11 Months

Everyone said it would go fast, but I didn't understand until this week. I've never really liked babies, and I remember feeling vaguely disappointed when I realized I would have to go through taking care of a baby before I had a toddler. Even when Benjamin was born, I was in such a haze of exhaustion that every day seemed to go on forever. I couldn't wait to have a child that was mobile, and could feed himself, and do all the things that older babies can do. Now that day is here, and I wish I could go back in time for just a few moments, and hold his precious little newborn body. It still amazes me that I have a little boy, and that he is actually growing and learning. But anyway...the monthly report....

Ben hasn't hit any of the "big" developmental milestones this month, (like standing unsupported and walking) but it amazes me how different he is from just a few weeks ago. He is getting very independent and is able to play alone for long periods of time. He used to stick pretty close to me, but now he crawls all over the house and likes to explore. His new favorite pastime is to crawl into the bathroom and stuff wads of toilet paper in his mouth. He also chewed on on a stick this morning in the backyard and ate several pieces of mulch at the playground. Basically, I have a puppy. He still eats nearly anything and everything, but definitely has his opinions. The other day I heated up some frozen spinach and artichoke nuggets and placed some pieces on his high chair. He ate one piece and made a face, then picked up another piece, looked me straight in the eye, and threw it forcefully on the ground. Yes sir! 

Benjamin is now able to match names with objects and understand some of what we are saying. His favorite words are da-da, ma-ma, and ba-ba, but da-da is the most used sound. He says it for Joel, Ladybird, and for general conversation. If you turn to him and say "da-da," he gets incredibly excited and will start talking to you. Obviously he knows EXACTLY what he is saying. He knows the word "ball" and will usually get his soccer ball if you ask him. This is very frustrating for Ladybird, because she can only handle so much of us saying, "where's your ball, Benjamin" before she goes and gets it herself. 

Ben has really discovered dancing this month and I wish I had it on video, because it is the cutest thing I've ever seen. All you have to do is start playing a song with a fast beat, and Mr. B. goes to town! He is very serious about it. Instead of smiling and acting like he's having fun, he gets a trance-like look on his face, pulls himself up onto a piece of furniture, and starts bouncing. If there's not furniture available, he starts moving his head back and forth like a turtle. In the past couple of days I've caught him bopping away in the shopping cart to some early 90's Janet Jackson, and Duran Duran. He's just addicted to the groove, I guess. 

Here are some pictures from the park this morning. I met up with a play group for the first time, and it was great to meet some other moms. They all met through various Bradley classes, so we have similar views about parenting and natural childbirth. These are all action shots because Ben wouldn't look at the camera for more than 2 seconds.