Two parents and a 1-1/2 year old!

Well, we've had quite the month around this joint! Between finals, travels, and Easter, the past four weeks have flown by! We ended March on a good note - Joel finished up his classes in Vermillion. He worked so hard and so long, but now he's officially done with the "coursework" aspect of his education! After 18 years, he deserves it!!! He had a couple days off to rest and relax with Benjamin and me at home, then he packed up and moved off to Parkston, SD. He's spending six weeks there for a rural preceptorship. We miss him, but he's having the time of his life! Joel has had some incredible experiences so far. It's been a very hands-on learning experience. He's had patient exposure, scrubbed in to surgeries, and assisted with tons of procedures. He loves the small-town feel and friendliness of everyone who works at the hospital. I am amazed at the variety of things they see on a daily basis, and what Joel's capable of doing. I've only seen him with his head stuck in a book for the past two years... how does he know how to perform surgeries already?!? We're so proud of him.

Anyway, Benjamin and I have been doing our best to keep busy while Joel is off. We spent the first week here in Vermillion doing our normal things. The second week we left town for Mitchell and spent some time going back and forth between the grandparents' houses. We stayed for Easter, which was so fun! Benjamin had a great time. He opened up a few Easter baskets filled with toys and goodies, colored Easter eggs, and went on egg hunts! I was so delighted that he knew how to hunt for and collect those eggs! Each one found was as exciting as the last! He's such a little joy. We also ate tons of delicious food and saw friends and family we rarely get to visit! We love our family, extended and adopted (party group!!!) On Easter Monday Joel's mom and I took Benjamin and flew to Irvine, CA to visit her sister, Beverly. We spent the week and had an amazing time visiting her! We worked hard helping her organize her closets but also had lots of fun. My favorite part of the trip was going to see the Pacific Symphony where we listened to the amazing Chris Botti, a contemporary Jazz trumpeter, violinist Caroline Campbell, and vocalist Lisa Fischer. It's hard to describe the amazing performances, but I laughed, cried, and my sister-in-law and I had the best seats in the house. It was a fantastic night. Anyway, now Benjamin and I are back home and glad to be here for a little while. I'm really excited to sleep in my own bed tonight! :)

On to Benjamin... He's had quite the month! He's officially 18 months old! He's such a big boy, and acting/talking like it! He's communicating better and better, adding more words and short phrases like "down", "go outside", "no-no", "stuck", "slide", "weeeee!", "bubble", counting 1 through 4, and asking for things when he wants them. He still babbles a ton - they sound like these long, involved sentences of bla bla bla but he always ends them with at least one real word, like "dog." It's hilarious to watch him communicate. I also love when he comes up to me, takes my hand, and leads me to places or to look at things. He knows everybody's name - including Maddie and Zach, his cousins. (He got some practice last week.) He folds his arms for prayer - it's so sweet! He's so fun to watch! He loves life and is so amazed by the simplest things. His little face is so full of expression! A family friend describes him as having a rubber face, which I think is perfect. It's been interesting to watch how he's been these past couple weeks away from home, where he pretty much gets whatever he wants from the grandparents! :) There were moments when I saw a little glimpse of playful defiance and rowdy behavior! Granted, he spent a lot of time being sleep deprived, so it's hard to blame the poor boy! Overall, he's so sweet and I'm very proud of what a nice little boy he is.

Well, I feel like I'm pretty caught up! I hope this next month is as fun as the last!

17! 17! 17!

Hola, amigos! I've returned with another update for you! Last week our baby toddler hit the 17 month mark! We've had a really fun month, even with a week of icky sickies in the house. Besides that, we pretty much spent the whole time playing outside in the unusually warm weather! (I'm not complaining!) This has been quite the busy month for us. Joel has been finishing up his second year of med school so he's been beyond busy studying and taking finals! (He's done now - yeah!!!) Benjamin and I have tried hard to stick to our routine and still have lots of fun without Dad. He's totally taken over as the man of the house. I feel like he's been doing quite a bit of growing this month. We took Benjamin to the doctor this month for cold/ear infection symptoms and he weighed in at NINETEEN pounds!!! Woohoo! We're going to hit that 20 lb mark anytime now! :) While he hasn't grown too much out, I do feel like he's gotten taller. All his pants are getting to be way too short! What a big boy.

I haven't noticed any huge milestones or changes this month in his development. Benjamin's still saying TONS of words, and more everyday. He's very good at communicating his needs and wants. He's getting really good at using utensils when he eats. He's sleeping GREAT at night, although he's starting to boycott his afternoon naps! (NOOOO!!!) Lately he's been sitting in his crib, playing and talking to himself, for 1 1/2-2 hours at a time during his "nap" time. I refuse to get him out... Benjamin loves going to the park to play with his friends. He especially enjoys the slide, which he can do all by himself, and the swings. He's also growing some molars this month. I've noticed two on top that have emerged and one on the bottom just beginning to peek through.  It will be nice for him to have some teeth to chew food.

