Part Deux: Das Matron of Honor

 Awesome Auntie to my son, marvelous Mommy to my niece and nephew, wonderful wifey to my big brother, my very own sweet sister and matron of honor... it's

NIFFERS!

I met Jenna... um, I can't even remember how long ago. I think I was still in high school actually. Matt brought her over for lunch one Sunday after church because he wanted us to meet the girl he was dating. I got to know her a little bit better a little bit at a time (what can I say? Matt was a Jenna hog!). Now, all of my "TMI" stories get told to Jenna first. She was the second person I told about our engagement (after my momma, of course). She was wonderfully excited. There was yelling and jumping and dancing. It was the best reaction I could've gotten.

I just love my Jenna. She gives great advice, always listens and is never judgemental. I always call her my sister because one- it saves me two syllables by dropping the "in law" and two- she is my sister! The best one I could ever ask for... which is apparently extremely confusing for the people in my life because it's always assumed that we're biological sisters because we look so much alike (at least that's what I've been told about a zillion and one times). I only wish we had more time to spend together. Between both of us having kids now and working, we rarely get a chance to hang out. But she's always there when I need her- like when I needed a date for the Evelyn Evelyn show!

She makes me laugh so hard. She's always finding the most random things on the Internet. She is a fantastic ridiculous dance party partner. She was there every step of the way through my courtship with Josh to give me advice. She's even the one who came up with the nickname "Mr. Perfect"  (which is still what it says on my cell phone when he calls).

I'm so excited that she'll be standing next to me on our special day.

I love you, Jenna!

Benjamin!

I haven't really posted about Benjamin yet. What can I say about Mr. B? He is the brightest, happiest, funniest, smartest, most beautiful little baby big boy I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am so proud to be his Momma! We're quickly approaching 18 months and I cannot believe how fast he has grown. Everyone says time seems to go faster when you have kids, and now I know it's true! I also now more completely understand the whole "pitter patter of little feet" saying. He has a very distinctive run and I can always tell when he's up and about. I think my most favorite sound ever is his laugh. I think that kid has made me smile more in the last couple of years than any other person on the planet (and yes, I do count the months that he made me smile while he was in utero).

Even from the time he was TEENY tiny, I would get almost excited when he would wake up in the middle of the night to eat or have a diaper change because it meant I go a chance to interact with him and see him and love on him. In fact, he's sitting in my lap right now enjoying some juice and watching Charlotte's Web. He looked over at the pictures I uploaded and started pointing, "Momma! That's Daddy!" I can't believe how much he's talking! Sentences already? Granted, they are usually only a handful of words, but him being able to say things like, "Momma, I see Daddy!" (watching Josh outside through the window). Or "I want my Momma." (to Josh while I was at the Chiropractor). I mean, really? Already? Our kiddo is a genius!

Granted, Joshua wasn't there for Benjamin's birth (we didn't know each other yet), and he missed the first little bit of his life, but I am so thankful that Benjamin will never remember life without him. They are so sweet together, I'm almost tempted to shed a tear or two just thinking about it. I couldn't ask for a better partner in parenting. He's been there for his first steps, first words, and takes so much joy in teaching him things (the high five was a big milestone lol). Now I love watching Josh tackle encouraging Benjamin to use the big boy potty chair. He is generally the first one to spot the potty face and is usually in the bathroom with Benjamin on the potty chair before I'm even half way down the hallway. 

We love you, Benjamin! I hope you won't be too embarrassed when I share details about your potty training and cute things you do with the blogosphere :)