Another trip to Short Pump with Grandma!

Mary, Brigitte and Grandma came to visit us (and by us, I mean Mark and Bentley) on a random March saturday. They took Mark shopping and then we all went to CPK. Yum.

Love this picture. Only because I knew there was a reason I loved Mark's big ears so much.

Fun in the Bumbo

Mark also loves his Bumbo!

Again with the foot.

Fun March weekend with the Hodges

On March 14, everyone came to Richmond so that the girls could go to see Wicked! The boys stayed with all 4 kids. They went to Chick-Fil-A, and everyone got to see the cow!

Meredith...so cute!

Before the play.

The cow!

Mark sleeping and somehow still holding his foot in the air.

The Exer-Saucer!!!

On February 20, we put Mark in his exer-saucer for the first time. He LOVES this thing! Thank You Auntie Mary!!!!

Lifting weights and wearing a soccer shirt for Dad!

Feb. 20: First Nice Day = Trip to CW

After all of the cold weather, the first day it was sunny and nice, we took a trip down to Colonial Williamsburg for the day. We met up with my Mom, Mary and Brigitte. This trip ended up being so exciting for Bentley. We still give him lots of attention, but we realized, other people may not anymore. So, to make up for that lack of attention, about 100 people (and I'm not exaggerating) stopped to pet him. You may be curious yourself about Bentley so I'll answer the top 5 questions that most people ask about Bentley. We all had a great trip...especially Bentley!

Q: What kind of dog is that?

A: A newfoundland

Q: Oh, I've never seen one that was white and black. I didn't know they could come like that? (often with a tone in their voice, that clearly we don't know what kind of dog we have)

A: Yes, it is called a landseer. They also come in grey, brown and black

Q: Is that a dog or a horse? People often crack themselves up over this joke, thinking it's the first time we've heard it. They are wrong. It's really not funny. I do think Bentley might be as big as a mini-horse though.

A: This usually doesn't get a reply from us.

Q: I bet you could go for a ride on that thing?? (This usually comes from someone who appears to be from New York or the surrounding states - someone that acts like a Yankees fan!)

A: A dirty look from Michelle - because we have heard this one a million times too. Again, not funny.

Q: Is he friendly? Can we pet him?

A: Yes, and of course. Just watch out for the drool! This is Bentley's favorite as he usually ends up getting lots and lots of love and he gets to spread his slobber all over people's clothes (I think he secretly loves this!)

Bentley on the ride.

Taking a little break. It's hard work to get loved on all day.

Random people petting the dog while Mom is on Bentley duty.

Matthew Whaley. Probably the best elementary school ever (almost daily field trips down the path to CW).

Grandma and Brigitte making sure Mark stays warm:)

Mary and Mark.

4 months old!

Mark turned 4 months old on Feb 10 (and yes, I realize that was almost 2 months ago)! Since today is going to be 80, it is hard to remember that just 2 months ago we had about a foot of snow on the ground. Bentley enjoyed the snow and Mark had his first taste of baby food.

No words Necessary

No words are really necessary for this post.

Mark's Baptism

You might be asking yourself the question - when is it ok for a baby boy to wear a "gown"? On the day of his baptism of course! On January 17, Mark was baptized at our church in Richmond. The bapitismal gown that Mark wore was Blake's mom's. Many babies in the Derrick/Hodges family have been baptized in it, including Blake. We were able to have both of our families there for the big event. Mark slept through the beginning of the service but woke up in time for his baptism and for his introduction to the church. He seemed to really like that part! The godparents are Carrie and Chris.


Carrie & Chris

The fam (minus Bentley of course).

My family

The Hodges crew

Fun at Maymont

Mark was baptized on January 17, so all of our family could be able to attend. Blake's side of the family spent saturday in Richmond. We were fortunate enough to have one of the few 50 degree days so we could be outside and not get cabin fever! We went to Maymont! I forgot how cool that place was and have a feeling that Mark will be spending a lot of time there with us in the future. If you live in Richmond, or even near Richmond, it's an awesome place...especially in the spring. Here are some pics of the day.

in front of the mansion

thanks to parenting expert - Susie for telling us we could turn Mark around. He loved to look at everything!

Wes & Susie

cool place to run through

Jon & J.D. in front of a sign for Sicca deer. They are native to Assateague Island. No, Jon isn't from there but close enough. Eastern Shore! Holla!

Maymont even has horse & carriages. Is there anything this place doesn't have?

Goats. Who else remembers the petting zoo at Busch Gardens?

Some of the group..in front of the bald eagles.

The BIG rollover

Ok. It's official. Blake and I are slackers when it comes to the blog. But that's not because of the lack of pictures and videos. Most of you may have already seen a video but this is a different one with Dad's voice instead of Mom's:) Mark first rolled over on January 13...so a little over 3 months. He is growing so fast and seems to have a mind of his own and is easily frustrated when he doesn't get what he wants immediately. Hmmm.....I wonder where he gets that from! (hint...it's not Blake!!) Lucky for us, his favorite past time appears to be smiling!!!