Benson's Christmas Wake-up

Here is Benson on Christmas morning, the video clip has an especially funny ending...since it catches a common habit that he has...

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the DeVries!
We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Camille and I stayed here in Provo for Christmas and went up to Camille's Grandpa's house for Christmas dinner, it was really relaxing and quite fun. On Christmas Eve, Camille and I opened our new Pajamas and read the Christmas story in Luke 2, while drinking chocolate milk (prepared by myself...5-6 scoops in each mug...)and then we shared what stood out to each of us this year in the Christmas story. After that we made Christmas ornaments out of clay, which is one of Camille's family traditions. We slept in on Christmas morning, opened our presents and had a great relaxing morning. Benson gave us the gift of sleep and was a good boy the whole day. We want to thank all of those who have given us gifts this year, we so appreciate everyone's generosity. We love you all and wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Benson the Pirate

This is just a fun video of Benson and Camille...enjoy!

Benson AKA "Billy"

We have nick-named Benson "Billy" for "Billy Goat." Why? Because he often makes a sound that makes him sound like a goat. It's pretty funny. One more reason Benson quite possibly is the most kissable being on earth...with the excpeption of Camille...she's pretty kissable too.

Bath time Benson

We are giving Benson real baths now (as opposed to sponge baths), and he loves them...except when you get his head wet...then he cries. But initially he gets in the water and kicks his little legs; which is, I think, one of the cutest things I have ever seen. Camille is doing well, especially since Benson is sleeping better at night. More sleep = More happy times. Life is good, I have a beautiful babe and a beautiful baby.

Happy One Month!

This post is to celebrate the life, thus far, of our sweet Benson Dean. He turned one month yesterday and both Mike and I feel so old telling people we have a one month old. For some reason before I had Benson, I thought he would be sleeping through the night by now (I read A LOT of things that tell me it's possible, I decided it's not true)...well he is not, but he is also more wonderful than I thought he would be and I'm glad to have my little buddy around all day to entertain me, or at least keep me ridiculously busy running around trying to meet his needs that the days go by very fast! Happy Birthday Benson!

The Many Faces of Benson

Hands That Help

Since we have had our baby, we have had soo much help from friends and family. Camille's mom came for two weeks and helped us out in so many ways you wouln't believe. We have had friends giving us meals, donating clothes, and praying for us. Then my family came to town and took Benson in the night and helped us have a good time. We have had so much fun with all of our loved ones and are extremely grateful for their love, time, and support.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Sleep is for babies

NOT! Sleep is definitely something of the past. It is now 1:45 AM and in a frank conversation between me and my son earlier in the day, he (not so calmly) let me know that he hated sleep and is one of the few babies who didn't need it. So, while I'm learning to function on 2-3 hours of sleep a night, I decided to enjoy the wee hours bonding time with this Benson boy. So far we've changed diapers, swaddled, sucked on pacis and made crossed eye faces together. Who knew all nighters with a newborn could be so fun?

Projectile Poopy

During a late-night burping between feedings, I changed Benson's diaper. I unwrapped him from his blanket and layed him down on it, on the floor. As I slowly pulled down the front side of his diaper to reveal his little bum, a water hose of liquid yellow poopy shot out and landed on the carpet. It was amazing! Well, a few minutes later I got him clean and I found myself holding him in one hand and scrubbing the carpet with the other. It was an interesting experience. What makes this more interesting is that two days later I was changing his diaper with Camille, this time on our bed, and what-do-ya-know, projectile poopy again, except this time it landed right on daddy. I think he must think it's a funny trick to pull on daddy cause mommy hasn't had that wonderful experience yet...someday she will.

Benson Dean

Here is a new video of Benson, he has hiccups and it's cute.

Welcome Home!

Camille and Benson came home from the Hospital last night. We're so happy to have them home. We put Benson in his car seat for the first time and he did really well. We're really excited to start our new life with our new baby boy

The Day After Delivery

Here is Camille, She looks so good! I mean she just had a C-Section! We have had a great morning. Camille feels a lot better, and is recovering fast. We also gave little Benson a circumcision. He was such a champ, I mean lets be real, it isn't nice to cut somebody down there. Anyways things are going well here in the Hospital.

