Flag Day

Flag Day, aka Benjamin's birthday, was full of all Ben's favorite things. Here is full photo documentation for your enjoyment as well. :)

Snuggles with Sadie in the morning after Ma-Ma and Da-Da sung "Happy Birthday" to me in my crib.

Trip to MudPuddles toy store to play. We also went to Al's Garden Store to sniff flowers and to pick out plants for our garden, but no pictures were taken...
To the library...

Then home to play with toys...

My first taste of icecream at Baskin Robbins...

Opening my present from Mom & Dad...

Blocks!

Goodnight smooches...

Benjamin's 1st Birthday Party

We celebrated Benjamin's birthday a weekend early as the shelter at Snyder Park was already reserved for his actual birthday weekend. And, even though his birthday is June 14th, us Oregonians know to be prepared and I am glad we were!! Despite the rain, it was a lot of fun to hang out with friends and family and celebrate the birth of our sweet little stinker.

He almost fell asleep eating his cake! He slept on "Na-Na" for about an hour and had post nap snuggles with Gramma Carol.

11 Month Update

Benjamin can now stand VERY briefly on his own, and then he immediately gets into the squatting position. Probably the biggest leap this month has been verbally. He tries to imitate everything and finally says "MA-MA"!! Other favorite words are "ball," "bear," and "ba-ba" (bottle), as well as "dog". Of course Benjamin likes "B's"! He loves to read and there are a couple of books "Ma-Ma" and "Da-Da" have memorized now. He is starting to show affection with unsolicited kisses, hugs for Sadie and snuggles with stuffed animals. It turns out he is also very ticklish underneath his arms. Benjamin remains a GREAT eater and still has not refused anything.

Memorial Day Weekend

Due to the lovely, wet weather we have been having, we just stayed at home and did fun little outings around Portland.

We had a nice time spending it together and not keeping an agenda.

Kristen's Birthday

Earlier in the day, Carol, Vanessa and I got pedicures for Mother's Day/Birthday combo. Then Luke surprised me for my birthday and took me to Jory at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg. Carol watched Ben for us and it was a wonderful relaxing evening with great views of wine country.

Mother's Day

Proud Mom. Ben is less than pleased.

Benjamin's dedication at church.
My first Mother's Day!! I'm so happy to be your "Ma-Ma" sweet little boy.

10 Month Update

I know I said this last month, but Benjamin is SO busy. He can easily get into the standing position now and stands with little support. He is cruising and actually crawls on his hands and knees about 60% of the time now rather than doing his unique army crawl. He has discovered stairs, cupboards, shelves, closets, windows, etc. He is enjoying finger foods and when he doesn't like something he shakes his head "no". We have also seen our first glimpse of temper tantrums. On the flip side, he likes to mimic us, so if we are "happy", he is too. His favorite toys are the stacking rings and his Fisher Price zoo. He can imitate the lion's roar! We also enjoy his sloppy kisses, his scrunched nose laughs, and sweet snuggles.

Costa Rican Friends

Kristen spent a semester abroad in Costa Rica in 1998. Christopher was her 14-year old host brother. We got to spend a fun day with him while he visited the US. He has certainly grown up (and speaks English now!).

Redmond Weekend with Friends

Our son, the giant, with pretty little Kira.





Stroller ride to the coffee shop.


Lawrence, Linh and Kira.

9 month recap

Our sleepy-head.

First word, "SADIE"!! (our dog). Other decernible words, "Da-Da," "Thank you" (voice inflection only), "Na-Na" (Grandma Kathy) and maybe "Kitty Cat?" Pulls self to standing efficiently and with purpose. Waves "Bye-bye". Gets top two teeth. Finally can get to sitting position from prone position (that was tricky for you Ben!). Tries out the bear crawl. Whew! Busy little boy, although a little tentative and timid at times- wonder where he gets that?

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

Well, Benjamin got his first cold and then shared it with his mommy, so we had been under house arrest for several days. We decided to venture out to the Woodburn Tulip Festival and we were rear-ended on the way there (VERY minor) and got drenched by rain, but we all were in agreement that it turned out to be a very good day indeed. What a beautiful place to visit.

Easter

Waving to the flocks of geese & to his cousins hunting Easter eggs outside at Grandpa Mark and Grandma Carol's.

Standing on his own!

Decorating Easter eggs at Grandpa Larry and Grandma Kathy's house with second cousin Riley.

Grandma...I don't think this is going to hold me up!!

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge