Dear Bentley,
One of my favorite books to read to you is "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss.
I would like to share with you my favorite line:
"So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact.
And remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act."
I am reminded of this while I watch you learn how to stand on your own. You will pull yourself up by grabbing onto the edge of something. Then, while you are standing and holding on, a big grin crosses your face. I watch your wobbliness as you gain your balance. Then with hesitation you slowly let go with one hand. You balance for a few seconds to see if you can hold steady. Within seconds you fall down on the floor. Then, you try again.
Life is like this Balancing Act. But baby, you are still determined to learn even though you fall each time. Do you know why you keep getting back up? Because eventually you WILL stand. And soon after, you WILL take your first steps.
You have full confidence in yourself right now. You have a Mommy and Daddy cheering you on through each milestone. But there will be times in life that you won't feel very confident. There will be moments you will feel like no one is cheering you on. But I love watching your eagerness to get back up even though you fall. Your determintation to succeed and learn outweighs the little bumps and thumps. I pray you always have this zest for life and learning no matter the costs! You make me proud.
"...Kid you'll move MOUNTAINS!
You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So, get on your way!"
I love you,
Mommy
Friday, October 7, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Seven Months Old
Dear Bentley,
You are seven months old today!
We took you to the park two weeks ago for a photo shoot. Your Uncle Dan took the pictures for us. They turned out so wonderful. I just wanted to share them with you.
You are seven months old today!
We took you to the park two weeks ago for a photo shoot. Your Uncle Dan took the pictures for us. They turned out so wonderful. I just wanted to share them with you.
Happy Seven Months, Little Buddy!! You are the most precious little thing that has ever crawled and attempted to walk this earth! I love you!!
Mommy
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The Humors and Horrors of Baby Proofing!
Dear Bentley,
This morning turned into an eyeopening experience real fast. I am now sitting here overwhelmed at 10 AM. You just showed me first hand where I still need to baby proof in this house.
I woke up this morning to the sounds of crying. Much like every morning. You always let me know when you wake up. So I jumped up and headed straight to the kitchen to make your breakfast. We had 2 ounces of rice, fruit baby cereal, and 3 ounces of formula. The perfect breakfast. As soon as you finished eating I got up to clean your bowl, spoon and bottle. I returned, less than a minute later, to find you have crawled across the living room, past the front door, and you were heading to greet me in the dining room. I grabbed my phone to take pictures of you to send to Daddy at work. Then I noticed you were not yet finished with your journey. So I began following you to see where all you would go.
We crawled into the master bedroom. Not too many things in there that interested you. So you turned around and headed back to the dining room. We crawled right to Mommy's craft desk. So many bright, sparkly things to play with! I quickly moved you away from the pretty "no-no" area and you started to crawl toward the kitchen. It didn't take long to notice all the un-childproofed areas in there. You have never crawled this far before! You went straight to Roxie's bowls. I picked up her food bowl and set it on the counter. I turned around to find the water bowl almost being tipped over by you and had to pry the dish out of your hands. So you decided to move along toward the laundry room. Oh no! I know there is insect repellant spread across that doorway! I picked you up and faced you the other way before you got to that door. Phew! I breathed a sigh of relief. Proud of myself for responding so fast, I looked to see where you were heading next. You were on your way to the other side of the kitchen...where I see a mouse trap in your immediate future. How do you find these corners?? You are like a magnet to them! I picked you up again and set you in the doorway facing outward, away from these dangers.
--Sidenote: Sorry Buddy, but this is an old house, 1920's I think. The trap and repellant are mostly precautionary. But a necessity, nonetheless.--
Back to my story. I faced you away from the dangers of the kitchen. Once again, we were on the move. Crawling back into the dining room, you decided you would like to investigate the tall object leaning against the opposite wall. Your daddy's golf clubs. As soon as I saw what you were seeing I couldn't help but picture them falling over and hurting you! I caught you before you could reach them and turned you away from impending harm. I followed you as you headed back toward the living room.
