Paci-what??

Bennett loves his gum-drop pacifier! We still can't get over the magic power of this plastic. Logan never entertained a pacifier for even a second. Bennett had this pacifier in his mouth one night when we were still in the hospital. The nurse brought him back to our room and we said, "Oh my gosh, he has a pacifier!". We couldn't believe it! He loves it and it sure helps with soothing. Yay for pacifiers! (Logan just calls it a "fire").

Update on Bennett

Bennett was one month old on July 5th! We can't believe one month has already passed since he was born! He is such a good baby, I still can't believe it! He has grown out of all the newborn sized clothes and is wearing 3 month sizes now! We had Bennett's first pediatrician appointment since his one-week check and he is doing great! He measured in the 85th percentile at 23.25 inches long! His weight is in the 50th percentile at 10 lbs 13 oz. If you remember, Logan was 10 lbs 12 oz and 23 inches when he was born! Wow!

Bennett still sleeps most of the day but is starting to focus on us and listen to us when he is awake. We love the time he is awake! Logan especially gets excited to see Bennett's eyes open! I'm a very lucky mommy because Bennett is also a very good sleeper at night. He has been sleeping 6-7 hours at a stretch (sometimes more!) and its wonderful!

Bennett likes his tummy time! Logan always hated tummy time and would get so upset, but Bennett just pushes himself up, occasionally rolls over, and looks around. His neck is so strong, he holds it up whenever he can to look at his surroundings.

Our sleepy boy - last day in this new born outfit because his legs are too long!

Awake! Bennett's eyes are so blue! Logan's were a pretty muddy blue to begin with and changed to brown after only two weeks. I'm so curious to see what Bennett's eyes will do...

The boys snuggling in their pj's before bed sometime last week. There are so many precious moments with these two boys, I just can't catch it all on my camera!

Finally! I am caught up! The following photos I just took today. We've had a great week so far! Logan has been a little challenging, but I just remind myself that his world has changed a lot in the last month. AND, he's basically a two year old, so I know that comes with its own challenges! AH! This week we've been at playgroup, storytime at the library, and out to see my Sammy's friends at our book club. We're finally getting back into our old routine. It's great to get out, but its a lot of work with two! I think it takes like 20 minutes just to pack up and leave the house! We'll get better with time...

Bennett before feeding...


After feeding! Much happier!


blue eyes!


Even though I can tell some moments are hard for Logan when he doesn't get our full attention, he loves his little brother so much and always asks, "Tiss??". He just loves to give Bennett kisses on his head and its so cute!

Naptime

Last week I couldn't get either of the boys settled for naptime, so we all climbed in Logan's bed and I just waited for them both to fall asleep. Whew, at least they're sleeping.

Curls

I had to take these photos at dinner last night because Logan's curls were so cute!

Rest vs. Blog

Should I rest while the boys sleep, or should I catch up on the blog? Today, rest is winning (even above tasks around the house). Sorry for the long lapse in posts...I have lots of pictures to share, so check back at the end of the week!

Bennett - ONE MONTH!

At Bennett's one month check-up, he was the exact size Logan was when he was born! Whoa...I guess Logan really was a big baby. We've been marveling at how much Bennett has grown already - what a big boy! Stats: 10 lbs 13 oz, 23.25 inches.

More FUN!

We had such a jam-packed weekend - full of fun! After a day with Eiselt's on Friday, and a day with friends for July 4th on Saturday, we spent Sunday with my parents playing outside, visiting Teddy Bear Park and eating lunch downtown Stillwater. The weather was absolutely amazing and we topped everything off with another fun gathering with friends Sunday evening! John and I were both giddy on the way home Monday morning because we had so much fun with all our family and friends all weekend long!

Teddy Bear Park is a fun place, but there was no shade! It was before noon, but the sun was so hot, we couldn't stay long. Logan had a great time playing around the park, even though it was brief. We found shade at the Freight House and enjoyed a beautiful lunch outside before a long walk down by the river.

"Self" is something we hear all the time now. Logan likes to do everything by himself - or at least try. He's turned into such a little boy, capable of being quit independent!

Peek-a-boo!

After Logan's nap, we headed back to White Bear Lake to see another group of friends - this time it was the UWEC group gathering. We always love seeing this group of friends and catching up right where we left off. We were a little late arriving because Logan's nap was late, so some people were beginning to head home shortly after we got there. We also spent a lot of our time chasing Logan, who was SO CRAZY! He had so much energy and no inhibitions toward anyone! John and I both noticed we didn't really have a full conversation with anyone all night, we were too busy with the boys. That's the joy of parenting!

Logan was having a great time playing with his buddy Caedon, who is also a big brother to little Norah. We bring Logan's golf set wherever we go because its a sure way to keep him happy! Logan and Caedon are quite the athletes! They kept busy with golf and baseball all night long!

Kyle took this awesome photo of the boys and sent it to us. Love it!

Friends hanging out and passing babies around!

This was the last shot I took of Logan that night before we left. I wish I had my video camera because he was just such a goofball! He was hanging off the back of my chair in the picture, swinging around all over the place. Logan was good entertainment for everyone!

First 4th

This year was, in essence, both of our boys first 4th of July experience. Last year, for Logan's first Independence Day, we were off to Young Life camp in Michigan for the month, so he didn't witness any festivities. We had so much fun with our friends Dave and Julie and their adorable kiddos, Ella and Brody in White Bear Lake. The weather was beautiful and we were lucky to spend the day at Dave and Julie's beautiful home across from the lake.

Showing off their festive clothes

Logan likes to point out the stars on his shirt

After lots of playtime in the yard, the "big boys" - being the Dads! - pulled out some kid-friendlt fireworks to show. Ella is two and a half and she is a doll! Logan loved playing on her playset in the yard and as you can see from these photos, he liked hanging out with her.

"worms"

Logan decided he loves watermelon!

The family of four!

The highlight was Logan holding his first sparkler. He loved it and was pretty good at whipping it around - look out! Bennett and I stayed back in the safety zone while the little man snoozed away the day, as usual! You can see Dave and Julie's house in the background - its pretty amazing!