New Behaviors

Mom has been telling people that I'm "exhibiting new behaviors." Well, so has Mom. She used to say things like, "Good Ben, oh, what a big boy" when I would crawl a little bit. Now she says, "Ben, no. You must not go over there. You might get hurt."

My favorite place is the fireplace hearth. Not only is it pretty when there is a fire but I can bounce my toys there and they make fun noises. But even Dad gets jumpy when I go that way and occasionally my diaper gets smacked. (Do they think this hurts?) I also like the kitchen because I can bounce my toys in there too. I like to throw things the length of it and see if I can make it to the end. And sometimes Mom will make my train go. But just when I really am anxious to play there, Mom will say, "No, Ben, Mama has something in the oven and it is hot. I don't want you to get so close you touch it."

I also like the entry way because it has one of those cool door things that I can twang and it wiggles and makes a fun noise. Even Mom laughs when I do this. I don't think Mom would mind my playing here if I didn't find such fun things to put in my mouth. She says, "Ben, Mommy can only clean so much. You must not put things in your mouth that are dirty." It looked fine to me.

I seem to be spending more time in my bed. I don't usually mind because it is bouncy and I love to bounce on it. But I can't see Mom and so I like to call out for her every once in awhile to make sure she hasn't forgotten me. "Hey Mom, come watch me bounce." Mom thinks I'm funny. I can tell. But usually she makes me wait awhile. "Ben, I'll be there in a minute. Mom has not accomplished anything all day and Dad will be home soon. You have to let her clean up a bit." I don't know why she can't get anything done.