Friday, April 30, 2004

Ben's milestones (April 2004)

You spent the whole weekend away from mommy and daddy. You stayed w/Uncle Bubba April 2-4, 2004
While Mommy and daddy were at a Family Life conference
You opened the refrigerator for the first time and mommy put a lock on the door. April 7, 2004
You said Conner for the first time April 9, 2004
You have found your very 1st binkie. Me, you and your dad were at Fry’s and you and mommy April 24, 2004
were looking at the stuffed animals naming what they all were. You picked up a small
calico kitty and wouldn’t let go of it. I’m actually writing this May 4) – and you still
have not put the kitty kitty down. You sleep with it, eat with it, play outside with it,
ride in the car with it. You genuinely love your kitty kitty. It’s so sweet to see you hug
it and ask for it when you need comfort.

Wednesday, March 31, 2004

Ben's milestones (March 2004)

You drove daddy’s truck (sitting in mommy’s lap) around our neighborhood March 6, 2004
You found out your getting a baby brother today. You were at the sonogram with mommy & March 9, 2004
daddy. You kept pointing to the sonogram screen saying “baby”. We’re not sure if
you understand or not – but we’re working with you. We can’t wait for you to meet
your baby brother. We know you’ll love him SO much.
Today is March 9, 2004, you are almost 21 months old. Mommy hasn’t written in here in awhile. You are doing so much and getting so big. You sign and talk so much. Everyday you do something new that amazes us.
Words you know by sign are: milk, hot, cold, gentle, play (which you made up yourself), tired,
bath, diaper change, drink, no, all done, hear, head, hurt, thank you, I love you, more, eat,
water, hat, screwdriver (which you made up yourself), book,
Words you can say are: momma, dada, Bubba, kitty kitty, back, milk, eat, teeth, no, yes, dog, bird, make the moo sound for a cow, tree, car, blue, more, jacket, shoes, socks, outside, bath, home,
At almost 21 months you love to: torture the cat (which you get in trouble for quite often), play with your tools – especially your screwdriver, play with your Noah’s ark, ride on daddy’s back, rough-house with daddy

Saturday, January 31, 2004

Ben's milestones (January 2004)

You started Mother’s Day Out at Pure Heart Fellowship in Rowlett, Texas January 6, 2004
At 19 months the words you’ve added are: juice, blue, ball
You learned how to associate the color blue and say it. You said it for the first time at MDO January 27, 2004

Sunday, November 30, 2003

Ben's milestones (November 2003)

Your officially out of your baby duck tub and into the regular bath tub. November 10, 2003
This morning you were eating your breakfast (our normal routine: you get up, we change your November 18, 2003
Diaper, get you milk, make you waffles, and move your couch over to the coffee table,
Turn on Disney and you eat your breakfast while watching cartoons). When you were
Done, you took your plate into the kitchen, opened the dishwasher and put your plate
In the dishwasher. Mommy came in – b/c I heard it, I told you thank you for helping,
But you shouldn’t be in the dishwasher – I shut it and you clapped. You were very proud.
Your such a big boy. So observant and so very smart.
I don’t remember the exact day of this – but at this point, you are crawling onto chairs and the November 25, 2003
table all by yourself. You’re a dare devil – and don’t know any fear.
At 18 months the words you know are: momma, dada, Bubba, kitty, boat,
At 18 months the words you sign are: milk, hot, gentle, play (which you made up yourself), tired,
bath, diaper change, drink, no, all done, hear, head, hurt, thank you, I love you, more, eat,
water,

Friday, October 31, 2003

Ben's milestones (October 2003)

Mommy, Daddy and you went to the State Fair w/Jennifer, Dennis & Conner Craig and it was October 2, 2003
your first time to have a “State Fair” corn dog. You liked it, regardless of mommy’s
feelings for pork, hot dogs or the fact that I told Daddy (he gave it to you) you weren’t
supposed to have pork until after 2 years old.
We were at the Fair at the Children’s Barnyard, you were in your stroller and Mommy asked October 2, 2003
you if you wanted to go play, and you responded with “play.” That’s your third word.
Yea for you!
We were still at the Fair but about to leave. You, Daddy and me were sitting on a bench October 2, 2003
finishing up a Crystalite slurpee and I said “are you ready to go?” and you responded
with “go.” Your fourth word so far! Wow…. you’re talking so much.
Daddy was sitting at the kitchen table feeding you. He was pointing at the tiles in the table and October 3, 2003
pointing out the colors of the table to you. He told you the table was green and he said
you attempted to say it. He told you the table was gray and he said you attempted to say
it. He was sure you tried to say it – but not certain – but it’s definitely a start.
You produced the sign for “thank you” many times today and in the right sequence. We are October 3, 2003
so proud of you that your learning your sign language so fast.
Uncle Bubba was over for dinner. Dinner was cooking, Daddy was watching TV and Uncle October 3, 2003
Bubba and I were standing in the kitchen. You came into the kitchen w/your bowl
(that had Cheerios in it) and handed it to me. I said “would you like some more?” As
clear as day you said “Please.” Uncle Bubba heard you too. It was so clear and apparent
what you had said. That’s your fifth real word. Yea for Ben! Your talking so much – I
can’t believe how fast and how much you learn words already.
You were in your crib – taking a nap and you screamed out to us. Mommy went in and you had October 4, 2003
pulled your diaper off. Apparently you had pooped and decided you didn’t want it
against you anymore. There was poop all over your crib, plus you peed in your crib and
on the wall. A laughing moment now – but at the time, it wasn’t a fun clean up. These
are your signs that your ready to be potty trained.
As of today the words in sign you have produced are: eat, milk, more, hot, cold, gentle, I love October 4, 2003
you, thank you, drink, no, sleep, all done, head, hear, hurt.
The words you know, but haven’t produced are: diaper change, stop, water, up, down.

