I am writing to announce Benjamin's first big boy bath! After months of sponge baths and a few sink-baths, we successfully (with out tears) took a bath in the tub! There were moments of heavy breathing, and our hand shook for a little while, but we made it! By the end he was so happy he didn't want to leave. Here is his happy little self with his new friend - Ducky!

the last week of being 4 months!

Benjamin turns 5 months old on the 28th. I cant believe it! The past few weeks, Benjamin and I spent several weeks at Nana and Papa's. We have also celebrated my 25th birthday, welcomed a cousin - Mr. Jace Long, went to my my Aunt Lenis' for an auction, experimented with bath time (he HATES the tub), and I started painting the basement.

Eating is ok, depending on the day. Sleeping is fine, but we are waking up 3-4 times instead of 1. And we are starting to become a little bit clingy. I love it for the most part. Who doesn't love being wanted? But it does get a little overwhelming sometimes and Joel does a great job giving me breaks! I have also started stocking up on baby food for the winter. I have made sweet potatoes and non-sweetened apple sauce. Benjamin ate both for me today!

We're excited for fall: the weather, the colors, a wedding, a birthday party, and a trip to Sandestin Flordia for a Navigator Summitt! I feel like fall is almost over and it has barely started! That reminds me, I need to get my pumpkins out!

Well, here are a few pictures!

My happy little cow!

Mom's "bright idea" for bath time.



My two favorite boys.

Papa resting after he worked SO HARD at the auction.

Yummy!

Benjamin and Nana hanging out at the auction.

18 roses from Joel on my birthday. (He got them for $12 at Aldi!)

Leaving early one morning for Papa and Nana's.

My little cameo boy.

Oh so happy!

STATS

Someday child comparison will disgust me, but for now it is my meter for health and wellness. So forgive me as I spit out stats, dwell on comparisons, and slightly brag about skills.

Benjamin had a dr. apt. today. As many of you know, we skipped his 2 month apt. and when I called at 3 months to schedule a visit, they were booked untill today. Benjamin is 20 weeks/4.5 months and we went in to get weighed, measured, to talk about food, check developmental progress and talk about vaccines. The following are Mr. Benjamin's "impressive" updates:

• 19.3 lbs (96th percentile)
• 26 " (86th percentile) (I think he is 27, his legs were bent)
• 42 head circumfrance (I dont know the percentile, but it was slightly low, but ok)
• He rolls over, back to tummy and tummy to back, usually towards the left
• Head control is excellent
• Loves rice cereal, and can have it twice a day
• He found his feet and wants to do everything with them...suck on them, kick things, hold them, ect...
• Nice Kitty is one of his favorite things, especially with his feet!
• His first two teeth came in this morning. One is very visable, the other one is close behind
• Bed time is around 7:15. He whimpers/cries for less than 5 minutes, and then goes to sleep. He wakes up about 7 hrs after he goes down, and eats, and then sleeps around 5 more hours. He doesn't sleep through the night, but thats ok with me for right now.
• Benjamin has a cold and wants only to nurse, which is definately ok. I dont think he's getting more than 2-3 oz every 3 hrs, but he's not crabby and weight isn't really a problem
• Bath time continues on the counter...I've tried holding Benjamin in the tub facing me, away from me, by himself, in the sink...But we continue to HATE sitting in water, so I just place towels on the counter and pour warm water over him, and he loves it. Crazy boy! This morning we kicked over the knives, and about broke the hanging cups, so a new bath spot will need to be found!
• He has now had his first round of vaccines. I was very hesitant and nervous about the entire vaccine decision, but this morning I was sitting on the couch and something clicked. I just knew I didn't feel good about taking him to our Navigator Summitt at the end of October, with thousands of missionaries from all over the world, without being vaccinated. So the shots have begun, and I feel good about it.

We also welcomed a new cousin, Jace Devin Long, into the world this week. Joels sister, Anna, had baby Jace early this week and we're excited to meet him! So many boys, so much trouble!

Well, hope you all have a happy September! Yay fall!