Clean bill of health

Benjamin had his 18month check up today. He is doing great. He is 33inches (75%) and 24lbs (almost the 50th %). The only minor concern is an ongoing one, his speech. The doctor actually isn't as concerned as she was at the last visit. At 18months, he should be able to consistently say 10 words and know their meaning . Ben can consistently say 7 words, but has about 20 words in his vocabulary. We are going to have him evaluated by Help Me Grow in the the next week or two. They come to the home and do assessments on all sorts of issues. They determine if there is a serious problem or if he's just progressing a bit more slowly than other kids. They will recommend a plan and follow up weekly to see how the child is progressing. The best part is, its all free! The doctor also thinks that once he is able to communicate better, we'll see a decrease in the tantrums. He's actually been doing a lot better with them. It just seems that they always come at the wrong times. Other than that, Ben is perfect!

Snow, snow and more snow!

Well, for those not in Cleveland, you are missing out. We got about 6 inches of snow over night and are expecting a few more inches tonight. We took Ben and Bailey out for some play time and had a blast.

Happy Birthday

Happy b-day to Aaron who turned 35 on Saturday and also to Tony, I'll skip the age, who is celebrating a b-day today. We had Jon's family over for Aaron's b-day dinner Friday night. We ate a ton of great food cooked by Jon's mom. Saturday night our church split up into 3 different houses and had a game night. The men played games and the women chatted most of the night. We didn't stay long because Ben's diaper sprung a leak and it was bed time, but we had a great time while we were there.

Back on schedule

Sorry its been so long, but we've had a lot going on the past few days. Ben and I are still dealing with our colds. We both feel better, but still have runny noses and a cough.

Saturday night we went to dinner with our friends Seth and Amy (sorry, no pics). We celebrated being pregnant and that they are going to start looking for a house in Lakewood.

Sunday was our church's one year anniversary. We had a guest speaker from the sending church in Arkansas then had lunch together at the church. Ben loved the pizza, but spent most of the afternoon climbing up and down the steps to the stage. Once again, I forgot the camera. Sunday night, we celebrated Corries last night of freedom before she went back to work. We had a fondue party at Aaron and Prasti's. Thanks to aunt Prasti for supplying the pictures because of course, I forgot the camera! While we were there, we got the news that Prasti is pregnant. It looks like she'll be due just before us. Our family is going to have a busy Fall.













Tuesday afternoon, Ben went to our friend Melissas house. Barb was sick, probably from us, so she did not watch Ben. Ben got to play with her daughter Layla. It sounds like they had a great time. They even gave each other kisses.









We went to story time last night. Ben is a pro now. He gets in there with the rest of the kids and grabs books, shakers and goes after the bubbles. Ben has been practicing his dance moves lately. They involve a lot of circles which usually end with him falling on his tush because he's so dizzy. With a little practice, he'll be headed for dancing with the stars!

Road to recovery

Benjamin and I have been sick for the past week. He got a cold and was kind enough to pass it on to me. We've been bums for the past few days while we've been recovering. Benjamin is definitely feeling better, but he still has quite a runny nose. I'm finally starting to feel better and sound like myself again, but I can't breathe and have a pretty bad cough. We haven't wanted to get anyone else sick so we missed church, story time and both our playrooms this week. Ben has been a trooper and I'm sure Bailey hasn't minded the extra company. Hopefully we'll both be feeling good enough this weekend to go outside and enjoy some of the snow.

And then there were 6!

Yes, it's true---I'm pregnant! We found out yesterday. We're about a month along so the unofficial due date is October 20th. We'll see the doctor in March and get a more accurate time line. We're all thrilled about another baby, and I can honestly say I don't care if it's a boy or a girl. Between the people and animals, we're going to have a full house in October! We'll keep you posted as things progress.

Take 2

Well, we got another dog. We found her at another rescue. She is a golden retriever mix, but we don't know what she is mixed with. She is 11 or 12 weeks old and looks like she is going to be a beast! We named her Bailey. Benjamin loves her. He didn't need any time to warm up to her. He's been petting her and trying to play with her all day, but she's slept a lot today. Overall, she seems to be pretty laid back. We went to her foster home last night to check her out. She was with a bunch of other dogs and kids so she's used to a little chaos. I think she's going to make a great member of the family.

