Month 3

It's hard to believe another month has passed and now our sweet Ben is 3 months old! He is truly the most delightful baby imaginable. It is not out of the ordinary for him to sleep almost 12 hours a night! In the last month, he has started laughing, sitting and standing with some assistance, sucking his thumb (sometimes both at the same time), and "talking" nonstop (which is absolutely precious!). He is turning out to be quite the drooler, just like his big brother was. His hair has started thinning out, especially on top, but it is still auburn and he still has beautiful blue eyes. He is starting to look more like Owen did as a baby, I think...especially the big cheeks and the cute little ears. Here are a few highlights of the last month:

• Ben and I flew to L.A. to visit Richie! This marked Ben's first flight, his 3rd trip to the beach, and my first time in L.A. He did so well on the planes there and back. He nursed on take-off and landing, and mostly napped while we were in the air. For any parent who has ever flown with a small child before, you know how stressful it can be...no one wants to be the jerk with the hysterical child. Luckily, Ben saved me from that anxiety by being very laid-back and cooperative. Our trip would not have been possible without my generous mother coming to stay with Owen - and my generous daddy for loaning her to us! They also gifted me with the plane ticket as an early birthday present. It is a gift I will always remember and cherish. What an incredible experience!

• A week after Ben and I arrived back in Nashville, Richie came home! Owen made a "DAD" sign for us to hold at the airport. It was a very sweet reunion. I know Richie missed Owen so much - there were many nights during the 5 weeks he was gone that he would express how difficult it was to be away from our big boy for so long. Owen really missed Richie too and he would not quit talking as soon as he spotted his dad. Check out the awesome presents Richie brought back for the boys!

• Ben attended his first show! Equipped with our awesome stretchy wrap and Owen's Peltor ear muff, we all went to the 41A Music and Art Festival in Tullahoma, TN, which is about an hour away. I hadn't seen Jeremy play in a ridiculously long time, and it is rare that they have a show somewhere that is kid-friendly. Owen really enjoyed the music and the festival food - he had a funnel cake AND some cotton candy! Ben looked so cute in the wrap with the ear muffs on. We got lots of smiles! Unfortunately, a blow out diaper ended our use of the wrap for the night, but a good time was had by all.

Today is my last day of maternity leave. I will return to my wonderful job bright and early in the morning. I spent all day today holding Ben and just soaking in these precious moments of one-on-one time with him. He has brought so much joy and love into my heart and into our family. We are all just smitten with him. I cannot express how priceless the last 3 months have been for me. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my supportive husband, my sweet big boy Owen (who is just the best big brother in the world), my incredible friends, and especially our families, who have provided an unbelievable amount of love and support. I am sad that my leave is over, but I am looking forward to helping provide for our family and to our new normal. We have so much to be thankful for and to look forward to. Thank you for encouraging us and loving us during this amazing journey!