Well, I don't have too much to talk about this past month. It's gone by in a blink of an eye. We're gearing up for some life changes in the next couple months so I'll keep you posted on that!

Sixteen Months

We're having so much fun at the Tjarks household! We've been keeping busy with medical school, show choir, and life with a very exciting sixteen month old. It feels as though things are coming to an end here in Vermillion, SD. Joel is in his last month of school, with finals just around the corner. We're definitely feeling the tension and stress that accompanies this time of year! I'm beginning competition season with my group, Music in Motion, which marks the end of our time together. We have our last three shows in the next month and we're working hard in preparation. The month of March will bring some changes to our life. Joel will leave for a six week-long rural internship in Parkston, SD, leaving Benjamin and me home to hold down the fort! He is really excited for this opportunity. It will be a great "intro to rotations" and he should be able to see and do a large variety of procedures under the tutelage of the local family doctor. We're excited and nervous for the changes to come!

Well, Benjamin is having fun every single day. He is such a silly little guy. He's definitely done some growing in the past month, both physically and developmentally. He's filled out a bit, which is good to see! He's been doing a great job eating, and has learned to use a fork and spoon, which has broadened his food options. He's really loving scrambled eggs, peas, strawberries, yogurt, and spaghetti right now!

Just chillin on the couch... with a chocolate mustache 

Helping out Mom in the kitchen... (Don't worry, the burner's not on and the pot is empty!) 

Showing Mom how to stir like a pro

Such a proud little chef!

One of the most exciting new developments is his speech! I'm pretty sure he says a new word every day. It's so fun to hear that sweet, soft little voice. I especially love hearing him try out words for the first time - he whispers them so quietly. He can say quite a few new words, now. Some new ones are "yellow, Nana, Papa, Grandma, giggle, e-i-e-i-o, car, clock, dog, oo (supposed to be moo), duck, quack, hi, bye-bye, outside, and all done." He loves that he can talk. :)

Learning about football on Superbowl Sunday 

The hand off! 

Touchdown! 

Having some fun with his buddy, Alexander

He's gotten one new tooth this month - a little one on the bottom that's just beginning to come up through the gum. I love his crooked little smile! He also knows how to fold his arms before we say prayers. That might be my favorite little thing, even if he doesn't keep them folded for long! He's gotten really good at climbing up and down stairs, to the point that we've just taken down the gate. He's so funny... he knows to turn around and go on his tummy, but he always starts WAY ahead of where the stairs begin. His favorite thing these days is going outside to play. The weather has been unusually nice, so we've been spending a lot of time running outside, going to the mailbox, drawing with chalk on the sidewalks, and playing with rocks. Benjamin also loves playing with his friends at storytime and playgroup. He sort of has a girlfriend... Her name is Madison, she's two, and she really likes Benjamin. A lot. It is adorable, especially because Benjamin doesn't seem to be phased by her affections. He just wants to play and Madison kind of gets in the way. :)

Well, it's been another fun month. We're looking forward to the changes to come in the next month!

Lounging. What a guy. 

Love this sweet face and beautiful eyes!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you and yours had a great day filled with flowers, chocolate, and lots of love!

Fifteen Months

Dear Benjamin Joel,

You just turned fifteen months old a couple days ago! You're such a big boy! You've decided that you run our household now, and I suppose Dad and I are okay with that for the time being... You are so sweet and we just melt when you flash one of those cheesy grins our way! We've had a very eventful month that included Christmas, an illness, and some growing! Here's what you've been up to this past month.

I just took you to the doctor today and we found out how big you've gotten! You weigh 18 lbs on the dot (0.18%), you are 30.5 inches tall (30.7%), and your head circumference is 18 inches (12.53%.) Dr. Njagi says you're doing a great job growing up healthy and strong!

We had a really fun Christmas this year! You spent a lot of time playing with Grandma, Grandpa, Amy, Becky, Brandon, Nana, Papa, Katie, Brian, Maddie and Zach! You definitely favor Grandpa and Papa above everyone else! You have Grandpa wrapped around your little finger. He takes you anywhere you want, plays with you, shows you how to run the train, and even goes to get you cheese pizza whenever you want! And you know that your Papa is the man to go to when you want to play, even if it means you have to fight off Maddie to get to him! He takes you in the hot tub, too, which is one of you favorite things to do! You love to splash and dunk your head in the water! Everyone loved watching you and little Zach run around together. You two are so cute and when you're a little bit older I'm sure you'll find enjoyment in getting in trouble together, too! You got TONS of presents this year, so now our house is well stocked with cars, trucks, trains, blocks, puzzles, animals, a new trike, and anything else a little boy would possibly want. We were so sad when we had to come back home, but you got very sick so we had to leave!

