Musings by Megan

The way it was in the beginning ...

2012-02-13T13:58:00.002-06:00

A friend from our China days recently reminded Kc of this video ... and I just had to share it. And in doing so, remind me of those blissful times.

In the midst of sleepless nights, changing a gazillion diapers, enforcing time-outs and discipline measures, making dinners, fixing home maintenance issues, seminary studies, wiping runny noses, etc, it's good to remember what it used to be like.

We were fun at one point in our lives. We did kick back and laugh and enjoy each others company. Life was silly and exciting.

It's good to watch this and think back to those early days of our relationship. :)

I still get a kick out of you, babe. Happy Valentine's Day! I love you.

Song time

2012-01-31T09:55:00.002-06:00

I'm continually amazed how much B is learning right now! It's a little overwhelming at times to think of how best to help him with this explosion of understanding and comprehension that he's going through. Especially when I'm so sleep deprived - my brain just can't seem to keep up with him! Or actually to be one step ahead of him to think of new things for him to learn. I need to begin Scripture memory and poems. Any one have some suggestions on lists so I don't have to research ideas?? :)

Learning to count

2012-01-25T21:21:00.002-06:00

People told me how big Bennett would seem once we brought the baby home from the hospital.

Uhh, they were TOTALLY right! Especially when his language exploded while I was in the hospital. I'm not even kidding. Having a dad home for 2 weeks and then a grandma around for 2 weeks, B learned to count to 10, recognizes a majority of his letters and can "read" several books.

Why did he have to grow up so fast?!!? Sheesh. :)

Last few pregnancy pictures

2012-01-25T21:02:00.003-06:00

When you go into labor 9 days early, your "final" pregnancy pictures are a hit and miss. :)

These pictures were taken on Dec. 22, one week before labor begins! Erin came over to hang out for the evening and we ended up taking some wacky pictures together.
37.5 weeks pregnant!!
So, so, so ready for this baby to come out!!!

Christmas Eve - only 5 days before Grant arrived! Christmas Day 2011 - our baby boy almost made it to celebrate with us. I was having tons of contractions on Christmas Eve and was praying like crazy that the baby would stay put until after Christmas. I was so afraid that we'd have a Christmas baby!!! :)

Introducing ... Grant Alfred!!

2012-01-19T19:10:00.006-06:00

I'm only 4 weeks late in posting this, but we'd like to introduce our 2nd born son ...

Grant Alfred Myers
born Thursday, December 29, 2011
at 1:06 a.m.
weighing 7 lbs, 7 oz and 19 3/4" long

We chose the name Grant because it means "great" and Alfred was my maternal grandfather's given name. Alfred means "wise counselor" and we pray that our little boy will be just that - a great and wise counselor. I loved my grandpa immensely and he played a huge role in my life as a young girl. I would LOVE for him to meet my children and am so honored to give my little boy his name. He hated his name, but I know he would be touched and humbled to have his 4th great-grandson bear his name. If Grant is anything like him, he'll be a wonderful little boy and man.

No wonder I'm so tired ...

2011-12-06T09:22:00.002-06:00

I don't remember being this tired or sore or worn out last pregnancy. My OB keeps reminding me that being pregnant with your 1st is MUCH different than being pregnant with a toddler.

Can I hear a hearty "amen"?!?!?!

With your first child, you just sit around and think about how wonderful it will be to be a mom. With your second child, you don't really think about that child, other than how they are making it cumbersome to get down on the floor and chase after your first born.

Well, this was my morning. I watch this and think, "Ah. THIS is why I'm tired at night and can't WAIT for Daddy to come home and rescue me!!" :-)

Family names

2011-11-28T18:53:00.002-06:00

B has been figuring out who we all are in our family ... and it's precious. He repeats this over and over and over.

We'll be driving in our car and this little voice from the back seat will be practicing, "Daddy. Mommy. ME!!!!!"

So, so cute!

My cute toddler

2011-11-22T11:08:00.001-06:00

Since none of the family gets to see us for Thanksgiving, I thought I'd post a video I took this morning of my sweet, cute, funny little boy. :)

Incessant chatter

2011-11-01T14:03:00.003-05:00

This is just a sampling of how much Bennett is "talking" these days. Seriously. There are days Kc will come home from school and will ask how was our time here at home and my response, "Well, Bennett talked non-stop all. day. long." I'm not kidding.

I even cut this video down from 4 1/2 minutes to what is here. He just kept going and going and going. He makes me laugh.

We are currently working on finishing our words - especially words that end in a hard "p" sound. Like, stop, help, soap, cup, jump, nope, yep, etc. When he's trying to get out that final consonant, he throws his head downward, as if that would help him spit out that sound. :)

Love him. A lot.

A post of pictures

2011-10-24T15:05:00.005-05:00

I was recently informed by one of Bennett's grandmothers, that she could no longer remember what her grandson looked like and would I ever so kindly please put up some new pictures of her grandbaby. Sheesh.

Well, for that grandmother, here you go. He's REALLY hard to capture these days, as the child never stops moving. :)

He's discovered fingers up the nose. It's disgusting and adorable, all rolled into one.
Playing this fun game where I try to take his picture and then he runs up to me to get tickled. It's so cool. :)
He's becoming more and more "silly" and he knows it too and wants to get the laugh.
Haven't got the foggiest where he could've EVER gotten that trait from ...
My beautiful blue-eyed boy
He seems so long and gangly in this picture. Why is he growing up so quickly?!?!?

On Tuesdays, our dear friend, Erin, comes to have dinner with us and hang out with me while Kc heads downtown to seminary for a class. Last week, I had to run and get Kc from school and left Bennett with Erin for the 40 minutes it takes to make the trek. This is what happened as soon as I left. Many, many tears. :)
(LOVE the snot dripping from the nose! And not even his blanky could provide solace!)

3rd Trimester Begins

2011-10-24T14:48:00.005-05:00

Well. I'm officially in my 3rd trimester with Baby #2! Craziness!! I'll be 30 weeks on Friday and can't believe how fast time is flying. It seemed like it was taking forever to progress with this pregnancy and all of a sudden, I can't hold on to time!

I'm starting to feel fat and pregnant and clumsy and pregnant and blah and just pregnant. This pregnancy is so different compared to the first - having a toddler changes everything! :)

Actually, a couple of weeks ago I had my first rude encounter with a stranger! I was at an outing with MOPS friends and we were just getting desserts that night. I was ordering my dessert (a very large cinnamon roll) at the bakery counter and some older woman standing next to me asked me, "Oh! You are getting that, huh?!?!? How much longer do you have to go??", totally implying that I was so large already and why ever would I be ordering such a large sweet treat when I still had months left to go! I didn't even know how to respond. :)

I passed my glucose test last appointment, which I was certain I was going to fail, seeing how I was "so large" and all. I was a little low on iron, so my OB wants me to take some supplements for the end of the pregnancy.

I'm still gaining weight. [sigh] I have 8 more lbs to go and then I'll pass Kc up in weight. That will be a fun day! [sigh] I've been discouraged this time around with my weight gain. With Bennett, I was proud of how slowly I gained and really how quickly I was able to take it off. This time, sigh, it's been a struggle. I even have maternity clothes (mainly tops) that I'm not even able to wear because I'm too large for them. Talk about frustrating!!! I'm just praying (and planning on) that I'll lose weight quickly this time post-baby.

He's still nameless. If he came tomorrow, I would have NO clue what he'd be called. There's not even a short list to go off of. We aren't even debating between 2 or 3 names. It's still a huge, long list of possibilities. Nothing sounds right to me. I'm praying that God will give us his name and give it soon. I'd like to start calling him, even if we keep it quiet from others, his name very soon.

Bennett has been pointing to my stomach when asked where is his brother. Sometimes he points to my boobs, but honestly, I can't fault him for that - I do have 2 rather large humps to my abdomen!! :) On a few occasions, he's even pointed to his own belly button when asked where is baby brother.

Fingers are starting to swell. I'm sore. Having Braxton-Hicks. And other than that, I'm doing all right. I just can't believe that our new baby will be here in 10 weeks!

Belly pictures are SO much more fun to take with a whiny toddler :)
And it's more fun to have a 25 lb kiddo sitting on your fat stomach too!
I'm getting to the point where I can't really see Bennett when he stands right under me. :)
My little roundy-moundy of a belly!
Me and my boy

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-24T14:15:00.011-05:00

Last weekend, we went with our good friends, the Shipps, to visit the pumpkin patch again. We went last year with them (Hi traditions!) and our little man was just that, little. And clueless. This year, he was still a bit little, but more aware and super cute.

It was fun to go with them, although it felt like anything but fall that day - I think temps got up to 90 and we just pretended that it was cold and blustery and fall-like. :) I'm grateful for good friends and for yearly traditions!

Nora, Bennett and Isaiah
Climbing up the stairs to go down the slide - he's so EXCITED!
He's ready!!
Whhhheeeee!!!!!!!
He really did love it. He wanted to go again as soon as he finished. (I could eat up those fat feet!)
NOT loving the bounce house - at least once all the other kids got in. He cried and had to be rescued by Joseph!
Playing in the Pumpkin House and stealing all the pumpkins.
He kept trying to throw them to his daddy. :)
Munching on some kettle corn
Daddy is ready to go! Such wonderful fake excitement! :)
I'm SO grateful for a fun daddy who takes little boys on wagon rides! :)
Chasing his friends
Bennett has decided that he LOVES Joseph and wants to be with him all. the. time. Joseph (4) is so sweet to Bennett and I'm grateful for Joseph's kindness to my son. :)
The 4 little Rascals
I love how none of the children are looking at the camera(s)! :)
Silly time
Pregnant friends - we are due exactly a month apart and both having another boy! :)
Demonstrating how large we actually feel right now
Dude. Stay ON your pumpkin! :)
Isaiah and Bennett
See what I mean? He LOVES Joseph!!!

Texas State Fair

2011-10-24T13:53:00.005-05:00

This is our 5th fall in Texas. (gosh, did I just say 5th?!?!!? How can that be??? Wow.) And every year we've either attempted to go to the State Fair or just talked about how we should go. And we've never been.

I determined that THIS year would be the year, doggone it, and we'd make it there.

And we did. We were those parents that dragged their 19 month old to the State Fair, willing him to have fun just because we wanted to experience it through his eyes. And our said 19 month old was most excited about finding acorns on the ground as we walked out at the end of the evening. So typical on all accounts. :)

But, I'm glad we went. It was an outing and we were with each other and we both agreed that if it takes us another 5 years to go again, that's all right by us.

Visiting the petting farm/zoo. I thought B would be thrilled about this, but I think he was overwhelmed by the amount of people in there (me too!) and was more interested in people-watching than petting the animals.
Getting ready to ride our solo ride - the giant ferris wheel
Our stud of a daddy
Mommy pointing out objects on the ground below us

Well howdy, Big Tex! Bennett was fascinated by this talking puppet/man/giant thing!
Well howdy, big, fat preggo momma! :)
Bennett wanted to get out and dance to some awful Celtic music

Eating our ridiculously expensive dinner of a corn dog, fries and chicken sandwich! (Don't you just love how I'm completely oblivious to what B is doing. Nice, Meg.)
Bennett chewing on Daddy's corn dog stick.
And another favorite part for Bennett -- getting to play with the remaining tickets while we stood in line for our funnel cake. All I have to say is, where were the elephant ears?!?!?

Quiet thoughts

2011-10-02T22:44:00.003-05:00

It's night here. My house is silent. My flu-stricken husband is back in bed (where he belongs) and my go-a-million-miles-an-hour toddler has been asleep for several hours. And I'm alone with me and myself. Finally.

The day is over. There are some days in my life that I anticipate with much excitement and enthusiasm. This has not been one of those days. I've been dreading this day since March. And I made it through.

Well. That's not true. I didn't make it through.

No way, no how did I make it through. Not on my own strength.

I was carried. Held. Uplifted. Supported.

What a glorious way to get through a day. Knowing that you walk forward not because of any thing you are doing, but solely on the love of a Father who knows all aspects about his child and truly desires her best in life.

He uses his Word. He uses dear friends. He uses smiles and brief, but all-knowing hugs. He uses kisses from little ones.

Oh, how many times I've clung to this passage in Scripture, willing myself to believe, and on those rare occasions, actually believing the words written and wanting nothing more but to live them out.

"Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Today, I willed myself to believe these words. That He truly is enough for me. He is sufficient. There is no one or nothing here on earth, or even in heaven, that I should desire more than him. It's true. My heart does fail. It aches. It longs for. It hurts. My flesh is tired and I'm weary. I have no strength in and of myself.

BUT, God is my strength. He strengthens my heart. He moves me forward. And I believe.

And I praise him for all that he is.

God is good. Every day. All day.

18 month videos

2011-09-22T14:27:00.001-05:00

A couple recent videos of our little boy!!!

A new trick. We call it "crazy feet".

Raising our son to be as modern and tech-savvy as possible :)

18 months

2011-09-21T20:09:00.017-05:00

B -

Here we go again - time for another update. Why are you growing up so fast? Huh? You just need to stop and slow down for a second, okay? Please, for your mommy?

You hit the 18 month mark last Sunday. We were visiting family in Pittsburgh and I didn't have the time to write out anything beforehand so here I am, over a week later, telling you about where you are at 18 months old!

I don't really even know where to begin! This has been a crazy, full 3 months! And you've changed so, so much! You are definitely a toddler now - no longer a baby. We've called you "baby" as a pet name since you were born and are now have to train ourselves to refer to you as "little boy" since you are no longer a baby and really won't be the baby anymore once January comes and your little brother arrives.

You don't stop. Period. You are constantly on the go and busy, busy, busy. You "work" so hard at anything you do. I don't think you even walk anywhere anymore - you have this little run/waddle/walk that gets you from place to place. Our house is filled with the pitter-patter of your fat feet. And I mean fat. I had to get you larger sandals to make it through the rest of the warmer temps because you'd already outgrown the ones you had!

You are saying a TON of words. I feel like you learn a new word almost daily. I think you can say and know well over 30 words. Some of them are incredibly random that I can't believe you know how to say a certain thing! Many of your words, though, need some interpretation. Your daddy and I know what you are saying, but to the untrained ear - it might be a bit confusing. Like, you can say "bubble", "Bible", "puzzle", and "pretzel", but when you say them, they all sound alike. Context, my son, it's all about context.

We've been having you sit in church with us (you usually last until the sermon) and you've caught on to the concept of praying. You ask to pray all the time. It's the most precious thing I've ever seen. You ask to pray at meals. You want to pray at bedtime. And in church, you'll hear the pastor talk about praying, turn to one of us, and say, "Pray??", while folding your little chubby hands and giving this odd but reverent face. Precious.

You aren't interested at all in animal sounds - you used to make a sound for an owl, snake and lion. But, I think your speech is developing so rapidly right now that animal sounds aren't on your radar. You are starting to do motions to songs more - you even will try to sing along to "Row, row, row your boat".

Coloring is a new favorite activity. You go nuts when you see crayons and start shouting, "Gai-go, gai-go, gai-go", which is how you say "color". You've even associated it with sidewalk chalk and other writing utensils. You are still into books, to some extent. However, you are so busy, that usually you end up climbing off my lap and playing with another toy and I'm left reading the book aloud to no one. That's ok though. At least you like to read occasionally.

I've started having more of a routine since Daddy has gone back to school. We are working on Psalm 100 (with motions of course) at breakfast, and while you eat your lunch, I'm reading "Winnie-the-Pooh" aloud to you. I'm aware that you aren't really understanding what I'm doing, but I wanted to seize the opportunity of having an only child and start your "schooling" process.

Having you understand more of what we are say is a blessing and a curse at times. You can get frustrated at times when you are trying to communicate to us and we fail to understand what you mean and vice versa. With that comes some unwanted behavior and that has led us to start incorporating a time-out chair. We tried your crib, but in your state of crazed state of mind, you figured out how to climb out of your crib (or more like fall out) so we had to resort to the stand-by of a chair in the corner. It's working so far. We've even had success in telling you to change your behavior or a time-out chair is the next step. Oh, my son, how your dad and I pray so hard for wisdom and patience as we venture into this new territory of disciplining!

It was a long summer as Dallas experienced record-breaking heat with 41 consecutive days of 100 degrees or more and with a total of 70+ days of 100 degree weather. It's been miserable to say the least. For a little boy who used to love the outdoors, you quickly learned that going outside was "hot". We would even ask you if you wanted to go out, and you'd get this very serious look on your face and say, "Hot." Amen, son. The heat made it difficult to let loose some extra energy that little boys have and with a pregnant mom (and a dad who either was in class or worked most of the summer), we seemed at our wits end at times being cooped up in the house. We were able to spend a week in Indianapolis in July and we just returned from a 10 day trip to Pittsburgh (where we saw rain for the first time in 4 months!).

Oh, my sweet, sweet boy. How I love you and can't believe that you are actually mine. People say your eyes and nose look like me - that thrills my soul! Even though there are moments when your toddler'ness gets the best of me, I love you with everything that's within me!

Yeah for being 18 months old!!

Reading Big Red Barn with me - with your ankles crossed, of course!
"Helping" mommy with dinner We told the world about you being a big brother. Oh, how your life will change in January!!
Cherries were a hit!
Obviously, you love swimming. (Actually, you really did enjoy it!)
You are A) a complete goof ball and B) incredibly messy when it comes to pasta dishes
Your 1st carousel ride at the Indianapolis Children's Museum this July
Playing with the Chihuly exhibit with Sophia
A future Indy car driver perhaps? I sure hope not.
Taking your carousel ride very seriously. You cried when it was time to stop. You loved it so!
What toddler doesn't love 2 popsicles at the same time?!?
Nightly bedtime bath with Daddy
Enjoying your stay at a fancy hotel for mommy and daddy's 4th anniversary
Riding the hobby horse that Nana Myers has saved for you after all these years
Angry Birds with Uncle Drew - yes, you finally got to meet him!!!!
Loving Pittsburgh's rain!
Extending our stay in order to see Aunt Shannon!
You and Samantha were HYSTERICAL together! So. Much. Fighting!
But also sharing food with each other. So, so cute!!!!!

Just a Saturday morning

2011-08-22T21:44:00.006-05:00

A taste of a Saturday morning at our house ...

Figuring out how to push this contraption!
Watching Dad is always the best way to learn
Precious. Precious. Precious.
My big boy!
Daddy and his boy
All hard-working men need to drink out of the hose, especially in 100 degree heat!
"Oh man, that's COLD!!!"
I love, love, love these water pictures!!!

And today, we still we were wanting to play "mowing" so we had to practice our skills so we'd be even better the next time it was time to mow with Dad.

20 weeks

2011-08-19T13:26:00.004-05:00

I'm officially half-way through this pregnancy today!

I can't believe. I honestly and truly thought I'd never make it to this point. I feel like I've been pregnant for, well, forever and that the mid point would NEVER come. And it's here. Finally. A huge sigh of relief.

So far things are looking good, for which I'm very grateful. I think losing a baby makes the next one all the more precious - feeling little movements is a wonderful confirmation that the baby is ok.

Still no weight gain yet. I'm doing the same thing I did with Bennett - I've lost about 4 lbs since the start of the pregnancy. I've been sicker this time around. Not as dead-dog-tired as I was with Bennett, but more queasy and definitely more times of actually being sick. I haven't had much of an appetite to speak of until recently. So, even though there's been no official weight gain, I won't be surprised if I have when I go for another check-up next week.

Baby isn't moving much at this point. I don't remember when Bennett really started going to town. Maybe this means that our next baby will be a more calm and sedate child. :)

I'm totally wearing maternity clothes now, and have been for several weeks. When I look at pictures of myself at this point last time, I feel like I look the same, but I got tired of wearing my normal clothes and new maternity t-shirts were calling my name!

Did I mention that we've known the gender for about 3 weeks?!??!

Oh, I didn't. Oops. Sorry about that!

I didn't mean to keep it a secret for so long. We found out at the spur of the moment at the 16 week visit and we were both in shock that I needed a few days to wrap my brain around it all. And a few days turned into a few weeks and, well, here we are!

Kc had gone with me to my appointment and my doctor decided to go ahead with the ultrasound. She claimed she couldn't wait another month and wanted to know right then. She told me later she did it because Kc was there and that way he wouldn't have to take off from school to come at the 20 week visit.

I wasn't mentally prepared AT ALL and was in total disbelief that we were going to randomly find out the gender of the baby right then and there!

We got the sono done ... and there was no denying the results.

Looks like Bennett will have a playmate all to himself! Yes, another Boy for the Myers family!!!!

Boys. 2 Boys. 2 little boys. 2 busy, busy, busy little boys. Brothers.

I had been dreaming pink this time around and felt fairly confident that I would be borrowing all Shannon's girl clothes, but alas, she's going to have to send back all my newborn onesies by January, because I'm going to need them again! :)

We've been trying to start brainstorming boy names - we had SUCH a hard time naming our 1st and I can't believe that we get to name another boy! We hope to settle on a name before Little Brother is born (unlike with Bennett).

I still can't believe that I'm half-way through this pregnancy and truly do praise the Lord for this mile marker. It's good to be here. And it's good to feel the little tiny movements of my precious, baby boy.

Hmmm ... not good ... feeling bloated already?!?!? Maybe it was just dinner.
Let's go, Babe. I'm done. And it's hot out here!
20 weeks

A little excited to see Daddy!

2011-08-18T12:38:00.002-05:00

Either I'm super boring or Kc's super fun ...

Either way, it was precious to see Bennett so very happy to have his Daddy home from work last night.

Kc's been back in school (including inservice) for over a week now. About 4:30 every afternoon, Bennett starts asking for his "Dadda" and every noise he hears, whether outside or inside, he turns to me and inquires, "Dadda????".

It's a glorious thing when our Daddy finally returns to us - for both me and for Bennett! :)

Bennett story

2011-08-11T14:27:00.002-05:00

Mornings with Bennett typically go like this: he wakes and cries. Hard. Kc is usually already up (or at least in the shower) and getting ready for work. He gets Bennett his morning milk, changes his diaper and then usually brings him in to me, still lazying around in bed, and Bennett will lay there next to me and drink his milk while Kc finishes eating his breakfast.

This morning was no exception. Or so I thought.

Since school hasn't officially started yet and Kc is having his inservice week, he's been heading to work much later than normal. When Bennett woke, I heard him get Bennett and then bring him in to our room, milk in hand, to lay with me.

Once Bennett started getting restless, after finishing his milk, I wasn't ready to face the day yet, so I tried to shoo Bennett out of the room for a bit.

I told him to "go find Daddy. Bennett, go find your daddy", thinking that Kc was in the kitchen eating his breakfast.

A few minutes later, with my eyes still closed of course, I could hear Bennett coming back into our room and whining up a storm! I assumed he was trying to get up on the bed and not wanting to put forth the effort to actually climb up and just wanted me to lift him up. The whining was getting louder and more annoying to me, so I finally opened my eyes and turned to him to see what was wrong.

He was standing next to the bed, holding a publication from Kc's school - one that has Kc's picture in it.

Lately, a favorite activity of his is to take the magazine and bring it to one of us, saying "Dada", "Daddy". He wants us to find the page where his daddy's picture is located and then point to Kc's face.

I guess when I told him to go find his daddy this morning, and lo and behold, Kc had already left for work (unknown to me!), Bennett decided to do the next best thing and bring me his daddy's picture instead!

Precious, precious little boy!!

Hey guess what - it's still hot down here!

2011-08-07T17:13:00.007-05:00

I've been trying to locate some type of website that would explain the heat we've been having down here in N. Texas. Kc finally found just that perfect website this weekend and I attempted to save the pictures to post on here ...

I'm not very good at doing that type of thing, I suppose. You can click on the picture to have it enlarged to really see the stats.

What are those stats, you ask?

Well, it's stats about the weather, of course. And how miserable it's been this summer.

I posted a comment the other day on Facebook about the heat and I received a response saying that really, it's not any better up north, as they've also been having record heat as well.

I beg to disagree. It's ridiculously hot here. And miserable. And I think we win. Hands down.

