The Lion's Den

If Ever You are Mad at Daddy...Just Remember...

2012-01-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

Lauren, when you are 16 and completely ticked off at daddy, for no reason, I hope you can look back at this video and remember that you have a daddy that tells mommy all the time that he couldn't imagine a more perfect daughter.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

2011-12-30T19:50:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a New Year filled with joy, love peace and family! Love, The Wilkinsons

Neighborhood Christmas Light Party with the Walsh's!

2011-12-23T23:02:00.000-08:00

John took the cutest pics of the Ben, Sean and Tristan tonight at the annual "Walsh neighborhood Christmas light" party. Look at how much these beautiful boys have grown...I can still remember when they were two years old...

Ben's Christmas Program!

2011-12-20T19:54:00.000-08:00

Ben had his Christmas program for school tonight. He did so good - and sissy danced in the aisle to all the songs.

Legoland With Sam!!

2011-12-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

Ben and I met our good friends Donna and her son Sam on Friday for a day at Legoland. It was our first time, and WHAT a fun place. It was very low key - which Ben LOVED - plus the park was empty and there was snow! Donna and I got to hang out and spend some quality time with our little guys. Then that night we had THE most amazing bottle of Maximus Syrah from Blackjack Ranch winery in Santa Barbara. That wine seriously changed my life ;) - and this amazing thai food from Lotus Thai Bistro.

All in all - an amazing time with the boys and some much appreciated girl time with Donna.

Santa 2011!

2011-12-15T22:48:00.000-08:00

It's now Lauren's turn to give Santa a piece of her mind...and Ben is just over it. ;) 2010The infamous Heisman pose of 20092008

Happy Thanksgiving 2011!

2011-11-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving Grandma Cindy came down from Bakersfield to see us! We spent the day first at Papa Wayne's and then at Grandma Sharon and Papa Joe's house.

Lauren didn't take very long to make herself right at home...So thankful for Ben's sense of humor...Grandma Sharon had the most beautiful table...

Happy Halloween 2011!!!

2011-10-31T20:13:00.001-07:00

Optimus Prime (Ben) and our cute little black kitty (Lauren) had a great Halloween. John took Super Mario (Sean) and Optimus Prime trick-or-treating and mommy and Lauren stayed home and handed out candy!

And so it begins...

2011-10-30T18:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend for the first time I heard a steady stream of "MOMMY! "Moren" wont leave me alone!" or "No "MOREN" - I'm serious - don't touch that!" Lauren chases that poor kid EVERYWHERE - sometimes he likes it - sometimes he doesn't. If Ben is playing football - Lauren takes the ball - if he's playing soccer she starts kicking the ball - and if he's in the playroom playing trucks she wants to be right by him.

It looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship ;)

Just hangin' out...She had actually stolen Ben's pop tart and finished it for him...Daddy and Ben strategizing... What...it's supposed to be a scarey pumpkin...and it is :)

The Morning at Underwood Farms!

2011-10-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

We spent the morning at Underwood Farms!

Mommy and Daddy's Anniversary Trip to Disneyland!

2011-10-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

John and I celebrated seven fulfilling years of marriage at one of our favorite places - California Adventure and Disneyland! We rode almost every single ride - ate great food - and ran into our good friends Amy and Cindy (trust me, Cindy would KILL me if I didn't give her a shout out) ;) haha!

Our Top 10 Memories of our Trip:

10. We loved the kids flying rides - The Zephyr at The California and the flying rocket ride at Disneyland
9. The view during lunch at The Hungry Bear restaurant - right on the water
8. The shrimp and grits are amazing at The House of Blues...so are the pumpin pancakes at The Original Pancake House on East Lincoln in Anaheim...
7. Our favorite ride at Disneyland - Splash Mountain - followed by the Big Thunder Mountain rollercoaster
6. A really great lunch at the Storyteller's Cafe in the Grand California resort - amazing ambiance
5. Our favorite ride at California Adventure - definitely California Screamin'
4. The Extreme tea at ESPN Zone - Downtown Disney - an energy drink with Jägermeister - it was awesome
3. The Abraham Lincoln and history of Disneyland museum is actually really cool
2. Shopping on Main Street for the kids
1. Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen beignets in Downtown Disney...crazy good
Splash Mountain take 1....
Splash Mountain Take 2!

Happy 1st Birthday Lauren!

2011-10-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday baby girl. It's been an entire year since you've blessed our family. What a gem you are. We love your spirit, your smile and your attentive bright eyes. You are constantly on the go - you don't like to be in one place for too long - walking and running everywhere. You love to talk and sing - most of the time, the only reason we know you are awake in your crib is when we hear you sing. You have the most dramatic little smirk when you are unhappy with something - you scrunch up your nose. Daddy says his favorite thing is to walk in the door from work every day and you say "hi da-da"! Ben tells me all the time, "mommy, she's so cute!" He does like to reprimand you though - we often hear him telling you, "I'm serious Moren (he still can't say Lauren) - stop it!"

We absolutely adore you baby girl. I was a little nervous to have a little girl, but you have fulfilled our lives far beyond our expectations. Love you, mommy, daddy and big brother Ben.

