sPoNtAnEoUs and quick

Happy to be with BOTH Grandparents!

Yes, this is Darla. When all the cousins were playing the dress-ups she said to Erik, "Make me cute Dad."

Diaper Party with Rachel

Rachel, Darla and Kate - we LOVE cousins!

Erik's Mom called last week and said that we were needed at home this past weekend. So we arrived in Salt Lake on Saturday afternoon and returned to Minneapolis Monday night. Quick? Yes. Worth it? OF COURSE! (Yes we were able to fit in a quick stop at Cafe Rio) Erik's Dad was made Bishop of their ward and felt that it was important to have his family there. We were happy to able to be there, especially to show off our little Bennett. I never thought I'd be hopping on an airplane three weeks after I had my baby - but when family calls - we are there! If anything it just made us even that much more excited for Christmas time when we will be able to be there for almost a month. Another bonus of the whole trip was that we were able to see my brother Matt who has been in Moldova for the past 2 1/2 years with the Peace Corp. I loved that he was able to meet Darla and Bennett - it meant the world to me actually.

Now we are back to real life after our weekend that ended up feeling like a dream. Seriously I woke up Tuesday morning and felt like I had made up the whole weekend. When we were pulling into our parking lot after the drive home from the airport Darla said, "I see Darla's house! Fun adventure Mom!" It was an adventure. There is nothing like being with/seeing family. We love and miss you all.

eyes open

There was a request for pictures of Bennett with his eyes open. Aren't very many, but these will give you an idea. Quite different than Darla when she was a newborn - her eyes were ALWAYS open.

love

Thanks to Aunt Laura for the Princess Dress! She hasn't stopped wearing it!

First Bath. He slept through most of it (typical of him).

Darla sure loves her Crazy Grandma. We miss you!

Darla is the best older sister. We are having the time of our lives. I thought it was amazing to watch Darla grow - but it is even more exciting to watch two little people change right before your eyes.

Beautiful Boy

no need for words on this one.

one week

sleep. eat. poop. sleep. eat. poop.

I am in love with him. He is pure boy. It's amazing the differences I already see between him and Darla. Once again I have learned so much . . . so much about love, patience, joy, God, and family.

I'm grateful my mom is able to be here. There are times in life where you just need your mom- this is one of those times. Especially my mom, because she loves newborns more than anything else. She is such a great example to me of perfect service and love. I hope to one day to be like her.

Darla is adjusting. We have had the sweetest of moments with her and Bennett. She already loves and cares for him. She gets worried when he cries or is unsettled. I have a feeling that she is going to be my greatest helper. At times this change has been emotional for her - but she works through it. She is such a little person trying to be ever so grown up. I love her more this week than ever.

Erik has a son. He keeps saying that - "I have a son!" There are times in life where you just need the man of your dreams - this is one of those times. He is incredible. I love how motivated he is by the birth of another child. I'm amazed by his love for me. Can't imagine my life without him.

I am feeling well. There is nothing like a newborn, the sacrifice of my body, time, energy . . . and life. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Bennett is one week old and we have all been changed forever.

Bennett

oh BOY!

Bennett Clark Nelson

Just a quick note to let you know that we had a 21 in, 8 lb. 9 oz. baby BOY on Sept 6th at 12:56 AM. More to come later. :)

"I love to see the Temple"

For Family Night last night we drove to the St. Paul Temple. Darla kept saying "Moroni - whistle" She obviously liked that he was blowing a trumpet.

Such a beautiful girl.

Isn't this picture priceless? Glad to have caught this one! We are so blessed to be able to live close to a Temple so that Darla can witness first hand such beauty and spirit.