It has been so long...

BUT, it is not my fault. Unfortunately, I rely on a typist (my Mom), who claims that she has been too busy caring for me to type the things I want everyone to know. So, I am sorry it has been so long, but I am back to tell you about all of the neat things I've been doing!

I don't remember much about November except that I really started moving. I could pull myself up on EVERYTHING and I starting trying to navigate the house more. I got to go shopping for Christmas presents for people and picked out things to send to our family and friends who live far away. Mainly my Mom and I got ready for our trip to Hawaii at the beginning of December, which meant lots of errands and catching up to make sure we were ready to leave home for awhile.

I went to my 9 month check-up early, just in case I had a weird reaction to any of my shots. They measured me in at 29 inches tall, and 19 pounds 5 ounces. I am now in about the 75th percentile for height and the 30th percentile for weight - which really make me wonder what that kid who is 100% looks like! I am starting to work towards the goals Dr. N set for me, including 3 meals a day and my vocabulary. So far I only have Dada and Mama down. I make all sorts of sounds, but still no other words. I am not behind, it is just our goal.

I LOVED Thanksgiving. I ate turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and a crescent roll. I didn't get any brussels sprouts because they had nuts in them, but I did get to try the cranberries. I would have gotten pumpkin pie too if I hadn't been asleep. I think it was the chemical in the turkey - it knocked me out!

Soon after Thanksgiving we were in the final countdown to our trip to Hawaii, which was awesome! We left on December 6th and spent 2 days on Oahu. I did great on the flight. I made friends with the people behind us and tried to give them "fives" all the time. The ladies on the plane gave another passenger a different seat so that I could have my own chair between my Mom and Dad. I didn't cry at all, and honestly, I probably didn't even need the juice my Mom gave me, but I liked it, so I won't complain.

On Oahu we went to the commissary and stocked up on baby food and diapers for our cruise, we visited the Polynesian Cultural Center where I was the main attraction for all of the college girls who work there. My Mom says it is inevitable - you take a cute baby to see a bunch of LDS girls who just left Young Women and they will want to hold the baby. I made LOTS of friends and had girls dance with me and sing me songs. The lady in the Samoa area made me a headband and I got to eat a Coconut dumpling. My Dad learned to play the Ukulele and the lady there held me the whole time my Dad sang and played. I also went to my first Luau where I ate all kinds of fancy things I had never had before, including Jell-O, which made quite a mess. Also on Oahu we went to the Pearl Harbor Memorial. We were going to go on the anniversary, but decided we needed the whole day to go to the PCC so we went the day after. I met a survivor who had been on another ship in Pearl Harbor. It was really neat. After Pearl Harbor we went to the North Shore and I got to eat shaved ice from Matsumoto's - they had a picture of Tom Hanks on the wall eating a shaved ice, and a picture of Hurley from LOST. I guess the place is famous for their shaved ice - I know I really liked it. Then we went to a surf shop and got the scoop on the Pipeline Classic and I got some slippers for the rest of the vacation. Then it was back to Waikiki to board the cruise ship.

On the cruise, I got my first tooth, a rash, and some new friends. My Mom thinks there was something on the sheets and towels that gave me the rash - it went away as soon as we got home. Despite the teeth and the rash though, I was a champ about being a tourist. Our first stop was Hilo on the big island of Hawaii. We went to Volcanoes National Park and saw the steam vents and areas of Mauna Loa that had errupted. We wanted to go to Pua'a and see the lava flow but we were told it was impossible to see the day we were there, so we went to lunch and waited FOREVER for food and then went to a Rainforest Zoo. It was a cool day.

