Bennett - 7 Months

This month was extremely special because we celebrated our first Christmas with Bennett. It was fun thinking back to last year when we announced to our family that we were expecting. We had a wonderful Christmas. December 18th we went to MS to have Kevin's extended family Christmas. It was fun to see Bennett and Fischer play. Bennett played a song on his toy piano and Fischer sang a song. I so wished we could have captured it on video. Christmas Eve we celebrated Christmas with my family. Everyone came over to our house. Unfortunately, Bennett fell asleep when it was time to open gifts. Christmas day, Bennett woke up, ate, and then saw what Santa had brought under his Christmas tree in his room. Santa was very practical this year. Then, we had our family Christmas and rushed to church. That evening, Kevin's parents came over. Bennett had more fun with the paper and boxes than the gifts. We are so very thankful.

Bennett is now 7 months and such a big boy now. He is 16 lbs 13 oz and 26.5" long. He rolls over from his stomach to his back. He loves his fingers/hands. He is called "preacher man" at school because he keeps his hands clasped together like he is praying. It was also a rough month. New Year's Day we went to Children's Hospital. Bennett was wheezing. He tested positive for RSV which had led to Bronchitis. He was a very sick boy. He just looked like he felt awful. He would just sleep and eat. I missed my playful, smiley boy. He stayed home from school that whole week. By Thursday, he was no longer having a fever. By Saturday, he was his playful self again.

Bennett has tried many different veggies (carrots, sweet potato, green beans, squash, and green peas). He does not like green peas. It was funny because he did not spit them out. He screamed with his mouth open like I needed to get it off his tongue. We will try them again later. Overall, he is a very good eater. He will hold his bottle, but wants to play with it when he holds it.

Bennett got his first tooth 12/11/11. It is the lower left. It was rough. He does not like orajel. He screams when I put it on his tooth, so we no longer use it. Then 1/5/12, he got his second tooth. Bennett does not sleep well when he is teething. He does not like the teething rings. I finally tried filling his pacifier (he does not take them) with water and freezing it. Once frozen, I would let him suck on it and numb his gums. He seemed to like it once he figured out you were not making him take a pacifier.

We have good and bad nights when not teething or sick. He will usually wake during the night when he becomes unswaddled. Swaddling may not have been a good thing. It is good to help him sleep, but now that he is so big it is hard to swaddle him and he does not sleep well without being swaddled. I guess we will have to endure the transition.

Favorite toys: Still loves his piano, farm animal toy, and really enjoys his Baby Einstein jumper saucer. New toys from Christmas that he likes is snail (from Grandmother Lurline)and activity table (from mom and dad).

Favorite food: fruit - peaches, veggie - carrots & sweet potato

Here are some pictures from the month.

7 Month Photo


Bennett's first tooth


Bennett giving Daddy sugar.


Bennett holding bottle.



Bennett the Elf


Bennett and Fischer


Bennett's Christmas Gifts from Mom and Dad



Gifts from Santa


Bennett with some of his Christmas gifts.


Atkins Family Photo

Bennett - 6 Months

Bennett is now 6 months old. It seems everyday he his doing something new. He now weighs 16lbs 8oz and 26" long (30% weight, 25% height, and 90% head). He has been eating fruit with cereal twice a day along with bottles of formula. He has found his feet and loves to play with them. He is almost able sit up, but is still a little top heavy.

Bennett has had 2 ear infections. He did so well taking his medicine. I did not get them flavored and he ate it like it was a bottle. He is getting his first tooth. This has been awful. He is cranky and does not sleep well (which makes everyone cranky).

Bennett has enjoyed some fun days at Nanna and Poppie's. They get him some of the best toys. Cousin Lindsey continues to spoil Bennett with gifts everytime we come to MS. We took Bennett to Bass Pro Shop to have his picture made with Santa. We are getting ready for Bennett's first Christmas. I cannot wait.