And then, there we were, face-to-face with the floor furnace. (Remember, 1920's!) The dreaded floor furnace that hurts your little knees to crawl across. I started to think about how the weather outside is getting cooler and cooler as we head into fall and winter. This floor furnace is our only source of heat. And it is located in the doorway between the living room and dining room. You won't be able to crawl near it when it is on without hurting yourself severely. It has melted the soles of my shoes just by quickly walking across it! Oh dear, what do I do when we have to turn this thing on??
I temporarily placed a rug over it so you could continue on your journey. You crawled into the living room again and went straight toward the fireplace. (Don't worry. This fireplace hasn't worked in decades.) I have decorative vases and candles in there. And what do you know, that's what you wanted to play with! I had to pry more "no-no's" out of your hands and set them back down in their spot. I turned to find that you found a little white wire on the ground. Camoflauged by the white brick of the fire place. I would have never seen it, yet you found it! Where did that come from? I took it away immediately and began to feel overwhelmed.
We continued on this adventure for an hour before you started to get cranky. So I picked you up and I put you in your crib with your pacifier and you drifted quickly off to sleep. You are oblivious to any of these dangers all over the house. You just have a merry-ole-time crawling and exploring.
So here I am now, sitting on the couch with the realization that outlet covers and door latches do not baby proof a house. I have a lot to do before you wake up. And A LOT of praying to do as well!!
I love you, Little Buddy.
Mommy
This morning turned into an eyeopening experience real fast. I am now sitting here overwhelmed at 10 AM. You just showed me first hand where I still need to baby proof in this house.
I woke up this morning to the sounds of crying. Much like every morning. You always let me know when you wake up. So I jumped up and headed straight to the kitchen to make your breakfast. We had 2 ounces of rice, fruit baby cereal, and 3 ounces of formula. The perfect breakfast. As soon as you finished eating I got up to clean your bowl, spoon and bottle. I returned, less than a minute later, to find you have crawled across the living room, past the front door, and you were heading to greet me in the dining room. I grabbed my phone to take pictures of you to send to Daddy at work. Then I noticed you were not yet finished with your journey. So I began following you to see where all you would go.
We crawled into the master bedroom. Not too many things in there that interested you. So you turned around and headed back to the dining room. We crawled right to Mommy's craft desk. So many bright, sparkly things to play with! I quickly moved you away from the pretty "no-no" area and you started to crawl toward the kitchen. It didn't take long to notice all the un-childproofed areas in there. You have never crawled this far before! You went straight to Roxie's bowls. I picked up her food bowl and set it on the counter. I turned around to find the water bowl almost being tipped over by you and had to pry the dish out of your hands. So you decided to move along toward the laundry room. Oh no! I know there is insect repellant spread across that doorway! I picked you up and faced you the other way before you got to that door. Phew! I breathed a sigh of relief. Proud of myself for responding so fast, I looked to see where you were heading next. You were on your way to the other side of the kitchen...where I see a mouse trap in your immediate future. How do you find these corners?? You are like a magnet to them! I picked you up again and set you in the doorway facing outward, away from these dangers.
--Sidenote: Sorry Buddy, but this is an old house, 1920's I think. The trap and repellant are mostly precautionary. But a necessity, nonetheless.--
Back to my story. I faced you away from the dangers of the kitchen. Once again, we were on the move. Crawling back into the dining room, you decided you would like to investigate the tall object leaning against the opposite wall. Your daddy's golf clubs. As soon as I saw what you were seeing I couldn't help but picture them falling over and hurting you! I caught you before you could reach them and turned you away from impending harm. I followed you as you headed back toward the living room.
