One year . . . already?!?

One year ago, we were anxiously anticipating the arrival of Benjamin. I remember spending Friday night watching the clock and timing contractions. I remember a sleepless night between the bed and the couch. (I realize now that night was only preparation for the year to come.) I remember that Saturday was the hottest day in April last year. Honestly, it was 85 degrees!! And once Benjamin arrived, all of our anticipation immediately changed to love.

He has changed our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined. We eat at home more regularly. We have a more rigid bedtime because we know when the rooster will crow early. Because of our rooster, we’ve become morning people. (I’ve never watched Mr. Ed before but I’ve seen it many times in the last year because of our early riser.) We’ve slowed down to watch squirrels because that’s what our son is fascinated with. He has challenged us to appreciate the small things in life. But the thing I love most about Ben is his joyful spirit. He squeals and smiles at a lot of different things. He has an infectious laugh. He talks to strangers which forces us to do the same thing.

I have learned more in the last year about our heavenly Father than I have learned my whole life. In the last year, I have gained a better understanding of His patience for me. I am truly glad that He always listens. No matter how I am feeling or how many times I have whined about the same thing, my Father is always there. He never tells me, “Go to bed. I’ve already handled that.” And I’m very grateful that he never tells me that he’s “too tired to listen”. My daily prayer is that I am able to use God’s grace to be the best mother possible.

I’m sure that God has many more lessons in store for me but I am thankful for the lessons I have been able to experience because His blessing, Benjamin!! What a wonderful first year we have had.

I will post birthday party pictures in our photo gallery later this week. We had a fun weekend celebrating with family. Ben doesn’t seem interested in cake but he does like ice cream! Enjoy this video of him walking. He’s getting braver. He will go about 8 to 10 steps between people now. (I think he just wants to walk with someone else because he doesn’t want to be alone.) video of Ben walking

First haircut

I gave Ben his first haircut today. (In the last month, his hair has gotten thicker, as well as longer. He even had some curls that would show up after a really solid nap.) So with all of that said, I got out the clippers today. I put him in his highchair with some Gerber puffs and water. He did very well!!! He’s watched me cut Aaron’s hair before, so the sound didn’t bother him at all. I think he was more annoyed that he could see what was happening. He sat pretty still until the snack ran out. Then he wanted to help. So, I let him look at the clippers and a comb. Thankfully today’s experience was GREAT!!!

Here are some before, during and after pictures. We also had a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather by going to the park and playing in the backyard.