Have you met Muffy?

On Mother's Day we were out for a family walk and came across a dog who was just about to walk behind a moving car. I was able to get the dog to come to me. She had tags, so we called the number - walked her around the neighborhood and tried to figure out who she belonged too. Long story short - we didn't find the owner. Brought her home and the next day called the city (her tags were rabies tags). They knew the dog and said that they pick her up every few weeks b/c someone finds her in an almost tragic predicament. Once a lady rescued her from the lake - b/c she had walked in and couldn't get out. There are many more sad rescue stories like this - but thankfully she's been lucky thus far.

The city worker told me that he didn't want the owners to get the dog back b/c he's afraid the next call he gets will be to pick up her dead body off the road. Whenever the owner gets calls to come pick the dog up - she would always take days or weeks to finally come and retrieve her. It was apparent that they weren't concerned for the dog. After speaking to the city worker - David and I decided, that now this dog would become ours. He said that legally we had to keep her for 30 days for her to become ours. He told me that if we had children (which we do) that he didn't recommend us keeping her b/c everyone who has rescued her she has tried to bite. Well - being the animal lover that I am, I was immediately in her face loving on her and kissing her. When he told me about the biting, I walked over and picked her up and put her face to mine. He said "I can't believe that dog is letting you do that. She must feel safe - or feel something different about you."

The dog "muffy" (named by Will when we first saw her) is about 12-15 years old, has a cataract on one eye and another forming on the other eye. She doesn't hear or see well. She continually walks in a circle until she 'lands'. We've had her going on 6 weeks now. I think it's nearing the end of her time - I think. When we first rescued her - her tail was tucked and she was skiddish. After a few days, she got a skip in her walk and her tail raised. Now - she's starting to have bad days. This morning, I thought it was her time, but then this afternoon - the skip was back. We know we don't have long w/muffy - but we are so thankful to been given this time w/her and to have saved her from another tragic rescue.

It's June 20th and Ben's 6!

When Ben woke up today, he was very excited because he knew it was his birthday and tonight would be his party. I had snuck in while he was asleep and put balloons around his bed and hung a banner that said 'Happy Birthday'. He was pretty excited when he woke up and saw the balloons and banner.

His theme for his party is a skateboarding theme. And that's sorta what he's into right now. He got the skateboard in the picture and some Tony Hawk skateboard toys. He was so excited by all that I did for his birthday to surprise him. I love seeing the joy and excitement in his eyes and on his face. It truly blesses me.

I'm still having a hard time believing that he's 6. Where does the time go? It just feels like yesterday that I was bringing him home from the hospital. My sweet little Ben Ben.

Equal Time for Andy

Since Andy wasn't shown in the last posts I took some shots of Andy...

I thought this one came out nice.

Here he is, maybe 2 months past his 1st birthday...

Father's Day ...

The boys and I got up and made breakfast for David. This is actually the first time I've made a 'real' breakfast for the guys. Normally David makes the eggs/bacon/biscuit meals. But it was a nice treat for David. He really appreciated it and had a great father's day. We didn't do a whole lot. David always watches the US Open on Father's Day - so that was the main thing that he did. Although I think David did play about 6 games of chess with Ben. He loves chess and plays many games a day with his daddy.





Then I went and met my dad and my brother, Christopher, for dinner. We had a great time. It was nice to be able to hang out with just my dad (normally my mom is with us). David and Andy stayed home and watched the Open.

Ben's soccer team

Ben finished his 2nd season with his soccer team - the Crashers. He really enjoyed himself and had a great time. We think he'll continue this next season. He seems to want to. He's not a real athletic boy, but he loves to play. He's not competitive (like his brother) and he's always smiling when he's playing. He has a great time.

Will has been so sad this season that he hasn't been able to play soccer. David took his picture when we took the team picture - he was so happy about being included. This season, we'll sign him up with the city. He has to be 4 to play and since he'll turn 4 in July, he's old enough now. He can't wait. He's more athletic and physical that Ben is - and we think he'll do great. He's got more of a competitive spirt than Ben - so hopefully he can keep a good team spirit being on a team.