1-year stats:
Weight - 22 lbs., 110z (85%)
Length - 31" (98%)
Head - 18 1/8

Grandma Sharon and Papa Joe made sure your big brother didn't go without... That's all folks...

So Proud...

2011-09-24T13:07:00.001-07:00

John and I just couldn't be more proud of both babies. Ben is making amazing progress with soccer. Each week he's getting more and more confident. And Lauren started walking on 8/31!

Soccer last week...
3 of his biggest fans - Lauren, Grandma and Papa...
Soccer this week...standing next to his best buddy Sean.

I Hope I Always Remember This Amazing Day with My Little Guy...

2011-09-02T19:58:00.001-07:00

Whenever I have a day where I'm working long hours and beating myself up with mommy guilt, I want to always remember this amazing day that I've had with Ben. I never want to forget all the hugs and kisses I got during breakfast at Denny's with him this morning. I want to never forget his bare feet and rolled up jeans running up and down the beach at Marina Park. I want to always remember him running from the waves and climbing rocks like the big boy he's become. Please God let me always be able to remember the conversation we had when I was pushing him on the swing and helping him on the monkey bars. And more than anything - I never want to forget tonight when he said to me - mommy, I have something to tell you - I love you. Thank you God for this day - and thank you God for this beautiful, sensitive, smart, funny son you gave us to raise.

A Week of Firsts! AYSO Soccer and Kindergarten!

2011-08-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

It was a week of first's for Ben. On Saturday, he started playing AYSO soccer - his team is called The Incredible Hulks! He was very excited before we got to the field, but once we were there, it was all a bit overwhelming for our shy guy. We are gonna stick with it in hopes that he warms up to it. John was amazing with him - even though he loves sports and wants nothing more than to see his son tear it up on the field - he was so very patient - and just let Ben be Ben. It's what makes him the best daddy in the world.
Ben loves his school and especially has loved his Pre-K teachers Miss Angelica and Miss Jennifer. I cannot begin to express how absolutely amazing these two teachers have been. They love Ben so much - they understand his fears - they hold him when he needs to be held - they've gotten him to eat GREEN BEANS, bean burritos and meatballs - and they constantly challenge him. He has blossomed under their tutelage. Thank God for amazing teachers. We are all sad to leave them for the kindergarten classroom but are excited for what lies ahead...plus he still gets to see them during playtime! Kindergarten, here we come!

Weekend at Sam's House!

2011-08-14T16:11:00.001-07:00

This weekend we visited our friends Bill, Donna and their sweet 4-year-old son Sam. Ben and Sam have been buds since they were babies. They have a beautiful home in Carlsbad - only a few miles from the beach. The boys had a blast and Lauren fell in love with Auntie Donna.

It was Lauren's 1st time at the beach! She loved the sand - and ate lots of it...yuck.Lauren really took to Auntie Donna and let her hold her all weekend...Such a sweet picture of Sam and his daddy!Ben LOVED the extreme roller coaster toy Sam had in his backyard.Thanks Donna, Bill and Sam! We had a blast!

Happy 9-Month Birthday Lauren!

2011-07-20T07:27:00.001-07:00

Happy 9-month birthday baby girl. What a fun kid you are... Daddy and I love that you need to know what's going on at all times - who said it? - you have to always be in on the action. You have no problem expressing your needs - that is for certain.

These past two months you've started crawling, reaching out for us, babbling and waving hello and goodbye. You are still so enthralled with big brother Ben - when he walks in the room it's an automatic smile...and let me tell you, you don't hand out those smiles very often. You are my constant observer - you always look as though you are sizing people up. We love love love you so very much.You and your BFF Ella!

Scottsdale Vacation!

2011-07-09T21:32:00.000-07:00

We spent the week of July 4th in Scottsdale Arizona for the 2nd year at the Hyatt resort. It was such a relaxing vacation. We splurged and got a 2-bedroom casita which gave us so much more room with the kids.

It was Lauren's 1st plane ride!Our front yardLauren loved the pool, and took almost all of her naps poolside.Our little Navy SEAL...We took Ben on an off-roading tour at the Fort McDowell mountain preserve in a Tomcar...it was pretty exciting adventure. Lauren puckering up for the camera...Ben loves his Papa Joe.Ben and Lauren playing on the roof of the casita where we watched fireworks.Grandma Sharon and Lauren.One of Ben's favorite things to do was to feed the fish and ducks in front of the casita...he fed them pizza and lucky charms.We had some great meals this vacation. Here we are at Mccormick and Schmicks our last evening.

Lauren's 1st Haircut!

2011-06-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

Our little girl was blessed with some hair...that's for sure. It was recently brought to my attention however (you know who you are Cindy Evans), that Lauren had a MULLET. I decided it was time for her to stop looking like a hillbilly and get her hair cut by the best hair lady on the planet, my dear friend Meghan and her amazing assistant, Vanessa. Thanks for the pics Auntie Suzanne!!
Mullet or no mullet - you are one beautiful baby girl.

Ben and Lauren's Relationship...

2011-06-22T18:43:00.000-07:00

Ben's 1st Preschool Recital!!

2011-06-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

On Monday, June 13th, we went to Ben's first preschool "spring fling". We have never ever been so proud of our boy. If you had told me a year ago that Ben would get in front of over 50 people and dance EVERY MOVE to 3 songs I would have called you a liar...check it out!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

2 reasons I'm the luckiest mommy in the whole wide world...

