Welcome Maya Rosalie Sarion!

The newest, and most beautiful member of our family arrived on Saturday May 23rd at 8:01 am. She weighed in at 6 lb 4 oz and measured 19 inches long. I'm in love with her already!

Transitions

These last two weeks have been full of changes and adjustments. I went back to work which brought with it a cascade of new routines. Working again is bittersweet for me - I miss my job and the people I work with but I sure miss Bennett when I'm away for 14 hour stretches. My first days back were over the weekend so Brent and Bennett spent two full days together doing boy stuff - they even managed to trek over to the cabin and get some chores done around the property. We then trialed the first week of Avery and Bennett being together - I had them both on Wednesday, the nanny (Krissy) on Thursday, and Amber on Friday. Everyone survived and there were definitely more smiles than tears had by all. Two babies is a lot of work but I feel so grateful for friends like Amber who are willing to share the duties - she is such a great mom to Avery and I am so excited that Bennett will get to spend so much time with her. Once the babes are old enough to realize one another, I'm sure they will be fast friends - playing together and getting into all sorts of mischief! Here are some random photos from the week - thank you Amber for successfully catching Bennett's laughter on camera, I've been trying for weeks!

Apparently tummy time is fun with Daddy!

We took the kids to the pool on Memorial Day - Miss Avery was a bathing beauty!

Look how fun it is outside...maybe I can eat my way out!

Mastering the bumbo - he looks so scholastic and proper here.

Fun in the nursery!

Taking the double Bob out for a stroll - Avery hamming it up while Bennett sleeps through the fun.

Early potty training?

I need some target practice with the prunes...oops!

Prunes are gone...Bennett looks like he might taste good...

Buddies! Bennett sure looks round next to the svelte Avery.

Family Ties

That Darn Bee

Another first this weekend - Bennett was stung by a bee! He barely cried, it barely swelled (although, I made sure I knew where the Benadryl and nearest pediatrician's office were), and of course, we documented it all.

Poor little hand!

Look at that stinger! And the offending bee, just swimming along like nothing happened.

The Boy Who Can Sleep Anywhere

We weren't sure how the sleeping situation would pan out with Bennett away from home. He proved he could make it work wherever we laid him - thank goodness for that!

In the pack'n'play...

on the bed...

on the lawn chair poolside (swimming is exhausting)!

Second Cousins (I think)

One of the best parts of the trip to Arizona was spending time with Neal and Abby and their beautiful daughter Harper. Brent is often rushing through Phoenix on his way to hunt and it was great to have time to enjoy family and relax. It was so fun to see the two babes together and we look forward to more visits in the future. You would never know they are related - they look nothing alike except for all the chubbiness!

Comparing rolls (they both have diapers on but you can't tell with the bellies hanging over!) - in the next photo on the camera, Harper has Bennett in a head lock, that must mean she won!
Naked babies - so cute!

Harper being sweet to Bennett, showing off all her skills.

Water Baby

I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane...

We set off for Arizona on Friday, a little nervous about Bennett's first go on the airplane. We got around the airport easily with the Moby and took the carseat to the gate just in case their were open seats. Sure enough, they managed to find us a row with an extra seat. Bennett was very excited about the airplane - so excited, he nursed during take off and slept through the whole experience. We (and everyone else on the plane) were very relieved when we landed in Phoenix without hearing a peep from our very well behaved baby. Good job buddy!

Happy 3 Months!!

No new official stats this month but we're guessing he's in the 14-15 pound range (and wearing some 6 month clothes!). At three months: he's eating every 2 1/2 hours during the day and wakes once a night to nurse. He goes to bed around 7:30, in the crib in the nursery, unswaddled (both of those took some transitioning). He's a power napper and averages 30-45 minutes 4 times a day - unless we're moving, then he'll sleep for hours. He's started to fight going down to sleep more as the world becomes more exciting for him. He's discovered his hands and reaches for things and attempts to bring them to his mouth. He's exploring his voice and coos, sings, squeals, and blows raspberries. He still hates tummy time and refuses to stand but we're working on both. We love him more everyday and think he's edibly cute.

Where is Bennett?

Like father like son

Aunties

Discovery Park

Bennett, Zoe, Leann and I had a nice hike through Discovery Park last week. I can't believe I've never explored here before but I've fallen in love.

Look Ma, I have hands!

Just a few cute pics on a beautiful Friday! He's discovered his hands and is getting more coordinated with them each day. Other fun developments: Uncle Rey taught him how to blow raspberries and Aunt Shelley had him belly laughing while she tickled him.

This is his "Mom, would you please stop taking pictures of me?" face.

What's a good belly laugh without a serious belly and lots of rolls!

Avery is making her move - and Bennett seems ready for his first kiss!

Grandma love.

Grandpa putting the Jones rocker to good use.

Play time with Mom.

I think the Bumbo is a bit advanced for right now - but we'll work on it!