First Date

Counting just this picture, Bennet already has had more girlfriends than I had by the age of 17. Look at the little stud...hand on Hailey's thigh. He's pretending to watch Sesame Street but in his mind, he's saying "just a little higher, don't screw this up, does my breath stink, I wish our moms weren't here." Son, I can give you no more advice...it's obvious you already know more than me.

Army Dude

Does this count as crawling? Last week he was pushing his face across the floor so at least he's improved from that. He has this snake move down but has gotten his knees under himself a few times. Ben is a mere 169 days old. He's really accomplished a lot from his "2008 to-do list." Because of these most recent developments, I had to install cat doors, put covers on electrical sockets, and stop leaving my collection of ancient ninja fighting weapons lying around. The worst part is that the more mobile he becomes, the more he'll burn calories...goodbye thunder thighs, although I didn't know you long, I loved to squeeze your sweet soft skin.

Dad Found The Black And White Setting

Black and white photos just look more professional. I don't know what people did before digital cameras. I've taken over 2,000 pictures of Ben so far in just under 6 months. At 24 pictures per roll of film, that's 83 rolls times $13.00 per role which equals $1,079 dollars worth of pictures, most of which would be out of focus or shots of my finger in front of the lens. Ben is my muse and digital allows me to explore the possibilities without paying for mistakes. Sorry Kodak.

Thunder Thighs

This is the only time in one's life when having thighs like this is celebrated. I can't get my hand around those spicy sausages. They've got this firm yet marshmallowy feeling and yes, I do want to eat them. Bonus: all that loose flabby skin is perfect for making fart noises...a favorite activity of the Brof-men.

Where's My Updates?

I realize my posts have been pretty sparse. Ben's been doing so many new things lately that I haven't had time to write about them. Quick summary:
As of his 4 month check up, he's still 90% in height and weight. (17.6 pounds and 26.75 inches)
He can roll like a steam roller.
He's just starting to be able to sit up but still doing the face plant.
He'll have a full conversation with you as long as you pretend to know what he's saying.
Baby laughter cures depression, headaches, and exhaustion.
Baby screams cause depression, headaches, and exhaustion.
Ben has eaten peas, pears, banana, cereal, peaches, green beans and squash (his favorite)
Bennet loves making farting sounds with his mouth.
Even more, he loves doing it with food in his mouth thus spraying mommy and daddy with partially digested fruit.

This is really a fun time for me as a dad because Ben and I are at the same maturity level (i.e. farting sounds). He seems like a new baby every day. The one downside is that his diapers have taken on a whole new smell that I can only describe as "indescribable." (unless you've had kids, then you know that bouquet all too well).

Hallelujah

Today, Bennet completed his prerequisite for entering heaven by being baptized. He spent the ENTIRE ceremony talking and kicking his feet. He gave a "wazz-up" to every member of the congregation. In his defense, he was being extra manly because his Christening gown looked a little like a wedding dress for babies. In my defense, my grandmother made it and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren have been baptized in it. I really have to thank Ben's new Godparents for coming to witness the baptism. My brother Dave and his fiancee Tria flew in from Berkeley, CA and Leigh and Chris drove down from Buffalo (I think that's in Canada or something). Leigh and Dave are now God-Husband and God-Wife. Start teaching my son how to be spiritual and stuff! The power of Christ compels you!