Lauren's Baptism!

2011-05-02T20:32:00.001-07:00

Lauren was baptized yesterday afternoon at St. Paschal's Church in Thousands Oaks. There were six other babies and the ceremony lasted an hour, but Lauren was a trooper through it all...Lauren's godparents Uncle Paul and Aunt Nancy.Meeting the Polkinghorne's!Daddy and his little princess!

Happy 6-Month Birthday Baby Girl!

2011-04-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

You are such an amazing little addition to our family. You've started sitting up by yourself and you love to eat (you started squash on Sunday). So far, you are easy-going, you sleep through the night (knock on wood) and are extremely alert and observant. You want to be in the middle of it all - so different from your brother in that respect. You light up every morning when you see your nanny Veronica, but NO ONE holds a candle to how much you adore your big brother Ben. You smile every single time you see him and your little feet just kick and kick to try and keep up with what he's doing. Daddy and I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful and sweet baby girl - we love you!

"Pet Rock" Playdate & Thomas the Train!

2011-04-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

It was a BUSY weekend! Ben had so much fun playing with his buddy Ryan and painting their "pet rocks" at a playdate. The babies and their mamas got to hang out too! Then, for the 3rd year in a row Grandma Sharon and Papa Joe treated Ben to a day out with Thomas the Train.

Ben and Lauren's 1st Trip to Disneyland!

2011-04-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

For Ben's birthday we celebrated a couple weeks late in Anaheim at Camelot miniature golf, Disneyland and Disneyland California. A word of caution - do not attempt Disneyland during spring break - we COULD NOT believe how crowded it was!

Ben LOVED miniature golfing!"When is it gonna be about me?"His favorite pastime - playing shooting games with Papa Joe.Our little Minnie...Ben on Autotopia!Disneyland California - our favorite!Lauren and Papa Joe...Ben had SO much fun with his cousin Jillian!

Friends and Food!

2011-03-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

Today we had a fun playdate with our friends Cindy, Mark, their 3.5 year old Ryan and Lauren's best little bud Ella! Then, Lauren had her first taste of rice cereal...So Sweet!

Happy 4th Birthday Ben!

2011-03-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

What a fun birthday! It's ironic, because this was the most low key birthday we've had for Ben and it POURED rain all day. John and I made him a giant cupcake cake and he got a few gifts including a fun jumpy house and trampoline. His day started with a surprise visit from his best bud Sean. They jumped in the jumpy house and just played and played. The day ended with pizza and he devoured his cake. All day he kept thanking John and I for everything.

Ben, you are one amazing little boy. We love your sense of humor, your wit and your never-ending thoughtfulness. You might drive us to drink with your stubborn nature at times - but both daddy and I feel so lucky we got YOU - we love you so much.

Baby girl says happy birthday big brother!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T21:06:00.000-08:00

It was Valentine's Day morning 2010 when I surprised John with the news that we were pregnant! Look at how blessed we are one year later. Thank-you my sweet sweet husband for giving me these two amazing babies...

Lauren and Ella's 2nd Playdate!

2011-01-27T15:28:00.000-08:00

Lauren's little bff, Ella, came over today for a visit. They have both gotten so big and much more alert this go-around...We LOVE these girls!!!

Happy 3-Month Birthday Lauren!

2011-01-20T15:40:00.000-08:00

Lauren turned 3 months old today, and what an angel baby she has been. She's pretty laid back - our "old soul" who just kinda gets it - and she makes you work for any smile you get. She babbles much more than Ben did, and the only time she fusses is when she's in her car seat...she does not like to drive. Mommy is going back to work on 2/7, and we are so lucky that she's a good sleeper at night. She's absolutely precious.

Lauren's 3-month stats:
Weight - 14 lbs., 5oz. (90%)
Length - 25" (97%)Ben's 3-month stats. Here he is at 3-months old at Universal Studios:
Weight - 15 lbs. (85%)
Length - 25" (80%)Lauren is definitely keeping up with big brother size wise! We are so lucky to have both of these munchkins to love.

Beautiful Beach Day!

2011-01-14T20:28:00.001-08:00

Today, we went to Sky High - a trampoline place in Camarillo and to Seaward Park on the beach. It was an absolutely beautiful day...

Christmas 2010!

2010-12-26T16:01:00.000-08:00

Lauren's 1st Christmas!Lauren got her first dolls from Papa Wayne and Leticia and Grandma Cindy...this one from Grandma Cindy is bigger than her!Ben coming down the stairs on Christmas morning!Ben hanging out with cousin Jillian!A HUGE nerf gun from Papa Joe and Grandma Sharon!Ben riding his first big boy bike at Aunt Nancy's house with cousin Johny!

Lauren's Newborn Pictures

2010-12-22T18:32:00.000-08:00

My friend Regina took some amazing newborn pictures of baby girl, her nursery and little Ben on October 30 and November 7...

Ben Taking Care of "Moren"

2010-12-19T16:33:00.000-08:00

Ben loves to take care of his little sister who he calls "Moren".

Santa and the Kids!

