Silence...

The other day I was taking advantage of Benjamin sleeping and Cora entertaining herself to get some things done in the kitchen. I suddenly realized that Cora was no longer in the dining room---where I could see her--and it was awfully quiet in the house. I wasn't alarmed because I figured if anyone was hurt there would be crying, but I also figured I ought to investigate anyway! I went into the playroom, Cora ran OUT of the playroom, and I look at Ben finding him like this...compliments of his sister, I'm certain!

Nothing like a bowl on the head to help a baby sleep!

Aunts and Uncles

Ben has been able to meet most of his aunts and uncles. He still has a couple "greats" to meet yet and hopefully it will be before too much time passes. Anyway, here are some photos with his aunts and uncles.

Getting some kisses from Aunt Ruthie

Meeting Aunt Deirdre

Snoozing with Uncle Jamie

Meeting Great Aunt Connie (I failed to get a photo of my Uncle Kerry...)

Meeting Great Aunt Cathy

Meeting Great Uncle Bob

Growing, growing and growing!

Our little boy is 3 weeks old today! Wow! How does this happen? I thought time went fast with Cora because she was our first and we didn't know any better, but it has been the same with Benjamin too. He's 3 weeks old, that means he's 21 days old. Wow.

He's doing well and such a good baby. He really only cries when he's ready to eat and then he REALLY cries--he lets us know when it's time! He had his 2 week pediatrician appointment last week and passed with flying colors! He was measured at 21 inches and now weighs 9 lbs., 10 oz. He is NOT a petite guy! The doctor was really pleased with his progress and couldn't believe how strong he is (trying to lift up on his elbows and lifting his head quite well). He's eating like a champ and sleeping about 3 hour stretches at night.

We, as a family, are doing well. I love having 2 kids. I think we're still getting used to it, but in all reality, right now at this point, it's not been as hard an adjustment as I thought it would be. Obviously, there are adjustments, but for the most part it's going well.

I'm tired, exhausted really. But, making do! David has been wonderful, letting me take loooooong naps when it's possible while manning the home-front. I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again--David is such a wonderful husband. He's working hard not only at his paid job, but also here at home, where he's not paid. He's doing such a great job with helping with the kids, things around the house and feedings at night. And, as always, without complaint.

Cora continues to do well, adjusting of course, but doing well. The discipline issues we've had have been minimal, and she continues to just love, love, LOVE her brother.

All in all the Hardins are doing well, all FOUR of us!

Polka Dots

My daughter LOVES polka dots, or "poke dots" as she calls them! She has jammy bottoms with  "poke dots," her diapers have "poke dots," and she has even commandeered on of her brother's blankets that has "poke dots" on it. And, isn't this girl so lucky? Even I, her mother, has "poke dots" on her! How do I know? Well, the other day we were outside and Cora pointed to the freckles and moles on my arm and says VERY excitedly, "Momma!!! Poke dots!!!"  Yeah...I love this child...

Cousins!!

Now there are FIVE little ones for us to chase around! My sister has 3 kids (Sophia, 6; Riley, 3 in August; Hadassah, 1) and we now have 2 (Cora, 2; Ben 2 wks). There's always fun to be had when the cousins all get together. Lots of running around, screeching, merry-making and running the parents ragged! But, I love that we live close enough to my sister that our kids can see each other on a regular basis. Growing up in the wilds of Africa my sister and I were not able to do that with our cousins. We love that our kids can grow up together and not only be cousins but be friends! Anyway...Sunday my sister, BIL and their 3 kids came up to spend the afternoon with us. My BIL and the kids hadn't yet met Ben so there was extra excitement! My sister's MIL made all the kids matching t-shirts to celebrate the birth of Ben so we had them all decked out and took some photos. Here are some photos of the fun they all had on Sunday!

A Great Big Sister

This little girl loves her baby brother. She loves to lay next to him on his blanket and hold his hand...

She loves to just sit next to him...and hold his hand...

And, she LOVES to give him kisses...this little guy receives MANY kisses throughout the day. I love how she loves him, and I can't wait to see them grow together as brother and sister and learn to love each other. 

Grandparents

Our kids are blessed to have a lot of grandparents. Ben has met them all! 

Grammy

Ma-ma

Grampy

Ganddad

Mammaw

Pops