Two of a Kind

Yesterday afternoon we had a visit from Ben's cousin Lance and his Aunt Mila and Uncle Michael. Lance is about a year and a half old, and Ben is just now getting to the stage where the two boys can play together. Here are a few pictures. We predict they will be thick as thieves by this time next year -- and Heaven help us when they hit high school...

Horray for sleep!

No pictures with this entry (scratch that -- I just added one), but wanted to share that Ben slept though the night last night...an honest-to-God, all the way through without a peep, 10 1/2 hours through the night. We are so proud of him! On the handful of occasions he has slept through before, we have always had at least one wake up with some fussing, or a ridiculously early morning rise (think 4:50 am). But not last night. This is the first time I have had 8 hours of contiguous, uninterrupted sleep since December 3rd 2007. Let's hope it's a new trend! You can bet he will be eating the same thing for dinner tonight, getting bathed with the same soap, wearing the same pajamas, etc. in our attempt to re-create perfection. He woke up looking thoroughly rested and slightly bemused at our excitement.

This Land is Your Land...

Well, Ben has officially taken over the entire front room of the house. When we first moved in, we wondered "what will we use this space for?" Question answered. Here he is on his new playmat during a game of peek-a-b00, and then later, playing his new favorite game: watch mommy put all the toys away, then take them all back out again. So far that one never gets old.

Happy 4th of July!

We enjoyed Ben's first 4th of July very much, although we weren't able to stay up late enough for fireworks (Darn those long Southern summer nights). He did dress the part though. This was also his 7 month birthday.

Keepin' Cool in the Pool

We inflated Ben's new paddling pool this weekend. He wasn't too sure at first, but after a few minutes, he decided it was a-okay. He's very into splashing lately, so I think it's safe to say that was his favorite part.

He's a Blanket Man

Ben is very into his blankie lately. We have a mild fondness for Pooh Bear and a couple of other animal friends, but when it comes time for nighty-night, it's all about the blankie. We are calling him Linus.