Benjamin, 8 months

Our happy baby boy is 8 months old.  Where these 8 months have gone, I will never know, but man did time fly!  Benjamin is thriving and growing at the speed of light.  He has recently started to clap his hands and thinks it’s SO funny to do so.  He especially loves to clap for his sissy, who remains his favorite person on earth!  As for favorite furry friend, though he’s fascinated with Amelia, Deacon takes the cake (because Deacon will lie down next to him, tolerate an ear pull or two and lick his chubby baby feet).  Nothing pleases either of them more, no doubt.

Another favorite for handsome Mr. B is grabbing for anything and everything under the sun.  And boy does he have a grip!  If he gets his precious little hands around an object, give it up.  It’s his for the time being.  And, he's still a sweet snuggler.  He loves to reach out for you, touch your cheek or wrap his arms around your neck and nuzzle into the nape of your neck.  Swoon.

Our little chunky hunk is insanely strong…so much so that it’s a struggle for his old mama to hold onto him for long.  Well, strength and the fact that he is just plain solid (last weigh in was just under 21 lbs a month or so ago).  He’s sitting up like a pro and loves to roll back to front, front to back – repeat!  He’s really digging this mobility thing.  Uh oh…

Benjamin is also experimenting with his voice and “words.”  He squeals and coos and hums and as of late, has been caught saying…ma ma ma ma.  YES.  You read it right – he may not be directing it at me per se, but it won’t be his last word (maniacal laughter).  And ok, ok..we are also hearing some da das and ba bas.

Benjamin is eating 3 meals per day (breakfast is oatmeal and a fruit; lunch is a veggie; dinner is either a fruit or veggie) on top of his bottles.  His favorite fruits have been apples and blueberry/pear and he loves squash and green beans (really, no veggie has been turned down just yet).  What he doesn’t like is bananas.  Maybe it’s the taste, maybe the consistency, but whatever it is, he isn’t having it.  He’ll chew on a frozen one, but eating them is for the birds.

And speaking of chewing…no teeth just yet, but his gums are giving him a FIT.  They’re so swollen and raised, so I know there’s a tooth or 2 under the surface, but no relief for him just yet.  And this, my friends, has disrupted his sleep and ours.  Where he was sleeping until at least 6:30…he now gets up in the 5 o’clock hour again.  This, too, shall pass.  I just want him to be comfy again.

We're loving every single minute with our handsome sweetheart.  So grateful for him!