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 :)

"hey I remember this.."

Alicia showing Ben the caterpillar toy as she said "I remember playing with this." :)

3 weeks

Happy 3 weeks old, Benjamin.

Here's some info about our little guy:

Last Friday we had a quick checkup and Ben tipped the scale at 8 pounds, 3 ounces. Note, he left the hospital at an even 7 pounds, so yeah Ben for some nice weight gain! Also, he had some eye crusties, which we got some eye drops for and it appears to be getting better too.

Ben "likes":

mommy and daddy holding me

my big sister singing songs to me

Grandma Kloss spending time with me last week

my little light up musical seahorse

my swing

to eat (I think we've hit a growth spurt the last week here, as it feels all we do is feed/eat)

Ben "dislikes":

messy diapers

gas

getting my clothes changed

empty bottles

Cheezzeee