Tech vest day

Wednesday was "tech vest day" in our house.

Also, I just have to say that I don't know what I would do with myself if I didn't like to read. And I realized that my favorite thing to spend money on is discounted books - in my case: the library book sales.  

My most recent purchase includes:

• The Story of My Life - Helen Keller
• 5 Newberry books (They all came together): 
• The Sign of the Beaver - Elizabeth George Speare
• Dear Mr. Henshaw - Beverly Cleary
• One-Eyed Cat - Paula Fox
• Island of the Blue Dolphins - Scott O'Dell
• The Witch of Blackbird Pond - Elizabeth George Speare
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - the movie.. heh heh, tricked ya!

Our little library is growing!

 PS, organizing your books by color is really fun - try it!

I love to see the Temple

This documents Benjamin's first trip to the temple! Unless you count in utero.

Doug and I like to go to the temple as a couple but it was a new experience to go as a family. Click to learn about why we have temples, what we do at the temple, and view the gallery of temples all around the world.

Flying with Angel Moroni :)

The Raleigh temple is (relatively) small but beautiful. It's one of 139 operating temples worldwide!

Did you notice Ben's favorite expression? We've got ourselves a smiler!

Brunette to Blonde

Like most babies, Ben rubbed off the hair on the back (and sides) of his head. Needless to say, it's not the cutest hairstyle. I contemplated trimming it for a few weeks until I worked up the nerve to cut it.

Before:

Pleasantly waiting for me to get started

Side shot

After:

What a cutie!!

A great picture of the grass, but you can see how blonde his hair is!

I knew he was growing in blonde hair, but I didn't realize that trimming it would make such a difference! He's practically a different child! He looks more grown up, more VanDerwerken and less Standage, and more cute (if that's even possible!).

Ben didn't really like the actual cutting process - I'm sure the noise and vibrating of the clippers had something to do with that.

My little 4 month old is growing so fast! He loves his pacifier (even more now after going a week without it!). He doesn't tolerate being cradled in your arms unless he's going to sleep. He sings along with us as he's going to bed. It takes a lot to get him to laugh. He has realized that the carseat is really boring and lets me know it! And he gets totally bored when in the stroller, cart, or carrier. Instead of looking at the world around him he just sits there staring forward, totally zoned out. He sleeps great at night and well enough during the day. He's really righteous ;). The computer mesmerizes him. He loves baths and diaper changes. He's quite good at tummy time, sitting, and standing (with support, obviously).

Basically Benjamin is the coolest kid around.

Packing light

I dragged I convinced I forced Our family decided to go to the beach. Emerald Isle to be precise. I knew it was going to be so much fun, especially since I dragged I convinced I forced the Fergies* decided to come too! 

And of course I was right. Ben only cried for 1/4 of the drive, the front-desk-lady charged our credit card $700 for a one-night stay (who knew King sized rooms were so expensive?!), and I forgot the suitcase that had all of my (and consequently Doug's) clothes. Actually, make that 'stuff' - I forgot all of our stuff. Who forgets the swimsuit but remembers the Dr. Pepper? On a trip to the beach no less. And the most frustrating thing is that I had spent practically all day packing and had remembered everything. Except putting the bag in the car...

Thank heavens for Walmart. After buying all the hygiene essentials we found swimsuits on clearance! One teensy little problem: apparently everyone is my size so I was left with a hideous, too-big tankini top paired with boy shorts style underwear for bottoms. tmi? The plus side (haha get it?) is that it only cost $8 for the whole outfit. Doug, being a man, had no problem finding everything he needed. 

Doesn't Ben look like he's having a blast!?

No, but really, it all turned out okay. The Fergusons supplied us with everything else we needed (thanks, guys!) and the hotel only ended up costing $39. 

So...want to see a video of Ben touching the ocean? Of course you do. 

Other than these few minutes, Ben spent his entire beach experience in the baby tent (also courtesy of our awesome friends).

Look, I even remembered the football and chairs - go figure.
Tent in background.

Doug and I both quietly agreed that it probably would have been easier and more fun without Ben (oh I feel so guilty writing that down) but we wouldn't have it any other way. Despite the things that went wrong, most things went right and I absolutely loved our mini-vacation. Loved it enough to go again! But next time I'll remember to put our luggage in the car.

*Did you know that's my nickname for your family, Em? Speaking of 'family nicknames', Doug and I often dub nicknames for our friends because sometimes it's just that much easier to remember and definitely that much more fun. So, if you want to know yours, just ask. But don't be offended if we haven't made one up for you yet!

Dreams

When I became a parent it amazed me that I was entrusted to care for this little child. I am in awe of his potential and feel responsible for helping him read that potential - which is frankly, quite daunting. One night, Doug and I discussed the hopes and dreams we have for our Benjamin. It was a thoughtful, spiritual, and moving experience, mostly because I don't think I had realized how much I already loved him. And when you love someone, you want the world for them.

I read about another Ben - Ben Siedman - whose story comes close to home. I'm sure in Ben's early life, his mom had similar thoughts as I did, though now I can imagine her thoughts have evolved. Her Ben was diagnosed with Sanfilippo Syndrome at 15 months.

In this video, Noah, Ben's brother, says "I really wish my brother would sorta be normal." That hurts my heart. Of course he wants Ben to be normal. Ben's family has established a foundation, the Sanfilippo Research Foundation to increase awareness and raise money for research. They have been remarkably successful thus far as stated on their website:

Success in fundraising this year could help researchers meet their goal of a human clinical trial and pave the way for a healthy future for thousands of children afflicted with genetic disorders.

You can help them with fundraising by voting for them on Facebook here through the Chase Community Giving Program.

I sincerely think this foundation can do a lot of good with their research. Ben's story touched me on multiple levels and I just feel fortunate that I heard about him today.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Or in this case, a video:

Blessing Day

Doug gave our adorable Benjamin Michael his baby blessing yesterday. No last minute name-changing happened (phew). The blessing was beautiful; you're a lucky boy, Benjamin. It was wonderful that so many people came to support us and we're sorry that not everyone could come. 

A family photo:

Ben is wearing the outfit that my dad, and my two brothers were blessed in.

We managed not to get it dirty - imagine that!

Look at how big he's getting! (He's basically 2 months old now.)

I know I don't have to comment on all these pictures, but seriously, I look like I'm 14.

Though I'm sure you didn't need me to tell you that.

Yeah, these are Ben's go-to expressions, haha!

After church, the extended family got together to eat a delicious meal and pass baby around. Life has changed so much and yet it seems like Benjamin has always been a part of our lives. Catherine told me that days go by slow and weeks go by fast. How true is that! We all know the years pass quickly but it's frightening when generations do too. I treasure these moments when Ben is small and absolutely perfect. Yesterday I glimpsed eternity as I pondered all that I hope for Ben. I can't put into words the joy I feel because we are sealed together. Because of Jesus Christ, our family is forever.