brigantine.

We are lucky enough to be staying at the beach in Brigantine this week. Mister Ben and I are flying solo for the days that dad can't be here. Tomorrow I think we'll go to the Cape May Zoo.

Tonight, just before dinner, we walked to the beach.

harrisburg

Chris has to be out in Harrisburg for work for part of this week, so Ben and I went and met him yesterday. We also spent time at Aunt Kelly and Uncle Joe's, where we saw cousins Lizzie, Jackson and Hannah. Uncle Bri and Aunt Ashley let us stay at their place last night. It was a great visit and we had lots of fun.

We had breakfast at a Bob Evans this morning outside of Harrisburg. Ben had a massive crush on the waitress and was trying his best to show off and impress her.


Here's a pic from this afternoon. Ben and Sophie both really like the drumsticks from the Bee-Bop Band set that Uncle Jason & Aunt Tara gave him.

the week.

This past week we were in Ocean City, NJ, with Chris' side of the family. Mister Ben had a wonderful time crawling all around the place we stayed in... hardwood floors, cabinets galore to open and close, and lots of sand to eat. He also had a ton of fun with his cousins Lizzie, Jackson and Hannah.

In the middle of the week Ben and I drove to see Grandmommy Suzanne and Granddaddy (Byron) in Maryland. The occasion was a very sad one. Suzanne's dad passed away and Ben and I wanted to see Suzanne in person and give her some hugs. Ben's got a way of making people smile, so it was nice for them to have him around, I think.

Grandmommy Suzanne and Granddaddy also watched Sophie for us for awhile this week. We're driving down to meet them at a rest area in Maryland to pick her up. We have missed her little snorting self so much. I have said it before but I'm so glad Ben has her for a pal.

Below are some pictures of the week, including a couple of Lizzie and Jackson:





Earlier this week I recorded Ben (again) while he was eating. I love that he can sit and entertain himself. He tells stories, practices his sounds, practices waving (he mostly still waves at himself), among other things. It's pretty apparent which of us (Dada) he thinks about the most. You will see what I mean.

new ride.

I turned into That Parent today. Capital T, capital P. I don't know how it happened, or what came over me, but I became her.

(Allow me to reminisce for just a second, if you would. After all, I do hope to print these blog entries out for Ben one day, so I thought I'd write these memories down before I forget them. I promise I'll come full circle in the end.)

Chris' mom and my sisters-in-law threw me a baby shower on 8/26/06, a Saturday. What none of us could have known beforehand was that Ben was going to come on 8/23/06 - 7 weeks ahead of his due date.

I was discharged from the hospital 8/25, and was so sad, because Ben couldn't come home with us. I remember feeling guilty leaving the hospital without him. It was, without question , one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, and I told many people that it wasn't something I'd ever wish on anyone.

We decided to go ahead with the shower, because so much planning had gone into it, and especially because everyone knew how much I needed to get my mind off of everything. I remember being so thankful that things had a way of working out this way.

I remember pulling up to the house, and crying, because I saw this scene:

"it's a boy!" balloons on the front porch:


... and the cutest idea ever - a clothesline filled with onesies, bibs, burp cloths and socks... most of them preemie-sized. For Ben!


I can't really explain why I cried so hard (yes, I was weepy from hormones), except to say that I couldn't wait to get him home and put those clothes on him and hold him and get to know him. We had hoped for a son, and he was this close - but not yet ready to come home. My heart was literally hurting. And I was so thankful for all of these things for him. Just the night before we'd been at the hospital, where I was able to hold Benjamin for the first time. He was so small:


So, it was nice to have everyone around me at the shower, wishing us well and promising prayers for Benjamin. They were all patient with me and my puffy and sleep-deprived self, walking around slowly. Aunt Margie and Ashley took pictures while I opened gifts. I remember hoping that I didn't seem completely out of it. We were so appreciative for everything. Here, I cut the cake that reads, "Good Grief, Another Reif!"


And here I am opening a special book for Benjamin - and wearing the special NICU bracelet that Chris and I (and Ben) would wear for the next three weeks:


After all was said and done, it was a great day and I loved seeing everybody. I was overwhelmed and incredibly thankful. I remember sitting back and looking around and being grateful that all of those people - and countless others from my side of the family, and our friends - already loved Benjamin. It was a pretty cool feeling. Calming.

Benjamin has had this one toy in particular - given to him by the Hetheringtons - boxed up in the basement since I received it at his baby shower. He just became big enough to use it, and this is where my reminiscing comes full circle.


Do you see that cutie in the picture above? How can you not love him? How can I walk down the street pushing him in his little car, without beaming with pride? He's our son! And he's 10 months old! And 24 pounds! Look at him! And I know you think he's great, but guess what? His dad and I know how great he is.

So when I say I became That Parent today, I mean it. I made eye contact with people (normally I'm shy-ish), and smiled, and waited for them to tell me how cute he is. Everybody did, by the way. He made everyone smile. He even made friends with two old Italian guys who hold court in front of one of the houses down the street. And believe me when I tell you that they're usually a tough crowd.

This kid is fun to be with, and I'm just bursting with pride.

But enough about me. Thanks for listening to my diatribe.

Ben had fun, too. To prove it, here are some more pictures.

happy 4th of july!

It's July already... Time flies.

Yesterday we went to a bbq at Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop Reif's house. We got to see Aunt Carol, Aunt Margie, Mom-Mom, Aunt Dori, Aunt Mo, Uncle Joe, Grandmom, Uncle Ron, Uncle Bob, Aunt Rose... and the Carters! Ben had fun grinning at everyone.


Today we went to a parade in Haddon Heights. It was fun... and LOUD! The whole gang was there.


We got to see Cousin Lizzie, Uncle Joe, Cousin Jackson, Aunt Kelly and Baby Hannah!

recap

Happy Father's Day! I hope you've had a nice weekend. My dad came up to visit and we had a great time. He helped make our 'backyard' beautiful by planting lots of flowers and plants in containers for us. It looks great.

I still haven't been able to upload any of our videos... so to the anonymous poster who wants to see more of Sophie and Ben, I'm working on it!

In the meantime, a recap.

Ben's all boy. He's not a mama's boy - in fact, he's way too busy being interested in other stuff to even want to hang out with me. I try to snuggle close with him, get a hug, a kiss (he bites a cheek here and there if I let him) - but no dice. Here are two pictures to prove it. He'd really rather just be on the floor, crawling around.


Sophie and Ben watch Uncle Dan play xbox.


Ben likes edamame.


The child likes to relax, people. Don't hassle him while he's relaxing. This was Saturday morning, at the end of our walk. The way he was sitting was funny enough that Chris grabbed the camera. Ben tolerated it.


Ben at his lunchtime photoshoot.


Dad's subjects aren't paying attention to him. Sorry, Dad. (Ben picked out his special shirt for Father's Day. He digs his dad.)


Ben and dad, Father's Day 2007. My boys.


... and Sophie, trying to get outside because she's missing all the fun.