Tuesday, January 19, 2010

2010 - A New Year

Brandon and I have been training for the last four months or so for the Houston Marathon. These pictures were taken right before we started, and we're still smiling! I had a pretty great race finishing at 4:20:13, which is about 7 minutes faster than my first marathon (when I ran it, I was 6 weeks pregnant with Benjamin.) I had a lot of fun, and at mile 23, my boss and friend John met me to run the last three miles. I knew he would help push me, and it was just what I needed to get my goal time. Brandon struggled a bit with cramps, and the last 10 miles were pretty miserable for him. I know he wants to plan the next race so he can try it again.
This is our good friend Jennie, who ran the half finishing at her best time.

So, I originally started this blog as a photo vehicle for friends and family to be able to see pictures of Benjamin. But I have been recently inspired by my sister Jewel, who is writing her thoughts at mommijewel.com. Then I decided I would write mine, and that maybe someday Benjamin would enjoy reading about himself.

Most recently he has been more intersted in reading, and loves to turn the pages. He will point to the book shelf and grunt. His Gran and Poppy (Brandon's parents) so graciously came to take care of Benjamin while we ran the race. Benjamin would grunt and point at the bookshelf, and his Poppy would grab a book and say, "This one?" Benjamin would shake his head no, and Poppy would pull another book from the shelf, and Benjamin repeated his no headshake until Poppy had exhausted all the book choices.

My brother Isy came to visit after Christmas. This is his daughter Maggie, who is 6 months old. Each time I would pick her up, Benjamin exhibited his jealousy, which he hadn't ever done before. So I would hold him too.


Benjamin is trying his best to talk. He says gaga, gogo, dada, mama, nana, kaka, no, hot, and his favorite - uh-oh. He has recently discovered light switches and loves to turn them on and off over and over again. Benjamin walks really well, and even runs - he loves for us to chase him around the house. He loves to get on our treadmill and runs in place. His teachers at school tell us that they just love Ben, and that their day is not the same without him. He's my favorite too, but I'm a bit bias I would say...

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Merry Christmas 2009

Benjamin says Merry Christmas everyone!
Benjamin and Aidan went for a ride in his new wagon.

Benjamin plays with his new bristle blocks with his
hat that Grammie knitted for him.


Aunt Jewel and Marcus

Uncle Barney modeling his new coat

Aunt Glory and Benjamin in matching Santa hats

Marcus and Aidan in their matching camo hats that Grammie
crocheted for them.
Grammie and Grandpa Kipapa
The Harrell boys

Benjamin's first ride in his wagon from Gran and Poppy

Benjamin was a little sleepy when we opened Christmas presents.

But he was really excited when he got his new wagon!
Benjamin helped me wrap presents, or maybe he just wanted to play...
What green glitter cookie?

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Christmas Festival 2009

















Sunday, November 8, 2009



Benjamin and his Auntie Jewel
Benjamin was a monkey for Halloween. He wouldn't be still enough for us to take a picture, so Brandon had to hold him.

Thursday, October 29, 2009



"Just walking on my treadmill..."


Playing with toys
Benjamin isn't a baby anymore - he's a little boy!

I thought it would be funny to give him my marathon medal - he wore it around the house for almost an hour! Then he thought it was fun to play with Brandon's weights.
WHAT?!

"Am I laughing or crying?"
Benjamin's first time to eat Cheetos. We were at Fawn Ridge for their Fall cookout.

Geaux Tigers!

Goodbye for now!

Sunday, September 13, 2009







Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Benjamin's birthday!