"If Evoloution Really Works, How Come Mothers Only Have Two Hands?" -Milton Berle

This quote really does sum up how I've been feeling the past month. Our lives and priorities have changed dramatically since having another child. I know my education has only begun, but here is a short list of lessons I've taken away from my experiences August 17th-September 17th.

*Baby wipes are my best friend.

*If I need to be somewhere at 9, I should PLAN on leaving by 7 and maybe I'll get there by 10.

*My daughter's hair doesn't always have to be done, and no one really cares if her shoes match the pink heart on her shirt.

*If someone offers to help in ANY WAY, I should graciously accept.

*Any sleep that I can steal often makes the difference between a pleasant evening or a fight with my husband.

*I am not strong enough to get through this by myself. Thankfully I'm not expected to.

*It is not a necessity for an infant to wear socks and shoes whenever leaving the house.

*There is nothing shameful about taking a cue from my simultaneously crying toddler and infant and joining in on the tear fest. Crying feels good and often shocks my toddler right out of crying.

*When caring for a brand new baby, anything said between a man and wife during the hours of 11 pm-6 am should be automatically forgiven.

*Flowers really speed up the forgiveness process.

*The world has continued to turn, even though I've had a baby, and not everyone wants to hear about diapers and breastfeeding.

*The grocery store is a much friendlier place without two children in tow.

*As long as I have a clean pair of underwear and disposable utensils, the laundry and dishes can wait until tomorrow.

*You blink and a month has passed.

*Poop is not THAT big of a deal.

*I can't take my eyes off of my 21 month old or poop DOES become a big deal.

*My Mom is a saint.

*I am so blessed.

I asked Trenton what the #1, top lesson he's learned this past month is and his response was...

*"ALWAYS use birth-control." Ha!

Ben got to experience his first party at 5 days old! Emma was invited to celebrate her buddy Nora's 2nd birthday and had so much fun playing outside with her friends.

Later that evening, Grandma Julie and Grandpa Mike came over and babysat while Trenton and I got to have a relaxing dinner at the Broadmoor (On HP's dime). Even though I was only 5 days out from giving birth, tired, and sore, I sincerely appreciated the night out. Thanks guys!

Ben passed the hours that evening "tanning" in his Bili-bed. He spent the first handful of days outside of the hospital as a little glow-worm because of his Jaundice.

On to non-baby related business...My sister Shannon is ENGAGED! Steven Foote proposed to her at the Garden of the Gods, where they shared one of their first dates. He had prearranged for all the family that could to be waiting for her as a surprise after the proposal. She became an instant pro at showing that ring off and it was so fun to celebrate with them. *Sigh...how romantic. They will be getting married on November 28th. Quick, but when you know it's right...you just know.

Tate and Patti came down for a visit and were thoughtful enough to bring Emma a "Big Sister" gift. She really is a sweet sister but I know she appreciates when she's still thought of.

Wyatt and Ben are a month apart. I am so glad he'll have a cousin so close in age to grow up with.

And a Grandma that loves and spoils them so much...

Cathy and Hannah often come over to love on Emma and Ben and help out when I've got an appointment. Thank you so much for your help!

Oh Emma...How much I love her. She is such a fun little girl and continues to be my favorite of the female variety on this earth. She is 21 months today and that age hardly seems adequate to contain the person that she is. Her favorite things now are being with family, books, brushing her teeth, drinking "wa-wa", entertaining HER baby, shoes, taking her diaper off, cheese, balloons, and eating snack in nursery. When we're riding in the car and we turn she holds her hands in the air and goes, "Weeeeeeee" like she's on a roller-coaster. Her favorite show is Little Einsteins and she's going to be a turtle for Halloween. She carries a purse to church! She has learned to say "I want more", "Thank You", "Please", "Hi Dada, Mama, Baby, Papa, Tad, Steve etc...", "Teeth", "Grapes", "Cheese", "Cracker", "Duck", "Pickle", "Me", "You", "Up", "Down", "Bye Bye","Hot", "Nose", "Mouth", "Ears", "Moon", "Poop", "Butt", "Book", "Blanket", "Boobs", "No", "Yes", "Turtle", "I Love You", "Bed", "Night Night", "Pumpkin", "Polka Dots", "Cake", "Go", "Wow", "Balloon", "Egg". That's all I can think of right now, but understand that if you try to get to her repeat these words on demand, she'll most likely turn into a mute and make me look like a liar. Here are some pictures of our sweet baby girl..

I know the feeling...
Over Labor Day weekend we went to Denver to celebrate Brittany's birthday. We BBQ'd at the pool and it was a nice kiss goodbye to summer.

Lisa and I had breakfast earlier this week and she got to meet Ben for the first time. As always, Emma enjoyed her company. Why wouldn't she? Lisa lets her eat as much creamer and jam as her little tummy can handle.

Of course, I had to include the quintessential bath picture. He looks so much like Emma in this photo.
Autum made it down to the Springs and finally got to meet Ben. He seems really excited doesn't he?
Just in case you were worried that I've become completely disassociated with the rest of the non-baby world, I haven't. I hosted our cooking club last night and I'm planning on getting back to teaching as soon as I can finish a sentence without drifting off.

If you've made it far enough to be reading these words...you're a true friend!

Until next time!

Love,

Janet, Trenton, Emma, and Ben