Benson Turns ONE!

It's hard to believe that Benson is ONE! It's amazing how quickly this year has gone by and how much he has grown! We enjoyed reflecting on how our special boy came to us. We were so anxious to meet him! The day he was born we drove to Utah and parked outside of the Layton hospital a little after noon. We drove around the parking lot trying to kill time while saying, "Benson we are here!" He was born at 12:35 pm :-). Later in the day we got a phone call telling us that the delivery went well and that Benson was a healthy, beautiful baby and that we could meet him the next day. We didn't sleep well that night, we were so excited and nervous. We arrived at the hospital and Benson's birthmom, H, wheeled Benson out of the nursery in his bassinet. I couldn't breath and my heart leaped as I peered into the bassinet and saw Benson for the first time, quietly dozing. H said she had a surprise for us and she pulled off his cap. Red hair!! Oh, so cute! We were in love. 

At one year Benson weighs 22 pounds (34th percentile) and is 31 inches tall (80th percentile). He has ten teeth and sleeps through the night. He is learning to walk and can take about two steps on his own. He much prefers to crawl because it is faster. Lately, he has been "walking" on his knees so I think he'll get the hang of it soon. His favorite book is "Peekaboo Farm" and loves looking at any books with animals. He still loves balls and balloons. In fact the balloons were his favorite thing from his birthday. He is a pretty good eater and switched easily to cow's milk. He can say a few words like ball, all done, and drink. He loves wrestling with Brig and being chased and tickled. 

For his birthday we let him eat a LOT of cake. He grabbed the cake in both hands and shoved it in his mouth. After every bite he would say, mmmm! He like the wrapping and tissue paper better than his presents but Brig enjoyed helping him open the presents. 

 The following weekend we made a trip to Missoula while Jared went to Pocatello to help Ryan and Melissa move. Papa Moo Moo and Nana stayed in the hotel with the waterslides so we spent an afternoon playing in the water. Brig and Benson loved the kiddie area. Benson kept trying to crawl around in the water but it was a little too deep. Brig and I went down the big slide a few times and Brig kept saying he wanted to go all by himself. We then had a pizza party and went sledding the next day. Its always fun getting together with cousins!

 Brig started a gymnastics class last month. There are five kids in his class, ages 3 and 4. He is a natural gymnast. He is super coordinated, has great balance, and zero fear to try new things. His coach is Miss Krista and his best friend Anna is in his class. It's been fun watching him try new things and learn some new skills.

Christmas and New Year's 2014

We had a fun filled Christmas and New Year's spent with our families. Jared had to work Christmas day but had  plenty of time off before and after Christmas. The boys opened presents Christmas Eve. Benson wasn't into opening the presents. Brig was very excited with each present. He took his time opening each one, enjoying it before moving on to the next one. At the beginning of December when I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, he said, "I don't need anything." Such a sweet boy. We had a white Christmas with lots of snow and wind. While we were at Papa Moo Moo's and Nana's we got snowed in with five foot drifts blocking the driveway. It was pretty cold most of the time but we still managed to do lots of sledding. A couple of times Brig even wanted to get pulled behind the 4 wheeler. He would yell "go faster Mom!" The boys got to see Santa twice. Once at our ward party and again while in Shelby. We also visited reindeer at Murdoch's and cut down our tree near York. Brig played baby Jesus, per his request,  during our nativity reenactment with the cousins. Benson learned to clap, to say and sign "all done," and is getting really good at walking with help. He can crawl so quickly that it is his preferred method of mobility right now.

Benson getting into the presents.

Taking the ornaments off of the tree was his favorite Christmas activity.

Brigham on his first day in primary. He is so excited to be a sunbeam!

Benson liked giving papa back rubs as he recovered from knee surgery.

Benson with twin cousins Milton and Dieter.

The nativity. Brig is laying in the basket with his blue bla bla.

Brig putting the star on the tree

Brig wanted to do something nice for Jesus. He suggested making cookies.

Us with our freshly chopped Christmas tree.

This is how we hunt for the perfect tree...

Jared caught a whopper while ice fishing with Jorden. A 23 inch, 6 pound rainbow.

Jared standing on top of the ice house