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

Beaver Baseball

Hood River

Grandma Kathy, Benjamin and Kristen went to visit Renabe in Hood River. We took a walk to visit the school where Renee teaches and Benjamin got his first tire swing ride. Thanks for showing us around Nay!

Those Troublesome Teef

None on the top...

There they are!

8 Month Recap

Here are the stats: 21.5 pounds and 30 inches. His growing has tapered off these last few months perhaps because, drum roll please....HE SLEEPS!!! We went from waking up every 2-3 hours to eat (for EIGHT months) to all of the sudden one night (February 13th, thank you very much Mom & Dad who babysat that night) sleeping eleven hours straight ever since. Yes, I do believe month 8 has been my favorite so far. :)

He is getting close to pulling himself up to standing, and enjoys walking around holding onto our hands. This month door stops and drawers are a source of endless fascination. He got his two bottom teeth and this has not been pleasant for mom who is still trying to breastfeed. We also started him on proteins and I think he is going to be a meat and potato guy like his daddy. He babbles and smiles and sings, so much so that I often get comments in stores that he is going to be a singer. Not sure where this chatterbox came from with such quiet parents. He also got his first haircut a la mom.

This could seriously provide 20 minutes of straight entertainment.

Ladies take note- muscles and music.

Benjamin (8 months) and Aiden (1 year). Aiden's mommy and Ben's mommy went to Linfield together and it was so fun to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon with their family.

Lincoln City Beach in SUNNY February!

What is this sticky stuff?

Sadie was so excited for attention and exercise!

Mom, you make funny faces at me to get me to smile, and I am going to make them right back at you...

The photo of us taken by us.

Army Crawl? Kinda.

Delicate Load

Month 7

He is in a constant state of motion now. Getting good at sitting and reaching for things. Started army crawling with his arms only. Favorite game is to toss a toy in front of him and crawl to it, only to toss it again. He is picking up objects and examining them from every angle. He loves to play alongside other kids. We've seen hints of anxiety around strangers, but he's still a super easy going kiddo. Gives slobbery kisses. Still loving all kinds of food.