According to this website, we've had 90 degree (or hotter) weather, every. single. day., since May 27. That's 10 solid weeks of days hotter than 90 degrees. And lucky for us, we are on track to break the record for our most consecutive days of 100 degrees or more. Today marks Day 37. By Friday of this coming week, we'll have broken the record and based on the extended forecast, we'll blow that record out of the books.

Folks who have lived here their entire lives are even starting to complain. So, it's not just me who's cranky and ready for some relief. :)

I remember the first summer I lived here. I can remember carrying a jacket with me if we were going to be out in the evening time, just in case the evening air was a bit chilly and I needed something over my shoulders. How naive and innocent I used to be. The second summer I lived here, there was no bringing a jacket with me to ANY night event. Why should I? It's still 100 degrees at 10 pm!

Needless to say, the heat truly has been unbearable. We've given up watering any of our flowers that we had planted. Our AC is maxed out passed it's capacity and we've resorted to living in a cave, with blinds drawn and ceiling fans going at full speed to help conserve the AC we have.

So, I understand that the north has had some hot days themselves. But, I still think we, who are suffering down south, should receive some type of medal or something for our long, hot summer!

***** I forgot to add .... we've been teaching Bennett the word "hot" in reference to the stove and microwaved foods. I'm not even joking about this part. Lately, if you go outside with sweet Bennett, he'll step out in the garage or out in the sun and say, "HAH!!! Ha!", eyes open very wide and serious, just like he does when he sees the stove. That boy knows it's hot outside!!! :)

My Dizzy Boy

2011-07-13T10:48:00.002-05:00

A new favorite activity: getting dizzy.

I have no idea how he learned to do this. I guess he just put two and two together when Kc would twirl him around. But, just one day, we told him to be dizzy and this is what he did.

We think it's hysterical. :)

Animals

2011-07-08T13:27:00.003-05:00

We have finally gotten some animal sounds out of this child.

If I recall, most kids make their first sounds of a dog, cat or cow. You know, normal ones.

But not our son.

We can make a lion, snake and now an owl.

So very typical.

Hilarious!!!

2011-06-30T15:28:00.002-05:00

I thought I'd take a break from posting videos or pictures of just my son and change it up for once.

Just saw this on facebook and oh. my. word. It's HYSTERICAL!!!

Even though it's so funny, I sure do hope the NFL lockout ends soon. The Manning brothers need to do what they do best -- play some football!! :)

Ha!

Upset? Pleased? Not quite sure.

2011-06-25T09:47:00.007-05:00

Bennett put on this t-shirt today, and when he read what it said ...

... he obviously was really pleased about the fact that he was no longer going to be the baby in our house.

He was uncertain at first, not sure what being a "big brother" was all about, but once it dawned on him that this meant not being the center of attention anymore, he lost it. Maybe he thought that there could only be 1 kid in our family and he had to go. I'm not sure exactly.

All I know is once he found out that he got to stick around our family too and was still loved and still had several months of being the center of attention, he was much happier.

(Actually, he had thought he was going "bye-bye" since he was standing at the front door. Me opening the door to go outside is what brought on the smile!)

We are super excited about adding to our family and we know that Bennett will be a GREAT big brother! New Baby Myers is scheduled to make their appearance sometime around the first week of January.

Completed - finally

2011-06-23T20:03:00.007-05:00

Many, many, MANY months ago, I started making a mobile for the nursery. I had planned on doing something before Bennett was actually born [cough, huge procrastinator, cough]. And that didn't really happen so much.

Last fall, I felt like I was actually a human being again and decided I was going to just do it and make the stupid mobile! I had gotten some ideas from others I had seen on etsy but figured I could spend a fraction of the cost of the ones being sold and create a mobile myself. I wanted something fairly gender neutral, something whimsical, cute but not cute-cute, and would go well with the sparse decorations I already had in the nursery. My mom had made for me the crib skirt, curtains and pillows for my rocker out of a brown toile. And that was about all the decorations I had going on in there.

So, back to the mobile. I printed off the ideas from etsy, and then got down one evening when Kc was gone, and began sketching out my pattern. In all honesty, I think I'm most proud of these sketches! I can't draw to save my life. Seriously. And somehow, I was able to sketch these babies out and I've never been so pleased!
I finally, after much deliberation, had decided on owls for the mobile. I was going to make a center tree and then owls for the actual mobile.
Look! I can draw!!!

It seemed as if this mobile was finally going to get made, only 6 months after Bennett was born! I went out and bought quilt scraps and felt and all the other necessary sewing supplies I was going to need and got started.

I cut out one owl, started sewing it together, and then my self-doubt, ultra-hyped-insecurities, and perfectionist tendencies kicked in and I quit. I questioned my whole entire project ("This looks RIDICULOUS! I have NO idea what I'm doing. It's going to look STUPID!") and refused to pick it back up. Lame, I know.

But, I gave myself an excuse and began working on an advent calendar for my sister, Shannon, trying to get it finished before Thanksgiving. So, naturally, I didn't have time to work on the mobile.

I decided to take the pieces with me at Christmas and see if I could get some encouragement and help from my super creative mom and sister. They gave me the boost that I needed to finish and I came back to Texas ready to go.

[sigh] And I didn't do. Have we talked about the procrastination yet??

Kc kept asking me when I was going to either finish the mobile or put away all the supplies and that was also the needed kick in the pants to get it done, especially since Bennett was now a year old and not needing a baby mobile over his crib. :)

Well, I'm pleased to say that I FINALLY finished the mobile.

Here is the completed mobile!!
I painted twigs I had found in our yard and Kc helped me figure out how to tie them together and attach it to the ceiling.
And the tree in the center - naturally we have an "owl hole" in the tree :)

I'm fairly pleased with the way it turned out. Of course, I think it could be better but honestly, I don't know what to do differently. I'm just proud of myself for thinking outside of the box, for attempting to be crafty without directions and for finishing it before Bennett turned 5.

There are supplies and plans to make his name for the wall - we'll see how quickly I can get that done.

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye

2011-06-17T12:36:00.002-05:00

For those who would be interested (and wouldn't know this because they never check her blog ...), Shannon has decided to start blogging again!!!

YEAH!!!!

After a 2 year sabbatical, we are back in business.

I'm so glad.

Go to her blog. Make her feel loved so she'll keep on blogging. :)

15 months

2011-06-11T19:29:00.005-05:00

Bennett boy,

15 months. That's how old you are today! I can't really call you a "baby" anymore because in these past 3 months, you've most definitely transitioned into a "toddler"!! How can this be true??!?!?

You've hit some major milestones these last 3 months, the biggest being that you are walking! You've officially been walking for about 2.5 weeks now. You started taking some steps around Easter but were very hesitant to go more than about 3 or 4 steps at a time. However, each day you gained more and more confidence until one day, you just started walking. It literally happened overnight. Your daddy was at work and I sent him a text saying, "Your son has decided to walk today" because you had! I LOVED seeing this new skill develop.

Although, with your new found walking skill, you've also been getting into EVERYTHING! I can hardly keep up with you now, not because you are walking fast, but because you go from one thing to another. You are so curious about your world and all that in entails. You've managed to figure out how to open all the child-locks we have around our house. Not cool, son. Not cool. Bathrooms are now off-limits and so is the pantry.

You are saying a few words -- mommy, daddy, bye-bye, hi, book, ball, please, go, get, that, and banana. Such a nice variety. Your favorite word is "buh-bye". You constantly want to go outside. Unfortunately, we live in Texas and it's been in the 90's for the past 2 weeks and your momma hates hot weather, so you don't get to go "buh-bye" very often. You have the most precious way of saying this and your daddy and I just laugh at you because you are so cute!

In the past 2 weeks, you've also cut 4 molars and are working on 2 more teeth. Needless to say, you've been quite cranky and fussy and judging from the size of those molars, if that was me, I'd be cranky too!

According to your Wii person, you are weighing about 24.5 lbs. You are still wearing 12 month clothing, but I probably could begin putting you in 18 month things. Such a big boy! You go to bed around 7 pm and will sleep for 12 hours. Bedtime has become a breeze - I think you actually look forward to it! Naps are still a struggle. Some days you take 2 naps, other days just 1 and then there are some days where you really haven't napped at all!

You will do your tricks on demand, and usually when asked to perform one trick, you'll go ahead and do all of them, just to get them out of the way, I'm sure. You clap, dance, shake your head "no", raise your arms for "touchdown", blow kisses, give high-5's, show us how big you are, make noises with your lips, play "peek-a-boo", and make motions for "you monkeys you!". No animal sounds quite yet.

It's so fun to begin being able to really communicate with you! Each day I'm surprised that it appears that you've actually understood what we are saying to you. The other day, I told you it was time to change your diaper, and you stopped what you were doing and headed down the hall to your bedroom for said diaper change!

We had lots of company back in April and early May. It was so fun to have our family come visit us and you loved all the special attention that family can bring.

Bennett, your daddy and I love you so, so, SO very much. As you grow and we have started to see more of your sinful nature emerging, we are praying so hard for your salvation and that the Lord will guide us and give us much wisdom in parenting you. Parenting is a hard job, but you make it so worth the effort. You are a joy in our lives and I can't imagine life without you!!!

I LOVE YOU, little B!
Love, your momma

You love to point at random things and have really started pointing for something that you want! It's cute, but hard to know at times what it is you are pointing at!
Right after your birthday, you developed this awful, nasty rash on your face. Your pediatrician couldn't figure it out and so we finally had to take you to a dermatologist and they diagnosed it as eczema. With the right medication, it's cleared up just fine!
Getting into mischief when Samantha was here
You love your nightly bath, but aren't sure yet about the swimming pool :)
Being silly with Mom before bath time
You can walk!!! Daddy likes to take you on "walks" down our sidewalk. Precious.
You adore your daddy. Simply adore him!
Spaghetti is just too good, huh?
My 15 month old little guy!
(One of my favorite parts about this picture are the blond temples you are getting from the sun!)

Funny little boy

2011-05-23T10:10:00.003-05:00

I guess I can say that I officially have a toddler. Sigh.

He leaves your sight for 30 seconds and this is where I find him. In the bathroom cabinets. We have locks on 2 of our cabinets in our bathroom because little B likes to pull these out of there. This morning, he decided to beat that system by climbing in the cabinets to reach behind the locked door and play with the forbidden objects.

Guess this means that the other cabinet doors will now be locked.

Only, the other day, I saw him figure out how to unlock the child-lock in the kitchen.

Someone, help.

End of the year

2011-05-23T09:58:00.003-05:00

Kc's 4th year of teaching 3rd grade is soon to come to a close. The end of the year is in sight.

And apparently, in some eyes, he's the best teacher. Ever.

On Sunday morning we were greeted, upon opening our blinds, with this declaration of "love" and "devotion".

The sign reads, "Caution. Best teacher ever. Mr. Myers".
He's so thrilled.
We were watching some friends' children for the night, which is why they are in this photo! :)

I think we'd both take a $100 gift card to a steak house instead. :)

Another great video

2011-05-16T17:23:00.001-05:00

A favorite video. Notice what terrible parents we are -- we just sit back and laugh at his predicament! :)

New tricks

2011-05-16T17:15:00.000-05:00

We captured most of Bennett's tricks on video on Sunday. Unfortunately, he's completely zoned out but at least he'll perform to some extent! :)

Shannon comes to visit

2011-05-16T16:45:00.005-05:00

Early this month, my dear and wonderful sister came for a 5 day visit! When she booked her ticket, she remarked to me, "I hope you don't regret having us for that length of a time." My response: "Are you kidding me??? I've waited my entire life to play 'house' for real with you!!!!"

We had a great time, pretty much doing nothing. I think we both needed that type of a break. We stayed in pj's until noon. Shopped a little. Picnicked at the park with friends. Played on iPhones/iPods. Talked. Laughed. Ate lots of food. Watched the babies attempt to walk. Such a great, great time!!!!

I just wish we didn't live so durn far away. This is becoming quite ridiculous, actually. :)

Cousins having fun
Lots and lots of playing which means lots and lots of messes :)
Reading stories to the babies. Er, toddlers now!
Samantha figured out how to climb on the ledge and then showed B what a cool trick that was!
Love. Love. Love.
I pray that these two will always be close buddies - only 2.5 weeks separate them!!
Sweet Samantha!!
Bennett and his Aunt Shannon
Kc thought it was so funny that we would sit in the evenings and "watch" tv while "playing" on our phone/iPod. Well, he was busy writing a gazillion papers, so he's one to talk! :)

Thank you SO MUCH for making the effort and sacrifice to come see me, Shannon!!! I love you and can't wait for our next time together!!!!!

