Jaylene spoils us!  She sent Canada gear for all of us, so we thought we would get a family photo sporting it...except I forgot to put Bennett's maple leaf socks on him, sorry baby!  We look good in red, don't you think?  We also got to sample some Canadian chocolate.  I (Amy) ate most of it but Paxton ate the Smarties - they are not like ours, the sour powdery kind, they are more like M&Ms.  My favorite is the Wunderbar and Bueno and I'm requesting more when Jaylene comes down.  She will be coming in less than two weeks.  Yay!!

Bennett had his 4 month checkup this week and he continues to astound us with his growth.  He is going to pass Paxton at this rate! He's just under 20 lbs, just over 26 inches, and totally adorable!  Lately he scoots along on his forehead with his knees pulled underneath him.  So his cheeks are constantly a rosy color from rubbing on his crib sheet or blankets on the floor.  It's getting a little harder to feed him because his hands are all over the place, pushing the bottle to the side, out of his mouth, or wherever.  Maybe we will try some solid food soon.

Yes, this is Paxton jamming out.  He plays just as loud as it looks like he's playing.  I have video of him and when he realized he was on camera he kept going back to punish the guitar even more so he could watch himself.  He does love a good beat and we have to tell him in sacrament meeting not to clap to the hymns.

This fun contraption is in our next door neighbor's back yard.  He designed and built it himself and it's strong enough to hold adults.  When Jared puts Paxton in and gets him going full force he is, frankly, terrified for a minute or two.  But then he loves it after the initial nauseating forces die down.  The neighbor also has a trampoline he lets Paxton jump on.  We live by great people.

Bennett doesn't need the snap in car seat feature of his stroller anymore, we just put him right in the big boy seat.  After all, he will be outgrowing it before we know it.  He seems to really like facing forward while we go on walks.

As much as I dislike flash photography, this one turned out cute.  This shot is just before bedtime.  Lately, in certain light it looks like Bennett may end up with a touch of green in his blue eyes.  Yes, Jaylene, I really mean that!  When Jared comes home Bennett is happy to see him pulling ridiculous faces at him. You're a fantastic father honey!  I have so much new respect for single mothers, they have a super tough job to handle children all by themselves.  Jared and I seem to make a good team.

Our version of camping this year is taking a day trip and then coming home to sleep in our own beds.  This pic shows Grandma Davis holding our little sack of potatoes.  Notice the matching hat?  That was sheer luck, Jaylene and I bought it a while back and someone at the shower Denette threw gave us the overalls that were meant to go with it.  Who says you can't be stylish when camping?

Grandpa Davis is the ultimate tour guide.  Every boy got to ride at least once before the storm clouds rolled in.  I hope he gets to actually fish sometime!

This little guy wasn't very shy and I probably shouldn't have gotten so close.  Just last week we were teaching our cub scouts that animals who seem too friendly might have rabies.  But I don't know if that includes campground critters.  His mouth is open because I caught him mid-chirp.

I never fail to take way too many photos of wildflowers.  They are beautiful as usual, and this year we want to hike to the top of Timpanogos to see if they're even more spectacular due to all the moisture.

Every year my Grandma Jackie's family has a Brady reunion in Indian Canyon.  Uncle Archie has a cabin and 10 acres where we get together for lunch, riding the zip line, and clay pigeon shooting.  I was talking with Archie's wife, Norma and she started asking me about David.  I said, my husband is Jared, I don't know who David is.  She said she didn't know who Jared is.  We both laughed.  From year to year there is a slightly different crowd so we can't always keep track of who's who.

Paxton's dream come true...almost.  I didn't let him drive, or even ride this thing but he kept asking for the keys.  I have to admit I've never ridden a four wheeler and don't care if I ever do.  Maybe it's the noise, the dust, the danger of dying....I don't know but it just doesn't appeal to me.  But, as I've said before it's amazing what you'll do for your kids so I probably shouldn't rule it out.

Just a shot of those giant thistles, at least the butterflies and bees like them.  No matter where we go I find it beautiful in different ways and I really don't want summer to end quite yet. We are just now enjoying getting outdoors!  I still want to attempt overnight camping with both the boys.  We'll have to persuade Grandpa Davis to sell his truck to us so we can take the two kiddies and our third child Chula with us!

Summer

 Bennett continues to do great and we all love doing anything we can to make him laugh.  He can roll over from his back onto his tummy and has found his fingers.  If we put a toy on his chest he can grab it and it usually goes straight to his mouth.  His legs are incredibly strong and he's so long he doesn't fit so well lying on a lap.  We have decided we need a heftier baby carrier to strap to ourselves to pack him around since he loves being held but our arms and backs can't take it!

Our wonderful realtor and friend, Kenny held his annual pool party at the Scera and this time we joined him.  Paxton and Daddy had fun in the water while I hung out with baby B.  Personally, I have avoided the pool for years but I did buy a new swimming suit, which I LOVE, so I took Paxton and my nieces to swim at Lindon's pool.  It's a fun place, they have nice lazy river and some good areas for kids.  We had a good time and I decided swimming isn't so bad.  It's amazing what you'll do for your children!

For some reason this last week has also been great for naps.  Probably because we finished our hands on work on the basement - there are pics below.   The boys both love their sleep, which we are VERY grateful for.  We really don't have the same energy as a twenty something person does.  But they keep us moving and I'm sure it won't be long before we are chasing Bennett too.

