We've Entered Month 2 of Ben's Life

The last two weeks (since I blogged) have been nothing but incredible growth by our boy. Madison has been beyond blessed to be able to spend her days with Ben for now...she will be returning back to work in the future, but not sure time-wise just yet. It's such an amazing miracle watching him go from looking at us in wonder back in his early weeks to today where he searches for his holder's eyes just so he can flirt with a big smile and have a conversation. He even talks to his blue bird:

Benjamin has entered the phase of swatting and kicking as well. Everything nearby is game for this kiddo. At our two month check-up this afternoon (February 3rd), Ben weighed in at 11 pounds and 15 ounces and he is now 24 inches long. His weight falls in the 50th percentile while his height is in the 90th. We have ourselves a string bean! Long and lean like his daddy. Ben had to get his first round of vaccines today as well which was torturous. Madison had to hold his pudgy little arms while 2 shots in each thigh were administered. Madison probably took it worse than Ben, but the little guy turned bright red, threw his head side to side, and screamed louder than a siren.

Speaking of loud sirens, here's the latest video from Jason's project 280Z car:

He's been working hard from start to its near "working" state...a couple more tweaks and it's good to drive on the streets!

Here's a couple more pictures and a video for your enjoyment. Thank you for your continued prayers for our family. We are so blessed by you.

Grandma Arlene babysitting Ben

It wouldn't be a proper blog without a picture of Isaiah Carter Sloan matching someone at church. This time, it was Jason.

Great Grandma Flo chatting with Ben.

Benjamin is 6 weeks old

Our incredibly talented sister, Alicia (Aliciafoto.com), took our newborn shots. Here's a sneak peek of our little man:

It has been a busy and tiring 6 weeks. I don't believe anyone can be fully prepared or warned about what raising a newborn entails. Jason and I have been tag-teaming our precious boy with some nights of only a couple hours of sleep. I heard once that there is a form of "pay-back" from your own childhood with your own babe...that means I must've had some powerful lungs, never wanted to sleep, and I was colicky. (Let's be honest...all the above still apply to my life minus the desire to sleep.)

Madison gets to spend all day with our boy while Jason continues to be the amazing provider for our family. Madison will be returning back to work in the next couple weeks part-time to supplement, though. However, work did not stop Jason from keeping himself busy at home! Here's our playroom update: (Jason finished the flooring, framing on the chalkboard wall, and corkboard for Ben's future art)

Different View:

We can't believe our tiny 7 lb., 5 oz. baby has already grown so much! He's healthy and happy (when he's not using that powerful yell) and has already begun rolling from his tummy to his back. He likes using sounds like "Nuh!", "Aah", "Mmm" and makes raspberries with his gripe water (for his occasional colic), smiles, and pop noises with his mouth. He follows sounds by turning his head and scanning with his eyes.

Ben likes to be held upright or in his bed with wedge pillows to help elevate his head and chest so he can keep his meals down. He seems to be in a better mood from 7am-12pm. He loves going for long walks in mom's Moby carrier with Penny (his best pal and pup). He also loves his swing during the day to help him take naps, but his favorite place to rest is definitely upright on Madison's shoulder.

His night time sleep is still inconsistent and begins around 7:30pm with a bath, feeding, bedtime story, song (daddy and mommy are creating nightly called "Go to sleep, baby Ben"), and prayers. He wakes up again around 9 or 10 for another feeding and then sleeps until 12 or 1. Then again at 3 or 4 and again at 6 or 7. Madison is very schedule-oriented, so it's been a challenge being flexible with Ben's inconsistencies. During the day, Ben feeds every 3 hours from 7am-7pm. After his feedings he gets changed and then plays for 35-60 minutes doing mat time, walks, listening to music, or swinging. Then it's nap time for 1-2 hours. What a life!

When feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, it helps to be grateful God gifted us this child while so many aren't able to have their own. We are so grateful and in love with Benjamin and we have been so blessed with meals, prayers, visitors, gifts, cards, and support. Thank you so much for loving on our little family! Please keep praying for health, endurance, and positive attitudes.

Some current favorite photos:

Love,
Jason, Madison, and Benjamin