A Close Up On Da' Boy

Here is a close up on our little baby.

Baby Pics

Our Baby Benson!

Here he is! He was born this morning at 9:27am weighing in at 7 lbs 11 ounces and 21 inches of pure muscle and good looks. Camille was such a trooper. We had to have a C-Section because she of the baby's varying heart rate, but he came in good health and all is well. Camille is sleeping like a rock and looks more beautiful than ever. I love that girl so much, and we both are so grateful for a new healthy baby boy!

Epidural

Camille just got her epidural and she was a champ. She had a really hard time sleeping becuase she had some heavy contractions, but now that she's numbed up we're hoping that she can get a little sleep. Although, I think they will give her pitocin soon which will help dialate her. She has been doing such a good job, I would have passed out long ago if I were her.

In the Hospital

Ok, Camille and I are in the hospital! We were just kinda hangin' out and playing scrabble when Camille said, "Where is the big glass of water with ice? I've heard so much about it." She's so cute, but she was a trooper when they put in the IV and softened her cervix. I had to look away cause I'm such softy, but she is so brave! There is a reason that women have children, cause Camille is amazing. Anyways, things are going well so far!



Ok, Camille and I are in the hospital! We were just kinda hangin' out and playing scrabble when Camille said, "Where is the big glass of water with ice? I've heard so much about it." She's so cute, but she was a trooper when they put in the IV and softened her cervix. I had to look away cause I'm such softy, but she is so brave! There is a reason that women have children, cause Camille is amazing.

Halloween Party!

Camille and I went to our ward Halloween party last night and we won the "most humorous" award. Camille was an oven (with a bun in the oven) and I was her chef. We had a great time, although, I kinda felt like if I wasn't with Camille my costume was lame souce. Like, "Whoa, that's original, he's a cook!" (then they would laugh internally). So it was really Camille that had the sweet costume, and we had a great time together. Check out our sweet pictures.

Staring at the clock

The title of this post reflects what I do most of the day these days. I stare at the clock, and wonder if my body is possibly going to kick into gear the next minute. Benson was due to be born on Monday (this PAST Monday), but alas, he has not shown his cute little face quite yet. I guess he decided that being fashionably late is the way to go, because I just got back from the doctor and he told me it looks like I am going to have to be induced, considering I have been dilated only to a ONE the past three weeks. Sp, we set the induction date for Monday and me and Mike have to go into the hospital on Sunday evening to get prepped and stuff like that. It looks like he is at least set to be here Monday! We will give you more updates then, but I wanted everyone to know that he's not going to stay in there forever. He is already going to be grounded for the first week of his life for making us wait this long. Oh dear, off to a bad start I see!I'll keep you posted!

9 Months (and counting...)

Mike made me snap this picture this morning, and I willingly did it because I felt guilty about not taking enough pregnancy pictures of myself. But come on, if you were getting bigger everyday, would you really want to be taking pictures of yourself all of the time?

This is my 39th week shot, just one week shy of hitting 40 weeks! We are so EXCITED and feel so BLESSED but also so NERVOUS! At this point, in Benson's incubating stages, parenthood seems so easy but I know that's going to change once he arrives! Most of our time now is spent thinking of things we may have forgotten, getting his room ready and cooking this little man until he gets here! As we were going through our things for baby, I couldn't help but realize how blessed we hae been throughout this whole process. People reading our blog have seen that we are having a boy and without thinking twice about it, volunteered to give us their baby boy things. My cousin Linde (thank you Linde!) called me out of the blue and said she was getting rid of her baby stuff and offered to give it to us! Now Benson is fully stocked up on clothes and we didn't have to go out searching for cheap things. She is wonderful! It was a welcome relief to buying all new baby things. So, thank you to everyone who have given their time and things in preparation for this baby! We will make sure to post pics when he comes in (hopefull, cross your fingers) a few days! Right now, we will keep on posting pics of him before he arrives! Enjoy!

