The Campbells: 7 Months Already!

Wednesday was Benjamin's 7 month birthday. I feel like we're in a tug of war, Mr. B. and I. We'll have 2 (or maybe) 3 good weeks when we understand each other perfectly. I'll say, "how about a nap Mr. B?" and he'll respond, "why yes, thank you ever so Mother. That would be delightful." Then we have weeks when we butt heads constantly. I don't understand what he wants, and that just makes him more frustrated. Because babies are constantly changing, every month brings a new problem or personality trait to light. Right now he is demonstrating wants and needs beyond the usual sleeping, eating, etc....If I have something in my hand he wants it, and if I take it away, he fusses. His new "trick" is arching his back and crying every time I try to put him ANYWHERE.....carseat, crib, floor, high chair, baby swing, stroller.....Usually once he's there it's ok, so I guess he's just letting me know he's not happy about it. I don't know if this is a baby thing or a Benjamin thing, but he's also getting a little impatient. When I put him in his high chair he's fine, but once I put a bib on him I BETTER have his food ready, because he's not waiting. Trays get banged, feet are kicked, crying ensues.....I mean, dude, calm down. Dinner is coming in about 30 seconds. The best is when he tries to eat his bib.....I guess he's just being REALLY dramatic and showing me how hungry he is. Funny how 2 minutes ago he was perfectly calm. I think he's putting me on. Last night we went to visit Ally and Owen, and Mr. B. was playing in Owen's exersaucer. Basically, Owen crawled over, pulled himself up and began also trying to play with the toy. The baby Benjamin I'm used to would have looked at Owen, and either let him play or moved on to something else. Not last night! Benjamin protested loudly and actually slapped Owen's hand, leading to a baby tug of war over a plush toy. I didn't know a 7 month old could act like a toddler. Right now we are also in an epic battle of wills over nap time. We used to have a quick nurse, he would either fall asleep or get very drowsy, I would put him in his crib, and that was it. My friends, those days have passed.We still have a quick nurse in the rocking chair, but he is NOT having the crib. His eyes will be red, he'll be tugging on his ears and rubbing his face.....yawning, but he still refuses to sleep. So now we're playing a new "game." I put him in the crib, he cries, I pick him up, he stops, I put him down, etc...Eventually he gets the message, and will just talk to himself or play with his animals until he dozes off. Hmmmm........hates naps, fights sleep....I don't know anyone else like that :) Here are a few pictures from this month. He is really starting to look like a little boy!