Finding the Easter eggs/basket

2011-04-27T15:25:00.001-05:00

To forewarn all viewers: these videos are B.O.R.I.N.G. With a capitol B. But, for the grandparents and family who were unable to be here and who actually want to see these, this is for them. :)

Easter 2011

2011-04-27T14:16:00.004-05:00

I feel like this year was Bennett's first Easter. Last year, he was just shy of 4 weeks old and I was so sleep deprived that it was all a blur. :) But this year I really wanted to make it special and just enjoy the holiday! Kc's folks were able to be here for Easter and it was fun to have family around to help us celebrate.

I had a basket for Bennett (and Kc) and put pretzels and animal crackers in the plastic eggs. At the last minute, I decided to put some eggs out for a little "hunt", not thinking that he would even notice them. Oh, I was wrong. When he got up, he was sitting on my lap, drinking his bottle, when he noticed the plastic eggs on the hearth. He immediately wanted to get down and made a beeline for the eggs. It was precious! And filled my heart with much joy. It was so cute to watch him try to open the eggs and figure out how he was going to hold them all in his arms! :)

We were able to snag a few family pictures before heading out to church.
Grandpa and Nana Myers

We had brunch instead of the traditional ham lunch and I was so pleased with the outcome. With everyone's help, the meal was delicious and quite tasty. We made a potato frittata, hashbrowns, cinnamon rolls, bacon, sausage, asparagus, parfaits, and chocolate covered strawberries.
I even pulled out Great-Grandma Barrick's dishes and used those for the first time.

Easter Pictures

Whose kid is this???

2011-04-20T21:51:00.002-05:00

This is what Bennett did ALL.AFTERNOON today. He lifted his little butt in the air and tried to look between his legs. He looked like he was trying to do a somersault.

This kid is strange. I have no idea where he got that from ....

:-)

Early Saturday morning

2011-04-19T17:12:00.003-05:00

It's amazing how much fun can be had before 8:30 am!!! :)

After a waffle breakfast made by Kc, we all headed outside to play with the sandbox and create beautiful designs on our patio with sidewalk chalk. Fun times.

Family visit

2011-04-19T11:40:00.008-05:00

My brother, Kevin, and his wonderful family came out to visit us for the weekend!!! We so much appreciated their sacrifice to come see us. Having have made that trek too many times to count, I know how difficult it can be to drive, especially with 3 little girls! But, we had a great time showing them a piece of our world down here in Texas.

They had planned on arriving in the afternoon on Friday, but decided mid-way through their drive to come all the way and arrived on Thursday evening instead. That meant we had a full day to play and I was so glad that they pushed through and came the night before their expected arrival! :)

We had a hail storm blow through on Thursday night which brought incredibly high winds on Friday. Really, really strong winds! Our "picnic" turned into eating at a restaurant and then playing at the park.
Sweet nieces -- Sophia - 1, Clara - 3, Meredith - 5
Bennett getting some walking help from Uncle Kevin
The bluebonnets were in full bloom last weekend, but we still had to try to get some cousin pictures of them, even though they were waning fast. I had seen one little patch of them nearby so we headed over there after playing at the park.
Kev and Ames - love them
Me and my sweet boy
The babies making a royal mess :)
Heading downtown on Saturday to see Dealy Plaza and eat at Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse
Clara and her Uncle Kc

Sarah and her gang came over after church to join us for some faijtas. They are also friends with Amy and Kevin from days gone by. Kc blew up our little pool and even though it wasn't terribly warm out, the kids had a blast playing in the pool. Bennett and Sophia just ate sand and chalk. :)
Meredith and Nora, instant BFF's :)
Sweet, sweet Clara
Sarah and Amy
New friends
HA! Bunny ears on Sarah!!
Aaaaand ... she gets me back :)
Poor Joseph
Bennett wishing that he wasn't a) stuck and b) big enough to get in the pool with the kids
Making a craft with Aunt Megan on the last night -- Before
All dry and ready to wear! (I've been told that the girls have worn their crowns everywhere since then! I love it. )

Hello, April!

2011-04-02T08:49:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad it's a new month. April, I've wanted to see you for a while.

The first 3 months of this new year have really not been pleasant for us. Let's be truthful. They've actually sucked. Yes, I know that's coarse talk but it's true and it's honest. March in particular. It was the worst.

Other than Bennett's birthday, March was terribly unpleasant and I've never been so grateful for a change. Between all the sickness we've had, such as ear infections, sinus infections, yeast infections, bacterial infections, coughs, and drippy noses, we've also had eating strikes by a certain 1 year old causing weight loss, a miscarriage, strange rash on cheeks and arms, and allergies galore. We've gone through numerous Kleenex boxes and rolls of toilet paper when we've run out of tissues on which to blow all these noses.

It's been trying to say the least. And even my "always look on the bright side of things" husband has agreed it's been hard. I've been cranky and discouraged and tired and discouraged and overwhelmed and discouraged and ready to just throw in the towel and cry "uncle" on more than one occasion.

So, I'm hopeful that this next quarter of the year will be better than the last. I'm hopeful that April joys will replace the tears of March. There are several good things coming our way in April and it gives me something to look forward to, to anticipate, plan for and welcome with open arms.

I'm glad it's a new month. I'm glad March is behind us. Hello, April. Welcome.

Bennett's 1st Birthday

2011-03-23T14:22:00.012-05:00

Grandpa and Grandma Koons flew in for the big day, arriving the night before Bennett's birthday. Even though I know that he'll never remember this day, in my mind, a 1st birthday is still an important day to remember and celebrate. A friend once said that really the first birthday is a celebration that you, as the parents, have kept a child alive for an entire year! And I heartily agree. :)

Bennett woke up on the morning of his birthday to find balloons and streamers on the mantle of the fireplace and presents to open sitting on the hearth. He managed to only get one present opened before Kc had to head off to work, so we saved the rest for that evening.
We enjoyed a leisurely morning and around 11 am, headed off to the Dallas Arboretum. We visited there last year when B was just 1 week old. It might just be a tradition for us as long as we live in Dallas. :)

The flowers did not disappoint as they were gorgeous! It was a sunny, breezy day and simply gorgeous outside.
That night, we had our good friends, the Shipp family and Bennett's "Aunt Erin" over for a lasagna dinner and birthday cake.
The lasagna was a HIT!
We got home around 3pm and Mom and I whipped this baby together like no one's business. :)
The Birthday Cake
"Happy Birthday to You!!!"

Bennett was pleased with everyone's attention on him. Wonder where he gets that from????
Blowing out the candle

Eating cake

We got Bennett ready for bed and then let him (or actually, Nora and Joseph) open up his presents. The Birthday Boy was QUITE ready for bed at this point, but you gotta open up at least 1 present, right?

It was a wonderful day, celebrating the 1st birthday of our little guy!!!

They're BAAAACK!!!

2011-03-23T13:29:00.002-05:00

One time I blogged about the birds. And how strange it was. And how I'll never get used to it, no matter how long I live here.

The other night, I happened to have my iPod with us in the car and was able capture a sampling of what I'm talking about.

Some one please tell me I'm not weird for thinking this strange. Please.

Playing pretend

2011-03-16T22:42:00.001-05:00

Bennett and his dad get in some playtime during dinner time. :) May the fun begin!!!

Happy 1st Birthday!!!

2011-03-12T23:28:00.000-06:00

First few weeks

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

12 months

12 months/1 year!

2011-03-11T14:08:00.001-06:00

Bennett,

Is it possible? Can it be true? Are you really 1 year old today?!?!?! They said time would fly. And they weren't lying. It truly has flown by. I can't believe that this time, one year ago, you were being placed in my arms, as a fresh, new babe. I love you, son. More today than I did in that beautiful moment.

This has been quite the month (and past 2 months) for you. We've been busy, or more truthfully, you've been busy! You aren't walking yet, but have been cruising around furniture for quite some time. You like being "walked" but after a few minutes, your little legs tire out and you start whining to crawl. You have this adorable cart that you also try pushing. But again, you tire quickly. Even though I can't wait for you to walk, I'm also not too sad that you aren't there yet. :)

You own this house, or so you think. You crawl EVERYWHERE and have loved the freedom of exploring your surroundings. One of your favorite places to crawl and play are the window sills. We have nice, big windows in our house and you love to stand at the sills and play. You jabber at everything outside and it's simply precious. You also love "your" drawer. I've allowed you to have a drawer in the kitchen, and you know it's yours to play in. You put your blocks and car keys and anything else you take a fancy to in your drawer. You aren't afraid to be away from me and will just crawl to whatever or wherever your little heart desires and will just play with your toys.

All things wooden are a favorite right now. You have these little pegs that you will carry all over the house. Your favorite block is the yellow block. Actually, you'll find anything yellow and carry it around the house. But, the pegs are your favorite. Don't ask me why. Maybe because your pudgy little hand fits so nicely around it.

Around your 11 month mark, we started you on whole milk. I needed to stop nursing you, and even though I was sad for a couple of days, you took to the change like a champ! We tried formula for a couple of days but then decided to just go straight to milk. You sign "milk" all the time, but it doesn't always mean something to drink. It also means "food" or "anything I want that I don't have"! You've also been sitting in your big boy carseat and you look SO OLD in it! I think you are enjoying being able to see out the window better and feeling more a part of the family.

Right after Christmas, when you were so sick, you went on a sleeping strike. You refused to sleep. For several weeks. You were exhausted and so were Daddy and I. It was miserable. We finally found the trick to get you to sleep - a bath and an early bed time. You've been going to bed (after Daddy gives you a bath) around 6:30 and usually sleeping until 7 the next morning. Some mornings you think that 5:30 am is the perfect time to wake up. Daddy and I disagree, so we let you play with your train on the floor of our room until Daddy's alarm goes off an hour later. You don't mind.

We had a wonderful event occur this past month. We were quite excited about the changes in our family; however, our loving Father had something else in mind and that which we were anticipating was no longer. Daddy and I have been sad and this week especially, you've been so affectionate and loving towards us. Somehow, you know ... and I've been so grateful for the kisses on my face and kisses on my legs and kisses on my toes. I love you, my sweet Bennett.

You are weighing around 21/22 lbs, but we'll get the real weight next week after your 1 year doctor's visit. You are in 12 month clothing and with your cloth diapers, they fit just fine. You are a tall, lean machine.

There's hardly anything you won't eat now. We are giving you everything -- lots of food that we eat! Fruit is a total favorite. You'll drop whatever you are eating if we offer you some type of fruit. You love hotdogs and sandwich meat and mac n cheese and bread and applesauce and yogurt and well, you just like food!

You are waving hello and goodbye. You've got a cute way of saying it and we love it because we can finally start communicating with you! You point at everything and say, "Dat." Do you think you are saying, "What's that?" I don't know, but it's precious. We are on the cusp of your understanding more and more of what we say. When I tell you an item is "no, no", you are doing so well at just crawling away from it. Books have suddenly become an activity you enjoy. You'll even bring them to me to read to you! You clap for joy and that usually happens when your dad walks through the door.

I just feel like overnight you've turned into a toddler. You are so expressive and are such a joy in our lives! God directed us beautifully when we gave you the name of a blessing -- you are a blessing to me, to Daddy, and to all that you meet. You are loved, Bennett Christian. I'm so lucky to get to be your mom.

I love you. Happy Birthday, little man.
- Momma

You are such a goof ball! You've totally started in on the cheesy grins and smiles.
Pointing at everything. Gosh, you are just beautiful!
You love to stick out your tongue. At nothing and anything.
More pointing.
Your first trip to the zoo while Daddy was on Spring Break last week
The penguins were your favorite.
You adore your daddy. Absolutely adore him!!

Bad Parents

2011-03-07T22:12:00.004-06:00

This week, we will be celebrating being parents for one whole year. ONE WHOLE YEAR!

And, these videos prove that it's a wonder our child has made it thus far.

We are bad parents. :)

[chuckle, chuckle, chuckle]

This was taken last weekend when Bennett first learned that syrup really is one of the 4 main food groups!

