Nine Months

Ben got his 9-month photos taken today. These are the "reject pics." It's amazing he looks so happy in most of these photos because he was crabby at picture time! Our favorite photo is him with a big smile showing his two bottom teeth - but we're going to make you guys wait to see that one.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. We're going to celebrate with Bubba, Grampy, Aunt Holly, Uncle Chaz and cousins Charlie and A.J. It should be a nice day for Ben's first Thanksgiving. The following day we are baking the Willis-family-favorite Currant Cookies. It's that time of year and we're excited!!

Our Little Card

He had no idea what was going on, but I think Ben had a fun Halloween. He got to see his grandparents (and grand-godparents) and even had a visit from a friendly Bubba Pirate. We went to a party and saw more than 500 trick-or-treaters. Ben stayed up until 8:30 p.m. and was happy playing with Presley (farmer) and Grant (pirate). I think the big kids wore him out because he slept until 8:30 a.m. today!

It's All Happenin' at the Zoo

We had a great day at the zoo today. It was a little cool and the animals were sleeping but it was nice to get outside and have a little adventure. Ben liked the fish and penguins the best. As you can see, he was worn out at the end of our field trip.

Bath time

Ben loves taking a bath. At first he could have cared less, but now he likes kicking his feet and splashing around.

Crawling all around

Ben crawls EVERYWHERE and loves to kneel. He also pulls himself to standing especially in his crib in the morning. I can't believe how much he has grown. Two bottom teeth have started to emerge - - - but every time we try to peek in his mouth he sticks out his tongue.

Summer Love

Well, we knew Ben would eventually find a girl. . . but we didn't think it would be this young. These pics were from his summer babysitter. I hope she was keeping a close eye on those two!

Six-month photos

We got Ben's six-month photos taken today. He was looking around like "what are you crazy people doing to me now?" I thought we would post some of the "rejects" - of course, we think they are ALL cute!

Here is one of his 3-month photos to compare. Do you think he looks different? We can't tell - although, his hair is definitely longer now!

Six months!

Dear Reader (Aunt Kristina),

Well, I hung up the phone, got Ben dressed in his finest threads and took some pics as you requested :)

Ben turned six months old this week. It is amazing how fast the time has gone. He is rolling all around his bedroom - to get to those out-of-reach toys, VERY CLOSE to crawling, sleeping through the night (7:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.) and is very cute and entertaining in general! He also does this funny thing where he rolls his tongue all around his gums and lips as if he just discovered how to move it.

He had his first cold - thankfully it didn't seem to bother him very much. I will be a wreck the first time he is really sick. AND, we all know, he will never get the stomach flu!!

Well, Monday will be my first day as a stay-at-home-mom / freelance designer. GULP, hopefully this will go well - - -but, I'm extremely excited!

A.J. Birthday

Yesterday was A.J.'s first birthday party. He is really cute walking around and grunting like a little caveman. We had a great time in Columbia.

Charlie is as cute as ever. He was having fun swimming and shooting everyone with his water guns. This week he will be in St. Louis so hopefully we will get to hang out with him while he is in town.

Ben went swimming for the first time. As you can see, he basically had no reaction whatsoever - no smiling and no crying. At least we didn't scar him for life making him fear water forever! Right?!

A Feast Fit for a King

Well, Ben had another big day on Friday. He tried rice cereal for the first time - yum! He squealed in delight when he saw the bowl and spoon, but when I would spoon cereal into his mouth he frowned and seemed annoyed. Ben did not like the spoon to leave his mouth - - - I think he wanted the food to replenish itself like milk from a bottle.

We have been staying at Tim and Amanda's for the past four nights. We haven't had power since the storm came through last week. Hopefully it will be up again soon and we can use the high chair Jim and Joan got for us for feeding time. . . and sleep in our own beds. BUT, Joe and I have decided to buy a two-family mansion with Tim and Amanda so we have extra sets of hands to help with Ben. Tim and Amanda, does this sound like a plan??

The Big Roll

Ben had a big day at Aunt Amanda's last week. He rolled over from his back to his tummy. He has been sucking on his toes for a long time, so we could tell the big roll was coming soon. Thanks to Aunt Amanda for taking these cute pics so we could see him even though we couldn't be there!

Yes, Ben has grandparents

Yes, mom - Ben has grandparents! AND apparently they don't like it when they are left off the blog. They all spoil him rotten and are nice enough to spoil us as well. thank you. . .

Music at the Garden

We had the best night at the Botanical Gardens with Mike & Carolyn last week. Our joke is that we are going to hit every outdoor festival this summer because Ben loves to be outside (and he can scream as loud as he wants - if necessary) - - - it's a great way to feel like we actually have a social life! Dale Chihuly has a glass exhibit and we got to see some of the pieces in the garden.

New stuff

Now that I'm 4 months I can do lots of stuff.

Home at Last

A Ben is Born

Big Bellies