boo at the zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo hosts Boo at the Zoo which allows children to trick or treat in a fun and safe environment with lots of animals to enjoy on the way.  The set up was perfect.  Companies sponsored booths and handed out candy or crackers to all the children.  Madison loved all the fun stations.  She even started holding her bag up for the candy.

This is the first year we have enjoyed trick or treating and too our benefit were able to ask for the crackers more than the candy.  Ben and I both expressed how nice this year will be compared to next year when she KNOWS she is only getting the crackers.  Enjoy the control while you can I guess.  That's not to say she still didn't have 20 pieces of candy which dutifully Daddy and Mommy enjoyed as well. 

Our little TinkerBell and Giraffe were hits.  Most people commented on how adorable Madison was (well....yes, I know ;)  She had the sparkles, the dress, the wings and even a cute little wand. 

Our little Giraffe was snoozing most of the time.  He enjoyed the peaceful hum of the crowd until the end, when milk needs became more important. 

Having these memories makes me excited for our little family.  I can't explain just how perfect life feels with these two munchkins and a wonderful husband to celebrate these miracles with.  I say this over and over but truly, we are blessed!

~  I mean look at little giraffe Carson.  How does your heart not melt over that cutest!!

On the go.  I had to try and curl her hair while she squirmed and get the costume on while she was climbing!

She never forgets to love on her brother!

Waiting in line for Boo at the Zoo!!

Just enjoying a Butterfingers

Carousel ride with Daddy

Madison was scared.  I mean really scared of anything or anyone that she could not see there face.  This was a common theme, head in Daddy's arms.

Oh, but no fear here!

This is little man saying "MILK!!!!"

children's bath time

Bath time has been a mild challenge.  Once we figured out that Madison was not going to let Carson enjoy a solo bath time we went to a children's bath time.  Madison loves having her brother share the tub with her.  Other than hitting him with a cup, pouring water on his face, trying to have him drink the water and also splashing him, the new bath time has been a success. 

Success used to be defined as this picture perfect affair for me.  However I may have imagined the situation, if that happened, it was considered a success.  Now, if no one is hurt or killed, we have obtained success!!  What a contrast children do for you ;)

Carson also enjoys his water time.  He just lays there, eyes half open, soaking in the cleanliness.  Afterward, he is always awake and alert (maybe watching out for that little girl who almost drowned him).

This is a very "Carson" like face ;)

life when daddy is at work

Our fort

Healthy donuts :)

Tasty PlayDoh

Her Adorable Boots

stewarts arrival

We have such great families and everyone was eager to come out and meet Carson.  Seeing Madison was also an added bonus and well, seeing Ben and I was just sort of the extra small cherry on top.

As you all know once you have children, the grandparents cling to them and then notice you.  It is natural and truly, Ben and I would not have it any other way.  We have two beautiful children incredibly lucky to have wonderful grandparents in their life.

Grandma and Grandpa Stewart were, again, a huge help with Madison and the daily choirs of life, ie helping cook and clean. 

I love having family surround our babies.  And as both mothers remind us, moving closer would be a great option for us!

Broadmoor Hotel on a very windy day!

 

 

benson family in town

My parents came for a week the day after we got back from the hospital. I knew I was going to need help with a newborn and my little busy bee of a little girl.  Grandma and Grandpa did a great job entertaining Madison and really completely taking care of her while I was able to focus on Carson.  THANK YOU!  The help was such a stress reliever for me not having to worry about where Madison was, what she was doing, or what unsafe things was I going to let her do in order to finish nursing Carson ;)  Just kidding but sort of not....

Keila came to visit at the end of the week which was super nice to have the entire Benson side of the family here.  You know you miss family when they are away but its after a great visit and they leave when the loss really hits you.  And that first morning with just me and the two kids was a bit of a wow. 

Everything went well of course but Madison watched too much TV and Carson had to cry for a little bit longer than I would like.  The important part to all of this though.....

All my children and Mommy survived!

The TV wont kill Madison and the crying from Carson is going to be there if I get there in 2 seconds or 2 minutes.

Lessons learned and noted.  Now this two children "thing" is a part of our life. I have become much more comfortable juggling everyone and feel like "I got this."  Until of course Madison and Carson are both starving and need to be fed now, then, I don't "got this."

P.S. I have become "so good" I can nurse and blog at the same time.... (Thank you Boppy!)