It's a small world afterall.

Sunday Kyle, Hoyer and me went to a baptism in Baton Rouge. The baby is a friend of Hoyer's from London, the mom a friend of mine from London Jr League. She and her husband live in London for his job, similar to me and Kyle. Her husband is from Baton Rouge and she is from Richmond, VA, so as Southerners, we automatically clicked. We were two of the few who had our children dressed in smocked clothing, after all. They were in the States for Christmas and her whole family was in Baton Rouge for the christening. Months ago she told me her parents and brother were going to stay a bit in Louisiana after the christening and she asked for suggestions for New Orleans, I sent her an email with some of my favorites and she forwarded on to her parents, who I met at the christening. I met her whole family and it was really lovely.
Fast forward a few days, and her family is out in New Orleans, enjoying the town, her brother goes off with a friend of his from Virginia who lives in New Orleans. That friend is Thomas Pickeral and Thomas brings him along to a bar to meet friends, those friends were Martin and MK. My brother and Allison's brother met last night in a bar! What a small world. I don't know how they pieced it all together, but I had mentioned to Allison's brother, who is in commercial real estate that that is what my brother did in Costa Rica. Maybe it was that bit of info that set off the light bulb? I don't know, but it is funny and it is a very small world.

2 1/2 teeth on the bottom vs. a large candy cane

This is what happens when you give a 10 month old a candy cane. He sucked it into a weapon.

Go Green...with Envy!

Don't hate us, visit us!

It's Complicated

Where in the world are the Benefields? Over Christmas it was a question I had a hard time explaining. Were we still in London? Where we back for good in the US? My answer, it is complicated!
November 1, 2009 Moved from London to a hotel in Birmingham, AL
November 7, 2009 Kyle went down to Miami to begin work on a short term assignment
December 1, 2009 The tenet moved out of our house and we began the work to renovate
January 7, 2010 The house will be finished and Hoyer, Kathleen and Kyle will all be together
in Miami soaking up the sun, we have a 2 bedroom condo in Miami with roof
top pool. We are thrilled. We have a fun trip planned to Key West.
January 28, 2010 Our house in Alabama goes on the market.
February 2009 Kathleen and Hoyer return to Louisiana for Mardi Gras

February 18, 2010 Hoyer turns 1, we have his birthday on the parade route in New Orleans on
Iris Saturday
What happens after March?

That is the big question and the only answer is we do not know. There are lots of jobs within KPMG that Kyle is up for, one is in Hong Kong, another in Beaumont, TX. We are just waiting patently and keeping our fingers crossed for something rewarding, professionally and personally. If our house sells, we will rent something in Alabama until we know where we are going. It is a crazy time for us.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Harry and Hoyer

The Princess and the Frog, a great movie and message for all ages, even 10 months.

The Princess and the Frog
You may be surprised that I took an almost 10 month old to the movies on a Monday night. You may have visions of a restless, tired baby, unhappy as can be in a dark movie theater making it miserable for everyone. If that is what you imagine, you haven't met Hoyer Benefield. The child loves movies. This could be because I brought him along to the Electric Scream in Notting Hill every Monday for a movie in London. Or it could be the fact that we don't have TV in our new house yet, just Internet that is mysteriously available, I think I am stealing someone else's, shh don't tell, and so, without TV Hoyer is more interested in movies? Perhaps he loved this movie so much because it was set in New Orleans? Maybe, or maybe he is just a freaking genius, too smart for his own good. Yeah, lets go with genius. I am sure GG and Nan will agree with me on that.
So let me change the image of a 10 month old at the movies for you. Picture a row to ourselves, 6 other families with young children scattered throughout. Hoyer in his own seat, weighed down by the diaper bag. Poor dear, I placed him down and it looked like the seat was going to swallow him, good thing I have so much stuff in the bag, it worked well keeping his seat down. He had his blanket, a little chewing toy and a cup full of animal crackers in his lap, a sippy cup of apple juice in one cup holder and a bottle in the other. Hoyer enjoyed the movie from his own seat for a while. Then the voodoo part was a little scary, he looked over at me and reached out, so I brought him into my lap, he kept on chowing down on the animal crackers, finished his bottle and watched the rest of the movie sprawled out on my knees and chest. Not once did he cry or make noise. The most he ever did was wave his arms in the air when the cartoons sang. He loved it.
It was a treat for me to get out of the house, see the movie and eat candy. Looks like more mother son movie dates are in my future.

