Family

Here's a shot of the whole group on Good Friday, the only day we were all together.


I was pretty fascinated with everything my Aunt Rachel had to say. We had some great conversations!


Who put this fun playland in my living room?! And what are you two still doing sleeping--it's already 6:30!


Bubbles! I didn't have much of a reaction to seeing my first bubbles. I just kind of stood and watched Grandma--they popped so quickly!


Mom trimming my hair. Aunt Rachel thought it was time to get rid of my mullet.

Easter

Our company has all left us now. I think Benjamin is a little lost without all of the entertainment. However, now he's pretty sure no one is going to replace Mom! He got a little nervous whenever I left the room for more than a minute. Here are a few shots from Easter. I'll post more of the company later.




I love taking apart the Easter eggs, and emptying the basket!


Here I am at the Easter egg hunt at church.


Hmm...that's great--it's an egg.


This is pretty much what Benjamin did the whole egg hunt. It was very exciting to watch the kids and all of the people! Maybe next year he'll understand the concept a little more.

Walking!

Benjamin's prefered method of locomotion is now walking. He was walking a little bit by his brithday, but now he's mastered turning around and carrying things while walking. He can even squat down, pick something up, and then keep walking. The other evening I noticed him trying to stand up without holding onto anything. He's not quite there yet, but I'm sure he will be before long.

Now that Benjamin is walking, he's discovered the toilet paper roll and the trash can. He also makes a game of trying to knock over the floor lamp in the living room. If he suceeds, he immediately runs away. If I catch him before it happens, he giggles. He sometimes listens when we tell him no, but not if he's doing one of those things!

We're getting ready for my (Becky's) side of the family to come, starting on Saturday, and lasting for two weeks. Benjamin won't know what to do with all of the attention!

Birthday company and cake

Aunt Mary testing out Benjamin's toys while he naps


My birthday cake--it was carrot cake


It was pretty good, but I didn't eat too much. I was still full from supper.


They had a little celebration at church during the soup supper before the midweek service, since that was the actual birthday.




Matching shirts!


Are you telling me a true story, Uncle David?


What a nice pillow Uncle Ken makes!


Wrestling with the boys

Presents, presents, and more presents...

I turned one last Wednesday, and had a lot of company this past week. I'm so glad they could all join me for my birthday!


Just what I always wanted!


Now I can help Daddy this summer!


Where's my glove?!


Well, at least I have a bat!


Are we done with the gift opening yet? We need to get our naps in!


Food is going to taste so much better with my Cardinals spoon and plate!




Another book! Yes!




You do it, Mom--I'm too excited!


I'm getting the hang of this unwrapping thing!




Oooo..pretty!


Just let me taste it! That's the only way to tell if it's a good book!

Jeopardy and more

This is how I know so much! Between Jeopardy and those magazines, I'm set! Aren't you so proud of me, Sarah?


We got out the Easter decorations yesterday. I had so much fun with these eggs!


Look familiar, Aunt Rachel?

Growing up

We can't believe how fast Benjamin is growing up--only 10 days until his first birthday! He is starting to look more toddler than baby at times. He'll occasionally take a few steps on his own, and cruises holding onto the furniture and walls. Of course, crawling is still the fastest way to get anywhere. He enjoys crawling up the aisle at church after church is over, so he can meet Daddy. Finally, Mom lets him loose, after sitting still for so long!

We've been done with baby food for a month or more now. If he can't feed it to himself, he wants nothing to do with it! He loves fruits and veggies the best, and bread and cheese come in close second.

Benjamin's latest feat has been recognizing his favorite books. I started saying a few lines from one of his favorite books, and he went right over to it, and picked it up. Just for fun, we tried it with a few of his other favorite books, and sure enough, he picked up the right ones! We always knew he was a smart kid, but now we have proof! Of course, Dad is a bit concerned that his boy will like books better than balls. But, we also log in time playing "catch." He does a pretty good job of letting the ball go so that it will roll.

So far, he hasn't been talking much, at least so that we can understand! He jabbers away on a regular basis. So far, we've picked out "uh-oh" and "all duh" (translation: all done). We're still holding out for ma-ma and da-da. He says the words often enough, but not really in connection with us.

Enjoy these latest pictures!


Testing the bath water. My favorite bath toy is my washcloth. I suck on it, and Mom always says it reminds her of Aunt Rachel!


Mmmm...who should I call?


Faster, Daddy, faster!


Yes, my feet are touching the ground! I've got him suckered into believing I don't know how to do it on my own! This is the life!