Next we went to Maui for two days where my Dad and Grandpa snorkled and I screamed because I thought the water was WAY too cold. I tried, I just couldn't take it. I did discover sand though, and I like to eat it off of my hands - driftwood tastes pretty good too. On Maui my Dad and Grandpa saw a Humuhumunukunukuapua'a. How is that for vocabulary improvement?? My Mom got to take care of some shopping and got a cute dress for my soon-to-be little sister and I got a stuffed teddy bear made out of Hawaiian fabric. I also have to endorse the ABC stores, because they are pretty cool. On our second day in Hawaii we made the mistake of driving to Hana. A three hour car ride with a baby isn't such a good idea. But Mom and Dad went into a natural pool to see a waterfall - they took a picture and that was it. We went to a black sand beach and saw some pretty flowers and rainbows. Now I can say that I have survived the road to Hana, and I don't think I'll be going back.

After Maui we went to the other side of the big island and spent most of the day in Kona at the beach. Mom, Dad and Grandpa snorkled, I played in the sand and got my picture taken for our Christmas card, then we went to lunch and visited a marketplace. We also found the temple in Kona and got some pictures. It was pretty.

My favorite stop on the cruise was Kauai. It is such a pretty island and the tempo is a bit slower. My Mom says it reminds her more of Grand Bahama Island. There is life, it just moves slower - and that makes it relaxing. On the first day in Kauai we took a boat ride up the Wailoa River. My Mom and Dad were married at the Fern Grotto, they joked it was a shotgun wedding, whatever that is. There are TONS of wild chickens in Kauai and one of them almost jumped into the car with us. After the boat ride we went to the burger place my Grandma likes and got some good grub and a smoothie which I must say I LOVED! We ended the first day with a trip to Wal-Mart where I got to see Pierce Brosnan who is my Mom's favorite James Bond. She says he is really good looking, Dad and I really don't see what all of the fuss is about. After stocking up on all manner of goodies at Wal-Mart we headed back to the cruise ship for the night. Our last day in Kauai was a relaxing day of napping and shopping and driving through a tunnel of trees and seeing the beach one last time before we sailed to the Napali Coast and then headed back for Oahu.

It was fun to go, but I missed home and seeing my friends and having my own bed to sleep in. The recovery has been quick for me, but long for Mom and Dad. We only had about a week before Christmas and we frantically went to see Christmas lights, visit with friends, set up our own Christmas tree and have our family traditions. Christmas morning was so much fun. I tried to eat my stocking - but then I discovered it had good stuff inside - a book, a DVD, a ball, and a lion lovey. My Mom and Dad got me a Leap Pad that I played with, and then we all got ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house. We had eggs and orange rolls and then opened presents. It was sure a lot of fun, but after awhile I was ready for a nap. Christmas dinner was wonderful, Trav and Heather and Dominik and Jackson came and we ate Prime Rib and Veggies and Potatoes and Rolls. Yum.

Lastly, I celebrated my first New Year's baby style. I went to bed at about 7:30 and my Mom wishes she had joined me. My Dad slept through Pirates of the Caribbean and they ended up making it home at about 11:00. We are not party animals. I have taken my first step in the New Year, I love Elmo and going for walks. I seem to change everyday according to my Mom, but I just know that I am loving life. I promise to update sooner next time. I love you!

Big News!

Life is going great, though I have to admit that it has been a little too eventful (even for me). I LOVED Halloween! I probably tried to eat my costume more than I should have, but I went to SeaWorld on Halloween to go trick-or-treating. I got to feed dolphins, sit in the soak zone at the Shamu show, meet Clyde the sea lion and spend time with my best friends and my Mom and Dad. You'll have to see my third photo album so you can see pictures of the exciting day.

I went up to San Clemente this week to see my Uncle Steve and have lunch for his birthday. We went to Islands. I always like going there. I got to eat the whipped cream off of Stevie's Kona Pie - it was awesome. Mostly I listened while my Mom and Dad talked, but I got my two cents in and even got to play some. We talked about moving to Florida. It was always up in the air but now is definite. It's exciting, but I know it is finally sinking in for my Mom that she will be leaving her hometown and her family and friends.

