Swinging Through Summer

Another exciting new development, the swing! Can you beat these chunky legs? We found a nice little park by the house that is always empty so we can sneak Stella inside (no dogs allowed) and swing for as long as we like. Life is good.

Awesome-saucer

A big thanks to cousin Lori for giving us her exer-saucer - Ben LOVES it. So obvious for other parents but it is the perfect transitional item from just laying on his back on the playmat. He practices standing and has his choice of a half a dozen activities to work on. It is fun to see him learn how each thing works all while kicking his legs. This thing is a total winner and likely to be around for many months to come.

lazy Sunday

Lazy Sunday at our house...Ben and I went swimming for awhile (he kicks his feet now on command in the water) and then he caught a little Cubs game with his dad and Stella before hitting the Wicker Park street festival. I can't get enough of the weekends and am always sad and surprised to see them finish. I get one more visit in a couple hours before we say goodnight and start another week.

We 'fested' both Sat and Sun this weekend and each day I got an arm nap -- the third nap of the day is "free" and can take place anywhere (not in the crib -- I'm a schedule tyrant in case that hasn't come through in a post yet). There is nothing more yummy than an arm nap, when Ben nestles in with head on shoulder for a 20 minute power session. Music doesn't deter him, in fact the louder the better. Motion is appreciated. And he wakes up happier than ever, smiles all around. For me, it is yummy snuggling time that allows for over the top smothering he doesn't notice.

Misc side note: God help me if I ever have a girl. I can't stop buying Ben clothes. Not like shopping baskets full of them but everywhere I go I pick up something. He was growing out of his PJs so he got two new pair this weekend. I swear he is the cutest kid in the universe in them (unbiased opinion) and at the festival we bought him a shirt that matches one his dad has. If I went matchy-matchy on them, they would make me sleep outside for being such a cheeseball but I guess dad and son is OK.

Again, could this be more fun? Not possible.

Ben loves...

Right now, Ben loves:

- "surfing" in his crib and talking to himself early in the morning;

- putting everything in his mouth, hands are a favorite and always close by;

- standing, standing, standing;

- Stella and the kitties...

Stay tuned for more "Ben loves" coming soon :)

Highchairs

Do/did you have a high chair you loved? I need to buy one this weekend and would love to hear your thoughts if you have a favorite. Thanks!

REAL FOOD!!

We started on rice cereal today with great success...well I should clarify, I'm not sure much actually made it into Ben's belly but he seemed interested in the food and smiled as more came his way. When the puree landed on his tongue he made a confused face but overall it was a positive first experience.

From here it is a crazy-fast progression: after just a few days of rice cereal, we integrate other Stage 1 foods which includes everything from carrots to applesauce. Each new food gets about a week of alone-time to make sure no allergies develop but REAL FOOD!?

I'm so excited. I love the idea of introducing him to new things and the possibility of being able to share food with him down the road. Of course this also means I need to pull the trigger on a highchair, messy as I know it will be redefined, and I'm sure everything will just be more complicated but for now it is just fun, fun, fun!

Legs

Check out these gams...almost completely distracts you from the multiple chins. Healthy baby.