4th of july.

July in Utah = my favorite. Warm summer nights, holidays, BBQ, family, fireworks, friends. There is something magical about it. We had a great weekend celebrating the 4th. Matt went golfing, we had dinner and games in Alpine, watched fireworks from my bedroom window, neighborhood block party, outdoor movie, and fun fireworks. Benson was loving all the time outside, but was sure worn out by the end of the night. The 4th of July will always be a favorite holiday of mine!

north carolina.

After months of planning and preparing, our long awaited trip to Mt. Airy and the beach happened. It was so great to meet Granny and the rest of Matt's mom's family. There were so many fun events planned and we loved all being together. The time at the beach was fabulous! I love the beach and was so happy to see Benson loving the water. The east coast beaches are totally different than California beaches and dare I say better! We hope we get the chance to go back again sometime.

twelve months.

Weight: 24 lbs. 90%

Height: 30 1/2 in. 75%

Head Circ.: 45 1/2 cm 45%

Boy oh boy how is it possible we have a O N E year old! Benson is one busy boy who can not sit still. He is always on the move and keeps us busy. We pick up lots of toys, spatulas, and everything else many times a day.

Fun Facts:

- Benson still takes 2 great naps a day and is still nursing fabulously! I will probably switch him after our trip next week. I am grateful we have been able to nurse this long. I think I will be sad when we stop.

- Benson also sleeps like a champ during the night. 12-13 hours every night. Can't complain there. I am loving the solid nights rest too.

- He still eats baby food at all three meals plus table food. We are working on getting him to eat more table foods. It's a struggle. He isn't always all that interested.

- He walks, and walks, and walks all day long.

-He discovered the stairs, but thankfully isn't too interested. If there is something on the stairs he will sometimes go after them but it hasn't been too bad.

- We have already gone swimming a few times. He does pretty good. Not a fan of the float yet though. We are so excited that we have a swimming pool in our backyard though.

- Got his first real sickness the week of his birthday. He threw up a few times and had a high fever. Mom and him got lots of cuddle time. Thankfully he got over it quickly.

-He understands what we say to him and will sometimes do what we say. Like "it's time to eat. lets go to get in your chair." and he walks over to his chair. He will help put one or two of his toys away and then he is over it.

-Benson knows where is tongue, head, and belly are. He can wave and show you that he is one.

- He absolutely loves to give big open mouth kisses.

- He got a new car seat and likes it. It takes up basically the whole back seat in our little civ.

Sure do love his boy!

first birthday party.

We officially have a one year old. It was so fun to celebrate Benson's birthday yesterday. Give it a few days and I will have his 12 month post coming after his visit to the doctors. We are so grateful for Mr. Benson and the smile he brings to us. Time is flying by, but we are loving every minute with him. We had a small party for him with family and friends. We are grateful for those who live close and were able to come.

eleven months.

What's going on with Benson this month:
- Making much better progress with table foods.
-As for sleeping...gone way down hill. He is waking up 2 times a night these days. HELP!
-Loved having Grandma and Courtney visiting for a week.
-Had his 1st Easter.

-Learned how to crawl on all fours
-And for the most exciting...he is walking all over. He gets better and better everyday. Still looks a little like Frankenstein as he wobbles with both arms out in front of him.

-Had a few bumps and bruises on his head.
-Loves to give big open mouth kisses.
-Stands up in his crib and usually can't lay back down to sleep.
-Knows where his tongue is and loves to stick it out.

-Loves to get his books and bring them to me.

-Makes this new screeching noise that he loves.

-His favorite thing to do is imitate anyone who coughs or sneezes.