6 Month Photo Shoot

We had some family photos taken on Ben's 6 month birthday!  We had a fun morning with the photographer, and while Ben was not as smiley as he usually is, we were happy with the outcome :)

Here are some of our favorites:

Mornings

The first thing Ben likes to do in the morning, (after eating and having his diaper changed), is to be sat on the floor with several toy options surrounding him. He will then proceed to grab, suck on, and bang together each item.

Balancing it All - A Follow Up

Earlier this year, I blogged about how different life is now that we are parents.  I am happy to say that I have been able to achieve some of the goals I had set for myself about making times for various things (read more/watch TV less, do/teach more yoga, and plan grocery shopping trips more effectively).  Some of the other plans I had for myself (ourselves), such as finding more time to spend together, alone, as a couple, and for us to each spend some time with our friends, individually, have been a bit harder to make happen.

Last week, I found myself frustrated at the amount of time I feel like I spend cleaning - straightening, organizing, doing laundry, vacuuming, etc.  I almost lost it on Greg when I saw a trail of coffee grounds sprinkled across the kitchen counter that I had JUST wiped down.  I know that my reaction (read: internal rage) to that was due to my not having the extra time I am used to to be that much of a clean freak.  I mean, it really does NOT matter that my kitchen counter top is not spotless.  Does anyone really care (other than me)? 

I guess part of taking on a new responsibility (Ben) is having to let go of some things.  I obviously would rather maintain my relationship and friendships over having an immaculate household, but still - it's hard to make that adjustment at times.  I am realizing that sometimes I will be great at balancing it all, and at other times, I will suck at it. 

This weekend I have the following on the agenda:

• Golf outing for Greg
• Bridal shower: Celebrating a friend AND spending time with friends
• Haircut and color: Relaxing "me" time
• Easter brunch at my parents
• A movie date with Greg!  (We have not been to a movie since a few weeks before Ben was born.  We used to go at least every month or two).
• Yoga (at home, probably)

It feels like the right "balance" of everything that makes me happy. 

Grandpa Brown

Sometimes when I look at Ben, I see so much of my dad in him.

He is not always happy

Just most of the time.

Even More Giggles

I could listen to this video on repeat forever and ever.

I was in a bit of a funk this afternoon after having to take apart Ben's swing and put it into storage.  He has officially outgrown it, and it was sad to see yet another item from Ben's "baby" phase become a thing of the past. 

BUT - watching him crack up and interacting with him tonight in a more "kid-like" way put it all in perspective. 

Every stage is a good stage.

My Brunch Dates