eight months.

This crazy boy is so fun. He brings so much happiness to us and everyone he sees.

This month Benson:

- figured out how to roll over from his back to tummy and now he rolls all around the room. 

- picks his pacifier up and puts it in his mouth.

- won't sit peacefully on your lap for very long.

- continues to love his food.

- dropped one nap, so 2 naps a day now.

- likes to try to stand on his own.

- sleeps through the night...most nights. 

- rolls all over his bed. We love going in and seeing what position he will be in. The first time I found that he had been sleeping on his stomach totally surprised me.

- is no longer swaddled. I swaddled him with his arms out for a long time.

- has discovered more sounds he can make and that he can get louder with them.

- got his 1st tooth! That sucker is sharp. It is not all the way through yet, but just about. It started pushing through a few days ago and I can feel more on the way.

Yes, he rolled away from his blanket

No, he didn't pull himself up

good reads.

This was a fun light read about ways Gretchen found herself to be more happy. A good reminder about finding the simple joys in life and making it a point to see the good. My favorite thing was her idea of creating her home as a sanctuary of love and family. She did that by having lots of pictures hung in her house. I want more pictures printed, framed, and hung of my family all through my house.

I read this one a while ago, but I still think about it. I loved it and couldn't put it down. Mr. Zamperini sure did suffer a lot, but stood resilient. I don't know if I could stay alive and strong for that long, especially after the hatred he received. Grateful for those who fought for the freedoms I can enjoy.

I read this one right after Nelson Mandela died. His passing was, of course, all over the news and social media. I wanted to know more about his life and the leader he was. This wasn't a real autobiography, but I was able to get a better understanding of who Mandela was. He fought hard for that which he believed was right and fair. He never backed down even when so many disagreed. Through it all he was able to change a country and basically change the world.

 Loved this one as well.  This is a story about two young terminally ill kids who have to look at life as if it is their last, but live it as if they will live forever. They strive to make each other's dreams come true as they fall in love with each other. Kids need good friends, kids need to follow their dreams, and kids need to love to read. Can't wait for the movie!

Okay I saved the best for last. I just finished this book yesterday. I got this book for Christmas and tried to read it whenever I had a second to myself.  You will feel so many emotions in this book. Sadness, anger, joy, and suspense. I felt like I was there while reading. True readers know what I am talking about. It is about a husband and wife living on a remote island as lighthouse keepers who are given what they believe is a gift from God. As they return to the mainland their lives are turned upside down. Oh man...I don't want to give it away. Sooo good. Just read it. You will thank me. I promise.

more florida.

Sometimes you sit in your freezing basement with snow falling and wish you were back in Florida. Instead I will just post more pictures while I am bundled up in blankets. Enjoy!

tried and true.

Brushetta Chicken Bake

- chicken breasts

- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes

- 2 cloves garlic

- 1 box of chicken Stove Top stuffing

- 1/2 c. water

- dried basil

- grated mozzarella cheese

-Place thawed chicken breasts in a greased baking pan. Sprinkle with basil and cover with cheese.

- In a mixing bowl, add tomatoes with liquids, minced garlic, stuffing, and water. Stir till stuffing is covered in liquids.

- Pour over chicken.

-Bake at 400* for 30 minutes uncovered, or until chicken is cooked through.

*MY NOTES: It took longer than 30 minutes for my chicken to be cooked. But at 30 minutes I checked it and the topping was getting crispy. So I covered it with tin foil and then took it off for the last few minutes to let it crisp up again.

Matt gave this a 4.5. Pretty good of a score. We both enjoyed it and would definitely make it again. Super quick and easy.

Enjoy!

florida.

We sure did have a Christmas vacation to remember. Florida was so fabulous. We loved being together with my family, enjoying the weather, and celebrating so many significant events. I will let the pictures tell the story of our awesome week full of memories that we will look back on. My parents are incredible and made it such a fun week!

Check that off my bucket list!

best place to nap

Sea World

Christmas

Happy 21st Birthday!

Happy 25th Year Anniversary!

seven months.

It is getting harder and harder to take these monthly pictures. Benson can now pick up the frame and wave it around. He may or may not have knocked his head with it while in the process. Poor guy. 

Favorites:

- He loves his food. He is eating breakfast and dinner while still nursing 5 times a day with one night feeding.

- So far he has had sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, green beans, peas, and peaches. He always eats the whole jar and would probably eat more if I gave it to him.

- Smiles and interacts way more, but to get a laugh requires some work.

- Rolls over both ways from tummy to back.

-Loved every second of his trip to Florida

-Did well on another plane ride.

-Loves Wheels on the Bus, If You're Happy and You Know It, Itsy Bitsy Spider

-Had his first Christmas

-Is more daring in leaning forward to grab things which results in lots of tumbles

-Loves to sleep in his own crib. Which is great except when we are traveling or are at gma and gpa Asays.

-Gives lots of kisses.

-Would stay in the tubby all day if he could.

-Loves to clap.