Bennett months 6-8

Bennett has changed so much since I last posted! He is mobile and is everywhere! He is 8 months now and is stading on his own and has taken a few steps already! This is exactly like Tyler at this age. He loves Tyler so much and sometimes the only thing that will make him happy is Tyler. He cracks me up because if she is napping in her room, he will crawl in there and will get so mad if I make him get out. He also loves playing downstairs...he gets so happy the minute we open the basement door. Even more so, he loves to swing downstairs. Devin hung two swings for the kids in the laundry room and they LOVE it! Bennett starts laughing and kicking his feet when we walk in the laundry room! By 7 months, Bennett got his two top and two bottom teeth in within two weeks of eachother. He is constantly chewing on things...more on the way I think. He loves to eat and will eat almost anything..green beans have to be mixed in with something. Lately, he wants whatever is on our plate. At 8 months he weighs 22 lbs and is off the charts for length. He is a big boy! He jabbers all the time and it usually sounds like dada. Bennett is still not a great sleeper, we get an all the way through the night every once in a while, but most nights you wake up and still want to eat...spoiled! :-) You are a cuddler in the mornings! I wish I had more time with you in the morning. You have started standing on your own and I think you will be walking soon. You ride in a rear facing car seat and Tyler got a new one. She did not like that at first, but has adjusted. You want to be wherever Tyler is...sometimes she does not like that so much! She is good with you and likes to play with you. Lately, she wants to pick you up...but you are much too big for her!

Tyler 2 1/2

Tyler is 2 1/2 and she loves to tell you she is 2 1/2. She is so much fun and quite the talker. She can entertain us!  She loves her baby brother she loves playing with her baby dolls and she loves playing with other kids. She has been really into matching everything has to match she also loves to wear the same outfit that we are wearing. She loves princess pajama dresses or any kind of pajama dress and she loves getting new underwear. She is too funny. She loves to say when she gets three and gets bigger she gets to sit in the backseat and buckle up Just like Bella and Emma. I keep telling her she has to be really big before she can be out of her car seat she loves to pretend and sit in the car. She also can't wait to go to school. She says when I get three and get bigger I get to go to school and Sunday school!

Bennett five months

Bennett was five months on August 21. He is almost 18 pounds. He is loving eating solid food.  So far he has had cereal bananas apples and sweet potatoes and squash. We are making his food just like we did for Tyler it is fun to see him try new things. He is such a happy guy. Smiling all the time. He loves to be outside and swing. He is doing better on going for walks. The other night we buckled him in the wagon and Tyler pulled him around it was fun. He loves Tyler so much she is so great with him she can make him laugh full bellylaughs it is hilarious just melts my heart. He is moving everywhere. He gets up on all fours but doesn't army crawling and can make it all over the floor very fast.  He was sitting on his own and just this last week he started sitting up on his own from a laying position. He still wants to eat through the night but he is such a big boy he is hungry. I am back in school and it is the hardest thing leaning that sweet smile every morning. I race home to get to them every day. Devon tells me next year I can stay home I can't wait. 

Lake Michigan vacation

We went the last week in July to Lake Michigan for a few days up in long beach Michigan city Indiana. This was our first big trip with Bennett and his first official vacation. He doesn't love the car so it was kind of a long drive. However we only had to stop a couple times. We made it and it was beautiful there. We stayed in a house with the Polczinski's and nonna and Papa Carly Braden and Chelsea. Tyler was at Bellas side every minute she could. Those girls played and played. Tyler wanted to do everything Bella did to wearing her clothes her pajamas in following her everywhere. We spent some time at the beach the water looks like the ocean with waves and everything.  We would go for morning walks and look at the beautiful beach homes. We also would go swimming at the pool in our resort area. We spent one afternoon playing at their awesome playground. We stayed at the beach walk resort which was very nice. We came home late Tuesday evening. The next day Wednesday was my 28th birthday. It was a great day waking up at home with my sweet family. We just played at home and spend time together it was wonderful. Devon and I were leaving Friday morning before the current river at Jack's fork to go on our float trip with my family. I miss my kids like crazy when we leave that I can't wait till they can go along. 

