Ben's First Real Solo Steps!

Weekend Wonders

Ben Asleep and Ben Blinks

Jack the Lionheart

Jack amazes each and every day. Sometimes it is nothing more than a new silly face or a new word. But other times it is one of those monumental milestone kinds of things that make you realize this is not just your baby but also a fully functioning human being.

On the way home today I had to make a pitstop with Jack at Jewel. Taylor had requested a loaf of french bread to make homemade garlic bread. Jack was in a very good mood from daycare and was talking up a storm. It was beautiful outside so I was happy to spend a little more time with the Fudge.

No sooner than we entered the store, Jack wanted to walk. These days he does not want to be in the cart. I figured it was a quick trip, let him explore a bit. I set him down and he took a few steps. At that moment a woman dropped a bag of chips on the ground.

Now, at this point my instinct was to pull him back and tell him to stay close. But, I didn't have time. Instead I saw Jack walk up to the bag of chips, pick it up, hand it to the lady, and say "here you go." She looked shocked and I am sure I did too. She thanked him and said he was a very helpful little boy.

I don't know if Jack realized how awesome it was to see him act selflessly like that or if he was just excited I rewarded his really amazing behavior with a little toy car (and a LOT of kisses).

Either way, my little guy is a great human being and I am prouder of him every single day!

Videos and Pictures

Fear and Loathing in Elgin

Ben and Jack now share a bedroom. I spent Saturday cleaning The Room Formerly Known as Jack's while Taylor took Jack to the park and the fish store with EJ and Jacob. The fun part, I guess, was having to disassemble the crib and then reassemble it. The first night both boys went down with almost no effort and slept the entire night. Yesterday Ben had to sleep in our bed for his nap because Jack was too riled up to sleep (both boys napped once in different rooms). But, again for the night both boys went to sleep with no problem. Things are looking good!

Also, in the course of the day yesterday, Ben has been able to stand on his own for 1 minute and more. He also has started to take baby steps. Looks like he may be walking before the end of April!

5 weeks until Florida! Still so much to do!

Ben's Smile

Nuff said. Just enjoy the cute smile and TONS of teeth!

April Showers

The weather should be changing soon. They are still calling for snow(!) this week. The six week countdown to our Florida trip is seeming longer and longer.

Both boys are getting over colds, so it has been a weekend in, just hanging out. Jack and Ben had Kate visit 2 days in a row!

Jack is currently obsessed with Madagascar 2. He loves that movie. He really likes the song "I Like to Move It" and dances whenever it comes on. At least it gives us a break from watching Kung Fu Panda and Wall-E over and over.

Ben is just on the brink of crawling AND standing by himself. He is very willfull. He also loves eating solid food and even is eating bigger chunks of things.

These kids better slow down or we won't be able to keep up!

Walking and Talking

Ben has 2 more teeth coming in on the bottom. These have broken through and brings his grand total to EIGHT teeth. Yes, we know, he is a little monster.

Jack has a cold that has been nagging him, but he has been in good spirits the past couple of days. He had lots of fun playing with friends and cousins yesterday and then finger painting with mommy today.

It snowed quite a bit so he got a bit of cabin fever, but it is melting quickly so hopefully we can go outside next weekend and back to the park he asks for so often.

Ben's First Ice Cream!

Let the images speak for themselves!

Hello Spring!

Ben got his first taste of the park and Jack got to let loose on the jungle gym with Ellie and Kate. Lots of fun with Portillos for dinner. Ben loved, loved, LOVED being in the swing!

Wii and Denim

Ben and Jack are doing well. Jack returns to daycare this week while I go back to work. I wonder if he will have any trouble readjusting. He has grown so much in the past month, I think he will surprise all the teachers.

Ben is doing well, too. He is starting to scale more and more and looks to be standing solo any day now.

Ben's 9 Month Checkup

The Tale of the Tape

Length
Ben: 30 inches
Jack: 28 inches

Weight
Ben: 23 lbs 5 oz
Jack: 21 lbs 6 oz

Head Circumference
Ben: 19.75 inches
Jack: 17.75 inches

Immunizations
Ben: 4 shots
Jack: 1 shot

Ben is definitely a big boy. While he is heavier than Jack, Ben's weight is only in the 50th percentile. His length is 98th! Ben is more than likely going to be taller than his big brother. Lets just hope they don't make it into a contest.

Good Day, Sunshine!

It was in the mid-sixties today, so Sam and I took the boys for a couple of walks around the neighborhood. Jack saw birds, a dog, and rocks. Lots of rocks. Ben enjoyed being out for a nice stroll too.

Ben and Jack LOVE Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!

Ben Laughs (A Lot)

Cousin Fun!

Jack and Ben hung out with Emoh and cousins Ellie and Kate. It was a fun playdate of Happy Meals and PlayDoh. I wonder if Jae ate the fake sushi.

Jack Bakes Cookies!

Jack and Komo made Valentine's cookies. We need to get this kid some PlayDoh!

Jack & Jacob

Jack had fun playing with Jacob during the unseasonable 60 degree weather. Both kids needed to get outside....bad!

Big Boys!

 

Jack is officially not a baby any more. First the haircut and now he doesn't have a crib anymore! I converted his crib to a toddler bed. Lets see how he takes to it. We also got rid of the Bumbo and some infant toys from Ben. Both kids are growing up! Now, as soon as one is potty trained and the other is off formula, we will be in heaven!