3 More Days!

No, not until my due date, silly. Until I am officially done with the MTC! I am excited and completely nervous about what this new change of life is going to bring. All day today I have been thinking about what a big role the MTC has played in my life up until this point. For three and a half years, I have donned a skirt, knee highs and any clean shirt and trudged through rain, snow, and sunshine to make it to this wonderful place. I have been taught countless discussions by different missionaries wanting the practice, have had countless testimonies of Jesus Christ born to me in different languages, and have eaten all of the ten different meals they serve here in the cafeteria about 4 times each (each time leaving with a smile, heartburn and a stomachache). I have worked through VERY busy times and VERY slow times. I have met Elder Holland, Elder Perry, Elder Bednar, Elder Scott, President Monson, Elder Oaks, and Elder Christofferson and have been able to speak with each of them. I have slipped and fallen on the ice outside of the front entrance about 10 times...much to my embarassment and to the horror of the onlooking missionaries. While I have been working here, I was a student, I graduated, I met my husband, I got married, I got pregnant, and I have been a secretary, worked for the mission president seminar, and worked as the project coordinator for my department. I have seen three MTC presidents come and go from the MTC. When I was single, I relied on the teachers for my dating pool. I have made SO many friends in my office, and have loved them all. I witnessed the backend of the creation of Preach My Gospel and started here as they were finishing "The District" DVDs. I have seen how the business side of the church operates. I have, most importantly, had my testimony strengthened of the aid the Lord gives His servants as they do His work. I have seen simple men perform powerful works. I know the Lord has called a latter day prophet to guide His church, and that he does guide it today.

I am thankful for what experiences I have had here and don't be surprised if I shed a few tears of gratitude and happiness over having had this job when I leave for the last time on Friday. On to new adventures! This baby better be on time, or I'm going to be one bored mama at home!

PS... I thought I'd share a pic of what I looked like on my first day at the office. Yuck!

The Pregnant Gangster

Camille and I went to the Nickelcade in Orem after General Conference on Saturday. We had a lot of fun, and I just wanted to show you all how cute Camille is as a pregnant lady. She's pretty much the cutest...yea I love her.

Our new Home

One year baby!

One year ago today, Mike and I entered the Mt. Timpanogos temple single and left two hours later, married and sealed forever! Little did I know that one year later, we would be looking forward to our new big adventure: Baby DeVries #1! This year has been the best year of my life, and I thought I would share some of our "firsts" together with you all...enjoy!

Wierd...

The other day,I saw Darth Vador just walkin' down the street with his boys. That was quite strange.

The New Place

Camille and I applied to become managers of an apartment complex. As managers we would be responsible for the apartment complex, but we would also be able to live in an apartment pretty much for free. The interview went well, it was a unique opportunity to see each other in that kind of setting. Camille was a champ and, by divine intervention im sure, we got the job. We are sooo exited to move there and start managing. It would be a fun opportunity and we are looking forward to it. In fact all Camille and i can talk about is, "how could we make this better?" or "how can we update that information?" It'll be ooodles of fun. And more than anything I think Camille is ready for a bigger place and some new projects she can work on. She is exited to have a baby room. I get e-mails daily with pctures of cribs, dressers, colors, and ideas that she has. I am grateful for a creative and motivated wife. It's a great time to be alive, and I'll tell ya what, the Lord knows what He's doing even though we don't.
Check out the complex we'll be managing it's really sweet: http://womenshousing.com/

My hard workin' lady

Camille is my hero. This week she has been working at the mtc about 14 hours a day to help with the mission president seminar. It is fun to see her in her at work. I worked as an Usher just a couple days of the seminar and saw Camille workin' away. It was hard on the one hand because I wanted to do things like hold her hand or give her a little kiss, but that, unfortunately, is a no no. On the other hand it was wonderful to see my sweet and happy wife often throughout the day. The mission presidents, upon seeing my tag, would often ask, "Are you Camille's husband?" I would reply in the affirmative, and then something to the effect of, "Ohh, we love Camille," would come. I haven't met a person who hasen't completely loved Camille. I'm a lucky guy, what can I say.

