My Valentines

Valentine's Day was filled with love at the Barnes' house yesterday! Beau had a great party at school complete with pancakes and Capri Sun drinks. We made heart-shaped rice krispie treats to go along with the Spiderman valentine cards he picked out. He brought home a load of goodies from his friends and teachers. There was a red ribbon trail through the house waiting for him when he got home. At the end of the ribbon there were balloons and a squishy football. Todd surprised me with a super cute Go Hogs plaque that he actually shopped for all by himself! I was impressed! We had a home cooked meal of one of his favorites, poppyseed chicken. That was my gift to him - haha!

Sweet Bennett was all smiles when Daddy D and Gigi visited. This pretty baby is already 7 weeks old today! I can't believe it. She is sleeping good at night and a content baby for the most part, especially if someone is holding her and bouncing. She weighed
10 lbs. 1 oz. and was 23 in. at her 1 month check up. Can't wait to see how much she's grown at her 2 month visit!

We had pictures made the last week of Jan. Bennett is 4 weeks old here. It was tough with both kids. Neither were very cooperative, but Melanie still managed to get several great shots. Love these of the two of them!

Excuse the order and quality of the pictures. I am trying the Blogger app for the first time. Maybe I will update more often if this works!

Bennett's Arrival!

Bennett Rhea Barnes was born Wednesday, December 28. We were all thrilled to finally meet her and see that she is a healthy, beautiful baby. Todd and I arrived at the hospital at 6:15 a.m. for induction. The pitocin was dripping by 7:30, water broke at 9:00, and by noon I was asking for the doctor! Everything went wonderfully, and Bennett made her debut at 1:01 p.m.

Beau was so excited that his baby sister was finally out of my tummy! He was the first in the room to see her and never left her side. He sang "Away in a Manger" to her and changed "Jesus" to "Bennett." Seeing him to sing to her was the sweetest sight for this mama! Later he sang "God gave me you for the ups and downs". We feel so blessed! Our family is complete!

1st picture - Bennett weighed 7 lbs. 14 oz. and was 20.75" long

Beau and Bennett meet - the best moment of the day!

Holding Bennett for the 1st time

3 days old celebrating her first New Year's Eve

So alert and talking to Mom as soon as the boys finally left the house and it got quiet

Bennett and her great-grandpa and namesake - Papa Vaughn Bennett

1 week old and looking like a little diva

1st bath - she didn't like it. She prefers to be covered up, warm and cuddly!

Christmas 2011

Beau was so much fun this Christmas! He was excited about Santa and, most importantly, was able to learn about Jesus' birthday. He sang Away in the Manger and Go Tell it on the Mountain in church and all around the house. He always has a song in his heart, and I love that about him! We were all anxious to see when baby Bennett would make her appearance. I'm thankful she decided to wait a bit, so we didn't have to have Christmas at the hospital!

Finley and Beau at the fire station to see Santa
Telling Santa what he wants for Christmas-big truck, scooter, and Francesco the race car. His list grew every time someone asked what he wanted for Christmas!

Christmas at Aunt T's house

Beau with cousins Andrew and Nathan- he always has fun with the big boys!

Beau and DeeDee

Decorating cookies for Santa -sure hope he likes strawberry icing

Looking for Santa - priceless picture that was not staged!

Santa was good to us!

Santa filled Bennett's stocking, too

scooter!

A rare picture with my parents and sister on a beautiful Christmas day

3 days before Bennett's arrival!