This Christmas Lilee is 12, Daegan 10, Holt 8, and Knoxx 2. We had a wonderful visit from Santa on the 20th, and the kids were surprised by the man in red with toys from their wishlist. It was awesome to see Knoxx so natural with Santa. He didn't bat an eyelash except to say "Santa!" in his baby speak and then, "Bye bye, Santa," when St. Nick made his departure.
The kiddos opened their gifts once Santa left (He's on a tight schedule, ya know--had to get back to the North Pole in preparation for THE EVENT). Lilee opened a DSi 3D and her laughter quickly turned to tears. Let's just say that Patrick and I had made it clear that we could not
afford the DSi, nor did we think it would be taken care of well enough
to justify the expense (this makes #5 in our house, 3 of which did not
survive and 1 that remains disabled needing to be fixed).
Daegan got a game he's waited nearly a year for: Batman Arkham Origins for the X-Box. Let's just say he was very excited. His happiness didn't stop him from consoling Lilee--love that sweet boy :-)!
Holt received Marvel Legos, which unbeknownst to Santa he really wanted--but not to put together, just for the figures. So, Lilee helped with assembly in the days that followed while Holt dropped in to occasionally supervise. That boy is going to have to find a job in which he can move into management quickly!
Knoxx received a big ole yellow dump truck from the giant red suited man.The rest of us are on our toes now for fear of the charging baby and his Thomas train toting dump truck. I hope my walls and furniture survive Santa's thoughtfulness!
The 22nd brought the lovely gift of time with family as Granny and PaPaw came to visit. While they couldn't stay long, the kids loved spending time with their grandparents and were very sad to see them go.
Christmas day made a fibber of Patrick who is always the first to defend the notion that children should be able to wake up at o'crack thirty and rip open gifts. Lilee woke up and got the boys out of bed at 6--but she couldn't get Patrick to get out of bed (not to say I was moving, mind you!). We made the kiddos stare torturously at their gifts for an hour before we joined them and had them open gifts (don't judge). Maybe next year we'll wrap ahead of time instead of the night before--better yet, we could wake the kids up when we're done wrapping at 3 or 4 and then put everyone back to bed. Hmmm.
According to family tradition, we went to Nana and G-Pop's house for Christmas dinner with the Oxford side. Nana made everything from scratch this year and a feast was certainly enjoyed. Cousins Kaitlyn and Hailee are growing up fast, and Lilee and Hailee enjoy each others' company more and more as they get older.
Favorite gifts:
For All: TIME. For the first Christmas ever, Patrick took time off of work from Christmas into the New Year. It has been lovely to have so much time together as a family, and despite the mess of 6 people milling about all day at home, it's time that couldn't be traded.
Lilee: Oragami book and paper, make up, boots, NorthFace jacket.
Daegan: Batman Arkham Origins figures, Marvel Superhero X-box game, Prisma Color pencils and sketchpads
Holt: Horse Riding Helmet and gloves, Legos, Lego Indiana Jones X-box game.
Knoxx: All things Thomas!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Halloween 2012: And so the Devil was no match for the Grim Reaper...
This Halloween, in a strange turn of events, our Lilliputian traded down from princess and frilly garb for the likes of a Soul Monger. Meanwhile, Daegan, forever our hero, continues in his love of super powered crusaders and once again donned a Spidey suit. Holt wore a morph suit that would be pretty much illegal on any one else in the Bennett Clan. (Even clad in long johns, he looked like he could be pushed over with the slightest after-gust of Hurricane Sandy.) And Knoxx, or precious little Bobble Head, was the Handsomest Little Devil. Unfortunately, we was confined first to the arms of Skeletor, and then those of the Grim Reaper in what is an historical overthrow of his forsaken dominion.
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| While the "Bigs" went trick or treating, the little devil and I had some hang time over fine cuisine served in plastic fare. |
Monday, September 10, 2012
Bobble Head Turns 1
Really? REALLY?!?@!?
