THE PERRY'S: Family Ties

Lots and lots of pictures this time...so I will try (try being the key word) to keep the words short. This week Julie and her family came home from their long vacation. They left about 2 days before Brenton was born. Aleigha was growing quite close to her Satre cousins and missed them very much when they were gone. She was sooo excited when they came back. Brenton is growing quite fond of them as well. Also this week, Pat and Jo came in for a visit. Aleigha had lots of fun with them. We also spent some time with Chris' dad and his family. He has a little boy named Gavin that is 3 weeks older than Aleigha...they had lots of fun playing at Mountwood together. They also have a little boy named Craig who is 6 or 7 weeks older than Brenton. Of course, Aleigha thought it was sooo cool to be able to play with 2 babies. Brenton and I took my dad and Molly to the Columbus airport this week, so we stayed at Adam's house. Unfortunatly, we got there late and left very early, so we never got to see Eli b/c he was already asleep. Brenton did get to meet his Uncle Adam, Aunt Sarah, and cousin Ethan though. Need less to say, we took lots of pictures w/ everyone...hence the many pictures this week. It was great to spend so much time with family...just as always.
This week, Brenton turned a month old. He is very healthy, and is weighing in at about 9 lbs. He is a very happy baby and is developing a great personality. This morning he heard Chris' voice and turned to look at him. Chris started to talk to him, and Brenton got all excited. He started kicking his legs and smiling really big...it was so cute. I love to see the bonds he is forming with everyone especially w/ me, Chris and Aleigha. Although he is a very happy baby, he likes lots and lots of attention. If he is awake he does not want to be left in his bed, swing, bouncer or anything. He wants to be held or on the floor being stimulated by someone. He is super strong. At three weeks old he rolled over from belly to back. At first I thought it was a fluke, but he has done it several times since.
Aleigha is continuing to be a great big sister. She does however like to do things that Brenton does...such as the pacifier. When she saw that he had one she wanted one. I gave her one so she wouldn't take Brenton's from him. Aleigha is not so sure what to do with it since she never took one. All she knows is that it goes in your mouth...she chews on it, puts it in upside down. She is doing much better sleeping thru the night. In the last 8 days she has only come into our bed twice (compared to every night since the time Brenton was born until then). One of those nights, I believe she was having a bad dream. She came into bed w/ us and shortly later cried out twice and then screamed. I put my arm around her and she clung very tight to me. Then cried, "hold me mommy." It melted my heart. I remember asking my mom to hold me in the nights that I use to go into bed w/ her when I was little.
It is amazing, the love that a parent has for their children. When the first child is born, a parent discovers a love they never new existed before. When they are expecting child #2, they know they will love this baby too...but they wonder if the love can be as strong as with their first child. But it's an amazing thing when that baby is born, the love is just as strong. And the love for both of them continues to grow every single day. It is truly a blessing to be a parent.
Okay, so much for trying not to have a lengthy post...I suppose I just can't help it. But those of you who know me, know I like to talk (especially about my kids). Anyways, enjoy the pictures.

When Aleigha is pooping on the potty, she tells you to leave...if you don't leave, she covers her eyes w/ her shirt...that way she thinks you can't see her...lol

checking to see if i've left yet

hanging out in her old baby pool...we'll be putting pics up next week in her new pool

Aleigha playing w/ her new sprinkler beach ball

She missed her nap...I was trying to keep her awake for just one more hour and then I was going to put her to bed early...she had other plans...

and under the table she slept..for about an hour..then was awake for several more.

Aleigha playing frisbee w/ Gavin

Hmm...what should we do next?

They are about 3 weeks apart.
It was really cute to see them have so much fun together.

picking flowers for their moms

Hanging w/ Uncle Pat and Aunt Jo

Aunt Sarah and Brenton

Jared and Brenton

Maddie and Brenton...she did great w/ him, she was very very gentle

Ryan and Brenton

Aunt Julie, Abbie, and Brenton

Alli and Brenton...she is such a good cousin

Uncle Pat and Brenton...he'll be a great dad on day

Aunt Jo and Uncle Pat w/ the kids

Zach Attack and Brenton

He loves his Pop

getting kisses from Aunt Molly

Aunt Molly w/ Abbie and Brenton

oh i love this picture...there is so much love shown in this pic
check out Aleigha's hand behind Abbie's neck

we kept telling Aleigha to open her eyes...she opened them real quick and said "I sleeping"..then closed them again real quick

we finally got Aleigha to open her eyes...however Abbie's eyes were closed
they love each other so much...they have a lot of fun together

the kids w/ their cousin Aric

she thinks she's hot stuff

She's just too beautiful

Adam, Sarah, and Ethan w/ Brenton...Eli was asleep :(

Aunt Sarah and Brenton

Uncle Adam and Brenton

1 month old today

happy baby

content baby

Happy 1 month Birthday Brenton!!

Mommy and Brenton on his 1 month birthday

I love this boy!!

Daddy and Brenton on his 1 month birthday

Daddy is very proud of his little boy

i didn't want to start using a binki w/ him...Aleigha didn't ever take one, and it was great not to have to break her of it...however, with 2 little ones constantly needing attention, this has def. helped to pacify him a few times...now we're just hoping to not get him addicted...lol.