As if that wasn't enough for the excitement here, we found out today that I am most-likely getting a little sister! (It is hard to be 100% sure with a girl), but the Dr. said he is pretty convinced. I can't wait! My little sister should be born sometime in early April. Then we'll all pack up and head to Florida about this time next year. Now do you see why I said it is almost too exciting, even for me??

Another First!

Yesterday I went to LegoLand for the first time! It was a lot of fun. I went with my Aunt Nuria and Uncle Josh and their kids Fulton, Kiefer and Aragon. I didn't get to go on a lot of rides - I am too small still, but I did get to Trick-or-Treat for the first time. I have to say, I feel really gypped by the whole trick-or-treating thing. Here is a break-down of the things I got in my goodie bag and how I got to enjoy them:

1) A package of Organic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - I didn't get a taste or anything. My Mom and Dad ate them and said something about me choking on them.

2) A Football Card from Upper Deck - I got a peek. Otherwise it has not yet been in my possession. My parents must think I'll try to eat it or something, if it tastes good enough, I just might.

3) Chocolate Laffy Taffy - I got to chew on it in the wrapper. It didn't taste like anything. My Mom and the taffy out of one piece and my Dad ate the other two. It smelled good. I wanted to eat some too. I heard them say something about choking again.

4) A magazine. I haven't gotten to play with it. I'll be honest; If I get it, I will eat it.

5) A fortune cookie. But not just any fortune cookie - the fortune gets me a free kid's meal at Pick Up Stix. I did not get to eat the cookie. It was too hard. Heck, I probably won't get to eat any of the kid's meal either. Maybe I can eat the fortune.

6) An apple. My Mom and Dad ate it. They didn't even share. BUT, I did get to try an apple fry with whipped cream.

7) A coupon for a free messy sundae. That I probably won't get to enjoy.

8) Last but not least, I got an orange Lego with a ghost on it. And I have sucked it and thrown it and it is mine, all mine!

I can't wait to trick-or-treat some more! I get to go to Trunk-or-Treat on the 30th, and I am going to SeaWorld to trick-or-treat on Halloween and I am going to my Grandma's house on Halloween night to scare her with my Nemo costume. It will be so much fun!

Warning - I might start walking soon.

My new hobby seems to be scaring my Mom and Dad. Mostly by pulling myself up on things and crawling faster than they think I should be able to. Jason told my Dad on Sunday that his oldest son started walking at 8 months. I think I can beat him. I am trying really, really hard by pulling myself up on the furniture and on my Mom. I tried to use my Dad's tool case but it wasn't heavy enough. I've also used the crib and the pack and play - hence the tools being out. So my mattress is lowered and Mom and Dad are busy babyproofing the house. We get to go shopping for a gate this weekend so I can't get to the litterbox. Yeah!

I Can Crawl!

I've been scooting for a while. I could never quite figure out how to move my arms and legs at the same time, but yesterday I did it! When properly motivated, it was easy. My cats Ozzy and Harley are quick, but I surprised them when I crawled so fast I caught them. Ozzy doesn't really like it when I catch him because I pull out handfuls of his fur. He's going to have to be quicker next time.

Don't Worry, I'm just busy!

Life is sure busy. My Mom and I have been having lots of fun lately and keeping busy is tiring. I caught another cold and that wasn't any fun. It was hard too because my Dad was is Miami and my Mom was sad that I was all stuffed up and not sleeping well. I'm all better now though!

Last week I went to the doctor for my 6-month check up. I showed off again twisting and moving and scooting around. I also got the ok to eat different foods like yogurt, which I love, and meats. I get to eat table food too, as long as it is soft. I had gelato the other day at Costco - YUM!

My stats are as follows:

Weight: 16 pounds, 12 ounces - 50%
Height: 28 inches - 95%
Head Circumference: 43.5 cm - 50%

I also got more shots, including a flu shot, so Mom and I are keeping our fingers crossed that I stay healthy this winter. But there are more interesting things happening in my life...

