Can't get enough

There is something about a sleeping baby that is just so sweet, we just can't take enough pictures! I also love how they always look like they are praying.

going 'nigh nigh'

Lauren loves pretending she's going "nigh nigh" and she really wanted Ben to play with her. It was pretty cute, she kept trying to snuggle in real close. Ben was a pretty good sport about the whole thing!
She also introduced him, one by one, to all of her little bed friends. It was so sweet to watch, she would say, "this is Ernie Ben" then shove it in his face, then "this is Cookie Monster Ben", etc... she's already such a good little teacher!

Shhh...

baby sleeping
big sis and ALL her animals sleeping
ahh... too bad he doesn't do this at night!

Love at First Sight

We were so excited for Lauren to meet Ben. It was even better than I imagined. She was SO excited and it actually brought tears to my eyes. I am so excited for them because I know how great it is to have a brother and be a big sis.
Her joy was so visible!
Such a proud big sister and a very happy Mommy!

I love my Grandpas

Pa (my dad) and Ben Grandpa Bob (my grandpa) and Ben
Opa (Kevin's dad) and Ben

I just loved all 3 of these pictures, you can just see the love and happiness in all of their faces.

Mommy & Daddy

Just after Ben was born with Mommy & Daddy!

Bonding with Big Sis

Lauren is very attentive to her little brother. She always says, "should we pick him up?" and then "I pick him up". We're working on laying with him, kissing & hugging, and just smiling at him instead! She laid down next to him this morning and he grabbed right onto her arm. They are already buds!
"Hi Ben", "That's Ben", "It's okay Ben", and "What's wrong Ben?" are 4 phrases we hear a lot! She loves checking on him all the time. This morning she really wanted to change his diaper. Oh if only she could!
I heard a bunch of commotion this morning and checked on her- she had moved this from Ben's room to our room and was just playing in it. (Don't worry, Ben was with me downstairs, we can't really leave these 2 alone together at all!)
Lauren taking care of her newest baby, "Baby Annie". Ben (really Nana) bought her quite the set up- a mini pack and play, high chair, stroller, diaper bag, and new baby that talks and cries and says all sorts of fun things. Lauren LOVES all of these new things and is a great mommy to Annie and Frank (though Frank is "resting" a lot more now that Annie is here) and the best big sister to Ben!

Baby Ben

Ben is here and we couldn't be happier. We are all loving getting to know him and spending time with him. Here is a picture to try and show everyone his read hair, it's even redder in person though!
And it has parts that stick straight up- it gives him personality already:)
I love how 3 pictures can be taken back to back of a baby and you can get 3 totally different facial expressions!
Yet another face. And yes, Ben does have blue blankets, lots actually, but big sis likes to take them and give him her leftovers... she's so generous!
Our "big" boy. Everyone keeps saying he looks so big, but I think it's just the angle of this picture. There is nothing big about him right now... his newborn clothes are falling off!

Ben Michael Kok

Stats:
Date-June 20, 2008
Time-10:51 pm
Weight-7 lb. 13 oz.
Length--20.8 in.

Everyone is doing Great!
Val was (of course) a champ and Ben did everything he was supposed just perfectly to as well.
So far he seems to be looking a bit more like Mama, but maybe that's the RED hair?
We can't wait for you to meet him (pics to follow).

Thanks to everyone for their wonderful support-
Nana, Pa, Great Grandma Margaret, Ryan and Megan (BZ was on watch with Hadley) were all waiting patiently right outside the door. Ryan graciously relieved Oma and Opa of Lauren duty at our house around Midnight so they could Meet Mr. Ben too.

In the words of Bob Barker...
"Come on Down"!

We're Here!

Ben's officially on his way-
stay tuned!

Nevermind

The hospital just called to say that they are full and will call me later today to schedule a new time... glad we got up at 5:30! Oh well, one of these days...

Tomorrow

So tonight is our last night as a family of 3. Lauren is already asleep at Nana & Pa's since we are supposed to check in at 7:15AM tomorrow. I am excited but also kind of feeling sad for Lauren knowing that her world will be turned upside down tomorrow. I know she'll love her brother and be the best big sister, but still... it's just wierd to think how different it will be. Kevin reminded me it's not the "end of life as we know it, it's the beginning". He's so right and I know it will be great. Our next post should have baby news!

Baby Lauren!

Since Ben isn't here yet we just decided to have Lauren wear his clothes- figure it'll save us money! j/k! Lauren insisted on wearing this 3 month outfit that Ben just got so here she is, feeling so proud that it "fits".

