Mischief Makers

To say that Joseph and Benjamin spend a lot of time together is a bit of an understatement. They eat together, sleep together, bathe together and spend virtually every waking moment in each others company. Although so much togetherness may become tiresome, it also provides many opportunities for cooperation and the benefits of synergism.

For example, a couple months ago they discovered that if they work together they can move both highchairs (even in a locked position) across the kitchen. And just a few days ago I realized that the play room had gotten suddenly quiet. When I went to investigate I discovered that Benjamin had climbed onto the chair to retreive a full box of kleenex off the table, then he and Joseph combined their efforts to empty the box and shred its contents as quickly as possible before mom could spoil the fun.

There is also a sort of twin language that is developing between them. Sometimes I will hear them in their cribs or in the play room just laughing and chattering back and forth with each other in conversational style. It makes me wish I had a universal translater for baby language!

Dad and His Boys

One of the best parts of parenthood for me has been watching what an awesome Dad my husband is. Not only does he get up early to change and feed the boys so I can have some time to prepare for my day, but when he gets home after work he wastes no time scooping up the boys to play with them to give me a break. His efforts have paid off in ways besides my appreciation...Joseph and Benjamin adore him. They stand at the window and wave when he leaves for work and if he's not home on time they wander around whining, "Da da da da."

Joseph, Benjamin, and Great Grandad Bill

Although the boys will not get to meet their maternal grandfather in this lifetime, we have been blessed to still have my grandfather here. Grandad Bill will be 85 this spring and he still has the agility to get down on the floor and play with his great grandchildren. These photos were taken at Thanksgiving. We are also looking forward to October when Nana and Grandad Steel (Matt's folks) will be here from England for an extended visit. Meanwhile, every Sunday the boys get to see their relatives on the other side of the pond via the wonders of modern technology, ie: the webcam.

There's Something about a Box

One of my friends with older kids has often mentioned that kids enjoy the boxes from their toys more than the toys themselves. That seems to be true, as Joseph and Benjamin both love to climb into anything with four sides. This is fine when it's an empty box, or a wagon, but if it's the dog bed full of hair, or the dishwasher, or a drawer full of towels, or a laundry basket with freshly folded clothes, well, it can be exasperating.

Benjamin and his Great, Great Grandmother

DNA is a funny thing. When my grandfather was visiting us for Thanksgiving I saw this photograph of his mother for the first time. I was impressed by how much Benjamin resembles her, nearly one hundred years later. This amused me because until I saw the photo, I really believed Benjamin was a clone of Matthew. The Dennis family DNA came through a little after all!

Birthday Boys!

Joseph and Benjamin will be one year old on August 31st! We can hardly believe how fast the year has gone by. Especially since some days seem to drag on forever ;-)

Watching the boys grow and develop has been such a joy. And we were particularly blessed this past Sunday to have so many of our friends and family over to help us celebrate the first year of their lives.

Here are a few photos of the event.

A Visit to Magee Rausch & Shelton

It is not often in business that one finds people who really care about people. It seems that mostly the bottom line is the only rule of business. However the Partners, Managers and Staff of Magee Rausch & Shelton are the exception to that rule. Throughout the last 12 months of difficulties and joys the good people of MRS have been there supporting us, praying for us and helping us in whatever ways they could. This kind group of people have given us such great and overwhelming support it is hard to express our gratitude.


When we needed food, they supplied our needs (especially when I was a batchelor at home while Renee was in hospital). They furnished our boys with two wonderful cribs that can convert to day beds and last for many years to come! Not only that but specific individuals (Who I shall not embarrass here) provided us with toys, hand made blankets, gifts of all kinds, clothes and also the gifts of freindship and support during all the most difficult days. And of course who could forget the gift of a portable home that we had up at the Hospital while the boys stayed in the NICU. I am of course refering to a certain partner and his family who allowed us to use their RV for over 2 months we will never forget that kindness.

It was therefore a great blessing for us that our boys could drop in on these great friends and show off their smiles and determind attempts at walking. They didn't get to see everyone so we will of course drop by again soon for another visit. We thought you might like to see some pictures of the visit and also so you know what kind and generous people look like!

Tricia holding Joseph

Nila amd Benjamin

Dad, Benjamin, Joseph and Mr. Shelton

Nila and Mr. Cunningham with the Boys!

I noticed that somehow Joan and Louann managed to avoid geting their picture taken but they also got to visit the boys.

A special thanks also to Heather for taking the pictures.