Our Weekend

This weekend we went to one of Mike's old roommate's wedding in St. George! The drive passed by quickly thanks to our friend Harry Potter and his magical tale on CD. The reception was BEAUTIFUL and one of my favorites that I have ever been to, complete with Brie cheese (which I just had to stare at, curse this pregnant belly) and dancing! The next day we go to see a little bit of St. George (mainly the outlets of course) attended Perris and Allie's sealing and went to the luncheon. Then it was back on the road (supposedly towards Zions National Park) only to discover an hour later that we were going the wrong way. Oh well! Straight back to Provo it was, with a quick stop off at Historic Cove Fort for a little adventure. Enjoy the pics!

Pop! Goes the Camille

You asked for it, so we're giving it. I woke up one morning and it seemed like I couldn't get this belly to suck back in, so it's official, I'm showing! This picture was taken this weekend in St. George while we were at a friend's wedding. Enjoy!

What do these things have in common?

Other than the color I have been noticing more often lately, this is the color our little BOY will be wearing! We went into the Doctor's office on Monday for an ultrasound and found out this little baby DeVries will be breaking my family's trend of girls first with a little boy!

Baby DeVries was a little shy, he had his hand down covering some essential parts for a while before we could tell. I just like to think our little boy came pre-programed with a sense of modesty (we had an ultrasound 3 weeks before and that's where his hand was then too...he just gets embarassed really easily). I never thought an ultrasound picture would be so cute and adorable until I saw my own little boy squirming on the screen.

Now it's on to names, which is HARD with a boy. Anyone have any suggestions?

Prego Pic

Mike had to re-take this picture 3 times before I would let him put it anywhere (my 4 and 1/2 month pregnant picture) because I couldn't believe how big I looked! I finally realized why pregnant ladies do not often post their pictures on blogs or send them in emails, because you're going along, you think you're looking okay, but then bam, you see yourself in a picture and you look very different than you thought! I love being pregnant, I love having a belly, but in the in between stage right now, it looks more like a beer belly than a baby! But, I love it and still ask Mike every morning "Do you think I look bigger?", to which he politely answers, Yeah, I think you're showing. What a great husband. Stay tuned for Monday, we find out what we're having!

Camille Graduated!!!

Early in the morning of Friday, April 24th, Camille and Rachie gradumacated from BYU. It was an interesting ceremony or i believe the word they used was "exercise." I'm not really sure why they used that word because we didn't do any exercising... in fact we sat on our rumps for about 2 hours. Anyways, Camille looked great in her little blue cap and gown, the talks we great, and the refreshments were delicious. She kind of already felt like she was done, since she received her diploma in December, but she had a great time walking with her sister on the same day. She has worked hard to finish college with no debt and she accomplished her goal. Im glad to have such a hard workin' wifey/sugar momma. She's so good to me.

Hooray!

When Mike gets home tonight, this is what we're going to be doing: Jumping for Joy! His finals are over in about 5 or 6 short hours, graduation is two days away and we are about a week away from a very blissful summer!

We're Pregnant!

Hello blogging world, this is just a short announcement to let everyone know that we are expecting a baby on October 26, 2009. We are very excited (and a little nervous at times...) to meet this little baby!

Sleepy Camille

Camille has been working so hard lately, that she hasn't been taking naps during the day. Now Camille is not a cranky pants kind of girl, but a lack of sleep as a preganant lady takes its toll. This morning she slept in as i got ready for the day and i realzed how much life is going to change when we have a baby. I have enjoyed getting up with her and getting ready for the day with her, almost every day since we've been married. i realized how much i love spending time with her and I am grateful for a wife that brings me true happiness. The highlight of every day is when i finally get to see her. Anyways, times are a changin'. But I sure am glad to be on this adventure with Camille.

