bonding

Daddy got a great workout tonight.  He was helping Bennett use his car in the driveway.

Bennett really appreciated all of Daddy's help.  I love seeing my boys so happy go lucky.

week 36

Today marks 36 weeks!  I had my check up and everything looks in order.  The baby's heartbeat was 128 and I measured just right for 36 weeks.  I am getting really excited and anxious about meeting my little man.  Only 4 more weeks left (i hope)!  Baby is the size of a large cantaloupe at almost 6 pounds and 20 inches long.  He is developed now and ready for the real world.  His job these next few weeks is to put on some weight.  He is very busy and it makes me nervous that he will be a wild one like his brother.  Hopefully the two boys will spend most of their energy tiring each other out rather than myself and Nick.  

Bennett and Baymax helped me take my belly picture this morning.

Bennett loves to touch the jewels on my sweater.  He still has no idea what is about to happen.  We try to point at the belly and tell him that he has a brother in there but he is uninterested.  Mommy is craving hot dogs of all things.  I rarely eat them but lately that's all I want for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Thank goodness they are cheap and we can get large amounts at one time from BJ's.

meeting kiley jane

Today we went to Newton-Wellesley Hospital to meet the newest addition to the Taylor family, Kiley Jane.  We couldn't wait to meet her and see Bennett's reaction to the baby.

I forgot how tiny babies really are when they are born.  Kiley is so small, light and delicate compared to Bennett.

I had a hard time letting the baby go.  I cannot wait to cuddle my baby boy in about a month.  

Bennett did not act jealous at all when Nick or I were holding the baby.  He was not too interested in baby Kiley unless we prompted him to interact with her.

He was really gentle once he did pay attention though.  He petted her head and babbled at her.  We are very relieved.  I hope this means he will be just as gentle and good around his own brother.  

Welcome to the world Kiley Jane!  We cannot wait for some play dates this summer. 

cascading waters

We are doing a small hike today.  It's at a nearby park called Cascades Park.  We had no idea it existed or that it was so close (about ten minute car ride).  Today was a bit chilly but we decided to check it out no matter.  Baymax joined us on the hike since Bennett doesn't put him down these days.

The beginning of the trail ran along a busy stream.  It lead up to a bridge where across the street the trail upwards and through the park started.

The hike up was pretty steep but luckily it was short.

The path at the top was better suited for Bennett.  There were not as many rocks and branches in the way.  Bennett would not let go of Baymax for the life of him.  

We chose to take the blue trail.

Bennett was our guide and pointed out the blue markings on the trees along the trail.

When the trail split we tried to follow the yellow trail, but it was too wet.  Bennett did really well guiding us.  He would run up to the tree and say: "Blu" or "Yello."  Then look around for the next tree with a mark and say: "GO,Go,go" before running off toward it.

 

We wondered around for about a half hour before heading back down the hill.  It was a very steep way down.  

Daddy carried Bennett and Baymax down.

 

We played in the stream for a little while before heading home.  Bennett enjoyed throwing dead leaves into the water.  Miraculously we didn't lose any parts of Baymax in the woods either.

It was a great small hike which we look forward to doing again when things are a little more greener.

big boy bed

Tonight Nick is busy building Bennett his new toddler bed.  With B's brothers impending arrival, we though it was time to transition him to his new bed so he can get used to it.  Hopefully this well help him feel less upset about his brother taking over his crib once he is here.

Nick had it up and ready in about an hour.  Bennett was reluctant at first.

But in no time, he was busy rolling around laughing on the bed.

And, crawling on and off the bed.

At bedtime, Daddy and B read a book sticking to the usual routine before we tucked him in for the night.

Bennett was ready for bed and fell asleep without giving us any trouble.  I am keeping the monitor close by tonight to make sure he doesn't fall out.

I must have checked the monitor a hundred times.  Bennett stayed in bed the entire night and slept all the way through.  He woke up a bit on the early side around 6 AM.  He did not crawl out of the bed like I thought he would but cried out and waited for me to come and get him.  I don't think he realizes he can climb out on his own yet.  I am proud of my big boy for making this transition so seamlessly.  

potato

Mommy and Daddy were prepping vegetables for split pea soup.  I left a cleaned raw potato on the counter in plain site.  Bennett wondered into the room and insisted on wanting to try it.  So I obliged thinking he would take one bite and spit it out.  To my surprise, the enjoyed it!  He took several bites before running off while snacking on it.

I thought for sure he would drop it as soon as he was out of sight but he kept on eating it.

He tried to hide from the camera behind the potato.  Bennett is not a big fan of the camera these days.

baymax

Bennett's new favorite movie is "Big Hero 6."  He used to ask to watch "Curious George" by bringing us the remotes and yelling: "Gggggeeeooorrrggggeee!"  But, lately it's all about "Big Hero 6," although he still asks for it by yelling: "Gggggeeeooorrrggggeee!"  It's really cute.

So, Mommy and Daddy bought Bennett his very own Baymax.

He loves playing with him and the box he arrived in because it has pictures of Baymax on it. 

This morning the first thing he did was climb downstairs in his pajamas to grab Baymax.  The pair enjoyed breakfast together before going off to daycare.

Hopefully Jeanne does not mind taking on one more addition to watch over today.

russian orthodox easter

Христос воскрес, Христос воскрес, Христос воскрес!  Everyone was up bright and early this morning including Bennett with his usual up-do.

We all took turns washing our hands and face in Holy water.  Bennett was not a fan.

Then we shared an egg and Bennett was allowed to start the egg hunt.

In no time he was playing with his new toys and stickers with a mouth full of candy.

Flexing his egg collecting muscles before continuing on with the hunt.

Last but not least, Bennett found the grand prize, the Easter basket.

Thank you Grandma for the biggest and bestest Easter basket ever.  Bennett is set on candy until next Easter.  Sadly, we had to leave shortly after the egg hunt.  I was worried how we would keep a little boy that ate a whole lot of candy seated in the car seat for the five and a half hour drive home.

Thank goodness for the iPad and "Big Hero 6."  We hope everyone had a great Easter Sunday.