It just doesn't seem possible. My littlest man is a year old, and I'm not sure I can handle it. This past year has been the picture of perfection. PERFECTION. Just ask anyone whose spent any time whatsoever with Knoxx. God blessed our family beyond our comprehension. Every one of our children has been a blessing, I'm not discounting that fact. But Knoxx was the one I didn't plan to have, ya know? He came at such a challenging time in our lives and we were in no way prepared for his presence. But as I texted the day he was born, "I'm in love." Even if I could make our lives more secure financially, give use more time to get through a day, or even gain a few more zzzzzz's, I wouldn't trade one second of my time with little Bobble Head. Not. One. Second.
It just doesn't seem possible. My littlest man is a year old, and I'm not sure I can handle it. This past year has been the picture of perfection. PERFECTION. Just ask anyone whose spent any time whatsoever with Knoxx. God blessed our family beyond our comprehension. Every one of our children has been a blessing, I'm not discounting that fact. But Knoxx was the one I didn't plan to have, ya know? He came at such a challenging time in our lives and we were in no way prepared for his presence. But as I texted the day he was born, "I'm in love." Even if I could make our lives more secure financially, give use more time to get through a day, or even gain a few more zzzzzz's, I wouldn't trade one second of my time with little Bobble Head. Not. One. Second.
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| Celebration over brunch at Egg Harbor Cafe |
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| A moment among brothers. Daegan love his little brother so much. |
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| Gigi--82 yrs young with her 5th great gran. |
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Lilliputian Turns 11
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| My gorgeous girl. |
There's something to be said of my relationship with Lilee...it's something I've admitted to few, though Lilee and I have talked about it on occasion because it's there, in our face on a weekly if not daily basis. You see, I'm not quite the emotional lovey-dovey type with my daughter. I don't know why. Of all my babies, I had more time with Lilee before going into the work force and we spent our days cuddling, napping, and, of course, discount shopping. We still love these times together when we sneak them into our hectic lives, it's just I've noticed over the years that I am not as affectionate with Lilee as I once so easily was. I'm not proud of that. I'm surprised I can even be so honest as to admit it here, out in the open for anyone to see. But it's real, and it's something that a few other moms I've talked to about it feel too with their own princesses, so I know I'm not alone in its reality or in my deep desire to change it.
My confession is certainly not a cop out, or an "Oh well, that's just the way I am." Indeed, I make conscious decisions to show Lilee my love for her knowing that I will regret not doing so. She is such an amazing little girl really. She is extremely loving, tremendously affectionate, ridiculously quirky, and fundamentally loyal. She loves her brothers and even bosses them around in an effort to keep them safe and happy (well, most of the time!). In fact, I've often said that Knoxx isn't sure who's his mom--Lilee or me. I'm not kidding when I say that; baby boy loves Lilee and gets just as much comfort in her arms as he does in mine. I think part of what makes my relationship with Lilee so different is the fact that she really does seem o.k. without me, and I mean that in the best, most complimentary way possible.
Lilee exudes self-confidence that isn't founded in anything I do for or say to her. She was born knowing her place in this world. I used to clean our little apartment when she was a baby and she would just lay on the floor entertaining herself. She rarely cried and always seemed content to do whatever and go wherever Patrick and I wanted. And unlike most babies, her first word wasn't momma or dada, it was Lila--her pronunciation of her own name. Girl has always been self aware! When Daegan was born 19 months after Lilee, I'm afraid Lilee became even more independent and self determined, probably out of necessity. I honestly hardly remember her 1st to 2nd year I was so overwhelmed with two and work and, well, Daegan was a needy child in many respects. I regret the reality of my lost memories greatly, but funny thing about time--you can't turn it back.
Of one thing I am very certain about my first-born: Lilee is a phenomenal girl. I don't worry about us, about our relationship as she grows older. Not many moms can say that I don't think, but I really don't worry about the "crazy teenage years." I may be wrong, and she may end up giving me a run for my money, but I don't think so. Our directness, honesty, and complete openness with one another is special. I know her heart and she knows mine; we wear them on our sleeves around here. And despite the affection that doesn't come naturally for me, she knows I'm trying, and she knows without a doubt that I love her every second of every day.