Bennett's Favorite Toy: Piano and Farm Animal toy
Bennett's Favorite Song: Santa is coming to Town and Itsy Bitsy Spider
Bennett's Favorite Fruit: Peaches


All ready for the Egg Bowl


Bennett playing


Bennett having fun and Nanna's


Bennett and Frosty


Bennett 6 month photo

Bennett - 5 Months

It seems this month has flown by. The last week of October Bennett visited daycare. I still had the week off, but had many errands to do before going back to work. I wish I could say that the week at daycare went without issue, but that was not the case. It was hard letting go and knowing that they are not going to do it like me. November 1st was my first day back at work. I thought I would ease back into the flow of things, but what was I thinking. It was a crazy week with close starting, fixing problems that occurred the previous month, and hours of meeting. Two weeks later, we have settled into the new schedule.

Bennett is now 14 lbs and 15 oz. He is 25" long. He has become a little jabber box. He coos and laughs all the time. When you sing or read him a book, he sings and reads with you. He likes to turn the pages of the book himself. He has such a grip now. He gets a hold of everything and thinks it is cute that he got it. We also started cereal and fruit. It was an experience at first. I had a hard time with the mess, but after a week he was doing great. He hardly makes any mess, except when I miss his mouth. He has tried apples, bananas, and pears. Bananas is his favorite so far.

We got to enjoy Halloween this year. Bennett was dressed as a puppy dog. Although he slept most of the time at the Fall Festival, we enjoyed walking around, showing him off, and seeing our friend's kids.

He had another sleep over at Aunt Gigi's. The boys seem to do so good with Bennett. Cousin Lindsey continues to spoil Bennett. She had the cutest onesie done for him. It has a cowbell on the front of the onesie with his name. The back has "Go Dawgs". Bennett has a new wardrobe thanks to Nanna and Lindey's shopping. I can only count 3 outfits that I have bought for Bennett. We are so thankful for everyone's thoughtfulness. Bennett will not go naked and is one of the best dressed little boys in his class.

We went to the Botanical Gardens to have some Christmas pictures made. Bennett was such a trooper. The pictures turned out so well.

Bennett got his first cold. He looked so pitiful with the red swollen eyes and stuffy nose; however, he was still a very happy baby. The cold did not pass, so I ended up taking him to the doctor. He ended up having conjunctivitis and right ear infection. I asked the doctor signs I should have looked for, but Bennett did not display any of those signs. He was never fussy, no fever, continued to eat well, etc. The doctor said I had a great baby which does not tell me when he is sick.

Favorite Song - all songs, but goes to sleep to 5 Little Monkeys.
Favorite Toy - handheld piano

Below are some pictures from this month.


Bennett 5 Months



Bennett as a puppy for Halloween


Bennett's first time to eat cereal.


Bennett's first day to go to daycare.


Bennett and Grandmother


2011 Family Pictures

Oh, how Bennett has grown (Birth to 4 Months)

Birth 6-11-11

1 Month Old

2 Month Old

3 Month Old

4 Month Old

Bennett - 4 Months

Wow! I cannot believe it has been 4 months. Mommy and Bennett time is soon coming to an end. I am so appreciative and thankful to have been able to take all this time to be with him. Although I am unsure of what situation I will be returning to at work, I will never regret getting to spend this time with Bennett.

Bennett is now 13 lbs. 12 oz. and 23 3/4" long. He is now on the normal growth chart. He had been on the preemie growth chart. We had his thyroid retested and as expected it came back normal.

Bennett recognizes his name. If you call him, he will turn to look at you. He is also able to grab and hold onto things. It is so neat to see each milestone he reaches. He will sleep through the night for a while and then go back to getting up around 4 or 5. We are thankful that he is a good sleeper. I got Bennett a few new toys at the consignment sale. He enjoys the playing the piano and listening to the animal sounds. Bennett loves to talk. He will carry on talking, cooing, and laughing. We have started teaching him sign language. Currently, we are signing milk, change diaper, all done, and play. He usually fusses when you go to change his diaper, but when I show him the sign he calms down. It is amazing that it seems he understands.