Hot tubbing with Papa and Zach

Swimming in the hot tub with Pops

Photo session with Maddie

Jumping on the trampoline with Nana

Outside with Grandpa

Reading a book with Auntie Amy

A few days after Christmas you started getting sick with a croup cough, fever, diarrhea and vomiting. We got you some medicine that helped the cough but had some bad side effects. We left for home because you were so sad and so sick. You and I spent a few days doing nothing else but cuddling on the couch watching cartoons and sleeping tossing and turning together in bed at night. You were so sick that you couldn't even lift your little head off my shoulder. You had no appetite and your tiny little body got so skinny! We were very scared for you! Luckily, a few days passed and that sunshine smile returned. Before we knew it you were back to your normal self, running around and playing.

 Playing doctor with Dada

Hanging out with Mama

You're quite the busy guy these days. You spend most of your time running around the house, playing with one toy after another. You especially love your big trucks and cars. If anything makes noise or has a button to push, it's probably your favorite! You love to say "brrrrrm", like your toy cars! You also love to read books, go outside to play, and watch Mickey Mouse! You know all sorts of things, and can point to your hair, head, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, chin, tummy, diaper, and toes. You're so smart! You do some cute new things, too. When I ask if you're ready for a nap or bedtime, you will grab a blanket and start heading down the hallway to your room. You also take off running for the bathroom when you hear me say "bath?" (Also, taking clothes off before a bath is totally overrated, in your opinion.) You also get very excited when I tell you we're leaving or going outside. You know just where to go when I say to get your coat. You know all the animals and you're getting pretty good at your shapes, too. You know star, square, circle, and triangle. We're just starting to work on colors this month, and I'm sure you'll be a pro at those in no time!

Trying on big man shoes

Watching the neighbor kids playing outside

You've been saying a couple more words, but I have a feeling there are more on the way very soon! You say Dada, Mama, baba, wawa, baby, and ball. (Also, you love to say "what's that" and "right there", but that's old news!) You point and gesture at everything. You're starting to get upset when you don't get your way or something gets taken from you (ahem.... my big plastic cups of water.) If you find one of my big cups, you will wait until I'm watching, then gingerly grab it with both hands with a big sly smile on your face, and wait for me to chase your giggling self around until I retrieve my cup. Amazingly, you rarely spill any of the water! Also, sometimes you're a little naughty, if you can believe it! :) You like to stand in your rocking chair and climb up onto things that you KNOW you're not allowed on. I know you know better because you always turn around to catch my eye with a big goofy smile on your face and see how I respond. How many times do I have to say "no?" :)

FINALLY! Just as you turned fifteen months you got a new tooth! We've been waiting forever! A tiny little bottom tooth is finally starting to come in. Hopefully more will follow! ALSO... we are so excited because you have found your appetite! Benjamin, you were the worst little eater I've ever met and I was always so worried because you're pretty little, but now you want to eat and eat! You're doing a great job with all your meals and lots of snacks! Whew! We're so relieved! You're pretty cute too, since you know what breakfast, lunch, and dinner all mean. When I say those words you walk over to your high chair and point! We're also in the process of weaning you off bottles. We're down to two a day, one before nap and one before bed. I am extremely happy because I've packed away the bottle drying rack/accessories and most of the bottles, so now there's all this new space on the countertop! YAY!

 Eat up, Benjamin!

Well my sweet boy, we've had a great month! I can't wait to see what exciting things month sixteen has in store! I love you very, very, very much and I'm so lucky to be your Mama. You make so happy! :)

Love,
Mama

First time walking around in the snow. You were very intrigued!

Fourteen months

I'd better bust out a fourteen month update before it becomes fifteen months! Ahhh! The days sure fly by, especially during the holiday season. Benjamin had a great fourteenth month! During this time we celebrated Thanksgiving and prepared for the upcoming Christmas season. (Which is now over... sorry for the delay!) Anyway, it was a fun month with lots of traveling, yummy food, time spent with family members, and growing! I've been trying to think of some obvious growth that has occurred in this month, but I think the only way to describe our boy is by saying that he has just been refining all of his skills. His walking is much more steady and is getting close to becoming a run, his language and communication still consists mostly of babbles and shrieks, but there's a LOT of it and he is very, very good at getting his point across. His appetite is improving and subsequently his eating has been slightly better. (Again, slightly.) He sleeps great. Basically I think he understands pretty much everything I say, whether he likes it or not. :) Benjamin is just a busy little guy who loves to play all day long. I can just see him morphing into this little boy and every day he's less and less of a baby in my eyes. Now THAT is a scary thing! We love him so very dearly, our little Benjamin Joel. I know we're already almost halfway through fifteen months, so I'm going to save some stuff for the next post, but I didn't want to skip out on November/December updates! Here are a few pictures to make up for it!

