Family and a Festival

Last week, we went up to High Springs to have breakfast with Jonathan's parents and Tim's family. They were there for a church conference so it was nice to meet up with them for the morning. Rosemary spent a few days with Tim and Michelle's family while my parents were in the hospital and had so much fun. She was very excited to see her cousins again.

Breanna and Rosemary
Rosemary chased after Matthew and Olivia.

On the way back from our walk, Rosemary and Sarah hitched a ride with Tim.

That afternoon, we went to the Butterfly Festival. We went a two years ago when Rosemary was a baby. (Check out that post here). It was a smaller event than we remembered, but Rosemary seemed to really enjoy herself.

Rosemary picked up a butterfly mask and set of antennae inside.

Ben at 3 Months

In the midst of the last few crazy weeks, I managed to not post Benjamin's 3 month update. So here it is.

Benjamin is still an amazingly good baby. Everyday I feel so blessed because of this little boy. Last week was not an easy week with trips back and forth to the hospital and spending most of his time in his car seat. He did incredibly well. Thankfully, he also remained healthy. I would pray as we walked through the hospital halls that he wouldn't catch anything!

We didn't have a 3 month check up so I don't have exact stats, but my guess is that he's over 15 lbs. now. Such a nice sized baby. He moved up to 3-6 months clothes last week and this week I bagged up all of the 0-3 month ones (they hardly look worn!) and put them away to either store or return to friends. In the midst of this, I found that he only has one 3-6 month pair of pajamas. I'll be going shopping for those!

His sleep habits are great. Ben takes a short morning nap at the church then takes a really long afternoon nap (around 3 hours). That got a little bit off last week, but he seems to be settling back into that now. Nights are still around 12 hours.

In other news, we've switched to cloth diapers for Ben. Our friends Ashley, Jen, Katie, and Christine helped get me started by answering my questions and so far I really like it. I was concerned about the laundry part, but since the part of laundry that I hate is the folding part and you really don't "fold" diapers, it isn't too bad. He's got 6 bumGenius', 12 Chinese prefolds, and 3 Thirsties covers. I also made some cloth wipes from an old receiving blanket that I cut up then overcast the edges on the sewing machine. I just couldn't figure out a way to get rid of the disposable ones easily so I thought I'd give cloth ones a whirl. So far, I like them too. Today was my first day of no leaks in the prefolds. Woohoo! As far as Ben's concerned, I don't think he notices a difference.

And finally, below are his three month photos with the alligator from October 2.

This is very Ben...calm and happy.

Home

Mom and Dad are both home from the hospital. Dad came home last night and Mom just came home late this afternoon. Both are doing well, but continued prayer for good recoveries and adapting to some of the changes would be appreciated.

Thanks so much for the many prayers that were lifted up for my parents and for us over the last week. We appreciate them and you.

Dad's Surgery

My dad had his surgery today and everything went just as the doctors had hoped. Based on what the surgeon saw, he believes that all of the cancer was removed. Praise God! Thank you again for your prayers and encouragement.

My mom's doing much better but is still in the hospital. They'll take my mom down to see my dad tomorrow. We're getting to know our way around the hospital really well. :-)

One down, one to go

Update on my mom....

My mom just got out of surgery and they're getting her ready in her recovery room. Everything went really well. They got the filter in really quickly and were able to get all of the clots in her leg in just one surgery. There was a concern that they may need to do more than one, but that's not the case! She'll be here for a few more days...the doctor didn't say how much longer. But the doctors and nurses are saying that it went really really well so thank you so much for your prayers! We'll be back again Wednesday for my dad. Pray that his surgery is just as successful.

Prayers for my Mom and Dad

Tomorrow (Sunday) my mom will be having surgery to deal with some blood clots in her left leg and, most likely, her stomach. As some of you know, within the last three months my mom has been diagnosed with PMR and Lupus. The blood clots are a side effect of the lupus and if left could be life threatening.

On Wednesday, my dad will have surgery to have a kidney removed. About 3 weeks ago, doctors found cancer. The good news with that surgery is that once the kidney is removed, the doctors believe that the cancer will be entirely gone.

My mom will be moved tomorrow so that she's at the same hospital as my dad. We're down with them now and my brother is flying in later tonight. We believe in the power of prayer and just ask that you could lift them up in the days to come. Thanks!

Fire Truck, Fire Truck, Zooming Down the Street

Yesterday, MOPS put together a field trip for the kids and moms to a local fire station. It was just around the corner from the church so we took a break and headed over. Ben hung out in the sling the whole time, but Rosemary soaked everything in.

The fire fighter talked about getting down and getting out when there's smoke, then we got to walk through the station and then we saw a fire fighter in all of his gear. Rosemary didn't want to get too close to get a picture with him, but when they opened up the fire truck, she was one of the first to go through. She liked it so much, she went back around and got in line to go again.

The fire fighter explained that when there's smoke, you "Get down and get out."

Rosemary enjoyed going through the fire truck and getting a hat.

Future fire fighter? Maybe!

The one that got away...

A few weekends ago, we went to one of UF's Family Fishing Days. Rosemary likes to pretend she's fishing so we thought it would be fun to do. Secretly, I wanted to go because I've never caught a fish. After fishing an hour and a half on a stocked pond, the same is still true. I did get a bite, but the fish managed to break my line (and take the hook and bobber with it) before I could get it in. One of the guys on the pond with us called it a "monster."
Jonathan was teaching Rosemary about her fishing pole.

It was a beautiful day out. A little warm, but still nice.

