Hunter's First Fourth of July

Looking Oh so Patriotic

We celebrated Independence day this year by going down the hill to watch fire works, but not before Mommy made Daddy do a photo shoot in the front yard. Hey, we were all decked out in our red, white and blue... it had to be done! :)

Daddy and Hunter

We met Momma and Poppa Sapp, with Bailey in tow, down the hill to watch the San Clemente fire works show, along with several others that you can see from there. Overall, a very good fourth of July, but Hunter could have cared less. Oh well, maybe next year!

The Benson Family

11 month milestones

We have a walker! On July third, Hunter took his first steps! Three exciting, and a little wobbly steps from momma right to dadda. Dustin and I were so amazed. At first Hunter's line of thought seemed to be, "why walk, when I can crawl?" He took his time getting there and continues to only want to walk when he feels like it. When we hold his hand, he holds on for dear life and sometimes I wonder if my fingers will fall off. :)

Playing in the Water

Besides walking, Hunter continues to talk to us. He doesn't have to say real words to let us know he has something important to say. He continues to babble and throw some real words in too. His favorite thing to do now is sit on daddy, smack his face and say, "wake up!" It's hilarious, I know I shouldn't condone hitting but you'd laugh, too!

Just a Swingin'

Hunter needs lots of attention and physical things to do now. He gets bored easily and loves to play with toys and try new things out. His most recent discovery is climbing. He loves to do this, he tries to climb on the tv stand but its a little too tall for him right now, and he also enjoys trying to get on the couch and then gets pretty angry when he cannot. I think the most shocking new "discovery" for mommy and daddy, is Hunter's fits. They are crazy! All I can say is that Hunter knows what he wants. :)

Hangin' Out in his Diapie

We will keep you posted on the happenings with Hunter as he grows and learns!

11 month milestones

Our trip to Iowa

On June 7th, we boarded a plane to the good ole mid-west! This time our stop was Iowa. Flying with Hunter was an experience that I'm glad Daddy was able to share. Had he not been there I might have gone insane. Hunter did a really good job, but a mobile baby in a confined space equals exhaustion. Even Daddy was tuckered out from the trip.

Two Grandpa's and a Grandma

While we were in Iowa we got to see Grandpa Randy, Grandpa and Grandma Benson, Aunt Nee and Unlce Phil and cousin Jade. Hunter advanced with his vocabulary, in other words showed off his mad skills, to the family. He said words and phrase like buckle, pickle, where ya goin, and no momma! He crawled all over and showed Grandpa and Grandma just what he could do. He also gave Sammie and the other doggies a run for their money! :)

Four Generations of Benson Boys

We also go to meet Dustin's other grandpa, Grandpa Gerard and his Aunt Amy and family. It was a good trip but too fast. We only got to stay four days. It was much needed break though and we got to catch up with everyone.

Grandpa Randy and Hunter

Hunter's 10 month milestones

On June 2nd, Hunter was ten months old. Now the count down for his first birthday has officially began! He's getting so big! He said his first word "hello" when he was nine months. He now has added quite a few words and phrases to that list including; hi, no (his favorite, especially when paired with momma), hey there, elmo, back off, and the other day he told daddy to "wake up", then followed up with a smack in the face. As Hunter grows he is learning that things don't always go his way. That's ok though, he continues to amaze us with his intelligence, and mannerisms. He's a great baby, who knows exactly what he wants. :) Hunter can pull up on the furniture and pretty much reach anything he wants now. If you don't want Hunter to have it, then you should probably lock it in a box, because he WILL find it!!! He also walks by holding on to the furniture or your hand. Hunter has really progressed intellectually, he has favorite toys (his music table, tunnel, my phone...) and knows how to make them work. The cutest thing he does is sit down with a toy and it seems like he's studying it. Very adorable! More updates on our little man to come.

Busy, busy bees

May was a super busy month for us! Daddy came home from his training, Aunt Kaley came for a visit, we saw the SeaLife Aquarium for the first time and Hunter went for his first swim!

Daddy came Home!!!

On May 18th, Daddy came home after four and a half weeks away, doing training operations in the desert. We missed him dearly! Hunter and I both felt relief when he came in the door! The same day, Aunt Kaley arrived for a visit from Missouri! We filled the time she had here with lots of fun things, and a bit of relaxation as well!



