374 Days

Ben walked last night. Three steps for Mark, three steps for me. I grabbed my camera to get pictures and a movie and he stopped.

I think maybe my Maw Maw knew I needed something to make me laugh. It's hard not having her here. Anthony even noticed it; he told me after we left my parents' house the other night, "Mama, it felt like something was MISSING over at Maw Maw's house."

Perhaps Ben will walk again today!

Nora ("Peck") Louise Gaiennie Abadie

March 24, 1921 - June 25, 2009

We will always love and miss you, Maw Maw!!

Pictures from the First Birthday Party

It was a great day; lots of swimming, cake and presents for Ben-Ben. He had a blast and is now zonked out in his bed. Anthony is sleeping on the couch and Mark is snoring next to me. As usual, I got the least amount of sleep last night and still cannot take a nap right now.

There is a lady who owns a bakery across the street from where my mom teaches and where my parents go to church. She makes THE. MOST. AMAZING. CAKES. So of course my mom ordered Ben's cake there. And in holding with the theme that he is my Monkey Boy, his cake was a monkey's face. This woman did an AWESOME job, and the cake was delicious, too!

Bear with me as there are many, many, many pictures of Ben eating his personal cake. I couldn't choose just one or two as my favorites!

Birthday Number One

Dear Benjamin,

One year ago today, you came into our lives and turned our world upside down. I never thought of our little family as incomplete, but bringing you into our family completed us all. Anthony now has someone to share with, play with, fight with, grow old with. I can't imagine not having my two sisters; I hope you'll one day feel the same way about Anthony.

It has amazed me how "easy" you are. As long as you are fed, watered, and mostly held life is grand. You love everyone, and know no strangers. You are fearless and sassy. Sweet and cuddly. You love to know "Uh zaaaaa"? and make your "Ehhhhh?" face at Mimi when she says, "No, no!". You can't get enough of Grandpa, even though a few months ago you were all about Nana. You and Maw Maw play with Ta and you make these weird grunting noises like you're barking. You light up like a light when Daddy walks through the door in the evening, but I better not turn you over to him. You are a Mama's boy, and I like it that way (mostly).

I can't compare your first year with Anthony's, but I can't wait to see what year two holds. As Anthony's health improved in his second year (understatement!), he slowly caught up to his appropriate age. I can't wait to see how you "measure up". But don't worry, Monkey, I'm not really comparing you. You are your own little man and I won't forget that. You've already shown what a great and different personality you have brought into our family, and I cherish you.

Stay sweet and curious, Monkey, and you'll go far.

Love, Mama

PS: Look back one year here and here.

First Time in the New Pool!

Moving

For the past six and a half years, Mark and I have lived in a sweet little home on a zero-lot line lot. It was a great starter home for us, and was actually priced below our price range. It is on a quiet street at the end of a cul-de-sac. We have three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an "office" (in quotes because if you know Mark, you'd know that this tiny room could NEVER be used as a computer room). It's an open-floor plan home with the two bedrooms separated from the master bedroom by the family living area. The kitchen is open to the dining area which is open to the living room.

I love this house, and am sad to be leaving it. This is where Mark and I started (and completed) our family. This is the home I came back to after 98 days (but who's counting?) in Omaha. This is the home where Anthony first walked and talked. This is the home where Benjamin first crawled. This is the home where I finally found myself, and began to like me for who I am. This house holds a lot of memories for me.

Our new home is so much bigger. It has four bedrooms, two and a half baths, a formal dining room, a formal living room, a den, a larger kitchen and eating area in the kitchen. It has an actual LAUNDRY ROOM (instead of a closet). It's a beautiful home in the neighborhood Mark and I have wanted to live in for a long time. It has a POOL! And a nice sized backyard! It has more space than I have things to put in those spaces.

I can't wait to make it our home. I will soon have wonderful memories stored up in this new home; Benjamin will turn ONE there, he will take his first steps there, we will celebrate many wonderful parts of our lives together there.

But please forgive me if I cry a little over leaving my sweet first home.

Moving Day: June 11 and 12