Smize

So, I'm not a big fan of the term "Smize," but since I've been watching a lot of America's Next Top Model lately, I thought I would stick it into my post.  I can handle it a lot better than the term "chillax."  *rolls eyes*

What has Tyra Banks taught me?  Well, to smile with my eyes, of course.  And honestly, I think I get it.  I've been criticized often for my fake smiling for photos.  Years and years I haven't been able to look natural.

My new trick:  I make my eyes smile first, and my mouth follows.  Yes, I'm a nerd, but it really has helped.

The purpose of my taking pictures the other night in my bathroom was due to me liking the natural curl that my hair had the other night.  My hair is shorter now (but not short), and it can't get into a bun quite like that anymore, but I liked it at the time.

I practiced my smile. ;)  

Go Braves!

In the interest of good parenting, I don't often put my baby in front of the television, 

but he does become intrigued with it on occasion.  

In this event, he was watching the Braves games where they honored Chipper Jones.

I occasionally let him was Praise Baby as well.  

He likes the bright colors and movement.  

There is his friend the crinkle elephant.  

Ceiling fan, I love you.

As a mother I appreciate the hypnotic capabilities of a ceiling fan.  It makes him happy.

He's really starting to fill out that 3 month size sleeper.  

Won't be long before he moves on to his 6 month clothes (at least in his onesies, bless his short legs).

I have a feeling he's going to be built like his Papaw & Daddy.  

He has both of their broad shoulders, and his arms are long & hang just like Richmond's.

Memories Monday - Benjamin's 1st VBS

VBS this past June on the week of the 25th.

We decided to have a little bit of fun with a photo opportunity set up by a church member to go with our Noah's Ark theme of the day.

Our pastor's wife was kind enough to take a picture with her iPhone. :)

Buying for baby

A mixture of necessity and the fact that my child has been gnawing at his hands constantly drove me to make some purchases today.

The first one is actually a baby gift from one of his showers (not actually purchased today), but I have to give a shout out to the elephant up on the left.  His body is flat, and he crinkles when you move him.  Benjamin LOVES this toy.  I really want to buy him the giraffe at Target, but I'm currently using restraint.  Benjamin's Daddy says, "Isn't one crinkle toy enough?"  :)  I've already told him that he'll have to come with me and hold me back when it nears Christmas gift buying time.  I don't need to buy too many unnecessary things.



We only had one NUK pacifier because I had bought a different brand before Benjamin was born.  He got accustomed to his NUK that they gave him in the NICU (He liked it better than the green ones they typically use.), so I went to buy more at Target so that Benjamin's caregivers didn't have to fret if it got temporarily misplaced.  They were out of the football design unfortunately, but he has 2 baseball ones now.  :)  Strangely enough the hospital started him out at the larger size pacifer -- 6+ months.  He's used to it now, so I went ahead and got the larger ones again.

I found some Nuby teethers at Wal-Mart that I'm eager to for Benjamin to try out.

These are silicone, and they come with their own carrying case to keep them sanitary.  These are Stage 1 -- Meant for teething with front teeth.  I think we have the color in front.

Stage 2 -- I bought the one on the left -- It is meant for side teeth.

Stage 3 -- It's used for back teeth.



Lastly, I really though he would like a toy with a mirror.  I found this one that is a mixture of teething and mirror.  We own the blue one with the giraffe.  He seems to like this one as well.  It may be in close competition with the elephant.



For some reason I can't find a copy online of the Garanimals photo book I bought.  I'll have to take a picture of it later.  It has a handle, has puffy pages that are baby friendly, and photos can slide into it.  It's shaped like a car.  I'm going to send it with Benjamin so he can look at pictures of us every day while he's away from me while I'm at work.

You can start praying for me.  I go back a week from Wednesday.  If I can make it through the first few days I'll probably be okay. :)  More pictures of Benjamin to come this week on the blog!

Attention Seeker

So, as I have mentioned before, our Athena has been wonderful adjusting to Benjamin in the house.  She usually watches him from afar, and occasionally she'll get close enough to watch him and let him watch her back.  We've even had a few opportunities to let him touch her fur, and she once tried rubbing her face on him like she normally does to us when she wants to be petted.  It's cute to watch them interact.  Benjamin is fascinated by her.  Athena's not too crazy about when he flails his arms, cries, or sneezes.

The other night she came inside, and she was especially craving attention.  She is very used to climbing into my lap (when it is empty) to be petted.  She must have been quite needy because she decided that she was willing to share.  I had Josh take some pictures of the moment that ensued.  She was very gentle, despite being on top of him.  And she wasn't there for long.  He was asleep, and he didn't even stir.  He probably recognized that feeling from when she would get on my belly when he was in the womb. :)

Smile, You're on Mommy Camera!

He makes my heart melt.  :)