Well, I've decided it is high time to begin blogging again. What better time than the first birthday of my sweet baby?
I want to write a tribute to this boy that has blessed my life so much. There is a quote by President Spencer W. Kimball (quoted again by Ezra Taft Benson) that says:
"...do not limit your family as the world does. Don’t think you will love the later ones less or have fewer material things for them. Perhaps, like Jacob, you might love the eleventh one most"
Well, whenever I read that quote before, I wondered what he meant. Surely, you love all your children the same amount, right? Well, I can say that I do love all my children, but with Benson's pregnancy, birth, and life, God has taught me so much about the importance of motherhood, and how to truly love my children. So, my love for all of them has increased because of Benson's life.
I have written down all the experiences and insights that I was blessed to have through Benson's life, and most are too sacred to share in a blog post. But I want to write some of my thoughts about him.
I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father sent this chubby, adorable, red headed boy to us. I have shed tears almost every day of his life because I love him so much. I think I needed him more than he needed us. I adore him. I even love his "bad" habit of not wanting to sleep unless he knows I am close by. (I've seen him furrow his brow, slightly open one eye to see if I was there, and then smile as he closes his eye and continues sleeping. Or he'll reach an arm out to feel if I am there, and then contentedly keep sleeping)
I know so deeply that God is very grateful when we are willing to let his spirit children come to our homes to receive bodies, be taught the gospel, be loved, and have their physical needs taken care of. It is a HARD job. It is the most important, humbling work there is on earth.
Last July 19th, a 9lb 10oz baby boy came into this world. Within a second of being born, he reached up, grabbed a hold of my hand, and would not let go. I fell instantly in love with him.
I can't count the times that Bob and I laughed that day, looking at Benson's funny little facial expressions. He furrows his brow often. Everyone laughs when he scowls at them.
A baby brings a bit of heaven into a home - everyone wants to be better, show more kindness, talk more softly. What a blessing.
I love those newborn moments
In his baby blessing, we were told that Benson has an obedient heart.
I'm praying that we can nurture that gift.
My oldest boy, and youngest boy. Having Jace leave on his mission shortly after Benson was born has made me realize so much more how quickly time goes. I want to treasure each moment with my children, and not worry about the unimportant things. I wish I could always remember that!
Benson LOVES to eat. He weighed 26 lbs at 4 months. He is one hefty little guy. One of my favorite things is that when he eats, he says "num num num!" all during his meal. It is so cute!
His siblings love to play with him. He is very particular about who he wants at any given moment, and he firmly lets us know his wishes.
Taycie and Abby want to haul him around all the time, but he is so heavy, it is hard for them. :)
Ah, little boy, you melt my heart
He was so happy when he learned to "walk" by holding onto the kitchen stool, or by pushing buckets around the kitchen. And then, at 10 months, he started actually walking by just getting up when we were kneeling down for family prayer, and walking across the room! We were all so surprised! He was SO proud of himself that he wouldn't walk to anyone, he'd turn away from us just so he could walk farther.
He absolutely loves watermelon. In fact, his birthday "cake" is going to be a watermelon today. His favorite foods are watermelon, egg yolk, and sweet potatoes. Oh, and health food cheerios from Grandma's room, or anything that dad is eating. :)
He adores Grandma. Since she lives with us, he has had the chance to spend time with her every day. Within 2 days of learning to walk, he found out how to walk to her bedroom door, and pound on it to get her to open it. Anytime he sees her, he'll try to get to her, even diving out of our arms towards her. He loves to go in her room and try to completely pull everything out of place. His favorite thing is to stack up the tissue boxes in her room and knock them down with a fly swatter that she bought just for him to play with. I don't think Benson ever wants Grandma to get her own house. :)
Benson values his agency. If he puts some small object in his mouth, he will not let us get it out easily. But if we say "uck! can you spit it out, and throw it down?" he will almost always spit it out, and throw the object on the ground, put it in a box, or put it in the trash. Sometimes he'll even give it to us, but not usually.
Benson has always adored being with me, but lately he's really wanted to be buddies with Dad. He is interested in everything Bob does, wants to go places with him, and mimics whatever Bob does. I love seeing my sons look up to their dad. He's the best example they could ask for.
Benson, I love your sweet giggles, I love snuggling with you, I love seeing your determination. Your life is a gift. I think that I needed you even more than you need me. I am so glad you came to our family. Happy birthday, my dear boy, I love you so very much.