1) I can scoot. I kinda crawl, but it is not as coordinated as a crawl. People tell my Mom her life is over now because I can pretty much get anywhere and get into anything.

2) I got pictures taken - and they are really cute. We get them back on the 25th. I can't wait to see them.

3) I am going to be a big brother. Mom is scared, I don't really know what it means, but it is really good news.

I need to eat now, but I will post again really soon!

Long time no post...

It's been awhile since I've posted and decided it was time to give everyone an update. Things are going good here but life is sure busy. My Mom and I still do our normal day-to-day stuff including walks and time singing and playing and of course, eating. But I've also been visiting lots of people and getting out more. We try to get to the beach every week and I still love it - I love to get my feet wet and I "talk" to the waves when they wash ashore.

Eating solids is going really well. I eat peas, carrots, avocado, green beans, sweet potato, pears and bananas. I still have to try peaches and squash, and then in a few months I can try more varieties of fruits and veggies. I found out I should be 8 months old before I eat pineapple, so I will get to eat it in Hawaii - yeah!!!

I wish there was more to post, but life has pretty much been the same old thing. I'm sitting up better, eating better and keeping more of my food in my belly - otherwise, not much is happening. Oh, I say wow and woah - but I have no idea what I am saying. Hopefully something interesting will happen soon - at least I will have more to post after my next checkup on Sept. 6th.

I am 20 weeks old today!

Time sure flies. My Grandma is on vacation and saw a picture of me and wanted to know what happened to me. Everyday I am looking more like a boy and less like a baby. My hair is growing, I am developing more and more of a personality and I am having fun.

I have started eating "solid" foods and while I am not a huge fan of rice cereal I do a good job eating it. I have also tried avocado, which I love, and carrots which I really like. Next on the list are sweet potato and peas. My Mom makes my food which is pretty cool. My Dad gets jealous when it is time to puree the veggies though, so he comes over and takes charge. My Mom thinks it's funny... any kind of "power tool" and my Dad comes running. If only she could convince him that vacuuming is as much fun.

I spend my days doing fun things. I go for a walk just about everyday. I eat food, read stories and dance and sing. I want so much to crawl, but at this point what I do isn't really crawling. I manage to scoot around a little and pull myself short distances, but I am just not quite ready. I am getting much better at sitting up it takes a while before I face plant. I like to sit or stand, I don't care much for just lying around.

Not much else is new in my life. All of my 3-month clothes are finally in storage, as are most of the 3-6-month sized clothes and even a few of the 6-month clothes. We went shopping last weekend and got lots of new stuff that I will fit into eventually and a compact stroller for our trip to Hawaii in December. I think I am going to like Hawaii. Pineapple isn't considered citrus, is it? I will have to Google-it to find out.

Love, hugs and sloppy wet kisses,
Benjamin

I am tall, kinda skinny and I have a normal-sized head

So I went to the doctor today and got five shots - yup, they poked me 5 times!!! I didn't like it very much, but I did really well considering what was happening to me. Here are my stats:

Height: 27 and a quarter inches - 95th percentile
Weight: 14 pounds, 15 and three-quarter ounces (not quite 15 pounds) - 50th percentile
Head Circumference: 42cm - 46th percentile

Otherwise I am still a good sleeper, I am strong and I reach for things to shove them in my mouth - which is an advanced thing. My gums are swollen, but no teeth yet. I am well on my way, so stay tuned for an update on my teeth.

I can start solid foods tonight, so I am getting excited for my first taste of rice cereal. Yum.

Memo - Mom needs to remember to knock on wood

So as soon as I mentioned that I don't freak out in the car - I started freaking out again. Today on the way up to San Clemente to see my Dad I took the binky out of my mouth and threw it out of my carseat. My Mom couldn't find it reaching in the back of the truck so she had to pull off the freeway to find it and get it back into my mouth. I still freak out. And while I freak out less than I used to - it is not as rare as I said it was.

