assured us at our 4-month visit that he would "figure it out". I was more concerned about ME figuring it out! So, in the meantime I have continued to swaddle him. We were supposed to go to Asheville for the 3-day weekend but decided to cancel due to the weather. I was thankful; come late Saturday when I was attacked by some sort of stomach bug (which meant I spent a good portion of the next 12 hrs in the bathroom). I was nursing Ben Sat evening and getting him ready for bed when the first of such "attacks" occurred. I put him in his crib with his mobile playing. I could hear him internittenly fussing from the crib but he didn't really cry. By the time I got back to his room, he had fallen asleep hugging his cloth diaper, sucking his thumb. I REALLY wanted a picture but sometimes sleep is better than pictures! :-) This was the first time that he had fallen asleep on his own w/o being swaddled and the first time he truly found his thumb. I kept wondering when he would wake up and need to be swaddled, but he slept and slept and even when he awoke briefly, he found his thumb and got himself back to sleep. He slept all the way through till about 6:30 in the morning. I couldn't believe it! I was so proud of my little man. I repeated the process for his morning nap - gave him the cloth diaper to hug, put on his mobile and gave him the pacifier (he sucks on it for a minute or two and then spits it out and finds his thumb - since I can't "give" him his thumb, it's a good transition). He slept for about an hr and a half and I was convinced that we had gotten rid of the swaddle for good - I couldn't believe it! It was exactly as Dr. Colyer said - he would figure it out and I think there's an important lesson there - your baby will let you know what they need and when they need it. He has continued to sleep both at night and for his naps w/o his swaddle - bye bye swaddle. Although I am nostalgic, I am excited to see him develop and thus although this could make me sad, it really doesn't - it's a new beginning!

In other news, earlier Sat night (while I was also in the bathroom from aforementioned stomach bug), Joel was taking care of Ben. I could hear the baby fussing from upstairs and then all of a sudden, it was quiet, suspiciously quiet. :-) That morning I had bought an 18-pack of Gerber 1st foods - bananas, apples, sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, and peaches. Cereal has been going well and I figured it was time to start some fruits and vegetables. I came downstairs to find Daddy feeding baby Ben bananas - that was the first time Daddy had fed Baby ben :-) Of course Ben was delighted - he LOVES food (he's gotten plenty of samples of stuff before then - ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, pancake...I'm sure I'm forgetting something). Joel later told me that when he opened the utensil drawer and saw the little baby spoons, it made his heart melt - awww! :-)

One other big thing that happened this weekend is that Ben sat in a high chair for the first time at breakfast at Bob Evans. I wrapped a thick fleece around him to help prop him up (he sits up well when you hold him, but inevitably develops the lean and flop when you sit him up by himself). He did well, but when the food arrived started to freak out - arms flailing, legs kicking - like I mentioned above, he LOVES food. I gave him a taste of egg white, pancake, and oatmeal (which was so lumpy he had a hard time keeping it in his mouth!)

I can't believe how fast he's growing! My friend Marshall said she can't believe he's already eating some "normal" food because it feels like he was just born. It is amazing how much happens in the first year of a baby's life - it's so exciting!

4 months

You would never know we had a 4-month old by how busy we've been. We have been booked the last 3 weekends - as Joel put it, we're trying to get everything in before Benjamin is 6 months old (and then he reminded me that we'll have to start all over again b/c he won't remember any of it LOL).

Anyway, this past weekend, Joel and I got dressed up in cap and gown and were accompanied by Joel's dad and sister and of course Ben to the Wake Forest hooding ceremony. I was pretty excited to go, dress up and get "hooded", but really disappointed that we didn't get to keep our "hood" (though the general MBA hoods were the ugliest of all of them - who came up w/ tan?). It was fun and as much as we tried to get a picture w/ Ben looking, he was not that interested almost 2 hrs past his bedtime (he fell asleep almost instantly when we got into the car for the 1 1/2 hr trek back to Charlotte).

