Photo Update

Bennett is learning so quickly now, it's almost impossible to keep up! He picks up on so many of our words and phrases that I don't realize he's heard them until he spits them out days later. Some of his favorites are "bye, bye, sun" (to the sunset) "Igotcha" (I got ya!), "help, peace" (help please), and in the following picture....


"Wow! Big bite!"


His new "choo-choo!" train table and trains


Helping mom pick "cchini" and "sqaash" from the garden



Making zucchini bread - he especially liked to pour the ingredients and push the buttons on the blender.



We visited the John Ball Zoo a couple of weeks ago....here he is feeding the birds...




...challenging the sheep...


...riding the train...




...pointing out all the fish...


... and talking to the sharks, "doo-dah, doo-dah, doo-dah.....Ahhhhhh!!!" (think Jaws)


Helping dad transform his crib into a toddler bed!


His first night. This was 2 weeks ago and he has stayed in bed every night! A couple of mornings he has risen early -- 5:30 -- but we just gently redirect him back to bed and he lays down for another hour or so.


On the Whaler with Mike






Paige water skiing - one ski! She's awesome!


Tubing with Addy...


...and Jaxson


A boat ride at sunset





Watching the bubbles.

Summer is almost passed but we do have a few more plans -- camping in a couple of weeks -- and enjoying the last of the warm weather. I know it's been few and far between my postings, I feel badly more towards the new baby than anyone because there aren't nearly the journals or thoughts recorded as I have for Bennett. But, I'm told that's what happens. Time is moving quickly and we are doing our best to enjoy ourselves.


This Video is a little lengthy but Bennett is reading the alphabet!





Here he is reading his numbers



Baby Girl Ultrasound Video, 19weeks

Formal Ultrasound

We are now officially halfway through this pregnancy!!! Yeah!!!!
This morning we went to have our ultrasound where they look at the baby's growth and anatomy.
Here are the pictures...


Profile






Smiling!!!!!!!!!!


Hands and left arm up by face


Hand by face 2d



It's a GIRL!!!!!! What??!?!?!?



Bottom of feet



Face


We are still in shock that it is a GIRL. But guess what....we have a name....and no, you don't get to know until she's here. Mom, what should we do with the dinosaur bedding we bought?? :)

Updates

...One month later....I know it's been a long time since I have posted but quite honestly, between work, Bennett, sleeping and feeling sick, the computer and pictures have been last on my priority list. In fact, there are times when looking at pictures on the computer makes me nauseated. But, I have been neglectful so here are some pictures that will hopefully satisfy.


11 weeks side view (head on the upper right - you can make out the face, the right hand up by the face)





A must-see attraction!!! The "ish" at Meijer!


Bennett now collects any unattended coins and promptly puts them in his piggy-bank.


Vacuuming....it's the first thing I want to do every morning!


Life's hard. Sleep when you can.

Outdoor Photos

We plan to have some professional pictures taken this coming weekend (this will be a first) by Davyn Photography. We were planning on heading to a location in south Kent-county but I think I will have them come to our house instead -- there is so much greenery and I think it will be more meaningful if the pictures are from home. Here, I did a mock photo shoot. With better equipment I think these pictures would be great!



Bennett under Big Maple.


Bennett in Big Maple


I was a little nervous stepping away from him but he did great and loved sitting up there!


I hope we can repeat this picture when Dave and Robyn are here


Then, of course, we had to try the apple trees


I'm not sure what he thinks is so funny but he cracks himself up!


Today was the day we realized we are too big to sit up under the coffee table


Possibly the best part of visiting the library is playing with the animals.

Bathroom Makeover!!

As an early Father's Day/Birthday surprise, Bennett and I remodeled Mike's bathroom (we also had the much appreciated help of Aunt Bridget!). Mike has been using the basement bathroom since we moved here (Bennett and I dominate the upstairs one) and has been dealing with very old and questionably health-safety appliances. We only planned it this last week when Mike decided to go on a camping trip to the U.P. with the boys (Jeff, Bob, Dad and Derek). With him out of town we had a chance to make it a true surprise!! We went shopping on Wednesday and hid all the loot in the neighbor's shed. Friday morning after Mike and Bob left, we began to tear everything out and clean!! It was a success! (except for that ONE thing that only Bridget knows about!) :) Mike was quite surprised to say the least!

OUT WITH THE OLD....

Fancy cabinet...off-center mirror...hanging lights...



...love the wooden seat...gold-embossed cabinet...orange/brown trim...


...blue and white, swirly-marbled, shell-shaped counter....


...elegant flooring....


...the cake topper -- velvet wallpaper!!!


Even Bennett couldn't wait to tear it down!


Bennett is so observant...he got the screwdriver out of the tool bag and started in on the hardware all on his own! Do we do that many projects around here???


Sink - be - gone!

IN WITH THE NEW

The blue was more intense that I had planned but was an improvement none-the-less. (those darned lights at Lowe's do not show you true color! I recommend taking all paint chips outside before making a decision!)


New flooring, black cabinets, a toilet that flushes without holding the handle and...fills in less then 20sec! (compared the the 3 minutes of water running to fill the tank previously)


I painted the old hanging cabinet and added new hardware...


...a new mirror and lights that are centered make it complete!!

This was my first solo-project (only the neighbors and Bridget even knew I was attempting it) and I feel really good about it! The only thing for Mike to do was change the GFI outlet (the wires are old and need some adapting parts) and I do need to change the mirror as it is a little too short for Mike to see himself without bending down! These are minor changes and I feel proud to have accomplished this in one weekend!!! I love these projects because not only do we have an improved room but it make me feel very able and independent and well, that just feels good!!