11 Months Old

Tonight I read a sad story and most of the time sad stories, especially about children, really bring me down and make me just paranoid about every tiny little thing that could happen.  But tonight was different.  Reading this story made me feel like I just wanted to take advantage of every little moment, every single day with my son.  What a privilege and a blessing to be his mom.  I wish there were some way to savor and record every single little thing he does, every single smile that crosses his face, every laugh, every sound, everything minute of every day.  Obviously, that is not possible, but I am going to do better and be better at just being there and enjoying the moments I can.  Working makes that a bit hard, but at least I am at home working, so I am very blessed in that way.  Anyway, enough of my rant.  I just wanted to write down the way I felt tonight.

Benson is growing up and things change so fast.  He is 11 months old.  Where does the time go?  I was just watching a video from this month, November 9th to be exact, where Benson started going down the stairs.  The best part is, he was going down head first and it was hilarious.  Then, just 9 days later, there is a video of him going down the stairs correctly (on his stomach, feet first, backing down the stairs).  I just found that amazing.  Babies learn so quickly.  He learns so quickly.  They change right in front of our eyes. This month we have seen tons of that.

Here go the pictures!

 Exactly one year apart....12/5/2011 to 12/5/2012.  Pretty amazing!

 Love this man!  Look at that smile and laugh.

 Benson loves his little ride on car.  We make "vroom" sounds and he laughs and laughs.

 This face is truly perfect!

 He is starting to take steps and enjoy "walking" with mommy and daddy, but still isnt ready to do it on his own

 

 We have started dressing for the cold.

 Benson is obsessed with toilet paper.  I know this is typical at this age, but wow does he love this stuff. 

 

 Benson LOVES his daddy's guitar.  He figured out that he can play it himself and was ecstatic! 

Look at that smile!

 

 Thanksgiving Day!

 His first time seeing the Christmas tree.  He was completely enthralled.

 Baby Boy's first Christmas is coming up.  We can't wait!

Brrr!

His first time eating a banana on his own

 Benson's first self portait

Benson met Santa for the first time.  We figured he would not be a fan since he doesn't like men, glasses, facial hair or hats.  We were right!

Benson's got at least six teeth now.  He is loving cheerios and other snack foods.  He tried spaghetti, turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and other fun foods this month.  When he decides he doesn't like something he is eating he spits it right out.  He eats best when we follow him around with food.  I think he just is too busy to eat.  

He is a great sleeper.  He goes to bed at 6pm and sometimes sleeps til 8am.  He naps well, but only at home.  He has spent a few days at Grandmas house while mommy was working and he barely sleeps there.  Poor kid!  He does love playing with Grandma and Grandpa though.  Benson is extra lucky to have so much family around to love and help take care of him.  

Benson has also become completely attached to his mommy and his daddy.  We are the people he wants to be with all the time. When I go pick him up at Grandmas house, even though he has had so much fun, he clings to me and whines if I leave the room. If we are being honest, I quite like it.

We celebrated Benson's first Thanksgiving.  We decorated for his first Christmas and he LOVES all of it.  Every time he sees the Christmas tree light up his face lights up.  He looks at all the decorations with complete fascination. Too bad he is not a Santa fan.  But, I am sure that will come.  We are looking forward to starting our own family traditions as Benson grows up.

This month has been so much fun, as is every month spent with Benson. We cannot believe how lucky we are to have such a sweet, cute, fun, good baby.  We just cannot believe he is almost a year old.  WOW!  Where did the time go?  We are loving this little boy each and every second of every day.