Fields Benjamin: 10 Months

Fieldsy,

Oh sweet boy. You were 10 months on July 13th, and we love this age. Pulling up to stand and crawling all over, you are on many new adventures. You eat everything we do, just in baby bites. Recently you've been a drool monster, getting some major teeth, with lots of tears and fevers. I think all of your back teeth are coming at once. (wishful thinking) On our recent vacation you swam in the lake and napped in the boat. We like introducing you to new things. You and Daddy have your own language, making noises back and forth.

I love it when you get dirt in your toes, because you are playing along with the big kids. You sleep with your gray donkey in a cozy sleep sack. We love it when you laugh out loud, usually with Tegegne tickling you. Daddy has enjoyed extra time with you, since he's on summer break.

We love you Baby Fields. Starting to think about your first birthday!

XO,

Mommy

Conversations: With Our Big Boy

Mom: Tell me all about school. 
Tegegne: I was very nervous at first (Michael had to leave you in the cafeteria with all of kids and their parents who waited to walk them to their classroom.). Then more people came and I was less nervous...Recess was pretty good...played soccer, but I didn't see Kade. I didn't like that I had to wait so long for lunch. (That's my fault, son...we usually eat at 11am at home!) But we got to take a snack to recess! And I did see Kade at art...

Dad: What are your friends names?
T: Macy...and I forgot...Oh, and Towns!
D: I had Town's sister in summer school last year...he's cool!

M: And your helper teacher...what is her name?
T: Madam Prisca. She's chocolate like me. 
M: She's very pretty.
T: Yeah, she is.
D: Aren't there several chocolate kids in your class?
T: Just two. 

(Pointing at your first school worksheet of the alphabet...)
T: I colored these red and blue for the Jayhawks, and these are black and purple for the Cats.  
D: Cool, who told you that?
T: Macy. She sits at my table!

T: Towns was splashing me so much in the pool that my eyes turned red. I splashed him back. 

T: Mom, why do you want two hugs...cooome on! I've already given you one.

Then for tuck in after the second day of school I asked you the best and hardest parts of the day. The best part was playing soccer and the worst part was when the big kid pushed you because you weren't playing the game right.  I got Daddy because he has lots of experience with "bullies" on the playground. You two had a good conversation, and you know that your teacher is there to help.

We are so proud of you. A highlight for all of us in this new phase of your life, is that you get special time with Dad to and from school. So far that's involved donuts and a trip to the toy store. You two are thriving with this extra time together, and it's so neat to watch. Dad is extra excited to hear you speaking French, and overall we feel content. One of the few things your Birth Mama told us is that she wanted you to have an education. Her wish is coming true. You are witty, can converse with adults, and are at a school where people know and look after you. She would be so proud, Son.  Let's look to the stars tonight and say a prayer that she would somehow know that her wish for you is coming true. 

Love, love, love you,

Mama (You and Hensley have been calling me Mama, since that's what Fields says!)

Kids: Get the Giggles

Tegegne, 5
Hensley, almost 2.5

Tegegne and Hensley, 
You two were having so much fun with a spray bottle tonight. Hens, we don't hear that good belly laugh often and it was awesome! Of course, as most things caught on video...this went on for at least 10 minutes before we decided we should video it. I love it when you kids get the giggles. Laughter makes the world go round.  

Love you so much,

Mom

Memorial Weekend: Cousins Galore

Lydia, Rowan, Tegegne, Orien, Ava, Olivia, Maddy, and Hensley 

Chasing kids calls for a break! (Me, Grandma, Mom, Tarah, Christina)

Grandpa Ben is a good playmate.

Hens spots Daddy from afar, yells to him with delight, and does the run and jump into his arms!

Christina, Lydia, Aunt Donna, and Noah by the Lake

Tarah and Andrea

Hal and Grandpa Orville

Fieldsy's Quilt Time with Daddy

...and with Gramma Debby

Aunt Deanna and Christina

Erica, Cela, Andrea, and I

Boys will be boys 

Grandma telling jokes!

Zane is quite the athlete!

And so is his sister Gracie.  

Hensley and Orien are a month and a half apart and quite good buddies! 

