Ben Having Fun AND Meeting Capitals Players

Ben has changed so much and done so many things from the last post, which was what only last week?!? Ben now can say a new word, which is "goal". He learned that while his Dad and I were watching a Capitals game on Sunday. He loves saying it now, even when the other team scored on us! Ouch! Ben also turned into my little helper this weekend. He loves to mock his Mom by brushing his hair when she is or attempting to brush his teeth when she is. While I was cleaning with a baby wipe, Ben decided he wanted to help too. He was cleaning everything with his little baby wipe from the window, floors and walls. It was so cute to watch him! He was really proud of himself. He has gotten to be such a big boy!

Below are some of my new favorite photos of Ben. The first two are of him when we found him stuck in Joey's cage. He thought since he was able to fit inside his friend Julie's dog cage a weekend before that he could fit inside this dog cage. He didn't put two and two together that the other dog cage is MUCH bigger then Joey's. At first James and I paid no mind to hearing Ben messing with the dog cages. Ben loves opening and shutting the doors. When we heard a little wimper, James went to see what was going on and called me over. We got a good laugh.








Ben also this weekend got to meet two Capitals players, Alexander Semin and Donald Brashear! We were all very excited. Ben was very very patient waiting to meet the two hockey players. We first meet Semin who hardly speaks any english. Semin was really happy about James speaking Russian to him and talked for a minute and he asked about Ben and what his name was. It was interesting to us that he was quite shy as he is a great hockey player. Next we all meet my favorite player, Donald Brashear. Brashear is known in the NHL as being a bit of a brute because he loves to fight. I believe he may have the leading penalty point in the NHL. James was holding Ben and the camera when one of the workers at the place asked if we would like a group photo. Of course we said yes! Brashear is also a Dad and took Ben from James's arms and put him on the table in front of him. Ben was not to thrilled and started to cry. Brashear sat there holding Ben and sticking his tongue out at him to try and get him to smile. The picture with Brashear says it all as Ben trys to whack him one. Go Ben! He has no fear against a known fighter. Thats my boy!

A Little Ben Survey

Do you have any nicknames? Mostly just Ben, but my Dad and Grandma call me Benny and my Mom likes to call me Pumpky.



What is your favorite food(s)? I love to eat just about anything. My favorite foods are bananas, french fries (McDonalds especially)and fruit loops.



Do you have a toy that you can’t live without? I love my stuffed poodle a lot. I call him "Dog". I also love my shape sorter basket and try to stuff it with all sorts of things and some times I get frustrated that I can't fit everything in it that I want.


If you watch TV, what is your favorite show? I don't watch a lot of television. Usually I am too busy for things like that. I do love Sesame Street. My favorite episode was the Rock and Roll one because it had lots of clocks in it.


What is your favorite book? I love books and 99% of the time will sit down with anyone that will read one to me. My favorite is the touch/feel books and the Alpha Bug book. Mommy is great about making up all the sound effects for the Alpha Bug book and I laugh every time.


What words can you say? I love shouting Dada. I believe that is my favorite word. I can also say Mama, More (sounds a bit like Mama), clock, dog, and that. I know a lot more words then I can say. I follow directions like "where is your milk" and "go get your coat".


Have you started trying to use the potty? I am a tad interested in it. Mommy got two potty chairs for upstairs and downstairs. I will sometimes ask Mommy to sit on the potty with it and Mommy will always help me out with that. I am encouraged but I haven't made that leap yet.


Where do you sleep (big boy/girl bed or crib)? In my crib. I love my little crib and my sleep.


Do you still wake up in the middle of the night? What night would be complete without waking up in the middle of it? I don't stay up for long though. Typically I can not find my pacifier or I am uncomfortable. Mommy is a deep sleeper, so usually Daddy comes to the rescue.


What funny things make you laugh? I laugh at all sorts of things. I find myself very funny as well, but you can always make me laugh with a tickle or a parachute game.


What do you do that makes mommy laugh? When I am being overly cute like coming up to give her a hug and when I decide to give out my rare kisses.


Weight/Height? 24lbs 14 ounces and 33"


Shoe size? Size six


How many teeth do you have? I have lots of teeth! I have at least ten. My molars are still coming in.


What is your favorite thing to do? It depends on what day and the time really. I really love to go outside. I often ask Mommy and Daddy if I can go outside by getting my coat for them to put on me. I just like to be out and about. I also like to come home and play with my toys as well, and when I am tired I love my sleep time and have no problem going to sleep rather quickly.

18 Months

Although Ben is well into his 18th month of life, he had his 18th month doctor appointment yesterday. He did great except for not being to keen on the doctor listening to his heart or looking in his ears and mouth. He was tired as well, so that was part of the reason for Ben's crankiness at the doctor's office.

He did great though. He weighed in at 24lbs 14 ounces, which was in the 25-50th percentile. The doctor though that was great since a lot of kids will fall below the curve since this is the age they are more mobile. Ben also is quite a tall little guy being 33 inches, which is in the 75-95th percentile! He is certainly catching up to his Mom's height. Ben also got the MMR shot and we were told that he wouldn't need any shots for a while. THANK GOD! Although I have never held him down or watched him get a shot, its really hard on me (his Mom) to hear him cry out while getting them. He is a trooper though. He was fine as soon as we left the doctor's office. Everything is on schedule with our little guy and he is doing everything that he should be doing. We just need to start weening him off the pacifier. Otherwise it will be more headache later on.

Ben is also doing great and is quite the energetic toddler. He loves to eat, chase Lucas and Joey around the house and dance to just about anything. Ben last week actually gave his Mom a kiss on the cheek without her asking for it! It was very sweet and I loved it.

I had to put the picture of him above on this post. It is Ben on a Sunday morning before church. His Grandmother bought him a suit for Christmas and I am determined to get some wear out of it. The look is priceless, because that is the look that says either "What are you doing" or "I am about to get into something I shouldn't."

Ben is just the apple of my eye and his parents love him very very much. We love you Benny!