Aaaannndd.... we let him taste a popsicle ...

*** Videos should work now! :)

Learning to communicate

2011-03-06T21:37:00.004-06:00

(Yeah! I've figured out a way to show some recent videos of our little guy! We've changed our method of taking videos of him, and now the files are too large to upload to blogger directly. So, for now, we'll just have to do it this way and hopefully it will work.)

Bennett has just recently figured out how to wave "hi" and "bye-bye". He waves at anyone now and it's precious!! He says "HA" or something like that for a hi and a "bah-bah" for a good-bye. He's even starting to say bye-bye all the time -- put him on the floor to change his clothes: bah-bah. Walk into the laundry room on the way to the garage: bah-bah. Even if he's not going anywhere and watches one of us getting keys/purse/phone out: bah-bah.

The other night, Kc was walking in and out of the room, having Bennett practice it.

We sure do love our little guy!!!!

Faithful

2011-03-03T15:40:00.000-06:00

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
"The LORD is is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."

~ Lamentations 3:22-23

"... when my heart is faint.

Lead me to rock that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge."
~ Psalm 61:2

B's 1st Haircut

2011-02-22T10:56:00.004-06:00

I've trimmed around his ears and his forehead before, but this was his "official" first haircut. His hair, although lovely and precious, was just getting shaggier and shaggier as the days went by. I had planned on taking him to a place for the first time so I could watch them and learn from them. But, Kc decided that we could handle it and so the clippers were dusted off and we headed outside for Bennett's little hair cut. :)

Checking out the combs for the clippers. He has no idea what's coming!
Shaggy mess. He was even starting to get a mullett! Yikes!
Daddy ever so carefully used the clippers and sheared off that precious, fluffy baby hair.
Totally not entirely sure if he's enjoying this new experience or not.
Nope. Not loving it. Especially when he's not allowed to hold the comb when he wants it. :)
Life's better now that the comb is in his hands.
Well, that is until he stabs himself in the back of the throat with said comb. Many tears ensued.

Our sweet little almost 1 year old!!! With a big boy hair cut.

Playing out in the snow

2011-02-05T18:59:00.004-06:00

Enough was enough. And we'd had enough of being cooped in the house. So, out we went for a short playtime in the snow. Even though we'd seen LOTS of snow in Indiana over Christmas, this was Bennett's first time to sit in it and taste it.

Here goes nothing!
Standing outside our front with Mommy
He's so unsure as to what all this white stuff is - I LOVE it!

Tasting snow for the 1st timeHe thinks, hmm, this is strange stuff.
Kc (l), Bennett (c), Megan (r) -- the family of snow angels!
He was NOT a fan of crawling through snow.
Ok. It's time to go in! Too bad you are too young for hot chocolate, little buddy! Some day ...

We all made snow angels, Bennett included, although he wasn't a huge fan of it. What he was a huge fan of was having his Dad take him on a "sleigh ride" down our street. Unfortunately, we don't have a picture of such event -- you'll just have to take my word for it. We looped a belt through a plastic laundry basket, lined it with a towel, and pulled Bennett up and down the street. He thought it was hysterical. And so did we. I wish we had gotten a picture of it because it was so ghetto and such a Southern way of playing in the snow. Out of control.

It was a great little family playtime and a much-needed relief from being stuck in the house for days on end!

2011-02-04T14:23:00.002-06:00

Guess I'm not the only one who's going a bit wacko with all this weather. My mom just sent this to me of my brother -- ice-skating on our front yard. Nice, Colin. :)

Snowbound

2011-02-04T13:20:00.004-06:00

We are, like most of the US, snowbound. Only, here in North Dallas, we are truly snowbound because the DOT isn't capable of handling all this precipitation. It's been 4 days and I've never seen anything resembling a truck drive by our street. But, honestly, if they are just going to put down sand instead of salt, it wouldn't make a difference any way.

Oh Dallas. How you've been anticipating this week for years ... and all your plans have gone amuck because of the weather. I think it's hysterical.

Except for the fact that they really aren't doing anything about the roads. I heard one reporter ask the question, "Shouldn't TXDOT have made an exception to their 'salt on roads is corrosive and expensive to repair said roads so we don't use it!' policy?? Like for just this week?

Unbelievable.

I'm totally stealing this from a friend's blog -- I just had to because it's hysterical! Especially in light of reading fellow Texan's FB statuses. It's very true.

Kc has been off this whole week and it's been so fun to have him at home. Bennett has LOVED it. He's played so hard and crawled and wrestled Dad non-stop. It's been precious.
Love the Asian squat (which he's been doing) and the longing to play outside
My graham cracker loving boy
Snow in Dallas! We got about 4-5", but it's currently still snowing
Yes, we are going a bit crazy here in our house. Chewing on angels? Sure. Why not.

Anyway, I think it's supposed to start warming up tomorrow, just in time for the Super Bowl. This is good. We are out of milk. And pretzels. :)

Baby's First Christmas

2011-02-01T11:30:00.000-06:00

Bennett had a wonderful 1st Christmas! It was so fun to watch him open presents, even though he had NO CLUE what was going on. That's ok. That'll happen with time.

We got the Christmas season kicked off during Thanksgiving weekend with a trip to the mall to sit on Santa's lap. Depending on how you look at it, it was either a complete fail or a total success! :)
Bennett thoroughly hated every.single.minute of it. His cousin, Caleb, didn't seem to mind.
I was trying to hand off a very unwilling Bennett to Santa and Santa kept saying, "Step away, Mom, just step away." Uhh, trying here, Santa. Do you not see the death grip my child has on me?!?!? Sheesh.
All was well once Bennett was back in his mother's arms.

We got our house decorated for Christmas!
Bennett did well with the tree. He looked at it, and then crawled away. No problems at all with him wanting to touch the ornaments.

Bennett was able to attend the 3rd grade Christmas concert at TCA. He wore his adorable Christmas sweater (that Grandma Koons gave him when he was born) and was quite the little charmer. He did so well during the concert and even tried singing along with the other kids!
But, the second he got in his carseat, he was out like a light! It's hard work being so cute.

We had our own Christmas the Saturday before we left for Indiana. I made an egg casserole and we opened up our stockings and the few presents that Bennett had under the tree.
The toothbrush in the stocking was a hit!
"Is that my name? Is this one mine?"
Opening his very first present
His very own set of play keys

Christmas Eve at Great-Grandma Spiehler's house for dinner before church

Christmas Day at Grandpa and Grandma Koons house
Eating Cheerios and playing with the other babies - what a fun first Christmas!

10 months

2011-01-11T13:10:00.006-06:00

Little Bennett -

Today marks 10 months of your little life! It's been a very, VERY full month for you.

You just had your first Christmas! You had no idea what was going on but that's o-k. It sure was fun watching you eat your wrapping paper and crawl around after your cousins. We spent Christmas with the Koons side of the family this year. Everyone was able to be home and it was a full house! On Christmas day, we got up, headed over to Aunt Amy and Uncle Kevin's house and had a scrumptious breakfast. I think you had bananas and cereal. We then went back, over the river and through the snow, to your Grandmother's house for the remainder of the day. It took us hours to open up all the gifts under the tree. You babies just crawled around and ate each other's Cheerios. Nice.

While we were in Indiana, you were struck with your first real sickness. We took to you to an immediate care center and they diagnosed you with a bilateral ear infection, but the next day you weren't keeping down your antibiotics, so Grandma and I headed to the ER with you and the doctor there said it was just a virus. Whatever the case, you were one miserable little boy. Daddy had to drive back to TX by himself and you and I stayed an extra week so you could get better. You had a fever for several days and would lay on whoever was holding you and simply moan. Poor baby! I felt so awful for you and finally understood what my mom always told me when she said, "I wish I could be sick instead of you!"

While we were gone, you "officially" communicated with us for the first time -- you signed "more" at a meal! Daddy and I flipped out and although you've only done it a couple of times since then, it was a glorious thing to finally communicate with you and know what you wanted!!

You've tried all sorts of new foods this month. I think your new favorites are vanilla yogurt and Teddy Grahams. You lost a little bit of weight when you were so sick so your appetite has diminished a bit but each day that you are feeling better, you are eating better as well.

Slowly but surely you are becoming more confident in pulling yourself up to stand. You are still a little hesitant and often let me know when you've stood simply because you are afraid to let go get yourself back down! :) You are also doing this thing where you stick your bottom straight up in the air and we just wonder if one of these days you are going to push off with your hands and be standing in the middle of the room! Who knows? We'll have to wait and see.

You've gotten 2 more teeth this month, bringing up your grand total to 6 teeth -- 4 on top and 2 on bottom!

At this point in your life, you are most definitely a momma's boy. You are like my personal puppy dog. You crawl after me as I move around the house. You'll be playing in the living room and I'll leave for a second and here you come, crawling right after me. So cute! I love that you want to be wherever I am. I don't have to be holding you - you just want to be near me and I think that's adorable.

As I write this, you've decided to boycott all naps today and just crawled from your bedroom to the living room where you are playing with one of your spoons and shouting at me like you are saying, "Look at me, Mom! Look how cute I am, please don't make me take a nap!!!!" [sigh]

You sure are precious! And I love you oh so very much!!

One of your sad faces
Reading Christmas stories with yo'momma
One very warm day in December -- we got to play outside and I let you chew on grass. I'm a cool mom like that! :)
The Babies, as you 3 are affectionately referred to
Bathtime with Samantha (don't hate me for this in 13 years, ok?)
All 5 cousins playing together
Getting into trouble with Samantha ... actually, we put you on the stairs. You can't climb yet.
Ooohh ... is this a taste of what's to come?!??!
Crawling everywhere now!
(Pictures I took today of you on your 10 month birthday)
I love, love, LOVE this little face you make. It cracks me up!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T10:01:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas!

We pray that you will be joining us in celebrating our Lord Jesus Christ's birth today! We are blessed and hope that your day is filled with much laughter, joy and love.

With much love,
Kc, Megan and Bennett

www.shutterfly.com

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-12T08:26:00.007-06:00

This year was a Myers Thanksgiving and we had the wonderful opportunity to play host! Kc's parents are still in England (soon to move back to the States) so we had another year of just being with the siblings. Leslie (and her husband, John, and new baby, Caleb) flew in from PA and Drew's wife, Christina, came all the way from Honolulu. Drew is currently finishing up a 6 month deployment to the Middle East so we were short one sibling.

It was Bennett and Caleb's first time to meet each other and it was so fun to introduce them. They were a little unsure about the other at first ... since Bennett is 2.5 months older, we had to constantly be pulling his hands away from his "attempts" to be friendly to his cousin. :) It won't be much longer until they can really interact and get into lots of mischief! Bennett has lots of girl cousins on the Koons side, so we are so glad for a boy cousin on the Myers side of the family!

Over the course of the week that everyone was here, we just did lots of chilling and resting and playing with babies. Having little ones around totally changes the way family gatherings are handled. Instead of having the freedom to play lots of games and all interact together all the time, the focus is now on babies and keeping them entertained and feeding them and rocking them to sleep - especially with two babies on different schedules! It's a sad change but a good one. But, our fun times did usually have to wait until both babies were snug in their beds at night.

The babies in their different stages of being fed -- one with a bottle and the other in a high chair.

Bennett Christian and Caleb Scott -- meeting for the first time!
Caleb was usually a little unsure of Bennett. B is loud and aggressive. C is stoic and cuddly.
Kc's sister, Leslie and baby Caleb
My sweet boy likes to chew on ANYTHING he can get his hands on!
Cousins!!
See what I mean? Just playing with babies. Less Wii action and more cuddling action.

Thanksgiving Day!

Our dear, dear friends, the Shipps, were also able to join us for the feast and afternoon!
Our centerpiece, lovingly and begrudgingly made by John and Kc
(Sarah! Our boys are finally playing together!!!)
Isaiah and Bennett

On Friday, the men let the women go to the mall and babysat the boys for a bit. They took them on a walk to see if Redbox had anything of worth to watch - not so much. But, we girls enjoyed our time out!!
Getting to talk to Drew on Skype. If you look closely, we made it all in one picture!!
Bennett and his Aunt Christina
Taking the boys to see Santa (more pictures of this in another post! :))
Real men push strollers through the mall! (And oh the looks they got!!!)

