Wordless Wednesday

Oh Luke, you bring so much laughter to our house:)

Update on little Ben

Our little Ben is doing so well and recovered nice & quick after his tube surgery last Thursday. We heard it was quick, but were in awe of how quick it actually went. Ben and I left at 5:30 Thursday morning for the surgery center, Sean came later once our sitter got to the house. They got us registered and back to our room around 6:00. Ben was jumping around, giggling, smiling, and flirting with all the nurses. I think many were surprised he was suffering from chronic ear infection by his happy demeanor. Ben fell asleep around 6:40 and Anesthesia took him back during his sleep around 7:10 a.m. Doctor was done and out to see us by 7:17 a.m and Ben was back with us around 7:25. We had a bottle warmed and ready for him as soon as he came back to us. He fussed a little on and off for 15 minutes or so and we were on our way home at 7:55. The hardest part for mom and dad was handing our sleeping baby off to anesthesia and hearing him cry as they carried him out to us from surgery. I felt a million times better once I had him in my arms to snuggle and feed him. Doctor shared that his ears were still infected, which was bittersweet...poor Ben still had an ear infection while on his 4th antibiotic, but yet it reassured us we made the right decision to fix little Ben's ears.
We told Luke Wednesday night before we put him to bed that we would be gone when he woke up in the morning because we were taking Ben to fix his ears. He said, "Doctor Joe fix Benny ears." We told him it was Doctor Joe's friend, and said "Ok, fix Benny ears." Miss Judi took Luke out that morning to the gym and museum to keep him busy because we weren't sure how Ben would be that morning. Little did we know...Ben was full of giggles and smiles the second we stepped foot in the door a little after 8. He took a quick cat nap, back up for more playtime, then conked out for a long 2 1/2 hour nap! He was a trooper and has been a happy camper! He is really expressing his vocal chords more and more these days. Sunday while in church he was showing us and the rest of the congregation how high he could scream! It was a little embarassing, but also a little cute because he was having so much fun jabbering, screaming, and girgling bubbles. We are happy to have the procedure behind us and glad to have our little boy feeling better.
Thank you to our family & friends for the many calls & texts of concern the morning of Ben's surgery, and for checking in on our little guy. Ben is a special little boy, Bop & Nannie sent a little care package (& treat for Luke), Uncle Mitch stopped by to see the boys later that day and dropped off a gift for Ben, and we were blessed with two delicious meals from dear friends. It was nice not to have to worry about "what's for dinner", so we really appreciated the kind gesture!

Ben getting ready for his surgery
All smiles at 6 a.m...Ben really has been a happy baby considering he has had an ear infection for a couple of months. We hope that with this procedure it provides him so much more comfort on a daily basis.

Home just a little after 8 a.m, happy and playing!

Right before surgery in his little hospital gown

Luke snuggling with Ben, he was happy to have him home

Our boy, full of contagious smiles!

Winter Wonderland

I very rarely would say this is beautiful, as I am more of a summer/Fall girl, but with the remarkably mild winter we have had with very little snow and it is in the end of February, I will say waking up this morning to the beautifully covered trees with break taking. view from our toy room window
Our snow blower has seen very limited action this year

beauty

Our backyard is breathtaking

Girls weekend

As I said in a previous post, I indulged in a girls weekend in Chicago this past weekend and to say it was amazing is an absolute understatement. What a great weekend it was, so simple, but oh so wonderful. A few girls live in Chicago, two in Michigan, and myself and another friend live in Iowa. Kate and I left Iowa a little after 8, and didn't realize how quick a 3 1/2 hour trip could go. No music, just wonderful conversation, nonstop! We all met up at the Valeo Spa at the JW Marriott downtown Chicago at noon on Saturday. We had a private yoga session for the seven of us, what better way to start a spa day, than unwind with deep breathing & stretching. Next up, our private transition room, perfect for a quick afternoon nap, sip on some hot tea, and prepare for some pampering! We spent the next six hours in and out for spa treatments, we ordered room service to the transition room, indulged in a nice glass of wine, and the best...uninterrupted girl talk all afternoon long! We had to peel ourselves off the couches and head to our rooms for an 830 dinner reservation. While we all enjoyed taking our time getting ready without a child pulling at our leg and being interrupted, we agreed next year we would just stay relaxed and order pizza or carry out into the spa. We headed out to a fun small plates restaurant where we each secretly ordered a plate, we all sampled/tasted, and then voted on our favorite! It was a great end to an even more perfect day! Mind you, we are all mom's to young kids, a couple were pregnant, so having a good nights sleep was next on the list and we were all so so excited. Except for the rowdy group of guys at 4 a.m outside our door! None the less, it was peaceful, it was pleasant, and it was perfect. Sunday morning we got up, at our leisure, (most up by 8!) and headed for coffee and we were on our way. While it was a very quick trip, it was remarkable and just what we needed. I felt refreshed and I was so eager to squeeze my boys as soon as I walked in the door. However, I don't think they even noticed I was gone, they were too busy have way too much fun with Bop and Nannie! An amazing girls weekend that will soon become an annual trip!

