We have a fish!!

Bennett is turning into a fish... well, not literally. On Father's day weekend we took Bennett swimming for the first time at our neighborhood pool. He seemed to really enjoy the water. We started off in the baby pool to get him used to the cold water. Since then we have made it back to the pool several times and he has even had his first visit at a water park last week. Sorry no pictures from the water park, but we did enjoy the lazy river and the water fountains.

Bennett in his swim outfit. How cute!!!!

Bennett and Daddy getting ready to go for a swim.

Bennett enjoying the baby pool.

Bennett enjoying the big pool in his new toy.

After a long day of fun and sun, he's ready to go home.

Graham and I are both thrilled that Bennett is a water baby.

Father's Day Pictures

Here are some pictures that I had made for Graham for Father's Day.

Bennett is wearing his daddy's work shirt and tie.

This one is our favorites. This picture really shows Bennett's personality.

He is such a happy baby. Smiles and giggles.

Everything these days are going directly into Bennett's mouth... including daddy's shirt.

The above four pictures were made into a collage for Graham. The collage is sitting on Graham's dresser so he can see Bennett's adorable face each morning before work! I couldn't think of a better way to start each day.



Bennett and Mommy!

Enough pictures already!!!

The photographer got this picture at the very end. Bennett obviously had enough pictures. He looked so sad sitting in his car seat with his teddy bear and a tear under his eye. This kid really knows how to pull at your heartstrings.

Bennett 4 Months

Friday afternoon Bennett had his 4 month check-up. Bennett showed off his newest skills for his pediatrician. Doc was impressed with his growth and development. Everything went very well except for his 4 month immunizations. Poor baby, he definitely does not like needles. Maybe once he's a little older he can ask for "soft needles." He weighed in at 15lbs and 25 inches long.

Over the last month or so Bennett's personality has really developed. He has always been a happy and easy going baby, but now he is showing all sorts of emotions. From smiles and giggles that melt your heart to frowns and tears that break your heart.

Here are some pictures from the last week.

oh the smiles and giggles

Bennett and Daddy

This week Bennett tried rice cereal for the first time. It was a success. This kid likes to eat, what can I say.

His first bite of cereal

He was reaching for more

He really liked it and opened his mouth for more, but he was bit unsure what to do with it...

... therefore, some of it came back out. Graham and I were impressed with how much he ate and how much stayed down.

Bennett's alone time. "Reading" or snuggling with his book.

Graham and Bennett both enjoy reading their bedtime stories. I enjoy listening :-) This book Snoozers was gift from Bennett's cousin Sydney.

So sleepy. What a day!!!!

Nap time. As you can see Bennett is napping on his Aunt and Uncle's floor. Bennett naps anywhere and everywhere.

Where Have We Been????

Well it has been a while since our last entry and I thought everyone could use a quick update. My sister gently reminded me that I haven't posted any pictures in about a month or so. I apologize for the delay. Bennett is a full time job and we are loving every moment. We are just trying to take it all in because he is growing up so fast. He is four months old and we have his well baby check-up on Friday. Graham and I are very excited to see how much he has grown. He has also started teething. No tooth yet but our pediatrician said he is symptomatic of teething and he should be getting his first tooth soon. Bennett is chewing on anything and everything especially my hands, arm or shoulder. Bennett's newest milestone is he is trying to sit up unassisted. He can sit up for a several seconds before starting to fall forward. When he does fall forward he usually giggles and then tries to push himself back up.

Bennett 4 months old

Bennett in his new jumper. He loves this new toy.

Graham and I went to the Indy 500 and had a blast. This was the first time we left Bennett with a sitter. I use the term sitter lightly since he was with his Aunts, Uncle and Cousin. Amy sent me several text messages throughout the day with updates on Bennett. One of my favorite updates was that Sydney (Bennett's cousin) is giving Bennett a foot massage. By the way, those of you who don't know Sydney, she is two and half and frequently requests back rubs or foot massages. The other cute message was that Sydney likes to hold Bennett's hand when riding next to him in his car seat.

Bennett relaxing with his new shades and hat.

We have been taking advantage of the great city that we live in. We took Bennett to his first minor league baseball game. Baseball games are one of our favorite summer pastimes. We went to four Cincinnati Reds games last summer and anytime we are in a different state we always try to get tickets for a game. Graham and I would like to visit all the major league baseball parks at some point. But in the meantime, Indy has an amazing minor league baseball field. We packed a picnic dinner and watched the game from the outfield lawn. The weather was perfect and we couldn't have asked for a better evening.

The three of us at Victory Field enjoying the weather, friends and baseball

Last weekend we took Bennett to the Indy Zoo. This was his second trip, but this was our first trip as a family. Graham was so excited to take Bennett that we ended up buying a membership so we can be frequent visitors. Bennett loved the fish exhibit. The fish were brightly colored and swam so fast that they really got Bennett's attention.