Rosemary would lose interest in fishing and run around where we were standing. I think she still enjoyed it. Afterwards, they had a free lunch and doorprizes.

Our little setup. Baby Ben slept most of the time in the shade of his stroller.

Rosemary took this picture. I think it might be the first one she's ever taken. Not too bad. It's kind of artsy.

Happy Birthday, Jonathan

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday, dear Jonathan

Happy birthday to you!

Benjamin is 2 months old!

We are blessed parents. God has given us two wonderful little ones that are a joy. I was nervous before Benjamin was born because I thought that since I'd already had one good baby, it was too much to hope for to have two good babies. But Benjamin is just as sweet as Rosemary was as a baby. He's a great eater, great sleeper, and just seems to have a calm and sweet spirit. I love this little boy!

Two month stats:
Length: 22 1/2 in.
Weight: 11 lbs. 15 oz.
Head circumference: 41 cm
Hours sleeping a night: 12
Feedings: 5-6

First Day of Preschool

Rosemary started preschool last week. She's only going for two days a week and I'm working during that time at the church. Rosemary's never been one that's had a hard time adjusting when I drop her off for childcare so this has been no different. She's been very excited about school.

Silver Springs

The Saturday of Labor Day weekend we headed to Ocala for a day at Silver Springs. Rosemary thoroughly enjoyed it. Even though Jonathan and I were probably a little less than impressed, it was a really fun day because she had so much fun.

Rosemary got to feed a giraffe a cracker.

One of the highlights was riding the carosel. Today (9 days later) she was telling us about how I rode an elephant and Jonathan rode on a rooster.

We rode the glass bottom boats while it rained. This was a very exciting part of the day since it gave Rosemary a chance to see fish up close. We saw one larger sized fish, my guess would be about 18 inches or so, that was bigger than most of the other fish. Rosemary gasped and called it a whale.

Ben seemed to have a good time too. He mostly chilled in the stroller or in the Bjorn with Jonathan.

More Newborn Shoot Photos

Below are a few more pictures from Benjamin's first photo shoot--we got a few with big sis too.

If you're in Gainesville or Orlando and need a photographer, check out Jaime Swanson. She did all of the pics and was so wonderful to work with. Her website is www.jlsphotographystudio.com and she is awesome! I couldn't be more pleased. I mean, I look at these pictures and can't believe how great everyone looks.

Benjamin Rolls

Yesterday, Benjamin rolled over from his back to his front. I think this time it's here to stick.

Banana Bread, Oven Mitts, and the Enormous Giraffe

Rosemary's doing really well as a new big sister. Of course, it's nice to have some one on one Rosemary time too. She's such a fun little girl.

We were cooped up in the house most of the weekend as Tropical Storm Fay came through. To help pass the time, Rosemary and I made some banana bread.

I'm not sure how this started, but those are oven mitts on her feet. (And this is probably one of those pictures that will be so embarrassing to her as she gets older but it's hilarious now...)

This is for our nephew, Ian, but Rosemary's enjoying it in the meantime. I asked her what its name was. She came over a little later and told me its name was "Little" because it's big (at least I think that's what she said). I didn't know two year olds got irony.

Family Time

Benjamin is all smiles.

Zzzz....

First thing in the morning.

Cousins

On their way back to Augusta, Elizabeth, Ezekiel, and Ian stopped by for a night. Ezekiel and Rosemary are just 2 and a half months apart in age so they got along really well...pretty much they're partners in crime. Here they were sharing a banana for a snack.

Baby Olympics Fan

Benjamin sports his red, white, and blue and shows his support of the US gymnastics team.

Weekend in Longwood

A few weekends ago, we headed down to Longwood to see my brother and for a "Meet Benjamin" party hosted by Becky.

Rosemary was 'reading' to Ben.

Benjamin meets his Uncle Jason.

A few of the party guests. I only got a few pictures from the shower and some were blurry, so I'll need to get some copies from Becky to post more.

Me and Becky after the party.

Summer Highlights

Our summer is just about over. Jonathan starts back to class next week and Rosemary starts preschool the week after that. It's been a good summer. Here are a few of the highlights for me, in no particular order:

1. Benjamin's birth. We're blessed with another wonderful baby (who is now sleeping about 8 hours a night). Even the extra time we had to wait for his arrival wasn't bad.
2. Five Year Anniversary. Jonathan and I celebrated our five year anniversary on July 19. We went to dinner and a movie while my mom watched Rosemary and Benjamin. We plan on doing something more later this year, but it was nice to just have a night out together.
3. Grandma Time. Both of our moms were so helpful this summer with getting ready for Benjamin's arrival and helping once we were home. The kids are very blessed to have grandmas who care about them so much.
4. Home time. It's actually felt a little like summer vacation since I was on a short maternity leave. It's nice being home all day with the kids and spending time with Jonathan.
5. The Olympics. I'm enjoying them so much. We missed the last few since we didn't get NBC, but we haven't really missed a night this time. Going to at least one Olympic event in person is definitely on my bucket list.
6. Longwood visit. I got to see my brother a few weekends ago and Becky hosted a meet baby Ben shower for my friends in Longwood. It was nice to get away and catch up with family and friends.
7. Wipe Out. It's a little embarrassing how much Jonathan and I enjoyed this show. I honestly thought that it might send me into labor because I was laughing so hard. I was in tears just about every week.

Announcements

Below are the announcements we did for Benjamin. I found some I liked online then had some fun with Photoshop Elements. I couldn't decide which one I liked best, so I just did all three.