This summer Ben is taking a golf camp - he's excited about that. David really wants him to play golf - and since he's not a real physical kid, we think it might suit him better. Although left handed - hopefully he doesn't have any problems. Some say he's more suited to play baseball since he's left handed. And who knows - he may play this next season.

Sleeping boys

Ben and Will share a room. They have bunkbeds that are unstacked. Bedtime can be tough or easy for us. Depending on the boys moods and how tired they are. Last night, I went into check on the boys and I discovered 2 sleeping brothers laying together peacefully. If only - they were like that awake with one another. I snapped a photo of them - the flash makes it look like it's light in there, but it was dark.

The boys really do love each other. I think Will kinda drives Ben crazy most of the time. But Ben really is Will's hero. That saying "Brothers are better than superheros" definitely applies for Will when it comes to Ben. He thinks Ben is the greatest.

Day 6 - David's post

I'm there to basically annoy the kids with my off-camera strobe practice...
It got dark fast and the ISO was climbing uncontrollably on the G9... The exif shows 1/5 of a second at F8. One strobe triggered by a power wizard on the G9 and the other was in SU-4 mode.
At ISO 400 I'm getting a lot of grain and not to mention the huge crop as the lens was at 10mm. So, of course, run a black-n-white conversion. That's not noise thats artistic, old-school classic film grain (ahh, Photoshop - the last refuge of a crappy photographer.)

My Hair - Self Portrait

I had an appt. today to get my hair done. I told my hairdresser I thought my hair was looking too blonde. I told her I wanted white blonde instead of yellow blonde and I also wanted chunky, dark panels in my hair. She said she understood ... but that's not what I got. David was happy - he loves it. He's not real fond of hair that looks like you paid for it. I, on the other hand, like that look.

I'm also not too fond of photos of myself these days. Since January 1 - I've lost 35 pounds. So I'm proud of myself for that, but w/30 pounds still to go - photos of myself aren't my bestfriend. Although - even though I don't like seeing them, I'm the one usually behind the camera - and I do want there to be some evidence that my boys have a mommy.

Day 5 at our gym's pool

Day 5 is June 11, 2008. I made an early morning water aerobics class which was torture for my muscles after Monday's barbell class. But it was great to get a chance to workout. The boys were all still sleeping when I left (although awake when I got home) - and since David is permanently working from home, it works out nice for me on occassion to be able to go to the gym alone.

We went back to the gym in the afternoon and met some friends. I actually only took a few pictures for some reason. Not real sure why. Maybe Will wasn't around, or the other kids had left. But I got some cute pictures of Ben swimming in the water.

Then of course on our way in/out of the gym, the boys must always go by the motorcyle parking and look at the motorcyles. Will is obessed and I think Ben is acquiring a love for them too. Both hope to one day own one - I hope they grow out of it.

Meeting friends - Summer day 4

I missed Day 3. We didn't do much. I went to the gym. Tried a barbell strength class. OH MY GOODNESS! I found muscles I didn't know my body had. It was pain - but a good pain.

I guess I'm not really counting weekends toward our summer days. Tuesday, June 10, 2008, was our 4th day of summer. We met some friends from our old pre-school at Joe's Crab Shack. This was the boys first time to go to Joe's - and really my first time since having kids. I've been there many times in the past for drinks - but never to play on the playground there. It was big fun. It rained pretty hard the night before so the playground was a complete mud pitt. So as you know: kids + mud = good times.

Andy had a great time walking on the deck and playing in the sand. He was quite excited to have somewhere different to walk around other than home. My girlfriends daughter tried to take him out into the mud and he wasn't really thrilled about it. But at least she got a nice hug from him. He gives the best hugs : )

Will and Ben enjoyed their time w/their old friend. They actually didn't remember each other until they saw each other - but then they really enjoyed themselves.