There are these BEAUTIFUL flowers outside of the MTC that I stop and look at everytime I go into work. Now, it's been very cold and rainy up until a few days ago so all I've seen of these flowers is a tight, tulip-like exterior. Recently, the sun decided to come out to play and to my amazement, these flowers were opened up bigger than I thought any flower could open and they were turned toward the sun! I was so excited because I though, "Oh goodness! These are my flowers! These are Camille flowers!" I feel like that every winter, all tight and closed up in my sweaters, socks and long pants... but as soon as that sun comes out -BAM- I'm all smiles and shorts and t-shirts. Example number one, I wore shorts and a t-shirt for the first time in months the other day and Mike couldn't get over how cute he thought I looked. I told him he saw me in this same outfit about 100 times last summer. His reply? "I guess after 5 months of cardigans, nylons and sweats, it's nice to at least see some elbow". So here's to summer, Camille Flowers, and elbow bearing outfits! Welcome back sun!

Our Neighbor

I am now listening to the 4 year old upstairs whine and cry for the millionth time today, not that that is unusual though. I decided that if my child ever decides to become a whiner like that, Mike can be the stay at home dad and I'll go to work until the whiny stage is over. Not really, but I never knew kids cried that much. Don't get me wrong though, this kid is a sweet kid. He loves people. In fact, when Mike and I opened the blinds for the first time since we moved in on Saturday, we found him (more than once) with his little face pressed up against our window staring into our apartment. He was very curious about what we did in this apartment all day. I'm sure watching Mike study and me sleep got boring after a while because he soon left. He also apparently feels very at home with us, because (also more than once) we caught him trying to jiggle our handle on the door to come right in and show us his new dog. I forget what it was like to be a four year old, with absolutely no inhibitions but it's fun to have this upstairs neighbor to remind us what life would be like if we were! One lesson learned: lock your doors, you never know who wants to come in!

First comes mike, then comes Ramen...

Ramen. It's funny how something so disgusting to you one day, can be the only thing you want the next. I have made mike eat Ramen with me for three days this week, with him opting out yesterday to eat a real meal. There's something about those delicious thin little noodles that slide down your throat so easily, and the bland chicken flavoring broth and that is so comforting... and I really would finish this post but it's making me want more Ramen and I give my body what it wants. Ciao!

Last but not least...

As my last post for the day, I just wanted to say thank you to my sisters for my awesome birthday present: The Pancake Puff Pan! Me and Mike made cream cheese and powdered sugar, Peach Jam, Grape Jam, Banana/honey/cinnamon/sugar, strawberry and sugar, mozarella cheese, chocolate mousse, and chocolate icing stuffed pancake puffs this morning and it was amazing! THANK YOU! If anyone is interested, we'd love to have you over for some puffs. Just let us know. PS... at the end of this post is our new decoration between our bookshelf. I had seen this on martha stewart.com and decided to give it a try myself. I was happy about the way it turned out and Mike was happy that it only cost us two dollars. What a mutually beneficial decoration!

One year older and wiser too...

Camille's birthday was amazing, thanks to her awesome husband Mike! He woke up before 6:00 AM to make her breakfast in bed and then surprised her at 6:00 with breakfast and presents. She choose presents (who wouldn't) first, and got lots of good stuff. Good job Mike. Then it was off to work where they had decorated her cubicle and made her a cake. Good job work friends! That night Camille and Mike decided to use all of her free dinner coupons she got online for joining birthday clubs (which will explain the pictures below) and go three different places. They first stopped at Noodles and Company (where they got free yellow thai noodles and tomato basil soup), then stopped by cold stone (where they shared a free small sized cake batter ice cream with cookie dough. Just right) and then headed over to Red Robin (where they shared a gourmet gaucamole burger and fries). Talk about good eating! Being poor may have it's limits, but not when you do your research before hand! After all of this, Erin and Thomas and Rach and Dan came over for cake and ice cream and the Bean game. All in all it was a GREAT birthday and thank you to everyone who contributed to make it so special. I love you all!

I wake up on Mondays dreaming of Fridays...

This title explains it all. Below are pictures of one of our recent date nights: Watching Thoroughly Modern Millie musical at BYU and then eating dinner at Dew (our new favorite little restaraunt introduced to us by some friends). This musical was SO cute, and I would even recommend it above the movie. Mike even liked it and more than once I caught him guffawing. In short: Date nights are the best!