On the wild side

NOT interested in horse kisses

Ben and I had an incredible, animal-filled week with his Auntie N ("Nic"), who was visiting from Ohio. Then his Uncle Matt ("Unk") and Aunt Sandy ("AnSan") joined us from Houston for the weekend. I don't think Ben has ever seen as many animals up close as he did this week. We all visited the San Antonio zoo, Fiesta Farms (a farm animal petting zoo), and the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (a drive-thru hill country safari). It's going to be hard for Little Bit and I to go back to hum-drum every day life after last week!

first carousel ride

"elfint!"

In other Benito news, Ben said his first sentence last weekend: "dog go woof" he also now says "truck go noise." He is getting better about telling us when he is done with his meals; instead of throwing his plate/food on the floor when he's done, lately he hands me his plate and says "all done." This is a pretty fantastic skill! We've been trying to work on manners, too. Having him say "please," "thank you," "excuse me," and "you're welcome." All of these, except "you're welcome" have worked out pretty well. He's gotten "thank you" and "you're welcome" mixed up, so that when we ask him to say "thank you," he now proudly says "welcome." Ahh well, Ben's development is definitely a wonderful, long-term work in progress.

safari kisses

petting zoo action

I will probably jinx his sleeping habits just by saying this, but Ben has now slept two whole weeks without needing a night-time bottle. This means, that for the first time since before I was pregnant (and having to wake up and go to the bathroom all the time), I have gotten some solid sleep. INCREDIBLE!

best way to view animals

"Unk" swing!!!!

backyard dance party with "AnSan"

watching the fishes with his best bud, Audie

trying to escape the park

& some mornings we all just lay around

... and his sense of humor is developing a bit more too :)