January Update

I thought I'd just post an update on Benny's progress and the rest of the "what's going on" news for the family. Benny, as of last Wednesday, weighed 8lbs, 60z. He's doing great with his weight gain. I'm thinking about talking to his pediatrician at his 2 month check up about going to normal calorie formula as opposed to the 22-cal diet he's on right now. He's not breastfeeding anymore, which makes me sad, but I will say, makes things so much easier for me. My supply had gone down so much and after he was admitted a second time, I just lost all hope. But he's doing great and I've told myself that I'm not going to feel guilty for not breastfeeding him. The doctor said he'll be just fine :)

He's starting to look much more like a little person with a personality. He has started smiling, which is the cutest thing ever! I've been trying to capture it on camera but he seems to know this, and changes his expression before I can push the button. This picture is the best I could do for now. He's even started rolling from his side to his back...soon he'll be doing crazy rolls in the crib, we think. He's even getting into routine now. He does down for a nap every morning between 9:30 and 10am. And our biggest news....drumroll please......HE'S SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT! He sleeps from about 9pm to 6am the next morning. It's been so nice!

The girls are great. They went to the dentist last Wednesday and they loved it. They got a new toothbrush and some kid flossers and that was worth the trip for them! No cavities! Hooray! Abigail is trying so hard to be the boss now, it's driving me crazy. She want to be a mommy so bad...I have to tell her several times a day, "that's not your job, that's mommy's job!" Poor Emily often receives the Abi scolding for something and ends up crying. Oy! It's always entertaining at our house, to say the least :)

Darin's job is going well, but he has expressed interest in looking for another job. This is definitely not where he wants to stay. Perhaps we'll start looking for jobs in other areas (wink wink!). Of course, we also have the option of having me return to work and having Darin stay home. He of course is all for this option! I really told him it's not as great and easy and it seems! :) We signed up for a 4-week parenting class at our church entitled "Parenting By the Book" and so far we've really enjoyed it. We're learning a great deal about ourselves as parents and about our kids as well. It's challenging us to re-examine how we're raising the kids and we both come away each week with something new. I think it's a great way for us to start the new year.

Anyways, that's our family for now. We're just hanging out, having fun. Now that things are settling down, I'm going to try and load pictures up here frequently so be on the look out!