Early Christmas Post

Just wanted to post a few things before we get in the midst of Christmas and I don't get the chance. Martin went to see Santa last week at the mall. He looked up at the skylights the whole time, I don't think he ever realized it wasn't Bryan or I holding him. Silly boy! Martin is going to be traveling to Alabama for his first visit and he can't wait to see everyone (Mamie, Papa John, Uncle Johnny, Jacci, and Uncle Zach). I am looking forward to seeing them all too, just wondering how the car ride will go. I am still breastfeeding (yay!!-this is truly an accomplishment, just ask anyone who has done it) and I wonder how that will work in the car. I guess we will just pull over and I will feed him in whatever gas station parking lot is available. I know it will all work out, just wondering....that's ok, right? This Christmas I feel extra thankful for my own little family. Bryan is truly an AMAZING father. I never doubted him, I just hadn't really seen him around kids, so I didn't know what to expect but he has exceeded all expectations. He is GREAT with Martin. I think Martin is a lucky little boy to have Bryan for a daddy (he thinks he is pretty lucky too, he just loves Bryan). I love to hear my two boys in the nursery on the monitor. Sometimes you can hear them doing the hokie pokie (what if that really is what it's all about?) Bryan tells me the song has dance moves, but I haven't caught them doing that yet (I will keep the video camera handy so I can share). Martin is growing up so much every single day. He is still such a happy baby I couldn't be more thankful! He fights naps like it is nobody's business--I guess he doesn't want to miss ANYTHING. He loves to stare at the mirror and musical mobile on his swing while he swings the day away. That is one of my top five favorite baby gadgets. If any of you care, the other four are-1. the Boppy- a nursing pillow that is my best friend, 2. Pack N Play with the newborn napper (vibration feature) and changing station, 3. bumbo, and 4. SwaddleMe (Mom and Dad's best friend at night). So, if you know any new moms, or soon to be new moms, perhaps you could give any of these as gifts. They would LOVE them all.

Martin has started cooing and laughing more and more, and sometimes when he is busy talking away he makes the funniest sounds. Then, he looks around at Bryan and I like "what the heck was that?" He now enjoys taking baths (THANK GOODNESS). I was worried he was going to be the smelly kid, because he screamed the whole time the first few baths. Now, he actually kicks in the water and plays it is pretty cute. He drools all the time --like a full on bubble blower all the time. He makes an awful face when you give him his vitamins (Tri vi Sol), you would think we were trying to feed him poison or something. And, he has started screaming like you are breaking his legs when you burp him in the middle of a feeding. I burp him before I switch sides, and I can hear Bryan say things to company like, "she must be on the turn now"....I think people think he is nuts! I completely understand it--and sadly I must confess I think it's funny when he cries because he is in a panic like he is getting cut off...but then as soon as I put him on the other side, he settles down almost immediately. He is precious and makes my heart melt.

Christmas is right around the corner

Well, since I just put this sleepy baby down for an afternoon nap (fingers crossed), I thought I would blog a little. Things are in full Christmas swing. I have done some (a little) shopping, and hope to wrap a few presents this afternoon. My tree needs something under it besides a tree skirt. I just flat haven't found the time. This is Bryan's off week, so I will be enjoying some much needed hubby time....I miss him when he works. I even snuck off this morning for a few hours of shopping (3 to be exact) enough to come home to a baby 10 minutes from ready to eat -----perfect timing! We are waiting on our camera to come and I can't wait to put it to great use.

I thought I would include a picture of our Christmas Card. Martin wasn't in the best mood the day we decided to take pictures, so this is literally the ONLY shot we had, but I think it is pretty great!! Martin's face is just precious, so I don't really care what Bryan or I look like....no one will even notice we are in the picture!!

SANTA BABY

I am really trying to get in the Christmas mood. I don't know why it is taking so much.....I think because I have been putting off going shopping. But, I am slowly but surely getting there (spirit that is, not done with shopping). Martin, Bryan and I ventured off to do a little shopping earlier this week. It went pretty good. Martin did great, I just need to get my list made so I can go in and know what I want to get at each place. I usually stress myself with finding the perfect gift for everyone on this list. That is gone to the wayside I am afraid. It is just too time consuming with a 2 month old....so forgive me! But, I did do plenty of shopping for Martin. I swore I wouldn't get him much, he has a full closet and nursery, he doesn't need anything!! But, I got a few things. A new organic SwaddleMe, a few outfits, the book "Guess How Much I Love You", new pacis, and a floor/crib mirror. He really has everything else. My pediatrician told me just to get him some paper, nothing else would hold his attention....like some paper to crinkle between his fingers. So, I tried to follow the doctor's orders! Bryan and I decided to combine our Christmas presents this year. We have been looking for a new camera....Bryan's digital camera that is about 6years old needed to be updated, so we have been on the hunt. Well, we settled on the Canon Rebel, with the extra lens, and I cannot wait for it to come in. It is supposed to be here by next week, just in time to figure it out a little before Christmas! So, that is what we are giving each other for Christmas....I know no surprise, kind of takes the fun out of it a little for Bryan. Not for me, I DESPISE surprises, so I almost always get out of Bryan what the gift is before the holiday gets here. I guess that is the control freak in me!! Well, I hope everyone is getting in the Christmas Spirit a little better than I am!