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| Can you hear her laughter? |
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| Her smile lights up the world. |
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Knoxx David
Induced two weeks early, our little man, and the last babe to join the Bennett asylum, arrived September 10th 2011 at 7:11PM. Knoxx weighed in at 8 pounds 15.6 ounces and was 22.5 inches long. Big sister Lilee was there for his birth (her own request) and was amazing throughout our nearly 24hour wait for his arrival. We had her stand up by my head (of course), and were surprised when later she told us that she watched everything through the reflection in Dr. Smith's glasses! Perhaps we have a future doctor on our hands... I just love that she got to be there and experience the miracle of life, and I love even more that Knoxx got to hold big sister's finger while he was examined by the nurse and Daddy snapped some beautiful first photos.
Knoxx's Birth Story
Knoxx's birth was too easy to do the whole nine months justice, so I'll start from the beginning. We found out we were having a boy on July 9th, and while that fact has turned out beautifully (quite literally--have you seen his pictures?), I'm not gonna lie...we were a little disappointed. Lilee was by far the most affected by our news (read previous post).
Prior to our family excursion to spy on little peanut, Patrick and I, along with Nana, prepped the kids for the possibility of boy or girl (though to be honest we were all hoping for pig tails and sweet summer dresses--Lilee most fervently of all!). We took some time looking at baby's sweet face and what looked to be a good head of hair, as well as his/her sweet little hands and feet. The excitement was palpable as the kids stared in wonder at the images projected on the screen, larger than life and at the same time portraying the miracle of life.
When the moment of truth came, and the sonographer said ... "It's a Boy!"--there was hushed silence...Really? A boy? Are you sure??? And then the soft sobs of sweet Liliputian grew and I think we were all a little misty-eyed from the sincere disappointment of our only little princess. In true girl fashion Lilee's dramatic reaction continued for, well, for two days... You see, this was because God did not give her the answer her first earnest prayer--a little sister with whom to share girlie secrets and frilly things. So Nana did what Nanas do and whisked Lilee away for a girls' weekend that included shopping and respite at the cabin from little brothers that just keep multiplying back at home. By the time Lilee came home she seemed to have recovered and was even proud to show me the sweet little things she and Nana came across for Knoxx on their shopping spree.
(Liliputian, of two things I am certain: 1) You will love your little brother more than you can even imagine, and 2) the men may dominate in our house in #, but never in spirit because you, my special princess, have more spirit than us all!)
So, not only was Knoxx's gender a surprise (I just knew I was having a girl), but the events of the pregnancy defied my expectations as well. About 8 weeks into the pregnancy, I started feeling weak and dizzy. I mentioned my symptoms to Dr. Smith, and we chalked it up to normal pregnancy irregularities or anemia (I'm eternally anemic). By the time I hit about 16 weeks, however, my symptoms had worsened to the point of not being able to stand for any length of time. I couldn't walk around stores, stand up and teach my students, clean my house, etc. without verging on passing out. Even sitting straight up left me dizzy!
At 20 weeks I took the normal glucose tests and as I always have I failed the first 2 tests. Normally I pass the third and all is good, but this time I failed miserably and I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Thus began my weekly trips to a perinatologist where we monitored Knoxx's growth vigilantly. (Now keep in mind that about a week before my diagnosis a woman with gestational diabetes in Texas had a 16 pound baby! I was determined I was not going to come anywhere close to her experience.) By the time I was 30 weeks Knoxx already weighed a hefty 4.5 pounds, a week later weighed 6.5 pounds, and the doctors and I knew I risked delivering a 12 or 13 pound baby. Diet wasn't helping my sugar levels; apparently my pancreas went on strike and refused to produce any insulin. Thus began the daily regimen of monitoring my sugar 4 times a day and giving myself insulin shots just as many times. Fortunately for my hatred of shots, medicine has come a long way and the needle for delivering insulin injections is very tiny--or Knoxx just may have been 13 pounds!
