Ben and his buddy Lucas.

Today was another exciting day for us! We started the day watching Chad play flag football. In true Chad fashion, he was injured in the first 4 minutes of the game. In even truer Chad fashion, he continued to play while hobbling along. They ended up losing, but not by much. I was expecting a royal butt kicking! They are a co-ed team playing in an all male competitive league. We have a game every Sunday for the next couple of months. Woo hoo! Benjamin loves all the action, and playing with the other kiddos. He hasn't seen Lucas in a few weeks, so it was nice to catch up! Lucas is my friend Kristy's son. The first night that Ben slept through the night was when Kristy babysat him. It was awesome! It could have had something to do with a very active 6 year old playing with Ben, but she has been on the top of our babysitting list since!

Then this evening we went to the neighborhood ice cream party/picnic. Our friends and their babes went too. What a nice family affair it was! Although it was quite busy and there wasn't a whole lot Ben could do. We still enjoyed the free ice cream and fun.

Kim (Karra's mom) is a great bargain hunter! We went shopping today and I found lots of cute clothes for him for when he is bigger. She even got him a cute t-shirt for Halloween. I can't wait to see him in it!

Jacoby, Karra, Ben & Holly

Ben in mid clap!

We spent Saturday morning at the park with our Mommy & Me group. It has been a couple of months since we met, so it was fun to take the babes for a walk in their strollers and then let them play together on the blankets. There were babies from as young as two months to a year and a half. Most of my friends babies are around the same age though, so it's fun to watch them interact with each other. We swapped advice on the newest baby snacks and must-haves.

Saturday evening we went over to Karra's house and had a BBQ with her mom & dad. The kiddos played on the trampoline and we had some yummy food items! Ayden loves playing with Ben. He could keep Ben entertained for hours with all the jumping and running around he does!

Chad had open house tonight at school, so we were able to go visit his classroom for the first time! We are so proud of him! So, this is Ben's first middle school picture :). There were quite a few parents and students who made their way into the class to talk with Mr. P. Ben enjoyed all the excitement. We couldn't stay long because he was tuckered out from a long day of playing. He has a bit of a cough again, so this is sure to be a long night for us all!

Ben has become very good friends with Karra & Ayden. Karra is just 4 days younger than Ben. They met at Rainbows and continue to go to school together. Ayden is Karra's big brother, but he loves playing with Ben too. He is only 3, but quite tall for his age! Their mom & I take turns loving on the babes at lunch so we can make sure no shenanigans are going on at day care. We have become quite the pair, as we make our concerns known to the Director quite often. We expect great care, and we are gonna get it! It will be fun to watch them grow together :).

We had a fun weekend! The weather was sunny and in the 70's. Can't get much better than that - unless of course it was 30 and snowing :). We spent some time at the zoo on Saturday. It was fun because now Ben actually notices the animals instead of just sleeping in his stroller. He kept reaching out for the horse - completely disregarding the 'Animals Bite' sign!

This weekend was also a first for him because he slept without his blanket. We typically wrap his body at night, but by the first time he wakes he is already out of it. We figured we'd save us all the hassle, and just do away with it. He woke a few more times than usual, but I know he will soon get the hang of it. Plus now he gets to wear the many pairs of cute p.j.'s that he has. We just bought the one's in the first picture today. They are for 18 months and fit pretty well! There is still room to grow, but this way he won't grow out of them in 2 weeks.

We are also transitioning him to thicker foods. Since I make his food, it's a little difficult to do this. I guess I'll just puree half and then add some cut up pieces to it. I went out and bought some of the Gerber kind to check for consistency. He gaged of course. Just like he did when he had the rice puffs for the first time. Now he downs those like water. It will just take some getting used to. I will say that he did not like the Gerber chicken and noodles. He must like mom's home cookin' better :).

Now that he is becoming more mobile, has has gotten his leg caught in the slats of his crib twice this weekend. We can't use the regular bumper guards because of his allergies. So we found a really nice breathable one that serves all purposes. No more howls from his room during nap time! Also, tomorrow he starts his new day care. Although I'm sure he will be fine, I can't help but be nervous. At least he will have friends there to commiserate with if need be.

