baby benjamin

"dancing on stage"

Kate's first dance recital was this spring. We were so proud of her! It wasn't a given that she'd actually make it on stage; she was a little nervous. So we arrived to the theater early, and she picked which seats she wanted us to sit in so she'd know exactly where we were. Sure enough, as soon as she tip-toed into the room, she looked to make sure we were there--Mommy, Daddy, Sam, Benjamin, Nanny, Pops and Nan-Nan. And we were, cheering her on. She danced beautifully!
Kate's fellow "ballawinas" were so adorable. They were flowers blooming in the springtime. Kate, of course, loves, loves, loves her costume and already has big plans for Halloween.

3 months old!

Benjamin. I adore him. He is such a chunk of love. And when I say "chunk" I mean it. He's already over 17 lbs., and he's strong as an ox. He has this weird habit of holding himself stiff as a board...as if he's going down the luge. Funny, yes, but it also makes things like burping and dressing all the more challenging.
He's a great baby; he sleeps through the night and has been since 10 weeks old. His routine these days is to go to bed between 7:30 and 8:00, sleep till 6:30, nurse, and go back to sleep until 8:30-9:00ish. He's a good eater (obviously) and loves to laugh at his daddy. I'm so thankful for him!
I had to include this picture. If Sam has a love language, I'd say it's gift-giving (although, now that I think about it, he's been giving me lots of sugars lately...maybe he's bilingual.) I found Benjamin showered in Sam's brotherly love the other day. So cute.

1st trip to the ER

We always figured it would be Sam who would require the first injury-related trip to the ER. In fact, I had kind of mentally prepared myself for it. Sort of. It was really a futile effort because, in the end, there's nothing to prepare you for seeing your little boy covered in blood. It's unsettling and heartbreaking and...well, I don't like it one bit.
He hit his head on the train station at the square, and blood was everywhere. The saddest part of all was that he kept begging his daddy to kiss it. He was so desperate, and he really, really believed that his daddy could make it all better. Pit.i.full.
But here's the funny part. This was our first real family-night-out since Benjamin was born. We were going to our favorite pizza place to celebrate my new job, and more specifically, my first paycheck. Now, I hadn't worked too many hours, so my paycheck was modest, just $200, but that's more bacon than this mama has brought home in nearly 4 years, so we were excited. Until Sam's unfortunate fall and the trip to the ER. A trip that cost, that's right, $200. Geez.
Of course, it was worth every penny to make sure Sam-man was okay. They were able to use glue instead of stitches...yay! And the orange popsicle made everything a little bit better.
Now a word for Sam: Listen, love. I've tried to follow doctor's orders and keep SPF 50 on your forehead and use mederma, but you'll have none of it. NONE OF IT. Imagine that.

the ballpark in spring

One of my biggest worries throughout my pregnancy with Benjamin centered around Stephen's baseball schedule. The baby was due on the same week as the start of baseball which meant that Stephen would be home late every night...not good news for a mama of three recovering from a c-section. But, as it turns out, my fears were unfounded. We all loved going to the games.

I would pack up the kids' plasma cars (best toy ever) and a snack or two and spend the entire afternoon at the school. It worked out well for me...I got to sit and love on Benjamin while Kate and Sam played with the "big girls" and watched the game. The weather was beautiful, the kids loved being out of the house (a new baby tends to keep you in doors), and it was time with Dad that we would have otherwise lost. A win-win. And speaking of winning, Stephen's team did just that...a lot. It was a great season!

easter morning

Two problems here: first, the pics are out of order. Secondly, the above picture is awful in terms of quality, but AWESOME in terms of expression. I can't get over Sam's face...so funny. So Easter morning was crazy busy but lots of fun, too. The Easter bunny left treats for the kids outside Nanny's front door and a mess all over her floor. Despite the mess, all were pleased with his (or is it her?) generosity. Happy Easter!

party of five

easter 2010

Ah, the egg hunt. Lots of candy that I then had to secretly confiscate to use as bribes throughout the year for a host of unforeseen situations. Burton and me...we're quick learners.

bunny cake

One of my favorite projects of the year with the kids--the bunny cake. I wish I had a picture of last year's...I think we've made a few improvements. Kate loves separating the M&Ms. Interestingly, the pink bowl always ends up a little less full than the others. Hmmm...sneaky girl.

wazzup

blessed!

Kate (4), Sam (2), Avery (6 mo.), and Benjamin (2 m.o.).

quintessential sam

pj day, 2010

Sweet Kate...I love that girl. Love her heart, she is such a homebody. She would be perfectly content to spend the whole day in her pajamas just coloring, playing with princesses, and watching Arthur. Needless to say, PJ day at her preschool is among her most favorite days of the year.

SMOOCH!

Happy Valentine's Day! We don't really need an excuse to love on our kids, but what fun to treat them to a special morning, complete with heart valentines, new coloring books and their favorite homemade muffins.