2010-12-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

True to form, Ben hated Santa and would not change out of his blue crocs. Some things never change...Merry Christmas!!The infamous Heisman pose of 20092008

Happy and Healthy!

2010-12-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

Lauren had her 6-week checkup today. She's our happy and healthy little girl...
Weight - 12 lbs. (97%)
Length - 23 1/4 (97%)
Head Circumference - 15 1/4 (75%)
She and Ben are very similar in size. At 6 weeks Ben weighed 11 lbs. 14 oz. and was 23" long.

Lauren and Ella's 1st Playdate!

2010-12-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Lauren's little friend Ella came over for their first playdate. Their mommies met a couple years ago at Trader Joe's of all places! Ella was born 5 days before Lauren. The girls were adorable together - Lauren was WIDE AWAKE as usual and Ella just wanted to sleep. Seeing them together I have no doubt that Lauren is getting enough to eat...Ella looks like a petite ballerina and we think Lauren may very well be daddy's sweet and pretty lil' linebacker. :)

Why God Makes Them Cute...

2010-12-01T17:58:00.001-08:00

For those of you who know me well, you know that my hair appointments are sacred to me. I consider it a spa day - a time to catch up with my good friend Meghan - and I always leave feeling amazing. I REALLY needed my hair done today - I'm carrying around 20+ baby lbs., I am not getting much sleep and I feel like a walking boob...I REALLY needed my hair done. So I decided to take my angel baby with me while Uncle Mark watched Ben. My angel baby who NEVER cries in public and usually sleeps for hours on end. Not this time...almost as soon as we walked in, Meghan told her that she just wanted to "eat her nose" and Lauren LOST IT and never regained composure. I tried everything - nursing her - changing her diaper. I was shocked because I expected this from Ben as a baby (no offense Ben), but not from my little angel. Eventually I had to leave and reschedule. I was so so so disappointed...

Turns out it was just gas - she took a 3.5 hour nap and woke up as happy as can be. How can you stay mad at a face like this???

What We Are Most Thankful For...

2010-11-25T20:19:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lauren's 1st Month!

2010-11-21T12:02:00.001-08:00

Here's a look back at Lauren's 1st month. The moment I met my baby for the first time...Born at 6:32pm on 10-20-10 she weighed 7lbs. 10 oz and was 19.5" long.Meeting her amazing big brother Ben...

Lauren's Two Loves...

2010-11-14T12:35:00.000-08:00

Two things Lauren LOVES - her big brother Ben and her swing...

A Visit from Aunt Cori!

2010-11-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, Aunt Cori flew out from Arizona for a 5-hour visit to meet baby Lauren! Thanks Aunt Cori ~ we love you!

Halloween 2010!

2010-11-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

Halloween was so much fun this year with 2 little ones to dress up! Ben was a Star Wars storm trooper and he went out trick-or-treating with his cousin Jillian. Little Lauren stayed home with mommy and had a few wardrobe changes herself ;)

A Message to Our Unborn Baby Girl...

2010-10-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

It's the night before we meet, and mommy is so excited and so scared. I don't know how tomorrow will go or what the future has in store for us, but there are two things I know for certain:

1. You have a family that loves loves loves you so very much. Not only does mommy, daddy and Ben love you unconditionally, you have the best grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, friends and your cousins are AMAZING.

2. The best gift I could ever have given you is by marrying your daddy. You have a daddy that already loves, cherishes and supports you unconditionally. I will warn you that he's a bit prickly at times - and he will almost always say no to you the first time - but he ALWAYS comes around and he has the heart of a big ole' teddy bear.

Before I sign off, here is a card that your daddy wrote to you for your baby shower. He is an excellent writer and has a great sense of humor. I love you Lauren and can't wait to meet you tomorrow:

My Dear Lauren,

OK, so this "birthday card" is a little premature...considering you have not been born yet but it is never too early for a dad to write a note to his daughter. Where do I start?

You are in for a wild ride! A wild but wonderful ride. You are gonna love your mom. Mommy always says that you are gonna be our little firecracker, full of energy and opinions...just like her. She is hoping for that because mommy is like that. She wants someone to talk to because, well, she likes the sound of her voice sometimes. Who am I kidding, all the time! But, I hope you acquire mommy's gift of dreaming and that knowing that anything is possible in life if you want it. "If you dream it, you can do it." Mommy has the brains in the family...book smart she is. I hope you have that too. Mommy also likes bad television shows that will lower your I.Q. if you watch them...but that's ok. You are gonna love her because she certainly loves you.

Let's talk about your big brother Ben...he is anxiously awaiting your arrival. He is a very sweet boy, with a very loud way of voicing his opinions when he has them. He is more of an introvert like me, but will stand his ground when he wants something or wants to be heard. If you love trucks and guns you are in with him. If you like swings, he will love you. He calls you "Moren," and he knows the bedroom next to his is your room. He will be your protector. He will make sure you are ok. He will offer you stuff...even candy. Ben likes to make sure everyone is taken care of. I know that you both are gonna have a lot of fun together...hopefully you will potty train easier.