Ben was very excited to order popcorn shrimp off the menu. I thought it was his first time to eat shrimp - but David told me once we were home that it wasn't. Ben was pretty excited to show daddy the pictures and tell him he hate shrimp. Joe's is Ben's new favorite place.


My girlfriend and I - we tried (although not real effective) to chat and catch up in between screaming at the kids to stop throwing sand. We have another playdate scheduled for next week - maybe it will be more effective. Good times!

My Big Camp Boy

I had to hurry home from my girls weekend b/c Ben had a meeting at our Church for his first camp. It's only a 2 day camp thankfully (I'm not quite ready for an overnight camp). It's going to be a lot of fun for him. It will be a great chance for him to have an opportunity to be around other Christian boys his age and to experience a camp environment. They are going to swim in the lake (which he's never done), swim in a big pool, play on big water slides, Bible time, eat a camp lunch (could be interesting) and really enjoy himself. He's certainly excited. I volunteered to help those two days (of course, you know me) - but unfortunately they don't have a spot for me and I couldn't be with him. Maybe I can sneak in as the camp photographer.... hmmm - maybe I can pull that off.

Here are a few pictures of he and I that I snapped from the meeting.

My weekend away

My best girlfriend, Dena, and I took a weekend (or more so a day and night) and treated ourselves to a little girl time. We were gone for about 24 hours but we got a lot accomplished in that time. We got pedicures, manicures, foot massages, our hands dipped in hot wax (which I still think is a little creepy feeling), ate lots of good food, and enjoyed a night in a hotel in downtown. It was great fun. It was nice to have a little time where we were just responsible for ourselves. We'll definitely be making this an annual tradition.

 

The boys had a good time while I was away - as you can see from the blog entry below this one. With the boys long hair (which they love) it makes the punk rock hair easy. Good times!

Home Alone

Took some pictures of the guys while mommy was on her vacation... The guys fought me a little so I didn't get a chance to setup the tripod and get in the shot... Probably better that way.

It was punk rock day which explains the hair...



and their payoff was a mini-can of Dr.Pepper...

Summer vacation - Day 2

Today was our 2nd day of summer vacation. The boys woke up wanting to go swimming, of course. We went to the gym first - I had a yoga/pilates class I wanted to try out at the gym. I never knew 3 c-sections would do so much damage to my core. I am completely out of shape in that area. I think I'll have to do a few thousand sit-ups before attempting that class again.

Normally, we would swim at the gym - but today was an overcast day and the pool was pretty cold. So I talked the boys into coming home. Andy and Will napped on the way home - and Ben and I chatted about how mean I was for not putting sunscreen on him yesterday (I feel pretty bad - he got burned).

We ended up going to the neighbors to swim again. The boys swam for about 3 hours today. They had a lot of fun. There were a few more extra kids than yesterday. 3 more neighbor kids (brothers), and then another friend. Everyone had a good time. I, of course, made everyone line up for a photo. I didn't plan it well b/c the water from the sprayer was in their faces and my neighbors son thought it would be funny to hide behind the waterfall. It was great fun.

We came home, had dinner (David cooked burgers on the grill) and then gave the boys all a bath and put them to bed. A little quiet time for mommy and daddy. I'm actually pretty excited - tomorrow I get to go have a little girl time w/my best girlfriend (hi Dena). We're staying in a hotel in downtown for Saturday night and then hanging out during the day Saturday and Sunday and then coming home on Sunday evening. I can't wait. It's going to be big fun. Yea us!

Big News for Andy - he's a toddler!

About 3 weeks ago, Andy started taking steps - and in the last week he's mastered his walking. He's officially a walker - and he couldn't be happier. He was much different than Ben & Will. It was so cute to watch him learning to walk. It was like he knew that he was doing something different and he was so proud of himself. He would get up - tottle around, fall down and get back up and try again. He was so determined to walk - he wasn't going to give up. He was going to figure it out - and he did. He was so happy - always with hands out and mouth open wide, laughing as loud as he could. Of course - Ben and Will made a big party of it everytime he walked. So that encouragement helped with his excitement.

