Our camera man

We thought we'd show you our daily lives through some of the pictures our 3 1/2 year old has taken to help you get to know him better.  This first one includes his toes at the bottom and the camera strap and lens as he took a picture of one of his watercolors.  He does like to paint and draw, especially when Amy's doing it.  His favorite color is PURPLE.  

 As you'll see, he likes to take photos of his toys now and then.  This pile is one he decided to donate for other boys who don't have toys.  He has always been very willing to share anything he has whether its toys, food, or germs.

After church we were getting into the car and Bennett was sort of gurgling and our little boy said, "It's okay, Bennett".  That was so nice to hear...he is coming around to loving this little guy.

When he's behind the camera he usually tells us to "say cheese".  Its always amazing to see how tall Jared and our ceilings look from his point of view.  It reminds us how big the world must seem!

 This is one of his favorite toys, a motorcycle that makes very convincing noises.  It came from his birthmother a while ago; and he is very good at remembering what she gives to him.  It's hilarious when he tries to ride it.

It's sad to see this picture of our cat that moved on from this earthly life a few months ago.  She was a GREAT lap cat, loved everyone and had the softest fur.  Paxton and Amy miss her a lot.  Amy wants another cat someday so hopefully Bennett isn't allergic.

When one of us is using the computer he will say he needs to do his homework.  He's learned how to open a word doc by himself and is doing well learning the location of the letters on the keyboard.  He insists on typing LARGE, purple letters.

 Lately his favorite category of toys are airplanes and rockets.  It's been tough to find any age appropriate rockets in the stores.  This little plane is one he's had since we've known him and he still cherishes it.  Grandma Leslie gave him several planes as rewards when he was potty training and he loves them all.

Our dog Chula is becoming one of P's pals.  They follow each other around the yard.  She gets excited to see him and she has started following his commands.  He has gained confidence that he can tell her what to do and she'll usually listen.  He still feels insulted if she takes away something he's playing with (usually a stick of any kind) to the point of crying.  But he's starting to learn how to take his things back.

All smiles

The latest little development at our house is Bennett's daily grins.  He has smiled at Grandma Leslie, our neighbor, and his big brother as well as me and Jared.  He coos now and then and we like to pretend he can stand and walk.  He now weighs 13.7 pounds.

Another amazing feat (at least to us) is that he SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT last night.  Now I know you more experienced parents will say that was just a fluke.  Maybe so.  But, we couldn't believe it!  He went to bed at 10:30 or so and didn't wake up until 7 AM.  And he wasn't really fussy when he woke up either, just fidgeting.  After hearing all the stories of how exhausted we would be, I'm actually wondering - is this normal?  I'll ask the doc at his two month checkup in June but we're just enjoying it for now.

Although you can't see them in this picture, his eyelashes have really begun to show up in the last few days.  They are darker and long (I can only assume he gets that from Jaylene because she has fabulous eyelashes).  Thanks J!  We love you and miss you.

Foster to Adopt Update

Naturally we've posted mostly about Bennett, but we wanted everyone to know we have a court date set to adopt our 3 1/2 year old!  It is June 20th, at 2:00pm which means we may have to wait if court is behind.  I SO look forward to being able to post pictures of him!  We have followed the foster care rules carefully which say we can't show images of him.  We are VERY excited, he is a fantastic little boy.  He loves to laugh, and lately loves to tease too.   He's pretty independent, wanting to do things "all by himself" which sometimes causes concern like when he walks out the door and says "see ya, I've got to go to my soccer game".  Of course he doesn't play soccer.  Maybe we should try that soon : )  This morning he was strumming Jared's guitar and singing his own song about staying inside (it's raining).  Sometimes he stops when I walk in but he just kept playin'.  Last night for FHE we had a lesson on honesty and then we sang the "Follow the Prophet" song while he played his ukulele.  So last night we downloaded the children's songbook.  He definitely likes music, although he says he can't sing, I suppose he's more of an instrumentalist : )  He has lately showed more interest in Bennett, the last few days he wants to talk to him or say goodnight.  That's nice to see because he struggled a bit at first like many kids do.  So overall things are wonderful at our house, I am thoroughly enjoying being at home full-time!  

Boy Wonder

Here are a few glimpses of this handsome little guy since that's what everyone really wants!  He continues to be a great baby, fussiness is minimal overall and he loves to eat and sleep.  Last check he was 12 pounds and it seems like half of it is in his cheeks.  We believe he has smiled here and there and he is definitely happy to see us when he awakes.   Unbelievably, last night he slept for 7 hours!  I don't know if he was extra tired or what, but I for one am impressed.  We'll see if it continues or not.  Our 3 year old is adjusting - albeit with a setback here and there.  He does ask to help and his interest in Bennett is growing...we think he will be a wonderful big brother.  Our dog - she loves Bennett, no doubt.  She is very gentle when she steals his socks right off his feet : )   

 This letterman style sweater is soooo cute on him, not sure if it came from Roz or Jen but thanks!  He is set with clothes for quite a while, everyone has been very sweet and generous in welcoming him.  His room is almost complete too, we bought a soft recliner/rocker that may be too big to fit in his doorway but we'll see about that tonight.  I painted 4 little animal pieces (maybe I post them later) to go on is wall and we have some floating shelves to put up.  

  We had a great weekend with Jaylene, she's now close to her hometown where she will work for the summer.  If we had written it ourselves, we couldn't have had more of a dream adoption story and the best part of it is that it keeps going.  We have been extremely blessed to have her become such a dear member of our family.  She will no doubt be an outstanding mother herself someday and we will be in close contact along the way. 

First Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day Amy!!!  I know you have waited for a long time for this day.  You are a wonderful mother to both of the boys.  Maybe all the time that you waited paid off because you have some serious mothering skills.  It is evident when you play with them, teach them, feed them and even change diapers that you really care for them.  Thank you for being such a wonderful woman who loves spending time at home.  We are fortunate to be able to have you be a stay at home mother. Children in our home has truly blessed us deeply.  Here's to many more Mother's Days to come.  After all, it not such a bad Holiday is it?

Love Jared and the Boys!