The weekend before was our first Mother's Day. It was low-key but it's such an amazing feeling - almost like it's still a bit surreal, that I am Benjamin's mom (which Joel sings to the tune of Stacy's mom LOL). We were up early in the morning - Joel was very excited about his gift and I was excited to open it (as long as I could stay in bed to open it!). He got me a penguin pendant - this is one of those truly unique gifts that most people would not understand, but ever since Joel went to see March of the Penguins and saw how the male and female penguin mate and work together to care for their chick, he has said that I am his penguin. Amazingly, he bumbled across this diamond penguin pendant at Zales and thought it would be perfect. I love it! The chain itself has been a bit frustrating (the clasp is really small) but I love the fact that it's dressy but can be worn w/ jeans too :-) He also got me one of those beautiful wood carved sculptures (the ones w/o faces) that has a Mommy and Daddy holding a little baby - it was very sweet - such an iconic picture of family! He also got me a great card - and of course all of these sentiments made me cry! We wound up going to McDonald's for breakfast - we were going to go "out" somewhere but baby fell asleep as soon as we got in the car so we figured this was the best bet. We drove over to a community on Mountain Island Lake that we really like and finished our breakfast and then walked around a bit. We then drove to SC and went to the outlets. We got there way before the outlets opened so we went to some of the local farm stands and to Strawberry Hill general store. They were giving away free ice cream cones for Mother's Day so I got a peach cobbler cone. Ben took one look at it and started leaning toward it with his mouth wide open. I gave him a taste....and I created a monster! He would basically put his whole mouth on the cone and suck and when you would take it away, he would cry!! I gave him a few tastes and then Joel took him so I could finish my ice cream cone! The ladies at the register thought it was a riot....I was worried that if Ben had any better coordination, he would've grabbed the cone right out of my hand! LOL I found a couple of cute outfits for Ben (and Mom) at Gap but we spent most of the day just window shopping. It was such a beautiful day and we passed by the Broad River Greenway on the way home - I really wanted to put my feet in the river but it was getting late and I figured Ben could only be so good for so long. We stopped at KFC to pick up a bucket of the new grilled chicken (I LOVE it!) and I nursed him. After that he was happy but tired. I was about to get him ready for bed when we got home when I realized I didn't have a picture of me and Ben on Mother's Day - despite a very sleepy baby, we were able to get at least one good one!

The Saturday before Mother's Day, we brought Ben to Belk Auction for the first time and Joel brought Ben to Daddy Boot Camp, this time Joel was a "veteran" daddy. That Friday was Ben's 4-month check-up. He was very brave for his shots and Dr. Colyer was so impressed with his motor development (saying he had the motor skills of a 6-month old) but warned that we should start baby-proofing as soon as possible. Our little roly-poly is still in the 90th percentile for weight and climbed to the 90th percentile for height (I think the fact that he is well proportioned makes him look "big" rather than "fat"). Most people can't believe he's only 4 months old. Dr. Colyer also ok'd us to start feeding him cereal (Mommy knew this was coming and already purchased the organic brown rice and some spoons). The amazing thing is that Benjamin opens his mouth when you offer a cup (or water bottle) or spoon like he's an old pro at this eating business. It's still messy business at 4 months, but at least he enjoys it. We will be starting veggies and fruits in a week or two.


And the weekend before that we brought him to his first golf tournament - the Quail Hollow Championship (was SOOO mad we couldn't bring a camera - almost snuck my cell phone in but didn't want to embarass Joel LOL). Considering the fact that we were there from about 9:30-4:30, Ben did great (probably held up better than Mommy and Daddy). That weekend, Ben and Mommy also did a free trial class at Gynboree - we loved it (hands down Ben was the easiest going baby there - everyone else had at least one meltdown before they left). Unfortunately, there aren't any per class packages so it will be a couple of months before we sign up (since we have plans for most of the next 2 months).

So you can see we've been keeping pretty busy - baby in tow! :-) I would love to get back to updating the blog weekly - we'll see how that goes!

