Benson at 4 Weeks

 I can't believe Benson is already four weeks old! He already looks so much bigger to me. These last couple of weeks he has really started to chunk-up! He is getting a double chin and some nice cheeks. SO cute! He is eating 3 oz every 2-3 hours. He is still a pretty good sleeper. The other night he slept for six hours straight! He must have really needed his sleep and so did I! That night Brig and I were recovering from a stomach bug. Not sure if it was something we ate or what, but it wasn't fun and I'm so glad nobody else got it.

 Some of his new firsts were going to church, going grocery shopping at costco (which I did both of these things without Jared's help; shopping was successful, church was another story. Ha ha) and baths in the tub. He absolutely loved his first time in the tub! He cried, of course, when I took off his clothes but as soon as I put him in the water he relaxed and started moving his legs and toes around. I remember Brigham absolutely hated his first few baths. He screamed the entire time. Ha

 

Brig likes to watch Benson take his baths. He tickles his toes and tries to give him toys. He doesn't quite understand why he can't get in the tub with him yet, but he is content to watch and to take a bath afterwards.

 Such a handsome boy! And I really think his hair is getting more red by the day. And I've been noticing some crimpy waves in his hair along the sides and back.

 Benson has the most beautiful blue eyes. I read an article today about ten unbelievable facts about redheads found here. Apparently, "red hair and blue eyes is the rarest combination in the world
The majority of natural redheads have brown eyes, with others likely to have hazel or green shades.
But like red hair, blue eye colour is a recessive trait, meaning that both parents must carry the gene for a child to be blessed with it. This makes those with red hair and blue eyes the rarest minority in the world, with only 1% having both. So, each one is about as rare as a four-leaf clover." Lucky Benson!

 We enjoyed lots of Grandma time! Grandma W was here helping out for a few days and then Grandma H came for the rest of the week. They were so much help and Benson and Brig loved all of the extra attention. Thank you Grandmas!

 Papa Choo-choo and Anna as Brigham calls them

 Here's Benson after a sponge bath. His hair gets really fluffy after baths and reminds us of downy duckling.

 Gettin' some lovin' in with Grandma

 Cuddling with my boys! This picture was awhile ago when we were all so tired from having colds. Thankfully, Benson only got a stuffy nose for a night or two. Darn cold season.

 My friend Kathy made these adorable big and little brother shirts. Aren't they perfect?

 Brigham is very careful with Benson and likes to hold him every once in awhile. The other morning Brig came running into the our bedroom at 6am and peered into Benson's bassinet and said, "Bence, wake-up buddy!" I really hope that they will be best buddies.

 Today, we took advantage of the almost 50 degree weather and took Bens out for his first walk. He slept through it but it was nice to get out.

 Brig pushed his stroller alongside me and Bens. He is pretty proud of his little bro.

This week we are looking forward to a baby shower/luncheon with friends, our first supervisory visit with our LDSFS caseworker, and a family photo shoot on Saturday. Can't wait!

Benson's 2 week stats

Benson had his two week check up a few days ago. He was 21.5 inches and weighed 7 pounds 14ounces. So that means he gained over a pound since he came home from the hospital and grew a half inch! He really does look a lot bigger to us. His pediatrician said he is a perfectly healthy boy. Benson eats about 2 ounces every two hours. He still sleeps quite a bit but when he is awake he is very alert and likes looking around at everything. He is a very content baby and is only fussy when he is hungry, needs to burp, or doing his business.

We are settling into life as the parents of two boys. We don't get much sleep but we wouldn't have it any other way! We love you Benson and can't wait to watch you grow! 

Benson Grant

We are now a family of four! Benson Grant was born Tuesday, January 21st, at 12:30 pm. He weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces and was 21 inches long. He was lovingly placed in our arms two days later. Our hearts melted the first time we met him. We never imagined such a beautiful strawberry-blonde haired boy would join our family. But now he fits right in, and we know he has always been a part of our family. His birthmom (who we will call H. to protect her privacy) loves him so much and we are so grateful to her for bringing about this miracle. The next post I will share Benson's adoption story, but for now, just love on this cute little boy!

 First time meeting Benson. That's one proud Daddy!

 It was difficult to grasp what was really happening...it was surreal.

 We were a little bit slow capturing this photo...Brig gave Benson a kiss on the forehead. Brig was really interested in Benson for about 3 minutes. After that he didn't seem to notice much and started showing off for everyone.

 Brigham really is an awesome big brother. He loves fetching diapers for me and helping hold Benson's bottle.

 Here is a picture of H. and her family on placement day. We were so happy to know that she had a great support system during this difficult time.

 Ok, so we were a little squished on the couch. Hope we didn't make you clastrophobic. Placement day is a bittersweet day. I didn't sleep at all the night before just because I was dreading the tears of grief and happiness all rolled into one hot mess. It was a very emotional day for everyone involved.

 Ready to leave the hospital together :)

 Here's Benson in his going home outfit. His eyes were terribly swolen and red when we first brought him home. He had a little bit of jaundice as well and a newborn rash covering his whole body, but its pretty much gone now.

 One of the beautiful blankies made by H.'s mom.

 Big yawn. Benson is still sleeping a lot and he is eating much better now.

 He makes some really great facial expressions.

 Uncle Scott and Aunt Jackie got to spoil our boys while we stayed with them for a few days.

 Brig gave Aaron a kiss goodby and then said, "ouch, whiskers!" Haha

 Funny face!

 Gorilla toes!

 I'm pretty sure Benson has dimples :)

 Dad and Benson were both tired

Benson's first bath. He cried during most of it.

 Cutest little brother ever! He likes to have his hands up on his cheeks. He also likes his head rubbed and to lay on my chest/shoulder. I wish he didn't have his binky in this picture. I took it out and he didn't like that...

 A quick attempt at family pictures

 Brig was completely thrilled

 Brig loved holding Benson. He's trying to do a thumb's up in this picture.

 1 week old amature photo shoot

 Hello blue eyes!

 Fluff ball after bath time. Too cute!

Fun with cousins!