Sad news

We took Reese to the vet last night for a check up and got some bad news. Reese has an overbite, which is common in dogs, but hers is pretty bad. She isn't having any trouble right now. When her adult teeth come in (at 4-6months) she could have a lot of trouble, which will require major surgery by a specialist. Of course that means mega bucks that we don't have. Jon and I have made the tough decision to return her to the shelter. We feel like terrible parents for returning a "sick" puppy, but we know we need to make sure the humans in our family are taken care of first and we cant do that while paying hundreds or possibly thousands in vet bills. Keep Reese in your thoughts and pray that she will find a family that can give her all the love and medical attention she deserves.

Happy Birthday

Sunday was Jon's birthday. We started the celebration Friday night with a great dinner made by Jon's mom. Benjamin approved of the cake. Jon got a couple presents (including our new dog, which we named Reese), but the best present was a win from the Giants! Ben and I took Jon to Sakura tonight and we will probably have dinner with my parents this weekend. Less than a year till the big 30!

Our new bundle of joy!

Nope, I'm not pregnant---we got a dog. She is a beagle/shepherd mix. She is 9 weeks old and weighs 8lbs. She is the smallest and most calm of the litter. They think she will be 40-50lbs. She should be perfect for Benjamin. He has come up to pet her a few times and even pinched her nose, but isn't quite sure what to make of her. We haven't decided on a name yet, but we have a few in mind. Katie is not thrilled. She came down to see the puppy, but quickly ran away.

Congrats to gram and pap on their second dog, Zeke.

Bubbles!

Benjamin discovered bubbles at story time at the library and loved them so much we had to pick some up for him. We tried them out last night and he had a blast. We got a "whoa!" every time they went flying through the air.

Nature and Science Museum

Ben and I had a full morning. We started off at a play group. It was so cold today that not many people showed up. He was a bit more confident today. He played with one of the girls, he walked around with out holding my hand and tried out a bunch of new toys. The people that were there continue to comment on how much progress he makes with his shyness each week.

I told Ben we were going to the Lake Erie Nature and Science Museum with some friends so he was telling me he is ready to go.

9 of us went to the museum (including babies). We didn't see too much of it. We were having fun in our little corner. They have a bunch of animals that only a boy could love....snakes, cockroaches, iguanas, fish etc. Ben just liked that he could walk around on his own, but he had a good time sitting on the edge of a fish pond. Lindsey and Tate were the only ones brave enough to go outside into the cold and check out the other animals. They have deer, rabbits, a hawk, and a turkey to name a few. I think it will be a lot of fun to check out when its a bit warmer. They have a large field so the kids can run around. We had a lot of fun, but Ben was definitely ready to come home and take a nap.

Check out flickr for more pics from today.

Sunday lunch

We went out to lunch with a group of people from church yesterday. 13 of us took over part of the Winking Lizard. We were out a bit past Bens nap time, but he adjusted well. Thanks to Alan and Lindsey for buying.

We found out our cousin, Barb, is having a baby boy in June. Ben is helping to show Aylah what its going to be like to have a brother. It sounds like she has a great time with Ben each week, so I think she'll transition well.

The boy likes syrup!

Ben has had a couple of great days. His appetite is back to normal. He's been eating more than dad and I. He hasn't had any major melt downs, he's taking great naps and has been in a great mood. He's even given me a ton of kisses. Unfortunately, he hasn't been as giving with dad, but I think he owed me a few! Some days he makes it really easy to be a parent.

Cork anyone?

Apparently I didn't get lunch together quickly enough and Ben was forced to eat cork for lunch!

Ben and I went to a play room this morning with some friends. I think having some familiar faces there helped him to explore a little bit more. Everyone commented on what a difference a week makes. He still needed mom, but he didn't hide every time someone looked at him. He even participated in snack time. He didn't want to think about sharing goldfish last week!

Ben is still having some tantrums, but we're ignoring the crying and keeping up with time outs for bad behavior. Some days are better than others, but I think its sinking in little by little.