The seven of us enjoying a night out
Myself, Carly, and Molly

Molly, Kate, and Jen

Jen, Sarah, and Deb

Picture catch up

I am doing some catch up on pictures! Sean gave me a point and shoot digital camera for Christmas that I had been asking for to snap pictures of the boys during the days without tugging around our nice big camera. Below are some random snapshots over the past few months that I just uploaded to my computer.
This past weekend Sean and I both had a little fun away, while Nannie and Bop came to stay with the boys. Sean spent five days in Steamboat, CO skiing with some buddies, and I ventured off to Chicago with six other girlfriends for some much needed pampering at the Valeo Spa in the JW Marriott downtown. (more on that magnificent experience to follow)
The boys had so much fun with their Bop and Nannie, of course there were tears from Luke when they had to leave. He was pretty disappointed when he woke up Monday morning and they were gone. Sean came back downstairs without Luke that morning and when I asked where he was, he said he was in his bed pouting because Nannie was gone!
We have Ben all set for his tubes this Thursday at 7 a.m. We have to be at the surgery center by 5:45, and Ben can't eat past 3 a.m so that might be a little tough. I am going to have to wake him around 2:30 to feed him and then he won't be able to eat until after his surgery is over.
Luke is doing well with the big boy potty, going on day 3 of staying dry all day long. He is telling us when he as to go, but we are still putting him on there quite a bit, even if he says he doesn't have to go.
Below are pictures of our every day...loving all the joys these two bring to our lives!

I took the boys to the Children's museum Thursday night, Ben is just a chillin' watching all the kids!
Luke was sad that Daddy went away in an airplane so he wanted to fly one!

We have had an unseasonably mild winter, so much in fact we have spent several days outside playing like it was Springtime

Even Ben enjoys a little fresh air!

Daddy came home full of gifts for the boys

Every weekend morning...sunglasses or ski goggles included! Helping dad make pancakes

Luke was hoping his daddy would take him to Colorado with him!

many evenings "choo-choo express" takes place in our kitchen! Luke well yell "all aboard" and want us to get in the train!

This picture was taken a month ago and I can't believe how much little Ben has changed since then

Out on a little shopping adventure with the family shortly after New Years

Changes

Isn't life all about changes??? We can never get too comfortable because before we know it, it's time to adapt to the "new"! We are no strangers to change, in our house I feel like things are changing daily, mostly our boys, now that Sean and I have settled into our careers and new house. Although, things are always changing but we aren't dealing with any major changes likes we have the past four years, we feel settled.
I am in complete awe of how these two little guys can change so much, overnight! I was once told, just when you think you have a "schedule" down, they go changing on you!
Today Luke told me he wanted to go to Ms. A's with "nemo underwear on". So that is what we did...today was the first day we ventured outside of the house without a diaper! I said a couple of prayers as I drove to pick him up that I would find him in his same clothes, unfortunately, I did not! However, he did go to the bathroom once. When it was time to go again, he sat on the potty, and couldn't go. So when he went to wash his hands...he looked at Ms. A and said "potty". Sure enough, the running water got the waterworks going, in his pants! Oh well, he did well. He came home dry and went as soon as we got home...we are making progress!
Ben had a much better night last night, he woke up at midnight, I gave him some tylenol and numbing drops in his ears and he went back to sleep til 545am....how refreshing was that! I hope it continues, but understand if we have a few more rough nights til we get his little ears healthy. As I have mentioned, Ben is quite mobile, rolling all over, scooting himself to toys, and getting up on his knees. I was afraid to take him out of his swaddle with all the issues we have had with him getting a good night sleep, but I knew it was time when I kept waking myself to check and make sure he was still on his back being he was swaddled. The past couple of nights and days he has gone without being swaddled and he is doing wonderfully! Once we lay him down, he immediately rolls to his tummy and gets some zzzzz's!
Change is good, its keeps life exciting!