Bennett four months

Bennett was four months on July 21. He is Weighing about 16 pounds. He is a big boy. He had his next round of shots at the doctor he hated them but we all survived. He is eating constantly so the doctor told us we could start trying to spoonfeed him some cereal. He isn't really caring to show interest in the spoon so we are going to wait a few weeks to try it.  The doctor said he is the length of a nine month old about 27 inches and the weight of a seven month old. He is moving onto 6 to 12 month clothing. It has been so wonderful adding this sweet boy to our family!

4th of July

We had a great month of July it was a very busy but so much fun. 4 July weekend we had family here and Tyler loved it. Bella and Lily were here we went swimming at Emmas and celebrated Bella and Lily's birthday parties. Lily got to stay a few days with Martha so we had a packed agenda for a few days playing with Emma andBella. We went to the splash park one morning then to monkey Joe's it was a blast. Tyler went on every jumping thing with the girls she was fearless. She loves being with the big girls.  

 

Cooler weather

This week is unseasonably cool!  It's the first of July and we've had our windows open. This has meant no swimming. Instead we have spent time at the playground. Sunday we went as a family and spent several hours there and had a picnic lunch. Tyler wanted to go again on Monday. So I was brave and took her and Bennett by myself. We had fun!  Today was tues and it rained ALL day. It felt weird to not be outside at all. We were lazy inside watching movies playing with play dough playing dress up for both kids reading books puzzles. I got laundry done. I hate to admit as gloomy as it was it was nice to just be in and be lazy and not feel too guilty about it. Tyler even said  let's cuddle!  Tomorrow is supposed to be nicer. We are going to visit my grandma at the hospital and they are supposed to have some farm animals there too. We also are supposed to go swimming but not sure it will be warm enough. Thurs is the fourth and swimming is on the agenda again so hope it warms up.  Lazy day. 

Cooler weather

This week is unseasonably cool!  It's the first of July and we've had our windows open. This has meant no swimming. Instead we have spent time at the playground. Sunday we went as a family and spent several hours there and had a picnic lunch. Tyler wanted to go again on Monday. So I was brave and took her and Bennett by myself. We had fun!  Today was tues and it rained ALL day. It felt weird to not be outside at all. We were lazy inside watching movies playing with play dough playing dress up for both kids reading books puzzles. I got laundry done. I hate to admit as gloomy as it was it was nice to just be in and be lazy and not feel too guilty about it. Tyler even said  let's cuddle!  Tomorrow is supposed to be nicer. We are going to visit my grandma at the hospital and they are supposed to have some farm animals there too. We also are supposed to go swimming but not sure it will be warm enough. Thurs is the fourth and swimming is on the agenda again so hope it warms up.  Lazy day. 

Swimming

Swimming!

The past two days have been fun!  I have taken Tyler swimming!  She is really doing great in the water.  She is using arm wings and is swimming all by herself with them!  She loves it.  She kicks and jumps in the water.  Today she said "Look Mommy! I'm blowing bubbles!"  She decided on her own to put her face in and blow bubbles. It is so fun to watch her!  Yesterday we invited her friend Finley and Braylin over to swim.  They had fun together.  After swimming they played on the swing set together.  Today Aunt Lindsay joined us.  Bennett hasn't gone swimming yet.  We plan to take him in the evening when the sun isn't so hot for him. 

Bennett has gone full force with his rolling over!  He is rolling all the time now.  He is still full of smiles and talks and jabbers a lot.  This morning I got a few chuckles out of him!  He loves the attention. 

We have a busy week ahead.  It will be full of fun though and Tyler will love it because she loves seeing everyone and getting to go places! 

Oh my, how life has changed since I left this blog!

It has been about a year since I last blogged and my how life has changed for us!  It was almost a year ago when we found out that we were adding to our family!  We are now a family of 4!  Big change for us and it has been wonderful!  There is no way I will be able to update an entire year...but I'll try a quick overview!
July 2012
We found out we were pregnant around July 4th.  We waited to share our news until my first doctor appt in mid August. 
Tyler just kept talking more and more!

August 2012
I returned to school...terribly hard!  Tyler stayed with Devin's mom 3 days a week and started going to Haley Fark's 2 days.  She went wunith Kinley and Kanon Povolish.  WE shared our news with everyone by Tyler giving a sign that said"only child expiring March 2012". 

