Thanksgiving Part I and Part II

On November 22, 2007 Ben celebrated his first Thanksgiving. We started the morning with his Moms tradition of watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade where we watched enormous floats like Ronald McDonald cover the street, the Rockettes doing their dance number and several of the High School Musical singers sing different holiday songs.

In the afternoon Ben was bundled up and taken to Gettysburg, PA where several family members and friends were there to greet the little guy. Ty, his cousin greeted him with sleeping eyes and several first hellos to Ben were made.

After a scrumptious thanksgiving dinner made by Mrs. Schuster was gobbled down by her 20 plus guests, we all sat around and caught up some more as our bellies took the chance to settle down.

Sitting with Mom at the Table

Ben, Nagymama, Nagypapa and Ty

The Little Family

Soon it was time to leave and the family was off to their next Thanksgiving location. We went to an architect named Lee's house in Ashburn where Ben's other Grandmother was celebrating with her friends. Ben again was greeted by smiles and ooh's and aah's at his cuteness. We also had a photo opportunity with Lee's oversize stuff animals that amazed and probably confused little Ben.

Ben as Tarzan

Ben and his Grandma

Ben's First Taste of Solid Foods

Today marks the first day of Ben getting solid foods. His menu today consisted of Gerber's Rice Ceral made by his Mommy. I have to say that he did really well with it. Obviously more went out then in, but towards the end of the feeding he was opening his little mouth like a little birdie wanting some more. I was pretty impressed since most of the time I hear how babies hate eating the rice ceral.

Ben getting a bite to eat from his Mommy

Dad trying to feed Ben

Ben looking wide eyed

See what I can do Mommy!

Also this past Friday he had his four month checkup. He was in the 90th percentile in height (26 1/2 inches) and 50% in weight (15lbs 3 oz). He did really well having had four shots and only cried a little bit. He certainly is a trooper!

Ben Rolled Over!

Last night, much to James and my surprise, Ben rolled over for the first time! He didn't do it just once but actually twice! James and I were watching him while I was on the phone with my Mom. I told her how he's been rolling to his side as if he wants to roll over and then he did! I am so thrilled and elated that my son has passed another big milestone in his little life. Nothing beats the joy of seeing your children do such small but big things in your eyes.

Ben rolling over on his side the day before he rolled over

Ben and Ty

This weekend Ben was quite the busy little guy. On Saturday, his parents bought him his Christmas present, which is the Fisher Price Amazing Animal Choo Choo. I remember loving to play with my train and I hope Ben enjoys his train as much as I liked mine. On Sunday, we went to church, watched the Redskins game (they won) and ate dinner at my parents. Amy, Eric and Ty also came to dinner as well, which marks the first time all of us ate dinner at my parents house since the two boys were born! I had to take a photo shoot opportunity while I had it since the boys haven't been photographed together in months!

Ben and Ty playing on the floor with their Mommy's watching them closely

Ty making friends with Ben

Both the boys engrossed with the bongo drums

Look how the two boys have grown in four short months!
Ben and Ty when Ben was just shy of a month old

Ben and Ty when Ben is just after four months

Ben is FOUR months!

Today at 1:40pm Ben will be exactly four months! I can't believe how time flies with little ones. So far he has found his hands, feet and loves to babble. He finds his Daddy funny and loves to give shy smiles to his Mommy. He also LOVES to babble to his Nagypapa. They could both carry a conversation on complete nonsense more then anyone I know. Ben has also started sleeping through the night, which his parents are very grateful that has finally started to happen. His favorite toy is the Einstein activity center his Great Aunt Mary Lou bought him. He still drinks about six ounces every four hours or so and hasn't started on solids yet.

Ben at Four Months

Ben and his Nagypapa talking away


In his fourth month of life I hope to introduce him to rice cereal which will be a whole new experience for all of us. This month he will also celebrate his first Thanksgiving with his cousin and family. I am sure he'll be wondering what the heck is going on but as long as he is entertained by people talking and moving about, he'll be a happy guy.

Ben's Baptism

Ben had his baptism, first communion and confirmation this past Sunday (November 4, 2007). Ben was dressed in his Nagypapa's baptismal garments and was wearing his Mom's booties (at least for some of the time). He also received his first communion from his Nagypapa. It was a wonderful event that certainly made his Mom and I believe his Godmother tear up. Ben's Godparents are a wonderful couple that is friends to both James and I. We were delighted to have such fantastic Godparents there to represent him and I know they will give wonderful spiritual guidance in the Catholic faith throughout Ben's life. I am truly humbled and honored that my son is now a baptized member of the Catholic faith.

Ben's Godmother Anna holding him right before his baptism

Ben being baptized by the Very Reverend Father John Basarab

Ben receiving his first holy communion

Father John Basarab confirming Ben into the Catholic faith

The Baptism cake Ben's Nagypapa made

Ben's First Halloween!

As we all know this was Ben's first Halloween. We decided to dress him up like a little bear since his Dad's nickname is "Bear". First we celebrated the night at Ben's Nagypapa and Nagymama's house by eating fantastic meal prepared by his Nagymama and then did some trick or treating around the neighborhood at neighbors I grew up knowing. He was a hit as everyone ooo'ed and aah'ed at Ben and his cuteness.

Ben in his Halloween Costume

The Family

Mom and Dad having some fun

Ben with his Nagypapa and Nagymama




Afterwards we all went back to my house and did a little more trick or treating and helped Dad hand out the candy. In a span of two hours we handed out candy to over forty kids!