Avocados! and More Visitors

Ben tried avocados last night and sadly I can say we have found a food he does not love.  He tolerated about 6 spoonfuls, but as you will see in the pics, it was just that-tolerating.  We will try again in a month or two.  Speaking of tolerating, picky eating was not tolerated while I was growing up and will not be tolerated from Ben.  I am so thankful my parents made me try things over and over as I can say it's hard to think of a food I don't like.  Ryan is the same with the exception of crunchy onions so I hope we can join forces to create a well-rounded palette in Ben.

Ryan's Grandma Virginia and her husband Robert were in Wichita from Dighton, Ks for some medical appointments and stopped by with dinner and home-made apple pie!!  It is delightful to watch Virginia with Ben-she just eats him up and grins from ear to ear.  She reminds me so much of my Grandma Theresa that my heart is full to know she would have had the same love for Ben.  We are blessed to have this family so close while we are away from home and blessed that they make it a priority to visit.

 

Ben doesn't seem so big in Robert's lap

 

Ben loved Grandma's necklaces

Playdate

The playdate rotation came back to our house this week and Cadyn and Charlotte and their Mamas joined us once again.  In the time since they were last here, Ben is rolling, Charlotte is crawling, and Cadyn is walking!!!!!!   We Mamas sat and discussed how crazy fast it all happens and it's so true-the first year really is this miracle that I've failed to truly appreciate until becoming a parent.  It's one thing to see a child grow from afar and notice how they change, but to see multiple changes each week and sometimes each day is just amazing.  I'm thankful to have these little girls around as role models and to help keep me from getting too nostalgic.  They help me stay excited for what's to come :).

 Cadyn LOVES this rocking chair and has loungin' down

 

Charlotte's pretty smile

 

Cadyn making sure Mama doesn't get too attached to Riley

 

Sneak peek at the teeth for Tante

 

Ben's, "Mom, do you know about these things I can feel in my mouth with my tongue? face

Riley

Ben and I had a new friend join us Tuesday!  Friends Chrystal and TJ's 3 month old baby boy, Riley, will be with us each weekday from 630-330.   There is definitely some transition going on this week as Ben is not napping regularly.  This could be teething or the upset to his routine-only time will tell.  I can say Ben mostly thinks Riley is the best little toy that moves and Riley does a good job of keeping Ben on his tummy which is becoming more rare by the minute since rolling began.

We've had a couple good walks with Riley in the front carrier and Ben in the jogger and if Ben took his normal afternoon nap, Riley would always be gone when he awoke-leaving the afternoon for just the two of us.  We will see how the schedule normalizes (or doesn't) over the next couple weeks.

 

Buddies

Riley enamored with his giraffe

Green Beans

There are some great videos that are apparently too long for Blogger, so here are some pics of Ben's first green veggie.  I struggle with cooking frozen things to mush before pureeing because I feel like it depletes nutrients, so I just steamed them until warm before pureeing.   Although very small, I would not call them smooth, but Ben didn't seem to mind.  Today will be day three and he eats them as quickly as any other food although there are some different faces :).