3 Months

I can't believe it's been a month since I posted last!! Work has been incredibly busy but thankfully my manager came back this past week from his paternity leave so hopefully the workload will be a little more manageable going forward. We need to figure out our babysitting situation now that Ben is starting to get bigger, make more noise and want more attention :-)

So, what has the last month brought? Well, Benjamin is "talking" up a storm - it's so much fun to have a "conversation" with him. He coo's, gurgles, makes "M" sounds (which sound like "Ma" and make my heart melt...), and does a lot of "oooing"....recently, he started doing this thing where he gets himself all excited and goes on a roll ... "oo, oo, oo, oo, oo". It's so cute...and absolutely hysterical.

At 9 weeks old, he figured out how to flip himself from his belly to his back. For a week or two, he would flip over everytime you put him on his belly, but now he is very interested in looking around and doesn't mind being on his belly as much. I almost thought he was going to roll from his back to his belly one morning as he was kicking his legs up and over and would've flipped if he had turned his head over w/ the rest of his body. He is definitely getting a lot more active. Joel and I worry that once his legs and arms get themselves coordinated, he's going to be off. Already he is able to turn 90 degrees while on his back and during the night scoots down on his butt from the top of the crib to the bottom (we find him most mornings with his legs pressed against the bottom bumper in the crib). Speaking of nights, he continues to be a good sleeper. He is on a fairly regular routine, where he goes to sleep between 7:30 and 8 and sleeps until at least 4, sometimes as late as 6. He will get up and nurse and then goes right back down until between 7:30 and 8. He is taking about 3 naps during the day....on the best days they are 2 2hr naps (morning and afternoon) and then an hr nap in the early evening. He probably would go down for the night earlier than we put him down but since Mom and Dad are not early risers, we let him nap in the evening and then go down.

We have had a bunch of visitors, including Aunt Chrissy, who brought Jacob and Megan to meet their new cousin and then Nana (Grandma Coogan) came down for the weekend - the weather was terrible but we did enjoy a nice long trip to Beech Mountain and checked out the general store up there. It was rainy and foggy so it was even longer than usual but thankfully Nana sat in the back w/ Ben and was happy to entertain him (he actually probably would've slept longer if she wasn't there, but either way as long as he was happy....). We also had a bunch of friends over for an ACC shindig - Andy and Nicole, Marshall and Mike and Anna and Jamie (w/ their son Nate). We had lots of snacks and then had BBQ ribs and corn on the cob. It was a lot of fun and the baby was really good, except for having such a massive poop explosion that it not only went through his clothes but coated my shirt and jeans (my ONLY pair of jeans....I really need to go shopping).

Aunt Chrissy, Megan, Jacob and Benjamin


Hanging out with Nana

2 Months

Benjamin turned 2 months last Thursday. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. I went back to work 4 weeks ago and this week technically started back full-time (though in reality I've been working at least 3/4 time since going back). This week has been crazy because I have literally worked 12-14 hr days for the last 3 days. The deal I made with my manager is that I am off on Fridays (or at least mostly off) until the end of April. This was to make up for the fact that work has been really hectic for the last month and a half. Joel says that the hectic pace now is to make up for the not so hectic pace a few months ago :-) I really wish I didn't have to go back to work at all, but I am grateful to be able to work from home and have the flexibility to continue nursing Ben and take him out when I need to. I will be really happy when the weather stays warm. I'm not a big fan of super hot summer days, but I really don't like the winter. I like winter related activities but would rather visit a place that has winter than be in a really cold enviornment (Charlotte is really not that bad, but you really acclimate quickly to your enviornment and realize that it would be really hard to go back up north now that we're used to 40 degree winters....).

