An Update

from Ben's mom

I'm watching my baby turn into a little boy. He is going through some sudden, rapid changes. These include:

--eating about three times what he did a month ago. Two weeks ago he didn't want anything but baby food; today he went: "Mmmm, mmmm" when I gave him pasta. A typical meal is half an avocado, some bread and two helpings of pasta. He is very fond of blueberries, french fries, and chicken. Yes, chicken. My husband has reminded me that "we will not raise our children vegetarian" was part of our pre-marital counseling. I can't remember that. I tried to compensate for the chicken by giving him organic french fries. I know. Logic is not my strong suit.

--using fork and spoon. I started letting him try at about a year. He wasn't interested. He knew it delayed getting the food to his mouth and he was content to let us feed him. Suddenly he is a master at stabbing avocados and pasta and getting them in his mouth. However, he is not above ditching utensils when he is REALLY hungry.

--expressing strong emotions. When his dad came home from being out this afternoon, he started laughing and rushed at him saying, "Dad, dad." He is pretty forceful about his displeasure, but also very affectionate. Mom gets the hugs and kisses these days. His dad begs for them and he just looks at him like he's a space alien.

--good at playing for longer periods of time. He is happy for up to 40 minutes reading books in his crib. This is especially nice when he decides to wake up early.

--he's "cautious" about walking (as his pediatrician says) but he is starting to look like a hover craft. He pauses mid-air after letting go of the furniture, wall or leg he's been hanging on to and smiles and thinks. You can almost see the wheels turning: Should I try it? Nah. And he plops to the floor and is off, crawling at break neck speed. However, he has realized that he will be walking soon and spends a lot of time observing other toddlers who are walking. I'm hoping that his caution will mean less injuries once he does get started.

--he loves sitting in chairs. He sat in his own chair in church today and thought it was was pretty great. He has also learned to get off the chair though I usually talk him through it. "Roll on your tummy Ben; okay, scoot, scoot, scoot. There you go."

These and other things are what make every day an adventure.