So what about me? What about me? It's simple...I like to keep things that I can control as simple as possible...I have a feeling having a girl is going to complicate that (cue the laughter)...I am quieter than mommy. I don't feel the need to tell you what I'm thinking all the time. You will probably feel what I'm thinking rather than hear it from me...that may be quite scary for you in the teenage years...but as you can see, I don't like talking about myself. For now I wont...except to say the Green Bay Packers, Nebraska Cornhuskers and Brett Favre all Rule! What do I know about raising a little girl? But I can't wait to meet you! No matter who you become and what you do I will be your biggest supporter. I will "defend you to the end" as I tell mommy when Ben gets in trouble for a perceived infraction on her part and I try to smooth the waters. I am very good at calming the waters. :) We will have many conversations to come, but remember this - a daughter is a blessed shining light - a daughter is a gift of love - a daughter may outgrow your lap but she will never outgrow your heart.

Love,
Your Daddy

Our Little Cowboy!

2010-10-05T09:26:00.001-07:00

A pony came to visit Ben's preschool this summer. Here's our little man dressed in his cowboy gear. Only a couple more weeks until our little cowgirl arrives!

Making Fun of Mommy...

2010-09-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we were walking out of McDonalds and in front of everyone Ben pushed out his tummy as far as he could, started waddling out the door and announced "Look, I'm walking like mommy". Real nice kid... :)

Final Days of Summer

2010-09-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

It's a bittersweet time - not only is summer coming to a close, but it's also our last few weeks as a family of 3. It's like Ben knows he's going to be a big brother soon and has grown so much recently. Here are his 3 big recent milestones:

1. Last weekend Ben finally said goodbye to the "mimi" (pacifier). He lost it and when daddy and I found it we decided it was time for mimi to be lost for good. He had a tough time the first night - he kept asking us to look for it and begged us to "go to Target and get a new mimi". He hasn't even mentioned it in a few days.

2. It also looks like Ben has decided that he's too big for his 2-3 hour afternoon naps. :( We think the loss of the mimi had something to do with it - but we had a pretty good run - 3.5 years.

3. This weekend - with a little help from our friends The Polkinghorne's - Ben started going poo-poo on the potty!!!! He has an accident now and then, but every day he's getting better and better.

Here are a few recent pics - he loves playing with his best buddy Sean...

Football and Guns

2010-08-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well, it's out with the trucks and in with the guns, football and even some video and computer games. Our little guy is growing up...

Baby Lauren Update!

2010-08-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

We had our 30-week ultrasound today and Lauren is as healthy as can be. This isn't the best picture in the world but she's looking straight at us.

My doctor's nurse compared Lauren and Bens' measurements and both she and the doctor agreed that they are measuring very very close. However, Lauren probably has Ben beat in the weight department...why does that not suprise me? :)

They are 2 completely different pregnancies. With Ben it was blissful, not very painful, he usually only kicked at night and my mood was amazing. Little Lauren has turned mommy into a hormonal monster at times. She's a constant kicker and mover and it can be pretty painful. Something tells me that our little Ben is in for a rude awakening with this little girl! We can't wait to meet this little firecracker - love you baby girl!

Arizona Vacation!

2010-07-11T10:58:00.001-07:00

This was the 3rd year that we've followed the Dodger's on the 4th of July. They played Phoenix at Chase Field and we stayed at a wonderful resort - The Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale. We were able to spend some time with our good friends, the Colby's. The first night we celebrated Ryan's 3rd birthday at a jumpy house!The Dodger's won!One of the best parts of this stadium was an upstairs kid's play area called The Sandlot.Ben and Ryan on their way to play.Ben really liked the kid's beach pool area at the hotel.

We took a long day trip to visit Sedona and the Grand Canyon! Ben was an amazing little traveler.The Grand Canyon was majestic. It exceeded my expectations.More than the pool, the baseball field play area or the Grand Canyon, Ben LOVED this jeep parked in the hotel lobby. We spent the majority of our time playing on this jeep.

Ben's Baby Sister!

2010-06-02T13:28:00.000-07:00

We found out during our ultrasound appointment last Monday that we are expecting a baby girl around October 25th! John and I were in shock for a few hours after the news - but we are so psyched. Ben really wanted a "baby grill". Here are a few ultrasound pics from my appointment today. She is MUCH more active in the womb than Ben. She boxes and kicks - it kinda scares us a little. :) What are we in for? What ever it is - we absolutely cannot wait to hold our precious little girl.

Here are her cute little feet together:
Here she is looking at us. No that's not a big ear on the top of the picture - it's the umbilical cord...don't think I didn't clarify that one:
Baby has mommy's chin!

I just found her first ultrasound picture when we found out we were having a girl on May 24th. I can't believe I had misplaced it...sorry honey...mommy's a little forgetful these days.

Dodger Game for Daddy's Birthday!

2010-05-21T23:06:00.000-07:00

For daddy's birthday we got front row seats to see the Dodgers play Detroit. They were celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back - so it was fun to see Chewbacca. It's definitely different having a son who's potty trained - 4 trips to the restroom but no accidents!!!

Ben's 1st Week at Preschool

2010-05-20T22:31:00.001-07:00

Now that Ben is 3, we thought that the time was right for him to socialize a little more with other kids. What a tough tough thing for everyone involved though. He only goes Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-12:30. Both days started with the teachers having to peel Ben off of me while he was screaming, "mommy I want to go home"! It was awful - both mornings started off with Ben crying in the classroom and mommy crying in her car in the parking lot. Grandma Sharon barely makes it to 12:30 to pick him up - she was there today before noon! :)

He LOVES Starla, the bunny.