Bennett went to his first MSU game. MSU played UAB in Birmingham, so it was a convenient game to take him to. He was so good. He ate, watched everything, and slept. He got his first picture with Bully. We also had a great time at Parker's Rock Star birthday party. Kevin played the guitar for Parker's party.

We went through Family Dedication. Kevin and I committed to raise Bennett in the church so that he may one day know what Jesus did for him. We have given Bennett to God. It is hard to say that when you have prayed and waited for him for so long. But, there is no better place for him to be than God's hands. We were so happy that Bennett's grandparents, aunt, uncle, nephews, and close friends were there with us.

Below are some pictures of this past month.



Family Dedication Pictures



First MSU game


Parker's Birthday Party

Bennett - 3 months

Bennett is now three months old. It seems he grows over night. He is now 12 lbs and 23" long. He is finally in 0-3 months clothes, but as soon as he fit them it seems he is growing out of them.

Bennett is now eating 5 oz every 3-4 hours. He is very much a scheduled baby. He goes to bed around 7 pm, wakes up around 3 am, eats, and sleeps till 6:30 am. We heard back from his blood work test. His thyroid levels were normal, but the TSH score was not. Our file was referred to a pediatric endocrinologists. She did not feel that Bennett has thyroid issues. She felt it is still my thyroid issues and medicines I took while pregnant affecting his scores. They will repeat the blood work at 4 months.

Bennett is such an active baby. He wakes up in such a good mood. He smiles and laughs. He loves to be sung to and rocked. The funniest thing we have discovered is that he loves MSU football. He can be screaming and I have tried everything, then I turn the tv to MSU football game and he stops crying and watches tv. Below are his favorite items:

Favorite Toy - playmat with piano at the end that he plays with his feet (Thanks Nanna and Poppie).



Favorite Book - 5 Silly Monkeys

Favorite Song - His loves all songs, but especially Old McDonald, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Rock-a-bye Baby to go to sleep.

This month we went to MS for Labor Day. Bennett got to see Fischer his cousin who is a month younger than him. They were still close to the same size, except that Fischer was longer. Bennett has been going to nursery at church. He seems to do great. We have not been paged yet. I took Bennett back to see Kevin's coworkers now that he is older and they could hold him. We also had the Windham's over to watch the MSU vs. AU game. Karlee was jealous of Bennett. It was so funny. She wanted the toy if Bennett had a toy or wanted to be held if Bennett was being held. She was so good with him. It will be so neat to see them both grow up and go to MSU games.

Here are some pictures from this month.


Bennett and Fischer


Bennett and "Aunt" Wendy (It was bed time.)



My cute boy.

Bennett - 2 Months

Bennett is now two months old. He weighs 10 lbs 4 oz and 21" long. Although he is behind in weight for two month olds, once adjusted for being a preemie he is in 90th percentile for weight and 50th percentile for height. He got his two month shots which were as hard on me as him. I could not help but cry. I know how bad they hurt and hated that he had to go through it. I still have to take him to Children's to get a Free T4 (thyroid) test done. The doctor wants to rule out thyroid issues since his AL screen came back abnormal. This is common in preemies.

Bennett is eating 4 oz every 3 hours during the day. He goes to bed at 8, sleeps till 2, eats, sleeps till 5+, eats, and naps till 8. He is more alert during the day. He typically takes two good naps during the day. We have been going to the church to walk during the week. Bennett typically sleeps through the walk which allows me to get out of the house and visit with friends.

We have had a busy month. Bennett and I went to Mobile with Kevin for an audit. It was Bennett's first trip. He slept going and coming. Bennett and I drove over to Pensacola, FL to visit Kevin's cousin, Mandy, and to meet Fischer. Fischer was a few weeks old and the same size as Bennett. He is a cutie.

I took Bennett to my work to meet everyone. He did great. Everyone was so happy to see him. It was a little weird being back since I have been out since mid May. I plan to return to work November 1st. Bennett will almost be five months old. I am so thankful to be able to take this time to be with him.

