Benjamin 2 (85 photos), by Abbie Sanderson

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I'm Behind...

Well, as I usually post on Wednesday's... I've just realized that I'm a bit behind. But, I have a good reason. I've spent this week battling an UTI. Fun!! And, the antibiotics that I am on have made Benjamin's diapers smell pretty bad!

Ben is now 10 weeks old, and I have a week left of maternity leave! He is still growing... he weighed in at 12lbs. 13.5oz. at group on Wednesday. He's been doing great sleeping until last night! Eric said I jinxed myself! Wednesday night he slept from 8:30-5am!! My mom asked me yesterday if I still get the urge to check on him when he sleeps that long. I said "Heck no, I'm getting all the sleep I can, too!" Last night, he only made it until 1:30 :( But, he goes right back to sleep after his feedings, so that's great!!

Last weekend, we moved the cradle into the nursery so I could get some better sleep. Benjamin adapted so well. Then, the second night on his first feeding, I found him smushed in the corner of the cradle. Then, on his second feeding his arm was hanging out the slats and he was flailing it around. The basket was hanging to the side... I decided that was the last time he was sleeping in it. So, he's in the crib now and is doing well with it!! We also rearranged the nursery a bit:

Also last weekend, my brother, his wife & 4 kids visited us! We had a blast. They got here on Wednesday. Thursday was Eric's birthday - so he joined them in going to World's of Fun while I watched Ben & their youngest. Then, they hit Ocean's of Fun Friday. Then we all went to the zoo on Saturday! It was Ben's (and our) first visit to the zoo.

I am getting a little nervous and anxious about going back to work. I return on August 10th. My direct boss (the executive producer) is leaving the Friday before I get back, so I'm going to have some of his responsibilites. It's going to mean a lot more work for me, which I'm nervous about... but I know I can handle it. Plus, I plan to do a stellar job so they look at me more seriously as a candidate for his position!

Well, back to the grind! I'll be sure to update sooner next time!

2 Months Old & A Big Weekend

Well, Benjamin has hit another milestone. He's now 2 months old. He had his check-up today and it went great. He's in the 65th percentile for both head & weight and 50th for length. He did so great with his shots, he only cried for seconds! Then, when we got home, he nursed and passed out! He's been sleeping for 2 hours! He weighed 12 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 23 inches long!

This past weekend, we visited Eric's family in Atkins for a long weekend. We headed up on Wednesday night and Benjamin slept through the night. He ate at 8pm, fell asleep at 9pm and didn't wake up until 5am.

Thursday, we went to visit some of my old friends at KCRG. It was nice to stop in and see people I haven't seen in a while. Later that evening, Eric's cousins and their children, and his aunt and uncle came by for a BBQ. What a fun night!

Friday night, we went to a very good family friends' house, Mike & LuAnn Kuennen. Their daughter Angie and her 2 children were there, and so was their son Michael. It was so nice to see them, they are like family to me! Benjamin had another champ night that evening. He ate at 6pm, fell asleep at 8 and woke up at 5am!!

Saturday morning, we made a quick visit to Steph & Kyle's in North Liberty. Kendrick had injured himself so we wanted to check in on him. And, Steph had a basket full of goodies (old toys and tons of books). Then, it was on to New Hampton for a baby shower. Benjamin got tons of great clothes & toys and got to meet the rest of the Kuehn family.

Sunday it was time for the Kuehn family reunion. That's Eric's mom's, Wanda, side of the family! We had such a great time and even got some great photos! Here's a peek at all of the action from the weekend:

With Great Grandpa Keuhn:

With Great Gradma Keuhn:

With Ashley Hinson:

Hanging out with Dad in the hotel:



2nd Cousins Mariella & Benjamin:

4 Generations:

Happy Family:

Already 7 Weeks Old!!

Surprise, surprise!! Benjamin is still growing like a champ. At group today he weighed in at a whopping 11 pounds 10 ounces!! And, while we were at group - he had a major blowout! Poop came up the back of his diaper and dripped out. He was only wearing a diaper! Luckily - it only got on my nursing cover and the floor - somehow I stayed clean! Since then, we have bought a new brand of diaper that has a flap in the back to catch those types of poops!!


On to other news. We made our first long car ride over the holiday weekend. We went back to see my family. On the way there, we broke up the trip and stayed in North Liberty on Thursday night. The trip went very well. We only had to stop 2 times for feedings and Benjamin didn't get too fussy!!


Then, Friday morning we headed up to Waukon to have lunch with a neighbor lady. After lunch, it was off to a friend's house for pictures! I can't wait to see how they turn out... she does an amazing job! Then, my entire family joined up at Mom & Dad's for a barbecue, bonfire and fireworks. This was very exciting as Dad, Brad, Kyle and all of the kids hadn't seen Ben yet! We had a very nice night!

Saturday afternoon, we headed down to my Grandma Shea's house for some baked goods! She spoiled us rotten and Benjamin got to meet Great Grandma, Great Aunts Teresa & Mary Jo, and cousin's Geoffrey & Patrick. After some sweets at Grandma's it was off to Arlington for a picnic in the park with the Fedeler's. It was unseasonably cool outside - so we had to keep Benjamin snuggled up in his blanket... but he did just great!!

Sunday morning - we hit the road again for Kansas City. This time, we made the 7 hour trip in one leg! And, Benjamin did so well. We stopped a couple of times for him to eat and for us to use the restroom. He only had one fussy meltdown and we pulled onto an off ramp to soothe him. As soon as we put him back in his carseat after he cooled off - he fell right asleep. I spent a lot of time in the back seat with Ben - but it was worth it.

Oh - Benjamin started smiling and cooing at us over the weekend. Steph & Grandma ended up getting several smiles out of him!!

Here are some pictures from the weekend:

All the kids ready for fireworks! (Benjamin was napping)

Uncle Brad holding Benjamin

Benjamin giving big smiles to Aunt Steph

Growing So Fast

Well - at 6 weeks, Benjamin is just growing like a champ. At group today, he weiged in at 10lbs. 13.5oz. He's just filling out so well. We have retired most of his newborn clothes. The only things that still fit him are his newborn pants. The 0-3 month pants are still too big on him.

We have had a great week. The weather has been beautiful, so Sun., Mon. & Tues. we went downtown Parkville to English Landing (a small park with walking trails) and went on a stroll. I think I enjoyed it more than Benjamin. He just slept! But, it's been great for me to get back to being active and get some fresh air. And, I am getting some color, too!

This week we also started the summer reading program through the library. I read books to Ben every day. I can fill out a list of 20 books, then we get to pick a board book for free. We can do up to 5 lists of 20!! He got his first book yesterday! I don't think he understands me reading to him yet - but he likes hearing the inflection in my voice.

Another big note from this week. Benjamin started really smiling back at us! He is also cooing more and mimicing the sounds we make! It's so much fun.

July is a busy, busy month for the family. Tomorrow night we head to NE Iowa to spend the holiday with my family! We are very excited as most of my immediate family has not yet met Benjamin - including his Grandpa!!

Then, next weekend, our friends Boone & Heather and their 2 children MAY be coming down to stay with us.

Then, the following weekend we are headed to Cedar Rapids and New Hampton to spend some time with Eric's family.

Then, the next weekend my brother, his wife & 4 kids are coming to stay with us for an extended weekend. It's their vacation!

So, you'll be getting a lot of updates from those weekends, if I can get to the computer!!