Benjamin had his 2-month check-up on Friday w/ Dr. Colyer who was very impressed with his growth and his temperament. She got to see him coo and smile and was impressed with his new sleeping pattern (9p-3a and then 3:30-7:30a). She checked out a hip "click" I have noticed over the last 2 months and decided to send us for an ultrasound yesterday. The ultrasound tech said everything looked good, but we have to wait for the "official" results to know for sure. The Dr. wasn't really concerned, but figured it made more sense to check it out now than to wait for a real problem to develop when Ben starts walking. And, of course, this visit included 3 shots (and 1 oral vaccine)....Benjamin was very upset about the shots....luckily Daddy didn't come to that visit - he probably would've been more upset than Ben :-) I couldn't get a picture with both band-aids in it, but he had a matching Tweety band-aid on the other fat leggy. :-)

This past weekend, we mourned Wake's loss in the ACC tournament (Ben pooped all over his Wake footie...before I could even get a picture of him in it...that's how he expressed his feeling over them losing...LOL). We did have fun having some friends over - Marshall, Mike, Andy, Nicole, Anna, Jamie, and Nate....what a crowd. We had wings and chips and veggies for appetizers and then had Ribs with Corn on the Cob and scalloped potatoes and a ton of desserts, including a beautiful cake from T.Reids. It was great to see everyone, especially Marshall, who I feel I haven't seen in ages. I think I scared Nicole and Marshall a bit w/ some mild details of the birthing experience....I hope Marshall gets pregnant soon - it would be nice to be able to get the families together though at least they have Whammy to hang out with Grammy :-)

38 Weeks and Counting...

As of Friday I am 38 weeks pregnant...I can't believe how close we are to holding the little baby that has been growing inside me!

So, according to Babycenter: Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old.

It will be interesting to see what color baby's eyes and hair are. We expect baby to have brown hair, but Joel actually was born with almost reddish hair, which then turned platinum blond before settling on brown....whereas mine started brown and stayed brown....Joel's eyes are blue and mine are brown so that is much more of a mystery. I know my mom has a recessive gene since both Bern and Annie have light colored eyes, but I don't know about my dad....so remember those Punnett squares from HS Biology....if my dad is completely dominant for brown eyes, then I have a 50%chance of also being completely dominant and if I am completely dominant then all of my children will have brown eyes. However, if my dad is simply dominant, then I have only a 33% chance of being completely dominant (based on the fact that we know that I brown eyes so I can't be recessive). So, that's probably enough genomics for anyone reading this...I suppose we'll find out soon enough! :-)

Tonight, Joel is at the WFU b-ball game (vs. Chapel Hill) He wasn't planning on going, but Greg called him this afternoon and said Janet wasn't up to going and asked if he was interested. Of course, he jumped at the opportunity - one, it's a hard game to get tickets to and second, who knows how many more opportunities he's going to have in the near future (that mom is going to let him take LOL).

I put together the swing (it's so cute!) and cleaned up a little bit but that's about as much energy as I have these days. I have gone into work most of this past week because my computer works markedly better in the office than at home (at least when I'm using Access). I am pretty close to finishing up the project I've been working on and think that I can get everything finished this week and then just respond to ad-hoc needs as they arise...until the baby decides to make his or her appearance.

This weekend was pretty busy. On Saturday, Joel went to "Daddy Boot Camp". He even got a certificate of completion. While he was there, I did another round of shopping at Babies R Us and picked up a frame at Michael's (which I'm going to return....I basically figured that out in the parking lot but was too exhausted to go back into the store...and maybe I'll decide to keep it...) and went to the post office to mail out the last of the Christmas gifts (ok, they are REALLY late, but it's the thought that counts, right? :-) ) Those are the same gifts that I tried to mail the weekend before Christmas (and actually get them out in time) and was foiled not once, not twice, but 3 times that weekend. Then, with the holidays and the family....well, I just have not been able to get to the post office since....

