Benjamin - 8 months

Its been a loooooong month! When I look back on these pictures I can't believe it was only 4 weeks ago. We've made some great progress though and life is getting rosier, even as the days get darker and colder.

I'm almost certain "Xander" will be your first word. You worship him. Anything he does is the funniest thing you've ever seen. Any touch from him, even when its a little too rough, makes you melt into giggles. I don't think Xander has any clue how lucky he is to have a little brother who loves him so unconditionally.

It's getting cold in Norway and that means we've gotta start bundling up. You're pretty vocal about hating the dressing process but darn-it if you don't make a cute baby when you're all snuggly in your wool and knits!

Personality for days y'all. Benjamin makes Xander look chill. And although I grumble I secretly love it. I love that even though you yell and protest about pretty much everything I can usually tickle you into submission. I understand...you've got a voice and you want to make it heard. But Lord help us when you're a toddler.

The big question on everyone's mind though..."how is his sleep?" Folks, I am proud to say we are finally making progress. I was beginning to think I was never going to see a more than 3 hour stretch of sleep again. But something has clicked. Is it the 6 new teeth? Or maybe the fact that you're eating your weight in everything we put in front of you. Whatever it is I'm so thankful! You've slept over 10 hours a few times this month, going to bed has been easier, even naps have been less of a struggle. We've got more progress to make but I'm hopeful that we'll all be sleeping through the night on a regular basis in the next month or two.

Bahaha! Bath time. Your favorite part of the day. You love chewing on the bath toys and laughing at your brother's antics. You've made it clear we are NOT to skip your bath at night...no matter how late we end up putting you to bed. And it's fun to see you so happy and relaxed. Plus, who doesn't love and warm, clean baby!

These faces y'all! I can't get enough of how silly you can be. You seem to take a lot of pleasure in cracking us up...

...which results in you cracking yourself up too! Our little comedian!

My sweet B...its been a rough go for you the first 8 months. Now that you're sleeping so much better we are seeing a side of you we haven't seen before and we all love it! You're snuggly and sweet one moment and a barrel of laughs the next. Happy 8 months! xoxo

Halloween 2016

Benjamin's Baptism

I failed miserably to get some pictures of Benjamin's baptism. But it was a very special day shared with our closest family and friends. On this day, we pledged to teach our son, this gift we have been trusted with, to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Someday we pray he will affirm this decision by his own walk of faith, with the help of his Godmothers Charlotte and Kim.

Texas Trip

It has taken me an embarrassingly long time to get this post up. So without further ado...

We traveled to Texas in June this past summer. It was our first flight to the US with two kids.

Just hours after landing in Texas, Arthur and I hit up my other love...TARGET! Clearly he shared my enthusiasm!

We spent some time at my best friend's lake house. And Xander spent some quality time with his little buddy Maci.

This is our little brood...each time we see each other it's grown! I love this wild bunch so much!

Nana and Papa were in heaving having their two grandsons back in Texas.

We celebrated Xander's birthday with all our family. My mom made him the most amazing cake modeled after his favorite monster truck. He still talks about that cake!

Papa set up an amazing outdoor play area for Xander complete with a toddler swimming pool and an endless pile of rocks to throw in the water to his heart's content.

It was REALLY hot in Texas so we had to get out in the morning while the temperature was still tolerable. We went out to Papa's school to help him water the plants and check out the playground.

Quality time with Oma

Because it was so hot we spent most of our evenings in the pool. This was Benjamin's first time in the water and he loved it!

Arthur and I literally ate breakfast tacos and Tex-Mex for all but about 3 meals while in Texas. I don't regret it one bit!

 Xander enjoyed watched the birds on the feeder at Nana and Papa's house.

BBQ with Nana and Mimi!

Xander was the CUTEST little ring bearer at his Aunt Charlotte's wedding.

Unfortunately, it was INSANELY hot and Benjamin was being difficult so I don't have any other pictures of his adorable outfit. 

More cuddles for Papa. 

Train ride at the San Antonio zoo.

My parents took us all out for some amazing BBQ and beer after the train ride.

My brother and his lovely bride joined us too! The root beer was good but the craft beer was DELISH!

And this is real life with 2 kids. Toddler acting a fool, baby being rocked in the stroller. And Arthur...ever the calm in the middle of the storm!

Even my bestie Aunt Kim made the trip down to see us. I LOVED having her close!

Cuddles for Mimi

Happy Birthday Mason!

Poor Kelsey had to read Xander ALL THE BOOKS! She was so patient and tolerant of Xander even though he practically Velcro'd himself to her!

Mason and Xander :)

We were in Texas for a little less than 2 week and although it's always a whirlwind trip when we go back, somehow this time felt even crazier. Maybe it was because we now had 2 kids or that we seemed to be constantly in the middle of some large celebration (Xander's birthday, Mason's birthday, 4th of July, Charlotte's wedding, Benjamin's baptism... whew!) But it was an incredible blessing to see our family pour so much love into our boys. Having them so far away from their family is one of the hardest things about living in Norway. There were a lot of tears in the car on the way to the airport...especially when Xander kept saying, "Come'on Nana. Come'on Papa. Play!" But we're so thankful that we had the time with everyone and we can't wait until out next trip.