I cannot believe I have a 3 month old!!! Ben is one of the greatest joys that life has to offer me and I feel so blessed that he is in good health, especially today.
Last night, some of the ladies in my neighborhood all got together to play bunco. One of the sweet ladies on my street was there, Missy. I have run into her just a few times. We always say hello when we're on our walks. I have borrowed a wine opener from them... typical friendly neighbor exchanges. She has two precious little kids. Laura is 4 I believe, and little Sam is 2. Last night someone mentioned that they had just donated blood for Sam. I asked Missy how he was doing, and come to find out, he has a disease that affects the way his body breaks down food and makes new blood. He has to get periodic blood transfusions and to top it off, he now is diabetic, among other things. He has a little backpack that he carries around with an oxygen tank. It is a progressive disease. He is TWO YEARS OLD and the only life he knows is one in and out of the hospital. As sad as this story is, I was more touched by the joy that Missy brought to the group last night. She has an infectious laugh and the best attitude about life. They are Christians and walk by faith moment by moment because they realize that life is so fragile and precious and that it does not belong to us, but it belongs to the Lord. Such an example of faith and endurance! I had no idea just living two houses down that Sam's condition was a severe as it is. The family always is seen with a smile on their faces, and I have seen Sam playing with his toys in the front yard while his daddy works in his garage shop. I am so moved by their family and my thoughts and prayers are with them.
Yes, Ben has acid reflux and he will probably get sick a few times, but we are so humbled and so blessed that he is healthy.
So blessed.

Last weekend was our big family reunion and Ben was the youngest family member there, so he got lots of attention. We had such a great time at the ranch with everyone. I have such a wonderful extended family, and feel so blessed that we all got to get together. My grandmother has 4 other siblings and each of them have pretty large families of there own. There were probably around 50 people all together. Jessica came to take pictures for us...can't wait to see those!!

What's up with Ben lately? Well, he found his toes. Every time we get him in his bouncer, he grabs for his feet. This week he has been growing like a weed. He now drinks 3-4 ounces of bottle, so mama has been working extra hard to keep up with his needs. I am still breast-feeding, but he is liking the easy flow of the bottle more and more. During some feedings, he actually demands the bottle instead of me. A little sad, yes, but all that matters is that he is getting enough nutrients no matter how he gets it.

Around the house: We now have a house right behind us, so Will and I are on a mission to do some extra landscaping in the back for some much needed privacy. I hope these neighbors will be as wonderful as all of our other ones around us...

Things we are looking forward to: Our trip to Colorado in July, our many baseball games this summer with a bunch of different social groups, our 2 year anniversary, helping my parents find a new home after Sara graduates, Ben's first swimming session, going back to church, and spending time with our families this summer!

In our prayers: Mama J.'s surgery next week, Ben's health, Will's back pains, my dad's shoulder and knee healing, wisdom to be good parents, Mandy and Lane, Rebecca's family,

my little man

Ben has been having a very busy week. we went to joaquin's 3rd birthday party on tuesday at PUMP IT UP. ben didn't do a lot of bouncing, but was fascinated with all the bright colors and sounds of toddlers frolicking. Today Ben got a visit from Grammy and Daisy. He was laughing and playing with DAisy for hours. Today, we lifted up our head and stared at our fingers. He was SO alert today!!! He seemed like he had so much he wanted to say to us, but just lacked the vocabulary. He tells us when he is hungry by putting his fist in his mouth, and tells us when he is sleepy by rubbing his eyes. He is growing up so fast...he does something new everyday.

discovering fingers and hands

Yesterday was a big day for little Ben. It seemed like everything he did, we were amazed. He found his hand and was looking at it for like 5 minutes. He was able to lift his head longer than ever before (it was like he practiced over night while we were sleeping). He was also really vocal-very loud. Oh, and he had his first big big cry when mommy accidently turned on the kitchen aide without any ingredients....it made a really loud noise and he got startled. I felt so bad!!!
I caught myself thinking to myself how blessed we are to have such a wonderful baby. God is using Ben to teach and mold us into wiser, more thoughful people. Babies (especially Ben) bring joy and a sense of purity. Being amazed by the little poopies and smiles helps me realize how delicate his life is and how much he needs us for everything. In the same light, we need our heavenly Father's for love and guidance. This week I have been in awe of the growth of my little one, and it encourages me to keep moving and growing as a child of God.

In My Arms by Plumb
Your baby blues,full of wonder your curly cues,your contagious smile. And as I watch, you start grow up All I can do is hold you tight Knowing clouds will rage And storms will race in But you will be safe in my arms Rains will pour down,waves will crash around but you will be safe in my arms story books full of fairy tales of Kings and Queens and the bluest skies My heart is torn just in knowing You'll someday see the truth of lies when the clouds will rage and storms will race in But you will be safe in my arms Rains will pour down,waves will crash all around but you will be safe in my arms Castles they might crumble Dreams may not come true But you are never alone Because I will always,always love you When the clouds will rage And storms will race in But you will be safe in my arms Rains will pour down,waves will crash all around but yo will be safe in my arms,in my arms

may 11

i am so in love

We have had an eventful last couple days. Last Wednesday night Will and I went to Flight of the Conchords at Jones Hall...AMAZING!!! We had such a fun time and it was relaxing knowing that Loyla, Will's mom, was with Ben. This was Ben's first "late night" babysitter. I was a little nervous at first because if and when he refluxes it aint perty. BUT he was perfect!!! We came home to a very calm and extra soft (I think she spent the night rubbing lotion on him) baby.


fun with the mac

day after the concert...looking at himself in the mirror

First Mother's Day. Ben slept through lunch with my side of the family, but was happy and awake at Loylas'

Mother's Day gift from hubs. He designed it himself....it's supposed to be reminiscent of Ben when he was inside me. My dad calls it "the bun in the oven" pendant. i think it's precious. Maybe we can put a pink stone in it someday?