Look Ma, No Hands!

So I may look like Frankenstein, but it's official. I'm walking now!!

Btw, don't ask why I carry the case to the thermometer around with me. I call it my "Tis" and seek it out at any opportunity I get.

Ben's Big Boy Room

I'm going places in this world....

Last weekend I made the transition from my nursery (above) to my BIG BOY'S ROOM (below) so that my baby bro would have a place to sleep once he arrives. I did great with the move as it didn't phase me at all. I love to point to all the things in my new room, including my "clock" and "ruff" (stuffed animal puppy).

A special thanks to Daddy for painting (both rooms!) and Mommy for making my new valances (despite hours of snipping, sewing, stapling, and splinter removal).

Bragging Rights!

I wasn't allowed to post any shots of me yesterday in my VA Tech or Maryland gear until the results were in... since the Hokies won last night me and Mommy got our bragging rights today.

Sorry Dad, better luck next year!!

In OTHER exciting news, I took my FIRST STEPS yesterday. I think it's obvious that a winner was born as soon as I put on this jersey. Video of me walking shall be coming soon!!

A BIG BOY'S Haircut

It was only a matter of time before Mommy realized she wasn't doing me any favors and put away her scissors. After my television debut earlier in the week, and seeing a few photos of my shaggy hair, it was decided I needed a big boy's hair cut that would showcase my *STAR* potential.

Here are some BEFORE shots, taken last night.

"Yikes" - That's all I can say!!

Here I am waiting to get my hair cut. We couldn't pass up using the $6.99 coupon that Mommy had at Great Clips - only the best for me! It's as if I'm saying "No Mom, you're making a big mistake!!"

Yeah, I wasn't too happy about getting my hair cut. I was quite the drama queen.

After it was all said and done I was totally smiles - maybe because I got a lollipop out of the deal.

The finished product? Not too shabby!

Where Is Your Eye??

I'm getting pretty good at pointing out where my nose, ear, and eye are when Mommy and Daddy ask. Although some times I take things a little too far....

"Where is your eye, Ben?"

Mystery Solved??

So the plot thickens....

• Where in the world did I get that ulcer from?
• Why do I produce a poopie diaper 5 times a day?
• And... Why in the heck have I had a runny nose for the past two weeks?

The great mystery has been solved by a simple blood test.
And the answer is: MILK ALLERGY

Who would have thought that after all my hard work to transition myself to the glorious Whole Milk I would be back on smelly elemental formula? While I love my grilled cheese, yogurt, and such, my diet will be changing directions. At least for now. Explains a lot I'd say!!

All that hard work and investigating had me worn out! Phew, all in a days work folks!

Birthday Celebration

Here are a few pictures from my birthday party yesterday afternoon. Thank you to everyone for all the birthday wishes!!!

Have I told you that I loved balloons or what?!

Don't let this face fool you- I had a WONDERFUL time today. I just didn't enjoy wearing this party hat. Who could blame me though when all that was on my mind were these CUPCAKES!

Me waiting for my cake while everyone sang Happy Birthday!

While I didn't like the cake at first, I REALLY enjoyed eating every last morsel. DeLISH!

I am so spoiled- look at all these fun presents. Ummmm, did Mommy buy me a BABY DOLL for my birthday? Daddy wasn't to thrilled about that one!

The real present from Mommy & Daddy was this Radio Flyer Wagon. Here I am taking a stroll today with my new giraffe friend (the baby can wait at home!!)

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Big Boy Ben

For those of you astute readers you will notice I've updated the title of my blog - Since I'm approaching the big ONE I've decided this can no longer be classified as Ben's Baby Blog.


The past year has been quite an adventure. In the past few weeks I've mastered cruising, climbing the stairs, waving and saying 'bye' and 'up', and turning on the lights. I've also learned to sign 'more', 'milk', 'all done' and 'water', drink my milk from a sippy cup, and attained the ever-so-desirable Temper Tantrum (we're working on that one). I am looking forward to becoming a BIG BROTHER and thank you for your continued reading and support!!

Big Foot

Here is a video from today of me practicing my walking!! I'm getting there, its only a matter of days before I tear through the house like a maniac!!

Good News!

So this morning I had to go back to Loudoun Hospital for a repeat endoscopy to check the status of my ulcer. Boooo!!!

The outcome? The ulcer is completely gone and my tummy looks fantastic!! That's right, whose your baby now???

I was so happy with the news by the time I got home I was back to my silly self, doing summersaults on the floor. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers everyone!

It's An...... Alien!

Oh no, only joking. Although this image does look quite frightening. Mommy found out today that she is having a BOY. I can't wait to be a big brother and have a best friend to pal around with.

Tool Time!

Check me out at my tiny workbench. As you can see, I've learned a thing or two recently... and I'm not afraid to give myself a round of applause after a job well done!

Mommy's Football Fan

Look what Mommy taught me a few weeks ago. Just in time for football season too!! :-)

Sorry for the cave like look and sound in the 2nd clip... Mom didn't realize her underwater camera device didn't bode well when shooting video indoors.

Get Up, Stand Up

I stood up for the first time on July 10th! I'm an old pro at this now, but here is a video of me learning the ropes the past two weeks!! Perseverance people, perseverance!

Baby Ben Brings Breaking News....

There is a hidden message in this picture- can you figure it out?
(And no, it's not that I need a haircut)

If you need a hint, my shirt may give you a clue...

Now do you see why I'm all smiles? Oh, and stop trying to do the math... I know you're wondering. I'll be 16 months older then my new sibling. We will be the best of friends (or so I hope)!!

Big Boy Ben!

Here are the stats from my 9 month check up yesterday. Despite my nasty ulcer I'm a healthy, growing boy!

Weight: 20 lbs, 13 oz (50%)
Height: 30 inches (94%)
Head Circumference: 18.5 inches (90%)

And as you can see from this shot, I'm learning to pull myself up too! Oh, Mommy and Daddy are THRILLED about that one!

Show Me Your Crawl-Crawl

I'm learning something new each day... You just wait until I'm running around the house with no diaper on!

Chompers!

So here is a pretty good shot of my two pearly whites coming in on the bottom. You better watch out- I know how to operate those puppies and I'm not afraid to use them!

Big Boy Bath

Now that I'm sitting up I'm taking a big boy's bath! YEEEAAAAH BABY!

Yeah, you like that I've discretely covered up my goods.

"Thank You, Thank You Very Much."