Soccer Star

Benjamin just recently wrapped up his 8-week intro to the sport of Soccer. We had always known that he had a knack for kicking balls, and boy did he enjoy it. There were only two other boys in his class, but they still managed to come up with some good game ideas and Benjamin learned some basic maneuvers. By the end of the class he had improved his dribbling skills, learned a "pull back", shot some mean goals, and learned the art of goal tending. Just like he did in gym class, Benjamin stuck by the teacher like glue and followed her every move and word. He had a big smile on his face the whole time and was such a good sport. He never got upset or had any problems for the entire 8 weeks. At the end our proud boy was awarded a certificate and a medal. This proud momma can say with confidence that he sure earned them!

Look at Us Now

Now Evan is 15 months, and I'm ashamed that it has been so long since I've posted. In fact, I've done a terrible job at taking photos, video taping, and blogging. I suppose its no excuse that I've started work again, but I'll go ahead and use it. For the past few weeks, Evan has been staying with his grandmothers on Tuesdays and Thursdays as I've slowly put my foot back in the private practice waters. Most of my time has been geared toward setting up my new space and slowly putting my therapist hat back on. It really has been hard to give up those two days that I had just with Evan, but it also seemed like it was time. I am blessed to have a job where I can do just a little bit and also stay home with the boys for most days. For sure, the days at my office are easier and more relaxing, but I value more my time with my babies. Its hard to imagine, but Evan is going to "school" in a few weeks.


These days I've gotten more comfortable being a mother of two, even though it is often physically and emotionally tiring. I know the drill, its just a matter of executing it. I try to get out of the house to keep things sane. We often end up at the gym, where Evan practices walking up and down soft steps and Benjamin continues to enjoy exploring his physical world. There is a new play scape in the shopping area across from our neighborhood and we enjoyed hanging out there the other day. Benjamin is getting to be such a big boy that he was able to swing his little brother. He has been helping mommy out with Evan just a little bit here and there. He really loves to look after Evan.


Evan is practically running now. He walks briskly with one arm sticking behind his back and the hand turned up. Its a little hard to describe, and I'm not sure why he does it, but it sure is cute! He says a few words, such as bird, duck, more, stuck, hi, bye, and ball. We were all impressed a couple of weeks ago when he exclaimed "blueberry!" while eating one of his favorite foods. He has always been a sweet, sweet boy. There is just something about his temperament and way of relating. I can't really think of any other word for it besides sweet. He is also persistent, but in a fairly calm and contained way. If he doesn't get what he wants, or isn't able to do something (usually because Benjamin stops him), he just keeps trying. He has been giggling a lot lately and loves to be turned upside down and tickled. He also loves ducks, outdoors, water, water fountains, getting wet, rocks, and especially cupcakes. If you even mention the word "cupcake" without immediately supplying him with one, he becomes uncharacteristically agitated.


Benjamin is really growing like a weed. His grandmother keeps describing him as "tall". Despite his growth spurt and his tallness, he can still fit into a pair of 2T shorts because of his slender build. Benjamin does not stop getting cuter, he is just more and more gorgeous as he gets older. Also persisting is Benjamin's curiosity, athleticism, humor, mad verbal skills, and intensity. We have experienced the terrible 3's. It is not fun, nor is it conducive to tranquility. Once again, however, Benjamin's good looks, charm, and ability to be so very loving, make up for his difficult moments and generally keep him in our good graces. Benjamin loves many, many things including anything sweet, corn dogs, cheese, milk, yogurt, cartoons, any sports, cars, Red Robin, his daddy, and rough housing. He is also becoming a really big fan of his brother Evan. He always wants to come with me when Evan wakes up in the morning or from his nap. He enjoys sitting with Evan in the bean bag while they watch cartoons. They are really starting to play and laugh together. We are so blessed to have them, and they to have each other. Thank you, Lord, for our beautiful boys!

