A Visit from Tutu, Grandpappy, Tia Elyse and Cousin Sunny

Family Portrait

This May we were lucky enough to have my entire family come out from Hawaii and visit us in Washington DC.  My mom (Tutu - a Hawaiian word for grammy), my dad (nicknamed Grandpappy) and my sister Elyse and her daughter Sunny all made the long trek.  This was the first time we got to meet my little niece Sunny and it was the first time we had all the grandkids together!

Three Generations on Mother's Day

Mother's Day with my main man.

During their visit we had quite a number of adventures from walks around Lincoln Park, to Benton and Sunny's first trip to the zoo, to backyard bbqs, to picnics in the National Arboretum we just genuinely had an amazing time.  It was so awesome seeing my son and my little niece together for the first time.  Sunny was just in awe of little Benton especially because he is one mobile little dude and Sunny is not yet crawling.  Sunny would just stare at Benton trying to figure out how she too could be on the move.  Benton was definitely interested in Sunny as well since he had not really hung out with too many little girls and this one didn't just leave after an hour....she was here to stay for their whole trip.  Benton was also entranced by Sunny's big flower headbands and he kept trying to rip them off her head....much to my sister and Sunny's dismay.

Chilling with Grandpappy 

Special time with Tutu

Fun at the zoo with the lions!

Watching little Sunny and Benton play together truly warmed my heart.  It is truly amazing getting to see three generations together and it is just incredibly special to have my family come all the way from Hawaii to visit their little grandson/nephew.  It has been a hard couple of years since Benton was born, especially because he can't fly and so we haven't been able to travel to see my family as often as we would like.  But we are truly blessed that they took the opportunity to come to DC and visit us!

Benton on the Attack!  Sunny is not pleased

As you may remember my sister is a professional photographer and she captured many of these special moments on her camera. Check out her beautiful shots below:

Joy at the Arboretum as Twinsies!!!! 

Cutest crawler around 

On a walk with the babies

Cutest babies in the land!

Chilling with my niece

A little too interested in playing with his cousin

Ball Pit!

High Five!

While my mom was here in May she was able to teach Benton to do a high five.  Check out this cuteness!

Benton playing with Indiana

Benton has truly started to play with the dogs - I would say its part torment and part fun.  Enjoy the video!!!

March of Dimes Walk Part 2

The start of May means the March of Dimes' Walk for Babies is back.  Last year we participated in the walk while Benton was still in the hospital, but this year we made it a whole event.  All of our friends from the NICU and their families joined us to walk including friends all the way from New Jersey.

Family Portrait

This year we spread the word that we were planning to participate in the March of Dimes' Walk for Babies.  Many friends and family around the word donated to this amazing cause and for that we are forever grateful.  The March of Dimes does such important work in helping to prevent premature birth and support the families that have to endure the scary NICU experience.  With your help our team was able to raise over $7000!!!!

Family portrait at Nats Park

Grandparents at the park 

Nats Park Fun!

Hanging with Benton's Physical Therapist Laura 

At the walk we saw many of Benton's nurses from Georgetown which was incredibly special.  Seeing their expressions when they see Benton for the first time in many months makes me understand how much bigger he has gotten.  Seeing him through their eyes reminds me of his progress.  For this reason and for everything they did for Benton and our family in the NICU -- I am forever grateful.

Kelsey and Aimee with Benton

Nurse Tacie

Hanging with Adele and Leah

After the walk many of the families went to Hains Point for a picnic.  Hanging out and reconnecting with the families from the NICU is good for the soul.  It's wonderful for Joe and I to talk with other families who just get it.  Benton isn't the weird kid you see on the street with oxygen - he is the miracle boy that they have seen overcome a million obstacles.  Furthermore, these friends have watched us go through hell and back and they have supported us completely so seeing everyone after a winter of isolation was wonderful.

Smiley Benton at the Picnic

A playpen full of little blonde boys 

Henry and Benton playing