Arkansas

We all know there was some major tornado action in Arkansas this past weekend.  Ben's Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Chris live in Arkansas.  Ben's Gramma and Grampa just moved down to Arkansas this past week.  Fortunately none of them were near the area that took the damage.  But of course events like this always make us stop and say a prayer for those we love.  Pat and I are so thankful that our loved ones are safe.  We want to give extra thanks for all of our friends and loved ones.  We are so blessed to have them in our lives.

We also want to send thoughts and prayers to those who lost loved ones and have to rebuild.

-Kim

Ben's Weekend, In Pictures

Ben's Saturday night out was great.  The rest of the weekend was pretty normal for Team Cartwright.  I think the pictures tell a better story than I do.  :)

Grocery shopping!

I don't find this walk that exciting.

Hey, someone pulled down my ocean mat!

Yeah, it was totally me. :)

I love to jump!

Yum!

Back to work!

-Kim

First Restaurant Trip!

Saturday night Pat and I took Ben out to dinner.  It wasn't actually his first time to a restaurant.  He's been out plenty of times.  This was the first time we were taking him out where he would actually be eating with us though!  The first few weeks Ben was on solids we didn't go out to dinner.  It was exciting enough to be eating with Ben at home!  We went to the baked potato dinner at church, but that isn't quite the same thing.  For Lent Pat and I gave up eating out, so this was our first outing in a long time!

We decided to go to Olive Garden.  It is tasty and we had a gift card!  I went ahead and brought Ben's food.  I know a benefit of baby led weaning is that you don't have to bring extra food for baby.  However, our little Ben is currently not into carbs.  And we wanted to enjoy some pasta!!  I also didn't want to have a giant mess, so I brought food I knew he could eat without getting it all over.  Ben of course was great!  We went very early so we wouldn't have to wait for a table.  He was pretty happy looking around at everything. 

When it came time to eat Ben ate his normal food, as I said.  We also gave him tastes of what we were eating.  He seemed to like lettuce all right.  What surprised us was that he enjoyed some of the breadsticks!  I don't know anyone who doesn't like Olive Garden bread sticks, but I didn't expect Ben to be into them.  We didn't give him very much, but he happily ate the little bit we gave him.  I also offered him some of my salmon, and he enjoyed that as well!  We should have known, he really likes any protein.  

As I said, overall eating out with Ben went really well.  We only brought a couple of toys with us, and once we started him eating he was very happy with just that.  We only gave him a few pieces of food at a time, and he didn't really drop much of it!  There were only a couple of pieces that got away from him, but he didn't throw anything on the floor on purpose.  He did it all sitting in a regular restaurant high chair.  I remember when he was too little to sit in those!  I know every mom says so, but he is really growing up so fast.  It is so fun to go out to dinner with Ben.  We have to go early to avoid crowds and be home in time for bed time routine, but it is worth it to enjoy the experience as a family.

Patiently waiting for dinner.

I had some good looking dates!

Even Ben can't resist those breadsticks.

-Kim

8 Months!

Today Ben is 8 months old!  I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.  I know everyone says it, but it is so true.  We did a quick photo shoot this morning.  I have to say, Ben is getting quick at grabbing his sign.  It didn't last for a single picture.  But he had fun, and I still got some good pictures.

Happy 8 months, Ben!  We love you!!

I'm 8 months old!

Don't worry, I'll just get this.

Hey Mom, you left this here.

I'd better check this out.

This is fun.

My little helper. :)

Every day is a joy and a gift with Ben.

-Kim

Thankful Thursdays: In-laws

Oh yes, you read that title right.  I am thankful for my in-laws.  I know that sounds crazy.  Pat and I both got very lucky in the in-law division.  Don't get me wrong, I know we drive our respective in-laws crazy sometimes.  And we both get annoyed by our in-laws at times too.  Overall though, we both came out ahead of the game.  Both sets of parents love and support us.  We've had our not so great times, and both sets of parents stood by us.  Plus both sets of parents love Ben unconditionally.  And really, how could you not appreciate people who would do anything for your son?

Beyond just great parents, we are lucky that we get along with each other's siblings.  I know J and Pat don't talk all that often, they are typical guys in that way.  But when they do get together they enjoy each other's company.  They want each other to be happy.  I know I 100% lucked out with my sister in law.  Lindsay is fabulous and I feel so lucky to have her in my life.  She is so supportive and kind.  Honestly, I just have so much fun when I get to spend time with her!  I so wish we lived closer together.  We would have so much fun!

I am so thankful for good in-laws as I am planning our summer trip to visit them!  It is a long drive, but so worth it.  Gramma and Grampa are now much closer to Lindsay and her gang, so we get to see them all at once.  I am so thankful that I am excited to plan this trip.  Yes, I am spearheading and handling pretty much all the details for a week long vacation to go stay with my in-laws.  And I am so excited.  How many people are lucky enough to say that?