Super Shutterfly

Well, Christmas is right around the corner. This year has really flown by. It seems like just yesterday we found out we were pregnant, and that was at the end of January. Well, this Christmas is going to be extra special in the Benton household with a new baby. With all that is going on around us, we almost forgot to do holiday cards. I can't decide if I want to do Christmas cards or New Year's cards this year. Might be best to do the New Year's ones since I have waited so long to get this ball rolling. While I was looking around for cards online, I found out about this great offer from Shutterfly. They are offering 50 free cards to bloggers who blog about their giveaway. I love Shutterfly. I have used them for several years for different things. The first Christmas after Bryan and I got married, I made photo books of our wedding pictures for both sets of parents, and they LOVED them. And, every year Bryan's grandma gives calendars to everyone that has pictures from all year. They are something we look forward to every single year. Shutterfly has some great designs this year. Some of my favorites are:

Cranberry swirl http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/cranberry-swirl-christmas-5x7-folded-card?sortType=1&storeNode=93496

Joy to you http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/joy-to-2010-holiday-5x7-folded-card?sortType=1&storeNode=93496

Peace and Joy http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/peace-and-joy-holiday-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=93496

They are all so cute, and there are tons more, check them out here .

Here is a great desk calendar if you have someone on your list to buy for still, and need the perfect gift. What a great way to show off some pictures, of say a new grand baby. Or, maybe you need some stationary to write thank you's on for all of those great gifts for the new baby, like me. If so, they have adorable ones, I think this is my favorite design. And, who could resist a beautiful invitation like this to your holiday party?

I really appreciate that Shutterfly is doing this giveaway. I can't wait to see my cards!! Hope everyone takes advantage of this. It is too great to pass up. If you want to participate, go here.

Absent-minded Mommy

Martin loves the lights on the Christmas Tree!!

Yes, I am holding his leg.

Resting during his 2 month photo shoot.

Sorry I forgot to post these the other day.........

We Made It

On Our Way to the Doctor's Office....poor kid is just enjoying the ride.

I love this face!!! He was such a happy boy 90% of our stay in the office.

Poor little guy after the shots....daddy was pouting with him.

Martin did very well at his 2 month check up. He was a little ham the whole time right up until the ole mean nurse came in to give the shots! She really wasn't mean, she loved on him before she stuck him and everything, it was just the needles that got us. I cried more than he did! He certainly screamed and then cried a little. I nursed him right after (per a suggestion) and it really calmed him down. He has been a little fussy this afternoon, but nothing unbearable. He is always so happy and very rarely cries that it has been a rough day for me, because I don't like the sound of him crying. I know you are thinking what mother likes to hear her baby cry? But, it makes me cry everytime, and I feel so helpless. Hard day for mom, not so hard day for baby. Doc said everything looks great. He is up to 10 pounds 12 ounces....Bryan's EXACT guess. I said 11 pounds 3 ounces, but in my defense it seems like he ALWAYS has a wet diaper, so maybe that is where the extra 7 ounces went...HA! And he is 23 inches long. He is growing like a weed!!! We go back to the doc on February 7 to do another round of shots (more tears for me....maybe I will toughen up a bit).

2 Months

This is my lame attempt at focusing my anxiety elsewhere. Martin goes tomorrow for his two month check up and shots. And, I am freaking out. I hate the idea of him being upset. He is such a happy baby. We are spoiled with how great he is!! I know next baby I will regret not appreciating how awesome he is....so this is me being appreciative. The kid has been sleeping through the night for 2 weeks--without exception (of course, tonight he will be up at 3 because I am talking so nice about him). Anywho today is Martin's 2 month birthday, can you believe it? He is so perfect in every single way.

My favorite things about him are a long list, but here are a few:
1. his toothless grin
2. how he laughs and smiles at Bryan and I every single time we smile at hime
3. how sometimes he can't eat when I am feeding him because he is too busy smiling
4. how he hates to burp in the middle of feeding--I burp before I switch sides, and he screams briefly like someone is REALLY hurting him
5. how he loves to smack on his fist...it is always in his mouth
6. his mohawk

I will post pictures soon from his two month baby photo shoot!!