When Dustin got home he wanted to take Hunter to see the SeaLife Aquarium at Legoland. It was exciting for all of us! Aunt Kaley joined in the fun and Hunter was fascinated with the pretty, colorful fish!

SeaLife Aquarium

Aunt Kaley and Hunter with Jellyfish

Although it was pretty chilly while Kaley was here visiting, we made it a point to head to the beach, even if it meant we were laying out in sweat pants!!! It was worth it, the beach is always relaxing. And I know Kaley enjoyed. It's easy to take it for grated when you live here.

Aunt Kaley and Hunter on the Beach

Aunt Kaley also got to go swimming with us, it was Hunter's first time in the pool. At first he wasn't really liking the experience. The first time, he didn't really warm up to the "giant bathtub" theory I had going, but now that it's July, he's getting there!!!!

Hunter's first Swim

Hunter's First Easter

Easter lasted more than one Sunday for us. We started by heading to the Easter Eggstravaganza down at the Community Center on March 27. They had lots of tents set up for family fun and information. Hunter had lots of fun. He got to sit on his first pony, ride in the stroller on a beautiful day and he even got to meet McGruff the crime dog! We stayed for a couple hours, but skipped out on his Easter egg hunt, we just didn't think much would come of that. :)

On Easter Sunday Hunter woke up to the presents the Easter bunny brought him; sandals, new bottles and new pacifiers. Not that he really cared. Although I loved the sandals :)! We got all dressed up and headed to the Saddleback Easter service to watch Pastor Rick broadcast from the Angels stadium. We weren't brave enough to go to the actually stadium. We finished the day by eating lunch with the Sapps. Great day and fun for Hunter!

Sadly we didn't get a picture with the "real" Easter bunny, but the inflatable one will do!

Daddy's Graduation and USMC Color Guard

On March 19th the Marine Corps Color Guard and Silent Drill team came and performed on base. We joined Amanda and Bailey to go watch the performance. It was amazing! They were fantastic, and so disciplined with their actions. No one messed up, every step was in sync. They played songs and Hunter loved this part. The commentator also gave historic information as to how the origins of the Color Guard came about. (Sorry to disappoint, but for the life of me I can't remember the history.)

The silent drill team performed after the Color Guard and this was my favorite part. They were amazing with their guns, which at one point, they spun around and threw in the air. Hunter got a little restless during this part, most likely because the music had stopped.

It was a nice time and something that everyone in the Marine Corps should see.

On March 26, Hunter and I went to watch Dustin graduate from his Infantry Mortar Leaders Course. We watched Dustin receive three awards including the Gung Ho award, his peers voted him the person they would most like to see combat with. Awesome! We are so proud of Daddy! And best of all we're excited to finally have him home and back on a schedule. At least for the time being. Dustin will leave on April 15th for four and a half weeks to train in Yuma, Arizona. We will miss him!

Hunter's 8 Month Milestones

First time putting his feet in the water/sand

On April 2nd, 2010 Hunter turned 8 months old. Time is sure flying! He has learned so much and it seems crazy to think he's done it in only 8 months time. We now have a sitter and a crawler, who weighs 19lbs 4 oz. Hunter has been teething like crazy and has four chompers in (two on bottom, two on top.)

At the beach

Besides crawling and sitting, Hunter is starting to pull himself up. He gets very excited when we hold his hands and let him stand. Hunter couldn't be more eager to start being a big kid. With crawling comes learning that your house isn't really as clean as it seems. If there is something on the floor he's going to find it. He seems to see the most minute things. Things I can't see until he goes to put it in his mouth. We call him our little spec finder. LOL


Not sure what to do...

He can now say momma clearly and just said dadda for the first time about a week ago. He is moving on up in the world of discovery, and boy, am I running to catch up!


Found him sitting up in his crib!

Hunter continues to amaze me daily. It's true what my friends have said, "you don't seem to be able to remember or even consider a life without them!" That about sums it up.

Outside riding in his car

Hunter's 6 Month Milestones

Hunter turned six months old on February 2nd. We ended up missing his doctor's appointment because we were in Missouri but as I told before, we ended up at the doctor's quite a bit in Missouri. We found out that Hunter weighed 17 lbs and was approximately 27 1/2 inches. We're not sure if it's accurate but it'll do.