Not a picture of Bennett at the Zoo (my camera ran out of batteries) but a picture from later that afternoon. Let's just say we were waking him up because he smelled like the zoo.

Oliver the Elephant

This past weekend we packed up the car and headed to Oliver Winery for a lazy Sunday afternoon. We met my sister, brother-in-law and a couple of their friends in Bloomington. We found a nice sunny spot with a big shade tree, spread out our stadium blankets and enjoyed an afternoon picnic.

Here are few pictures for the past weekend.

Our Family!

Mommy and Bennett snuggling to keep warm. Even though the sun was out it was still a bit chilly.

Daddy and Bennett lounging on the blanket.

So sleepy after a long day

Amy and Sydney stayed the night with us on Friday night. They are always fun houseguests. Sydney runs around playing with the puppies and the dogs are always worn out when she leaves.

On a side note, Sydney has creatively named all of her stuff animals. While Graham and I are not that creative, we are working on naming Bennett's stuffed animals. He has a blue Eric Carle stuffed elephnat that we named Oliver, inspired by our trip to Oliver Winery. Any names that you would like to suggest? We still have a dozen or so animals that are nameless.

Sydney in Bennett's bed playing with his toys. "Sydney kept saying I'm in Bennett's bed." It was too cute.

She was counting to ten for me.

What a cutie... Just a random picture before we left on Sunday.

The Royal Treatment

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. Graham and Bennett planned a wonderful Mother's Day for me it was actually an entire weekend of spoiling and pampering me. They truly made it an unforgettable first Mother's Day.

Below are some pictures from the wonderful weekend.

Why does Bennett have a blue foot?

Graham and Bennett surprised me with a trip to Pottery By You. A paint your own pottery shop where we made a family platter using our hand and footprints.

Graham washing off Bennett's blue foot. Both of their facial expressions are priceless.

The finished product before it's fired. We will get the piece back next weekend. I need to exercise my patience while I wait.


Look at those tiny footprints. When I was in college my sisters and friends painted pottery at a studio in West Lafayette. We always had a great time and I still have the pieces that I completed. The pieces are dishwasher/oven/microwave safe, which makes them great to use in the kitchen. I am sure this platter will be used at many family dinners.

Graham also coordinated with my sisters to have brunch at Woody's Library in Carmel. The food was delicious and we had great service.

The three of us outside of Woody's Library!

As most of you know Graham and I have diligently been working on our backyard landscaping for the last couple years. I will have to say it truly has been a family effort. My Dad, Amy and Brian helped us get our grass growing and Julie shoveled truck loads of rock and mulch. We are starting to work on the south side of our house and part of my mother's day gift was two cascading rose bushes and a blue spruce. A yellow rose bush for me and a pink rose bush to be planted in memory of my mom. We haven't planted them yet but once we do I am sure there will be pictures. We are also planning to start the patio in the next couple weeks. I really enjoy our backyard - it's filled with memories. Almost every plant, tree or shrub has a story or was planted for a reason. We have put so much effort and sweat into that yard and we have had a lot of help.

Graham and Bennett behind Bennett's tree. We planted this tree shortly after we found out we were expecting. So this is Bennett's tree and we will continue to take pictures with Bennett by it to see how much they are both growing.

Me and Bennett next to Bennett's tree

Me with my puppies. These were my first "kids." They got me a wonderful card and as always plenty of hugs and kisses.

Graham and Bennett finished out Mother's day with Godiva Chocolate, a homemade steak and veggie dinner, a walk through our neighborhood and a relaxing evening on the screened in porch.

Graham also took off work next Friday for me to spend the afternoon getting a haircut. I am sure he can work in a game of golf in the morning.

Mother's day always makes me miss my mom, but it also reminds me of how lucky I am to have a wonderful husband, family and now a son.

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Bald Is Beautiful...

Before monsoon season hit we had a couple of really warm days and Bennett had the opportunity to wear a couple of his new outfits. Bald is beautiful… this is one of my favorites. I actually purchased this as a gift to Graham, long before Bennett even existed.

The last couple weeks have been a whirlwind. We have been very busy but everyone is doing well. Bennett is growing like a weed and he is changing every day. He is constantly "talking" to us and we have even heard some giggles. He is quickly approaching his 3-month birthday. I can’t believe three months have already gone by. Time sure seems to fly by when you are having fun.

Enjoy some new pictures. We have a lot of great outings, trips and play dates planned for the month of May so check back!!!

Counting Sheep

He always sleeps with his mouth open

That smile melts my heart and those cheeks are so kissable

(that's probably why they are always red and chapped)