Some Ben laughs just for you :)

Party Time!

We had a ton of fun at Ben's first birthday party. We just had a little party at home with friends, family, pizza, cake, and - of course - beer. Here are some of the highlights:

Jenna and Hannah enjoying the "waterslide" (man, was it hot!)

Grammy Sue with the Birthday Boy!

A sweet little boy couldn't ask for two better grandmas :)

Jim and Heather Bachmann - awesome friends and great kid-caretakers!

Aunt Diane and Jenna-benna taking a break from the lil pool (doesn't Diane look great in this picture?!)

Happy birthday to me!
The big kids playing Wii. Thanks guys, for putting up with a baby's birthday party and for keeping Jakey entertained and feeling included :)

The birthday cake
Here it comes!!

And there it goes ;)

Big brother playing outside (not in the mood for having his picture taken)

Playing with water balloons to keep cool

Present time!


More presents!

Jakey got some presents too so he wouldn't feel left out.

We had such a wonderful time with our friends and family who could make it to the party. Thanks for coming guys, and here's to many more fun parties. Happy birthday Ben! :)

Ben Turns One!

I can't believe it - Baby Ben is one year old! Oh how I love our sweet littlest boy. A quick recap of his original birthday.. I was induced at 39 weeks over some concerns relating to blood pressure (luckily nothing serious). After about 16 hours of labor, Baby Ben graced us with his presence, weighing 7 lbs, 12 oz. An adorable snuggler from the start, it was wonderful to cuddle my newest little man for the first few hours. Unfortunately, our blood types weren't compatible and he had to spend some extra time in the hospital under the bili lights. That was extremely un-fun. And after we got him home he still had to sleep on a bili-bed with a bili wrap and get daily bili level checks (read: heel sticks). But my little guy was so easy going, even from the start, he barely put up a fuss. And after that, we began adjusting to the new normal, and today our family wouldn't be complete without our wonderful Benjamin Joseph :)

Because his birthday was during the week, we saved the party for a later weekend. On his actual birthday, Ben had his first cupcake!

You want me to do WHAT with this thing?

Hmmm, the white stuff feels kinda squishy.

Okay, well, if you feed it to me, I'll try it.

Mmmmmm, frosting is good for licking!

Yum yum yum yum!

First paycheck!!

Well folks, here it is. After 27.5 years of living, 23 years of school, thousands of dollars in educational debt, possible ulcers from stress, and much love and support from my family and friends (oh yeah, and considerable butt-busting on my part), it finally arrived - my first paycheck!!! (pardon the sloppy erasing - wanted to keep some of the info to myself)

Updates coming!

It's been a fun-filled (and crazy!) few weeks. I promise there will be an update (complete with pictures) soon!