(As you can see, he did NOT enjoy his visit with Santa.) :)

Lucky Thirteen!

I debated whether or not I should continue the monthly updates now that Benjamin boy has turned one, but I figured it's still a great way for to document fun things for myself at the very least, so here we go!

We have a thirteen month old boy! As of the November 14th, these are his stats:
Weight: 17 lbs (with clothes, diaper, and all... but we will take it!!!)
Length: 29 inches

And... here's the smorgasbord of Benjamin news:
Our happy boy is still the cutest ever. He's (FINALLY) getting some "hair." I'm not sure if you can really call it real hair; it's so fair and fine, but there is some actual fuzz coming in! With a little more length it might be slightly more legit. :) Mmmm. I love his soft little bald head, though... Benjamin boy walks - nope, runs everywhere. I hardly ever see him crawl. He basically roams around our apartment like he owns the place. He's also starting to learn how to climb. So far he climbs into his rocking chair, up onto the couch (with a little help), and I've even witnessed a successful climb into the bathtub. I was impressed. Speaking of bathtubs, he is obsessed. If I even mention the words "tub," "splish" or "splash", he runs to the bathroom and starts flinging his leg over the side of the tub. Once naked and inside, he loves to stick his head under the faucet while the water is running, make huge messes with his big splashes, and dunk his face ever so gently into the water. He has a BALL! What a water baby... Benjamin's completely obsessed with our pop bottles and water jugs. He thinks he has to have a drink of everything. He's completely on cow's milk now (yay!) and has also started drinking some juice. We're starting the bottle weaning, and he really likes his sippy cups. He refuses to spoon feed anymore, and won't take baby food. Don't even ask me about his eating habits. He is the WORST. The kid has literally no interest in food. Mealtimes take a million years because he takes his sweet time to eat the tiniest amount. So far the only real winners are: bologna, hot dogs, string cheese, apples, strawberries, tomatoes, grapes, Chef Boyardee's Spaghetti, and sometimes Cheerios, yogurt, and peas. He does try all food - sometimes there's something I make for dinner that he likes, but those are the reliable go-to foods. He's so funny... I've tried sandwiches but he just pulls the bologna out, eats it, and tosses the bread over the side of his high chair. So then I thought I had a great plan and made an inside out bologna sandwich... I even squished the bread together so it was super thin and hardly noticeable between the layers of bologna. But nope, he found it and soon it was added to the discard pile on his tray. That boy... We haven't noticed a ton of new words yet besides his usual mama, dada, baba, "what's that?", and "there." He is constantly vocalizing and babbling, so I hope the language "explosion" isn't too far away. His laugh kills me - it's too cute. That and his smile. It kills everyone who sees him - his amazing smile is the trait most commented on by people. He's just a smiley, happy, sunny little guy. I feel so lucky that I get to spend my day around him! He's getting pretty good with the puzzley toys we have around the house - matching shapes and whatnot. He's totally obsessed with reading and is always bringing me a book to read. He hands me the book then waits patiently for me to pick him and up and set him in my lap. I love it... He can point out SO many things in books and around the house. It's amazing what he knows but doesn't say quite yet. He LOVES other kids but gets slightly wary when he sees his little friends playing with his toys at his house... Time to learn how to share?! :) He gives loves and kisses to EVERYTHING. Oh my gosh, it melts my heart. I can't get enough of Benjamin's sloppy open-mouth half-grin kisses. And the feeling of his little head resting so comfortably on my shoulder while his little arms wrap tightly around my neck? THAT is pure heaven.

Well, that was one big run-on section of Benjamin vomit. Excuse the grammatical issues and stream of consciousness typing. I just wanted to get it all down!

In other news, Joel is swamped with medical school-related stuff. Someone send him an endless supply of 5 Hour Energy, chocolate bars, and Coke Zero.

We are starting to look for a place to live in Sioux Falls for this spring/summer! Ugh, there is nothing worse than moving and everything that goes with it. But I'm really excited for Target and Hobby Lobby! I hope Sioux Falls is ready for us!

My middle school kids performed in their first performance of the year tonight at the Fall Show. They were excellent! I was very proud and still amazed at how well they learned the whole show in the very small amounts of time we've been allowed to rehearse. I'm having lots of fun working with them! It's been good for me to get out and teach, even if it's just once a week for an hour. We have one more performance tomorrow night and then we'll have a little break until January!

Other than that, life has been busy and fun... We have really great friends who keep us busy and I'm enjoying this beautiful fall weather as long as I can get it! Now, bring on Thanksgiving!!!

For your enjoyment:

 

Me: "Benjamin, where's the pumpkin?" Him: "Right there."

Just giving Blue Dog some loves.