(Thanks, Christina, for many of these pictures! When you host, you don't take pics.)

9 months

2010-12-11T19:47:00.008-06:00

Sweet boy,

You are 9 months old today! I can't believe that you have now been out of the womb longer than you were in there! When I was pregnant with you, I thought I'd NEVER have you in my arms ... and now here you are, 9 months old!

Although, lately, you aren't in my arms much any more. You are a busy, busy, busy little boy. Just this past week, you've officially mastered the skill of crawling. There for a while, you could only scoot backwards (too many hard floors in our house and not enough carpet for you to get traction on). You scooted backwards everywhere, but I don't think you knew where you were going. You just went and played with whatever you saw on your way to nowhere. But now, it's a whole different story. You see something that you wish to put in your mouth (since that's where all things go these days) and then get up on your little arms and knees and off you go. Daddy and I LOVE watching you learn and figure out how to maneuver yourself from one place to another.

Yesterday, when I went in to see why you were crying so hard instead of taking a nap, you were standing in your crib! Only the weekend before did we decide to lower your bed and I'm so glad we did. Stop growing up so quickly, ok? Please? For your momma?

Speaking of momma, it's your new favorite word. You now understand that it's my name and you cry out "Momma" all.the.time. You say "dada" and make lots of other babbles that don't sound like anything to us. We've been signing with you for the past couple of months and even though you can't make any of the signs, you sure do understand some of them. When it's time for you to nurse, even if you are happily playing, I'll ask you if you want "milk" (using the sign) and immediately you start whimpering and whining for me to come and pick you up.

You are still the easiest laugh in the world! I love that about you. We hope that this is indicative of your personality -- are you going to love life and love laughing? Will you enjoy making others laugh? You throw your little head back and belly laugh until whomever is making you laugh stops whatever it is that you think is funny. Physical comedy works well on you. Big gestures. Funny facial movements. These all make you laugh.

Growling is another new favorite past time. You are such a boy! You growl a very deep growl and expect a growl in return. This can go on for some time. I usually give up too soon because it hurts my throat to growl so much. I don't know how you can do it.

Whenever you hear music, you do your "happy dance". You sway back and forth to any type of music. You used to do it all the time but have decided that swaying is for babies and you've got more important things to do, like crawling.

Your 2 top teeth have come in, so your little mouth is now home to 4 teeth. We've been thinking that you are getting more, but nothing has popped through yet. I sure hope they do because you seem to be fairly miserable at times.

We've begun the early stages of giving you real food -- and you LOVE it. Graham crackers, cheese, pieces of grapes, bread, apple slices to suck on, water in a sippy cup, Cheerios and a few other foods. Your daddy and I get a huge kick out of watching you ever so carefully pick up the pieces of food and be so focused and determined to get it in your mouth. You do such a good job! You sit in your highchair while we are eating our dinner and you think you are big stuff.

You are a whopping 19.8 lbs and 28 1/4" long! We had your 9 month WBV this week and that's what your stats were. I can't believe that you've grown so much in such a short amount of time!

With all this new found mobility, you are also learning the meaning of "no". As you explore your world, Mommy and Daddy are helping you by setting some boundaries of things you can and can't touch and play with. So far, so good. Usually, after a couple of reminders, you leave the forbidden object alone and will play with whatever option we are offering you to have. Daddy and I are finding ourselves praying harder for more wisdom as we begin helping you and guiding your little heart.

You are still attending Bible Study Fellowship and MOPS with Mommy. The teachers at BSF say that you are one of their favorites and they love watching you enjoy the stories and songs they sing to you. I just pray that even while you are still so little, that God will already begin working in your heart to draw you to Himself.

We love you, little baby! Your daddy has lots of names for you like booger, little sausage, buddy, and others but I just call you my sweet baby. Because you are! I'm so grateful for the chance I have to be your mommy. Love you!

One Saturday afternoon, I found you just watching your Daddy mow the grass. Precious!
Our happy, happy baby!
Whoops. Going backwards can get you stuck quite easily!
I love this sweet picture of you.
Sitting like a big boy in your high chair
What a silly grin. Sometimes I forget that you are still a baby - you make such GREAT expressions!
Chewing on a paper towel roll that Aunt Christina gave you
Taking a walk with Daddy, Uncle John and Caleb
"Uhh, can someone help a fellow out here???"
When you get a bath, Daddy says you are a little "moo-moo". This is because your bath towel is a cow! :)
You like having books read to you - especially new ones that talk about Baby Jesus!
This week, you've started making this face -- not quite sure what you are doing but you look adorable.
Meeting your cousin, Caleb, at Thanksgiving
You boys are only 2.5 months apart -- friends already!
Daddy has taken over bath time with you - you guys have so much fun together!

Shutterfly

2010-11-21T08:39:00.004-06:00

I heard from a friend that Shutterfly was offering a promotion right now for bloggers. Blog about their new Christmas photo cards and get 50 5x7 cardstock photo cards for FREE!!! You still have to pay s/h, but 50 free cards? In these economic times? I'll take that.

I had planned on using another company for our Christmas photo cards this year, but Shutterfly quickly won my business with their promotion. Thank you, Shutterfly!!

I love so many of their cards. When I purchase Christmas cards, I'm fairly adamant that they actually wish my friends and family a "Merry Christmas", not a warm and joyous holiday season or something along those lines. Shutterfly has MANY options that offer the true spirit of Christmas.

Here are some of my favorites:

Love the simplicity of the black and blue

I'm a huge fan of all things with brown and what a different concept for a Christmas card!

Don't you just love how the picture takes up the entire card???

We are still deciding if we want multiple pictures or just one single picture

We had family pictures taken yesterday and now I'm ready to place our order and get these beautiful cards out to our friends and family!!

If you want to take advantage of this offer, here's the link again for you to sign up for it.

Random Acts of Culture

2010-11-17T15:11:00.007-06:00

My mom sent us kids this link the other day ... and I just sat down to watch it.

And you should too.

This is what some website said about it:

Just this past weekend, shoppers at the the Macy's in Philadelphia (the old Wanamaker building) were surprised when over 600 choristers who were there mingling with regular shoppers suddenly burst into Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. It's pretty awesome.

The Opera Company of Philadelphia was instrumental in bringing it together to perform one of the Knight Foundation's "1000 Random Acts of Culture" which they'll be doing over the next three years across the country. Accompanied by the Wanamaker Organ - the world's largest pipe organ - the singers burst into song at exactly noon.

Tears welled up in my eyes. I SO wish I could've been there to have seen it live. How cool was that?!?!? I love the "Messiah".

As a young person, my parents tried their best (as much as a budget and a family of 6 could afford) to introduce us to and heighten our awareness of things pertaining to good culture. We went to art museums, orchestral symphonies, concerts, plays, musicals, history museums, etc. I'm not going to lie. I didn't always appreciate it as a child as I should've, but man, now that I'm an adult, I'm so grateful for the time they took to invest in us like this.

I hope to do the same with my children. I want them to know and love some of the finer things of life.

Now, if Bennett will just stop wiggling and squirming to get out of my arms as I show him this clip. "Trust me, son, you'll appreciate this someday!!!"

:)

A day

2010-11-09T09:53:00.003-06:00

I took these videos yesterday to show Kc what Bennett and I do all day long. There are times that he's asked me, "So, what DO you do with the baby all.day.long."

And this is my attempt to answer that question.

* He does his "happy dance" for those who wanted to see it again
* He's also sporting his nifty pirate bib that his Aunt Shannon bought for him. He's so well cultured.
* He's eating prunes because, yes, we are having issues in that [ahem] department.
* And as sweet and precious is "happy dance", it does make it a bit difficult to feed the little boy at times. I'm just sayin'. :)

* The end of the day. Mom is tired. Bennett is tired. So we play in the kitchen with spoons and stuff while Mommy tries to create a dinner.
* The sound you hear is me making a popping/smacking noise with my lips.
* He's started making a squealing sound or a grunt to indicate that he wants to laugh some more. So cute!

Pumpkiness

2010-11-03T08:56:00.003-05:00

It was the annual pumpkin carving contest in the Myers family on Sunday. We, of course, waited until the very last second to go out and purchase our pumpkins and raced home to get them carved before the trick-or-treaters came a'knockin'. But, we got it done.

Bennett wore his pumpkin costume for a few pictures. He was precious and probably would've stayed in it for a bit longer, but it was seriously almost 90 degrees here on Sunday and he was starting to sweat in his fuzzy costume. Such is the life of a Texas baby. :)

I'm thinking that I might've lost the contest this year as far as carving goes. You can decide. I won't say who carved which one. But honestly, it really doesn't matter in light of the super cute pumpkin that's sitting next to the fake ones.

Daddy and his lil' Pumpkin

2010 Pumpkins -- A (on the left), B (on the right) -- which one is the best???? :)

Trip to England - updated

2010-11-02T14:21:00.004-05:00

Since it's only been 4 months since we've arrived home, I thought it was high time to finish blogging about our amazing trip to the UK. Somehow, I got started and then finishing became too daunting of a task and it just never got completed.

It might be years before I get around to actually making some type of scrapbook of our trip (can we say uncompleted wedding album??!?) so, I had wanted to have a way of documenting the trip before I forgot all the details.

If you enjoy reading about other people's vacations, feel free to look through the different posts. Or, if you are a grandparent of B and just want to see more pictures of him, again, feel free to check them out.

I've postdated all the posts to the month of June, since that's actually when the vacation took place. The easiest way to see them is to click on the link that says "June" and it should drop down and show the different days and where we were. :)

Whew. What a huge task but it's done. Check that one off my list!

*** I decided to also link to the posts from here. Ya know, for funsies.

Wales - Day 1 and Day 2

Day trips - Kedleston Hall, Chatsworth (revisited), Countryside, Derby, Warwick Castle, York, and Cotswold/Stonehenge.

Paris -- Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.

London

Quick trip to Indiana

2010-10-28T09:53:00.020-05:00

Last week (or something like that), Bennett and I were able to make a quick trek up to Indy for a long weekend. It was fast. It was furious. And it was oh-so good to see everyone back in the Heartland.

We arrived in the afternoon on Thursday and were able to spend the time with Shannon and Samantha, who we got to overlap our stays by a day. :) This time around, B was way more into the other babies than he was this summer. It was SO fun to see him interacting with them and vice versa. When they are a bit older, it'll be super cute to watch them all growing and playing together. Even know, we are all basically in the same stage, so it's fun to bounce ideas off of each other and all.

Samantha, Bennett and Sophia - the 3 Amigos - just 7 weeks separate them all!
Samantha and Bennett - only 2.5 weeks apart
I very much love this picture!!! My poor baby boy, in the midst of all those girls!!!! I'm so glad that Bennett has cousins his age - I LOVE my cousins and feel very blessed that we all had/have (and still do as much as distance will allow) a good relationship.

Friday was a very important day in the Koons family -- Colin passed his bar exam and was going to be sworn in that day. (My trip to Indy was planned in order to coincide with this event!) I was and still am incredibly proud of my brother for all the hard work and effort he put into these past 3 years of his life. If it hadn't been such a formal and serious affair, I would've whooped and hollered for him as he was sworn in before the Indiana Supreme Court justices. But, I contained myself ... barely.

Waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Bennett with his Aunt Shannon
Colin, introducing himself before the Court. I would've been a NERVOUS wreck if I had been in his shoes!
Being sworn in (he's 6th from the left - the most good looking one, I might add!)
We all went out to a schmazny, fancy restaurant downtown for lunch to celebrate Colin's achievement! So fun! My sweet babe slept on the bench beside me and the other two little girls were so good too. We had wine. We dined and laughed and it was a good lunch.
Grandpa with The Babies
The newest lawyer in our family!!!
I'm so stinkin' proud of him!!!!!!!!!!!!
Check out those beautiful eyes and eyelashes!!!!
Friday night was the family cook-out, only because of the fire ban in Indy, we had a grill-out instead. [sigh] No fire. No smores. No cold, huddle fest around the fires. I opted to stay indoors this year (having a baby sure changes your view of "fun") and catch up with Emily and the aunts.

