Long Story, but...

Okay, I am going to start off by saying I don't want to hear from anyone how my almost 2 year old child shouldn't be drinking from a bottle. I know, I know....but it was one of the battles that I just didn't feel like fighting. She is such a good sleeper, and it was part of her routine, so who could argue with that?

As you all know, we were up at the lake this past weekend. Both kids have been a little under the weather, and when you couple that with the over-stimulation Bennett had up there, it resulted in a terrible night of sleep day one. She didn't want to nap, nor go to bed, in fear that she was going to miss out on something so fun. We let her stay up way past her bedtime on Saturday anyway since it was her birthday, but even by 9:30-10:00 she wasn't ready (and she normally is asking to go to bed by 8pm)! So after wrestling her to sleep, she finally went down for several hours. However, she awoke in her new toddler bed at 3:30 and didn't want to go back down. Steve finally got her to fall back asleep, but as you might imagine...she didn't sleep enough.

Sunday wasn't too bad of a day (mood-wise), and she actually took a decent nap. But bedtime was another trying time, and since she had boycotted most food that day, we wanted to ensure that she had a "big bottle" before bed so she would sleep all night. Myra suggested that we put rice cereal in her milk, so Steve mixed some in a bottle that we use to feed Preston his nighttime feeding (the nipple is torn so the thick rice cereal-formula mixture we give him can pass through). I don't know what Bennett hated more, the thick milkshake Steve concocted, or the very fast nipple. But she immediately started coughing and eventually threw up (all over Steve and herself).

Though it wasn't our plan, she hasn't used a bottle since, nor had a sip of milk. Now I really don't want her boycotting milk for the rest of her life, as she needs the vitamins and dairy in her diet. However, I am NOT going to complain about the blessing that has occurred with her not using a bottle anymore. And ironically it happened the day after she turned two!

The past few days, I haven't offered her a bottle, but she has asked for one a time or two. But as soon as she sees it, she says "baba yuck!" and hands it back to us. So I truly think she is over it! And as I told Steve tonight, even if she has a change of heart...she isn't going to get back in that bad habit, so don't worry.

Bennett's 2nd Birthday

Saturday was Bennett's 2nd Birthday! Happy Birthday darling! We started the day with her opening presents from us, before we headed to Smith Lake (where Steve's family was spending the weekend). We gave her small gifts that she can use outside (since that is where she prefers to be most of the time anyway). Unfortunately the weather this weekend was terrible, so we spent most of our time at the lake inside...ugh! There were periods in between the downpours that we could play outdoors for a little while, but they were not for very long. Bennett didn't seem to mind too much though because she had so many cousins there to play with.

After a yummy steak dinner on Saturday, we celebrated with cake! Her Mimi and Papa got birthday hats and kazoos for everyone, so we all stood around and sang her "Happy Birthday!" It had been about the 5th time she had heard it that day, but she didn't mind. She just sat there and took in all of the excitement. Even Preston got a piece of the action, sitting up on a barstool next his big sister. He especially liked the singing! However, after dinner he wanted nothing to do with the hat...

After dinner, Steve set up a toddler bed for Bennett. It used to be Abby's bed at the lake, but since she is way past sleeping in it...we decided to see if Bennett would use it. No time like her first night at the lake with a house full of people to try a new bed. She loved it right off the bat, crawling into it and then jumping on it! She loved it when Spencer hopped up there with her too. She didn't sleep too well her first night, but thankfully she slept like a log the second night (thank goodness)!

We ended our weekend there with Bennett getting a ride on "Goo's boat." All of the older children were riding it in between the rain, and Bennett just watched from the deck. So she was excited to be the first one on it this morning. Though her facial expressions didn't show much enthusiasm, I know she really enjoyed "driving" the waverunner around this morning.

This shortened work week sends Steve back to Georgia for a few days while we sit back and prepare for Bennett's 2nd birthday party this weekend. More to come on that later!

Sweet Moments

Sweet moments like this are happening almost daily. The smiles they give each other first thing in the morning, or after naps, are so precious. Bennett always says "Hi Pres!" and he smiles widely. I love these moments, and being able to stay at home with them makes it all worth it!

Preston is 8 Months!!

Our little man turned 8 months yesterday! He weighs 20 lbs 6 oz, and is getting closer and closer to crawling. He gets up on his knees and rocks, but either goes back to a seated position or goes down to his belly and swims. I have a feeling that this will be the month he begins to crawl, so soon Bennett's life will be changing.

Pardon the naked photo, but I couldn't resist showing off his rolls!

Summer Lovin'

Saturday night we went to a fun crawfish boil! Bennett had a ball....running around, and at the end of the night saying good-bye to everyone! Thanks to Steve and Karen for a GREAT feast! Even Miss B enjoyed some yummy crawfish!

Above, Bennett is kissing new friend, Hollis, good-bye. Below, she is bidding farewell to Steve.

Mama's Boy