October 2012

We found out we were having a BOY! on Devin's birthday, Oct. 19th.  We shared our news with everyone by having Tyler show them a onesie we went and bought at Baby Gap that said Handsome Fella on it with a  mustache.  We were more than excited to be adding a sweet boy to our family.  We already had a boy name still from when we had Tyler, Bennett it was, but we kept that a secret. WE didn't even tell Tyler since she was talking in several words at a time. WE just taught her to say baby brother. 

Dec. 2012

Tyler had a wonderful Christmas and really loved the decorations and presents.  She did not love her visit with Santa.  She is talking in almost full sentences.  WE took a trip beginning of Dec. to Chicago for a long weekend.  Tyler did awesome!  WE stayed with Aunt Janice and Uncle Jeff.  WE visited the aquarium, Navy Pier winter wonderland, did some shopping, had dinner with Aunt Carly, visited the Lincoln Park zoo and saw the lights.  We caught up with some friends of Devin's from PA school. 

Jan. 2013
Tyler celebrated her 2nd birthday!  SHe loves singing the song and asked everyone to sing to her again! Ha!  WE went with an owl theme because she was really loving owls.  SHe is talking all the time and can really carry on a conversation with you.  She sings Jesus Loves Me, she knows her colors, counts to 10, sings itsy bitsy spider, ring around the rosie, sings her Abcs!  She is just full of life!  She really loves her baby dolls too!

Feb. 2013
Baby boy is almost here! 

Mar 2013

Bennett is due on March 16.  He decided not to come on his own so I was induced on THursday, March 21, 2013. Bennett was born at 1;28 P.M. and came really fast!  He weight 8 lbs 14 oz and 21 in long.  Big boy!  I had my water broke and was ready to push in 15 min.  Our moms got the hospital right after I delivered him.  HE was perfect!  Lots of hair that looked red!  THat evening our aunts Joyce and Martha and Aunt LIndsay brought Tyler up for a visit.  SHe was timid at first but after some time with just us and Bennett, she did great!  She held him and gave him lots of kisses!  I was so sad to be away from her and cried when she left. She came back the next day for a visit so it was nice to see her every day.  We came home on Saturday and Bennett did great!  Tyler came home right away and it was so nice to be home as a family of 4.  She really did great adjusting to him and loving on him.  She is so protective of him! She always says hey big guy!  She wanted to be right there doing everything, feeding him, changing him, giving him a bath. 
We also enjoyed Bennett's first Easter.  Tyler loved hunting eggs too! 

April 2013
Tyler was in her first wedding as a flower girl in Devin's cousin Jordan and Chloe Kabat's wedding.  She did great!  Donna made a cute tutu dress and she looked adorable!  We celebrated Bennett's baptism on April 21st. Bennett had his one month appt and was almost 12 lbs.  Bennett rolled from his stomach to his back around the one month mark, he scoots in his crib when on his belly too.  This is exactly how Tyler was.

May 2013
Bennett is a growing boy he was 14 lbs at his 2 month appt.  He had to get shots, no fun..but was a trooper! He is off the charts for weight and height.  He is eating about 4 1/2 ounces every 2-3 hours.  He has been sleeping 6-7 hours at night since his one month checkup. 

June 2013
Tyler had a big day this month!  She cut up her pacifiers!  We did it on a Friday afternoon when Devin got off work early. She cut them up herself and threw them away.  We had a rough night that night, she cried herself to sleep, but the next day and nights after that were great! She never asked for them again and was so proud to tell everyone what she had done and was such a big girl! 

Tyler is pretty much potty trained at this point.  I started very slowly with her while I was home over Christmas break.  She tells us when she has to go, but sometimes she is so stubborn and does not want to stop what she is doing to go.  She rarely has an accident now which is awesome. 