So, obviously no baby yet. I did have steady contractions last night from 10-11:30 but then they just stopped! This kid just isn't in a hurry! We really are having a baby- I promise I didn't just get really fat:)

Still Hanging Out...

Just keeping everyone updated. Ben is still relaxing and not ready to join the world yet! I have an accupuncture appt in an hour that is supposed to help get contactions going. We'll see... If not, the last plan I heard from my dr. was that she is going to induce me on Friday. I have an appt. with her tomorrow so I'll keep you posted.

Lovin' the Sun

We went to Redmond Town Center yesterday afternoon and Lauren couldn't resist playing in the fountain. She was shaking the water was so cold but that didn't change a thing- she would've played all day!

Walking back to the car with dad.
To Lauren this was the best day ever- she got a sucker and got to get all wet. The sucker was definitely just an accessory, she never ate it but HAD to have it in her hands. Suckers are the latest trend you know!

Oh and... Ben's STILL not here!

Father's Day Brewfest

What a perfect day for Father's day! The sun was out and there was TONS of beer at the brewfest. We met up with both of our familes and some friends and everyone enjoyed the beautiful day. This is the only picture I took (Kevin, Josh (Ryan's college roommate) and Ryan. Fun times!

Still not here...

I'll keep updating if anything happens. So far Ben is quite content staying where he's at!

40 weeks and still cookin'

The picture pretty much says it all... he's not here yet!

Maybe he's waiting for Father's day?

Beggers

Megan brought over a delicious Cold Stone Cake last night that said, "Come Out Ben" and Lauren and Hadley LOVED it. These 2 turned into quite the beggers, going from person to person seeing how much they could get. Funny thing is, neither was too interested in eating dinner... go figure! (and Lauren wasn't interested in her own cake at all, for some reason everyone else's tasted WAY better!)
Now lets just hope the cake works soon- we'd all like to meet you Ben! Maybe you need to bring another one over Megan- this time cake batter please:)

I just relaxing

This is Lauren's latest thing to do. She lays in the bath and says, "I just relaxing" (her life is so stressful!). She lays like this for minutes at a time and giggles and thinks she's so funny!

Just Some Pictures I Liked

One of the many places Lauren manages to fit herself in!

Love the look on Hadley's face as Lauren squeezes her way next to Nana. These two are definitely starting to have Nana envy with eachother!

A close up of my favorite girl!

No Ben Yet!

Just thought I'd post that, since a lot of people have been wondering:) No signs that he's coming yet either... but that can change fast- keep your fingers crossed that he comes SOON!

Cute Mommies

Lauren got this doll for her birthday and is in love with it! It has had a few names but the latest one that is sticking is "baby Frank". In fact, he came grocery shopping with us today and she told anyone who would listen that "this is baby Frank". It was hilarious! She is a really good mommy to him though, she always feeds him, rocks him, and sings to him!
Frank got to test out Ben's seat in the new double jogger. Lauren was such a good mommy, she held his hand while we strolled, it was so cute.
Hadley decided she needed to get in on this mommy thing so she brought me Lauren's new baby carrier and in her language asked me to put it on her. She liked it for about 10 seconds but by the time I got the camera on she was trying to rip it off. It takes time to learn to be a patient mama Hads!

Too Much Birthday

The day after her birthday Lauren fell asleep on the couch and stayed asleep for 2 hours! Those of you who know her know, this is NOT THE NORM!

Camping Out Inside

Lauren LOVES her new tent from Laurie and Graham! She likes to order us in and out of it all the time too, she is quite the Queen Bee of this tent!
She and daddy are pretending to sleep in it, too bad she doesn't really go to sleep!

Presents!

Lauren had a great time opening all her gifts when we got home. She had to stop and play with each one as she went. Haley gave her this baby carrier and it was a huge hit for carrying the Mickey Mouse that Laurie and Graham gave her.
Laurie and Graham were quite the hit with gift giving, they know her well. She LOVED this dress up gear and wore it all night and this morning!
Once she got the whole ensemble on she sang us all her version of "Happy Birthday to You". It was really cute.
Drew gave her this stroller and baby and it provided hours of exercise for Lauren- she has pushed this stroller around the house a good 100 times already.
Had to try on the cute new shoes from Bob & B-Z and give the baby a turn in the carrier. She is having so much fun with all her new loot she can hardly stand it! Thank you everyone for all the thoughtful gifts, they were all so perfect. Most importantly, thanks for being a part of her big day and loving her so much.