I was a little nervous about how Joel would like "Daddy Boot Camp". I told him about it and he voluntarily decided to go, but then WFU had a need for speakers at their "Student for a Day" and he really wanted to go do that....what a dilemma b/c of course they were for the same time on Sat....I didn't want to "make" him go to "Daddy Boot Camp" but of course I saw that as a kind of "once in a lifetime" opportunity....and he seemed to enjoy it, so I'm glad that I "pushed" him in that direction - there will be plenty more opportunities for us to participate in WFU recruiting events (which I would love to do....every time I volunteer they tell me they have too many people...it figures). Anyway, after I picked up Joel, we had lunch at Wendy's and I dropped Joel off at home and then headed to my pre-natal massage at Oasis Day Spa. I have never gone for a massage and I thought this was a really nice treat for myself and also hoping that it will spur on labor (or at least dilation). It was really nice, but I should've used another cushion for under my back b/c I wound up leaving w/ a tight spot in my lower back....then again at 9 mos pregnant, although the massage felt great, the aches and pains weren't gone for long.

Last night, Joel went to the Panthers game (vs the Cardinals) with people from work. I watched part of the game at home but also watched my saved ER episodes (yay!) and some HGTV...typical man, Joel doesn't care for watching HGTV (or at least won't admit it...) so I use those occasional opportunities when I am home by myself to get in as much HGTV (and TLC) as I can :-)

Well, I have a Dr. appt tomorrow morning at 9am. The good news is that I think my massage did indeed spur on some "action" as I was having particularly strong contractions last night and tonight. They are not regular but Dr. Rouse said that the more contractions, the better (apparently this is what starts the dilation process...). I am at least hoping for progress from last week.....

What a Weekend......

Although we spent most of Saturday lounging around the house (much needed after spending 2 yrs of Saturdays in a classroom all day!), I feel like we did quite a bit and quite a bit happened this weekend.

As of Friday, I am 37 weeks pregnant....officially full-term. I am so used to being pregnant at this point that I'm not really anxious to deliver b/c I don't want to be pregnant any more, however the longer I have to contemplate what labor's going to be like, the more nervous I get. Since everyone's experience is so unique, it's so hard to know what to expect, but I am so excited to meet little Benjamin or Madelyn that I think it will be ok (and hopefully no epidural, episiotomy, or c-section....) Baby is kicking, punching and rolling around like crazy - I think he or she is getting ready for a grand entrance :-)

According to Babycenter: Congratulations! Your baby is full-term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away. He weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long.

Since it is getting close to d-day, I have started packing my hospital bag. It was cute - last night I was looking on Babycenter at some of the discussion boards re: "what to bring to the hospital" and it made me giggle - kind of like a bunch of girls chatting about what to bring to summer camp. Even though it is online, you can hear the tone of excitement and anticipation and it just reminded me of going away to sleep away camp or a school trip.....amazing how those events prepare us for such vastly different experiences :-) Anyway, last week I made probably my final trip to Destination Maternity (it's a great store, but in such an inconvenient location, especially now that school is done) to purchase some underwear, pajamas and nursing sleep bras and then on Friday night went to Target w/ Nicole (we had Andy and Nicole over for dinner - chicken parm and then left the boys to watch b-ball) and picked up another pair of pajamas and a couple of cute non-maternity shirts that will be good for nursing (I have really lucked out this year that long shirts and wrap shirts have been "in" - they are very convenient for my current maternity needs and future nursing needs).

As I began to pack, I realized that I need a couple of last minute things for me and baby so yesterday I went back to Target for a big shopping spree (yes, Target is my FAVORITE store and I have the good fortune of having one that opened in July about 5 mins from my house!). I had a coupon for 10% off what was left on my registry but there were several things that I wanted for baby that had never made it on to my registry, so I went in, added the items to the registry and then purchased them off the registry to use my coupon (yeah, it was a pain in the neck, but saved me a little more than $20 - well worth it!). What we got - the diaper genie, a boppy (I was going to get the Breast Friend but I was annoyed by the strap and decided that a Boppy has a more useful life span), some bottles (just in case we need them before we expect - I got the playtex newborn set that comes w/ like 5 or 6 nipples - there has to be one in there that baby will take!), and some onesies and outfits in size Newborn (everything we registered for and have gotten is 0-3 months and I figured it made sense to prepare in case the baby is smaller than 8 lbs to have something he or she can wear home that actually fits.....the Murphy's Law in me says that even though Joel and I were small babies and my sisters were relatively small babies, I will have the Christmas Turkey, but want to be prepared in case I am blessed w/ a small or average size baby LOL). Once I do laundry today (a load for me and a load for baby), I will have our bags all packed and ready to go...hopefully we will need them sooner rather than later.

