Bath time

Now Jacob and I have been amazed at how calm and easy-going our little Benjamin is,
but even during bath time? I have never put one of our newborns in the bath without
them screaming and flailing and acting like I was putting them through absolute torture.
I put Ben in the bath for the first time a couple of days ago and he just laid there
completely happy and relaxed. I truly thought it was just a fluke, but when
I put him in yesterday, he did it again.  What a little sweetheart!

Growing up

When did this boy grow up...and really, how handsome is he?

Yawn

There are no dumb questions

This afternoon, the kids and I headed outside to play for a little while. It seemed most of our neighborhood was outside enjoying the great weather. Quite a while into playing with friends, I turned away from visiting with my friends to see a little neighbor girl pushing Matt. He looked a little bewildered and like he didn’t know what to do. Now Matt doesn’t really have a hard time standing up for himself, but I think he was a bit thrown off by the size of the little girl (super small) and the fact that it seemed to come out of nowhere. I watched for a minute and when it didn’t stop, I approached them and let Matt know it was okay to tell the little girl to stop pushing him. She eventually stopped. We both walked away from it and Matt seemed no worse for the wear. He did mention though he wanted to go inside and do an art project. As I walked him inside, I was curious as to why this little girl started pushing Matt, as I hadn’t seen how it began.

"Matt, do you know why Kennis was pushing you?"

Matt looking baffled by my silly question.

"Because she is mean."




This reminded me of something that happened to Annie several years ago. We were at a restaurant eating dinner when Annie suddenly dropped her spoon. Without thinking, she reached over the side of her chair to grab it and fell off her chair onto the floor—bumping her head. She immediately started crying and wanting to take care of her, but not wanting to subject all of the other customers to her crying, I headed outside. After I had calmed her down, I wanted to check her head to make sure it wasn’t anything serious, but had not seen which side of her head she had hit when she fell.

"Annie honey, where did you hit your head?"

Annie looking baffled by my silly question.

"On the fa-loor."

To my Mom

I cannot believe my incredible mom would fly to San Diego the morning after

Ben was born. She took care of the kids throughout the week so I could
spend every available moment at the hospital with our little guy.

Thank you more than you can ever imagine Mom!
I am so very, very grateful and love you so much.

My heart leaps...

To see our boy safe and sound. At home. Where he belongs.

Home sweet home

Could we be any more JOYFUL today? I'm not sure it is possible.

Welcome home our sweet Ben!

And because we think he is too cute...

Happy day

Our Sunbeam

Matt started Sunbeams on Sunday. What a happy day for him... and for us. He has been
waiting a long time for the day to arrive. Three of our kids in Primary. How did I get so old?

And where, might I ask, did he learn this? Obviously his father.

Our little Benjamin

Benjamin Jay Allen joined our family Friday afternoon. Five weeks early, but with one
incredible spirit. We couldn't be more thrilled. He is spending some time in the NICU,
but is doing so very well. We can't wait to have him home. Our hearts are beyond full.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

We love you sweet Ben!

Twinkle, twinkle little star...

The baby clothes are washed and folded. Some pink, some blue, many yellow and green.
The socks are so very tiny and I'm still not sure it is possible for the diapers to fit anything
but a doll. The problem with having an abundance of preterm labor (besides the health and
safety of this precious baby) is, as Jacob mentioned, now that we are very few days away
from all being well, we almost feel like this little one is late. My impatience is growing,
as well as my love and awe for this tiny life. I can wait though. I think.

Happy New Year!

Cheese fondue. Chocolate fondue. A family friend to help celebrate.
Three super-hyper kids. A kiss from the man I love. What a HAPPY New Year!

One eight-year-old thrilled that he finally made it!
 

Two who gave a valiant effort, but whose eyes gave in ninety minutes too soon.
 

Oh wait, she just knew she was missing something.

A Happy New Year to you all!

Annie, sea lions and the San Diego zoo

Christmas Day

Christmas Eve

Our little family

Next week we will celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary.

Nine years, {almost} four children and a million happy memories.

We are so blessed.

A visit to the ocean

Bed rest

Being on bed rest until this sweet baby comes is a little overwhelming right at this moment. But, after being put in the hospital for two days earlier this week, I will take bed rest with a grateful heart. Because I get to be here in our home, with our kids and still be taking care of this little one.

So deep breath, I will make it.

It will definitely be an exciting (or for some of us, totally boring) few weeks for all. And yet, when our new baby arrives, it will be worth every second. Here we go...

Together

They are together again. What a happy, happy day!

Although, I'm feeling a bit sad today because I couldn't travel to Utah with Jacob to be

at Grandpa Wally's funeral. But taking care of this sweet baby and doing everything 

I can to prevent our little one from coming too early is so important. I know Grandpa

would agree. But it still has been a hard day knowing I am missing out on celebrating 

Grandpa's life. But I am so very grateful for the sure knowledge that he and 

Grandma are together again and oh so very happy.  What a blessing.