Everyone loves Grandma Ileen. She had the kids do a scavenger hunt, and really knows how to create good fun!

The Dunivent Family Reunion 2013 was quite a success. Antioch Park, Shelter II was a great spot for our afternoon and evening gathering. 

Highlights included: 
Michael and Bob's 2 hours of pitch and catch. 
Delicious food.
Tegegne's long game of soccer. He was the youngest player, but stuck with it for hours.
Grandma Ileen's scavenger hunt for the kids.
The kids loved watching the goslings on the lake. 
Hensley's bubbles with the little ones, swinging with Grandpa Ben, and eating all afternoon.
I enjoyed chatting with the gals, and eating all day. (Like mother, like daughter.)
Everyone was glad when Uncle Eric arrived later in the day from St. Louis. 

That gathering was on Saturday. Then yesterday we enjoyed our Supper Club, and walked with them to the Celebration at Liberty Memorial. Picnic with our friends, topped off with a fireworks show. Fieldsy, you didn't even cry at the loud cannons. And you laid on me and watched the fireworks (you're such a good baby). Tegegne sat on Shanna's lap during the show, and wrestled with Tyler and Alan, played games with Nate, learned to grass whistle with Devon, and sat with Larison and Daddy. Hensley had her very own sleep over at the Condo with Grandma and Grandpa. 

Long weekends are the best.

Fields Benjamin: 8 Months

Clap, clap, clap, clap your hands! Hi Baby Fields. You are so cute. Dad noticed you've got my ears, Iman ears. Some say you look just like your dad, and more like Hensley as you grow. You are so much fun, easy going, and snuggly. You are kind of rough and tumble with Tegegne already. You love to stand, holding on tight. You sit very well and rock yourself to your tummy. Will be crawling very soon. You have waved a few times. Like to eat everything. Since you still have plenty of breast milk, I'll fill a bottle with almond milk if we are out and about. You have two bottom teeth, two top teeth, one of them is half way out and one all the way. A little snaggletooth.  Your baths are now with Hens and Tegegne. Your favorite toy is Moose, in the first and last picture. Daddy and Tegegne and you had some great boy time this weekend.

Love you, Bug.

Mama

Afternoon: And Baby Talk

Here's a short snippet to remember how much we love hanging with Baby Hazel. Our house will soon be for sale and the thought of not having this sweet Baby Friend a stairwell away is sad. Hazel was born June 30th with Fields trailing after on September 13th. Fields outgrew Hazel quickly, and we love seeing their differences. Fieldsy's hands are big and firm while Hazels are delicate and soft. She make subtle movements and loves to whisper while Fields makes grunt and nearly scoots across the floor. Baby time is my fave.

We love you Miss Hazel Elece.

Kristyn

A Connection: To Dirt, To Family

So I was just reflecting on the Lenten season and realized that since then I have been less "plugged in." I mean, I love reading others blogs and writing here and keeping up with fashion and design and new recipes via pinterest. Also love keeping up with friends photos on Instagram. It's all good, but a big part of me loves when I do less of that. What helps is a good book. And nice weather. And a conscious effort to be a good example to Tegegne, as I often tell him "no...he cannot play a game on the Ipad because it's a waste of time and he should be reading or playing instead..." 

I know eventually we should get smart phones, and maybe even an I phone...ooh, laa, la. But then again, I sort of like still having to write down directions and use my good instincts to get to where I need to go. Or do I? It would be really fun to have a nice camera on my phone. And video. 

There is just something about being connected to the real world, like reality, ya know? Makes me wanna go digging my toes into the dirt. I noticed the other day that I'm more productive when I'm barefoot. Is that funny? It's something about the feeling of my feet taking steps, the coolness of the hardwoods, the small crumbs from breakfast getting stuck to my feet that make me wanna sweep my floor. The day that my children (right now it's all Hensley) make less of a mess eating will be a glorious day. 

Speaking of Hensley, am pretty excited for you, Little Lady, to fall in love with underwear and realize that diapers are for babies. Two days ago I asked, "Hens, want to sit on the potty?" You replied, "Not today." Ha, not today! Your vocab is growing and it's so awesome. Not today was quite an honest answer. 