Life is going well for me. I go to the doctor tomorrow, Tuesday - not Wednesday like I thought. I sometimes get confused. I am not excited for more shots, but I do want to know how much I weigh and how tall I am. And I am REALLY excited to try new and different foods. My Mom is excited too.

If you haven't yet, click on the newsflash to see lots of pictures of me. The photo page will be updated more frequently than the blog as far as pictures go because it is much easier to load them there. Good night everyone!

My Milestones

I just wanted to let everyone know that I keep changing and growing. I've had a few firsts and have reached a few milestones in the last few days and wanted everyone to know about them!

First and foremost, I RARELY freak out in the car now! This is the one that has my Mom the most excited because she doesn't feel guilty taking me out anymore.

I went to the library for the first time and read books. The library has a sign on it that says "Cool Zone." This means it is air-conditioned and my Mom likes to be there. I also saw something freaky - but that is another story. The only part that is hard is the walk back up the hill to get home.

I ATE Cool Whip! Well, I pretty much spit it all back out - but after Aunt Alicia gave me strawberry ice cream it was all over. I go to see Dr. N on Wednesday of next week for my 4-month check up and to talk about eating rice cereal. I hope it tastes as good as ice cream and cool whip, but I'm not all that sure it will.

I celebrated my FIRST 4th of July. I went to a pancake breakfast and saw so many of my friends. I liked the music the DJ played and I danced and laughed and slept.

I went to the beach for the first time. Now, I live in Cardiff. I have been to the beach, but not really on the beach or close to the water. I stared at the waves. It was really a cool thing and a great way to spend the 4th of July. Watching the sun set was incredible.

I slept for 11 hours last night!!! I had my dinner at 7:30, went to bed at 8:30 and woke up at 7:30 this morning. My Mom was sure something had happened to me or at least that I would wake up with the world's wettest Hugggie, but all was well.

My 4-month birthday is tomorrow and everyone is just shocked at how fast time flies. I love being alive and learning new things. I will post all of my vitals after the doctor next week. And hopefully you'll get to see pictures of me eating my "first" real foods.

A Quick Update

I think I will always change... but only for the better. My sleeping patterns are changing again - I take longer naps and want to sleep a lot more than I used to. My Grandpa says it is either because I am tired or because I am growing. He told my Mom to start getting the 9-month clothes ready. My Mom just rolls her eyes because she is already having to move a lot of my clothes into storage because they are too small - including 6-month old clothes!!!

This week has been great so far. I went to my first pool party and went swimming for the first time ever. Hooray! My Mom was beginning to think I would never get to wear my 3 month board shorts. I'm not sure I liked the pool. The water was nice, but it was weird too - kind of like a giant bathtub, but also VERY different. It was neat that my Daddy went with me and a bunch of my friends were in the pool too, but I didn't smile or giggle like my Mom and Dad thought I would. I looked serious the whole time. I am also going swimming next Saturday, so maybe then I will be a little happier about the whole thing.

I spent the night at my Grandma and Grandpa's house on Saturday night so my Mom and Dad could celebrate their 8th wedding anniversary. They went to the temple and to Rubio's. My Mom jokes that it was "romantic." They also caught up on laundry. They sure know how to party when I am away. I liked going to church with Grandma though. We had fun and I shrieked during sacrament. That is my new thing. I let out ear-piercing screams. I am not mad or sad, it just is funny.

I might get to go to the fair on Friday which would be fun. I am getting better about the car - I get to bring friends along now and that makes it better. Today "Tootoot" and I went to Costco. (Tootoot is a stuffed Elephant beanie baby that my Grandma gave me.) Yesterday Quack and I went to the commissary. (Quack is my duck that quacks - I got him for Easter.) Mostly I "chew" on my friends. What can I say? Not much else is happening to me.

Good night everyone - sweet dreams.

I Can Sit Up!!

