Taking the Plunge

Ben, last Sunday (a week ago) you turned 10 months old.  And, just a few days before you shocked me with your latest stunt: You climbed out of your exersaucer all by yourself.  I was sitting on the living room couch checking work email (trying to get in a few minutes before I needed to get back to playing with you), and I put you in the exersaucer so that you would stop trying to "help" me by pressing all the keys you can reach on the key board or pulling back my screen until it's flat on my knees. 

I looked up from my computer -- only to see you crawling toward me from NEXT TO YOUR EXERSAUCER, smiling from ear to ear.  I didn't even hear a noise when you climbed out.  I'm proud -- and terrified.  I know exactly how you must have done it, because this is how you operate whenever you're near an edge (bed, automan, arm of the couch): You leaned over the edge, folding your little body as far as it would go, then you reached with your little arms (which have a surprisingly long span) until they neared the floor.  The weight of your head pulled you further, and then you just slithered out, hands coming down first to meet the floor, body following.  You probably didn't even hit your head because you have amazing upper body strength and control, baby.  Although, this didn't help you when you face planted as you tried to climb over the automan the other night.  Thankfully, we've been able to grab you each time you've tried to launch yourself off the edge of our bed and the couch.

Dad and I took the plunge yesterday, too.  We came to terms on a house in Wilmette.  We're so excited to start this next adventure of home ownership with you, Mr. B.  I think you're going to love our new house.

Love,
Mom

The Budding Spin Master

Mama

Ben is now nearly 10 months old... and this week he has figured out that I am "Mama."  Now, instead of just crying once he hears me come in the back door from work (even though he was playing happily until I arrived) he now calls for me: "Mama, mama!"  I'm very impressed.

He's also learning the meaning of the word, "No."  When he goes to remove the speaker covers on the stereo in the kitchen, and I say "No," he now turns to look at me and pauses before deciding whether or not to listen to me direction (mostly, he stops, for now... but he never stops pushing buttons, no matter what).

He also took a ride in a wagon (with Daniel, our downstairs neighbor) for the first time, and showed off for Donna and Tom by demonstrating his tireless ability to pull himself up to standing -- and then stand on tippy toes.

I am totally thrilled right now by his huge, wide-mouthed smile that looks like a wedge from an orange and creates delicious little crinkles at the corners of his mouth.  Holding a stuffed animal (or telephone, or remote control, or sock) above him, and drawing it near then far is a foolproof way to produce this smile, along with a belly laugh.

(More photos once we get around to uploading them... all things in time.  Sorry!)

~Mama