He's growing and learning so quickly these days. I thought he would crawl while in Missouri but fortunately for Dustin he held out, and held out and at six months we were still holding. He did however perfect his "swimming routine", learned to push up on his knees with his tummy off the ground and to stabilize himself while sitting. And the biggest event yet....... TEETH! Hunter had two teeth pop through while we were in Missouri. They are bottom teeth and watch out! They're sharp, more than once I've thought he's drawn blood!

We continue to enjoy watching Hunter learn and grow everyday. He's getting bigger by the second it seems. I can't believe my baby is already six months old, oh time seems a lot faster when you have a baby.

Our trip to the Mid-West

On January 27, 2010, Hunter and I boarded a plane bound to Missouri. Our flight this time was much different than our last trip together. The main reason for that being that Hunter was nine weeks old the first time we flew and this time I was working with a much more, we'll call him alert, mister!

Luckily for mommy we managed to find a straight through flight from San Diego to Kansas City. For the four hour long flight Hunter slept maybe twenty minutes. He found it was much more fun to flirt with the old ladies. He even convinced one to play peek-a-boo with him, which lasted a lot longer than I expected.

After landing safely in Kansas City we continued our long trip to Illinois to see my dad and his family. A six hour drive became tedious for Kaley and I about 2 hours in. Hunter, I do have to say, did wonderfully! He handled all the traveling like a champ.

We made our way back to Missouri where we were able to visit with family and friends. We stayed in MO for about 2 weeks before taking off to Iowa, where Hunter met his Great Grandpa and Grandma Benson for the first time. It was exciting! Grandpa Benson sure did think the world of our little Hunter, but then who wouldn't? We stayed in Iowa for a couple days and made it back to Missouri in time to relax a bit and then pack for our trip back home. We had a wonderful time but we were ready to see Daddy again!

While in the mid-west Hunter met a few milestones and also had his first bout with sickness. Poor mister got his little booty kicked by that good, old, mid-west winter. We made a trip to the doctor for both of us and a trip to E.R. for Hunter. Everything turned out fine, but I'll admit it was a little taxing on us.

Hunter learned how to stabilize himself while in a sitting position while during our visit. He learned how to push up on his hands and knees with his tummy off the ground. And of course he perfected the "swim"!

Hunter also had his first experience with dogs. Aunt Kaley owns four and that was just the beginning. Aunt Nee has two and Grandma and Grandpa have one. Needless to say I believe we will own a dog shortly after Hunter learns to ask for one. :) He loved them, even when Kaley's big dog got in his face and barked, Hunter just found it funny!

We had a wonderful time seeing everyone, and we can't wait to visit again. Only this time we'll be coming in the spring, fall or early summer, NO MORE WINTER! :)

Hunter's Five Month Milestones

On January 2nd Hunter turned five months old. He is getting so big! Once again we will not know exactly how much he weighs or how long he's gotten until his six month check-up in February. Hunter continues to learn and discover things daily. He is much more comfortable with tummy time and his eye sight improves everyday. He sometimes will cry if we walk away from him.

We started Hunter on veggies and fruits and he loves to eat now! We can barely get the spoon to his mouth before he's grunting and wanting more. He's even threw a couple fits because I wasn't fast enough for him.

Since I'm a stay-at-home mommy, I like to work hard with Hunter on sitting up and crawling. He's doing so well and even stayed in a sitting position without support for a couple minutes the other day. Crawling is another story.... he's not exactly interested in it. Although he moves around while sleeping and is able to get his legs up underneath him he doesn't seem to comprehend his ability to do this while awake. We call it "swimming", when he's on his tummy and flails his legs and arms as if moving. He really seems to think this does something for him, as if he's really going to get some where by "swimming"! It's so very adorable!

We can now put him in his walker without a blankie for support, and he can move it around on his own. He loves to push up on his legs to a standing position. We will continue to keep you updated on his developments!

Hunter's First Christmas

We celebrated our first Christmas as a family of three this year. Even though I knew Hunter wouldn't really understand what was going on I still had to get him presents. And did I ever, maybe a few too many, but isn't that what moms do?!

I was up around 7:00 Christmas morning to find that my boys were still sleeping. I ended up having to wake them up a little after nine. We started by helping Hunter open his massive amount of presents.

He was so cute, we ripped a bit of paper off so that he could grab it. He did it but we found out quickly that he wasn't so happy to hear the sound of the paper ripping, he got scared and cried a bit. Poor bubba!

We finished our family time and got ready to head to the Sapp's for our non-traditional Christmas dinner of... steak and potatoes. It was delicious. Merry Christmas Everyone!