I guess you kids realize that I do expect you to read this blog someday. I better try to start making it into a book or something, just in case it would ever go away. I just love you kids so much, your dad and I do. And we hope that you can read and understand a bit more about your childhood. All the memories that you may be too young to recall...

Just last night we had some sweet backyard time. We had a Jones sandwich. It was Daddy, then Mommy (watch out kids!), then Tegegne, then Daddy's long arms reached and put Hensley on top. (Fields was sleeping already.) We opted not to go to the Arts District and walk around but have a back yard night. It was a stellar choice. It's funny, but you kids liked watching your dad and I cuddle. I know it's comforting when you know that mommy and daddy love each other very much. Tegegne you blush when we kiss in front of you, and we love it.

Once again, everyone in the house is asleep but me so I'd best get the memo. Tomorrow will be here before I know it and this is obviously the best time to catch up on sleep.

Love,

Mom 

Fields Benjamin: 6 Months

Dear Baby Fields,

I just can't get enough. I just can't get enough. (Do you know that song?) Fields, as Hensley would say, Stop It! You are just so cute. You are way into being face to face with people, especially yours truly. I can't quite capture your personality on camera, so I took a little video. You get so excited and start flapping and talking. It's the best. Thanks for being such a good baby. 

Tegegne feeds you most of the time. It's been great bonding for you two. Tegegne also hangs out with you a lot, holds you, shows you a toy. He's pretty great. You have eaten everything I've made. Good boy. You can sit up, but fall over quickly. You sleep on your stomach, but only half of the time. You are happy a lot, and just glad to be along for the ride.

We love you, bunches.

Mama, Daddy, and the Gang

Fields: First Food

Fieldsy, 

You represented at Sister's Party...

Then you became the after party with your first introduction to solid food! (which I've been really excited about!)

Creamy avocado banana goodness...

Yum, yum.

Sister came along with good intention...

But it didn't play out so well.

 You are a good sport.

Hazel was checking out Hensley's bath baby. She loves babies too!

Now that I introduced you to food, I've gotta put on my chefs hat, make more and freeze it! What sounds good? Ground hotdog? Didn't think so. Those ground meats are ick. It'll be good, I promise. I'll use Weelicious for ideas.

Love,

Mom

I Am: Your Mother

Tegegne Dena,

I am your mother.
From the center of my heart,
I am your mother.
I love your whole being. Every single part.

I am your mother.
I'll be here through it all.
If you stay short or grow really tall.
If you are mad at me or are in the big game and drop the ball.
I'll be here for you.
I am your mother.

We were born on different continents.
Our blood lines are not the same.
Yet your heritage I'll share with you.
Your story, your life, your name.

I'm getting better at cutting your hair.
Your dark handsome skin needs a thicker lotion than mine.
Besides that, our lives are the same.
Cheese, you'll take it or leave it.
You savor a treat,  and even decide to save the last bite for the ride home.
You are smart. Intuitive. And generous.
I am proud of you, my son.

I am blessed to be your mother.

(Photos are oldies but some of my favs. You were such a little guy.)

Fields Benjamin: 5 Months

Dear Fields,

Hello my little baby buddy. You are 5 months old! You are happy and sweet and easy going. Your cry is soft, your hair is soft, and your smile gives me a warm heart. If you are crying during the day and I am unable to soothe you, your brother or sister usually can. Earlier in the car, Hensley was saying "It's okay, it's okay..." in the sweetest little mothering tone trying to help you stop crying. Often when I'm fixing lunch and you are crying I'll notice you've stopped then I see that Tegegne is lying by you talking, or you're on his lap looking at a toy. That's what is sweet about siblings. There's a-lot-a love to share.  Your front teeth are making their way, you sit up pretty well. We will introduce you to the wide world of solid food in a few weeks. Unlike Baby Hensley, you'll offer a smile to anyone and everyone. 

We love, love, love you. I want to write more soon. I've recently taken on a design project that leaves me little extra time in the day, and the shower and I have a date. 

xoxo,

Mama Bee