Valentines Day & Tubes

Happy Valentines Day from the Merrick Family! We are enjoying this special day full of love for our little boys, family, and wonderful friends! This morning we gave the boys a little gift and they also had some fun stuff from Nannie and Bop! The Valentines treats came at a great time, because Luke is sitting on the potty more and more so he can enjoy a little sweet treat! Unfortunately I had to take Ben in again this morning to the doctor for his little ears:( It brought tears to my eyes to hear Dr. B share that his ears looked worse, even after 10 days of antibiotics. I just felt so awful for the pain our sweet little Ben has been in for months! It appears he has chronic ear infection and the three different antibiotics we have tried aren't solving the issue..what does that mean??? ENT consult scheduled for this Friday. We just want to get our boy healthy and to feeling better. It amazes me how happy he is, knowing how painful those darn little ears must be. For now, Tylenol and numbing drops will hopefully do the trick to keep him smiling and sleeping! After I brought Ben back from his appointment, Luke and I went out for a little Valentines lunch. I asked him where he wanted to go and he said "the mall" which means Panera. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch, Luke told me stories, and I just sat in amazement at how much our little guy is talking and he is quite the story teller, let me tell you. After a little lunch, I asked what next, and off to the carousel we went! It was a great little date for my sweet little Valentine Luke and I! Tonight I am hoping to make a nice dinner, enjoy one of our nice bottles of wine, and hope for a good night of sleep!!! Hope your day is full with great joy and lots of love on this special Valentines! My little lunch date:)
So precious...enjoying such a simple carousel ride

My date with Ben to the doctors office:( I hope you get better soon sweet little Ben!

The sweetest little Valentines! (I am biased, I know, but these are the two cutest little guys around!)

Just love their smiles:)

"Oh boy" opening gifts from Nannie and Bop

Happy Benny's 1st Valentines Day!

What a handsome little guy!?Luke before he headed to school yesterday for his Valentines Party!

Germs and Potty training

Luke is getting to look like such a big "little boy"! I can't believe how grown up he is looking these days.
On occasion Luke wants to have some fun with Ben's toys! Ben's hair is always standing up and so fuzzy...it is adorable:)

We are struggling with "germs" as Luke states, in our house. Poor Ben has been sick for a few weeks now, resulting in very little sleep for mom and dad. His adorable smile at 3 a.m makes the sleepless nights more bearable, although, I would be lying if I said I wasn't completely exhausted. We are hoping this set of antibiotics gets our boy back in shape quick! Ben is on his third ear infection, third different antibiotic and about day 13 of tough sleeping. We have had several conversations about getting tubes for little Ben and we hope that we can hold off, but one more ear infection and unfortunately, tubes will be the result!

Aside from Ben being sick, he is a very pleasant little guy (except for at night!). He is smiling like crazy, he has just started getting up on his knees (OH NO!!!), and will sit for very short periods of time. He has been laughing a lot more which is completely contagious. Ben is eating breakfast and dinner with the rest of us at the dinner table, and I absolutely love it when all four of us are around the table together. Growing up, we always sat down for dinner together, and I hope that as our family continues to do this, such a special time to catch up on our days, and be entertained by the many "Lukisms"! Luke has been helping feed Ben lately, although he is not as quite as fast as I am, so he leads Ben to an open mouth asking for more!

We are working on potty training at our house and it is going ok. We have had a couple of accidents and I will spare you those details, but we also have had several successful times on the potty. Luke has a little red potty that we have sitting on the floor, but lately he has wanted to sit on the big potty. Our little secret as been to let him roam the house in the nude, then he will absolutely run to the bathroom or tell us. But if he just has his pj bottoms on or his big boy underwear, he tends to have accidents. We are getting him on the potty often, but there has also been several instances when he will tell us he has to go. This is definitely an interesting time!

