Time Travelling

During Gabriel's ultrasound (the first person who calls him GabriELLE is going to get a kick in the shin...I am training Ben now...) I felt like I had travelled in time two and half year ago. He looks so much like his brother...(Ben is top and Gabe is the bottom both at 20 weeks). I wonder how many similarites they will have, I wonder what will make him unique. I wonder what colour his eyes will be and if he will have hair. Will he be calm or spirited, big or small? I wonder if the next 19 weeks could go any slower!

Proud to Introduce...

We have known the gender of our second little bundle for over a week now. The delay in introduction has no reflection on our excitement level but more to do with the name negotiations. In the end it seems a detailed description of the birthing process I am voluntarily enduring for the second time swayed things to my side and bought me some bargaining power...

This is Ben's little BROTHER!!!!!

Gabriel Jonathan

ETA January 15th 2010

Because little Gabriel was quite comfortable in a position not conducive to clear ultrasound measurements the technician took almost an hour trying to get the necessary images. Finally she had to give up and went to get Jon so we could have a look together before re booking another appointment. She told me I could jump, wiggle, dance and touch my toes to encourage him to flip around while she was gone. It was successful and when she turned the monitor on was able to get the images of his abdomen and heart that she needed. Generally about 10 minutes is reserved at the end for us to watch the baby together and otherwise the duration of the appointment has the screen turned away from us. She kindly let us watch for the next forty five minutes and described each image that came on the screen. We could actually make him out quite clearly and he looks identical to Ben. He is very active and we feel like we got to know him through our little glimpse into his world. The only note the technician wrote for my midwife to give us on the report was "One normal healthy male fetus measuring 20 weeks". It was the most wonderful thing I have ever read! He is gorgeous and we can't wait to meet him!!!!

Tuesday Morning

We can't go anywhere on Tuesdays before the recycling truck comes. Ben waits by the window when he hears the distant sound of the truck making it's way to the top of our street. He dashes out the front door where the recycling man gives Ben a sticker and "Go Green" crayons. Ben stands watching him, star struck as he dumps the bins in the truck. He pauses to give the wide eyed Ben a high five and a "see you next week Buddy". Ben proudly wears his sticker on his chest all day. It is the highlight of his week. Mommy is more diligently saving our boxes and cans!

Santa's Visit

Begining in June Ben began telling us that Santa claus was coming for his birthday. We thought he would have forgotton this by the end of August. He didnt. The week of his birthday I tried to explain to him that Santa only comes at Christmas time (which of course he has no memory of and where this obsession with Santa clause came from still bewilders us...). He cried. Santa came for his birthday.

Thankfully Ben was apeased by his quick visit that came over nap time. The jolly red guy was kind enough to leave Ben a new lawn mower, a tractor and a letter. Whew!

Ben's Party

Ben's Birthday Letter 2009

Benjamin Alexander, you turned two years old today. Because you are two it means you eat with a metal fork now, you tell mommy you need to poop in the potty (but never actually do…) and play for hours in your sandbox. You say “ I lube you” and melt our hearts. You know the names of all your dinky cars and construction and farm vehicles including the difference between a combine harvester and a grader. Mommy does too, thanks to you. You are getting used to people telling you at every turn how sweet, adorable, brilliant and beautiful you are, you always look at Mommy because you know I will be beaming.

Because you are two you get time outs for throwing blocks and love Thomas the Tank engine and Spot the dog. You can hop and dance and sing the wheels on the bus, and You are My Sunshine. You can sit through church without screaming now (if I bring enough snacks..). You love Apple butter on everything and dip your grapes in ketchup. You count to eleven and know most of your alphabet. You love to do puzzles and can swing in a swing as long as someone will push you. You fix things with your tool box and need Mommy to kiss your head when you bump it. The highlight of your week is when the garbage man gives you a sticker…12:45 Tuesday mornings…we can’t miss it. You love anything with an engine and have recently discovered on a new level that Daddy is the most fun person in the whole world.

Because you are two you don’t have any arm rolls left. Your hands are not as chubby and you have a full head of blond curls. You have conversations with your broad and impressive vocabulary with Mommy at 2 am about things that go through your little head. I hope you always feel you can talk to me this way. Your feelings get hurt easily and your laugh is contagious. You are very ticklish and love to be chased. You can climb the big ladders at the park now and go down the tallest slides. You are so happy.

Because you are two you understand a lot, sometimes more then we realize. You wake up every morning with a smile on your face. You are very polite and always remember your manners, You are sensitive to the feelings of those around you and are quick to apologize without prompting when you make a mistake, this shows strength of character you know… You have compassion and empathy at times I did not know possible in a boy your age. You are a good friend. You are loving, sweet and affectionate.

Because you are two your personality is beginning to shine even brighter. You are an amazing person. Because you are two you are going to be a big brother. Your baby is so lucky. You are not too old to give your old mom a good cuddle. You say things that make Daddy and I laugh long after you have gone to bed. Your favourite foods are raspberry’s, fruit freezies and toast.

Because you are two you wear two piece pyjamas now but still sleep with your “blankie” in a crib because you didn’t want a bed (we asked). Because you are two you are very independent at times and love to let us know when "Ben dood it”! You also know when you need Mommy and Daddy (MommyDaddy MommyDaddy I NEED you”!) You still have that big dimple in your cheek and eyes I cannot stop staring into while I try to make up a name for the stunning shade of green blue they are.

Everyday I thank God for you. Every day you make me happy.

Happy Birthday Beautiful Ben.

I love every inch of you and every moment of being your Mother,

Mommy
xoxoxo

A Family Portrait

I went to a friends house after school frequently when I was in grade school. On the wall leading upstairs was a family history of portraits beginning with her parents wedding photograph. Every year the changes in the families size and growth was well documented on this wall. Her Mother made certain they were all wearing matching outfits for these professionally shot memories. They were in black frames and hung in chronological order. I remembered thinking I would have a wall of memories in my home one day.

I am failing.

This year there was a free photo session at the market. You could pick up your shot and in return if you were happy with it, the photographer simply asked you to pass along her name (which of course I forget entirely...). I am afraid this picture with my windblown hair, our clashing outfits and our embarrassed smiles as 20 some people looked on is going to mark the portrait of 2009.