House Update

I am in the house. (sigh) I am unpacking and getting organized.
However, there have been lots of barriers in the way....
1. A tree hit the roof while I was in Louisiana
2. The painters had to redo a few spots inside
3. The weather is horrible
4. While putting down the carpet one of the baseboards was cracked

Statefarm is working with me on the roof, it is patched for now and next week they will put down a new roof. The paint job looks awesome, now. One thing though, now I hate the color of my kitchen cabinets... The weather ain't nothing like it is in Miami, I have freezer burn, Kyle has sun burn. Not fair. The carpet company is seeing what they can do about the baseboards....

So now all that is left is landscaping, fixing rotting wood, pressure washing house, painting outside windows and front porch, new front doors and back door with new locks, install a vent in the bathroom, and possibly paint the kitchen cabinets and get granite counter tops and a drop down sink. Who ever said flipping a house is fun is crazy! Those people at HGTV all lie!!

Dear Santa, (a letter from Hoyer)

Dear Santa,
I am sorry I screamed and yelled and reached for my mom when I met you the other day. I am sorry we couldn't get a very good picture together too. I sure hope this won't put me on the naughty list...... Love, Hoyer

Christmas Party, I mean Saints Party.

Yesterday my mom hosted a Christmas party for my grandmother, BB, and her friends. The party quickly turned into a Saints party as we all celebrated 12-0! I never knew 80 year olds and 90 year olds were so into football.

the ladies watching the saints

Project Management and Banker

Next week starts the transformation of our little house on Broadway. The painters come on Monday to repair damaged spots, and paint the entire interior of the house, including the trim. (cha ching cha ching) The color is simple, beige, Natural Tan and the carpet gets installed Thursday, I choose Simply Sisial (cha ching cha ching). Once the interior is finished, I can move our things in (cha ching) with the help of Two Men and a Truck!

wall to wall carpet in bedrooms Paint color
Next on the list:
install a vent in the bathroom replace and fix doors and frames relock the doors replace and fix rotting wood on exterior of house ( cha ching) landscape paint exterior windows and front porch pressure wash house and deck

Here are a few pics of the house before we moved out and to London. We will have a lot less stuff inside this time around, because we are putting it on the market in January!

Three Years Ago Today We Said I do

Thanks.

We have been back in the US for one month. It is hard to believe it. One month ago I was rushing down High Street Kensington with Hoyer in his stroller, today I am in rush hour traffic and in line at the drive through bank. One month ago Kyle was hoping on the tube to get to work, now he jets off to Miami for the week. Things have changed and in many ways nothing has changed at all, but I have to admit, I think it is us who has changed more than anything or place.
I miss my friends in London, I miss my life in London but I am ready for my life in the US to start, wherever that may be....while some things are starting to feel like normal again others are a bit harder to get used to. Hoyer is used to his car seat, I know my way around town again, I have caught up with lots of friends and family, Kyle is busy at work, Hoyer is taking music classes, I have joined a gym etc. We are settling down into life. Our house is vacant now and we will begin to paint and update things in order to move in in the next week or two. (fingers crossed)
We had a great Thanksgiving with both sides of the family in New Orleans, Birmingham and Mobile. We have so much to be thankful for.

All signs point to milk

All of the sudden, my efforts have paid off and Hoyer has made me proud!! He has an understanding of the baby sign language I have been teaching him for the last 3 months. Milk is his first sign and I will post video of him doing it soon. It is really nice to know what he wants. Now, on to please and thank you.....

too cool for school

Hoyer has been weight listed. That' s right, 9 months old (today) and on the waiting list to get into school!!
We had a tour today and met the teachers at All Saints Preschool in Homewood, we can walk from our house (if we ever get in...!) I really liked the school and it goes all the way until the kids are 5 years old, so it is perfect for us. It is a mother's day out program for now, 9-1 and up to 5 days a week! I am wishing and hoping!

Drop and Go!

The YMCA is a life saver. They not only have free babysitting services while I work out, but I can also drop Hoyer off anytime and run errands-it is called Drop and Go and it is going to change my life!!

My new park

Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are pretty fantastic and I do miss them, but today, I walked through Mountain Brook and fell in love. Hoyer enjoyed the 5 mile trek with my friends, Renee and Sidney and Sid's dog Dixie too!

Hoyer Happenings

Hoyer and Andy

Pop plays peek a boo


Hoyer and the jack in the box

BB Fuzz

Nan and Grand took went out with us last night to the Library for their Thursday night show, we were all entertained by BB Fuzz! He plays lots of original children songs with a southern twang. Hoyer was mesmerized and soaked it all in , he was just locked onto the guitar. We were also treated to dinner out at the Fish Market after the concert!

