...And here he is in action!

Bennett, our little walker!

First Steps!

Bennett took his first steps Thursday, September 27th, 2012! He had his weekly physical therapy earlier that day, but was no where near taking steps. He saved the big moment for the whole family to witness. Andrew, Matthew, and I were in Bennett's room with him getting ready for bed that evening. He decided that it was time to walk, and just took four steps from Andrew to me! We were all so excited for him, and he was so proud of himself that he just kept trying for more! Three steps here, four steps there, and he successfully did this about five times! He walked to all of us. Matthew kept saying "Walk to me, Bennett!" and holding his hands out for him. Bennett was thrilled with himself! He's still learning balance, but he's getting so close to walking full-time! He is communicating better, saying a few words "dad", "ball", "mama"(when he cries), and he imitates a lot of words when we say them. He is very curious and points to everything wanting you to tell him more about it. Bennett loves food, cuddles, blanket and paci, trains, coloring on the art easel, and the dogs!

Matthew started preschool two days per week, and he loves it! He has been such a big helper lately, and he's getting so smart! He makes me laugh every day. He likes to pick his outfit and get dressed on his own now. He has just learned how to control his drawing, and has been crafting elephants, people, rocket ships, etc. He tends to doodle something, decide what it resembles, and then add details. He has also started tracing his name really well, and draws "M"s everywhere! He loves the Disney Junior channel on tv, his favorite show is Octonauts. He rides his tricycle around the house for hours each day. He is a tricycle pro, he is so fast and agile on that trike! Most of all, he loves his little brother! He takes great care of him, always making sure that he is happy. He shares toys and food, and always gives him hugs and kisses.

The boys have a cousin, Harrison! Harrison was born August 21st. He is a sweet, cute baby! We recently went with Aunt Tine for Harrison's first zoo trip!

One!

I cannot believe it's already here. Sweet Bennett is turning one today! Exactly one year ago, I was getting ready to meet this amazing boy. It was a scary time before he arrived not knowing what to expect. If only I could have seen a glimpse of our future, I could have relaxed completely. But as soon as I saw his face, I knew everything was going to be okay. And I was right, Bennett is more than okay. He is perfect. This boy has taught me a lot about life in his twelve months. I am so thankful to have him in my life. Our family is so much better with him in it. Andrew and I constantly reflect on how lucky we are to have these two perfect sons. Matthew just adores Bennett, and Bennett is obsessed with his big brother as well! He is the sweetest, funniest, cuddliest, most mischievous, little one year old. I can't get enough of him.

Time to Babyproof the House!

Bennett is crawling! Yesterday, I was printing a document and Bennett just took off crawling to check out the printer! He loves electronics, whether it's the remote, iPad, or the blu-ray player, he will drop everything to check it out! Electronics -and food- are his passions. Our little guy is now on the go! I guess it's time to get the cords off the floor and make sure all the outlets are plugged up! We are all so happy for him, and he's so proud of himself!

Easter and Milestones

Today is Easter. The boys had a great day seeing family and searching for eggs during three Easter egg hunts. Matthew was great at recognizing his name, and his brother's name, on all of the labeled eggs and baskets today! Both boys made it through the day without any major meltdowns. We are all worn out tonight and it was an early bedtime for the kids! I take that back, Matthew is still laughing in his bed (and playing his new recorder from Nana) trying to settle down.

Bennett turned 10 months old yesterday. During the last two weeks, he has changed so much! He has become very interested in learning to crawl. He is pivoting his body and scooting to get to toys! He has also started babbling so much and sometimes says "mama", "dada", and we think he is saying "duck". He has this new-found energy and excitement about everything, especially table foods! He's growing up fast!

Is it spring yet?

We are so happy to experience warmer weather this past week or so! Spring weather and fresh air is exactly what we need right now. We have had a rough time with winter illness in this family! Matthew had a cold and then double ear infection. Bennett had "hand, foot, and mouth", then caught Matthew's cold which turned into bronchiolitis. Bennett is still dealing with that cold and possibly acid reflux. Andrew and I have also caught Matthew's cold. And this has all occurred in the last three weeks!

On a happier note, the kids are still having fun! Bennett is rolling much more and his arms are getting stronger. He is babbling all the time now and loves to take his brothers toys now! Matthew is still enjoying school and his latest craze is "Blue's Clues". I took both boys to the circus with my brother and sister last weekend, and Matthew really had fun! We also recently went to a puppet show and both kids' eyes were glued to the stage! It was fun to see how they enjoyed it!

Busy, Growing Boys

It's been a while since my last update, but no news is good news! We've had a busy holiday season. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's have flown by. Lots of celebrations, so many gifts, and plenty of sickness to go around! We planned to visit the Neal's in St. Louis mid-December, but had to delay the trip when Bennett and I got sick. We both had strep throat, and Bennett had a double ear infection. Luckily, we were under control by Christmas. We spent Christmas eve with my extended family, had a perfect Christmas morning at home, Christmas day with my immediate family, and then the day after Christmas travelled to St. Louis to spend time with Andrew's family. We were glad to see all the family for Christmas, but we were worn out after all of that!

The fun is not over because Matthew's third birthday party is tomorrow! We are just having a small family pizza party, and Matthew is most excited about his Cars 2 ice cream cake! He's also taking a treat to school Monday, which is his actual birthday. Matthew is growing up so quickly, learning new things every day. He is always coming up with new clever ways to get into trouble, but he is getting better about cleaning up after himself! He's also doing very well with potty training and wearing underwear full-time during the day now. We just use an overnight while he sleeps. Matthew still loves to take care of his baby brother! Whenever Bennett cries, Matthew calls for me and says "Mama, Bennett's crying. He needs you to take care for him". He also hugs him and holds him to try to make him feel better any time he cries. Bennett turned 7 months old today! He is sitting independently, smiles and coos all the time, imitates the words "hi" and "boo", eats solids once or twice a day, and he got his first tooth Christmas day! Both boys are happy and doing great!