Also, in preparation for d-day, yesterday, I installed the car seat. The funny thing is that I actually had to attend a car seat certification when I was a caseworker, but it was before the LATCH system - I was really excited to get to use the LATCH hooks in our car....ok, maybe too excited. It is cute to see the car seat in there - a little strange, but more cute than strange (and of course during my shopping trip at Target yesterday I made sure to get the mirror so I can see baby from the front seat).

In other baby news, this morning I had a Dr's appt. My blood pressure was a little elevated when I got there (probably the coffee and taking the stairs...) but was ok when I left. I actually lost 2 lbs from last week and in the most exciting news I am effacing and dilating.....sounds hot, huh? I am only finger tip dilated and though I know that really doesn't mean much, it is the bit of good news that I need to be hopeful that baby may actually arrive on time (and maybe even early....ok, maybe that's wishful thinking, but Mia was Kathy's first and she arrived early, so I have faith....I am NOT a fan of induction) Baby's heart rate was 150.....it has stayed between 145-150 most of the pregnancy, so I wonder whether Dr. Rouse's prediction that it's a girl is true (based on the old wive's tale) even though my hunch is that it's a boy....hmmm, I suppose we'll find out soon enough :-) My next Dr. appt is 1/12 at 9am Hopefully we will have dilation progress next week (I scheduled a prenatal massage for next Sat - that means that either baby will make an appearance before then so I miss out on my massage or hopefully that will spur some contractions to get things going....)

Also, this weekend, Joel and I became members of a new church. We have been going to St. Patrick's in Dilworth, which is a beautiful old church w/ a school, but after the Christmas mass, I realized that the church itself is not really kid-friendly and wanted to take a look at some other options. Yesterday morning, Joel went online and found St. Thomas of Aquinas right in the University area - we went to the 9:30 mass and really enjoyed the Pastor and everything that is going on at the church so we decided to become parishoners. I thought it was really neat that the church is run by Franciscan Friars as both my great uncle Danny and uncle JoJo are/were Franciscan Friars and I grew up attending events at the house in Yonkers, NY and meeting Friars from all over. The pastor is actually from the NJ chapter, but he had the opportunity to meet my uncle Danny (Fr Charles) in FL - that was cool and made me feel like we had found our church.

Sadly, we also took down our Christmas decorations this weekend :-( I hate to see Christmas go, but I want to make sure that everything is put away before we are consummed by baby :-) The tree is actually still in the living rm since garbage day is Wed, but the ornaments, lights, and stockings are back in storage - it's amazing to think that next Christmas there will be another stocking hanging from the mantle and a little person waddling through the wrapping paper....The outside lights are also down except for one strand of garland lights that is hanging from the garage (my proudest achievement in light hanging this year!). Joel suggested we leave that strand up at least one more night (I think he was sad to see Christmas go too!) I have pretty bummed out about the lack of christmas decorations left after christmas this year, but then last night Nicole and I went to Michael's and it was like I hit the jackpot. I was able to get some new ornaments and outside lights for 80% off...and some wrapping materials and mugs! I must've brought home 10 bags/boxes of stuff and only spent $60 (which $16+ was due to a frame for a stock certificate that Joel purchased and of course was not on sale....despite the fact that all other frames were 50% off - that bugged me but the frame is really nice, so oh well)

As much as I've written so far, I didn't even mention Sat night's auction, dinner at Firebird's (probably one of our favorite restaurants) and a trip to Border's (very excited about my gardening book). All in all, even w/ everything that has happened in the last couple of days, it was a very relaxing weekend :-)