Friday, July 23, 2010

Beach!

More pictures to come... but Ben LOVES the beach!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

19 Months

Wow, I am later than ever for Ben's monthly recap. On the 19th, Ben turned 19 months old! He is getting to be more and more of a little person every day. I feel like Ben has such a little personality now. Please forgive me for writing a lot as I don't want to forget what he was doing or how he was acting at this age! Here's what's been going on:

- This month we spent a week in CT with Nick's parents, spent a few days at home with Aunt Jenny and a few days at home with my parents. Ben enjoyed his first parade for July 4th, went to the zoo a few times and spent many mornings/afternoons at the pool.

- The most exciting thing from this month is that Ben has started to talk! I'd say he has roughly 12 words, but they come and go and change daily. He can do a few animal noises too (moo, baa, meow, hisss)...do those count as words? Most often, he says: hi, up, daddy, pool, shoe, more and uh oh. Uh oh is by far my favorite and he says it all the time. He can understand EVERYTHING and will even follow directions (when he wants to of course).

- His favorite toys are still cell phones (he has about 7 play phones). He also loves his poppers and his new play kitchen. He loves cooking, washing his hands in the sink, opening and shutting the doors and putting everything in the microwave (including Daddy's umbrella and the TV remote). He loves being outside checking things out and seeing the neighbor kids play.

- I took Ben to the eye doctor on Wednesday and I'm happy to report he is not showing signs of amblyopia (what Nick and I both have, among other things). They said his eyes looked perfect! Let's hope they stay that way....he's a lucky boy with parents who have such poor eyesight.

- It seems like we are past the pain of the molars for now although when I last checked, he only had 3 of them (making 11 teeth total). However, he remained at 7 teeth for a few months so why not stop again at an odd number again?

- With Ben's walking being a breeze now, he's all over the place. We've increased our baby proofing at home after he climbed on to the conveyer belt at Target checkout from the cart and tried to get inside the dish washer on more than one occasion (all in one day). His legs and forehead are constantly bruised but it doesn't stop him for a minute. He is curious and full of energy. He is a boy, after all. :) I'm waiting for the day he crawls out of his crib.

Ben's a good eater and a good sleeper and generally a happy boy! We couldn't be luckier. :)

Smith Playground and Playhouse

The beginning of this week was full of doctors appointments, but on Tuesday, we escaped to Smith (a mansion built for kids with a huge playground). It was very cute, but very HOT!

Ben enjoyed his favorite new snack in his car before getting into Mommy's car to go.


Checking out the play ground with one non-smushed eye.


Inside, Ben and Madalyn played pretend. Ben cooked while Madalyn chatted. That's how it works in our house, anyway!


"Let's check out what's upstairs!" The house is three floors of fun for kids 5 and under!


A little sweaty, but having a lot of fun...


Sunday, July 18, 2010

Quality time with Daddy

Two peas in a pod...


Ben colors in the morning...


...and in the afternoon at his new table and chairs.


Up close and personal.


Ben and his Daddy at the zoo.



Ben was glowing on the carousel. This was the highlight of the day.



Patting the gorilla on the back. He looked sad.


And giving him a hug.


Having some lunch...


With a friend.


Saturday, July 17, 2010

iPhone Test

Testing my new phone. If this works, I have no excuse for not posting! :)

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Update

We've been busy running around keeping ourselves very busy this week with activities and play dates. Sorry no pictures! However, I'm happy to announce Ben has roughly 12 words plus some animal sounds these days and likes to repeat sounds and words all the time. It's ALMOST like having a conversation.

I will try to take some pictures soon. I know our biggest fan is not happy about the lack of pictures. See you SOON, Nick!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Welcome back Krulls!

A lot has changed since our first next generation PwC playdate.....


It was fantastic spending the evening with the Krulls and the Siwickis!



Plus one adorable addition. :)



Ben gets a new toy

Ben's first view of his new kitchen....thanks to Grandma and Grandpa (and to Mommy's carpentry skills :)).



Hours of entertainment already and it's only been a few days.


Grandma and Grandpa's visit

Bad hair day....but a cute boy!


8 months later and these party favors are still a daily favorite!


Ben getting his first shave.



All done!


Ben enjoyed showing Grandma and Grandpa the pool.




Monday, July 5, 2010

Our town's July 4th (5th) parade

The Siwicki's joined us for the July 4th parade this morning. It was fun but very hot!


The guys :)


They had never seen more fire trucks in one place. So exciting!


Ben posing


Ben was happy in Daddy's shade


A surprisingly good band!






After the parade, "we" played a bit on the playground. :)


And the boys enjoyed the breeze of swinging.


Back home to cool off and have some lunch.

"Cheese!!"


Best friends. :)




Happy July 4th!

It seems July 4th is a day for seersucker in this house....

Ben in 2010:


Ben in 2009:


Hope everyone had a nice day!


We tried the grass again. It's getting better....