WHAT A WEEK!

The posts have not been coming as fast as I would like, but we have been crazy. On the afternoon of Friday the 19th at 3:30 I found out I had to go to Orlando for work on Sunday (the same day as Ben's baptism).
That Saturday mom and I drove to Hartsville for Caroline Benson's wedding shower. It was so nice. It was in a loft apartment in downtown Hartsville complete with rooftop deck. Who would think such a neat place would be in downtown Hartsville? The shower was great and Caroline seemed very happy. Only a few more days until she ties the knot!
Sunday morning was the baptism, and then everyone over for lunch. Immediately after lunch I had to pack and Jon drove me to pick up my rental car. I was on the road headed for not so sunny Orlando by 4:15...ugh. I made it to the hotel around 10:15. Luckily Sue and her husband were there so I was not totally by myself. Jon kept Ben while I was gone, and Jack went to stay with Gran and Doda.
I got home Wednesday afternoon/night around 6:30. Gran and Doda met me at the airport with Jack. We then went back home and saw Jon and Ben which was great. I was really missing my boys after being gone for 3 full days. I was in major need of a big Ben smile and sweet Jack hug (sometimes there is nothing better than a toddler hug).
Thursday and Friday it was off to work. Nothing like no time to recover! Friday was Ashlee's BIG 3-0. I managed to work it out with Jon so that we could celebrate after work. He was supposed to come and pick me up after he got the boys. It somehow ended up that he met us out once the boys went to bed at Gigi's house. We had a great time at the Flying Saucer, and then at 11:00 PM we turned into pumpkins...or parents. We went and picked up the boys at Gigi's. Jack was sleeping in Jon's old twin bed in his old room. His mom even still had the NFL sheets that Jon used to have. It was very cute!
Finally Saturday we had time for some rest. We took Jack for his first "big boy" haircut. It turned out really cute. Of course, I did not take the camera, but it was a success. Jon went to the Carolina game Saturday and I stayed home with the boys and we watched Barney and Pinnochio. Good times...
Sunday we just hung out around the house and basically did nothing. It was wonderful!! I wish we had more time to just be together and not have to worry about where we were going next, or what we had to do. That was last week in a nutshell. This week hasn't started out much better. Ben had to go to the doctor for pink eye, but hopefully by Thursday we will be back into our routine.

Ben's Baptism

Ben's baptism went beautifully. Both boys were on their very best behavior and Ben was looking extra precious in the "lampshade". We managed to make it to church the required 15 minutes in advance and had our very first family portrait made before the service.

There were two other babies being baptised at the same time. One little kid was NOT very happy. Luckily they were the first to go and the parents had enough sense to immediately take them out. I was getting very nervous that the screaming was going to become contagious. Jack even let me hold him while we were in front of the congregation and he did not get into any major mischief. After the baptisms were done, the boys even stayed in "big church" for the remainder of the service. Ben went to sleep and Jack did not make a sound. I could not believe it! After church we had most of the family over to our house for lunch. It was very nice except for the fact that as soon as we finished eating I had to pack and leave for Orlando. That is another story though. Overall we had a wonderful day together.

From Roly Poly to an Inchworm

Well Benjamin has decided that rolling is not the most efficient means of "transportation." He has now taken to "inching" or the "commando crawl." He is all over the place. I went to put something in Jack's room this afternoon and by the time I came back in the den he was practically under the couch. He is very cute (of course, I am his mom giving this assessment). Tomorrow is his baptism at church. We have been getting ready for days. Not for the baptism, but for everyone coming for lunch after. Hopefully everything will turn out ok. We are still in debate about having Jack with us for the actual baptism. Not sure how he will be able to handle himself during "big" church, at least for the first part until we take him to nursery after the baptism.
I am sure there will be pictures and stories to follow...STAY TUNED.

Ben's 6 Month Update

Benjamin went for his 6 month check-up this week. Here is how we measure up:

Weight: 16 lbs 12 oz - 32%

Height: 26.5 inches - 47%

Ben is so sweet. He is like a little angel most of the time. He has not started sitting up on his own quite yet, but he is very close. He has also discovered a form of locomotion....rolling. The kid can roll farther and faster than you could imagine. I walked from the den through the kitchen to put something in the sink and back to the den and he had rolled all the way across the room. He is FAST!

When we went to the doctor this week he still had fluid on his ears from the last ear infection. Unfortunately by Thursday he was not sleeping and had started throwing up (not good). We went back to the doctor and he had another infection (#5). The doctor gave us the Ok to take him to the ENT so that is where we are headed on Tuesday. Jack had a follow-up scheduled so luckily they were able to work Ben in too so I could take them both at the same time. Hopefully they will be able to do tubes on Tuesday while we are there and give my little buddy some relief. The doctor gave us drops for his ears this time, and whenever you give them to him he purrs like a little kitten. It is very sweet, but it breaks my heart knowing that he is in that much pain. The poor little guy has not slept through the night in almost 3 weeks (poor Mommy and Daddy,too!). Except for the past day or two you would not really even know that anything had been wrong with him. He is tough guy. Of course, with Jack as your brother you have to learn to hold your own pretty fast. Ben's defense is pulling hair, and boy is he good at it! Jack better watch out!