Two!

Benjamin is now 2! The entire day he kept repeating, "pea-bur-day" and "cupcake" (birthday cake). He knew it was his day and was anxious for the celebration to happen!
The lawn mower that can't leave his sight when he's outdoors
birthday cake cars
basketball slam dunk- being trained by none other than his father
With a rocking pony that moves and makes noises, umbrella (Lightening McQueen), clothes and basketball hoop (which were all big hits in their own realm), he's still most fascinated with the new matchbox cars!

Roller Coaster Ride?

Uncertain exactly how this game came about. But going to downtown Peoria on the freeway there are multiple overpasses. Here's a clip of how they play

(excuse the poor lighting in the car)

Trucks!

No doubt Benjamin is in love with trucks, tractors, buses, motorcycles...anything with wheels - especially if it's big! So naturally the Touch-A-Truck event was screaming for his attention. Hosted by the local shcool district for pre-school kids, it was a way to inform parents on what to expect and let the kids have at the "trucks." Abie had her fill of fun too. There were lots of little games to play and prizes & treats in the booths and then all the vehicles to climb in and out of and push lots of buttons....including horns! While they liked being the ones to push them, they weren't so thrilled when someone else did - mostly scared. But it was fun!

Park Time!

Some perfectly pleasant weather has finally arrived! What better way to celebrate than at a park? Abie & Benjamin definitely got their fill of fun time in the sunshine. The huge sand pit at the park was cherished as well as the slides and whatever they call those things (see below). Benjamin was even braving the slide by himself from the start - and they were pretty steep! Abie braved the "rock wall" before she was even spotted by Jacqie. Luckily she managed it pretty well.



And even the doggies were well loved...by both Abie & Benjamin! Yes, Benjamin is totally fascinated with doggies. He was seen several times just following around one of them at the park today saying "doggie" over and over. And when it would turn around he burst into giggles. Then Abie the child who is always scared of them unless there's a barrier of say the window showed some real progress today. As she approached the play place with the dog and Benjamin started screaming doggie with excitement, Abie in fear said, "look it's a doggie!" I simply told her he was on a lease and not to worry. Later she was seen frolicking with another dog. Even daring to reach out and "pet" it then immediately jump back. Granted it was a mini doxen that's only 3 months old, but it still counts as progress for Abie! Due to the unexpected scene, it was not caught on camera, so you'll just have to believe.

Want Some Orange Juice?

This is the picture that was presented to Jacqie this evening as she came home from a church meeting and a few errands.......I guess they just wanted some orange juice and thought they could do it by themselves? Luckily Taylor had everything (including the children) cleaned up when she got home.

Big One!

It's official, Benjamin is one year old! The highlights of the day had to be the balloons, his car ramp toy and having Happy Birthday sung to him. He loved it all! No big mess on the cupcake. He was quite cautious in tasting the frosting and then breaking pieces off to eat. Taylor's comment was to use your imagination with the cupcakes......

Standing & Taking Steps!

This just in (yes actually today's news making today's blog): Benjamin is standing on his own and even attempting some steps! While he has "stood" before it only lasted until he realized no one was helping him and then he'd ever so cautiously and totally in control lower himself down to crawling position. But tonight he liked it and would stay up for long periods! He excitedly laughed and danced in the new "up" position. Then to every one's amazement he even completed a few steps while left "standing." Way to go Benjamin!

New Favorite

A little behind with timing (it was taken a couple weeks ago), but here is the new favorite shot of Benjamin!

Daddy's Ears

Benjamin has taken a liking to sitting on Daddy's shoulders. He's also found a perfect way to hold on.....his ears!

Locomotion

A type of motion. Think of it as how you get from one place to another. Most people take to walking. Babies are typically known for crawling. Benjamin prefers scooting? It's not sure what type of motion it is, but doesn't seem to qualify being stated that he can crawl. He uses his upper body to pull himself as far forward as possible, then let's go and does a body roll forward. It's as if his legs don't work and he's doing a dead man's crawl. Anyhow it's becoming more and more evident that he does have locomotion. Below are some samples. However he does tend to forget his new skill and still lie whining for someone to come get him. In fact he's taken to liking to be held standing already. Which of course requires someone to still be holding him since he can't do it on his own. What fun!

This picture taken a few minutes after leaving him with the magna-doodle (seen in the back)

Why is he so happy?

He's found the cd tower - luckily he can only reach the bottom shelf

He often gets himself up on all fours, but just falls forward

trying to stand on his own

6 Months!

Benjamin is working hard to catch up to his sister! He's now reached the 6 month mark. Watch out Abie!

Sitting Up!

Barely, but he is sitting. Alright, so in the picture he's bracing himself with his arms. But he has momentarily sat up. Shortly after this shot he kicked his legs out straight like he loves to do. With a quick dive from the camera woman he was saved from that fall.

Here

Abie was rocking away in her rocking chair as Jacqie sat with Benjamin who was happily playing with his toys. Then out of the blue, Abie drags her chair over to Benjamin and looking at Jacqie says, "hea."

Translation for those that don't speak Abie-ese: she wanted Benjamin to sit in her chair, here. So Jacqie put him in. He loved it!

Abie even helped him get some "wee's" meaning she gently rocked him, making it all the more enjoyable for him. When he was done Jacqie took him out and Abie went back to her rocking. What a good sharer! It's hoped that this trait will last through the years....

Milestone Reached

Aploogies for the delay in updates recently, but sometimes things just slide. However Benjamin has reached a new milestone. Jacqie left him momentarily on his tummy as she ran upstairs. Coming down and hearing him quite happy she thought, "watch me find that he rolled over while I was gone." And sure enough, there he was on his back, happy and smily. Apalled that he would do such a thing without her watching she rolled him to his stomach again and to her amazement he rolled over again, going the other direction! Next came the camera as she placed him on his stomach again.....and right on que! See for yourself! However it must be stated that while Abie (and other children) learn to "roll"over, Benjamin is more for the "falling" over. Whatever works!

4 Months

Benjamin is already celebrating his 4 month birthday! Where have the days gone? He's had his doctor visit so here are the official stats: 15 lb 4 oz, 26", 16.5 cm (honestly who follows the head circumference?). That puts him in 50% for weight and 75% for length (not even sure about the head circumference %).

Here are some pictures in his new (Christmas) outfit from Great-Grandma Warren. He seems to like the hat. So does Abie and she's tried putting it on also. However it seems she's realized it doesn't fit her head and then puts it back on Benjamin's. Benjamin does like to arch his back to show his cool tricks, break dancing anyone? - but not quite enough to roll himself over.

3 Months!

Yes, it really is true, Benjamin is now 3 months old. Here are some shots of him in his nice new Sunday best! Unfortunately he has joined the ranks of hairless infants. It is hoped it will grow back in - at a faster rate than his sister's.

Baby Blessing

Time sure goes by fast! November 11 Benjamin was blessed with both his grand-fathers present. Jacqie made the outfit, well the shoes were purchased. As for the blessing it's self, yep, Benjamin was the crying type...all the way through. Immediately after he sat in Taylor's lap alert and happy. It's rumored that it was the lying position that he was so opposed to. And to go along with it, Jacqie had to take Abie out in the hall. As soon as Abie saw Dad, Benjamin, and both Grandpa's get up and go to the front, she wanted to be with them. Rather than asking politely (can't get the words out) she started whining about it. Luckily Grandma Lewis took some notes amidst the cries of Benjamin.