Ben's Books

Ben is quite the little reader. Well, okay, he is more of a book opener and closer with an occasional pause to check out an interesting picture. And more often than I care to admit, he thinks they make lovely chew toys!

But we usually have a good stack of books around at home or on the road, they keep him busy for long periods of time.

Ben Helps in the Kitchen

I was cleaning up the kitchen when I was joined by a little guy investigating things. I have heard you should not stifle their natural curiosity. So, while I don't think letting him taste the dish soap is a good idea, I figure Tupperware is pretty harmless. He sure seems to enjoy pulling it out of the cupboard and spreading it around the kitchen, at least when I am in there I know exactly were he is and what he is into!!!

Mom becomes suspicious.

We have been working on different sign language words with Ben over the past few months. Some we have been doing since he was very, very young (like milk).

We have been told by friends and books we have read that often around 9-10 months a baby will begin using signs he has been shown consistently.

As of yet Ben has not done any of the signs we have been consistently using with him. At first I just told myself he was watching and be patient he will do it when he is ready. Then I began to wonder if we were being consistent enough. But now I am beginning to wonder if I am already being duped by my son.

Matt- "Daddy" Ben- Nothing

Matt- "Mommy" Ben- Nothing

It took him approximately 5 days of Matt doing High 5 with him before he started doing it himself. With out any specific help at all he has begun waving good-bye and hello. And out of the blue one day he started giving kisses!

Matt- "High Five" Ben- "High Five"

Matt- "YEAH" Ben- "YEAH"

One must ask herself, "If the boy can do similar hand/mouth actions, why then can he not do the simple sign for milk? or Mommy? Or more?" I could be wrong here, but it feels allot like won't not can't. To add insult to injury my Mom apparently noticed this before I did and yesterday decided it was time to gently let me know, I had come to this realization just the day before! Thanks Mom!

More Bath Fun

Ben sure enjoys his baths! He was being such a ham this morning that I took a few shots. He has three little plastic turtles that he loves to play with. He puts one in each hand and one in his mouth!

A Boy and his Bassett

I told Lucy to enjoy the short period of time in which she is faster than the Boy!!! I wish we could add sound because the squealing noise he makes the entire time he is trailing her is just Hilarious!!!!

Hey Lucy why the long face? Anyone?

"He might tug my ears a little, But at least the Boy is good for a tummy rub!!!

What has Dad got on his head?

Matt was getting ready to leave for work the other night and had decided to ride his bike in. He came out of the back room with his helmet on and Ben was mesmerized! He kept staring and trying to grab at Matt's head. It was really funny so I grabbed the camera. Hope you enjoy my two comedians!!

Ben's Big Boy Sippy!!

Ben had been using sippy cups with latex tops like bottle nipples. We have been trying to transition him to "big Boy" sippies with regular spouts and valves. He was none to excited about the idea at first. We tried several different types to no avail. But then Grammy to save the day. She sent this cup and it took a couple weeks of getting used to it and a little help from Mommy at first, but now he is using it like an old pro! Way to go Big Guy!!!

Ben's Bear Crawl

Ben has officially become mobile. He has his own little version of a crawl. It may not be the most efficient way to get around but he is making it work for him. He is only a few seconds behind you if you leave a room! Ben uses a knee, a foot, and both hands then when he gets close enough to what he wants, he belly flops!! At 31 inches long he doesn't have to crawl too terribly close!

Bath Party at Laura's!

Auntie Wah Wah let me play in her bath tub on Saturday! It has things called Jets that make the water all bubbly! My friend Hannah (Auntie Wah Wah's daughter) joined me for a little tub time. Mom got a little in on the action by sitting with her legs in the water so I wouldn't tip over, the water had to be kind of deep for the jets! It was great fun! Thanks Auntie Wah Wah!!

New toys!

Grammy sent some new toys from Utah last week! They are sooo much fun!