Benson's First Birthday

Funnies

Tonight BJ and McKay were on a walk. McKay turned to BJ and said, "Dad, I have more hair than you".

McKay loves Dr. Seuss books. We own several, thanks to Uncle Dan and Nana. He has them mostly memorized and tonight was reading "Oh the Thinks You Can Think" to BJ. However, McKay still struggles with the [th] sound, so tonight he actually read "Oh the Sinks You Can Sink".

Whenever Benson is feeling cheerful (and BJ is around) he follows BJ around the house giggling and saying, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy". Whenever he's hungry, tired, cranky, or needs something, he crawls after me crying, "Ma Ma Ma Ma". Oh the irony.

1 Year Old

We had a family party (along with our neighbors, Dave and Vickie) where we celebrated little Benson. We had pizza--his favorite food already. He ate a LOT; photo number one is Benson smeared in pizza. Then, for his first cake experience, I made cupcakes spelling Happy Birthday. He was not at all pleased about the frosting. He stuck his fingers in it and began to cry. However, once we got that off and broke open the cupcake, he was much happier. We sang and opened presents. He got this great helicopter (above) from our dear friends the Ashfords as well as a new dump truck, a construction duplos set (which McKay adores), and a water table. It was a great evening.

My Sister-in-law, the Super-Scientist

When Daniel decided he wanted to marry Angie, the Duke and Harvard grad, the Biomechanics doctoral student, the professionally published bird-flight specialist, and current Post-doc fellow at University of Houston, we knew knew he was making a great choice. In a conversation I had once with Daniel, he told me Angie was one of the leading scientists in her field. He described her as having a brilliant scientific mind. Below you'll find evidence of her genius and also her faith.

Angela Berg Robertson: Scientifically seeking religious truth | Mormon Times

I'm delighted that Daniel and Angie are married. And, while I marvel at her knowledge and "science", it is Angie's goodness, her faithfulness, her kindness to me and everyone she interacts with, and her absolute love for my brother that make me thrilled to be her sister. She has a pure heart and an unwavering devotion to God. She is a sweetheart and the perfect companion for my valiant but sometimes scatter-brained brother.

Congrats, Angie! Sure love you!

A Favor

BJ was on bedtime duty tonight while I taught a voice lesson. Toward the end of the lesson, McKay came out and informed me that Benson had gotten a "boo-boo". So, post-lesson I went to investigate. When I asked BJ what had happened, he related the following:

BJ: McKay, can you do me a favor?

McKay: A fever?!

BJ: No, a favor.

M: A FEVER?

B: A favor. A favor is when you do something nice for somebody else.

M: A favor?

B: Yeah, could you get me some socks for Benson?

M: Benson has a fever?!

B: No, he doesn't have a fever.

M: (Knowingly) Benson has the Fluke!

Birthday Baseball

Benson's 1st birthday was yesterday and we celebrated in All-American style! Once a year BJ's dental school is treated to a tasty meal and box seats at the local baseball team by a local dental practice.

Last year's event happened a few days after Benson was born so he and I stayed home while BJ and McKay went to the game. They came back thrilled with it all. BJ and McKay watched the game, played catch on the sidelines, and McKay got a foul ball. It sounded like so much fun we all decided to go again this year.

This year's game landed on Benson's birthday so we all went and had a great time. None of us saw much of the game but we enjoyed the food and friends immensely. Here we all are, attempting to get Benson's birthday hat on him.

Speaking of that birthday hat, while we were in the car driving to the game, McKay kept saying from the back seat, "Mom, can I have that space ship?" I couldn't figure out what in the world he was talking about until, at a stop light, I turned around and saw him pointing at Benson's birthday hat. For the rest of the evening he carried around his "space ship", flying it through the maze of tables. We had to pry it out of McKay's hands to get a picture of Benson wearing the birthday hat.

Happy Birthday Benson!

Happy Birthday, Boo!

My Darling Benson Boo,

One year ago today you were born. And I shouted for joy. "That was amazing", I just kept shouting, over and over again. And it was.

When I held you for the first time, your birth-cries quieted, and you stared into my eyes. "Hello my darling" was all I could say and kissed your soft, new cheeks. Joy: intense, both familiar and new, wrapped around me as I held you.

Joy has been a year now. A year of meeting. You've introduced yourself. It has been my pleasure. So much like your daddy; it makes me smile. Cheerful and calm, quick to smile, brave and curious, independent and oh so loving. Happy to learn and explore but always ready to cuddle. And eat. Anything.

A mother once before, I wasn't certain I could love again. My greatest comfort was to discover you. Wrapped in sweetness. Filling me with joy. Absolutely the same and totally different.

I love you my little darling.

Love,

Mommy