Forward Facing

Its amazing how life just keeps marching on. Today Evan sat in the forward-facing seat for the first time, on our way to the zoo (also for the first time). As I looked back at our two boys, I couldn't help but realize that we are moving forward. Our family is complete and we are leaving babyhood behind. Everything is changing recently and it has exhausted me and Lance. But I feel great about our family and where we are going.

A Lot to Celebrate

So much has been going on around here. It seems since Benjamin's birthday in October, we have had one celebration after another. This time frame has also coincided with my growing interest in baking. This past week we celebrated Valentine's Day and Grandad's birthday. We are also looking forward to Amma's birthday in a couple of days. I have enjoyed baking cupcakes for birthdays, and the bonus of Valentine's made this round especially fun. I merged several recipes and came up with dark chocolate cupcakes with raspberry filling and raspberry chambord buttercream. They were my first stuffed cupcakes and it was much easier than I anticipated. I simply cut out a little hole on top, spooned in the filling, and put the top back on. I envisioned large curls of chocolate on top but was only able to achieve small shavings. That leaves a challenge for another day. I will say that these were the best cupcakes I have made, hands down! Unfortunately, this has all gotten a little out of hand and I will be making a trip to Jenny Craig. Well, just as soon as we finish celebrating Amma's birthday at Hudson's Saturday night.....

The Walker

For the past few weeks Evan has been walking. Since he has started, he has not stopped. I love the way he wobbles to and fro with his little arms held up to help with balance. That 4-tooth (and one coming in) grin when he expresses pride in his walking is also priceless. It is amazing how much older he has seemed since he started really walking. I think Benjamin is also regarding him as more of a playmate now. Just today Benjamin hugged Evan while they were standing, and as he swayed from side to side Benjamin exclaimed, "Look mommy, we are dancing!". Of course, Benjamin doesn't realize that Evan can't balance himself as well as he can and they were soon on the floor with Evan crying. Evan brushes it off so quickly though, because that is just how he is. My little walker.

Snow Day

Today was one of those rare and magical days in central Texas where we got snow and it stayed around long enough to enjoy. It had been below freezing for several days, but we finally got some precipitation to make the cold worth while. We knew it was coming and made the mistake of telling Benjamin that it would snow during the night and we could play in it the next morning. Well, let me tell you, he woke up more times than he did on Christmas Eve. I believe it was 2:00, 4:00, 4:40, 6:00, 6:15 and 6:30am. We will never make that mistake again. Mommy and daddy were not happy. Lucky for Benjamin, mommy enjoys the snow too and it was enough to prevent me from falling into a pit of perpetual sleep-deprived crankiness. As soon as I could get the boys fed and properly dressed (mind you, we are ill equipped for snow), we headed outdoors to explore the world in its new fluffy-white state. It was beautiful. Agave covered with soft snow, swings and slides with a good 1/2 inch layer of marshmallow cloud, and bunny tracks across the entire yard. Before mommy and daddy had even gotten outside, Benjamin immediately made a snow angel. He said he learned it from his cartoon, "Curious George". Evan also had his first snow experience. He wasn't quite as thrilled but I think he found it interesting.

Later that morning, as Evan napped, we headed out for a last hoorah before the snow melted. Benjamin had learned from his first snow experience that you have to seize the opportunity, as snow is precious and its presence is fleeting. We were exited to see that Benjamin's cohort, Pranit, was running around with his mother and screeching with delight. Benjamin and daddy started a snowball fight with Pranit, and they ran around screeching for half an hour. Then the three of us concentrated our efforts toward Benjamin's first snowman. We hope to someday have enough snow to make a bigger one.

A Birthday for the Ages

Again, I am a little behind in the posts. I am a firm believer in "better late than never". Lance had an awesome birthday. After all, how can you beat braces off (a new smile), Steelers in the Superbowl, 3 birthday dinners, AND banana caramel cupcakes with caramel cream cheese frosting and caramel swirl? Now that gardening season is over, my passion has really been channeled into making exciting cupcake creations. This one was one of the best for sure! I think everyone loved them. I found myself asking, "what is better than cream cheese frosting.....CARAMEL cream cheese frosting!".