baby love

Well, I had my first prenatal appointment today with the midwives. I was so excited to go and bring Bennett in there to show off to all the nurses who remembered us. It was pretty fun. We got to hear the heartbeat, which was wonderful. Its finally sinking in and becoming real. Up until this point it seriously seemed like something I made up in my head since I've had no symptoms (ok, not no symptoms per se, since I eat a full meal every 2 hours or so, and my jeans have long since buttoned up). But for some reason, I just haven't felt like there was really a baby in there. So after this morning, I've definitely had that warm fuzzy feeling, knowing I'm carrying around our precious little baby who's heart is beating away at 170 beats per minute. Its such a miracle and I'm grateful to be experiencing it all over again.

Home Sweet Home

Its good to be back. Jon and I were more than ready to come home by about day 8. We had a lot of fun and did some really cool stuff but it was great to get home. Some highlights: We got to watch a movie on a big screen on one of the beaches at night; like a drive-in (which I've always wanted to do!) but laying on beach chairs! We had a couple of great snorkeling trips and saw a sea turtle and a huge moray eel and even some baby squid. We had quite the adventurous ATV ride along the rocky north side of the island with huge waves crashing in, through the pouring rain at a couple points and through these crazy thorn bushes that I still have scratches all over my arms from! I'll post some more pictures tomorrow...Jon's been working from his computer nonstop today so I can't get them right now.
Our reunion with Bennett was great. We had 2 days of travelling (our flights were free so we couldn't be picky!). We spent some of Valentine's day in Miami and had plenty of time to leave the airport and go to the beach, then stayed overnight in Dallas and flew home the next morning. We picked him up from the Colyer's and he was definitely happy to see us, although he had kind of a mild reaction. He just got a big smile on his face and gave us big hugs. He was extremely clingy all day today and even said, "Mommy home" a couple times which was so sweet and sad.
He's always been a good talker for his age but it was fun to actually notice the progress he made in 10 days. I couldn't believe how much better he was saying things. He's talking in 3 word sentences now (before it was mostly just 2). Today he said, "ladybug! see it?" while pointing at one and at lunch we were both eating peas and he said, "mommy peas too". He can say his name clearly now (before it was meh-meh) and is saying so many words that he couldn't say before. Sorry, I'll quit being a mom and boring you with these things :)
I'm still recovering from the two nights in a row of 5 hours of sleep and didn't lift a finger on housework today other than feeding, diapering and clothing. I promised Jon I'd get back to work tomorrow!!

hello from curacao

Well, our vacation is about half over and we've been having so much fun. We've done some great sight-seeing, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. We're staying at a resort that's attached to this little Aquarium that we have unlimited access to so we've gotten up close to some sea turtles and rays and sea lions. It just makes us think about how much fun Bennett would have here, being the animal lover that he is. Speaking of our little boy, I'm missing him A LOT but our moms have been sending us regular updates and that makes it a lot easier, knowing he's doing ok and having fun.

PS. The offer went through and we've officially sold our house!

I guess Bennett was trying to come to Curacao as a stowaway (that word always makes me think of Chip, the teacup). I came out of the bathroom this morning and found him sitting in there!

This is Bennett with Larae Ramsey, one of my closest friend, Erin's, baby. We went over there the other day since I hadn't seen her since the hospital and they had their first "playdate". I have to say, these pictures don't do her justice because she is one gorgeous baby! Bennett was shirtless after dumping a cup of water all over his head and shirt. Bennett loved being around her and kept saying her name, which sounded like "away" when he said it.

And this is what I think our daughter will look like... wig courtesy of Jon's costume he wore to 70's night at the Iowa Energy game last night. He won gift certificates for having the best costume! He said the crowd went nuts for him when they had to cheer for their favorite.

stylin

Today was "Daddy gets Bennett dressed for church day". Those come around every now and then when I have to go early to sing and I forget to pick something out before I put Bennett to bed the night before. These days are good for my character. Reminds me that it really doesn't matter what he wears and its kind of fun to see what Jon picks out. So today Bennett wore the t-shirt his Nanna and Poppy brought back for him from their cruise.