And then, there we were, face-to-face with the floor furnace. (Remember, 1920's!) The dreaded floor furnace that hurts your little knees to crawl across. I started to think about how the weather outside is getting cooler and cooler as we head into fall and winter. This floor furnace is our only source of heat. And it is located in the doorway between the living room and dining room. You won't be able to crawl near it when it is on without hurting yourself severely. It has melted the soles of my shoes just by quickly walking across it! Oh dear, what do I do when we have to turn this thing on??
I temporarily placed a rug over it so you could continue on your journey. You crawled into the living room again and went straight toward the fireplace. (Don't worry. This fireplace hasn't worked in decades.) I have decorative vases and candles in there. And what do you know, that's what you wanted to play with! I had to pry more "no-no's" out of your hands and set them back down in their spot. I turned to find that you found a little white wire on the ground. Camoflauged by the white brick of the fire place. I would have never seen it, yet you found it! Where did that come from? I took it away immediately and began to feel overwhelmed.
We continued on this adventure for an hour before you started to get cranky. So I picked you up and I put you in your crib with your pacifier and you drifted quickly off to sleep. You are oblivious to any of these dangers all over the house. You just have a merry-ole-time crawling and exploring.
So here I am now, sitting on the couch with the realization that outlet covers and door latches do not baby proof a house. I have a lot to do before you wake up. And A LOT of praying to do as well!!
I love you, Little Buddy.
Mommy
Monday, September 19, 2011
MOM!
Dear Bentley,
This evening you did something so special. I walked into the dining room where your daddy was holding you on his lap. You looked up and me and smiled so big and said, "MOM!"
Your father and I just looked at each other and then broke into CHEERS!
You know my name. I am your Mommy.
I love you, sweet boy.
Always and Forever,
Your MOM
This evening you did something so special. I walked into the dining room where your daddy was holding you on his lap. You looked up and me and smiled so big and said, "MOM!"
Your father and I just looked at each other and then broke into CHEERS!
You know my name. I am your Mommy.
I love you, sweet boy.
Always and Forever,
Your MOM
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
6 Months Old!
Have you ever seen a more beautiful baby??
Oh Buddy, Mommy can hardly keep up with all that you accomplish. You started off so helpless and small. So beautiful, but so new to everything. That is why it amazes me so much that you have come so far in only 6 months.
You are crawling now! The Pediatrician was so impressed with you at your six month check up! She couldn't believe how advanced you are in your skills! Before too long, you will be getting into everything!!! I am already having to watch you closer than ever.
I love you very much!
Mommy
Monday, August 22, 2011
You're Off To Great Places...
Dear Bentley,
I am in shock! I realized this week you will be SIX MONTHS OLD! The same week I am turning 26! Time waits for no one. I don't feel this old. And WHEN did you get this old????
You have accomplished a lot this month!
We have been working on first words with you. One in particular. "Mama." You started with, "Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........" Then worked up to, "MmmmmAH!" Now we are working on the repeating second syllable. You understand there are two syllables which is impressive! But "Mama," sounds more like, "MAHbwuuhhhh." Still impressive!!
Now, onto crawling!
First, you got your belly off the ground. Then you were in crawling position and would rock back and forth to gain balance. Now you can lift your hand off the ground and put it in front of you. You lunge forward and fall over. Then...you get right back up!!!! You taught yourself all of this. How does a little bitty baby teach himself such big things?? I am very proud of you.
You are sleeping next to me right now. Tired and exhausted from all the crawling attempts. You can wiggle your way across any floor and bed. And you just wiggled yourself right to sleep. So I thought I would take this time to write you a letter to let you know how amazing you are. Every accomplishment no matter how big or small is a HUGE deal to your daddy and me.
I love you, Little Buddy!
Love,
Mommy
PS: Daddy got a job!!!!
I am in shock! I realized this week you will be SIX MONTHS OLD! The same week I am turning 26! Time waits for no one. I don't feel this old. And WHEN did you get this old????
You have accomplished a lot this month!
We have been working on first words with you. One in particular. "Mama." You started with, "Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........" Then worked up to, "MmmmmAH!" Now we are working on the repeating second syllable. You understand there are two syllables which is impressive! But "Mama," sounds more like, "MAHbwuuhhhh." Still impressive!! 
