Flights over and day 1 in Silistra

We have arrived in Bulgaria!! After 3 flights and one 7 hour bus ride later, we got to town about midnight. That meant, our little super trooper travelers had been up and on the road for 39 hours. Both boys were awesome on the flights, very little fussing, whining, or complaining. They managed to charm the flight attendants each time!! Abraham started feeling better and better as the time progressed. Clearly the penicillin helped! He is now in top shape. We got a brief tour of the city on Monday from Vessi, and then went to dinner with teachers and home. So far, so good. The grocery store has all of the basics that we might need. The only trouble is that there is no English. Most people don't know any and we clearly don't speak Bulgarian.

We are very much enjoying it.

Sunset over the Danube, looking at Romania.

Playing on a playground in the town center.

Driving a coin operated car! It's a favorite activity...and in English!

Ancient Roman ruins, right in the heart of downtown. Dates back to 300 AD.

Downtown Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.

About to touch down in Paris. Notice the bassinet in the bulkhead wall. Solly slept in that for 6 of the 7 hours!

The big guys just waking up with a sunset over the wing as we head into Paris.

Hanging out in his bassinet.

Touching the nez nez. Aber's felt well enough to hold his little baby for the first time in a while on the way to Atlanta.

Stress throat, round 1

Abers got his first bout of strep throat last week. He had been feeling a little under the weather with a runny nose for a few days, but then started running fevers around 104. He had nasty breath and a muffled sounding voice. We took him to the doctor since we were leaving in 2 days and got the answer. Poor guy, gets it from his mama. We had him get the penicillin shots as there was no way for us to keep his amoxicillin cold. Not only did he have a sore throat then, but legs that didn't work. He kept saying he wanted them to go bye bye. After another 24 hours with fevers of 104-105.5, he finally started to be on the mend.

Resting in bed, post shot day 1. He couldn't move, drink, or talk. He didn't even want milk!

Deciding he wants to watch Curious George and was directing dad from his "throne."

Voluntarily laying on the couch since his legs didn't work.

Glad to say he turned the corner halfway to Paris and is back to his normal self again! First blog of our trip to follow as soon as this mama gets some sleep!

Love
us

Solomon's Baptism

Talking to oma and bapa.

Hello all!

Solomon was baptized 2/26/11 at our Lutheran church we go to here in town. It was a busy night as both David and Grandpa were on flights out the next morning. So glad that our good friends Jen and Scott were there to be Solomon's godparents. Uncle Jake and Aunt Kandin even came down! Solly looked awesome in his gown. It is close to 100 years old, worn by his brother, all his uncles, his grandpa and great grandpa. Pretty special! He did great during the ceremony, not a tear was shed or a peep was made. He, like a true Benson boy, woke up shortly thereafter to fill his drawers...loudly at that.

Hanging out in his gown.

All of our support and witnesses to the promises made.

Gotta love my boys.
Jess

Little of this and that!

Hiking in Mueller State Park

Just a quick post of photos mainly. Life is going well here. The boys are healthy and growing. More info after we go to the doctor on Wednesday!

Just a mom and her boys

Giraffe had a serious injury that required delicate surgery. His tail was loosing stuffing. Abers was very concerned for his best friend.

A SMILE!!!

Doctor visits!

Abraham has a favorite giraffe that needed to get dressed and come with us this past week. Good thing we brought him along as we literally needed the pants and shirt off his back...the giraffe that is. Aber's got into a bit of a mess and I hadn't restocked the diaper back. Giraffe saved the day!

We took the boys on Friday for their 2 year check up and 1 month checkup. Each was healthy and very well behaved. Both got a shot or two and tolerated them well. These guys are growing well and are so much fun to have around!

The stats...

Abraham weighed in at 29 lbs, which is a total gain of 21 pounds 13 ounces since birth. He is 35 3/4 inches tall, up from his birth height of 20 3/4 inches.

Solomon is up to 9 pounds 7 ounces, a gain of 1.5 pounds since birth. He has grown an amazing 2 inches and is now 22.5 inches long!!

The boys hanging out in the tops they wore for family pictures!

Love,
the L-Bs.

The first month of #2

Here are a bunch of pictures to document Solomon's first month living in the world. They are in backwards order...most recent on back. We love having him in our life. He is a SUPER mellow baby, cries when he is hungry, dirty, or bored. Will soothe with a pacifier. Is content to be in a bouncy seat around the action. Sleeps through ANYTHING, except maybe his big brother prying his eyes open. Eats every 1-2 hours when awake, 3-4 hours at night. Pukes ALL the time. Love you baby Solomon!

My 3 boys

First sink bath

Naming ceremony

Hanging out with mom while Aber's and dad nap.

Story time after pancake breakfast...hence David's apron.

Mom and her little guys. Abraham LOVES to hold his "beebee"

Mom and Solomon resting.

Helping himself to some icing.

The guest of honor when we went to Grandma's to meet Uncle Jake and Kandin.

Kandin is a baby hog!

The happy new parents...or just the uncle and his girlfriend! Glad they could make it down to meet the newest addition to the family!

Our little man is 2!!

Loving on #2 before bed time.

Wow, where has the time gone? Seems like a couple of years ago, we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of #1. Now, he's a walking, talking big guy! He loves to watch the opening to Lion King with Nana in the mornings. Sleeps from 1900-0600 on a good day. Eats lots of breakfast, for lunch and dinner as well. Could play alla (outside) all day if we let him, as long as his head is covered. Has discovered trucks, playdoh, and playing in water. New words are coming every day. We have words for book, outside, nose, more, open, help, door, eye, the letter P, boots, nana, mama, dada, grandpa, tons of animal sounds. You can jump, getting both feet off the ground. You love to read books, visit the giraffes, hold your little brother, help mom, vacuum, and pretty much anything else we ask you to do. Now, the word NO is in your vocabulary, but we try not to use it. Some days you don't need a time out, other times you have quite a few. As the days go on, you push the boundaries more and more, but are the sweetest, most loving little guy.

Matching dad in carhartts and flannel shirts. Notice the awesome boots he got for his birthday! They are toy story light up boots!

Same awesome boots. You would wear them daily if you could, even if they are too big.

Playing with the new basketball hoop with his best buddy Jackson.

Y

Enjoying Lion King with Nana.

Awesome birthday cake made by our good friend Jen!