Luke is into reading books by himself, the other night I went to put him down for bed, he brushed his teeth, sat on his potty, and got him ready for bed. He looked at me and said, "out mommy, please leave." I asked him what about books, "don't you want to snuggle up on your chair and read books?" His response went something like this, "No thank you mommy, Luke read books, Lukes bed, out mommy, please!" So I did as I was told, left and watched him through the crack in his door. He was reading his John Deere tractor book. When he was all done, he came to the door and told me I could come back in. His story telling continues and we laugh non stop! We are truly enjoying this time in our lives, although somewhat sleep deprived the past couple of weeks, I couldn't ask for anything more. Luke is playing with Ben more and more, and Ben loves to lay on the floor by Luke to watch him play with his tractors and build "things" with his blocks. Luke is working on counting and spelling his name, doing very well at both. Let's hope for a better night of sleep, as I am flying out today for a meeting, leaving the boys to manage on their own. I am praying Ben gives his daddy a good night of sleep and starts to clear his cough and ear infection soon! It is a double edge sword, we give him the antibiotics to clear the infection, but in return the antibiotics are giving him a tummy ache:( Anyone ready for Spring?!?!?!

Ben is 5 months old

Ben turned 5 months old on Friday and I missed doing on a post on that day because I was flying home from a meeting in Phoenix. I had to post a few pictures of Ben and his most adorable smile! This little boy has been sick so much but you would never know it, he is quite the little charming boy, quick to smile and full of giggles. Unfortunately Ben is under the weather, again! This is Ben's 3rd major cold with a horrible cough, runny nose, and all the above. I have soon realized that Ben is getting sick when he gets up more than once in the night. He had been sleeping so well for a few weeks, going down at 6:30pm and waking around 5 am. Out of no where he began waking around 130-2am, then 4am, and having a very hard time going back to bed. It was just a day later his nose started running, cough set in, and your 3rd ear infection set in. Little Ben, we can't wait for your to feel better soon so you can just be happy all the time! You are the easiest little boy to smile, and it truly warms us all. Your big brother Luke loves to make you smile, and your smile makes him feel so proud! You are mesmerized by your big brother and watch his every move! So Mr. B what else are you up to....

Benjamin David Merrick
5 months old on February 3, 2012

Happiest baby on the block! (even with an ear infection!)

Ben, your contagious smile makes our days bright and fills them with so much joy!
Daddy, Mommy, and Luke love you to the moon and back little Ben!

Ben at 5 months old you are:

-wearing 3-6 month clothing

-wearing size 2 diapers

-you are still being swaddled for all your naps and nighttime

-you are rolling like crazy, so we will soon be getting rid of your swaddle

-you are like a fish out of water when you are on your tummy trying to scoot to get to your toys

-you like to spend time in your exersaucer and jumparoo!

-you love to watch every move that Luke makes and you smile just watching him

-you are nursing and getting bottles of breast milk when mommy works, eating 6 oz bottles

-you are sleeping a solid 10 hours at night (when you feel good!)

-you like to go to bed around 630pm

-you love taking baths with your big brother, its one of your favorite things to do

-when we lay you on your changing pad you kick and talk like crazy, you love it

-you like to suck on my cheeks when I am holding you and chew on my face!

-you pull mommy's hair all the time

-you pretty much will chew on anything you can get your hands on

-you have started putting your feet in your mouth

-you started getting rice cereal this month, but have only really gotten it a few times. We are going to start giving it to you every morning

-you laugh hard when someone else is laughing, it is priceless

-you are starting to grow out of your swing

-you are a mover and a shaker, always scooting yourself around

Ben, you have been a pure joy to us. You are responding so much these days, we absolutely fall in love with you over and over everyday. Keep smiling little guy, it makes our world so bright! We love you Ben!

Chew on this!

Lately, everything is going in Ben's mouth...any toy, my fingers, his fingers, your fingers, my hair, his toes...and Luke's knee! This morning the boys were sitting together as Sean got a fire going so I went to grab my camera because they looked so cute together, and came back to Ben trying to chew on his own feet, then he discovered Luke's knee was much easier access!

"Ben, what are you planning on doing?"
"Luke, your knee is great for gnawing on!"

"Really, Ben?"

"I'm not sure I like Ben chewing on my knee"

"Okay then, I will get after my toes!"