The 40th Anniversary Party

The reason for the trip was to celebrate Ron & Pat's 40th Anniversary. They planned a big party in Longboat Key with some friends, the Peakes who got married on the exact same day, year, and time. The party was at a club with a great view of the sunset, pool, and beach.

Jonathan and I tagged in/out all night from chasing Ethan around vs. juggling newborn. If we had only known that Ethan would turn into the life of the party when the band started, the first few hours would have been much easier.

The four of us...all dressed up...and new Mom smooshed into a cocktail dress. :)

Aunt Barbara, Ron, Brenden, Jono, and Anna....

He certainly does look sweet.....but, as his parents we know better!!!

Disco Ethan...does that kid ever have some moves!!!

The sunset....

Unfortunately, Drew did not make these pictures with the fabulous background of the setting sun.....

Florida - Jan 2009

Yes, I am crazy for traveling with a 2 week old and nearly 22 month old - but warm weather and my in-law's 40th Wedding Celebration Ceremony/Party was the pull. Unfortunately, the warm weather did not really cooperate but we did enjoy some outdoor time and family time as well.
Drew's first trip to the beach.....


Ethan enjoying the sand and water with his cousins....

Here is our future QB in the making...I think he looks pretty good!

Drew - 2 Weeks

Mimi and Poppa come to meet Drew (and entertain Ethan)

Mimi and Poppa came to town on January 2nd to meet Grandson #7 and spend some quality time with Ethan. I think Ethan played "cars" with them for about 5 hours a day. They also got outside for a little swing and basketball fun as well.

As usual, Poppa had a few chores lined up for him. He put together a baseball thing and the wagon (of which Ethan would NOT get out of).

Mimi and Poppa also got some cuddle time with Drew. It was great to have them here with us and the kids and they were a BIG help!

Drew - New Year's Day

Asleep on his Daddy.......

New Year's Eve

For New Year's Eve, Jonathan's parents came over and Brenden and Michele brought over Amelia and Ryan so the Grandparents could watch the kiddos and the 6 adult kids (Anna and Paul were in town) could go out for a quick dinner. Drew (like me) was kind of tired, so he pretty much slept all night. But the kids were entertained, and then Nona and Poppa took home Amelia and Ryan and the adults (minus the new Mother) played an exciting round of Sink the Biz. I think everyone had fun...although I certainly did not make it to midnight.

Poppy and Ethan watching TV.

All the cousins...Amelia loved holding Drew.

Home from the hospital

12-30-08

They look SO little in the car seat that first time....

Our First Visitors (and Ethan-Drew Meeting)

Our very first visitors were Michele, Amelia, and Ryan. I think the kids were excited, but also nervous b/c Drew was so little. They were great (on a promise of a McDonald's visit afterwards) and Drew was happy to meet his cousins.

Next, came Anna and Paul who had gotten to town just the night before (how lucky for all of us) and the Nona Pat. They all could not wait to get their hands on Drew!

At the end of the day, our Nanny Kristin brought Ethan in to see me and meet his new brother. He looked adorable and was wearing a "Big Brother" t-shirt. I think he was a little overwhelmed and did give me a bit of the cold shoulder and was just a little curious about Drew. Jonathan then dropped him off at his parents, where he proceeded to meltdown. We will see how he does when we get home.... I know that I am sad for him, it is hard when he is too little to understand.

Drew Hollis Benjamin

Born at 9:12 pm, December 28th 2008

7 lbs, 14 oz

20.5 inches

After a very quick labor (under 6 hours), our little boy arrived as healthy as can be. He scored perfect on the newborn scale and is such a cutie. We did not decide on his name until the next day. Hollis was my great-grandfather's middle name and we both had Drew on our top 3 name list. Drew means warrior, and seems to be insync with Ethan meaning strong.

It is go time (December 28th)

He is a coming......

I woke up this morning and knew that we would have the baby today or tomorrow, and I told Jonathan we would end up at the hospital tonight. This is the last picture of me pregnant (possibly ever, according to Jonathan), taken at home at about 6:30 pm (the baby arrived at 9:12 pm).