Tricks are for Kids

Something has clicked in our guy's brain - it seems like each day he's doing some new trick.

He consistently waves "Hi" and "Bye-Bye".
He "kisses" his stuffed animals.
He claps his hands.
And, on three different nights when I said "OK, it's time to get out of the bathtub" he has shaken his head "No" and continued to splash around. Typically, when I say that, he reaches out for me to pull him out of the tub.

Crazy stuff.

Next week we anticipate he will be solving algebraic equations.

New Visitors, New Tricks

Cousin Lizzybug came to visit last weekend! We love Cousin Lizzybug. Ben learned that if you press his nose, it says "Beep". He was very interested in Cousin Lizzybug and all of the nose beeping.

We have also learned that our kid has a VERY ticklish spot on his ribs, under his left arm. If you just act like you are going to tickle him there, he cracks up and squeals in delight.

Ben has learned to shove (with not much grace, but with improved accuracy) Cheerios and "Puffs" into his mouth. He is very proud of this new skill. And, we are pleased that this can keep Ben occupied for minutes at a time, giving us a chance to prepare a meal or bottle for him.

This morning Nick went in to get Ben and a few minutes later I joined them. Ben was very delighted to see me and we had some cuddle time. Then I left to go take a shower and all of a sudden I heard this voice call out "Mom".

Nick confirmed, that yes indeed, Ben had called out "Mom" as he was reaching for the door to his room, as if searching for me. Yikes. That was freaky. It was just so clear. Much like those "oh he's not smiling, it's just gas" facial expressions in the begining --> the rational side of me is pretty sure it was just luck on Ben's part. The totally sappy side of me is jumping for joy "He said Mom! He called me Mom!"

Stay Warm.

All together now

On Saturday, we had a little family reunion at our house. Aunt Jane and Uncle Steven from California; Aunt Sheryl and Uncle Jack and cousin's Shanna and Brianna; and Poppy Stan and Grandma Marcia all came to hang out with Ben.

Ben had a blast. He had so much fun that he didn't sleep for the next two nights!

We LOVED having everyone over.

Things Ben Loves

Ben loves his skim, half- caf latte each morning. Yumm.*
Ben loves his new stripey hat from Aunties Amanda and Allison. It keeps him warm and stylish.
Ben also loves riding around in his new wagon from Aunt June and Uncle Ed. (We love how darn spiffy he looks in his sweater from the Lewises.)

*For all of you worry worts, THERE IS NO COFFEE IN THE CUP BEN IS "DRINKING" FROM. I repeat, THERE IS NO COFFEE IN THE CUP BEN IS "DRINKING" FROM. We promise.

Benjamin Heffner

Here is Ben wearing what we refer to as his "Hugh Heffner Robe."

Dear friends gave Ben this stunning robe this summer, and he loves to lounge about in it.

This weekend, Ben had a little party at the mansion and invited his favorite bunny.

What a guy.

Happy Holidays

Being the interfaith kid that he is, Ben celebrated, with gusto, both Christmas and Hannukah.

On Christmas eve he experienced the traditional Italian "7 Fishes" dinner at Nick's cousin's house. Well, technically, it was 7 creatures from the sea because squid, eel, and scallops aren't really fish.

As you can see from the first picture, a special guest arrived after the meal. Ben didn't ask for any presents, but he was awfully interested in Santa's beard.

During the 8 nights of Hannukah, Ben and I would light the candles and then eat by candle light. We also went to a wonderful Hannukah party at Ben's Great Uncle and Aunt's. It was so cozy being with many of Momma P's first cousins.

All in all, it was a joyous and bright holiday season.

365 days ago

365 days ago we found out that we were having a boy.

368 days ago we found out that I had to go on bedrest.

365 days ago we were very excited.

368 days ago we were very, very terrified.

365 days later, we are very, very blessed,

a little tired,

and filled with joy.

What a difference a year makes.