On the morbid bright side, the constant self-inflicted pokes were a source of entertainment for the kids and were an excellent way to get pretty much anything I wanted from Patrick. The kids were fascinated by the finger pricks and shots, frequently offering to give them to me (I'm sure this was out of love and not revenge for all the poor parenting I've dished out over the years). As the kids monitored my progress, I hoped that a) the boys would stop being afraid of shots and finger pokes, and b) Lilee would be turned off sex for forever (oh, yes--the sex talk was facilitated by Knoxx's impending arrival) because of how rotten this pregnancy was. The good news was Knoxx's growth slowed down tremendously with the insulin treatments and by week 37 he weighed "only" 9 pounds.
An aside: Lilee informed me some time around all of this that she was only going to have sex 2 times because she only wants one boy and one girl =). She also asked why, if Patrick and I didn't plan another baby, we had sex...I left that question unanswered...*ahem*).
While Knoxx's weight was not really an issue at this point (Holt was over 9 lbs and was one push to deliver), the size of his head was concerning the doctors. His head measured 5 weeks older than what he was. I wasn't too surprised...have you seen Patrick's head? Anyways, we decided to induce at 38 weeks to make sure I could deliver naturally and not be c-section for my 4th and final pregnancy. This meant also having an amniocentesis to ensure Knoxx's lungs were fully developed, and once we got the o.k. we planned the induction for September 9th. The difficult part was over.
September 9th was like any other day. I went to work (it was a Friday) and spent my day training my replacement. I left work at 2 and got a pedicure (couldn't deliver without pretty toes!) and then met Patrick at home to head the hospital together. We dropped Emerson off at Nana and G-Pop's, picked up Lilee (Nana had grabbed the kids after school), and got to Northside about 5:30. Lilee was amazed at how uneventful things were. We sat around watching t.v., texting, and playing on the computer.
We got the induction going about 9 that night with Cervadil and started Pitossin at 4:30ish the next morning. As we continued to wait and wait and wait, we took time to review the contingency place with Lilee if she at any time wasn't comfortable being in the room when I was delivering Knoxx. The plan was for her to wait in the bathroom if needed (and on my end hope for a quick and easy delivery like the other boys were so she wouldn't be sitting in there waiting on a slow, difficult delivery). By about 6:15 in the evening we knew Knoxx would be arriving within the hour. Lilee had no fear and could hardly contain her excitement. Patrick and I looked at each other in awe, thinking "Are we really about to have a baby?" and "Is our oldest baby really here watching us have another baby?" It was surreal and amazing and more than we could have imagined.
Seven o'clock came and Dr. Smith came in with his entourage to get the room and I prepped for delivery. Lilee stood at my right shoulder and watched everything with wonder. We were, of course, protecting her from seeing too much, but she told us later she saw the whole event in the reflection of Dr. Smith's glasses--she's a precocious one, that's for sure! And at 7:10 PM, as I was getting ready to push, Dr. Smith asked me what time I was going to have the baby. I guessed 7:13 (I had Knoxx's head size to consider!) and Patrick optimistically said 7:11. Well, daddy won the bet because one push and Knoxx David Bennett had entered our world and captured our hearts.
Knoxx's Birth Story
Knoxx's birth was too easy to do the whole nine months justice, so I'll start from the beginning. We found out we were having a boy on July 9th, and while that fact has turned out beautifully (quite literally--have you seen his pictures?), I'm not gonna lie...we were a little disappointed. Lilee was by far the most affected by our news (read previous post).
Prior to our family excursion to spy on little peanut, Patrick and I, along with Nana, prepped the kids for the possibility of boy or girl (though to be honest we were all hoping for pig tails and sweet summer dresses--Lilee most fervently of all!). We took some time looking at baby's sweet face and what looked to be a good head of hair, as well as his/her sweet little hands and feet. The excitement was palpable as the kids stared in wonder at the images projected on the screen, larger than life and at the same time portraying the miracle of life.
When the moment of truth came, and the sonographer said ... "It's a Boy!"--there was hushed silence...Really? A boy? Are you sure??? And then the soft sobs of sweet Liliputian grew and I think we were all a little misty-eyed from the sincere disappointment of our only little princess. In true girl fashion Lilee's dramatic reaction continued for, well, for two days... You see, this was because God did not give her the answer her first earnest prayer--a little sister with whom to share girlie secrets and frilly things. So Nana did what Nanas do and whisked Lilee away for a girls' weekend that included shopping and respite at the cabin from little brothers that just keep multiplying back at home. By the time Lilee came home she seemed to have recovered and was even proud to show me the sweet little things she and Nana came across for Knoxx on their shopping spree.
