Sunday, May 27, 2012

Benjamin's 3rd Birthday - Part 2

Benjamin's party was on Mother's Day after church.  This was also our anniversary and Ethan's birthday.  Too much in one weekend so we kept the celebration to family only. We had the family over for a water gun fight and cookout.  All these boy cousins really liked the water gun fight.  

Tanner and Benjamin getting Jonathan.


Ethan hiding in the house because the water just might get him.  

Ethan and Benjamin celebrating.

Happy Sister!  



Benjamin enjoying his gift from Grandma and Grandpa before bed.   He had a great day!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Benjamin's 3rd Birthday - Part 1

Benjamin's Birthday was a blast.  As always, he did everything with an abundance of energy and excitement. The birthday celebration started on Friday.  We were so thankful to have his Nana and Papa come to town for a fun birthday celebration.  His day started with coffee and talking about Jesus with Nana and Papa (another post on this coming soon).  Then we just relaxed and enjoyed each other.

Somehow the present always blocks that big smile in the picture. 
Our sweet, energetic, overflowing with life three year old!

Nana making the grand birthday cake entrance as we all join in song.

He REALLY enjoyed the cake entrance and candle blowing.

So we did it again.

And again.

And again.

This is the best birthday ever face!



I don't know what is yet, but I know I will enjoy it to the fullest!
My musical card lovin' kid enjoying every bit.
Little sister taking in some party fun.
Note to self... next time we celebrate any birthday or picture worthy event make sure everyone gets out of their pjs (with the exception of Christmas), even if the party is early in the day.  I think Benjamin and Papa were the only two in the bunch that were dressed that day.  Us girls were still in PJs and lounge  clothes without make-up....ooops.

Friday, May 11, 2012

7 Months

Anna is 7 months old! (Well, Last month she was when I started this post)  What a delight she is to us!
I know this a lot of text at the end, but this is my little memory keeper.



She FINALLY sleeps in her bed all night. For whatever reason she only would sleep in the swing for months. She would still be sleeping there if I didn't make it my month long project (despite the sleepless nights on my end.)  However, she does still wake up several times a night! I have not sleep an 8 hour night since before she was born. Learning to function on no sleep with all those all-nighters in college followed by track meets and long runs were great training for children.



  • She enjoys the swing outside to the fullest! It never fails to bring a smile to her face.
  • She still sits with us in church. She is so good and cuddly the whole service. When Anna missed a service a few weeks ago it had all the ladies at the church in a stir. They all love to watch her pay attention and hear her sweet sounds. She even helps Pastor preach with an amen in the right spot every time. She tunes in on Pastor Karen voice. In fact, we play Pastor Karen's messages in the car or house and she will stop crying when she hears her.
  • She started sitting up on her own this month. She really enjoys her time on the blanket surrounded with toys. Benjamin likes to give (and take away) her toys. Anna thinks it is brilliant when Benjamin comes up and gives her a kiss or talks to her. She ADORES him.
  • Anna has a very big need for human touch. She likes to have human contact at all times. She is not particular about who holds her and long as you have love in your heart. If you are busy she will settle for playing on her own with someone in eyesight. Mom loves this quality, even though it makes getting chores done a little difficult at times. 
  • Anna really likes being dressed up.  She still lets me adorn her with bows and braclets.  
  • She is getting very vocal. Loud squeals and exclamations are frequent.
  • We started baths in the big tub this past month and it was a hit. I think we have another water baby on our hands. Benjamin has taken a couple baths with Anna. Bath time is his favorite thing aside from outside. So sharing this with sister rocks his world. It can be a work out for me.
  • Breast milk is still her favorite food of choice. However, she does enjoy her cereal and food more and more. I reached my counting down stage with the whole pumping routine. Only 5 more months!
  • Anna wears mostly 9-12 months clothes. Some of those are starting to get small. She is really long/tall. Yeah!
  • Outside air calls to her. She drinks it in. She had a fever two weeks ago and the only way to get her to sleep was to take her out on the patio and let the fresh air do its thing.
  • Anna has a way of dispensing love to those around her. She has a way of brightening everyone's day, bringing strangers to happy tears, and sharing peace and joy with those around her.  
  • Anna has one tooth.