Straight A's for Busy Ben

Tyler and I went to parent/teach conferences this morning at Ben's school. (I know, how cute is that?!) Ms. Candi said that BenBen - as she called him throughout the conference - is still one of the better eaters in the class, which makes me feel bad for the other babies' parents because I wouldn't think of Ben as being a great eater! Snacker, yes. Meal eater, not so much.

She commented on how Ben likes to "just chill" with his lovie and a book or toy and isn't in constant need of attention. Again, I'm not sure who that kid is, because our Ben doesn't seem to appreciate alone time at home and likes for us to be pretty engaged in his activities! Not that they don't give him attention throughout the day - she said there are just times when he wants some space to do his own thing. But he also gets right back into the groove, literally, for music time, cuddles and playtime with his buddies.

He is trying to figure out the sippy cup thing and has adjusted really well to eating at their teeny tiny table, instead of the highchair, and sleeping on a cot, instead of in a crib. (After our conference we watched him put himself to sleep on it, pretty impressive!) Overall, he is a "joy to work with" - not bragging here, just reporting the facts.

Here are some pictures I collected during January of Ben keeping himself busy. First a bubble-bath montage that I use to remind myself that some baths are pleasurable experiences and that it's always worth another shot!




I offered this teething toy after noticing Ben's profuse drool had soaked his shirt. Even though he's had this butterfly for months, he went ballistic over it - flinging it in the air and banging it on everything.

Thinking back, no new teeth have poked through since then...
wassup with that?

"May I have more cheerios please?"

This is the "Ben kneel" - his preferred sitting position,
ready to take off at a moment's notice!

Ben thinks the washing machine is his personal fun house, and finally I had the camera handy to capture his enthrallment with it. It really is the simple things...