Ben's 4th Birthday

I can't believe Ben is already 4!

Ben has grown up a lot this year both physically and emotionally. He pretty much skipped 4T clothes. He is starting to come out of his shell a little bit too. He is still quite reserved in new situations, but warms up more quickly now. I love his sweet personality, his smile, his competitiveness, his love for his brother and sister, his hugs and kisses, and I could go on and on. He seems to be handling being the middle child quite well. He is a great little brother and big brother. He loves to play board games. Ben is really getting into playing sports, with soccer becoming one of his favorites. He never wants to stop playing. We can't wait to see what this next year holds!

His 4 year check up was definitely an adventure. He knew he would be getting some shots, but I didn't tell him 4 of them. You could tell he was really nervous in the waiting room and when the nurse called for him, it all began to head south. The nurse was trying to weigh him and he was panicking. She tried to check his hearing and he was terrified of the little machine she was sticking in his ear. She tried to check his eyes and he would not read any of the letters in the machine. So what should of took about 5 minutes was more like 15! Then onto the actual room where he cried pretty much uncontrollably off and on for 20 minutes. It was really sad! Our doc is usually pretty quick, but he wasn't on this day. The inevitable finally happened and he received his 4 shots as the nurse and I were heavily restraining him. Broke my heart, but it was over and he was told he would be 11 when he had to get more shots so he was very happy. I later had to explain that he would have to still get the flu shot every year.

His 4 year stats
39 lbs 10 oz - 75-90%
42.3 in - 95%

Ben did not want a big party and decided he just wanted family and a few friends to celebrate with him at Chuck-E-Cheese. Sounded good to me. We celebrated on his actual birthday night. Everybody had a great time!

Ben (with his birthday hat from school) and Grand

Addy in the most hilarious outfit and combo of accessories
AJ

Blake and Ashton
Brynna
Aunt Shara and Brooke

Shooting some baskets

Aunt Jackie and Brooke
Carter

Kate
Ashton and Brooke
The Lott cousins
The cake

Carter was not enjoying this ride
Dad and his little girl

Chuckie came out
I couldn't resist the photo op. ha!
Rushed home for a bath and to open presents
New bike from mom and dad

We love you sweet Ben!

Brooke's Fifth Month

Brooke started out her fifth month by trying some rice cereal. She seemed to like it and didn't have any trouble figuring it all out. She continued to roll all around. It started to become a real chore to get her diaper changed and clothes on. She insisted on trying to sit up from a laying down position (major stomach workout!) and she was always trying to roll over and get on her stomach. She still liked to play in her exer-saucer, she stopped liking the swing, and she had her first experience in the jumper right when she turned 5 months. She absolutely loved the jumper and would jump forever.

Brooke has been such a joy and we are all loving every minute with her!

Happy 5 months Brookie!!

Getting ready for this rice cereal stuff


It's pretty good

Napping in the swing


Her head fell forward and she had a major indention on her head. Maybe that is why she stopped liking the swing?
Playing


First time in the jumper

My first Valentine's Day


Sweet brothers

I'm 5 months today!

The Big Snow Storm

We woke up the morning of Thurs Feb. 11th to find it snowing and it DIDN'T STOP!!! Blake had school and Ben should have, but due to a catastrophe at the Baldwin house, he got to stay at home.

You ask what the catastrophe was? Well Ben was scheduled for school and Mom, Dad, and Brooke were set to go hear how wonderful Blake was doing in Kindergarten at his conference at 10 am. That was until Mom was trying to take Ben to school but couldn't find her keys. Totally panicked!! Couldn't find my keys and I couldn't take an almost 4 year old and baby to a conference. By the time Brent got home there was no way to get Ben to school and get to Blake's conference on time. Not how this day was suppose to go. Thank goodness for our wonderful friend, Kristy, who was at home and was able to watch Ben and Brooke at the last minute for us. Ben enjoyed playing in the snow with the girls. What a special treat.

Ben had fun playing in the snow, but he couldn't wait for Blake to come home.






After Blake got home, they both played in the snow. He was so excited to finally be home and play.





Brent made it home a little early and took the boys to toboggan and sled at Breckinridge park. We have stored the sled and toboggan in our garage for years and we could really use them this time!!! They were the pros at the park! They saw a few of Blake's kindergarten buddies there, Eric and Garrett.



And then on Friday, February 12th, after it snowed all night we woke up to find this. Who would believe that we would receive 12 plus inches of snow in Texas as of February 12th???? It was so amazing and we had many fun memories!




School was cancelled, so another fun day in the snow!


This is what the little princess does while her brothers are playing in the snow....



The snowman