Saturday brought Amy's 2nd Annual Pumpkin Day. We headed over to their house for some amazing pumpkin pancakes then off to the pumpkin patch for a full day of fun! Well, at least fun for a certain 3 and 5 yr old! :)

At the Pumpkin Patch:
Bennett really enjoyed his time from the stroller and then napping in Grandpa's arms.
Me and my Dad
Yummy pumpkin!
My beautiful, talented and amazing sister in law
I love 'em

Sunday - Church. Arby's. Colin runs out of gas. Nap. Deck and BSF. Bennett is cute. Bennett growls. Pictures. Popcorn at K & A's. Colts victory. Fall into bed.

Monday brought a sickness to my little family - mainly, me and Bennett. He got it worse than I did and that basically ended all the outings and super-duper fun times as he just wanted to be held and rocked to sleep. Had breakfast with my Grandma on Tuesday morning before we flew out that evening.

It was a whirlwind trip but a much needed one. I had told my mom before I left that I was needing that affirmation that I was doing a "job well done" with my son. As much as I don't want to and wish I wasn't this way, I do need confirmation and affirmation from those that I love and respect, especially when it pertains to something new that I'm doing or trying. People will tell me what a sweet baby I have and how cute he is blah blah blah, but in my mind, it doesn't really count until those that know me the best tell me that. Then I'm a true believer.

So, my baby got loved on by his aunts and uncles and grandparents and cousins. I was encouraged and boosted in my efforts of raising a human being. We both desperately missed our daddy and husband, but I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to get back home for a bit.

I am slowly going crazy ....

2010-10-22T12:31:00.002-05:00

You know that stupid song, "I am slowly going crazy ....". Well, that's how I currently feel. I'm ready to pull out my hair and just go bonkers.

My sick baby (who only has a nasty cold) won't sleep unless he's on me.

For the past 3 or 4 days, I've accomplished absolutely nothing. Nothing. And this is terribly frustrating to me.

When he's awake, he's super happy and will play by himself. Even though, I still can't get much accomplished in between attending to him and back and forth to my tasks. I need those long naps to get anything done. And as sweet and fun as it is to hold your baby and rock him to sleep .... it's still frustrating on Day 4 to feel like you aren't doing anything you want to get accomplished.

I feel like I've done everything I can think of to help him stay asleep once he's in his crib. I feel awful for him that he can't breathe. I know how miserable I feel when I get sick. But, still ... [sigh] I'm weary.

I just laid him down in his crib. My fingers are crossed that this will be a good nap - alone.

Honestly ...

2010-10-12T08:52:00.002-05:00

... should we have expected anything less than this?!?!?

I mean, if you know me and/or my husband well, you'd be safe to assume that we'd get a loud child.

Not sure what I'd do with a child who never made a sound. Who's kid are you anyways?!?!?

This is my life. And I love it.

7 months

2010-10-11T21:05:00.002-05:00

Bennett Boy,

You turned 7 months today.

Mommy's tired, so this post is going to be short and without pictures. Sorry, buddy, some days are like that. :)

You go in a couple of days to get some shots so I'll get your official weight check then, but according to your Mii character on Daddy's Wii Fit Plus, you weigh in at 18.5 lbs. You are still growing and changing every day!

(Yes, you have a little Mii character. Your daddy and I have fun playing with you, you sweet little boy.)

You've officially mastered the art of sitting. You are quite pleased with this new skill and I am too! You can sit without any help for upwards of 15 minutes! I plop you on the floor with some toys when I go get ready in the morning and when I return, you are still there, chewing away on your soft blocks or balls.

When we come to get you from your crib when you awake, you are pushing up on your arms, but not quite there in getting on your knees. I'm o-k with that. Crawling will come when it comes. I'm just enjoying having you be able to sit whenever I put you down.

You LOVE all foods that we give you. This month, we've added mango, pears, peaches, butternut squash and whole-grain cereal to your repertoire. We've also started giving you rice puffs to let you play with while we are eating our dinner. You are getting better every day at picking them up with your fingers and then transferring them to your mouth. I'd say your ratio is 1:5. Not bad. :)You still sit in your Bumbo seat to eat your meals; I think both daddy and I are hesitant to get out your highchair - that just makes it seem so official that you are growing up so incredibly fast!

This past month has brought a big change as far as your social life is concerned. Every week you get to attend BSF with Mommy and learn about God and Isaiah. Your teachers are 2 sweet ladies who pray for you every week and love to hold you when you get to class. You've only cried once, and that was because you were so tired from skipping your morning nap. It's rough being a baby.

You are also going to MOPS with me, but we go every other week. The ladies there tell me that they fight over who gets to hold you. I don't blame them. I'd want to hold you too and have you smile at me!

Daddy and I think the world of you, little boy, and we give God thanks for allowing us the privilege of being your parents!!

Funny

2010-10-11T20:37:00.002-05:00

A friend sent this to me ... and it made me laugh.

I love Chris Tomlin's music ... and now I love his haircut. :)

HA!

Absence

2010-10-02T16:30:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the blogging absence.

I felt that I was getting on a roll and starting to fall back into some semblance of blogging ... and then my laptop died.

I almost cried. Not necessarily because it was a laptop that died - it was MY laptop that died. I sold my car in order to purchase a laptop and camera before I went to China 5 years ago. That laptop was my physical connection to home, while I was overseas. When I was homesick or sad, I could get on it and talk to the peeps back at home via skype or write long emails (or short ones) or post pictures of my time, etc. I loved my laptop and it really was very hard for me to let it go. The computer still works fine, the LCD monitor went kaput and unless we wanted to use it as a desktop, it's worthless.

So, we went out and purchased a new laptop. It's nice. But it's no longer "mine". :(

Then, last week, our free internet decided to no longer be free indeed and it disappeared from the list of available networks. My sweet husband said we had to wait it out a week before taking that step of finding our own provider (and squeezing it into our budget!).

Let me just tell you. For a stay-at-home-mom, with limited access to a vehicle, and no internet ... this was a VERY long week. Feelings of isolation. Attempting to stay sane. And the list goes on. I know that women have done this for years without having the internet, but sadly, we are no longer in that time anymore. My lifestyle revolves around having that connection and access to outside communication via the internet. So, it was a good lesson for me to learn how to try to be content without that in my life. A lesson I still need to learn.

We have all spent the afternoon at Kc's school so he could write papers and watch his online seminary videos and so I could get my internet fix. We still haven't purchased a provider for us at home, but I'm pleased that there are several possibilities, other than one carrier who used to have a monopoly in our area. Ugh. I hate that. Let me just choose who I want to choose and not get stuck with someone's "bundle package" which is about 5 times more than what I'm willing to pay!!!

So, all that to say, hopefully the blogging will be back in business in the very near future.

What did we do before????

2010-10-02T15:57:00.002-05:00

Sometimes, I just wonder ... what ever did we do before we had a baby????

Beautiful Sunday

2010-10-02T15:15:00.008-05:00

Last Sunday, we had GORGEOUS weather, here in North Dallas. Finally. In the late afternoon, we decided that football could wait -- playing outside with the Baby could not. So, we headed to the park for Bennett's first time on a swing.

He LOVES being thrown in the air by his daddy, so I had a hunch that he'd enjoy being in a swing. And I was correct. He smiled and squealed with delight. It was so wonderful to introduce that to our little boy.

Lots of pictures of our time outside:
Mommy decided it was getting a bit chilly for the wee babe, so on came the long-sleeved shirt we had brought along. :)
Gosh, he's just so stinking cute!!!
Loving his time in the swing (Honey, can we please get one for the tree in our backyard?!?!?)
Mommy's turn to push Bennett

Pictures in the grass:

Yes, I realize we took about a gazillion pictures, but we just couldn't help ourselves. I mean, it's not our fault that God gave us the most precious little boy on the face of the earth!!!!

New Videos

2010-09-14T08:59:00.003-05:00

Aaaaaanndd ... for your viewing enjoyment ....

yours truly ...

Bennett Christian

Please excuse the terrible quality of this video and just focus on the cute baby laughing. Cuz, really, that's all that matters! :)

Just a sweet little video of sweet little nothings. Basically, it's for the grandmas. :)

6 months!!

2010-09-13T15:03:00.011-05:00

Well, my sweet baby boy, another month has gone by!

We've now reached the half-way point of your first year of life! My word, where has time gone already? Weren't you just born?!?!? I can't believe that we've already been able to spend 6 whole months with you - what a precious little boy you are!

This has been a BIG month for you. Literally. You went to see your pediatrician and you gained 2.5 lbs this month. That's a lot for a little baby! You now weigh 17 lbs and are 26 1/2" long! You are still in the 50% percentile but the doctor says that's just perfect. I think so too.

So many new things have happened to you!

2 weeks ago your first tooth popped through. I thought it would be happening any time because you were drooling all over the place and had been a bit uncomfortable. Instead of sucking on your pacifier, you wanted to chew on it instead. And then, one Sunday, your daddy and I were playing with you and lo and behold ... there it was! And then yesterday I looked in your mouth and there, just barely peeking through your gums, was Tooth #2!

You've been enjoying all sorts of new foods. You've tried rice cereal, avacado, banana, and now sweet potato. You really loved banana, especially mixed with cereal. Your daddy said that your one tooth was a sweet one and I tend to agree! But, after having sweet potato this weekend, I think we've found your new favorite. You "mmmm"'ed for more after every bite. It's so much fun to watch you eat!
When we first started giving you real food, it seemed that you discovered that you had a tongue! You haven't done it recently, but there at first, you were constantly sticking your tongue out and discovering how it worked. Precious.
I think you might be an earlier talker, if we base that off of how much you babble. When at home, you "goo goo", "bababa", "wawawa" and even "mamama" all day long! However, as soon as we are out in public, you won't make a peep and just watch people. We pull into the garage, and then you start back up again. You are such a funny little boy!
Rolling isn't an activity that you seem too concerned at mastering; although, you are starting to sit by yourself and that's a big deal! There have been times that I come to get you after a nap and you are laying on your back, after I've put you down on your tummy. That must mean one thing -- you rolled over at some point in your nap!
You are becoming quite skilled in holding toys, grasping for them, and playing with them. It's so much fun for me and daddy to watch you learn new things!

In the past week or so, you've started becoming quite attached to your momma. On occasion, you start to whimper and fuss when I leave the room, even if it's just for a second. Even though it makes my heart happy to know that you love me, I'm hoping that you'll quickly learn to adjust to others when I'm not around. We are starting Bible Study Fellowship this week and next week we are going to attend a local MOPS group. You'll get some practice right away as you've never been in a nursery before!

You continue to live up to your name and are such a tremendous blessing to me, your daddy, your grandparents and everyone you smile your sweet smile to! I love you, Bennett Christian!!

Playing in the laundry basket one evening. And of course, you sucked on your toes!

Again, sucking on your toes. A favorite past time.

You look terribly uncomfortable to me in this picture. I'm so sorry! You are enjoying your activity center more and more.

An Ode

2010-09-10T08:48:00.003-05:00

Once upon a time there was a girl who swore she'd never cloth diaper. Never. Ever. Ever.

She grew up thinking just those exact thoughts. Always the same, never wavering.

Then she got married.

And had a baby.

The husband said, "What about cloth diapering?"

This little girl, who was now a woman, thought to herself, "Didn't I say 'Never'?!?!?"

Her good friend introduced her to cloth diapers. She showed this new mom the ropes. Told her which brands were the best.

So, this mom registered for cloth diapers. And got them. And had to use them once she had 1 or 15.

The husband relished in the fact that they were saving his hard-earned money. He said that they were even doing their part to help the environment by not creating their own landfill with used disposable diapers.

The husband even said that he would help with the cleaning of diapers, he was that motivated to use cloth diapers.

What else was the mom to do but give in and begin cloth diapering? After all, cloth diapers in today's world are FAR superior to the ones when she was a babe!

After 3 months of cloth diapering, she's o-k with it. She likes knowing that she's saving money in the long haul by doing it this way. She likes knowing that her little guy is getting the best in diapering that she can possibly give him. And the washing and drying of diapers really (in all honesty) isn't that big of a deal.

So, the story has not come to an end, by any stretch of the imagination. No, not in the least. In fact, she's writing this little ode in the hopes of winning even more cloth diapers at the Cotton Babies Free Cloth Diaper Week contest that's going on here!!!

