Summer is passing fast, but we're having a blast. The girls are really enjoying the summer reading program at the library and the wading pool around the corner. That seems to be where we spend most of our time. We still have a few more trips planned. We're heading to Michigan for some back to school shopping and a visit with friends. We also are planning to head to clovermead apiaries and use our seasons pass to the pioneer village a little more. Its been hard to get out with unbearable temperatures. Benjamin has been great. He's extra busy these days..getting into everything. He's getting better on his feet and I'm really hoping in the next month or so he'll start walking. He's over 25lbs now and very heavy to carry around. He is such a happy kid and just enjoys life....he is defintely a mama's boy and has been more so lately. If I weaned him I think that would change a bit, but I'm not ready for that and he's definitely not ready. I think I'm going to leave it up to him and hopefully he'll decide on his own when he's done. If not eventually I'll have to make that decision, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. Anyways..I hope everyone is having a great summer.

Trying to get to his sisters..he peaks under the door

We survived!!! Camping was awesome. We had such a great time. The kids were incredible!!! They had a blast with their cousins and the weather was perfect, even though it could have been a little cooler. The campground was perfect for the girls. They had free range to wander..there was some great activities and a playground and the water was far enough away that I didn't have to worry about them. Benjamin was good..he was very busy and kept me going. He just wanted to crawl around. I let him down a few times and he got pretty dirty, but loved it. The girls also loved to take him for walks to give me some short breaks. Everyone slept really well to which was nice. We spent three days at the beach so everyone was pretty toasty by the time we got home. Even with 50SPF sunscreen we all got a little pink. Benjamin loved the water. He splashed, screamed, laughed and crawled in the water. He absolutely loved it. It was special seeing him so happy. I'm so glad I decided to tackle this on my own...its not like me to try something like this with the kids alone, but I'm so happy I did. It was a great first vacation for Benjamin!!

Well Benjamin is going on his first vacation....we're heading out camping tomorrow afternoon. I am a little bit anxious about the whole situation as Jon has to stay home and work. But I will be there with my sisters and their families as well as 4 of my cousins and their families. It should be a great time..the weather looks fabulous. We're going to the campground that I camped at as a kid, so I'm really excited. Wish us luck. We'll be back Monday with lots of pictures.!!!! Have a great weekend.

Summer holidays are in full swing and we're having a great time. Our first official week has actually been busy. Canada day was great. We went to the Pioneer village and enjoyed the dominion day celebrations. The weather was fabulous and the kids had a riot. Benjamin played around in the grass and got to spend some quality time with his grandpa.

We also spent a day this week at the park and splashpad. Benjamin actually went in the water a bit..which he like as long as it wasn't to much, the water was pretty cold.

The rest of the week is going to be pretty quiet. Lots of time at the park and splash pads.

Benjamin keep us busy. He's learned to open drawers and cupboards. WE have to keep a close eye on him. He's got his fingers stuck quite a few times...but I guess that's part of the process. He's making new sounds too, so its funny listening to him babble. He's pretty entertaining.

Summer holiday are finally here. I'm glad in a way...time to relax and gear up for a good summer to make up for last years bad summer. We have no huge plans. I am taking the kids camping on my own in a few weeks. I'm a little nervous about how Benjamin is going to do with the disruption in his schedule. I'm going to try to relax and have a good time. I'm going with my sisters and cousins so it should be a nice time. We're planning lots of day trips and a few days in Michigan as well. It should be good. We have a wading pool just around the corner from us and I think Benjamin will really enjoy that. He can sit and splash. He loves the water.

He's really been on the move lately..he's so fast. If I give him trouble for crawling somewhere he shouldn't be he just crawls away faster. He's pretty sneaky. He also crawls to the girls room and tries to peak under the door. They won't let him in because they have tiny toys everywhere, but he knows their in there and he sits by the door.

Benjamin has been started to refuse his baby food and is exploring with more of our food. He has a hard time with textures and really has to work through the gag factor. But he loves homemade banana bread and fresh strawberries.

Every day I am learning new things about it him. He's so interested in everything.. I wish I knew what goes on in his head sometimes. He loves other kids so much. He just lights up when the girls are around and seems to be so interested in his cousin, who is the same age as him....right now they seem to just want to hit and scratch eachother, but I know in the end they will be buddies...and that's great.

Anyways this weekend I think I might attempt to put him in the nursery at chuch. That gives me anxiety on so many levels... I worry that he'll have seperation anxiety, but the biggest thing is germs.. I just don't want him to get sick. But its summer and the germs aren't so intense so we'll see how it goes. I just want that hour on Sunday mornings again. It means a lot to me.

We have a had a good week. Father's day was lovely...although Jon was working. That was kind of a bummer. We went out to my Aunt and Uncle's house for a bbq with my family. They have a beautiful pool. Benjamin loved it. He just loves the water. It was a great day.

On Monday we went to visit with one of Benjamin's NICU roomates. It was really nice to reconnect and spend some time with another miracle baby and her mother. Its her first birthday, happy birthday Quinn! I have met some incredible children and their even more incredible mother's during Benjamin's time in the NICU. Its nice to be able to chat and relate with other parents. Not everyone really understands so staying connected with these moms really helps.

Other then that there isn't much to tell you. Benjamin has been slowly developing his personality more and more. He is stubborn..I have now duct taped the vents to the floor. We also have installed a gate at the top of the stair, which he enjoys hanging on. He also has quite the temper and is making sure his voice is heard. He's got quite the peircing scream :). But its all wonderful and I love it.

First Birthday Pictures

We had a great week. Benjamin's birthday was great. Wednesday afternoon we met some friends at the park for cupcakes. It was nice. The kids all played and had a really good time...Benjamin slept :) We had pictures on Monday. Benjamin was amazing. He's such a poser. I pick up the disc today. I can't wait to see them. We also saw the surgeon on Tuesday. She was very happy with Benjamin's belly and said that as time goes on the scar will loosen up and not be so obvious. She also discharged us :( I was not expecting that. I was expecting her to follow us a for a while. She has no concerns about Benjamin's bowel function at all. There is nothing special I need to do, or avoid with him. She let us know that we could call her anytime if we had any issues without a referral. I'm glad I took my camera and got a picture with her. I cried..but that's no surprise. Benjamin also had his one year check up on Thursday. He gained another 8 oz last week. He's put on 18oz in 2 weeks. They told me his weight would slow as he got more active, but it hasn't :) He loves to eat. But his overall growth is great so no one is concerned. He grew over an inch last month. He's a big boy. We're trying to get a sleep schedule going for Benjamin. He is a terrible sleeper. HE goes to bed around 7pm which is great and he sleeps well until about midnight. Then after midnight he nurses 3-4 times. Its exhausting...so we're trying some different things to try to get him into a better pattern...Hopefully it will work as I haven't slept the night in 12 mths.

We don't have any major plans for the weekend. Jon has to work, so we're going to spend Father's day at my Aunt and Uncle's house. I'll take Benjamin in the pool. He loves the water. Next week should be queit as we have no appointments until September. I am so thankful for that. We're going to visit so friends and enjoy our last quiet week before school is out for the summer.