He's been a lot better with getting it out and moving on to fun stuff instead crying for long periods. Small victory for mom and dad!

Childrens Museum

Jon and I took Ben to the Childrens Museum today. We hung out in the Big Red Barn exhibit. There was a car to climb in, animal stalls to play in, and a slide just to name a few. I think Ben had a great time. He wouldnt let dad go too far, but he went off on his own a few times. The slide was definitely his favorite. He wanted to go down over and over again (hint, hint grandma and grandpa)! There are more pics on Flickr.

Good news/bad news

Well, the good news is Jon is feeling like himself again. His fever broke and he has his appetite back. The bad news is that I don't think he had food poisoning because I got what ever he had Friday night. I'm starting to feel better today, but its taking its time.

Ben had a rough night on Friday. He had a 45 minute temper tantrum than ended in a time out. It took a while, but he finally got it and calmed down. He had a great day Saturday. He got in his chair himself when he was hungry (something we've been struggling with) and even got a new diaper for dad when it was time to be changed. Ben and dad went to a party at aunt Lorrie's last night. It sounds like they had a lot of fun visiting.













This morning, Ben shocked us by saying nana several times when we pulled out a banana for him. Ben and I hung out at home while Jon went to church. He was kind enough to let me listen to the service by phone though. Today was the Sanctity of Life sermon. Its the 35th anniversary of Roe vs Wade so Todd preached about abortion as well as assisted suicide and euthanasia. It got Jon and I into an abortion debate. We both agree that more education is a must, but at this point do we keep abortion legal and hope that enough people will spread the word so people will make the right choice on their own or do we make it illegal and risk back alley abortions where not only do we lose the baby, but possibly the mother too? We played devils advocate for about an hour and didn't really come to a good conclusion. I cant imagine what the law makers go through, knowing that they literally have the power to change/save lives.

On a happier note, Jon and I are both off tomorrow and plan on taking Ben to one of the museums. Look for another post then.

Indecision 2008!

Sorry, this one isn't about Ben. Jon found this website that I thought was really cool. I definitely have some favorites in the 2008 presidential race, but I am still undecided. This site asks your opinion on the key topics like health care, immigration and same sex marriages to name a few and then tells you which candidate you most (and least) identify with. It also gives all the candidates positions on the same topics. After visiting the site, I'm still undecided, but I think I have better grasp of each candidates stance. Hope it helps. http://www.electoralcompass.com/

On a side note, we have another sick one. Jon woke up at 2am and was sick all night. I took him to the doctor today and he has food poisoning. (No, I didn't cook dinner last night!) He is also severely dehydrated. He's on a strict diet of Gator Aid and Compazine (anti-nausea medicine) and has been ordered to stay in bed for at least 2 days. Please keep him in your thoughts/prayers.

Grandmas, dont worry, I'll do another Ben post this weekend!

Another play room

Benjamin and I checked out another play room today. Its at an elementary school not too far from here. It didn't take as long for him to get out of my lap this time, but he was a little intimidated by how friendly everyone was. There was a little girl who wanted to give him kisses and pat his head and all the moms couldn't get over how beautiful his eyes are. He did a lot of exploring and played peek-a-boo with the elementary school kids in the gym next to us. I think another week or two and he'll be running around with all the other kids and leaving mom behind!

Crazy, but true

We took Benjamin to the doctor today. She determined that he has a virus that causes a temporary lactose intolerance! He wasn't eating because he didn't feel good. We would give him some cheese or yogurt so he would have something in his stomach. Then he would get upset and we would give him milk to help calm him down. That was actually making him worse. We have to cut out dairy for about a week and let the virus run its course and then slowly reintroduce it.
She said it's actually very common in children. After talking to the doctors I work with, I found out its actually common in adults too, it just presents a little differently. He did better tonight. He's still a little fussy, but I think the worst is over.

We went to the library tonight for story time (sorry, I forgot the camera). We read, sang songs, blew bubbles and did a little dancing. Ben loved the bubbles, but I don't think he got as much out of it as he could since he was a bit under the weather. Its a weekly event so I think he'll have a much better time next week.