big boy.

Ben had a pediatrician appointment yesterday. He got two shots - and was not very happy about it. He's also 25.7 pounds and 33 inches tall. Mister Ben, such a big boy. Below, he poses for the camera.

the many sounds of ben.

The child can make some funny noises. Lately, he's been impersonating two creatures.

When he wants to test out his vocal cords, we call him "Chewy":


And this morning, while crying, he did a flawless impression of the Cowardly Lion.

this one's for aunt lauren

Aunt Lauren bought Ben this shirt when he was first born... It's a shirt from the restaurant we went to for brunch when I visited her in San Diego. It's sort of a joke between us, this place, because I was so hungry that while we were waiting in line to be seated (a long line, if I remember correctly) I almost collapsed. I had to sit down, I broke out in a sweat, and I was unable to speak for a couple of seconds. The nice hostess got me a glass of orange juice and I felt better after that. After we were finally seated, we had a good laugh about it. I felt like an idiot.


Anyway, I can't believe Ben is big enough to wear this shirt! I remember when we got it in the mail I hung it in his closet, figuring that it'd be years, literally, before it would fit. Thanks, Aunt Lauren!

independent

Ben wasn't really interested in adhering to any sort of 'schedule' yesterday. I suppose a 'schedule' makes him feel oppressed, mannnn. So he wasn't interested in napping, so much. At least not in the morning. I had to carry him around on my back in his carrier a bit while I got errands done around the house. He complied.


Afterwards I brought out a toy he hasn't seen in awhile. It's the aquarium gym given to us by Sharon, one of my teacher friends. The last time Ben saw this toy, he couldn't even roll over. He wasn't interested in it then so much, but today he had a ball with it.


Yesterday afternoon, he made up for his lack of sleep and let me get some cleaning, and packing, and laundry done. Sophie likes Ben's naptime because that means she can recharge, too. Though, sometimes? She's mopey without her friend.

Ben's dojo.

Because Chris and I are slackers, it took us forever to hang anything on the walls in Ben's room. Actually, that's only partly true. We're slackers, but we also hate committing to hanging anything on a wall. What if we don't like it in a week? What if the positioning is all wrong? What if, what if?

Anyway, I wanted to show you Ben's room. I first took the camera in today as he was waking up from his nap, so you can see again the bright smiling face I walk in to see every day. My son is a goon.


On his bookshelf that Uncle Tommy made, we've got books, of course, but also a plant that I'm trying to nurse back to health, Ben's monitor, a print we're still looking for a frame for, and his twilight turtle. It's the coolest thing ever.


Then there's the quilt that my Nanny made for him hanging on the wall next to his window.


Here's the cross stitch Uncle Joe made for Ben, hanging above his changing table (yes, I need to put a cover on his changing pad):


Above Ben's crib, two more prints from Thumbtack Press, and pictures of some family members. I printed out all of the pictures that I have in my possession or on my laptop, so if you are not up there and would like to be, please send me an email (liz@chrisandliz.org) with a picture of you and yours. We want to collect as many pictures as we can! We're also going to put a friends set on another wall. So please send me your pictures! If you need my mailing address, email me.


And on another wall above the crib, two prints Chris and I found at urban outfitters. We think they're cute for a little one, and below them hangs 3 hooks. Ben's winter hat and Phillies windbreaker are hanging there, along with his orange hooded sweatshirt.


We hope you've enjoyed the tour. But before we go, Ben and his best pal, Sophie. He taunts her, she is dejected, and yet she comes back for more.