(Liliputian, of two things I am certain: 1) You will love your little brother more than you can even imagine, and 2) the men may dominate in our house in #, but never in spirit because you, my special princess, have more spirit than us all!)
So, not only was Knoxx's gender a surprise (I just knew I was having a girl), but the events of the pregnancy defied my expectations as well. About 8 weeks into the pregnancy, I started feeling weak and dizzy. I mentioned my symptoms to Dr. Smith, and we chalked it up to normal pregnancy irregularities or anemia (I'm eternally anemic). By the time I hit about 16 weeks, however, my symptoms had worsened to the point of not being able to stand for any length of time. I couldn't walk around stores, stand up and teach my students, clean my house, etc. without verging on passing out. Even sitting straight up left me dizzy!
At 20 weeks I took the normal glucose tests and as I always have I failed the first 2 tests. Normally I pass the third and all is good, but this time I failed miserably and I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Thus began my weekly trips to a perinatologist where we monitored Knoxx's growth vigilantly. (Now keep in mind that about a week before my diagnosis a woman with gestational diabetes in Texas had a 16 pound baby! I was determined I was not going to come anywhere close to her experience.) By the time I was 30 weeks Knoxx already weighed a hefty 4.5 pounds, a week later weighed 6.5 pounds, and the doctors and I knew I risked delivering a 12 or 13 pound baby. Diet wasn't helping my sugar levels; apparently my pancreas went on strike and refused to produce any insulin. Thus began the daily regimen of monitoring my sugar 4 times a day and giving myself insulin shots just as many times. Fortunately for my hatred of shots, medicine has come a long way and the needle for delivering insulin injections is very tiny--or Knoxx just may have been 13 pounds!
On the morbid bright side, the constant self-inflicted pokes were a source of entertainment for the kids and were an excellent way to get pretty much anything I wanted from Patrick. The kids were fascinated by the finger pricks and shots, frequently offering to give them to me (I'm sure this was out of love and not revenge for all the poor parenting I've dished out over the years). As the kids monitored my progress, I hoped that a) the boys would stop being afraid of shots and finger pokes, and b) Lilee would be turned off sex for forever (oh, yes--the sex talk was facilitated by Knoxx's impending arrival) because of how rotten this pregnancy was. The good news was Knoxx's growth slowed down tremendously with the insulin treatments and by week 37 he weighed "only" 9 pounds.
An aside: Lilee informed me some time around all of this that she was only going to have sex 2 times because she only wants one boy and one girl =). She also asked why, if Patrick and I didn't plan another baby, we had sex...I left that question unanswered...*ahem*).
While Knoxx's weight was not really an issue at this point (Holt was over 9 lbs and was one push to deliver), the size of his head was concerning the doctors. His head measured 5 weeks older than what he was. I wasn't too surprised...have you seen Patrick's head? Anyways, we decided to induce at 38 weeks to make sure I could deliver naturally and not be c-section for my 4th and final pregnancy. This meant also having an amniocentesis to ensure Knoxx's lungs were fully developed, and once we got the o.k. we planned the induction for September 9th. The difficult part was over.
September 9th was like any other day. I went to work (it was a Friday) and spent my day training my replacement. I left work at 2 and got a pedicure (couldn't deliver without pretty toes!) and then met Patrick at home to head the hospital together. We dropped Emerson off at Nana and G-Pop's, picked up Lilee (Nana had grabbed the kids after school), and got to Northside about 5:30. Lilee was amazed at how uneventful things were. We sat around watching t.v., texting, and playing on the computer.
