Growing Boys!

Since our last post we have celebrated my first Mother's Day (photo at top), Joseph has surpassed the ten pound mark, and Benjamin is just over fourteen pounds. Our boys are growing and we are more and more in love with our "little monsters" every day.

I hope you enjoy the updated photos. The two close up shots of the boys were taken today. Don't you love those smiles?

Photos from March

It was darby day last Sunday which means Liverpool and Everton football (soccer) clubs were playing one another. Always a big match when that happens. Benjamin was determined to show his colors in support of the mighty reds. "You'll never crawl alone" is a baby version of the Club motto "you'll never walk alone".
























We have been blessed with good health this past month and have felt comfortable getting the boys out and having more visitors in. Here are some photos of our very special friends we wanted to share with you.

This one is Cathy Henderson from Half Moon Bay, California. Doesn't it look like Benjamin is patting her back too?


















Our friend Ofie Cruz from San Antonio, TX ws also able to visit and Joseph allowed this shot to be taken. He has been a real "Daddy's Boy" lately so it was quite an accomplishment for her to hold him without him getting frustrated.























Ryan Pickle is the pretty auburn haired lady holding Benjamin here. She is a labor and delivery nurse at St. Francis and the one who was on her way out of town the day my doctor decided we needed to deliver. I called to tell her and she turned around to come back to the hospital and be a part of the delivery team, even though it wasn't even her shift. An incredible young woman in many ways, and she was an especially important element in our hospital story this past summer.

Matthew and I celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary on March 24th. This photo was taken that day. Joseph looks as much in love with his dad as I am! At this point in time Matthew had been singing to Joseph to calm him and Joseph was absolutely engrossed. Joseph really loves music and especially when it comes from his Dad.

Ruth Amelia Williams, July 27, 1919 - April 1, 2008

The boys will certainly miss their Grammy. On March 31 Joseph and Benjamin turned seven months old and on April 1 my grandmother passed away. She spent seven months holding, rocking, singing and playing with them and I will tell them about her for years to come.

Saturday morning, April 5, at 9:30 will be the memorial service at the Rosewood Chapel of Moore Funeral Home for anyone interested.

This remarkable woman lived to be 88 years and 8 months of age and has left an enviable legacy. Her kindness and self sacrificing nature will not soon be forgotten.

Joseph and Shiloh have a secret!!

I am not sure what the secret is, as neither one is saying but you can tell by the eyes there is something going on. I suspect that Joseph slipped Shiloh a treat when nobody was watching and neither one want to give the other up. (I won't tell if you won't - oh hi mummy how are you!!)




















Renee and the boys, its a trick but Mom's can do amazing things entertain one boy while feeding another.

























The boys special and until April 1st their last surviving great grandma. Grammy was a beautiful lady and loved our boys so much. She did so much physical therapy work on the boys that we will be able to see her loving care whenever Joseph and Benjamin jump, run and play. I look forward to the day when she will be able to see how these boys have grown up, when we will all see her again in Gods Great Kingdom.

New Photos

Just a few photos to share...Benjamin wearing the sweater Matt's mom made, both boys doing their best James Dean impersonations, and Joseph intently playing his little keyboard.

The boys are such a joy. I can't begin to recount all the ways they make us smile, laugh, sigh, and think about God every single day.

Up Close and Personal

I wanted to add these photos so you might get a feel for the developing personalities of the boys. I wish you could see more of Benjamin's smile (sitting on Matt's shoulders). He has so much fun playing with Dad. So does Joseph (above). It's funny on the weekends when Matt is home during the day because the boys seem to know there is a different rhythm to things and they both want Dad's attention. Matt says it's because Mom is meat and potatos and Dad is the yummy treat. I think it's just because he is an awesome Dad and the boys know it!

Six Months Old

This week the boys turned 6 months old, chronologically speaking. When adjusted for their 9 weeks prematurity, they are actually at about a 4 month old level of development. Both are growing quickly and their personalities are becoming more vivid by the day.

Joseph is a little reserved, emotionally intuitive and seems wise beyond his years. Benjamin is very physically active, outgoing and generally has a happy disposition.

Despite the overwhelming craving for sleep, we are thoroughly enjoying every day with them. It is especially fun to get them both on the floor playing together. Benjamin is trying to sit up by himself now. Joseph rolled over for the first time unassisted yesterday.

March should be the last month for the RSV season so in another four weeks we will be out and about a lot more. Hope to see you then!