welcome Nathaniel!

We finally got to visit our friends, the Ford family, a few weeks ago to be able to welcome their new little bundle of joy. Nathaniel Edward Ford was born a few days before Benjamin on January 27, 2011. Nathaniel weighed 8lbs 3oz and measured 19 inches long! We were very happy to finally get to introduce the boys to each other and of course, for the big sisters to show off their new baby brothers. It was a little tense at one moment, when big sisters, Kaylee and Alicia got into a discussion trying to figure out whose baby brother was the cutest. Luckily the mommies jumped in and said that they both have cute baby brothers and the girls can each have a cute baby brother because there was no contest :-) The big sisters both seemed to be adjusting rather well, despite a few times where the "babies were loud" and they both held their hands over there ears, haha.., but for the most part, both Alicia and Kaylee were acting like little mommies at times helping out. Congratulations to the Ford family- Jeff, Mandi and big sister Kaylee! We can't wait to see Nathaniel again!

From Mar 30, 2011

Ben's birth announcement

Wiggle worm

This morning Drew looked into Ben's bassinet and said "did you do that?" I replied "what?" He proceeded to tell me just look.. So I looked to find the below.. Ben turned all around in there. I am amazed the kid actually fit that way and that he got turned around without a lot of noise.
This is about the third time or so now i've found Ben is completely different position than I left him in. He's done the squirming and rotating around now from both his belly and back. Guess we can say he is getting to be a bit of a wiggle worm :)

morning tummy time

This morning Ben was enjoying some tummy time. Not sure if it was an official smile just yet from him but he did seem happy, content, and not fussy! :)

Ah! 2 kids in the crib.

While Alicia was playing in her room, and Ben was resting in his crib earlier this morning, I thought it was the perfect time to catch up on our mountain of laundry upstairs. A few minutes went by and things were really quiet in Alicias room, so I thought I better look. I looked in to find this...

Pretty cute and amazed that Alicia didn't move Ben or wake him up when she climbed up next to him. Disclaimer: Don't worry grandmas, the side was down in the crib so she didn't do any crazy climbing to get in. The crib is set up like a daybed for Alicia to use too now since Ben isn't sleeping in it at night yet. Once Ben starts to roll and move more, or when we put him in there more, the wall will be going back up.

Ben's First Trip

A few weeks ago, we made our first trip back to Dubuque as a family of 4. (not counting Tanner). Alicia was excited to see Papa Mike and Grandma Karen as it was our first trip back since Thanksgiving due to the complications of Heather's pregnancy, as well as the birth of Ben. It was the first time the Kluesners from Dubuque were able to see the little guy.

We were able to get a few things done during our trip. We saw Auntie Up, Cali (man she's getting big), Fred(Ann)/Todd, Tony/Michelle and of course Grandma Karen and Papa Mike. We also were able to sneak in a Taco Pizza Fix, a birthday Cookie (Dad, Todd and Michelle)

Here's a few pictures from Dubuque (Cali is in Pink and Ben is in Blue)

On our way back home, we stopped off in Stockton to visit Heather's side. Besides Bev/Billy/Mary, Ben met his great uncle Eric and great Aunt Vera. As well as his great aunt viola and great uncle Bob.

Ben had a great trip. He slept the entire way. Hope this behavior lasts for a few more years. It'll make the trips back home more enjoyable. We are looking forward to our next trip.

0-1 month Curious George pic

visitors

We have had a lot of great friends stop on by to welcome baby Benjamin to our family this past month. Alicia was super proud to introduce her new baby brother to her little friends, as well. She seemed very excited when telling her friends about Ben, since "she has a baby now just like they do!" Thank you to all that stopped by and brought food, presents, and good company! We really appreciated it.

1 month in

Here's a few recent pictures of the newest 1 month old in the Kluesner household and his big sister.



Ben has his next doctor's apt. on Thursday so we'll see how much he weighs in at then. I have a feeling he is getting longer, as we have a newborn sleeper that isn't fitting like it was a few weeks ago, so that is reassuring he is growing or atleast gaining some weight. Ben is still on the every 2-3 hour feeding schedule, so, ugh, to sleepless nights and not a lot of constant sleep for mommy and daddy. We are hoping it is a growth spurt and he starts going for a longer span of time between feedings sometime soon. :/ hopefully soon, so we'll see...

Alicia is doing great with Ben considering everything that is changing around home. She is being a big helper most of the time, however we have a few power struggles and moments with her, but she's a trooper. It's sweet, everyday when Alicia comes home from preschool she always asks "how's Ben today" and wants to see him, even before giving mommy a hug! She also is very interested when Ben is crying and wants to make sure he is ok and lets us know, "I think Ben needs a diaper," or "I think Ben is hungry" or the other day was "Ben wants mommy to hold him" so she is trying to figure out how this little guy works just like us :)