Our May Weekends...

2010-05-20T21:39:00.001-07:00

I can't believe we are at the end of May already! It's been a busy month! Ben went to see trucks at a park near our house and we went to the beach. We visited Grandma Joan's grave on Mother's Day. Last weekend was Tristan's 3rd birthday! I just saw the pics but even the manliest of little boys can have a tea party. :)

Thomas the Train!

2010-04-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

For the 2nd year in a row, Grandma Sharon and Papa Joe took Ben to ride Thomas the Train in Fillmore. He's not a big fan of the crowds, but he LOVES the train ride. He also got to hang out with his buddies Tristan and Drew.

Drew (3) and Dylan's (1) FUN Birthday Party!!

2010-04-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

Ben had SUCH a great time at Drew and Dylan's birthday party. It was a tractor party with horses and chickens on a big ranch in Malibu...just beautiful.

Ben's Stats

2010-04-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Ben had his 3-year checkup this month. I want to keep a record of his 1-year, 2-year and 3-years stats for his blog - so here we go:

3 year stats - Length = 38 1/2" (75%), Weight = 37 lbs. (90%)
2 year stats - Length = 34 1/4" (50%), Weight = 31 lbs. (75%)
1 year stats - Length = 31" (90%), Weight = 25 lbs. 1oz. (85%)

Here's the smile I got before his doctor's appointment :)

Ben's 3rd Birthday Celebration(s)!

2010-04-04T04:53:00.000-07:00

We decided not to do a big birthday party for Ben this year. 1. Ben hates big party's 2. I left for China for school the night of his birthday.

Day 1 - On Thursday, we took him to the LA Zoo with Grandma Sharon and Papa Joe. Ben is definitely a zoo kid - he likes making the rounds at his own pace in an un-frenzied environment. We went there for the animals, but Ben of course was more enthralled with the construction site where they were building a new part of the zoo.
Day 2 - On Friday we loaded up a van with Grandma Sharon, Papa Joe, Uncle Mark and his cousins Sam, Amber, Johny and Jillian and went to Knotts Berry Farm! Johny hung out with Ben all day and rode almost all of the Campy Snoopy kiddie rides with him (voluntarily!). Ben has some amazing cousins who love him dearly. We had so much fun! Ben, mommy and daddy are so proud of the independent, empathetic, athletic and handsome little 3-year-old you've become. You are one-of-a-kind, and we love you so very much.

Potty Training Progression

2010-04-04T04:45:00.000-07:00

Potty training has gone so well - we almost forgot to mention it. We started introducing Ben to the potty last year. In the middle of February he started wearing big boy underwear, and never looked back. Now he asks to be left alone and sometimes asks for a truck book!

Wii, Park with Papa Wayne and Tractors!

2010-02-09T19:09:00.000-08:00

Ben's little friend Sean is a Wii wizard. He showed Ben how to play last weekend. Ben was so excited the next day to explore at the park with cousin Jillian and Papa Wayne and find tractors!!Instead of lifting him up, Jillian just put Ben on top of the fountain to get a drink. There's more than one way to skin a cat.

Ben's First Black Eye!

2010-02-01T07:47:00.000-08:00

Ben got his first shiner this weekend, and daddy is so proud.(We wont tell anyone that he got it by falling on Grandma Sharon's coffee table in the middle of his happy dance). :)

The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same...

2010-01-20T19:53:00.000-08:00

Our friends Donna and Bill and their 2 1/2-year-old son Sam came to visit from Milwaukee! Donna, Vanessa, Renate and I were pregnant together and the boys have had little playdates since they were a few months old. The boys (and their mommies) have gotten older, but Kai is still Mr. Congeniality, Sam is a bundle of non-stop energy, Tristan is still as easy-going as ever and Ben still prefers to be the independent observer.

From Left to Right - Kai, Ben, Sam, Tristan and Tristan's friend Ryan at a playdate September 2007Moms and babies January 2010. Ben is still not a big fan of group photos. Look at Kai looking at him like WHAT is wrong with him???:) Ben hanging out with Kai, September 2007 Me, Donna, Vanessa and Renate (you'd never know it but Renate has baby #2 due in May!)

Christmas Break 2009! Hello 2010!

2010-01-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

Miss Ellen working with Ben - he loves her visits.Slumber party with Johny, Jillian, Amber and Sam (Uncle Mark stuck around for a little bit)!
Reading a book with Uncle Mark.Watching "Harry and the Hendersons" with the cousins.Breakfast the next morning.Watching Sponge Bob the next morning with Johny.Telling Johny what's going on...Hailey and her mommy invited us to The Clubhouse Fun Zone in Ventura!Ben loved the jumpy house.Playing with Hailey.Ben spent the night with Grandma Sharon and Papa Joe while mommy and daddy snuck out (and took a much needed break from writing my thesis) for a date night with Aunt Kathie and Uncle Chad!New Year's Eve party at the Miller's!Happy New Year!!!Christmas break ended with Papa Wayne's 78th birthday dinner!
Looking forward to an AMAZING 2010!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

Ben had an amazing Christmas with his cousins. We had to hide this truck from Aunt Cori and Uncle Bryan because he didn't want to pay attention to ANYTHING else on Christmas morning!
Who's kid screwed up the family picture??? :)The youngest and oldest cousins, Bobby and Ben.Jillian LOVED her owl Build a Bear.Our two gorgeous nieces, Sam and Amber.Sweet Amber took care of Ben ALL DAY on Christmas...a little mama.