So today Jackson and Dominik's favorite Aunt Lisa took my picture and my Mom said that I couldn't sit up on my own. So when she brought me back upstairs and put me down on a blanket with my blocks I decided to prove her wrong. I sat up all by myself. I had my hands on the ground to help keep me up but I was sitting. My Mom was amazed. I'm sure I'll get better at it as time goes on but I just had to share. Also, I didn't pee on you Uncle Steve. Your shirt might have been wrinkled but that is because I sweat... a lot. You will know when I pee on you. :) Good night everyone!

Happy Birthday Daddy

This last weekend was so much fun! On Friday we celebrated my Daddy's birthday. My Mom and I got him a MediaGate Storage Device. Neither of us really know what it does, but Dad says all of our movies are on the home network now, so we can watch movies on any TV in the house. He also says we can take movies on vacation. I have never been on vacation, but I guess we'll watch movies when we go. I am starting to get excited for my very first vacation in December.

Anyway, Daddy's birthday was great. I spent the night at my Grandma and Grandpa's house and my Mom and Dad went to a movie and to dinner and shopping and miniature golfing. My Mom rocks and was 7 under par. My Dad was 4 over. :) I hope my Mom teaches me how to putt - as long as I am a right-handed golfer I will get to use the Nike Blue Face putter and it is awesome! They had fun but were glad to get me on Saturday.

Sunday was Father's Day and I wore my orange t-shirt that says "My Daddy Rocks" on it. Everyone at church thought it was cool. Then we had a BBQ with Heather and Trav and their families. They were all visiting for my buddy Jackson's blessing. For dinner everyone ate steak and TONS of fresh veggies - I thought the artichokes looked cool. I only got a bottle. I want to eat real food soon. I got my Daddy and my Grandpa books for Father's Day. It will be fun to have them read to me. Story time is my favorite!

I wanted to tell my Daddy that I love him. He gives me my wings so I can fly. I love to play with him and giggle. We learn so much together and even though my Mom doesn't like our TV time we bond and it is fun for both of us. My Daddy is one of my very best friends and I love him so much!

Three months down!

So I officially turned three months old last week. It was like any other day, but looking back my Mom and Dad can both see how much I have changed since the day I first entered the world.

I am drastically taller – while 5-6” may not seem like a lot, it is 25% of my birth height and has made quite the difference in finding clothes that fit. Most of my jammies are sized for 6 month babies and most of these are becoming small. I weigh more – but I’m not chubby! I am now heavy enough to hurt the strongest of arms making it harder to be carried around all day; but I am also becoming more independent. I like to play on the floor and still like my bouncy seat. Today I played in the Exersaucer for the very first time and LOVED it! I coo and giggle, I smile at everyone, I “talk” to people, and I rolled over for the first time… I am a very different baby than I was three months ago!

Mommy and I are counting down the days until we can spend the day doing fun things like going to Sea World and the Zoo, shopping, going to the beach, swimming and visiting with our friends and family. We are also excited for my Daddy’s birthday which is this Friday. I am excited to go spend the night with my Grandma and Grandpa and Mom and Dad are excited to go out to dinner together and stay out late – secretly Mom is excited to ride in a car without a crying baby.

So that is what is new with me. I hope everyone is doing well. Sending slobbery cyber kisses to all my friends and family.

Still growing strong!

It's been awhile since I've written. What can I say? Life has been busy. Things are good. I am still as drooly as ever - still no teeth, but drool dripping down my face like crazy. My newest thing is sucking on my Mom's shoulder and grabbing her knuckles to gnaw on them. I also like to suck on my Dad's arms. My Mom and Dad laugh about it because at any given time one of them is walking around with a giant puddle on their clothes.

This last week was a lot of fun. I had lunch up in Dana Point with my Uncle Steve and we watched the boats in the harbor. He promised to teach me all about girls. My Mom is officially scared. Dad said there needs to be a parent present. :)

Other than getting a bit better about the car and growing like a weed there isn't much to report. I am really happy that in 2 weeks my Mom will be paying attention to only me during the day because she quit working. I will like it because she won't be as tired and she won't have to type all day. It isn't so bad when I am napping, but otherwise I would much rather be playing.