Bennett had a big milestone this month!  He was three months on the 21st of June.  He rolled over from his back to his stomach around 2 1/2 months!  He is all smiles these days and is almost laughing once you get him excited.  He babbles and talks, which is so cute and sweet.  He really is a good baby.  He has always loved his swing..that has been a lifesaver since he has been home.  He pretty much naps in his swing, every once in a while in h is crib.  He sleeps in his crib and has since day 1.  We have a routine that we started with him around 2 weeks old.  Around eight oclock we give him his bath, dress him, give him his bottle and then lay him down.  Tyler always was rocked to sleep and Devin wanted to try this different because we wanted to see if he would sleep better than Tyler.  It has worked.  We lay him down awake anywhere from 8 to 9 usually and he goes to sleep.  It has made us stick to a schedule which is hard because that is not us, but it has worked.  Bennett loves his baths. He is so content in there and just kicks and splashes.  We gave him his first taste of cereal from a spoon last night.  He did pretty well with the spoon and smiled once he realized it was food. 

Tyler goes a mile a minute these days.  She loves to tell stories,  loves to read books, loves to play mommy to her babies.  She loves to be outside and swing.  We have gotten her pool out and she loves that.  We have gone to the big pool several times now and she started using water wings and swims great with them. 

We took a few day trips this month.  First we went to Kevil, KY near Paducah to visit Ryan and Mae at Mae's parents farm.  Tyler rode ponies with Bella and Emma and then swam in their pool.  It was a great day.  Next we went to Holiday World with Alex and Ethan for a day.  Tyler loved the rides.  She was a bit timid on the water slides, but had so much fun with her cousins.  They were perfect.  They went from open to close with no naps and really no melt downs. 

Tyler loves to dance, she loves other little kids, likes to ride her bike, her roller coaster, drive her escalade.  Some of the things she says is "what you talking about guys?"  She takes in everything we say and doesn't miss a beat.  She says"what this does"?  She know we live in Nashville, IL on Moore St. and can tell you her full name.  Aunt Lindsay taught her to say "Oh no you didn't " while shaking her finger.  She amazes us with her vocabulary.  She will say before bed "Is it supposed to storm tonight"  She says "I know I know" all the time.  Sometimes she will call me Dana or say Devin instead of mommy and daddy...oh this girl.  She's a mess.  She makes us smile everyday but wears us out too...ha.  She says honey after everything.  I need some milk honey or help me honey.  It is hilarious and so cute.  When people leave she will say see ya...be careful.  If I am using a knife to cut something, she will say be careful with yourself.  so cute.  She hates nap time and bed time...always a fight with her.  Some of her favorite shows currently are Finding Nemo, Barney, Brave, Puss in Boots. 

Bennett seems like he has started teething already.  He is chewing or trying to chew on everything and drooling like crazy.  Way earlier than Tyler began.  He also hasn't been quite as content as normal so I think something is going on. 

OK, I know I have missed a million things, but this is the best I can do to try to get caught up.  Hopefully I can stay more up to date with this in the future. 

16-17 months

Tyler, you have grown so much in last couple of months! We took our first family of 3 vacation to Destin, FL for a week at the end of May. We drove the 10 hours there and back through the night so you would sleep and it could not have gone any better. You loved the beach the minute we got there. Seeing you see the ocean for the first time was priceless. We stayed in a condo looking over the ocean. We would walk to the beach everyday and spend the entire day there. You would even nap under the umbrella on the beach. The pictures we have of you there are some of my favorites! There were many families with small children there and one family had a two year old boy named Barrett. He was your first kiss in the pool! It was hilarious! The two of you were sitting on the step and he leaned over and smack..ha ha! We were all laughing so hard! It is a vacation we will always remember! Since we have been home, I have been soaking up my time with you while I am off for the summer. I am not sure where the time has gone already, but to say I have LOVED every second with you would be an understatement. This has been the best yet with you and I know it will just keep getting better! We have just played abd played! We have gone to visit Daddy at work and bring him lunch. I will miss this when school starts again. You have really gotten to like swimming in the pool. We got you these armwings to swim with and you have done s well! This past week we took you to the fair in town to see all the farm animals and you loved it too! You even got to hold one of the 4H bunnies. So cute! You have grown so much developmentally. You weigh about 25 pounds. You are repeating almost every word we say. I can really understand you and what you want. It is so funny to me how you go about letting me know something or that you want something. You say momma and daddy very clearly now! We love it! You have quite the personality, but can get so shy at times too. You will be so social with people when we are out lie waving and saying hi or bye and blowing kisses full of smiles!