Lauren & Jathan came to visit this past weekend. Chad was busy preparing for his first day as a 7th grade teacher, so it was mostly the three of us and the babe. We spent as much time outdoors as baby would tolerate. We took walks and relaxed. It was very nice!

The daycare saga continues. The teacher that agreed to watch Ben and one other babe decided after 2 1/2 days that she wasn't cut out for babies. Funny, because she is expecting one in 2 months (but I'm not bitter). We did find another place, which we have looked at previously. He will do fine there for a few months until he is one and can go somewhere else. There are several places for toddlers that we looked in to. It's hard to believe that he will be one in a few months!

He is now 8 months old and so much fun. So far this is my favorite baby stage. He laughs all the time and is such a friendly, happy baby. He is content playing by himself with toys, or being held. Ben...

• responds to his name when called
• rolls over, sits up, and army crawls (well really he just drags his legs behind him while doing what looks like half push-ups)
• eats puff cereal and can get one in his mouth using both hands
• drinks out of a sippy cup
• is wearing 9-12 month clothes!
• has had 3 ear infections and numerous colds :(
• eats and loves all fruits and veggies with the exception of bananas
• claps
• recognizes me & Chad and smiles when he sees us
• still wakes 2-4 times a night
  
• has found his diaper and little boy parts - it's so cute!
• pulls himself up on things, although he is quite wobbly
• loves to stand holding our hands
  

He is asleep now, and I must to do something productive before he wakes. Cleaning the kitchen sounds like a winner!

Ben had a fun weekend with Grammy and Auntie Donna. It was of course very hot, but we did travel outdoors to the Farmers Market and for some shopping. He was spoiled rotten with all the hugs, kisses, and being held for naps (something I am sure we will pay for later). As always, the time went by much too quickly, but luckily we will see them again in just a few weeks.

Ben has yet another ear infection - this makes 3 in his whole 8 months on earth. If there is something good to come out of his daycare closing, it will be keeping away from all the germies. He will be in good hands with one of his teachers from Rainbows, along with his bff Karra from class. Only two babies equals much less germs.

Lauren and Jathan are visiting this coming weekend and Ben is looking forward to more attention!

Sponge Art

Water Play Day!

Birthday celebration for a fellow classmate

Wagon trip!

I just love his funny face in this one!

We found out on Monday that Ben's daycare will be closing in two weeks. Due to some dum-dum at the top, they owe a lot of money and had to file bankruptcy. We are so sad for all the displaced children and teachers. This organization was the only one in town of its kind, and how this could happen is beyond us. We will truly miss all the little ones that we have gotten to know over the last few months, and the teachers and staff that have come to love Ben. The pictures above are some of our favorites, which his teacher provided us. He had so much fun on water day and during art class. So, the journey begins again for daycare. Luckily we have formed bonds with other parents and we are moving forward together. Although we have some options, there are several things to take into consideration of course.

This has been our focus for the past few days. We are still however looking forward to Grandma and Aunties visit on Thursday. Maybe they can move in and take care of Ben...

So handsome!

Fascinated by the coffee table.

He was mad at me, and it was cute.

Video of Ben's attempt to crawl.

Ben prefers pulling himself up on things instead of focusing on going mobile. He definitely has strong legs, but his worm crawl is just hilarious. He still gets up on all fours from time to time, but has realized that his floor shimmy is quite effective.

He is trying out more sounds too. We often hear bababa and tha-tha-tha. No mama yet though - bummer! He was also suffering with double ear infections this week, but seems to be doing much better. Poor little guy had a rough night on Sunday and spiked a high fever Monday afternoon. Since then though he seems in much better spirits and isn't clawing at his ear anymore. Although I don't want to jinx us, he has had almost a full week of great nights! He has slept through twice and only awoke for his pacifier on two other nights. So, we have actually had the best sleep in 7 months! I hope this pattern continues!

Grandma and Auntie are coming to visit this coming week. We are anxious for their arrival and have lots of fun and baby friendly activities planned. Hopefully Chad & I will get a night out too. We have been wanting to go to a movie for quite some time! We might try out the cry room at the theatre tonight, but we will have to ask Ben first :).