Noodles

Ben is (finally) showing an interest in some textured foods. It seems the addition of the top 4 teeth has helped in this regard. Mommy is being a real sport and holidng back her cleaning impulses, letting him have some fun with it.

Ben's 2nd Christmas

Ben had a great 2nd Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve with Steve's family and as always, Ben loved playing with all his cousins. Like most 1 year olds, he preferred playing with the wrapping paper and boxes to the actual presents. He stayed up way past his bedtime (10:30!!) and slept well in his Pack and Play, which I had been a bit worried about because it was basically our first night away from home. We headed back home on Christmas day and celebrated again with my mom and dad. More presents, more boxes, more wrapping paper, more food, more egg nog. It was a great Christmas! I wasn't as diligent as some years about taking pictures, mainly because there was a lot going on for me to keep up with, and because I was still recovering a bit from a stomach bug the day before. But here are a few pictures of the festivities.

1st Soccer Ball

Lately Ben has been into kicking things along the ground: leaves, his blocks, etc. So we got him a mini soccer ball. Instant hit. He only goes at it for 5-10 seconds at a time at this point, but he is decidedly left-footed, which is interesting. (He seems to be right handed). Maybe he will take after his cousin Jared.