We got the induction going about 9 that night with Cervadil and started Pitossin at 4:30ish the next morning. As we continued to wait and wait and wait, we took time to review the contingency place with Lilee if she at any time wasn't comfortable being in the room when I was delivering Knoxx. The plan was for her to wait in the bathroom if needed (and on my end hope for a quick and easy delivery like the other boys were so she wouldn't be sitting in there waiting on a slow, difficult delivery). By about 6:15 in the evening we knew Knoxx would be arriving within the hour. Lilee had no fear and could hardly contain her excitement. Patrick and I looked at each other in awe, thinking "Are we really about to have a baby?" and "Is our oldest baby really here watching us have another baby?" It was surreal and amazing and more than we could have imagined.
Seven o'clock came and Dr. Smith came in with his entourage to get the room and I prepped for delivery. Lilee stood at my right shoulder and watched everything with wonder. We were, of course, protecting her from seeing too much, but she told us later she saw the whole event in the reflection of Dr. Smith's glasses--she's a precocious one, that's for sure! And at 7:10 PM, as I was getting ready to push, Dr. Smith asked me what time I was going to have the baby. I guessed 7:13 (I had Knoxx's head size to consider!) and Patrick optimistically said 7:11. Well, daddy won the bet because one push and Knoxx David Bennett had entered our world and captured our hearts.
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| Gorgeous at birth. And an unbelievable amount of hair! |
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| Look at those meaty arms! Welcome BB4! |
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| Despite the look, BB4 is not crying here. He loved his 1st bath. |
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| Holding Lilee's finger. This is the beginning of their beautiful relationship. |
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| Complete. We seriously needed Knoxx, we just didn't know it. |
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| Adoration. Lilee is feeding him, the boys are enamored. I caught it at just the | right moment. |
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Spring Break 2011: Clearwater, FL
So the Bennett clan took a trip to Florida over Spring Break to visit Meme and have a sort of last vacation before BB4's arrival. I figured the summer would be miserable being 7-9 months pregnant, so now's the time to have our last hoorah as a family of 5. We stayed in a pretty basic hotel, but the breakfast next door at Lenny's Restaurant made the cheap accommodations worth the savings. After all, a bed's a bed, right? (And the air conditioning was fantastic, so it was a score at $35 a night!). We spent most of our time hanging on the beach and enjoying peace and quiet.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
And BB4 is a ... !
As little peanut has grown inside of me, so too has the anxiousness to find out if "BB4" is a "he" or a "she". So, at a little shy of 13 weeks, on St. Patrick's Day, I took the opportunity to harass Dr. K, my perinatologist with Atlanta Perinatal Consultants, into taking a guess during a routine ultrasound. He of course beat around the bush... "Oh, it's too early to tell (yada yada)...," but I was relentless and he succumbed under the pressure; He agreed to make his best educated guess (and claimed about 85% accuracy at determining gender at this early stage). His guess? A Boy.
Well, not sure what I'll do with Lilee's extensive boutique hand-me-downs. And I definitely need to rethink my plans for when Bennett Babies 1, 2, and 3 go off to college and BB4 is in middle school-- not so sure little man is going to want to go shopping with me, get pedicures, and finish our perfect day with a Caramel Latte from Starbucks? Hmmmmm?
So, just because we aren't entirely certain yet what BB4 is, a "she" or a "he," we've settled on the following names for BB4 "just in case":
after best friend Dave Manz)
(It should be known that Lilee really likes the name Charlie for a girl, and I really like the name Bennett Hudson for a boy. What's wrong with Bennett Bennett? Oh well, looks like neither of us will get our way past daddy!)
Well, not sure what I'll do with Lilee's extensive boutique hand-me-downs. And I definitely need to rethink my plans for when Bennett Babies 1, 2, and 3 go off to college and BB4 is in middle school-- not so sure little man is going to want to go shopping with me, get pedicures, and finish our perfect day with a Caramel Latte from Starbucks? Hmmmmm?
So, just because we aren't entirely certain yet what BB4 is, a "she" or a "he," we've settled on the following names for BB4 "just in case":
Girl Boy
Karys Rebekah Knoxx David (Knoxx for Knoxville where we met and fell in love, Davidafter best friend Dave Manz)
(It should be known that Lilee really likes the name Charlie for a girl, and I really like the name Bennett Hudson for a boy. What's wrong with Bennett Bennett? Oh well, looks like neither of us will get our way past daddy!)
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