13 Months

As his growth has slowed significantly, I've decided to wait for the actual 15 month well-baby visit for Ben's next height and weight stats.  Just as his first year was the fastest of my life, the last month has been the fastest of all!! I got the your 13 month old email from one of the many parenting websites I follow and thought, "that's a little early," except it wasn't.

Ben's growth has slowed, but his physical development and motor skills are taking off! I must admit it's been nothing less than thrilling to watch him master sitting down from standing and to watch him discover the whole new world available to him one level up.  It's amazing how something that is a challenge one day is a mastered skill the next.  

A couple weeks ago I had a wet paper towel in my hand and knelt down to give Ben something.  He reached for the towel and smiled big and then wiped my face! Who knew such a simple act could be so exciting for us both.  Now Ben wipes mom or dad's face after every meal.

In the book department. the Grouchy Ladybug has been replaced by Brown Bear.  We are confident it's not the content he loves, but the large format board book with easy to turn pages.  In fact, if we read any other books he starts looking around for Brown Bear after only a couple sentences.

As I'm told I did and I think most babies do, Ben LOVES being outside.  Perhaps too much!! He screams anytime we let the dogs in or out or go to the garage for something and he is not invited.  The fall weather has allowed for lots more walks and quality swing time.  There have been many 3 walk days over the last couple weeks.  

I don't think I've mentioned that Ben now has 16 teeth-yikes!! Six of those are still on their way in and ouch!  I'm glad as it means he can eat almost anything we do, but for his poor sake I hope they slow down a bit.  When the next one peaks (ha!) through he will have the teeth of an average 2 year old. 

Ben is nothing short of obsessed with the many plastic buckles on all the 5 point harnesses we use to keep babies safe in 2011.  Yesterday he started trying to close his high chair buckle after I'd released him.  Though he's no where close to mastering this one, watching him mimic us is very fun.  

Ben's halloween costume arrived this week and though I won't say what it is, I will say I'm very hopeful his walking takes off in the next 6 weeks.  I never thought I'd look so forward to Halloween and trick-or-treating as they've historically not been my favorite holiday or tradition.  I can only imagine how excited Ryan must be-it's like child labor-Ben will do all the work and Ryan will get the candy.  Until next month....

Going for a stand 'n cruise

Ryan captured these of the Monarch butterflies on our deck-they are UNREAL this year.