For me, I'm excited for him that he's walking - and the walking makes it easier for him to play outside with the big kids. But I wasn't quite ready to have a toddler - I was still trying to hang onto my sweet little baby. They grow so fast!

The same eyes

Yesterday after the boys came in from swimming, I made them sit down so I could take a photo of them. After I loaded the photos I realized "wow, my boys all have the same eyes." I knew they looked a like, but I guess I didn't realize how much.

Ben is 5; Will is 3; and Andy is 1.

And our summer begins - Day 1

I decided that everyday during the summer I would take photos of what we did. And at the end of the summer - the boys and I will make a collage and talk about what we did during the summer. I think it will be a great way to remember our summers and to enjoy them too.

Today, my plan was to clean house and go to the gym. I completed half of that. I cleaned a little - but we didn't make it to the gym. The boys got invited next door to our neighbors house to swim. They swam for 6 hours, and had a great time. Pools are awesome. Such good exercise and it wipes them out so they go to bed early and sleep soundly.

I snapped a few photos of the kids playing. The 3 neighbors kids, and then a boy from down the street and then Ben, Will & Andy. Andy doesn't actually swim - just plays in the puddles around the pool and in the fountain pool. It was great fun for them all.

Where should I start

Now that I'm a blogger - I think I'm a little addicted, sort of like craigslist. My best girlfriend got me hooked on that (thank you Dena) - but that's a different story.

Today is the first day of summer (officially for my boys). It's 9am - Will is awake (of course); the hubby went into the office today (maybe he'll actually get some work done); Ben is asleep (he remembers me telling him yesterday if he got up for his last day of school that he could stay up as late as he wanted b/c it was summer. Little did he know that was a ploy to get him out of bed. Of course - last night he was up until 11pm. Yikes!); and Andy is still asleep as well (the last week he's been sleeping until 10 or 11 everyday (yea me!). I'm certain it's a growth spurt and soon he'll go back to waking up at 7am). Not a lot of plans for today - just going to clean house (it's so scarey), and maybe taking the boys to the gym so I can workout (yes - I'm working out ... I know hard to believe), and then they can swim. We'll see how the day actually goes - but hopefully I at least get some housework done.

Will needs clothes - I guess my blog is done...

I'm an official blogger

So ... I've been thinking, contemplating starting a blog. I mean - why not? Everyone whose anyone either has a blog, a myspace or a facebook page - or all three. My friends keep telling me I'm not cool if I don't have a myspace, after all I just have email.

So today - David started this blog for me and added the first photo. I'm not particularly fond of that photo - I think it's a bad angle for me. But it depicts what our family is - we are a unity, but it's a little nutty in our house. With three boys, life wouldn't be anything other than complete chaos. But it's great chaos and it's ours and we are so thankful for it.

So - thanks to my husband ... I now have a place to write, add photos and keep my family and friends updated about our lives. And if for nothing else - it's a place for me to post and keep treasured memories so that I won't forget them.

I hope you enjoy and let me apologize in advance if I ramble (like now).

Kate

Brothers being boys

Today Will and Andy were in the boys bedroom playing on the bed. They were being so cute. Will was really taking care of Andy. I always feel like I'll never remember these moments. I grabbed my camera and snapped a few photos of my boys.

I never realize, until I look at photos that Will is so photogenic. The camera loves him. I snap a photo and then he has to immediately see what he looks like - and then we have to retake it if necessary.

I love these pictures of my boys - being boys. I'm the luckiest mommy in the world to have not one, not two - but three handsome boys.

Ben's now a first grader

Today was Ben's last day of Kindergarten. I can't believe that already he is a first grader. It just seems like yesterday that he was starting kindergarten. He had a great year and really enjoyed his friends and his teachers.

When I picked him up from school today I said to him 'you are no longer a kindergartener - how does it feel to be a first grader?' He said 'I'm not a first grader - I still have 3 months.'

He was excited about the summer coming, but now is wondering 'what do I do?' We have a lot of camps planned for the boys - so hopefully we won't have a tough time keeping them amused.