Praying

2010-09-01T22:58:00.002-05:00

Got word this evening that my pastor's family from back at home is in need of prayer.

Their little 4 month old girl, Laura, was diagnosed with several heart issues, including an issue called cardiomyopathy as well as there appear to be 2 holes in her heart.

She will need surgery in the next few weeks to repair the hole in her heart and is currently admitted to Riley Children's Hospital (in Indianapolis and one of the best in the country!) for observation.

Please, please, please pray for this family.

Heather's blog (the wife) is linked to my blog, but here's the blog post she wrote this evening:

Prayer Request for Laura

Michael, the husband, married Kc and me and their family is simply precious.

Pray for little Laura.

Remembering

2010-08-23T01:13:00.002-05:00

It's been 3 years.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's been a full year, Gramps. I had a baby. It's a boy and his name is Bennett. He was born in March. You would love him! I would give anything for him to meet his great-grandpa. Anything. I tell him all about you -- seriously, I do. I love him, Grandpa. He is my joy. We almost all had babies this year ... Amy, Shannon, Emily, and me. You'd be so proud. 10 great-grandkids?!? Would you have ever believed it?

We took Bennett to England this summer. He's a great traveler. Perhaps someday he'll love traveling as much as you did. I loved going places with you. Remember when you and Grandma took me to Pennsylvania when I was a little girl? That was fun for me.

For Christmas this past year, all the grandkids got pillows made out of your sweaters. Mine is sitting in my living room. I cried when I opened it. I remember you wearing that sweater. I wished it still smelled like you.

Ryan is starting college this fall. He's the last one to go. All your grandchildren going to college ... again, you'd be so proud. Colin graduated from law school this spring. You even have grandkids that have gone on to get higher degrees!

I miss you, Grandpa. I love my life right now. I do. I love being a wife and a mother. But, there are times (like right now), when Heaven can't come soon enough, simply so I can see you again.

I really, really miss you.

A First for the Baby

2010-08-17T09:21:00.006-05:00

Bennett has been showing many signs recently that he's ready to graduate from exclusively breastfed to begin taking solids. [sigh]

My baby is already growing up WAY TOO FAST!!!!

I had wanted to hold out until the 6 month mark, even though I'd been given the o-k from the pedi if I wanted to start him on solids. I thought I was going to make it, but he's been waking early from naps, and also in the morning and seeming to get hungrier sooner than normal. He's been watching us eat and starting to grab for stuff when we are eating our food. In the past few days, I've let him sample little bits of things that I've either been making or eating -- licking my bread, bananas, couscous, and such. He's LOVED it. Liked sucked my finger dry.

But, I just didn't want him to start yet. It's hard letting go of control and moving on to a new stage so soon! For a girl who hates change, having a baby sure helps one to get over that hang up very quickly -- they are constantly changing!!!

Well, after getting some much needed advice from my sweet momma (sometimes a girl just needs to hear her mom say, "It's time"), we decided to start B on rice cereal last night.

It was a success!!! Neither one of us cried. There were smiles all around.

So, I guess, here goes nothing.

Bring on the change.

Bennett's first bite of rice cereal!!!!

Vaccination Update

2010-08-16T16:29:00.006-05:00

I've been meaning to write a quick update on all my vaccination woes. You might remember when I was ever so politely asked to leave our pediatrician because I had questioned him on the recommended vaccination schedule.

Many of you weighed in with your thoughts on the matter, either by leaving comments or sending me personal emails or facebook messages. First of all, a huge thank-you to all of you who took the time to do research for me, or help guide me in a specific direction, or simply to offer your support of this freaked-out-first-time-mom. I did appreciate all the advice, words of wisdom and encouragement.

At the advice of several people whose opinions I trust, I read The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child, by Dr. Robert Sears.

I'm SO very glad that I read this book. It is incredibly well-written and helpful to those of us who don't always understand medical terms. When I feel overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge and understanding of some thing, I often shut down and refuse to even try to learn about it. However, I can't do that with my child. I've been given the responsibility of caring for him and ensuring that he receives the best possible medical care as I am able to give him. I might not always make the best decision, but I can not take a lackadaisical approach to his well-being.

The author explained the diseases and corresponding vaccinations in such a way that was easy to understand. He broke down difficult terms and threw in aspects of humor to explain those terms. I felt that he was very unbiased in his approach of explaining the reasons for the vaccination. He laid out what the diseases were, how common they were, were they treatable, etc, and then moved on to the vaccinations, what they were made of and the controversial elements (if there were any), side effects of the vaccine and reasons why or not to get the vaccination.

All of this information was so helpful to me in aiding my/our decision for what our family wanted to do with Bennett's vaccinations. Even if we hadn't been questioning the standard schedule for vaccinations, I'm glad I read this book simply to understand the diseases that the vaccinations are attempting to stop, or at least lessen the severity of it. I feel empowered now that I've read a little on it. Sure, my knowledge is nothing compared to a pediatrician or someone who has studied vaccinations, but I don't feel now that I can get pushed around or blindly say "yes" to something my doctor is telling me just because I don't understand or am too ashamed to ask questions.

We finally found a pediatrician who will allow us some freedom in our vaccination schedule. Kc went with me when we went in for B's 4 month well-baby, when we started our shots. The pediatrician (whom we chose simply for location at first) gave us the run-around about our decision, especially the polio vaccine!, but ultimately said that it was our choice and he was ok with us selecting some shots to decline. I think if we had wanted to do away with all of them, he would've had a bigger problem, but since we were just being choosy, he agreed.

Our plan is to follow the suggested alternative vaccination schedule as given in the book. I'm fine with this plan and I feel that it's best for our family.

I recommend this book. Highly. Even if you are planning on following the standard vaccination schedule, I believe you owe it to your children to be informed and to not do just what's expected of you but to know for sure why you are doing what you are doing.

Bennett - 5 months

2010-08-11T07:15:00.001-05:00

Is it possible that my baby boy is 5 months old?? Sheesh.

Bennett ~ You are 5 months old today! I love you more and more with each passing day. You light up my day and also those that you meet. What a blessing you are to me and Daddy!

You've gotten your first cold. It's been pitiful to see you so congested and coughing so much, but you've handled it really well. I took you to see your pediatrician and he said to let it run it's course - you smiled at him and tried to hold his hands while he listened to your chest. Daddy and I felt so badly for you, we let you sleep in your car seat and bouncy seat in our room for several nights, just so we could be right there in case you woke up!

In the last few months of your life, you've become quite the world traveler! Your little passport has stamps in it from several different countries. Way to go! You were a champ on our many flights and I praised our Heavenly Father for your good behavior. You did great on our overnight drive to Indianapolis, but requested Mommy to sit in the back with you on the way back.

We are still working out a daytime sleep schedule, but at night, you sleep like a pro. We put you down about 8:30 pm and you get up around 7 am, with a dream feed around 10 pm. Well done, son! This makes you happy as well as your mom and dad!

At your last appointment, you weighed in 14.8 lbs! Not a porker, but long and lean like your daddy.

You are wearing 3-6 months in clothing, although I can still squeeze you into some 3 month outfits. You wear a Size 2 diaper, when you wear disposables. We've been doing cloth diapers for the past several months and you look absolutely adorable in them! Such a big butt for a little guy.

You usually love your bouncy seat, but these past few days, I've found you doing this when you sit in it. Not entirely sure what your plan is if you were able to manage an escape, but you sure look cute in your struggle! The swing has never been a favorite past time of yours and we are ready to pack it away.

You are still figuring out how to sit in your Bumbo seat. You don't quite have the hang of it yet, but are improving in your ability to sit straight every day! Pretty soon you'll be able to sit alone!

You have discovered your toes and especially the fact that you can fit your toes in your mouth. The other day, I looked over and you had both feet in your little hands and were attempting to get ALL of your toes in your mouth. Precious! Speaking of your mouth, EVERYTHING you find goes in your mouth. It makes Daddy giggle when you put his finger in your mouth and begin sucking away on it like it was your job! :)

Daddy can make you laugh like no one else can. I try to, and you give me little laughs, just enough to make me feel somewhat special, but you save your belly laughs for your dad. I love that.

You've also figured out (for the most part) how to put your pacifier back into your mouth. The strappy-thing helps a good bit in your endeavors. Now we just need you to learn how to find it in your crib when it falls out of your mouth! You are still learning how to grab toys when they are a bit out of your reach. Don't worry, you'll make and Mommy will still keep on helping you until that day comes.

Bath time is a bit more enjoyable for you. No longer do you wail, but sit in our sink (we don't have a baby tub for you) and oblige us with an occasional smile.

You are still an incredibly snuggly boy. I hope that NEVER changes. You lay your little head on my shoulder and just snuggle in when I rock you at night before bed. Daddy reads you a Bible story and then prays with us while you and I snuggle. It's my favorite part of the day.

I could go on and on and on about all the other adorable things you are doing these days. I love you to pieces and am so grateful that God has allowed me to be your mommy. You are precious, little boy, and I love you!!!!

First Day

2010-08-10T22:54:00.002-05:00

Kc went back to work today.

I've been so incredibly spoiled, in that, as a new mom, I've had him home for the last two months, and with that brought a lot of help. A whole lot of help.

Today was a l.o.n.g day to say the least. :)

It didn't help matters that my body decided to regulate itself today. Joyous.

I feel like I'm now officially starting my role as a stay-at-home-mom. These last few months have been so out of the ordinary, I've grown accustomed to having an irregular schedule. Even though it was the bane of my existence at times, (my fussy, non-regulated/scheduled baby goes to prove that!) and something that I often complained about, I do feel a bit nervous about now being home ... all alone with an infant.

Being a SAHM has always been my dream, ever since I've been a little girl. This is and has been my desire and I'm SO incredibly grateful that God is allowing me to fulfill what I feel that I've been called to do. I honestly thought this day would never come. (This is coming from a girl who thought she'd be married by 21 and kids by 24 - ha!) It is a calling. It is a privilege and a blessing in my life.

However, now that it's here ... it's hard. And lonely. And seemingly impossible.

I never like change. I like things to be status quo. I don't do well with new things.

So, with that in mind, I know that once the baby and I settle into normalcy, everything will look perky and dandy. But until that happens, I'm nervous and uncertain about this new job that I've been called to do.

My sister-in-law has tried to talk me into joining a local MOPS group for this fall in the hopes that I could meet some fellow young moms in my area. We live in an older neighborhood and know zero of our neighbors, so a venue like this would be helpful in getting to know other women.

I'm also going to attend a day class of BSF this year, rather than attending the night class like I did this year. Again, another opportunity for me to get out of the house and with other people.

We are a one car family, so transportation continues to be a struggle but manageable. Many, many other people are able to do it and so can I.

I'm already beginning to see the importance of spending time with my God and drawing comfort and support from Him. He's given me this job and He's not going to leave me to do it on my own. On the contrary, He's promised to give the strength that I need for each and every moment - not a minute too soon.

With all that to say, it was a beautiful thing when Daddy came home this evening. :) Bennett and I were most pleased.

3 Years Later

2010-08-04T08:15:00.000-05:00

Today is our 3rd anniversary. 3 years since that day I wore white and walked down the aisle to become united in marriage to the love of my life!

I thought it would be fun to make a small list of all that's happened to us in these past 3 years. I wonder what the next 3 will hold for us!! :)

- Lived in 3 different residences
- Both gotten new jobs
- Quit one of said jobs
- Traveled to 4 different countries
- Driven through approximately 15 states
- Put over 50,000 miles on our used Hyundai
- Bought our first house
- Had our first child
- Taken several little vacations
- Turned our house into a home
- Recovered from mono
- Had gallbladder procedures(twice!)
- Laughed a lot
- Cried a lot
- Sweated a lot (man, Texas is HOT!)
- Attempted to go to the Texas State Fair every year and failed every time
- Spoke at our alma mater
- Made new friends
- Went to two of our siblings weddings
- And many other adventures!!!!

But, the most importantly, we've fallen love even more than we were that hot, muggy, sweaty day 3 years ago!!

I love you, Kace! Happy Anniversary!! I'm so grateful that I'm married to you. Seriously. :)