Kindermusik

Hoyer participated in Kindermusik today. We have enrolled for the rest of this semester, which ends the week before Christmas. He really enjoyed it and it was nice to get out and see other babies and moms. He loves music and we get to practice at home with the CD too!

Gold Fish, Hoyer is in Love.

Rain and Wind

We have seen 32 mph wind gusts already and lots of rain, but nothing to be too concerned about as Ida makes landfall in Alabama this morning. Hoyer and I will be spending the day inside today, cooking and watching movies.
Our hotel is packed with soldiers from the coast who were moved up just in case anything were to happen, sometimes this area gets bad tornadoes, so we are glad to have them here to protect us, but we don't anticipate anything like that, seems very mild.
It is kind of nice to have a rainy day, because in London, we would have rain, but it was never enough to keep you inside, this rain in Alabama is heavy and fat and we are staying in for sure.
What are some good rainy day activities?

Word Count

Hoyer is up to 4 words:
1. Mama
2. Dada
3. More, although this sometimes sounds a lot like Mama
4. Bye Bye

The Gills, Benefields and Kyle all left this afternoon and that is when Hoyer mastered 'Bye Bye' he had the wave down and the b sound, but today he put it all together, so cute. Kyle and I both looked at each other and our jaws dropped.

We had a great visit with GG and Pop and Chumba too. Hoyer really took well to Chumba, they played on the ground together, we are still trying to teach Hoyer how to be gentle...good thing Chumba is old and sweet. Her ears and tail were the favorite target.

We all went to church this morning, (well, not Chumba) where Hoyer is on the waiting list for their mothers day out program. It was a great church service, a bit long and Kyle is all confused with the Church of England traditions vs the Episcopal ones, but he will catch up. We dropped Hoyer off at Sunday School and he did really well, what a nice break! The way they do it is to sticker the child when you come in, you keep a portion of it, your claim check, and they play and enjoy the games and toys. It is really nice to have the time to worship without being distracted by Hoyer's needs. When we picked Hoyer up, he had an additional sticker on him, letting us know that they had changed his diaper. I like the sticker system.

The weather here has been perfect, 72 and sunny. Hoyer is wearing short pants and bubbles and we have since discovered his attitude toward grass and rough surfaces on his knees and legs. He crawls on his toes to avoid the rough feeling, it is quite the sight...

Speaking of weather, we have a storm brewing...more notes on that later this week.

Teething Bites

Hoyer has 2 teeth!!!!!!!!!! Finally.

THE game...LSU (POP) vs. Alabama (Kyle)

It is a big game day today not only in the Gill Benefield Household, but all over the South! Everyone is talking about this game, it is on everyone's mind. Who will win? I don't care. Hoyer did sleep in his LSU onesie last night, but the day before he wore his Alabama bib, so it is even steven as far as that goes...Kyle and my dad have ventured down to Tuscaloosa for the game, they are going to try and get tickets. They stooped at an ATM on the way, and it looks like the extra cash is needed, someone offered us tickets this morning for $500 each. Ha. This is THE GAME, the winner gets major bragging rights and with Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up, the winner will for sure rub it in the others face. I made Kyle and Dad promise to be nice...I just hope Kyle doesn't end up in the LSU section, that might just cause some chaos...
While the boys are off, Mom and I are going shopping. Men have hobbies and so do women...

Hoyer on Film

To see videos of Hoyer just look to the right...the new video corner is all set up and I will update every so often.

Nomads

This Sunday Kyle leaves for Miami. He will be there through February for a special project for work. Once he has work and living situations under control Hoyer and I will head down too. Hoyer and I will lead a nomadic life between Miami, Alabama and Louisiana.
For now we are enjoying Alabama and time with family. The Benefields have been having lots of Hoyer time already and the Gills will get their fill this weekend. Even Chumba, the dog, will get time with Hoyer, everyone has a lot of making up to do.

America, I am happy.

