A 100% man...

I have a wonderful father. Because he is so wonderful, he was often very busy growing up with his work, his church service and his family. I remember my mom often giving the counsel that she would rather have 10% of a 100% man than 100% of a 10% man.

These past few weeks have been busy for my little family. We relish the time with have with our husband/dad - but it is pretty limited. And so as I was sitting in bed last night, wondering just when he might be home from his rotation at the hospital, I got to thinking how lucky I am to have a 100% man - even if we only get to enjoy about 10% of him right now.

He isn't a body builder (though he makes me weak in the knees), he doesn't grow epic facial hair and he doesn't spend much time watching UFC or ESPN (unless of course BYU is playing), even though most people might deem those things as "manly."

He DOES rush home from work eager to see his 18 month old son running and giggling down the driveway or hallway as fast as his legs will carry him because he can't get to his dad fast enough. He DOES send us texts during the day to remind us he is thinking about us. He DOES thank me every day for dinner and clean laundry, and a (somewhat) orderly house. He DOES welcome me with a kiss every evening (even if he has to wake me up to do so when I've already gone to bed) and tell me I'm the best part of his day. He DOES send our little boy into bursting giggles while he plays with him in the bath and gets him ready for bed. He DOES spend any and all his free time with us, his family, taking walks, working in the yard, finding a fun local activity, visiting grandparents or just being at home watching a movie together. He DOES make sure that whenever possible he gives me opportunities to take time for myself, pursuing a hobby, going out with other gals or just reading a book. He DOES wake up extra early each morning (by that I mean 4:00/4:30) to devote some personal study time to the Lord. He DOES make sure we pray together as a family. He IS 100% of what I deem a real man. Even if our time with him is limited for now, I am so grateful we have him.

We love you, David!

On being 8 months old...

Today I am officially 8 months old! My day started with a birthday breakfast...steel cut oats with apples and bananas. I kept getting so excited between each bite I couldn't help but wave my arms frantically and wipe the food all over! If you're going to eat...you might as well get a little messy in the process!

Some of the things I want to remember about being 8 months old are...

1. I love to crawl around. I am getting faster every day and can usually get into something pretty quickly when mom has her back turned!

2. I sit up and balance pretty well. I can play on things like my tractor!

3. I LOVE books. I love being read to, turning pages, chewing on corners and wrinkling and ripping the pages in books I find lying around. They really shouldn't be left out you know :)

4. I am a pretty big boy when it comes to eating. I drink out of a sippy cup and I am getting good at picking things up and putting them in my mouth like pices of bananas, apples or beans.

5. I have just recently figured out how to pull myself up onto things. I love to stand in my crib, scoot along the couch and even try to touch things that I probably shouldn't!

6. I love it when dad comes home from school. We always play and giggle and he throws me up in the air!

7. I am starting to learn to play with other kids now. Sometimes I take their toys just to give them the taste test...I will practice sharing!

8. I think it's fun to mimic what my mom and dad do. I especially like to mimic singing, smacking my lips, sticking out my tongue, pounding on tables, rolling balls back and forth and waving "hi".

9. I still love taking baths. I sit in the bath by myself and play with toys. Every now and then I try to taste the water...not a good idea. But dad always saves me and I keep right on playing.

10. I am a good sleeper. I usually sleep about 11 hours a night. Sometimes I wake up in the night to play in my crib and stand up - but I am getting better at going right back to sleep. I dropped my third nap and do pretty well with just two. I am busy so much of the time, I rarely find time to stop. But every now and then, if they catch me at just the right moment, I manage to find time to snuggle up and cuddle in the arms of mom or dad.

***A note from Mom: We sure love our Bennett boy. He is so fun and so busy and so much the joy of our lives. It really seems like he learns something new every day. I am amazed as I just sit back and watch his little mind work and discover and explore. He definitely fills my days. We feel so blessed to be his parents and look forward to the milestones ahead.

Seattle, Med School, Bennett and more!

We moved up to Seattle in mid-August and went (if I kept track correctly) 50 beautiful sun-shiny days without any rain! Can you believe it? But now the rain has come along with a beautiful fall and the approaching holidays! Love this time of year.

We have really enjoyed Seattle so far. There is a lot to do and great people to do it with. We have met many great people and I have been blessed to make some good "mommy" friends. We take walks together, jog, attend an institute class, have "play" groups (which are really for the moms since our babies are so young) and hit up the local produce stands. This has been wonderful as I was a little nervous moving to "BIG" Seattle from "little" Moscow, ID where I loved the place and the people. Heavenly Father sure hears and answers prayers! Here is a bit of what we have been up to here in Seattle!

Camping

Hiking

Enjoying the water

Picking Blueberries

Canning Blueberry Syrup

Going for Jogs (I am in the jogging phase - not yet what I would consider running :))

Studying in this Library at UW that looks like Hogwarts...well, David's studying!

Enjoying the sights - this was at the Ballard Locks

David is enjoying second year a lot. The material is a little more applicable and he enjoys the schedule and increased Independence. He is also enjoying his mentor who is a Pediatric Pulmonologist (lungs). He is such a wonderful dad/husband and, as the song goes, we're "so glad when daddy comes home, glad as we can be..." every evening! We are so proud of him and happy to be working through med school together!

I am learning a lot and truly enjoying being a mom - what a ride! Bennett brings so much joy to our home. He is a happy little guy that is such a fun little companion. It seems he just gets more fun with every day. We feel so blessed to be his parents and hope Bennett is happy with us so far!