Like father like son

Most nights Kelly comes home and works on his laptop. Benjamin would happily "work" on the laptop too, but that would be the end of the laptop, so last night Kelly got out something similar for Benjamin and the two of them went at it. What a cute pair.



For me it was just really good to have a little time off. I don't know if it's a phase or teething or what, but Benjamin has been extremely needy and clingy the last two weeks and has given me very little chance to do anything on my own. Even getting up and getting a drink results in shrieks and cries until I return to his side, even if he was able to see me the entire time. I really don't know how to make him stop. When it gets particularly irritating, I just try to remember that it's nice to be wanted.

Procrastinating was never so much fun

I have a lesson to prepare but I'm being lazy and procrastinating it. Instead, I'm doing something much more fun - showing off pictures of my darling little boy. The last time I changed his diaper, he had made such a mess that I had to wash the changing pad cover. So tonight before I put it back on, we had some fun with it first. We played peek-a-boo and a new game I call "look at the beautiful bride." This game basically just consisted of me draping the cover over his head like a veil and exclaiming "look at the beautiful bride!" Barring any gender confusion issues in the future, a good time was had by all...as these pictures will attest.

Just so cute

I have no real reason to post these pictures other than they're cute. And that's really reason enough, don't you think? The first few are from our most recent laundry folding and the others are from the day he wore overalls for the first time. I got them as a gift at my baby shower 7 months ago and I was sooo excited when I realized they finally fit. I think they are so cute!

Benjamin threw everything around and relished every moment.


He threw the sock on his face but didn't seem to mind it. In the end, it was me that took it off! I think he thought we were plaing peek-a-boo and he was patiently waiting for me to do my part.


I was so sad when I saw this was fuzzy just now. I put it up anyway, though because I still really like this picture.

Isn't freezing rain called snow?

Before I moved to Michigan I had a friend from Michigan's Upper Penninsula. He would tell me about "freezing rain." He said it was the worst because it took forever to scrape off your car and it downed trees and power lines all the time. I thought this was the strangest thing because how can rain freeze and not be snow? Well, this weekend I learned what he meant. The rain freezes once it touches something...anything. So, Monday morning I awoke to find my car encased in ice, as well as the trees, my old tomato plants that I still haven't cleared away, and pretty much everything in sight. I wish I were better at taking pictures, but here's my attempt at capturing one of the most amazing things I've seen nature do. Just thought I'd share. :)

My old tomato plants have definitely seen better days.

It's hard to see it, but every single branch on these two trees (as seen from my patio) is encased in ice.

Here are some professional pictures that maybe show it better.

Let's get a professional in here

We decided that at 6 months, Benjamin needs some professional photos taken. We didn't get quite the exuberant smiles we were hoping for, but we think these pictures are incredibly cute anyway.

Growing up so fast

Benjamin seems to be growing by leaps and bounds. Guess it's all those good peas! :) He's now eating all the food I give him, even without any extra seasoning. It's been a lot of fun. In addition to his new eating habits, he's continuing to explore the limits of his mobility. From pulling himself to a stand in his crib (accomplished for the first time on Jan. 11th and done over and over again since then) to rocking back and forth on his hands and knees in an effort to crawl, he's threatening to get moving any time now. It's been so exciting to see the changes and I make sure to always have the camera close by!





He's also developing quite the sense of humor. Today we were playing with a stuffed dog of his and I aspirated a piece of dust or some such thing that caused me to cough. Apparently this was hysterical because Benjamin laughed outloud at the noise. No matter how often I did it, his reaction was the same. So, I got the camera, faked the noise and here's the result. I think it's adorable. Sorry it's so dark, the lighting in our home on a cloudy day leaves a lot to be desired.

He Likes It!

I got Benjamin spoons for Christmas so I was all excited to start him on solid foods. I bought rice ceral, peas, squash, green beans, carrots, apple sauce, etc. etc. etc. I had the high chair, the spoons, the bib - I was ready! Too bad Benjamin had other ideas. The food went on the floor, on his clothes, on my clothes, all over his face, up his nose, but never actually down his throat. I tried everything - he'd taste the first bite and then after a shudder and a look of disgust, he'd turn his face, clamp his mouth shut, and that would be that. Any further attempts to feed him caused him to swipe at the spoon and send it and its contents flying. When he started to get really hungry he'd also start to wail and try to throw himself out of the chair. We struggled through this process and all the above named foods for over a week. Finally I'd had enough and talked to the doctor. He said to put salt or sugar in the food - anything to make it more palatable - get him eating and then reduce the seasoning. So, we started over again, this time with more flavor - rice, squash, carrots, applesauce - all seasoned to perfection. Nothing. Wouldn't eat them. Finally I was ready to throw in the towel and bottle feed forever. But today I tried peas with salt and sugar. Voila! The magic formula! He loved them. I couldn't get the spoon filled and in his mouth fast enough. Suddenly the love of food was awakened. Peas were the catalyst, but later on he ate rice cereal, and for a snack, some Gerber graduates (like cheerios). It was amazing! Something has clicked in his brain and food is no longer the enemy. God bless peas. I don't know if he'll eat everything he's rejected before, but I consider it a battle won that anything at all has finally gone into his little belly. Hurray for small victories.


One of his favorite things is to help with laundry. He likes to sit in the basket and get pushed around and he loves to play with the clothes while I fold them. I love it because it makes the task so much more fun.

Turn to the Side

I've always hated how I look in profile, but I think Benjamin is adorable from any angle, so I experimented a bit. However, as I looked at these pictures today, I thought it looked sort of mugshot-like, being taken from the side like that. So, if Benjamin had a mug shot, here's what it would look like.


A couple more just for fun.

What a Vacation!

We had a wonderful time on vacation. Of course, it's always wonderful to be with family, relax all day, sleep in, and eats lots of chocolate. Benjamin loved all the attention too. Although he never sleeps as well away from home, he was still a pleasant, happy boy as always and it was such a joy to spend our first Christmas with him. Here's some highlights:

The first week we did a lot of resting on the couch. :)







Then we opened and tried on our presents. Kelly has proceeded to wear his gift every day since.



We also enjoyed Temple Square.



Then we went south where Benjamin loved being spoiled by even more family.









His favorite was his cousin Katelyn.





Just lay low and look innocent. They won't suspect a thing.



I'll throw this as a diversion while you grab the good presents.



We hated to go, but we just remember how fun it was.



And babies remind you that Christmas really isn't about the presents. Benjamin had fun just sitting in the box!

Happy New Year!

We're finally back from our long vacation and ready to post tons more things...tomorrow. :) Here's a cute little family photo in the meantime.