Easter

Joel's cousin Dave, his wife Sarah, and their son Logan were here for the weekend. We had a wonderful time that included BBQ, the farmer's market, lettuce from our garden, mac-n-cheese, (mmmmm!) Bob Marley, birthday cake, Easter eggs, and lots of reading, talking, and wine on our back porch. Joel and I have really been enjoying our newly finished porch, but it was nice to see others enjoy it as well. The weather was nearly perfect; sunny and clear every day with only one thunderstorm on Friday night. 

On Easter we attended church at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Wilmington. It was a beautiful service. After church we had a relaxing time at home while eating coffee cake and fruit, and then progressed into the leftovers from the night before.  When Ben woke up from his morning nap, we hunted Easter eggs, and then Dave, Sarah, and Logan headed back home to Richmond. Logan pretty much kept us in stitches the whole weekend. Joel and I had a good time repeating some of his greatest hits. Since Logan will be turning 3 in a couple of weeks, he is in a fun stage. I loved hearing the silly songs he made up, especially, "I only have eyes for TOMATOES!!!" This was accompanied by BIG eyes, and hands in the air, Pavarotti style. I think the kid has a career on the stage.

Benjamin's 1 year checkup is this afternoon, so I don't have any stats to report. I'll update tomorrow!

Contrasts

April 12, 2008

Today

Ben's Birthday, Take Two

It's all fun and games until....

Crying and eating cake...is that even possible?

Notice how ANNOYED he looks in this picture.

Ben's Birthday, Take One

I'll post more pictures later, but here are a few from Ben's birthday celebration on Saturday. I thought I'd timed everything perfectly; Ben would have a nice morning nap, eat a little lunch, then around 1:00 we would eat cake and open presents. Easy and laid back, right? Wrong. Ben took a VERY short morning nap, woke up cranky, stayed cranky, didn't like his birthday hat, was mad about not being able to rip off his bib and throw it on the floor, and ate about 2 bites of his birthday cake (with absolutely no expression whatsoever) before deciding he was done with birthdays. Oh well. 

A small moment of happiness before the extreme crankiness

Not so sure about this

Doesn't want to be here

Still wants to be taking a nap, but at least cousin Logan is happy!

A boy's best friend

I should be cleaning my house, but instead I'm sitting at the computer. Motivation....I don't have it.

*Disclaimer* I DO NOT let Ladybird in the kitchen when Ben is eating, and these pictures illustrate why. Joel took these against my advice, but I think they're pretty cute. If Ladybird is anywhere near Benjamin while he's eating, Ben will give her all his food. I guess he just likes to see her eat. Speaking of Ladybird's food...knocking over her food and water bowls is Benjamin's new pastime. So far he hasn't sampled any, but he's had bits perilously close to his mouth. I think I should just let him eat it. It's probably a good way of guaranteeing it won't happen again. 

Colds and Allergies

The other day, Benjamin realized how much fun it is to press his face against the glass. I don't even know why I bother cleaning my windows anymore.

We tie-dyed some onesies at a friend's house. Aren't they cute? I love them because the dirt and spills just kind of blend in with everything else.

We are gearing up for the big birthday celebration this weekend! I'm pretty excited, but also a little exhausted. Right after a week of yellow pollen infecting every square inch of my house and car, the dreaded Spring cold virus appeared. Ben and Joel are both getting over the sickness. I have successfully avoided it, but still feel very run down, headachy, etc...due to allergies and general sleeplessness. Ben is feeling much better, but his nose is running constantly. At this point I think it's a combination of allergies and cold. 

Hmmm...as I write this, I'm realizing I am very, very sleepy. I thought my walk this morning would make me feel better, but of course that probably made things worse. Nature is conspiring against me!

I will post more pictures later, and maybe write a bit about what's been going on here at the ranch. Lots of home projects, (of course) and garden activities. But right now my brain is refusing to cooperate.

Carson and Benjamin

I wanted to show everyone a few more pictures from my get together the other evening. This is Carson and Benjamin, and they will both be 1 on April 12. My friend Amy took these pictures and I think they're pretty cute. Carson and Ben have a special bond, and they seem to really "get"each other. They're both content to just chill out and watch the action. I also think it's funny how they look almost exactly the same size, even though Carson was a full term baby. They also both have great hair! Carson has had the 'hawk since he was a newborn and I'm so jealous. Ben has plenty of hair, but it won't stand up. And believe me...I've tried! They look like little boys in these pictures. *Sniff.