Fireworks

We went to the fireworks last night for the 4th. Last year we went and Bennett had no problems (about 7 months old) but I was alittle worried that he'd be more aware of what was going on this year and that the noise might bother him. No problems though - he did great and seemed to like them. But, his attention span isn't very long so after about 10 minutes he had had enough and didn't want to sit anymore. We got there early enough so we had a pretty good spot to see them from which I think helped him sit for as long as his did. I think fireworks are a big waste of money, but then again I think of what the 4th would be like without fireworks and it just doesn't seem American.

Mike keeping him entertained while we waited.

Bennett Updates

It's been awhile since I've done a post on Bennett's newest happenings. I kind of quit doing the month by month thing because there was either just too much or too little to write about or I'll admit it, I just was too tired and didn't feel like doing it there for a few months. He's 17 months now and here are some things that he's been up to. Sleeping - from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.!!! He sleeps through almost every night. And if he does wake up, I'm kind of lucky right now because I send Mike in there to get him back to sleep. If he's crying and I go in his room he wants me to pick him up and rock him which can take forever to get him back to sleep or to stop crying. If Mike however is the one to go in there, he lays down immediately and goes right back to sleep. Also, he is only taking one nap a day in the afternoon from about noon till 2:30 (it's hard to remember back to the days when all he did was sleep!) The boy can't sit still - He is on the go all day long! It's like he is in such a hurry that he can't even walk and he is always running everywhere from room to room. He doesn't sit on laps anymore except to get a book read. And even then it's like I have to read fast otherwise he'll get bored with it. The only time that he is content to just sit is in the mornings. Thank you PBS! I put him in his high-chair, load his tray up with his breakfast and turn on PBS which will keep him busy for an hour in the mornings while I either get ready or lay down if I'm not feeling good in the mornings. Playing - He is pretty good at playing by himself and keeping himself entertained. He has plenty of toys which are age appropriate for him right now. He really really likes puzzles which I think is great! He also likes toys that you have to put the right shape in the right hole. His favorite playtime activity though is wrestling with daddy or the kitty's. Talking - He isn't talking real words really but it is jabbering all the time. He does say Nap, does animal sounds, says his version of Grandma and Laura (which to us sounds the same), and just yesterday he started saying his version of Cake. Stairs - Up and down, up and down. If we let him, he would be going up and down all day at Grandma's house. He did take a little tumble once cause he was distracted. And since then, he goes down the steps on his butt a lot more. Eating - He loves to eat but seems to be getting pickier by the day. He is usually very good at eating his lunch and supper that we have but in the month of June we've had a lot of Graduation Parties and other family gatherings where there isn't his normal food to pick from. At Josh's grad party I got Bennett to eat some green grapes and potato chips - that was the only thing he ate the entire day! Note - I am not a bad mother and did offer him plenty of other food - I'm just not willing to put up a fight or specially make him other food to eat.

Crayons

Bennett has a recent interest of coloring (scribbling). And unfortunately eating the crayons too. He had green teeth!

Josh's Graduation

Josh graduated on Sunday! Here are a couple of pictures we took after the ceremony.

Prom and Graduation

Here are some pictures from Josh's Senior Prom and David's Graduation from St. Cloud Tech. It is getting harder and harder for me to get good still pictures of Bennett - he is always wiggly or looking at something. Also I just noticed that he is wearing the same shirt in these pictures - the prom and grad was not on the same day - just happens that this is one of the only shirts of Bennett's that I've managed to keep clean with no ketchup or spaghetti stains!

This is the house that David and his carpentry class built this year. We got to tour it after the graduation ceremony.

Baby Updates

Here is our first baby picture. About 2 weeks ago I was feeling pretty crampy and just not "right". My doctor decided I should go in and get an early ultrasound done just to be sure things were ok. And it looks like they are! I was very nervous and worried going in to it but was soooo relieved when we saw the heart beating strong! Everything is looking right on track and I'm currently 9 weeks along. I have been feeling very good these days. I get a little queasy at times but mostly just tired. Luckily Bennett and Mike have both been very good to me these last few weeks when I don't feel like doing much play-time or house cleaning!

New T-shirt

Bennett got a new shirt the other day...

Yep that's right, Bennett is going to be a Big Brother! I am still pretty early - about 6 1/2 weeks along which makes me due on (sigh) December 24th. (We did it again and are going to have another Holiday baby....) Maybe since Bennett was so late I'm hoping this one will be also. I was at the doctor this morning and so far everything looks good. In the last week I have started to feel tired and alittle nauseous but so far it hasn't been too bad. Since I am still early, if you are reading this, consider yourself one of the lucky few who will know our news already. Otherwise we aren't telling people yet - (so this means no spreading this on facebook, around town etc.) Keep us in your prayers for safety and good health for me and baby and for a smooth adjustment for Mike and Bennett.