Thursday, February 28, 2008

Razz-berries

Bennett is a bit late on making razz noises, according to the books, but he finally did it. And now he won't stop! It's cute, until he does it in your face. I love being a mom, I love being a mom, I love being a mom.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Splishin' and a'splashin'

Bennett has learned how to splash in the tub, and suddenly, bathtime is sooo much more fun for him (and wet for Mom & Dad). He has a new cold (I know, I know...again? you ask), but he's still in good spirits. We're 3 for 3--3 months in daycare, 3 colds. Actually, since its not technically March yet, I guess its even worse. Someone at work said I should stop breastfeeding since it obviously wasn't working (breastfeeding is supposed to cut down on illnesses). Nice.

Speaking of eating, Bennett has started rice cereal at daycare now. So many tiny babies are entering his class that now he looks like the old one! He is working on rolling over. Arty thought he did it one night, but we haven't been able to reproduce it. Pretty soon. Sorry this post is so rambling, but I'm tired. Though Bennett is a joy, we've been very busy around here. We found out today that our baby Penny will probably need knee surgery soon. She's not in any pain, but her knee keeps popping in and out, so she's been hobbling around. The vet showed me how to pop it back in, but it won't stay. If we can't get the knee to stay in place, she will definitely need surgery. Send all your good thoughts to Penny!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Best Friend Velli

Bennett is in love with Velli. Not only does he love to give Velli massages (grabbing his fur over and over again), he also loves to play with Velli's tags. When Bennett sees Velli or the other animals, he laughs out loud. We might have to use these animals to get Bennett to roll over. The second picture is the first time we've ever seen Bennett even attempt to move in a rolling-over fashion. From the last picture, you can see that Velli is enjoying Bennett as much as Bennett enjoys Velli. True friends.


Mr. Ribbit




Mr. Ribbit is the frog that lives above Bennett's changing table. He keeps Bennett occupied while we're changing him, and lately, Bennett has been pouring out his heart to Mr. Ribbit. He tells Mr. Ribbit about how he is mistreated and all his woes. Mr. Ribbit is the only one that can make Bennett laugh sometimes. We all love that little frog.


Sunday, February 17, 2008

Be Healed!

We're all feeling much better around here. A bit of coughing here and there, but we're on the mend. Here are some pictures of Bennett enjoying tummy time and practicing sitting up. He is also "talking" so much more now. Just this morning, we were reading the paper, and as Bennett moved from tearing the paper to eating the paper, I decided to take it away. He let me know he wasn't pleased with my decision! He has also started throwing his body backwards as a game, sometimes even when you aren't ready. Let's just hope he doesn't fall out of our arms anytime soon. Happy Presidents' Day tomorrow. Bennett and I will be enjoying our day off.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Neverending Story of Colds

We're all sick with a cold, courtesy of Bennett, via daycare, I'm sure. This cold isn't nearly as bad as the last, mostly just coughing. Speaking of daycare, Bennett seems to be enjoying himself. They even took a picture of him painting a valentine with his hands. If I get a copy, I'll try to post it. I think the only bad thing has been the increase in pacifier use. He seems to want it a lot more than ever before. I just bought a book at Target entitled "Bye Bye, Pacifier". I'm saving it for when we have to have that discussion. For now though, I'm just happy that something that tiny can calm him while we're away at work.

Other than having a cold, not much is going on. Bennett has become fascinated with the animals. He smiles and reaches for them every chance he gets. Velli is taking advantage of all the free pets. What is amazing is how quickly Bennett latches onto Velli's tags. So far Velli has not minded being choked a bit, in the name of receiving more pets, but we'll see how long that holds up. As predicted, Penny does not like having her ears tugged or her eyes poked, but she is learning that she has to just leave the situation as we work to teach Bennett how to use a more gentle touch. I expect all the animals will tire of Bennett as soon as he becomes mobile, but we have a little bit. While he can sit up with the help of a boppy pillow, he is not making much headway in the rolling over department. We'll keep you updated.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Rice Cereal--Success?

I hate to write these words for fear I will jinx us, but we've been feeding Bennett rice cereal for about 5 days now, and last night he pretty much slept all the way through the night (7:30-3:30, ate, then 3:45-6). We figured out a couple reasons why his stomach might have hurt the first night. 1) I mixed the cereal too thick or 2) I mixed the cereal with formula. So, now I mix the cereal thin and only use breastmilk. He did wake up a few times crying, but I just shushed him from the futon in his room (where I am now sleeping because Arty almost chopped his thumb off and can't change a diaper). If he keeps this up, Arty and I just might be sleeping in the same bed by the end of the month. Eureka!

I have a confession--I let the baby watch television this morning. I feel horrible, but I'm basically on single-mother duty because Arty can't really hold the baby well, or do much of anything with his thumb in the state that it is. I had Bennett fed, diapered, clothed, and medicined, and I really wanted to fix some breakfast, but everytime I set him down, he fussed. He was trying to watch the news when I was holding him (away from the TV), trying to eat, so I put on Classical Baby, plopped that baby in his boppy and finished fixing my breakfast. Rationalization: It was only for maybe 7 minutes and there is no way he could get ADHD from 7 minutes of TV watching in 5 months of life. Realization: I'm not perfect.

I hate reality.

Monday, February 4, 2008

All Growns Up

It seems that Bennett is growing so fast. This week he had his first experience with rice cereal. He took it fine, but his stomach...not so much. This week I'm uploading two vids. The first is one of our all growns up boy eating semi solid slush and the second is just him being him. Look for Tia Christy's giant bear coat. He is just too cute in it. If only it would snow or ice; he would be prepared.