Dallas Zoo 2011

We made Ben's first trip to the Dallas Zoo on Dollar Day, July 21. Needless to say that the zoo was packed like sardines in a can and it was very hot, but I'm saying it anyway so you get the point. Two of my nieces, Rebecca and Jessinia, came, too, and if we had a bigger vehicle we could have brought more of Ben's cousins.

All the animals were trying to keep cool in the shade. We didn't see the lions, but we saw donkeys, flamingos, exotic birds, small primates, camels, giraffes, elephants, penguins, cheetahs, two baby warthogs, and some other birds like eagles, owls, and hawks.

We had fun, but look forward to going when it's not so crowded and scorching. If you want to go on a Dollar Day, the next one is November 22, but like I said, you won't be seeing us there!

Benjamin is One

Baby Ben is not a baby any more. Now he is one year old. He's been walking since about 10 months, so it's about time to call him a toddler.

We celebrated his first birthday with a small party on his actual birthday and big party on Saturday. Benjamin did a lot of work to make it run smoothly. (He is the best!) A lot of family and friends came out to support us. He got many toys and clothes. Thanks so much, everyone!

On a side note, we had no idea how much work it took to throw a kid's birthday party. Kudos to all you parents with experience. I'm so glad Benjamin has a servant's heart. He made the party a huge success!

In closing, God truly blessed us with the best gift, a child. James 1:17, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like the shadows."

First Haircut

Studies show that it may be true about pregnant women with more heartburn having hairy babies than women who do not experience that much acid reflux having babies with little or no hair. Needles to say, Baby Ben was born with a lot of hair-everywhere. (I, too, was a hairy baby. It must be a Gonzalez trait because Ben only had a hairy head.)

I loved Baby Ben's hairy head! It was just a cute mess, but it was making him hot and Benjamin suggested it was time for a haircut. I didn't want him to get a haircut because all mom's know that it's a sign of their little baby growing up. He was just born two months ago and already was needing a cut at nine weeks. I'm glad I wasn't there to see it or I would have cried.

As you can see, everything turned out fine. Ben and I went on a date night yesterday while Baby Ben was with Tia Ronnie and Star cut his hair before we picked him up. Of course he still looks cute, but he has a sort of mature look now.

Thank you Heavenly Father that you care about us so much that you even know the number of hairs on our head! Luke 12:7 (NIV) states, "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Does Baby Ben still have the same count?

Fast Forward

Baby Ben is already two months old. I can't believe how much he has grown. He eats 4-5 ounces now and is sleeping through the night. I get up once or twice to keep up with his milk demands and, I'll admit it, to make sure he's breathing. He looks so peaceful when he's sleeping.

I'm teaching him a few signs: milk, I love you, pacifier, mommy, daddy, grandma, and grandpa. I'll add in a few others as time goes on.

I love it when he smiles and coos! I sing to him and he doesn't even complain. This morning we were playing and I caught it on video. Enjoy!

Baby Ben

Benjamin Ruben Ramirez, Jr. (AKA Baby/Little Ben) was pulled out the womb at 5:50 am on Thursday, April 22, 2010. It was a difficult labor, but we made it. My husband, Benjamin, was great! He was so calm, which kept me calm and he would encourage me by saying, "Everything's going to be alright." Oh, how reassuring to hear those words then and any time in life. I know that everything will be fine because God promises that in Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (NASB)." We were overjoyed when we saw our son. Above is his first picture taken by Daddy.