Snippets

Ben racing down the hallway.

Mark asked him at dinner the other night, "Where do dinosaurs live?"

Ben's reply, "At home."

Clara had her first major illness. She was a trooper battling a high fever and the stomach flu. She's all better now and back to out eating her brother.

Clara. Sweet, smart and sassy.

World's best toy...a laundry basket. They sat in this together and shared a slice of toast.

Ben looking like a teenager.

Clara brushing her (two) teeth.

Clara better love San Francisco, it is the reason she is here today!!

Ben's protest of mom bringing out the camera. See above teenager shot.

Clara came with Leah to Ash Wednesday services. As soon as they went into the sanctuary, Mark scooped Clara up, blessed her and smudged her little forehead.

California Girls

Leah and Clara took their first Mother/Daughter trip last week out to Los Angeles for a few days. Clara was an excellent traveler, she did great on both flights and developed her own little Clara fan club (it's the blue eyes and chubby cheeks that reels them in). It was a splendid time of connecting with friends, catching up with tears and laughter, getting a good wintertime dose of palm trees and the pacific. For Leah, the time with just Clara was magical. Even though she really missed her boys back home (and was scared to think of what the house or their outfits looked like...) having the chance to focus completely on her little girl was special and needed. Thank you to all our friends who made the trip worthwhile and thanks to the wonderful men (Ben is in the midst of a phase where he only wants to be addressed as a "man") who welcomed their girls home.

Baby You Can Drive My Car

The past few days have brought gorgeous weather perfect for playtime. We all have a case of spring fever, enjoying being outside and soaking up the sunshine. Ben gave Clara her first ride in his car. It was simply the cutest thing and a glimpse of fun sibling adventures to come.

Science Center

We explored the Catawba Science Center for the first time this weekend. We had no idea that it had so much to offer so close to home, there was the main science center, an aquarium (with little sharks!) and planetarium. They just opened a new exhibit called "Swamp Things" with crocodiles, a bobcat, raccoons and big fat snakes. All the exhibits were interactive, Ben had a blast exploring. Clara gazed at the fish tanks with such wonder, in awe of the colors and motion. We are looking forward to going back to the planetarium for a show soon. Leah loves star gazing and hopes to pass on her love of the night sky to the kids. Ben is already a big fan of the moon and Clara means "bright shining light"...we are on our way!

Leah: "Ben, are you having fun at the science center?"
Ben: "More science! More science!"
Leah: "Maybe you could be a scientist when you grow up?"
Ben: "No."
Mark: "What do you want to be?"
Ben: "A man with balloons."

Ten Months

For comparison, we have posted a picture of Ben at ten months too. It is funny, they look more alike now than comparing them at the same age. Ben is currently going through a "no pictures, mommy" stage. It is challenging to get him to smile for the camera. Clara is a challenge for pictures, because all she wants to do is watch Ben. But "mommy" will keep pulling out that camera and trying, the time goes by all too swiftly and every moment captured is a moment we want to hold onto and remember. They'll thank us later...we hope.

Little Valentines

Could life be any sweeter? Or cuter?

Life in the Fast Lane

Casa Watson went bowling as a family for the first time last week. We met up with a bunch of friends from church with little kids, had the alley put the bumpers up, ordered a couple rounds of nachos and let the fun begin! At one point Ben was even ahead of Mark on the scoreboard, thankfully for Mark's ego, he was able to finish ahead of the little guy.

Ben had his first real haircut this week. We don't have any photos of the actual process because Ben was terrified and crying. Prior to getting in the chair, he kept telling the stylist, "No haircut. No, thank you. I'm fine. I'm fine." As soon as he was out of the chair the tears stopped and all was well. He even blew the stylist a few kisses.

Clara makes us laugh all the time. She is spunky and scrappy. Clara loves to chow down. The other night she ate an entire slab of turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes, butternut squash and peas...then finished her bottle before bed! We peered over her crib that night, sure she was going to have some sort of explosion, but she slumbered the night away in peace. Her chubby cheeks are adorable and show off her cute left dimple. Love that girl!