Recent Happenings

You will find that the common denominator to the pictures below = Bennett being present in most of them. He has added so much sweetness to our lives, along with hundreds of photos to our iPhone libraries. Here are some highlights from the last couple months.

When Korinn offered to come see Bennett and I, I knew instantly that I wanted to take her to one of my favorite coffee shops for lunch. This girl knows her coffee. We enjoyed hanging out with Korinn and it made the rainy Friday afternoon zoom by much faster.

#CoffeeSnob #SheWouldAdmitIt #LoveHer

Bennett Clay meets Mavric Jay. My lovely cousin Brooke brought us a most delicious meal soon after Bennett was born. When Mavric made his entrance, I was ever so anxious to go meet the little heart-breaker. He is very much loved and adored by his sweet parents.
#NewMommies #FutureBuddies

Bennett and I had to take a selfie, to send to Daddy, at Bennett's two month check-up. Nate was not offering to accompany me to this appointment. His daddy heart did not want to see our boy get his shots. Should I be concerned that Bennett's vaccines did not phase me a whole lot? That is what happens when you spend a couple years working in the medical field, plus Bennett took it like a champ.
#Pre-shotSelfie #CluelessBoy

#StillClueless #WhereIsTheDoctor

Kali might win the prize if we were doing a contest on which cousin has held Bennett the most. According to her mom, Kali is an excellent baby holder, and it is very evident. She could have sat there for hours holding her little cousin.

#BennettAndKali

I cherish this picture of my dad giving Bennett a kiss. Lance and Sara hosted a family night, and we lined all the grandkids up for a picture, youngest to oldest. I hope someday that Bennett will be friends, maybe even the protector, over his three girl cousins that are right above him in age.

#KissesFromGrandpa #EndOfTheCousinLine

I cannot wait to see the relationships blossom and memories come forth from this group of cousins.

#RickFiechterGrandkids

Bristal, Ada, and Sadie. Things started off alright. Two out of the three look happy enough.

Farewell to Bristal's happy face.

And the rest is history. All three joined in on the crying fest. If wedding scrapbooks are still a thing, by the time these three get to that stage, I may have to dig up some of these pictures.

We were ready, quite promptly, one Wednesday night before church. I hurried my boys outside and snapped away. I love seeing Nate interact with his baby boy. A father's love is a beautiful thing. While I am blessed with a wonderful earthly father, who has always been a reflection of how much my Heavenly father adores me. I am again reminded of our Father's love as I see how much Nate loves Bennett.

#Blue-eyedBoys #LikeFatherLikeSon

I want a picture with Bennett too. 

#LovingMotherhood

Go-to-work-with-Daddy day. Bennett got to hang out with Daddy, while I went to a dentist appointment. The jury is still out on how productive Nate truly was, during that hour.

#FutureAccountant #WhoKnows

Was the swimming garb unnecessary? Probably

Did he even get in the water? Barely

I just could not resist. I sincerely believe that swim trunks are so much cuter on little people.

#HiltonHeadSC #First-timeMother #BennettGoesOnVacation

Bennett (+ Mommy and Daddy) were spoiled getting to share a condo with my parents. They helped out with Bennett a great deal, and it truly felt like a vacation for me. 

#GrandparentTime #18thGrandchild

On our way home from vacation, we stopped halfway to stay overnight at a Hampton Inn. When I walked into the lobby, my eyes instantly fell upon this giant stuffed bear sitting in the corner. Now that we have a baby, what a great excuse to get a picture with such things. There were also several senior citizens lounging in the lobby. Of course, Bennett got much attention from the sweet older ladies. They then went on to tell us about their grandchildren or great grandchildren. I am finding that to be a pattern. I have been shown multiple pictures of grandchildren, from very proud grandparents, most of which I have never met.

#BennetLikesSeniorCitizens #TheyThinkHeIsCute #GiantBearAlert

Have you heard about the guy running across America? We had the honor of hosting him for a night. Check out his website here. 

As he came through Illinois, he met and stayed with some friends of ours. That is when I began to follow his journey on social media. When I first began to read about him, I had an initial thought of, "hmmm, I wonder what route he might be taking as he enters into Ohio, it would sure be fun to host him." When my cousin, who had also kept him a night, messaged me and told me that Paul would be coming through our area, I knew that I wanted to offer him a place to stay. So it happened...he got the joy of visiting the lovely Paulding, Ohio.

#BennettMadeANewFriend #RunAcrossAmerica

Nate picked him up a few miles outside of VanWert this past Wednesday, and dropped him off the next day. What an amazing individual. I give credit to anybody who can run farther than a mile. Running is not my cup of tea. Paul is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, now that he has less than 600 miles to go. We pray that he will have the endurance to make it to his final destination, and knowing him, he will most likely finish with a smile. 

#KeepGoing #RunToInspire #YouInspiredUs

To sum it up, this is basically what Bennett thought about the zoo. I have a feeling that his interest in animals will come in time, but for now he would rather nap. 

#NoInterestInAnimals #ExceptForHisFrogPacifier

At least mommy got to be with her friends and Bennett got a long stroller ride out of the deal.

#ZooDay #LattyJunctionGirls

I am running out of blogging power, but thought I better post some photos before our sweet boy grows up even more. I was told it would happen, but wow do they grow quickly. We are enjoying parenthood more than we ever imagined. What a fun and tiring responsibility. 

#3MonthsOld #BennettClay #Blessed

Love, The Zollingers