A little "Hi" from Ben

Ben has 2 new teeth! One popped out yesterday and the other 2 weeks ago. Our little newborn is growing too quickly. He is in the age of change....eating, sitting, clapping, laughing...soon to crawl and then walk too soon. Life is full of new for him.

He is full of happy, exploring energy. Everything goes to his mouth and is explored. If he rolls onto his back his hands immediately go to his feet and then to his mouth like he's reaching for his favorite toy. I love to watch him explore his own body when there isn't a toy in reach. He moves his hands in the air and checks them out from every angle...he sucks on his toes, pulls on his hair. He wants to explore our faces in the same way. He reaches towards Charlie and wants to suck...now chew...on his nose, or put his fingers in Sam's mouth. His brothers are good sports and let him slobber and touch them all day long.

Ben loves watching his brothers play and is trying harder every day to get their toys. He kicks his legs and moves his arms but his body just won't move. His long reaching arms can snag a few toys. Baby toys aren't enough anymore...I want cars, legos, game pieces! Soon we'll be putting the small toys away.

We love watching you grow every day Ben. I wish I could explore every thing around me with my whole being like you do. You love life and smile, laugh, and explore your way through a day. You make us all smile!
A little chat from Ben.

Ben Can Sit and Eat Toes too!

Ben loves to put everything in his mouth including his toes these days. Today he was grabbing the boys' train tracks and putting them into his mouth. He wants whatever we are playing, eating, or doing.

He has mastered sitting! Last week he fell over and this weekend he figured it out. I love the sitting stage. He loves to sit and play with toys around himself or try to get what the boys are playing. It's fun that he can sit outside on the grass and watch us garden or the boys play.

After 90 last week we only had low 50's today. We still made it outside. The older boys helped me plant basil and zucchini. We still plan to get carrots and beans into our raised garden and then we will be finished with the gardens. The boys love to help and are excited to eat from our garden. I'm excited that Ben will be old enough to eat the harvest as well! It should be better than eating his toes.

THE blueberry

Blueberries were the hot item around our house the other day. The biggest blue berry HAD to be photographed. The blueberries ended up with a full photo shoot..."this one too mom"!

Ben

Ben has been busy chewing his hands and trying to reach his toes. He loves the outdoors and even has decided to sleep a little better at night. He has been getting up only once (one time) or twice a night in the past few days. His normal routine is 12, 2, and 4. Nothing like a little midnight buffet.

Sam smiles

Sam is full of smiles these days. He is always asking us questions that let us peek into what he is thinking about..."What do worms eat?" He wants to try and do everything "by mine self" these days. He is learning letters and sings the ABC's often. He loves spending time outside with his big brother. They can spend the entire day outside digging and exploring in our little yard. I love this weather!

Happy Birthday Charlie

Charlie turned 5 years old today. We spent the evening at the peace gardens as we have every year on his birthday. Our tradition is to eat pizza then hike, climb the trees, and explore the gardens. They are always beautiful this time of year. The boys had fun running through the woods, climbing on trees, and finding rocks in the water. It was a fun evening. Charlie said his favorite part of his birthday was the whole day.

3 Years Ago

Here is Charlie and his buddy Oliver 3 years ago this weekend. They both turn 5 this week!