On the first day of school I took a picture of Ben in front of the tree in front of his school, and then today - on the last day, I took the same picture (or tried - I suppose). I can't believe how much he's changed in one year. His hair is a little longer now - both Ben & Will have decided the longer, skater look is what they like now.

We are so proud of him and so happy with our 'almost in 3 months' first grader.

Post Number One - It's Great to be Here

Family portrait Memorial Day 2008 - of course, one guy is squirming and another just isn't happy.

Andy's milestones (December 2007)

December 15, 2007 You are 7 days away from being 8 months old

You are pretty sick right now. You have had a constant ear infection for the last 8 weeks. You are on your 5th round of antibiotics, and you’ve had a shot of Rocephin. You got the shot last Friday and it was so sad. It was so painful for you. You cried big crocodile tears. We have an appointment with the ear, nose & throat doctor on Monday – they are going to evaluate you for tubes. You are on your 5th antibiotic while we wait for the doctor’s appointment. You were so sick last night – now you have a barky cough. It’s so sad for you to be so sick. I hope you get better soon!
You are almost 8 months and I can’t believe it. I don’t know where the time has gone. I am so sad that you are getting so big so fast. You are such a joy. So cute, laughing, cooing, talking, giggling – all the time. You are the happiest baby by far. So sweet and cuddly.

You are sitting up, rolling all around. If we put you on your stomach – you get your feet under you and try to move. I don’t think it will be long before you’ll be crawling.

You wear size 4 diapers, size 9-12 months clothes (a little tightly – 12 months is best for you), drink 8 ounces of milk, eat baby food 3x day. You are on stage 2 foods – you don’t like meats, cereals – and now you are leaning more towards the fruits rather than food. You like orange vegetables better than green.

You are sleeping through the night – but you wake up many times a night to have your pacifier put back in your mouth. Either mommy or daddy sleeps in the room w/you.

Benjamin adores you. He loves to sit in the floor and play with you. He dotes over you whenever he has the chance. He talks to you like you are a person and loves to play with you. William – he loves you too. He’s concerned about you, but only really wants to play w/you if someone else is giving you attention. William & Ben call you Andrew and mommy & daddy call you Andy.

You clasp both your hands when you are excited – like you are signing milk w/both hands. It’s the funniest thing. You have done that for quite sometime now. You kinda twist your hands at the wrist and sign milk. Very cute – but we’re not sure what it means.

We introduced a few signs, milk, eat, more, bath, diaper change… I think you’ve produced milk – but it could be the wrist twisting thing – not sure.

2007 Christmas Card!

Merry Christmas from the Wilke's!

Front of our card:

Back of our card:

Andy's milestones (November 2007)

November 2, 2007 - You had your 6 month check-up
You got your 4 month shots, but not 6 month b/c you were sick at your 4 month check-up and couldn’t get your shots.
Weight: ________pounds
Height: _____ inches long
Head Circumference: __

November 24, 2007 I went to get you from your nap. I held onto your hand and barely tugged and you and you sat up. This was on Saturday and that week you got stronger and stronger – until the next Saturday you were sitting up completely on strong and on your own.

Andy's milestones (September 2007)

September 10, 2007 – you had your 4 month check-up
You didn’t get your shots b/c you were sick.

Weight: 17 ½ pounds
Height: 25 ¾ inches long
Head Circumference: 17

Andy's milestones (July 2007)

July 1, 2007 You slept 12:15 am – 6:15am. Yea! We are almost there.

July 2, 2007 You slept 10pm – 7am. Yea! You are awesome.

July 7, 2007 You have consistently slept from 10pm – 7am all week. Finally – mommy gets to rest. Thank you sweet baby.

July 12, 2007 Your first time in a swimming pool – at our neighbor’s house - neighbor’s house – the Kratz’s. You didn’t like it too much. You were kinda shocked by the water.

July 23, 2007 First time for you to go into the childcare at the Gym (Lifetime Fitness). Mommy went and worked out and put all 3 boys in childcare.