Ben and Santa 2009!

2009-12-19T13:33:00.000-08:00

We wouldn't be good parents if we didn't make Ben sit on Santa's lap once a year, right? :) Almost a perfect Heisman pose...
Remember last year?

Playdate with Sean

2009-12-17T21:30:00.000-08:00

This was the first time Ben and Sean had played together since Halloween! They both love playing with their dads.

Ben and his Cousins

2009-12-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

Aunt Nancy, Uncle Paul, Samantha, Amber and Johny visited last night. Afterwards we went and looked at Christmas lights and Ben had such a great time! I can't believe how big my nieces are getting! They are both taller than me and we talked about boys and texting all night. :)

Ben and Tristan...Together Again!

2009-11-07T17:32:00.001-08:00

After a couple of extremely grueling weeks in and out of the hospital due to complications from a broken femur, Tristan is home again and we couldn't be happier!

Ben and the Polkinghorne Boys!

2009-11-07T17:18:00.000-08:00

Our friends Tim and Renee set John and I up over 7 years ago. It was so cool to see Ben playing with their AMAZING kids - I mean amazing young men - Timmy, Tommy and Joey (Kayleigh was away at school). Joey played a GREAT football game!

Halloween 2009!

2009-11-01T20:37:00.001-08:00

Happy Halloween! Love, Ben
Click here to view photos

Toddler-palooza!

2009-09-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

Our Saturday morning park playdates are becoming so much fun now that the boys are playing together more! Ben, Sean, Tristan and Kai are so much fun together!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Labor Day with the Cousins!

2009-09-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

We had a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend. Ben hung out with Sean and then got to see his cousins. He and his cousin Johny are inseparable when they are together - Ben just adores him.

Visit with Grandma

2009-08-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for bed with Grandma.

A quick breakfast with Grandpa Krier on the way home.

Ben LOVES Swimming with Daddy!

2009-08-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

Daddy's New (Used) Ride!

2009-08-02T22:01:00.001-07:00

Piggies and Paws Playdate!

2009-08-02T21:13:00.000-07:00

Ben and I went to a fun "Piggies and Paws" playdate at my friend Amber's beautiful home in the country outside of Santa Paula. "Piggies and Paws" makes framed artwork from your child's hand or foot print. Of course we made a cement truck out of Ben's hand print. I can't wait to see how it turned out! My mommy friends Nelly, Vanessa and Renate!

So proud of himself...now it's time to play!

Hangin' out with the beautiful ladies (from left to right) Hailey, Siena and Mia
Ben and pretty little Siena
Ben and Tristan!
Thanks Amber for having us over!

Ben's Lazy Days of Summer...

2009-07-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

We've been having so much fun with Ben this summer!Looking for trains at the train station with Titus.Playing with his cousins Johny, Amber & Samantha.Hanging out with Sean and Kai at the park.Who knew beans could be so much fun!LOVES his daddy!The Walsh'sVanessa and Kai.

Ben FINALLY Likes the Pool!

2009-07-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 19th was a BIG day for the Wilkinson's. Ben FINALLY started enjoying the pool. We now have so much fun swimming at Sean's house on Sunday afternoons!

Ben's 4th of July Week!

2009-07-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

So Sweet...

2009-06-28T21:10:00.000-07:00

Lisa and Mark took this picture of Ben and Sean at the park this month...so sweet.

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

2009-06-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Handsome...Ben, Husker, Lola and I love you so much.

Ben and Sean...Friends Forever

2009-06-07T20:17:00.000-07:00

Ben just loves his friend Sean. Despite going through the "terrible 2's" at the same time, these two just don't have problems sharing or playing together (I don't want to jinx us). We are so lucky that he lives in the house right behind us. He's such a sweet little boy and brings out the best in Ben.

Ben Catching Some Air...

2009-06-07T20:15:00.001-07:00

Ben - May 2009

2009-05-27T20:05:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Ben's Fun Weekend at Grandma Cindy's!

2009-04-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

We just got home from a really fun weekend at Grandma Cindy's house. Ben showed Grandma his favorite truck:
We played at the park! Then we ate cake at mommy and Grandma's favorite place - Sweet Surrender: Ben had SO MUCH FUN at the Wild Child Fun Center! We heard about this place on my friend Jenny's blog, and Ben LOVED it! Thanks Jenny!:

Grandma even cooked for us! Ben slept like a log (mommy slept in the lower right quadrant of the bed): Thanks Grandma Cindy! We'll see you in June!

Ben's Busy Weekend!

2009-04-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ben had quite the busy weekend. On Saturday evening he went to his cousin Johny's 1st Communion!

Then, Ben and mommy met Uncle Bryan, Aunt Cori and Ryan at Claim Jumper to meet little Miss Annie for the first time!