Now, onto crawling!First, you got your belly off the ground. Then you were in crawling position and would rock back and forth to gain balance. Now you can lift your hand off the ground and put it in front of you. You lunge forward and fall over. Then...you get right back up!!!! You taught yourself all of this. How does a little bitty baby teach himself such big things?? I am very proud of you.
You are sleeping next to me right now. Tired and exhausted from all the crawling attempts. You can wiggle your way across any floor and bed. And you just wiggled yourself right to sleep. So I thought I would take this time to write you a letter to let you know how amazing you are. Every accomplishment no matter how big or small is a HUGE deal to your daddy and me.I love you, Little Buddy!
Love,
Mommy
PS: Daddy got a job!!!!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
A Grandmother's Love
August 3, 2011
Hey Little Buddy,
Well, you sir, turned 5 months old on July 28th! What a big boy!
We just took a weekend to Dallas. While daddy is off work looking for a job, we thought this would be a great time to get away for 3 days together. We went to visit your great grandparents and great uncle. I have an outfit I bought you from before you were born. It is a onesie with Charlie Brown on it. And there's one thing you should know about your Great Grandma McGee: She loooooves Charlie Brown and Snoopy!! Well, ALL the Peanuts characters. This outfit is size 3 months, so it fits you now. I was waiting until you grew into it to take you down there to see her. We took lots of pictures of the two of you together. You, as always, were adorable.
As you know, you got your name from her. She was Nancy Bentley. Her father was a Southern Baptist Preacher in Illinois, Vivian Bentley. Her family passed on their Christian legacy to my father, your Grandpa, and then on down to me. In honor of them, I named you Bentley.
Grandma McGee is so proud of you. She is one of your greatest fans. She has a photo album of you by her chair. Everytime I upload a picture of you onto Facebook, Uncle Robin prints it off and adds it to her album. This way she can watch you grow everyday even though she is over 200 miles away. I try to make sure shes sees you as often as possible. Grandpa McGee says everyday she wakes up ready to drive to Oklahoma to see her little grandson.
A lesson I hope you learn in life is to always cherish time with your family. Grandparents are golden. You can learn so much from them and they love you like no other. Make every effort to spend time with them.
You are beautiful and you are growing everyday. I love you, Bentley!
Love,
Mommy
Hey Little Buddy,
Well, you sir, turned 5 months old on July 28th! What a big boy!
We just took a weekend to Dallas. While daddy is off work looking for a job, we thought this would be a great time to get away for 3 days together. We went to visit your great grandparents and great uncle. I have an outfit I bought you from before you were born. It is a onesie with Charlie Brown on it. And there's one thing you should know about your Great Grandma McGee: She loooooves Charlie Brown and Snoopy!! Well, ALL the Peanuts characters. This outfit is size 3 months, so it fits you now. I was waiting until you grew into it to take you down there to see her. We took lots of pictures of the two of you together. You, as always, were adorable.
As you know, you got your name from her. She was Nancy Bentley. Her father was a Southern Baptist Preacher in Illinois, Vivian Bentley. Her family passed on their Christian legacy to my father, your Grandpa, and then on down to me. In honor of them, I named you Bentley. 
Grandma McGee is so proud of you. She is one of your greatest fans. She has a photo album of you by her chair. Everytime I upload a picture of you onto Facebook, Uncle Robin prints it off and adds it to her album. This way she can watch you grow everyday even though she is over 200 miles away. I try to make sure shes sees you as often as possible. Grandpa McGee says everyday she wakes up ready to drive to Oklahoma to see her little grandson.A lesson I hope you learn in life is to always cherish time with your family. Grandparents are golden. You can learn so much from them and they love you like no other. Make every effort to spend time with them.
You are beautiful and you are growing everyday. I love you, Bentley!
Love,
Mommy
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