Ben's 3rd Month - (so I'm a little late)

So here's a pic of Ben at a little over 3 months. He is constantly teaching Jens and I new things about parenting and we couldn't be more excited to learn what he has next in store for us. I still can't imagine life without him. Jens and I often catch ourselves racing each other to his nursery to be the first one to pick him up after waking from his nap. That cheeky little smile he gives us as we peek over his crib is completely heart-melting. This boy has some serious charm. Watch out ladies!

During Ben's third month he:

- began sleeping in his own room. I cried the first night we put him down in the crib. Suddenly he seemed like a "big boy"

 - was diagnosed with a milk protein allergy from the dairy that I ingest. We noticed small streaks of blood in his diapers along with frequent diarrhea and colic-y belly, we knew something was seriously wrong. After I began cutting out most dairy, we had ourselves a whole new kid. Instead of waking up screaming in pain he, would lie awake and coo to himself. My heart smiled as I would wake up and listen to him on the moniter for a couple minutes before rescuing him from the crib.

- began enjoying tummy time and would play until he was so tired he would zonk-out face-down.

- thoroughly enjoys bath time. I usually get in the bath with him and let him "swim" around. He kicks and kicks and also thinks it's a perfect time to nurse. So convenient. :)

- fixed and followed. He can recognize his Mommy and Daddy. He would turn his head all the way around to watch us walk out of the room.

- belly laughs. Some serious chuckles come out of this boy's mouth. Sometimes I laugh so hard that I cry and nearly pee a little. :) His favorite is when Jens nibbles his ribcage and his whiskers tickle Ben's belly. He lets out thee sweetest squeal and a giggle.

- loves Mama's hair. He is fascinated. He is usually in his little swing watching me while I dry my hair while I have my head flipped upside down. When I flip my hair back he is so startled then laughs while his cute little tongue is partway out. I love that tongue! He also loves to grab on and kung-fu grip my hair. I end up prying each little finger open to release my hair from his hands.

-  kicks, kicks, kicks! Those feet go so fast they are nearly a blur.

-  began "happy screaming". He could scream for 10 min straight. He especially loves when I mimic him. I'm always down for some competition. My guess is that he is suprised at what comes out of his mouth and then smiles about for a quick second and wants to try again.

- little B's personality is showing brighter than ever. He is so social and gives everyone that handsome smirk. He loves random people. People always tell us he is beautiful and they lurrrrrv his cheeks!

- holding objects. Yes, he could do this somewhere in his second month but now he actually has strength to lift and taste his toys. He even helps me hold his bottle. Ben also got exceptionaly crafty at finding his binky and stuffing it back in his mouth.

I saved the best for last...

-  finally got on a good sleep routine. Goes down at 8:30 and wakes up once for a midnight snack and out again til 8 or so. We bundle him up, start the lullabyes and he is out. Love.

A Note to Ben -

Ben, you may never know the kind of love that your Dad and I have for you, even if you feel a small fraction of it, may you know that we are so happy and complete now that you are a part of our lives. You have made each of us strive to be better parents, spouses, advance spiritually, and generally a better self all-around. Your impact on our lives is so great that everyday I wake up wanting to be something more and try harder to be better. I cry when you cry, I smile when you smile, I am at ease when you are at ease, and nothing in the whole world can make me feel the way I do now that you are on earth. I want to savor each little moment with you, for I know you are growing like a weed and the moments we share, while you are so tiny, can't be slowed down. I want to enjoy ever waking moment with my little buddy while I can. We love you Ben and thank you for being more of an example to your Mommy and Daddy than you will EVER know.

-Mom

(more pics to come later)