19 Months

Before it gets any later, I've got to try and write down all of our adventures from the past month! We've been so busy with everything from traveling to Joel's preceptorship to packing and moving and living out of suitcases for the next month! Eeeek! I knew my first problem with writing this post is that I have no pictures!!! The camera died, of course, and the battery and any other cords I would need are packed away in who knows which box, in the middle of a giant trailer out in the middle of nowhere. That pretty much sums up our life right now. :)

Well, it's been a fun month! Joel has finished his preceptorship in Parkston and has come away thinking rural medicine is just perfect. He had a fantastic experience, but I have to say I'm awfully glad he's living in the same zip code as Benjamin and me again! There's no rest for the weary, though. The minute he came back, he threw himself into studying for his first set of boards coming up in June. These are a pretty big deal, so his life is consumed with his incredibly extensive study schedule! I'm happy to say the stress level in the house will be a whole lot better come June 17th. :) Please wish him the best of luck!!!

I did a pretty good job keeping myself busy the last month, with all the packing that had to be done. After a long and very discouraging search for an apartment in Sioux Falls for this summer, we had a total miracle happen and found the most perfect place for our family in Tea. It's being built right now, so our move-in date is July 1st. We're so excited, we'll probably be there at the crack of dawn! My feelings on this whole moving business have been pretty conflicted. On one hand, it's so exciting and a huge relief to check off two years of this medical school journey. It's such a long haul that it feels really nice to finally progress on to the next part. However, we absolutely LOVED living in Vermillion. I miss it so much - our home, our friends, our life there... My heart is still a little sore from leaving it behind. I don't think I've ever felt that way about leaving anywhere. Certainly not our last move from Provo, UT!!! :) But I'm excited to see what Sioux Falls has in store for us! In the meantime, we're waiting very patiently in Mitchell. It is nice to have family around to hang out with... Benjamin especially enjoys it! He's getting a love overload here! I think we'll find lots of fun things to do around here for the next month! The downside to living in transition is that nothing is where we need it. I can't count how many times I've wanted something and thought, oh man....... RRGG it's packed in the trailer. How annoying. :)

Anyway, besides moving day, Benjamin has been having a good old time. He's so nice and sweet, and it's fun to see him build relationships with his grandparents while we're here. He's talking like crazy now, which is so fun. He has such a bright and fun personality! He does this silly little scowl face to most all strangers he sees, but he warms up after a little while! He is totally a Mama's boy, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll keep him as long as I possibly can. He still loves anything to do with trucks, cars, or trains. That pretty much consumes his day. :) He has found some new friends in Ruby and Bailey, the dogs. It's taken a couple weeks for him to get brave around them, but now all I hear is "Mama! Dog!" and he's yanking my arm toward the garage to catch a glimpse of those two. Within the last couple days he doesn't waste any time climbing down the stairs to go pet their ears, give them kisses, and snuggle into their bellies. He loves to feed them their food, throwing it into their dishes one pellet at a time. :) The only downside to this sweet new friendship is all the dog hair that comes with it!!!

Benjamin has been doing a really great job learning all sorts of things this month. I think he's known a lot of these for a little while now, but we can officially say he knows and can recognize all the colors (blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and purple), some simple shapes (triangle, square, circle, heart, and star), and he can count from 1 - 10 completely on his own. Well, he often skips 8, but we're not too hard on him!!! He also can recognize the numbers 1, 2 and 3 when written down. He's doing so great and growing up so quickly. I can't believe it.

He does so many things that make me laugh. The other day he sat on the floor in front of Susan and I with his head looking down. Then slowly, he would bring it up with this big scowl on his face. By the time he lifted his head all the way up, he would crack and break into a grin and a big jolly chuckle! Then he'd promptly snap his head back down and repeat the process! What a little actor. He gets a kick out of himself. Since it's gardening season, he's been having a great time helping Grandpa water the plants. He even gets to hold the hose and splash a little water! He also goes out to the farm with Papa and LOVES to sit on the tractor. While it might seem kind of demanding, I sort of love this new sense of urgency he's developed. If there's something really important to see or do, he makes it known with seven or eight very urgent "Mama! Mama! Mamas!!!" His eyes get so big and wide, and he's so excited about life. I love that he's quick to smile and laugh. His face showcases every emotion he feels. Benjamin is a complete joy to be around. I hope I'm not the only one that thinks it! :)

Well, a month from now we'll still be in the same living situation but Joel's big test will be over with, so I can't wait to share that good news! :) Until next time...

18 Month Stats

I took Benjamin to the doctor for his 18 month well-child, and just wanted to document his stats before I forget! Here we go:

Height: 32 inches (37.86%)
Weight: 19 lbs 6 oz (0.28%)
Head Circ: 18.5 inches (26.44%)

He's pretty little! We love him, anyway!!!

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!