I love this picture! Benjamin loved everything about Santa; his furry clothes, RED, the abundance of hair to pull (he's got some grip and that beard was real!), the jingle bell on his hat, and everyone making funny sounds to get him to smile. Happy 1/2 year birthday to my little man. It is a joy to watch you grow.
The first weekend in December started out with a trip to get our Christmas tree in Newberg with "Grandma Kathy" and coffee at Chapter's book store. We had our Sunday School Christmas party that night. Benjamin needed a little caffeine to keep going, but it clearly was not enough!
Practicing his rolling technique in front of the fire...he loved watching the fire.
Proud to be sitting up in Grandpa's chair!
It has been brought to my attention that we are lacking in recent photos of a particular granddog. Here is proof that we still do love the poor neglected Sadie.So, please, please, please ignore the audio on this video! I had been trying to catch him rolling over all day (his first day really rolling) and the baby talk is not really flattering. :)
It was tricky to catch this on film at first, but now he's just a regular ol' giggle monster.
Grandma Kathy put me in this fun, fun human powered swing! Reportedly I giggled and giggled.
We have potted plants in pumpkins every year since our wedding...we did this for decorations.
Daddy's lap is "JUST RIGHT!"
Mom went back to work when Benjamin was 13 weeks old. While she works Tuesday and Thursdays, Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Larry watch the little stinker. It's the best of both worlds for Kristen- and Benjamin comes home very tired (picture from the first day)!
New "Go Beavs" jammies.
Mom & Benjamin
Benjamin's first time touching sand.
Benjamin's pillow nest in the hotel.
We have been fortunate enough to go on a date night every month since Benjamin was born. First month was to see Harry Potter, the second month was dinner out at the Brickhouse in Redmond, and this month we went to the Oregon State Fair to see the David Cook concert. We are so lucky to have parents who love to watch Benjamin! We dressed him appropriately to go to the Gehring home. :)
Benjamin is growing SO fast. He was 16.1 pounds on 9/9/09. He is learning to smile (which melts our hearts!), grab things with his hands and is interested in toys and books now. Lights, fans and mom and dad's faces still are his favorite things to look at. Ben is also getting better at tummy time and can keep his head up for quite a little while. We're still working on the whole sleep thing, so don't ask about that... He was a "colicky" baby, but he is starting to turn a new leaf and is content to be put down now, much to mom's relief. Mom has also learned that she cannot eat chocolate as it upsets his tummy. Bummer! He's worth it though...we love this little cutie and feel blessed every day to be his parents.
The Collins Family.
Hands-on daddy.