Oh, I got 2 new books this week! "The Story of Ferdinand," which was my Mommy's favorite book when she was little, and "Tumble, Bumble," which makes me laugh. I'll write more later, but I know I will be busy because Mommy and I are working on a Father's Day present for my Dad!

Quick Update

Hi everyone!!!

I got my shots today - I hated them. But it really wasn't all that bad. I cried with the needles, then had a bottle and it was all better. I just had my last dose of Tylenol and hopefully that will be all I need to make a full recovery. I spent some time today at the hospital visiting my new friend Jackson. He is really cute and big. I can't wait until we can play together.

Here are my new stats in case you were wondering:

Height: 24.5 inches tall - 75-90%
Weight: 11 pounds, 14 ounces - 25-50%
Head Circumference: 40.5cm - 25-50%

Dr. N called me a "Champion" today because I am strong and have good balance when I stand. He also told me I was showing off when I did a push up and held my head up. He also told me I can do whatever I want to during the day because I sleep so well at night. Hooray! I love you all and hope to see you soon.

Mom is getting nervous

So tomorrow morning I go in for my first "real" shots. I'm getting 4 all in one day. I had one shot before, and I cried a little, but my Mom is a little scared that I am getting 4 shots and that I might get sick from them or be cranky. I'm not scared though - I'm tough!

My latest tricks are being pulled to sitting and then standing, I like to take steps once I'm standing and I am now a total pro at holding up my head. I laugh when I sing with my Mom. I like the "Wheels on the Bus" song... especially moving my hands around - I make a sad face when the babies on the bus cry though. I laugh too and "talk" to my Mom when she changes my diaper and gives me a bath and when she plays and sings with me. I say goo and boo and blow raspberries - then I laugh.

I still drool a lot, so I spend the days in tshirts and onesies that are wet all around the neck. Sometimes when my Mom or Dad picks me up, there are huge strings of drool from my toys or my fist. I smile when they get covered in my slobber. And Mom thought she wanted a puppy! =)
I've had lots of fun adventures these past few weeks. My Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle from Canada came down to visit and be with my at my blessing. We also went to the zoo and to Sea World. I slept through another day of feeding the manatees. But I did come face to face with a seal that barked at me and a dolphin that has no teeth. I got to see a beautiful dolphin that is going to have a baby soon. It was really exciting and I'm glad my Uncle Dee shows me cool stuff at Sea World.

Oh yeah, I was blessed at church last Sunday. It was cool. I only cried a little. It was really neat having most of the special men in my life at my blessing.

I'll write more later. It's getting past my bedtime. Wish me luck with my shots!

I've sprung a leak!

Did you know that baby can begin to "teethe" up to two months before a tooth even comes in?? My Mom didn't either, but she found out when I suddenly started drooling like crazy! I manage to have fun with it though - I blow bubbles and drool on people and then I laugh about it. The bad part is that it makes me spit up more, and it makes it look worse than it is because it is mostly my drool with a little bit of my last meal. I hope that doesn't gross you out. It could be worse, I'm not sitting here describing my poop!

Things are great in my life right now. I have family in town visiting and even though it can be overwhelming I'm having fun. I still like my tummy mat, but lately I have been having a blast in my bouncy seat - it's the best place for a photo op because I am happy and having fun. The books I've been reading this week are: "Not the Hippopotamus," "Moo, Baa, La La La" and "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly." I always laugh when my Mom reads the part, "What a hog to swallow a dog."

I almost exclusively wear 3 month old clothes now - I grow every day it seems. My feet and hands seem to be growing the fastest. I go to the doctor again on May 10th, so I'll post my stats then. I love you everyone!

I'm a good sleeper

Among other things, I am now a sleeping champ! I'm sure my Dad is still telling people at work that he has rough nights - I understand, excuses help. I have a bedtime routine that includes a bath, a bottle and lullabies. Then I turn in for the night and sleep about 8 hours in a stretch. I think everyone is enjoying it!