I am so thankful that my family want to be good in-laws to Pat as well.  They want to help out and support him in all he does.  My entire extended family is behind him and Team Cartwright.  It is so wonderful to know we have so many people in our corner.

Pat and I are truly blessed with our families.  It is so wonderful to have all these amazing people in our lives.  We love and appreciate them so much.  I guess overall I am just thankful for our family.  The in-law distinction isn't really needed.  :)

-Kim

Carb Free

I have to say, as I have posted before, I am loving baby led weaning.  One of my favorite parts is giving Ben new foods and seeing how he reacts.  Isn't that fun to do with anyone? :)

We haven't give Ben a lot of breads or really anything with wheat.  I've experimented with using oatmeal to make baked goods.  I've offered up corn tortillas.  Ben likes potatoes.  But a lot of sources say to hold off on wheat for awhile, so we hadn't been giving Ben any.  It isn't a big deal not to give him any.  I was hoping he would like the corn tortillas because they would give me an easy way to give him food that is spreadable, like hummus.  Of course I am always looking for foods that are quick to prepare, travel well since we bring lunch to work, and that are healthy.  The oat bread, well, that was interesting.  Ben is coming around to it.  The first batch was rather tasteless, so I think he was unsure to try the next one.

Now that Ben has been eating solids for about two months, Pat and I decided we were okay with Ben having the occasional taste of wheat.  This past weekend we had pancakes.  We thought, hey, kids love pancakes.  Let's have Ben try them out.  It would be good to have another breakfast alternative.  We don't often have pancakes, so they could easily stay a treat food.  Yeah... Ben was not interested.  He tasted the pancake and tossed it aside.  His current favorite?  Brussels Sprouts.  Yes, my child tossed aside a pancake in favor of a Brussels sprout.  Granted we didn't put butter or syrup or anything on it.  But really?  We have also now given him a taste of Hawaiian rolls.  I remember absolutely loving those as a kid.  I still do in fact.  Ben?  Nah.  He had a bite, but preferred his cauliflower.

So where do we stand?  Ben loves fruit.  Ben loves vegetables.  Ben loves meat.  Ben even likes Greek yogurt.  Carbs?  No thanks.  No corn, no tortilla, no bread, no pancakes.  We jokingly call him our little Atkins baby.  I know all these eating habits will change.  In fact they will change repeatedly.  So I am enjoying how easy it is for Ben to eat his vegetables while I can.  I also know that I need to look at Ben's diet over a period of time, not just a single day or meal to determine if he has a good balance of foods.  What I'm wondering is if I can stretch that time period for a few years.  When he wants nothing but mac and cheese or chicken nuggets in a few years, can I not worry because he had so many vegetables when he was a few months old? ;)

I love vegetables!

-Kim

Easter Fun

We hope everyone had a great Easter weekend!  Ben had a wonderful first Easter.

We started the holiday early be spending the night at Meo and Omi's place.  They are about 15 minutes closer to the church we go to.  With a baby and an 8:15 am service, those few minutes really help.  Plus it was nice to have all our stuff there so after church we could get Ben back and into nap time on schedule.  Meo and Omi were out when we got to their place.  This was the plan, and of course we had no problems making ourselves at home.  We unpacked and had dinner.  Then we got to take a great family walk!  Meo and Omi are right on a river.  Plus they have a pond behind their place.  Okay, it is a retention pond, but it is still pretty fun.  We love to take walks back there.  And Ben loves to go outside!!  He had a great time.

Easter Sunday was fun and relaxing.  We were able to go to church and get Ben home in time for nap time.  Always a win. :)  Meo and Omi had Mr. P and Ms. W over for Easter brunch with us!  All we did all day was eat and enjoy each other's company.  It was a great way to spend the holiday.

I am so thankful for a wonderful Easter weekend!

Ready to head outside!

Ben loves to be outside.

This is so fun!

Easter Morning

Can't skip breakfast on such a big day.

Hanging out after church.

My boys!

Playing with the toys the Easter Bunny brought!

Our cute little bunny.

Tuckered out from a fun weekend.

-Kim

Easter Eggs

Easter is almost here, and that means it is time to dye Easter Eggs!  This was of course Ben's first experience dying eggs.  Since he is only seven and half months old, and because I don't want dye all over my baby and my home, Ben was really just an observer this year.  I think it might be a few years before he is an active participant. ;)  I love sharing these family traditions with him though!

Since it was really just me dying the eggs while Pat and Ben watched, we only did a few.  It's easier to make sure we can eat them all if there are only a handful as well.  Ben had a great time looking at all the eggs!  He wanted to be a more active participant, but luckily Pat was on his game and played excellent defense.

Ben really wanted to touch the dyes.

Quick defense by Daddy

Ben is not impressed with Daddy's block.

Having fun!

Checking out the finished product before bed.

They're so pretty!

Still trying to get to the eggs.

No, really, why can't I touch them?

I love little traditions like these!  I can't wait for Easter and Ben's first surprise from the Easter Bunny!

-Kim