all that radiation can't be good for the baby

Everyone always acts surprised when I tell them I work in Radiology Nursing.  Typically it goes like this....

Them: Where do you work?

Me: Radiology Nursing :)

Them:  What do you do there?

Me: Oh like Biopsies and Angiograms, stuff like that
(I mean really I do much more and complicated procedures but to explain it is difficult) 

Them: Well then are you exposing you and the baby to all that radiation?

Me: Yes. I feel like it is VERY safe to radiate myself and my unborn child to large amounts of radiation...

REALLY PEOPLE!!!!

Of course I realize that is unsafe and that is why I wear a lead skirt, a lead top, a lead thyroid collar and stand behind a glass lead wall!!!!!!

Also we track the amount of radiation we are even exposed to by wearing these.  My is the cutest because it has a cute little baby in the belly ;)

custer state park

The tradition has continued...Stewart/Benson Custer State Park Free Weekend Adventure.  This is the third year and better than ever.

Uncle Ben made the boys their own bug death chambers cages.  The boys LOVED LOVED LOVED them.  Most of the day was spent trying to catch a moth, grasshopper and even a bird to put in their cages. 

The weathers started out cold, drizzly and windy but by noon the sun was shining and only light jackets were needed.  Ryan and Nick placed 1st, winning the coveted fishing rod (which they now have 2 of).  Madison and Lucas had fun watching, even touching a few of the fish.

Even Madison got a fishing pole (They had a few extra!)  Lucky little girl!

The next adventure began at the Buffalo Cookout.  The food was tasty and Ryan opened up his birthday present a week early from us.  A drum set.  Don't say anything.  His mother was the one who suggested it!

The kids pretended to be fireman.  This was the most fun!!!  The boys LOVED it and the little ones enjoyed watching.

 

On to the reptile show. 

Then the AWESOME ice cream social with lots of running around and playing.

surprise for grandma benson

Grandma Benson turned 50 in May and we wanted to surprise her for this big one.  My dad, sister and I all planned the surprise.  As I am sure I have discussed many of times, I am the worst secret keeper.  My dad even said, "I will be SOO surprised if this doesn't get out."  Well, guess what...I did it and the surprised was even better!!!

Mom had a suspicion something was in the works but wasn't sure.  My dad has never in their 100 years of marriage told my mom to pack a bag and take a Friday off in order for them to have a romantic getaway.  That just really is not my dad.  I just laughed a little thinking about it.  Haha.  But we didn't want to stress mom out and say dad had some procedure she needed to be present for.  Instead we settled for the weekend getaway.

We met at Legion Lake where while Mom and Dad sat in a booth we snuck in across from them asking "Can we sit here."  Mom's face lit up and immediately wanted to hug on Madison (I know, its not like Ben and I didn't just do the 8 hour car trip but I can understand ;)  We spend the entire day outside, either playing on the play set or doing a little bit of fishing.  The day was PERFECT!!!  Here are a few of the pictures from that Friday.

just like a big kid

Madison got a new laptop and she thinks she is such a big girl.  We actually found it at this second hand kids store, along we many cute outfits for her and her brother.  She just loves watching the letters come up and pushing all the buttons like Mommy and Daddy do.

mother's day love

Mothers and daughters are closest, when daughters become mothers. ~Author Unknown

I could not agree with this more.  My mom and I have always been very close but when I became I mother I understood just what my mom meant when she said I love you.  There is just an understanding after you become a parent that is so unfathomable prior.  Your heart walks out the door or waves goodbye to you every moment you leave without your child.  Just writing about how much I love my little girl brings me nearly to tears (the hormones may take some accountability for this emotional ball of mush right now). 

Mother's day was truly a day for me to be completely grateful for the mother I have because she has shown me how to be the best mother I can be for Madison.  I am just as grateful to have a Mother-In-Law that is loving, kind and embracing of me as her daughter.  Again, blessed does not even touch how lucky we are!

My second Mother's Day was spent enjoying Garden of the Gods, Shopping and some how I was roped into going to the Flea Market (Pretty sure that was not at the top of my list but none the less fun).

Madison's little heaven.  Stuffed animals are a high priority in our house.  She LOVES, LOVES, LOVES every single one.

Not enough hands for all this cuteness

No she ended up with none of them and a small, screaming child could be seen coming out of Garden of Gods Trading Post.

Mommy is excited!!

My sweet baby!

they are closed on sundays?!?!?!

May 6th, 2006 was one of the best days of my life.  That moment when Ben and I said "I do" it started an amazing life I could have never dreamt would be so perfect.  From the joining of two wonderful and loving families, to starting a family of our own.  Every day I am thankful for this wonderful man (except for when he doesn't put his dishes in the dishwasher, then it might slip a little bit!)  Just kidding (but not really)  ;)

As you seen in previous posts we started our adventurous day at the Paint Mines in Callahan, CO.  We rushed home being neither of us wore a watch and by the time we got back in the truck we had 30 minutes to run home, change clothes, take the baby to the sitters and go out.  Oh, the trip home takes minimum 30 minutes as well.

Through all the chaos of getting home we managed to take a snapshot of us.  Pretty good for 5 minute change up if I may say! 

We dropped Madison off at Pia's (she was more excited about that and could have cared less that Mommy and Daddy were leaving, just how I like it!) and went to Tuscanos.  This restaurant had just recently opened and it is Brazilian style.  I would go into the great details of what it is like because I had been EXCITED to finally go but unfortunately it is closed on Sundays.  I understand and respect the decision but REALLY!!!  I was disappointed (to say the least) but Ben turned the situation into a positive (#543 reason I love him)  and we used the gift card his parents got us to Texas Roadhouse.  I splurged (due to the pity party I was having on the inside) and got the sirloin and shrimp.  DELICIOUS!

We then went to a movie, The Hunger Games.  I have read all the books and have enjoyed the sci-fi, futuristic possibilities.  The books are a guilty pleasure but Ben spoiled me in taking me to the movie.  I was ecstatic!!!

Madison loved Pia's house and Mommy and Daddy had a wonderful, adult night.  What a better way to end such a great family day!

19 weeks pregnant

troublemaker

This cute little smiley face knows how to work it!!!  Mommy and Daddy turn around and this is what happens.  When do Mom's grow those eyes behind their head?  My mom talked about that when I was little all the time!!! God...I really need those sooner than later!