I also had my one month check up last week. I weighed 9 pounds, 11.5 ounces - they say that puts me in the 50th percentile, but Mom says it doesn't matter. I am also 22.5 inches tall and in the 90th percentile for height. More importantly though, I am good at holding my head up and I put weight on my legs, which means I am a strong boy and that makes Mom and Dad happy.

I had my first shot and did pretty well. I cried a little, but I was more upset about being pinned to the table than having a needle in my leg.

I still spend a lot of time sleeping, but I also like to hear Curious George stories and to play on my mat or hang out in my bouncy seat with the vibration on. I am also frequently visited by the mamarazzi - my latest photo is posted.

Achoo!

I just want everyone to know that I have another FIRST in my baby book - it's either my first cold, or my first attack of allergies. I have been sneezing and have a runny nose and watery eyes, oh and I sometimes cough. The good news is that I don't have a fever and I still have my appetite. I don't like being sick though, and hope that I don't have to go through this very often. My Mom is really worried about me and hopes I sleep ok tonight, I've been pretty fussy tonight so far.

Well, time to try and go to bed. Good night everyone!

I am the cutest baby ever!

Everyone is always telling me how cute I am, so I guess I'll just have to take your word for it. My Mom is my biggest fan - she LOVES it when I smile and giggle. Most of my laughs come while I'm sleeping, but I like to smile during my play time and when my Daddy makes funny faces at me. Also, I'm ticklish - on my cheeks and neck, behind my arms, on my lower back and on my ankles. I guess it runs in the family too!

Things are going great for me. I spent a lot of time this weekend at my Grandma and Grandpa's house while my Mom and Grandma cooked. I've been promised that Grandma will make we waffles when I am old enough to eat them. It is written here, so I know I won't forget. I also got to hang out with Kelli, Luke, Heather and Travis on Friday to celebrate my Mom's birthday - I am also not old enough to eat Mexican food or cake. When can I start solid foods again?

I told you I was growing!

On Tuesday, my three-week birthday, two nurses came by to check on my Mom and me and to see if we had any questions. I decided not to say anything, but I was all smiles and the nurse told me I was her favorite baby! I am certain she has never ever said that to another baby. Well, I got weighed and I am up to 8 pounds, 14 ounces! And today my Mom told me I am too tall for my dinosaur pj's - I have to agree, I cannot straighten my legs in them very comfortably and it's hard for Mom to get to my diaper, so I guess I will have to start wearing my bigger jammies. I have some really nice ones, so I am not too sad, but I did like the dinosaurs.

Otherwise things are going well. I sometimes take cat naps - my Grandma says Harley and Ozzy taught me this trick. I'm getting better and better about sleeping - as long as I'm not on my back. (Don't tell the pediatrician). I'll sleep on my tummy on anyone's chest and I like to sleep on my side, but not on my back. I get startled and sometimes hit myself in the face with my arms, then I wake up and cry because I am confused and of course, startled. I am trying really hard and I want desperately to let everyone get a good night's sleep so I hope Mom and Dad can hang in there a little longer until I grow up a bit more.

It's almost time for me to have some more dinner, so I will write more later. I love you all!

Benjamin

I'm here!

I arrived on Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at 2:15pm. I weighed in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 inches long. But I am a growing boy.

Lots of visitors came by to see me and my Mom and Dad in the hospital. It was fun, but I'm happy to be home. I have two cats, Harley and Ozzy. The look at me funny when I cry and sometimes I think I make them mad when I wake them up, but they like to watch me play on my tummy mat and they watch me sleep in my bassinet. Life is pretty fun, but I am still new and sometimes I don't like things very much, like sleeping. There is just too much going on that I don't want to miss!

I'll post more about my life later, I just wanted to get this started so that all of my friends and family could see some pictures and read about me.