Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from our little monkey!!

Blessings.

Brad, Ben, and I went to Pennsylvania this weekend for my parents' annual Halloween party. While home I found out that two girls around my age were killed in separate car crashes, both leaving little children behind. I did not even know the girls, but I can't seem to stop thinking about it. One day these women were mothers, wives, out living their lives. The next...poof. Gone. Their tragedies have caused me to reflect. I began to worry. The worry began to overwhelm me and I couldn't sleep last night. Somehow I drifted off and I woke up with an epiphany of sorts. Worrying is no way to live your life. I have a good life and I should count my blessings. It really put things into perspective. I have a wonderful husband and a son who is the light of my life. Love just bursts from my heart when I think about them. My family is the most supportive, loving group of people you will ever meet. Brad and I have the best circle of friends and we know that know matter what life may bring, we can always turn to them for guidance and support.

And in the end, it can all be gone in a second. While incredibly sad, this revelation has given me a new outlook on life. A sense of appreciation for things often overlooked--the sound of my husband's footsteps as he comes up the stairs from work. Ben giggling and cooing in his crib at 6am. Nibbles eagerly and excitedly greeting me when I come home. The fact that I am here. I am healthy and I am alive.

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Memories

Firsts.

Today, one day before Ben turns 5 months old, he had his first rice cereal!! As you can see, it started off a bit rough...But then he started to get the hang of it...kind of. He would open his mouth each time the spoon came at it and would try to swallow. Most ended up on the bib (that Aunt Mary made!), but we had a great time anyway!

Sneak Peek.

Here's a preview of our first family photos we had taken in the park with Tina Ryan of Life is a Highway Photography. She's absolutely amazing and I can't wait for all of our pictures to be available. We should have them next week.

She has a little post about us on her blog. http://lifeisahighwayphotography.blogspot.com.

"Must Have"

Here is one of my baby "must haves": It's the Homedics Sound Spa Lullaby Relaxation Machine

It is completely awesome. In fact, moms on the message board I frequent call it the "baby crack machine" because babies seem to be infatuated with it! It plays music and nature sounds, has a timer, and also has a projector with different disks that light up the ceiling. Ben watches the cow jump over the moon with stars OVER and OVER and OVER until he drifts off to sleep. I got mine as a gift, but I believe it ranges in price depending on where you buy it from $19.95 to $29.95. Either way, it is money WELL SPENT. You will thank me at 3am! It even gets Ben's seal of approval!

Too cute for words.

Family.

Brad, Benjamin, and I went home this past weekend for a family get together before my Gran's surgery. We had a blast...there's never a dull moment when we hang out in Pennsylvania.

Ben met his cousin, Chelsea, for the first time this past weekend. They had a great time hanging out with Gran and Aunt Debbie!

Here's a group shot of my siblings with Gran. From L to R, Jason, Gran, Sarah, Myself, and Joshua.

Gran with cousins Jeremy and Elizabeth (Needless to say, she was none to happy with all of the pictures.)

Here's Josh with little Chelsea. She sleeps a lot...I'm so jealous! They said the other night she slept for 5 hours straight and she's only 6 weeks old! Lucky ducks.

Here's a shot of my parents' cat, T-Rex. (The name comes courtesy of my nephew, Dustin, because she bites a lot!)

My grandmother had her surgery yesterday. She made it through alright, but was just transferred to the intensive care unit for more intense monitoring. Please keep her in your prayers.