Happy First Birthday Benny!

Our Ben turned ONE YEAR-OLD this past weekend! The year went by so fast, and it has been wonderful to watch Benjamin's many achievements in the past 12 months. Amazing that a person can grow and learn so much in such a short time! Ben now has 4 teeth, with 2 on the way. He is cruising the furniture and ready to take his first independent steps any day now. He babbles constantly, and wakes up singing and dancing, with a big smile on his face. He loves music and exploring. He can crawl all the way up a flight of stairs. He loves his brother and mommy and daddy, and he loves to wave hello and good-bye. He loves to eat, and is still very vocal if we are not feeding him fast enough. Fortunately he has learned how to feed himself a bit!

He lights up the room with his smile! We are so blessed to have the joy of Benjamin in our family!

Happy First Birthday Baby Bear!

Brothers

Matty and Ben

Today, I actually had to pull over to the side of the road, and rearrange the carseats so that the two boys were not sitting next to each other. I originally had Ben in the middle, with Matty next to him on the passenger side. Ben kept grabbing whatever Matty had in his hands, making Matthew very upset! Shrieking ensued. 

Evidently, even though Ben isn't even a year-old yet, he is able to annoy his big brother beyond measure. "Nooooooo, Ben!" A frequent refrain in our household these days, as Benjamin has become very mobile, and curious about everything that his big brother does. Matty prefers to build alone, or at least not to have his creations destroyed by little brother fingers.

There are sweet moments too, such as when Matty "lets" Ben use his special blankie, or when he is suddenly overcome with generosity towards his brother and says, "Ben, let's play! Come on, Ben!" 

I'm sure our house will see it's share of wrestling and shouting, but I hope it will also witness some brotherly hugs and a few block towers built together by two little boys. Brothers always and forever... Matty & Ben. 

Redwood Park

Without a doubt, one of my favorite things to do is take the kids to Redwood Park. It is beautiful and peaceful there in every season. I love sitting and watching the kids play in the playground and listening to their happy shrieks as the spin on the tire-swing, and the birds chirping high in the trees. Sometimes, there is an Eagle circling the tops of the trees.

We sometimes take a picnic snack or lunch, and we almost always hike through the trails. The kids climb the steps of the treehouse and knock on the miniature door at the foot of a tall tree. No one is ever home, but the children imagine it is a squirrel who lives there, and that he is always out, busy collecting nuts to store in his tree. 

We take the longish way around, because I particularly like the pathway that circles through a pretty  clearing. The boughs of the trees form an intricate arch over the path, and the exposed, knotty roots of the trees make the pathway interesting, especially if I happen to be pushing the stroller. 

At Redwood park, I can let the kids just be kids. They can run ahead of me, without me cautioning them to stay close. It is a quiet place, where we can get refreshed and spend some time in nature. 

It is a lovely place to be. You should go!

Ice Cream

The kids and I are trying to take advantage of the nice weather, since we didn't get a lot of it this summer.

A few days ago we headed to White Rock beach for a play and an ice-cream cone. Matthew had his favorite, "Blue Bubble Gum,"and I tried a new flavor. It was "Chocolate/Peanut- Butter!" It was "deeee-yishious," as Matty would say!

Matty has enjoyed many ice-cream cones at the beach. Above is a selection of photos of him enjoying his treats over the years. 

Eyelashes

While most of us ladies spend time in front of the mirror, plying our lashes with mascara in an attempt to make them longer, my infant son has been blessed with the most astounding set of eyelashes I have ever seen!

Oh! And he looooves his soother, sometimes having one in his mouth, and one in his hand. He is always willing to share them, though, offering them towards you and sometimes even trying to shove one in your mouth if he's close enough!

Love you, Benny Bear

Beginning...

There are so many places I could start, so I'll just start with the present. 

Today was "Back to School" for all of the teachers, students and parents. Instead of relating to the students and teachers, as I normally would, today I was struck by the realization that one year from today, my eldest son will be starting Kindergarten. Wow. I felt akin to the moms and dads who were sending their babies off to school for the first time.

I do love this time of year. I often lament that I am no longer a student who requires a crisp new outfit or a fancy new binder and pen. I did, however, head to the mall yesterday amidst all the back to school shoppers and spent my birthday money on some new clothes. And I bought myself a new day-timer, just for fun. Ummm, and to be organized.

Summer is mostly gone, that is evident by the chill in the evening air, and the slow turning of the leaves. I can't wait to see them all change into their Fall colors. I haven't given up the flip-flops yet, but am already planning what my children will wear for Trick-or-Treating. I've signed my son up for new sessions of skating, rather than swimming lessons.

Next week, my four-year old begins his final year of preschool. I am going to try to enjoy the seasons of the coming year with my kids. The time goes so fast!