Month Two - August

Ben had several 'firsts' during the month of August.  He got to meet his youngest cousin, Noah, he went on his first road trip to Atlanta, Georgia and started smiling.  Of course, his main objectives in life remained as sleeping and eating.  During August, Mama and Ben had their first overnight alone, too, as Matt had drill.  They survived - and Ben even began smiling in recognition of Mama's face.  That makes sleep deprivation worth it.  Mostly.

 Tired, little man

 Look at Mr. Skinny Legs testing out his new reading chair.

 Hey Mama!  

 I mean, this face.  

Daddy, I'll go to drill with you!

One of Ben's favorite activities was discovered this month - getting in the shower with Daddy. It was suggested to us to shower with Ben to help with bonding.  So Matt would put on his swim trunks and hang out with Ben in the shower.  Ben absolutely loves it!  He usually falls asleep because he gets so relaxed and it's so warm in the shower.  Ben, at this age, isn't in love with baths - we think because he gets chilled.  

He also has begun to love his puppies.  Truly, he has no choice in the matter.  They're either licking his face, laying next to him or curious about him in general.  Sweet Honey thinks she's his mommy.  It's pretty adorable.  Sugar is still pretty apprehensive, but does show interest.  And then there's Nigel.  He loves Ben, but doesn't really care about him until he's crying - and then he'll come see what the matter is.  

Month One - July

Month One of Baby Ben brought lots of guests, love, cuddles and sleep deprivation.  The transition home from the hospital was very smooth - in large part to Ben being a pretty easy baby.  The day after we came home, Ben had his first pediatrician appointment.  It was basically a visit just to look him over, address any questions we had and provide the doctor any information we had about Ben's birth and family history.

So tiny in his car seat.  And no, he did not ride with his neck like that.  And yes, we buckled him in.

Before we stopped off at the doctor's we ran in to where was board the dogs and dropped off a hospital blanket of Ben's.  We were told it was good to let the dogs get used to the smell and that makes for an easier meeting.  Following the doctor's appointment we went to Target to pick up some more things Ben needed (hello, everything!) and settled in at the house for the afternoon.

 Snuggle Time!

How about more snuggles!

I picked the dogs up later that afternoon and Matt stayed home with Ben for some Man Time.  The dogs were WAY excited when I got there so I was a little nervous they'd be too crazy when we got home so we put Ben in his cradle so they wouldn't be rough with him.  We still weren't sure how they'd be and we wanted to make sure they slowly got to him.  Once they realized Ben was in the crib they were so curious and sweet with him.  I think it was love at first sight.

We were absolutely showered with love from the moment Ben came into our family.  We had packages at our doorstep everyday for an entire month.  We had neighbors and friends bring us dinner.  We even had neighbors we had never met before wanting to bring us dinner.  We had two showers within three weeks after Ben was born.  It was just so, so sweet to have so many people love Ben immediately and just so excited to welcome him to the world.  It made us even more excited to have him part of our family.  

Family was also so excited to visit and spend time with him.  Ben was able to meet the majority of his family within the first few weeks of his life.  He's a pretty lucky dude.

 First Family Holiday - 4th of July

 Hi, Meme!

 My first bath

 It's more Lawsons!

Who's more uncomfortable in this picture?