Monday, July 23, 2007 - You are 3 months old today
· You are sleeping from 9pm-6:30am. Sometimes even from 8pm-7am. You are a pretty awesome sleeper.
· Still trying to figure out your naps. I know you have a long nap in the morning – usually around 8:15-8:30, and you sleep for an hour. But still trying to figure out the other naps during the day.
· You are beginning to wear 3-6 months clothes. You can still wear some of your 0-3 months, but they are getting tight.
· You drink 5 ounces at a feeding. Sometimes a little more, but not too often.
· You are a very happy baby. You wake up laughing and smiling and you do it all day.
· You love for people to talk to you and interact with you. It makes you so happy.
· You are still wearing size 2 diapers. Although I may move you up to size 3 – so I can buy them at Sam’s. Sam’s only sell size 1-2, and then 3. Size 1-2 is too small, so I’ve been buying them at Wal-mart. But I may move you up a size, so I can get them at a discount : )
· You hold your head up so well.
· You are trying to sit up. If we lay you on your back, you try to sit straight up. Not there yet – obviously, but it won’t be long.
· I haven’t been giving you prevacid regularly, but I really need too. You still choke and cough when you eat. I’ll call the doctor and start that back up – I guess. Just hate to start you on any medicine.
· You recognize mommy & daddy from a distance.
· You have found your hands, and they are always in your mouth.
· I think you may be teething. You are really drooling and constantly chewing.

July 27, 2007 You have your first cold. Everyone’s been sick and you are pretty snotty, and have been for about the past 4 days.

Ben's milestones (June 2007)

Today is June 20, 2007

I can’t believe you are five years old today. Wow! Where has the time gone? At 5 years old – you do so much.
· You speak clearly 100% of the time
· You are very smart and you think about things a lot
· You wear size 5T – 6 clothes
o Still not wiping your own butt. You do try, but that’s only about 2% of the time. You prefer for mommy or daddy to do it.

Andy's milestones (June 2007)

June 1, 2007 I am starting a routine tonight – or at least trying. - 7pm - Bath, pajamas, book, bed… let’s hope it works

June 1, 2007 You are holding your head up so well. When I lay you on the floor – you completely lift your head up. When I hold you over my shoulder – you hold your head up too. So strong and sweet!

June 1, 2007 You are watching us more. Your eyes are focusing more and started to be observant of what’s around you.

June 6, 2007 Routine didn’t go so well….

June 15, 2007 You smiled at me today and I KNEW it was meant just for me. It melted my heart.

June 17, 2007 You laughed out loud and smiled really big. You love to laugh and smile.

June 20, 2007 You had your 2 month check-up today
Weight: 13.6 pounds
Height: 23 inches
Head:

Dr. Betty says you are doing wonderful. You are holding your head up and keeping it up very well. She was quite impressed. You are also laughing out loud and both are 4 month old tasks. Yea for you!

At 2 months you are – June 23, 2007:
· Holding your head up very well and keeping it up for a long period of time
· Smiling a lot
· Following us w/your eyes
· Laughing out loud
· Drinking 4-5 oz. every 3-6 hours. You are kind of all over the place w/feedings. You aren’t on a set schedule at this point.
· You are wearing 0-3 months. The shorts fit you – but the onesies are getting tight, so we’ll have to go to 3-6 months soon.
· You are wearing size 2 diapers
· You are still waking up every 3-4 hours to eat. Although last night (June 22, 2007) – you went 6 hours w/o eating
· You take most naps in the swing. Which I hope to break this week (June 23, 2007) will Daddy’s in Myrtle. You sleep in your crib at night and I sleep on a twin bed in your room.

June 23, 2007 Bad news is: I started you on prevacid today
We aren’t sure if you have reflux or the swallowing Issue that your William had. We are hoping the prevacid Will clear it up. You choke during feedings, gag after feedings, and make a loud gasping noise sometimes during feedings. Dr. Betty is hopeful that it is reflux.

