Home again

We got home from Florida yesterday. It was a long drive, but Ben did great. We did most of the driving at night so Ben slept the majority of the way. My brother is officially a married man. One down and one to go.

We got there last Wednesday. We had a nice dinner out with my aunt and my parents. Ben enjoyed the hotel. He climbed all over the bed and gave dad a few body slams.

We went to the beach on Thursday. Ben wasn't too sure about it at first, but once he warmed up to it, he had a great time picking up shells and throwing them in the water. The wedding was Friday. Unfortunately, Ben got sick and it was very hot that day and the reception was outside so we left very early and took Ben back to the hotel for an early bed time. Saturday was beach day. We went to another beach with the wedding party and some of my brother and his new wife's friends. It was nice to relax in the sun. We headed home Sat. night and here we are. It was nice to get away for a few days, but we're really glad to be home .

Happy Easter

Benjamin was visited by the Easter bunny last night. He got a basket with a couple books. After church today we went to gram and paps for lunch. Aaron, Prasti and Prasti's sister and mom were there. We had a full day and Benjamin wore some really cool shoes! We're off to Florida on Tuesday so I wont be updating the blog until we get back the following week.

Silly pencil test!

For those of you who still believe in old wives tales, stop. Per the pencil test, I was supposed to find out we're having twins today, but we lucked out, theres only one in there. We are on track-- 9 weeks and 3 days along. We got to see the heart beat and we even saw the arms and legs move. Its too early to confirm 10 fingers and toes, but so far so good.

Illusionist

Our church hosted an illusionist tonight. He did a lot of cool tricks, but Ben was too busy running around for us to see most of them. He had a great time and did a great job wearing himself out.

Irish pride

Benjamin had a busy weekend. A college group came up from Arkansas on Sat. and babysat all the kids in the church so the parents could have a date night. Benjamin had plenty of people to grant his every wish for a few hours while Jon and I went bowling and had dinner out (I kicked butt at bowling, although Jon and I both won a game).

After church today, Ben had a quick nap then we went to Aaron and Prasti's for dinner with the college group. Ben also got an early Easter present from gram and pap. Its a remote control caterpillar that makes a lot of noise!

We ended the night at Malley's where Ben and dad shared a shake. It was a crazy weekend and its going to be a crazy week as we get ready to go to Florida for Dave and Joanna's wedding next week.

P.S.

We found out that Prasti and I have the same due date in October. Things could get interesting!

Language explosion

Ben has picked up a new word almost every day this week. It started with on, then no. Now we've added Elmo, Ernie and some sort of adios--he has a few toys that speak English and Spanish. A woman from Help Me Grow is coming out next Wed. to check Ben out, but I'm getting less and less worried as time goes on.

Congrats to Alan and Lindsey who had their first look at their baby girl this week. She is on track to arrive in early August. And happy 1st b-day to Oren (above).

Winter in Cleveland

The entire state of Ohio got hit with a major snow storm this weekend. I'm not sure of the exact total, but we probably got about 18inches. It was enough to cover Jon's knees when he was out shoveling.
We had to fight to get out the front door. This is the dogs view from the porch.










Across the street.







The back yard.









Jon in the front.

Bangin' hair

Well, Benjamin is getting another cold. That makes 3 this year. Right now its just a cough and a runny nose. Hopefully this one wont be as bad as the others.

Ben has had a dry scalp so we put some lotion in his hair. We couldn't resist playing a little. When we showed it to him he gasped, laughed a little, played with it for a minute and then tried to make my hair do the same thing. He kept going back to the mirror over and over again to take a peek at his new look.

Progress

Benjamin surprised us tonight by trying to say "all better" after I fixed a toy. Dad was able to catch it on film so we could show off his skills.

Benjamin had a busy day yesterday. After church we dropped him off at my parent house. I think he completely wore out grandma and grandpa. They climbed steps, played in the sink, built a mini snow man, played with the door knocker........ He finished the afternoon with a sugar high from the cake we had to celebrate Tony's belated b-day.

Story time

Benjamin got a book from gram and pap when he was born that he absolutely loves. It has silly rhymes and plays music. It also has a baby picture of him that he loves to stare at. He opens it up at least 50 times a day. Ben and Emma ganged up on gram and got her to read the book to them....again!

Good news--we took Bailey to the vet last week and she is completely healthy. No jaw problems this time. She has been a great addition to the family. Ben loves to play with her and she is getting better about not barking at night, thank goodness!