On Sunday, Grandma Sharon and Papa Joe took Ben and Tristan to the Thomas the Train Festival in Fillmore. They rode on a life size Thomas the Train!

Ben's Lazy Sunday Afternoon...

2009-04-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ben had a ROUGH teething day today. So we stayed at home and played with play doh:He read his truck book: And ate popcorn with Sean:

Sean's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-04-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

Today we went to our neighbor's and good friend's son Sean 2nd birthday party. A great time was had by all. Ben got to see all of his friends there including Sean, Tristen, Titus, Nick and Tyler to name a few. Mark and Lisa really put on a fun party and were great hosts. One of the highlights for me was the coffee that they had available. The kids loved the handpainting and Sean's playroom. The hit with Ben was being able to go in the pool. Last summer Ben was a little skeptical of the water but today he couldn't wait to get outside and in the water with Sean and everyone else. Our cat Husker even poked his head over the wall to see what was going on. We just wanted to say Happy Birthday to Sean and thank you for having us over, We had a great time!!

Ben's 1st Dentist Appointment!

2009-03-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

Ben had his first dental appointment today! First, he got acquainted with their GREAT waiting room with LOTS of toys: Norma started off by showing Ben how fun dentist tools can be: She even let him taste a different type of toothpaste:He practiced his flossing: Then Dr. Yael Bar-Zion took a look in his mouth: She told mommy and daddy that your teeth were in great shape and that you were getting your bottom molars! Grandma Cindy (a registered dental assistant) would be so proud! We go back to Dr. Bar-Zion in October and she said ALL 20 teeth will be in!

Farmer Ben

2009-03-29T23:36:00.000-07:00

We took a little trip to Underwood Farms this afternoon and Ben got to see a peacock, ride the train and drive the tractor.....ok maybe not actually drive it but he thought he was.

Ben and Sean's Saturday Night Playdate

2009-03-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Sean, Ben's best little neighbor friend who lives right behind us, came over to play for a little bit tonight. First, they shot some hoops:

Then, they colored together: Thanks for coming over Sean! Ben had a great time!

Ben's Birthday Weekend!

2009-03-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

Ben spent his second birthday at the Santa Barbara Zoo with mommy, daddy, Grandma Sharon and Papa Joe. On Saturday, he partied at the park with his family and closest friends.

Happy birthday little guy! Mommy and daddy love you so so much!

Make a Smilebox photobook

Another Season at Underwood Farms!

2009-03-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

Ben got a season pass this year to Underwood Farms, just down the road. This year he was able to climb the hay stack all by himself!Here is his happy dance on the hay stack Wherever he goes, Ben always manages to find a truckOr a tractorFirst he watched the tractor go byThen he took a tractor ride through the field

Ben and His Cousins

2009-02-17T18:40:00.000-08:00

Over the last few months Ben has really gotten to know and love his cousins Amber, Johny and Samantha more and more. It's been so amazing to see how they've bonded:

Ben and his Proud Daddy

2009-02-11T21:18:00.000-08:00

Ana has been away at school in Northern California for almost a week now and it has just been Ben and me at home. She comes home on Friday and we both can't wait to see her. But while she has been gone me and Ben have been ok. I remember when he was an infant that the thought of me being with him alone for even half a day was a scary proposition. Now, he really is easy to take care of and we get a chance for father/son bonding time. He actually behaves much better for me than he does for Ana. I have found in my many talks with the other parents at the park that it seems like this is a normal thing for kids. That they act much better for the dads than they do for the moms. It's almost like Ben doesn't even try to get away with doing things he shouldn't when he is with me where with his Mom, the sky is the limit. I was at the park tonight watching Ben play on the big slide with the other kids and every once in a while he would look over at me to see if I was watching and he would give me that big smile of his that just melts your heart. It made me think what an honor and a privelidge it really is for me to be his dad. And to make it even better is the fact I get to raise him with Ana. Yep, I'm a proud husband and papa.

They really do love each other...

2009-01-31T18:44:00.000-08:00

Tristan and Ben can FIGHT likes cats and dogs at Grandma Sharon's...but they really do love each other like brothers (notice Ben hoarding the trucks).

King of Papa's Treehouse

2009-01-25T18:37:00.000-08:00

WARNING - this video is long, but if you can make it to the 2nd minute the giggling is pretty cute

I took Ben to Papa Wayne's house today for a visit and Ben got to discover something new today. Ben got to climb a ladder for the first time today and he climbed up on to the platform in the tree that is in my Dad's backyard. The platform was built years ago by my Dad for my nephew Bobby. Now it appears that it has been passed down to Ben. Ben thoroughly enjoyed himself, and he was very proud of himself. He had so much fun that he did not want to come down. We had to bribe him with the promise of ice cream. Ice cream works everytime. It is cool to see my son climb on the same tree that I used to climb on 30-something years ago when I was a kid. Sometimes it seems like a huge generation difference between Ben and me, but when it comes down to it he likes all the same things that I did at his age. He is a boy's boy!

Learning to Share

2009-01-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

As with most toddlers, Ben is having a tough time learning to share. He's figured out that if he eats his snacks fast enough - he doesn't have to share. :)