July 22, 2007 You went 6 hours w/o eating at night. Woo Hoo!

June 23, 2007 I am going to try to start the routine again tonight hopefully it will go well for us.

June 25, 2007 The first time you met your Oma. She came to visit and stayed w/us while Daddy was in Myrtle Beach golfing.

Andy milestones (May 2007)

May 2, 2007 You threw up or spit up a whole lot. We were worried about you. We called the doctor and they told us to keep an eye on you, but that babies do that if they have a gas bubble.

May 2, 2007 You had your first sponge bath today. Ben & will watched as Daddy took pictures. You were kinda fussy. I don’t think you like being cold so much.

May 3, 2007 Today you’ve been burpy and spitting up some. I hope you don’t have reflux like Will or any of his other issues. We’ll talk to Dr. Betty next week at your check-up.

May 8, 2007 Your circumcision ring and your umbilical cord both fell off today. It was a big day!

You had a 2 week check-up w/Dr. Betty May 9, 2007

Weight:
Height:

May 26, 2007 You are sleeping for 5 hour stretches. Yea! Hopefully you’ll start sleeping through the night soon – I’m really anxious for a good nights sleep.

May 30, 2007 You are taking 4-5 ounces of milk right now.

Andy's milestones (April 2007)

April 30, 2007 You had your first doctor's appointment w/Dr. Betty. They did a weight check on you. You are 7.13 pounds. Dr. Betty says you look great and everything is great with you. Dr. Betty says that you could be prone to all the medical issues that William had. Your dad and I are worried about that, but hopefully – you will be ok and not have to deal with all that he did.

Happy Birthday Andrew "Andy" David Wilke!

I had a scheduled c-section for your delivery. The night before I started feeling contractions. Although I thought it was Braxton Hicks. The next day your dad and I went to the hospital for your delivery and w/the monitors hooked to my stomach, I started feeling discomfort. The nurse asked if I was ok, I told her I was feeling discomfort, she looked at the monitor and said “you are having a pretty big contraction and they are coming 5 minutes apart.” She said that we would have had you that day even if you weren’t scheduled. So … it was your day after all.

You were born at 12:28 p.m. and you weighed 8 pounds 2 ounces. Your dad and I thought you were going to be much bigger (close to 10.5 pounds). But we were happy for the size you were.

You were beautiful when you came out of my tummy, and both your dad and I thought you looked like your big brother William. In recovery, you nursed well and didn’t have any problems. Throughout the next 4 days at the hospital – I nursed you, and you did well also.

You had a few visitors: Granny, Uncle Christopher, Uncle Bubba, Aunt Erica, Miesa Murphy, Jennifer Craig, Aunt GoGo, Emily Coley, and of course your big brothers – Ben & Will.

Your big brothers were so happy to see you. Ben more than Will – b/c he’s older. He wanted to take care of you and hold you. He loves you so much. He says “he’s the big brother and it’s his job to take care of you and Will.”

We didn’t decide on your name until a few days before you were born. Again, as with your older brothers – it’s the only name we both liked that we could agree on … but I think it suits you great!

After the first few days – you had lost weight down to 7.13 pounds. When we left the hospital you were 7.5 pounds.

You came home on April 26, 2007 and you were wearing an Old Navy onesie and pants. The onesie had a tiger on it, and the pants were orange & white striped.

Ben's milestones (January 2007

Today is January 8, 2007. I have been so bad at journaling for you. Today has been kind of a tough day for you. We had to take you to the ER this morning b/c you have had a high fever since yesterday morning. Your temperature was 104.4. They tested you for strep and the flu and both were negative. They say it’s a virus and will go away. It had gone down by the time we got to the ER (99.5). But, after the Tylenol wore off – it was back up to 102. I’m so worried about you. You are such a trooper though. You know you are sick and you are taking it easy and resting.

You are doing so much at this stage and age. You are like a miniature man. You talk so perfectly, and you ask lots of questions. You are curious and want to know how everything works.

