Catherine & Simon...

Three months ago we visited Catherine and Simon to celebrate their second child, Anna being born. Both Thomas and Anna stayed with grandparents tonight which gave Cat & Simon a chance to see Ben. We've had some great times with them over the last few years and there have been so many changes in the time we've been friends, but still kept up our great friendship.

Cold feet...

It's getting pretty cold over in Northern Ireland, and last Christmas' time in the heat of Mexico seems like a distant memory. Ben's feeling the cold too, but thanks to a little gift from Robin Mackinnon at least his feet will be toasty warm!

Deep in thought...

Three weeks can pass by in the blink of an eye, and sometime it does a baby good to just kick back and relax and let it all flow over you.

Who's this?

Last Friday we went to the Irons Family Christmas dinner and it was great to see all the family again, having missed the party last year when we were in Mexico. A lot had changed since then, and Ben seemed to enjoy his first family party - and proceeded to sleep most of the way through it! Once he woke up he had time for a photo opportunity with Santa!

All Together Now...

Trying to get us all together and ready at the same time for a photo still continues to be difficult, but Ben proves to be very photogenic, and seems to enjoy all the attention of a photoshoot!

Granny & Granda Irons...

We have been so fortunate to be able to stay with Julie's Mum and Dad since we've come home, and even more so now that Ben has been born. They are really in love with Ben and he seems to enjoy having all his washing and ironing done, so it's a good deal!

It's a hard life...

It's hard work being this cute!

Will you leave me alone...

Ben is very much a man's man, and really hates being fussed over. Here's his Granny Irons and Mummy trying to get him sorted out for leaving the house - I think his face says it all!

First...Day at Church

Last Sunday we took Ben to his first Sunday morning service. It was very much a military operation to get him up, dressed and ready for going, but everything worked out ok. He slept through most of the service (no reflection on the preaching!)

First.....Day at the Project Mexico Shop

Last week a store for the Project Mexico shop needed cleared and Jonny helped Gloria, Davy, Ash and Stephen in clearing it. This gave Ben the opportunity to pop into the shop for a visit and to see the work that goes on to provide funding for vital ministries in Mexico.

We think it a priviledge to serve alongside the volunteers of the shop, and thank Gloria and the team for all their hard work.

Well covered up...

It's so cold here at the minute, Ben has loads of layers to go on before we can leave the house. So while Jonny has his coat on, Ben has on a hat, a bib, a baby grow, and a coat & mittens!

Together...

It's hard to believe but this is one of the very few pictures we have as a new family. This is a picture taken in Ben's bedroom. It's amazing how such a little person could make such an impact in our marriage, and how much joy he has brought us. We can't wait to grow closer together as husband and wife, and now as a mummy and daddy and our little boy.

Thanks...

When we were in Mexico we had contact with our friend Mark to let us know that the Senior Bible Class at our church were praying for us, and indeed some of them had visited us on a team in the summer. A couple of weeks ago we received a lovely card & letter signed by the class. It's amazing to know God is impressing an interest in mission in the young people in our church, something that really encourages Julie and I.

At opposite ends...

Above are Great Nanna & Granda Irons and below are Great Granny & Granny Kelly. It has been amazing this week to introduce Ben to all our family and especially our grandparents, from the youngest member of the family to the more mature!

They're as wrinkly as me...

Ben got to meet his Great-Granny & Granda Pollock last night. He's certainly getting about a bit! We went up to Craig & Christines house to see everyone last night, and the first meeting of Jackson & Benjamin.

Here's a picture with Auntie Christine & Uncle Craig with cousin Jackson looming...

Will you clear off and leave me alone!

We have come to the conclusion that Ben is the most photographed child in the world! He isn't best pleased with all the paparazzi all the time!

Famous Friends...

Obviously Ben arriving was amazing, if not a little bit of a surprise! Coming two weeks early meant that a lot of things we had arranged had to be cancelled; kebabs, playstation time with Craig, and chilling out together.

Probably the biggest thing was missing the Casting Crowns concert on Friday night. However, a friend of our from church was involved with the band, and after some careful planning and execution the band signed a photo especially for Julie and Baby Ben. I don't know how Ben does it but he's created a bit of a fuss for a little person!

Auntie Laura...

Ben has been getting lots of people dropping in to see him. He especially likes seeing his Auntie Laura coming - she gives good cuddles!!

Granny & Granda Pollock...

We had loads of people up to visit when we were in hospital but it was great at times to chill out with family, and Ben really enjoyed spending time with his grandparents. Ben hasn't got the hang of looking the same way as everyone else in his photographs.

I Don't See What All The Fuss Is About...

Today we left the hospital and took a big adventure back home. Julie & Ben are still doing amazing! We thought Ben looked so cute all wrapped up, and probably didn't feel any cold in a really chilly day!