Bennett went to his first birthday parties. Our good friends, Michael and Kristy Windham, celebrated their daughter Karlee's first birthday. It was held in the game room at church. Bobby and Kimberly Hatcher also celebrated their daughter Ella's first birthday. It was a carousel party at the Galleria. Although Bennett slept through both parties, we enjoyed visiting with our friends.

Bennett also went to Mississippi to see family. He got to meet his aunts, uncles, and cousins. We enjoyed getting to visit with everyone and spend time with Kevin's nieces and nephew. I think Bennett's cousin Lindsey is trying to spoil him. Every time we see family, Lindsey has something for Bennett. We truly appreciate everything she has done. We are praying she wants to move to Birmingham to be Bennett's nanny.

Below are some pictures from this month.


Bennett with his Great Grandmother Wright


Bennett with cousins (Isaac, Bre, and Hanna)


Bennett and Papaw sleeping


Bennett and Daddy


Bennett with "Uncle" Mike


Bennett 2 Months Old


Bennett ready for MSU Football

Being a Mom

Being a mom is more wonderful than I ever imagined. I look at Bennett and am in awe at how God blessed us with such a miracle. I am reminded of the many years we prayed for him. God knew the perfect time would be 6/11/11.

During the pregnancy, I prayed for Bennett's mouth to be able to speak and share the gospel with others. I prayed for his hands that he would serve others as Jesus did. I prayed for his feet which could take him to those who need to hear about Jesus.

Being a mom is also stressful. It is more work than I ever imagined. I thought I would have all this free time being at home with Bennett. However, there are days I don't even get a chance to get a shower. Through the stress, there is no one more worth it than him.

I look forward to the day when I know our family is complete. We are still waiting on Bennett's sister. I pray he will be a loving brother. I pray God will continue to direct us in our decisions regarding the adoption. Having gone through having a child, I know better how to pray for our daughter's birth mom. I pray for her pregnancy. There are many days I could not wait for the pregnancy to be over. I pray for her courage as she makes the most difficult decision to choose adoption for her child. Although we do not know when we will receive our referral, we already have evidence of God's perfect timing ad will continue to put our trust in Him.

Bennett - 1 Month

Bennett is now a month old. How time flies. He is now 7 lbs 4 oz and 19 1/4" long. He is doing great. He eats 3-4 oz every 3-4 hours. He sleeps in his crib, but has to be swaddled and have lullaby music playing. He is more awake during the day and is developing a personality. He can already hold his head up.

We have had a lot of family visits this past month. Bennett enjoyed spending time with his Great Grandparents over Forth of July. Bennett also had his first trip to the Birmingham Zoo and Trussville Park when visiting with his cousins from NC. Of course, he slept through the everything.

Bennett is so sweet and we are happy that he loves to sleep.




Bennett with his Aunt and cousins.


Bennett with his Great Grandmother.

Bennett Allen Wright

I know I have not given a baby update since I was at 23 weeks. A lot has happened since then.

At 31 weeks, I started having complications from the placenta previa. We rushed to the hospital at midnight. They admitted me. I also started having contractions every 2 minutes. I was given the steroid shots to help Bennett grow in case he ended up being born early. I ended up staying around 4 days in the hospital. I was released and put on bed rest and procardia for the contractions.

At 33 weeks, the complications started again but it was worse then the previous time, so at midnight we rushed to the hospital again. This time I was hospitalized.

At 34 weeks, the complications started again, but they were not able to get them under control. So June 11 at 6 am, the doctor called telling me it was time. Kevin and I immediately started contacting family and friends. At 8 am, I was taken to labor & delivery to get ready for a C-Section since I still had the placenta previa. At 10:18 am, Bennett Allen Wright was born.

Bennett weighed 5 lbs and 1 oz and 18 1/2" long. He was admitted to the NICU since he was 5+ weeks early. He did great and amazingly was able to go home with us.