Wow. There is so much I love about America. It has been 48 hours since we stepped foot on her soil and already I am overwhelmed by 1) Customer Service 2) Choices of things to consume 3)Great Food 4) Friendly people 5) Nice Hotels. Maybe I took all this for granted when we used to live here, but now it all sticks out like a sore thumb.
We are staying at a Marriott that has a full size kitchen, ( with huge stainless steal appliances and washer and dryers!) The biggest flat screen tvs in each room, wonderful office area, huge bathroom, King Size memory foam bed, it is so nice. Breakfast every morning and beer/wine and dinner Mon-Wed. Plus the rooms are cleaned everyday, sheets changed twice a week. Do you think we will ever leave??? Across the street is a super wal-mart. Now, it has been forever since I stepped foot in a wal-mart, probably since college, I turned into a bit of a Target snob soon after. But, this wal-mart across the street is brand new and it is awesome. We were able to get everything we needed ( not food, we made a special trip to Whole Foods for that...) in one stop. A phone, ( pay as you go is the future according to Kyle) baby bedding ( temporary until we move in to our house and I can get Hoyer's nursery fixed up, but very cute for now) toiletries, detergent, a water filter, I mean we got it all, so easy and people were so nice, even strangers were nice. Wal-mart is back on my good list.
Whole Foods was a great trip too, so much to choose from. Now our big fridge has food! They even have an international aisle with English foods! ( International Aisle could be the perfect name for the American Aisle we have been begging Whole Foods in London to bring to their store!)

For now, we are so happy. When Kyle leaves on Sunday, we will be sad.

We are home!

We made it and I am so excited, but will have to update later. Kyle and I are off to Whole Foods to do a little shopping while Nan and Grand watch Hoyer. So nice to be close to family.

KPMG wine tasting and goodbye.

Some of Kyle's co-workers came out last night to Thirsty Thursday at Whole Foods. We had a really good time and Hoyer loved the attention.

Baby Halloween

Hoyer and Raina excited about the merry go round!


Hoyer enjoying the ball pit, for about 3 mins....

Hoyer and Raina in the pumpkin carousel, Hoyer loved it.

Strapped in!
Solider Boy. Thanks to Brad for the awesome authentic army ranger outfit for Hoyer!

Today we are celebrating a Baby Halloween with friends from the KCWC New and Expentant Mums group. We have the Gambado rented out in Chelsea and all babies under 2 are going to be dressed up and having a spooky time! (Gambado Chelsea is the ultimate family play centre. Our giant playframe with over 110 different fun activities inside including mini climbing wall and lazer games, slides and obstacle courses, the dizzy dodgems, and our full scale fun themed carousel ride will all delight & challenge your little explorers.) I think Hoyer is going to be in heaven!!
Hoyer is dressing up as a solider. His Godfather and cousin, Brad sent him a Army Ranger outfit complete with patches, just like the real ones. I can't wait to post pics later today!

London, our true love, well, ok, we love Hoyer too, but we fell in love with London first.

Fare you well my own true love

And farewell for a while.

I’m going away, but I’ll be back

If I go ten thousand miles.

Ten thousand miles, my own true love,

Ten thousand miles or more,

And the rocks may melt and the seas may burn,

If I should not return.

Oh don’t you see that lonesome dove,

Sitting on yon ivy tree,

She’s weeping for her own true love

Just as I shall weep for mine.

Oh come back my own true love

And stay a while with me

For if I had a friend all on this earth,

You’ve been a friend to me.

And fare you well my own true love

And farewell for a while.

I’m going away, but I’ll be back

If I go ten thousand miles.

Farewell Party

It was amazing and here are some pictures from the amazing night. Jeff and Megan are such wonderful hosts and I am so blessed with their friendship!
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Today our dear friends, Megan and Jeff are throwing us a going away party at their home. They have a wonderfully spacious house in Notting Hill, just up the road from us and have graciously offered to throw this party to send us off in style. Megan is so creative and has amazing ideas to ad her personal touch to everything she does, I am sure it will be amazing. I know she has been baking up a storm!
It will be so sad to say goodbye to all of our friends in London, but I am sure we will be keeping in touch and visiting often! Make new friends but keep the old, right?

Hoyer Loves to watch our washer/dryer combo spin in the kitchen while I cook

I will be so happy to have a real washing machine and dryer when we get back to the states, not much fits in this little bugger, so it runs all the time! At least Hoyer enjoys it!

A night out at the Country Club

Okay, so it is not what you may consider to be a country club, but it is my country club...Whole Foods is where I spend a lot of my time. Not only to shop, but to hang out with friends- often for classes and fun group gatherings. Last night I went to a floral design class and made a Halloween arrangement with friends. ( Katherine, Me, Allison and Megan)

Free Museums, one of the things we will really miss about London

London is beginning to get darker and darker earlier and earlier. The days are colder and shorter and so things to do inside with Hoyer are key. Last week we went to the Science Museum and had a ball. Hoyer especially loved the water features and watching his bff, Raina play with boats in the water.

PS- yes he is standing very well on his own. He is trying very hard to walk.