Resurrecting the Blog

It has been five months since I've updated the blog. I decided I was going to give up the blog because I just didn't have time for it. In that five months a lot has happened. I'll try to quickly update you on the kids, but it was mainly my own stuff that kept me from having time to update. However last night I was working on Adam's baby book and referred to the blog for all his milestones. I enjoyed re-reading all the entries and decided I really should try to keep up with the blog...but maybe have a more realistic goal of once a month.

In July things started to get really busy for me in a good way. I decided to start building up my portfolio and skills to start a photography business. From July to December I was crazy busy. I spent every day practicing, spending more money on fun gear, bribing my children to try out said gear, and running.

Yes in addition to being an aspiring photographer I decided to become a runner. I hate running and always have. I still do, but in July I decided enough was enough. I wanted to get in shape and more importantly fit into my old clothes.

Well it's now nearly March, I'm still running about 5 days a week. I'm now up to 20-25 miles a week and thinking about running a half marathon just to have something to work toward. I've shed all the baby weight, over 25lbs in fact! Now that I can wear some of my old clothes, I've discovered I don't like them anymore. Go figure.

As for the kids, Adam is walking, running, jumping, and his vocabulary is slowly expanding beyond his favorite word "ball". He still remains a happy easy going baby and at 18 months is still taking two solid naps and sleeping 7pm-7am. He's definitely starting to assert himself by screaming and kicking when I do something he doesn't like....like leave the park, put him in the carseat, change his diaper, etc. For the past few weeks, he has pooped in 3 out of 5 baths. It's exhausting and disgusting! All the toys get quarantined and the boys get rewashed. I'm considering giving him a bath before dinner because it's just gross. And despite me telling him to stop he, he continues to use the bathtub as his toilet.

Speaking of toilets, Adam has started to show an interest in the potty. He hasn't used it successfully, but has peed in the vicinity of it about three times. He usually always stands up right at the critical moment so there is pee on the floor. He likes copying big brother so I think he enjoys sitting next to him on his own potty.

Adam is 18 months old and about 21 pounds. At 15 months he was in the 1st percentile for weight, but at 18 months he's moved up to the 4th percentile. For height he continues to be in the 65-75th percentile. If you can believe it, I registered my little baby for preschool for next fall. My Mom said, "How can you register him for school, he doesn't even talk!?" I agree it's funny, but I'm sure by 2, he'll be talking.

Ethan started riding his bike around Christmas without training wheels...yes at 3.5 years old! Within a month he was jumping curbs, trying to pop wheelies, charging through grass, and crashing. He's always been a daredevil and fearless so I guess I'm not too surprised. He also rode a quad out in the desert for the first time in November 09. He did really well, driving carefully and listening to Dad. When he rides the quad or bike he always has such a serious and intense face. I'm glad he is so focused, but at the same time I hope he's having fun.

Ethan still remains to be difficult, constantly challenging everything. He still eats horribly unless you give him yogurt or cheese. He's about 37lbs at 3.5 years old. General updates: he knows his letters and numbers up to 20 with a few misses on the way. He can identify his name, but hasn't memorized the letters in his name. When we are in the car, he's constantly asking me how to spell different things. I just discovered he's memorized quite a few books from cover to cover. The other night he read Hop on Pop to Adam and didn't miss a step. Dave said he also read The Bernstein Bear's Spooky Old Tree to Adam.

So here is the new website for Jen Bentley Photography!
And here is my facebook fan page Become a fan!

I'm not sure if pictures are going to make it on this blog any time soon, but check my photography blog for recent pictures of the kids.