Maybe it's the glasses, but doesn't he look so much older?  He loves his Mr. Potato Head and he borrowed his specs to model them for me.  Paxton loves to visit Grandma Leslie and one day I asked him what he wanted for dinner.  He said pizza, so I asked him if he knew how to make it.  So he tells me that he needs his recipe and it's at Grandma Leslie's house.  Very clever.

This is the beginning of Jared's pottery room.   He still needs the utility sink installed but otherwise he could throw some pots anytime.  We actually have a small kiln too, one day walking to church Jared spotted it and it was free so we picked it up with the help of my cousin and a tractor.  Anyway, the garage has an outlet wired to run it...if it actually works.  He found the wheel on KSL's online classifieds which is pretty popular around here.

Here is the newly carpeted family room.  We actually had a little sleepover in one of the bedrooms a couple nights ago.  Paxton enjoyed it and wanted his bed left down there.

This is the same room (same paint and carpet although they look very different) but looking toward the doors which walk out to the backyard patio.  Next to this room there's an all-purpose room which now gives the tennis table a home.  There are also two more bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry room, and several closets.  I wanted a secret passage way but Jared didn't so the greater wisdom prevailed.

Paxton's Day

July 1st has changed from Canada day to Paxton Day.  Now that we are part Canadian (we even watch hockey) it was only fitting for us to go to the temple and be sealed to Paxton on July 1st.  Paxton has always admired the Mount Timpanogos temple and has requested on a number of occasions to go inside.  His wish came true.  We had a wonderful experience in the temple and Paxton responded like a champion.  One of the first words out of his mouth was "I've got my white tie on" which he said as he walked into the sealing room.  He listened intently and followed all the instructions the sealer gave him.  After the Temple we had a nice celebration at our home with family and friends with food, cake, and even fireworks.  Thanks to all who celebrated with us!

Our first family photo.  Paxton is showing off his adorable smile.  He has recently learned what it means to joke.  He will tell us something and then comment that he told us a joke and then he'll laugh at himself likes it's the funniest thing ever.  He is starting to get the Davis humor which is a tough humor to understand which Amy reminds me all the time.

He can't quite baby sit yet, but we are working on it.  We love our boys and Bennett loves watching every move Paxton makes.  Paxton doesn't really love holding Bennett, in fact he says that Bennett is too heavy.  However, Paxton loves giving Bennett kisses on his forehead.  If Bennett continues to grow as fast as he has, we will pass Paxton in weight in 3 more months.

Paxton and the Judge dropped the gavel on June 20, 2011 to make his adoption official.  We had a wonderful experience in the court room.  Some of the highlights were when we were asked to state our names to the judge, Paxton stood up and gave his name too, then sat back down.  When Amy and I were sworn in, Paxton also raised his right hand and I guess was sworn in as well.  

Judge Bazzelle invited Paxton to sit with her behind the bench where she gave him a huge candy bar and a toy griaffe.  Judge Bazzelle then signed her name to the adoption paperwork and then had Paxton "hit it with the hammer" to make it official.

Paxton loves to spend time with Papa Mack on his tractor, and we believe that Papa Mack loves to spend time with Paxton on the tractor.  It is a match made in heaven.  When asked if he has a drivers license to drive, Paxton replies yes.  When asked where he keeps his license he responds, "in my pocket".  If we don't keep a close eye on him, he would surely try to drive anything with keys.

It was tough to keep a straight face as we put a band aid on Paxton's upper lip.  He has a very small wound and wanted to bandage it up.  We both feel that Paxton has blessed our lives in so many ways.  We are thrilled to have him in our family and we appreciate all the love and support everyone has shown him.  He is a boy full of a lot of energy that keeps us moving.  His favorite question that he asks us multiple times a day is "what are you thinking about?"

BIG BOY?

Bennett had his two month well visit this past week and we learned he has grown to 15.28 pounds.  He is at the 98.83 percentile, which I think means that only 1.17% of children at his age weigh more than he does.  For his length he is in the 90.14 percentile.  Not surprising, even as un-knowing as we are about baby sizes, we have noticed how teeny tiny most other babies at his age seem next to him.  We are not worried at his stage because he looks well-proportioned overall.  And he's doing all the things you would expect, smiling, cooing, and sleeping great.  

So, I (Amy) was at Costco and something among all the super size items caught my eye- this 53" teddy bear.  I didn't have to think too long about if before it was in, or more like on, the cart.  As a kid I LOVED stuffed animals so this one was a dream come true.   I brought it into the house after our 3 1/2 year old had gone to bed and when he walked into Bennett's room the next morning, he jumped.  Then he laughed and said it wasn't real.  He has enjoyed sitting in Giant Teddy's lap and climbing all over him, who wouldn't?  Bennett's reaction - just a soft place to sit.

It never gets old watching this babe's facial expressions.   There's just something so mesmerizing about it...his smile seems to continually change, always adorable of course.  He is happy even when he wakes up after a solid 8 hours of sleep (I am too for that matter) and he just grins when we change his diaper.  He is definitely most hungry in the evenings as he seems to be prepping for a long snooze.  Lately he gulps down 8 oz at a time, barely stopping for air, never mind a burp.  

This one's a favorite; Bennett in his best light with his tongue sticking out.  And it helps you see what the big bear looks like in comparison to a regular size teddy.  His bedroom is finally complete, in my next post I will include some pics of it.  It's the best spot in the house!

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!