Some of your characteristics are:

· You are so very empathetic. If someone around you is upset, you get upset and want to fix it. You want to make sure everyone gets something, that no one is left out.
· Although William can bug you in the greatest way – you love him dearly. You take such good care of him. You give him lots of hugs and kisses. You told me today that he was talking so well, and that he said to you “Yea, Benjamin is home.” You absolutely love it when he calls you Ben or Benjamin. It makes you so excited that he can talk so well and can communicate w/you.
· You are a care-taker. Anytime we are around someone who has younger siblings, you hold their hand, you walk w/them. You are always so concerned about them.
· You go to Preschool at “The Ark Preschool” Monday-Thursday from 9-2. You love it there and you love your friends. Well … most of them. You say one girl – Audrey is mean and is a bully. It upsets me that she gets to you so much, but hopefully you can tell her to stop being a bully and start defending yourself.
· You are so emotional – that you get your feelings hurt easy. You try to be nice and make everyone feel good, that sometimes you don’t speak up or defend yourself the way you should.
· You are wearing a 5T or 6 in clothes.
· You finally stopped wearing pull-ups at night (December , 2006). Your pull-ups were always dry, you just liked wearing them. Maybe to be like William – not sure. But we finally were able to convince you to wear underwear to bed.
· Mommy & daddy still have to wipe your butt. You tell us you’ll do it when you are 10.
· You love to pretend and use your imagination to play. You got an Imaginex Castle for Christmas, which you love to play w/daddy and pretend to fight.
· Your favorite shows on TV are; Jimmy Neutron, Scooby Doo, Spongebob Squarepants, Tom & Jerry. You will watch JoJo’s Circus and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse b/c they are William’s favorites.
· You can write your name; you are learning to write all of your letters; you are sounding out words, and trying to figure out what letter they start with; you know your 1st, middle and last name as well as William’s (3) names; you know tons of words in Spanish and love to speak it; you can count to 50.
· You are starting to love to draw. You never were real interested as you were younger – but now, you enjoy sitting at the table and drawing w/daddy.
Mommy called today to check on Kindergarten and how we start to prepare to enroll. I can’t believe that this year, you will go to Kindergarten.

Ben's milestones (March 2006)

You wore underwear to bed last night. I put your diaper on you, and you said “this hurts, March 29, 2006
I don’t want to wear diapers anymore.” So I put underwear on you. You did good, no
accidents and you got up to pee once when you came to mommy’s bed in the middle
of the night.

I love you at this age. You are so funny and fun to be with. You are always wanting to March 30, 2006
Substitute songs with “funny words.” You want to tell jokes all the time and make
Everyone laugh. You have such a great sense of humor – I hope it continues.



Spanish – count, animalsYou learned to swim. You love the water

Ben's milestones (February 2006)

Today is February 23, 2006, You are 3 years and 8 months:

You are having issues with discipline. You don’t listen or behave. I think that is mommy and daddy’s fault. We aren’t real consistent with our discipline. You are a good kid. You are really sweet. I don’t think you get enough attention and I think you are starved for attention. We’re going to work on that. Mommy and Daddy have had a lot going on, but we’re going to work on that.
Mommy is going to take you to see a counselor, Chris Poulson. I think you need to talk to someone. You’ve been having some issues lately – and I think it would help you.
You love William. William just got out of the hospital and you were so worried about him the day he was in the hospital (Feb. 17, 2006) – your teacher at school said you cried all day and she had to hold you b/c you were so upset and so worried about William.
Your drink of choice is STILL chocolate and strawberry milk.
You are potty trained during the day but not at night.
You know your ABC’s, the sounds of the letters, you can recognize your ABC’s by site out of order, you can count to 20, you know some colors in Spanish, you know your name in sign language, you know your address, you can recognize letters at the beginnings of words
Anytime William is unhappy you come over and start singing to him. If he’s crying, you think it’s your job to make him happy. You love him so much. I think it’s so wonderful the bond that you have with him. It’s amazing that no matter how upset he is, you can always make him laugh, through your silliness.