Tuesday, September 30, 2003

Ben's milestones (September 2003)

Mommy and Ben’s first road trip. We went to Austin to see Aunt Michi. Mommy had a September 15-16, 2003
hair emergency. We had a great time. You did well on the car ride down. A little
fussy on the way back. We were both ready to be home.
You produced the sign for hurt while we were in Austin. You had a boo-boo on your knee September 16, 2003
and pointed to it and did the sign.
You were dancing to your Mozart video and started spinning around. Very cute! Daddy and I September 20, 2003
had never seen you do that before. Oma, Aunt Claudia and Uncle Ray were here visiting.
You were in the living room watching TV, mommy went to the kitchen to get you some juice, September 25, 2003
came back and you were naked. You had taken your diaper off and was sitting in
front of the TV naked.
You love the picture of you and Daddy in the hospital when you were born. I gave the picture September 25, 2003
to you yesterday to look at it, told you who Daddy and the baby was. I said “that’s
Benjamin, that’s you.” And you pointed at the baby in the picture and then pointed back
at yourself. You kept doing it all day (you hung onto the picture).
You said your first real word. Mommy and you were sitting on your lil’ couch looking at a September 25, 2003
picture of you and Daddy when you were born and the cat walked by and you said “cat.”
then you said “kitty cat” and then “kitty kitty.” It was so awesome. I called Daddy right
away to tell him.
You produced the sign for “no”. You were getting into the fireplace. Mommy told you no and September 26, 2003
did the sign for “no” – you Produced it. I was so happy, but still needed you out of the
fireplace : )
You, Daddy and Uncle Bubba were watching TV and a dog came on TV and you pointed at September 27, 2003
it and said “doggie.” Yea for Ben! Your second word besides Mommy, Daddy, Bubba,
Papa.

Sunday, August 31, 2003

Ben's milestones (August 2003)

You have your two bottom molars (left and right) coming in August 1, 2003
We introduced the sign for “thank you” August 1, 2003
You sat up while on your changing table August 3, 2003
You had vegetable soup for the first time August 3, 2003
You produced and taught yourself the sign for “hot” (vegetable soup was too hot) August 3, 2003
You walk so well. You still fall occasionally – but you are doing so good August 4, 2003
When mommy takes you out of your crib after a nap or in the morning, if you have a sippy cup August 5, 2003
in your bed, I throw it out of your bed and then once we’re done changing your diaper
and everything, I carry you into the living room and kick your sippy cup into the living
room so I can put it in the kitchen. Today – I set you down for a second to empty your
diaper genie, turned around and you were kicking it into the kitchen. Your such a smart
boy!
Your second time to ride in the wagon (1st was Mommy & Daddy’s wedding). Aunt Claudia August 5, 2003
came over to watch you (her first time to watch you alone), and she took you for a walk in your
radio flyer red wagon. Mommy brought it out of the garage, put it in your playroom and
now all you want to do is ride in it.
You’ve been sick (runny nose, sneezing, coughing) and your nose has been running constantly. August 7, 2003
Mommy’s been trying to teach you to blow your nose. So today (twice), you were making
blowing noises w/your nose, I gave you the Kleenex and told you to wipe your nose – you
did – and then I told you to blow your nose and you did. Wow – you are getting so smart
so fast!
Mommy was feeding you in your new booster chair and you looked over and saw Gramma and August 7, 2003
Papa’s picture on the refrigerator. You pointed at it, said “ooo ooo” and said “Papa”
“Papa”
Mommy asked where your drink was (I signed drink and spoke it to you) – you went to the August 8, 2003
Coffee table where it was and got it. Good boy!
Mommy changed your diaper today. Our routine is for me to change you on the changing table, August 8, 2003
drop the diaper on the floor next to the genie, put you on the floor, and put the diaper in
genie. I did that this time and when I put you down you grabbed the diaper in one hand,
and tried to open the genie w/the other. I opened it for you and you put the diaper in the
genie and even smashed it down… your so smart!
You produced mommy’s sign for “I love you.” Today mommy was doing her sign for August 8, 2003
“I Love you” to you, and you took your hand (made a fist – that’s how mommy
does the sign) and patted mommy’s chest. Then a little later
we were riding in the car and I did the sign again, and you patted your own chest. I’m not
sure if you know what your doing – but ‘be still my heart.’ I just melted!
Daddy came back from his 8th annual trip to Myrtle, we picked him up at the airport and you August 10, 2003
wouldn’t go to him. You were very standoffish at first. I think Daddy was a little hurt, but
it was just b/c You were out of your element. So the following day, Daddy was holding you,
and you gave him a hug. Daddy cried b/c he was so happy that you did remember him and love
him. And that’s the first time you’ve given anyone a hug on purpose.
You ran some errands w/mommy. We were listening to music and mommy started patting her August 11, 2003
leg to the rhythm of the music. I looked back and you were doing it too. You are really
starting to mock and copy things we do.
Today you were ready for your nap. You did your tired sign, then your milk sign. You followed August 12, 2003
Mommy to the kitchen to get your milk and then walked to your bedroom and stood by
Your bed. Mommy gave you your milk and put you in bed. You amaze me daily! I am
So glad we taught you to sign. It’s been the best thing we’ve done for you.
Today you were in your room playing w/your new shoes. Mommy came in, asked if you August 15, 2003
wanted to put your shoes on. I told you to sit down so we could put them on… you did,
and I did.
Today, Mommy was in the living room and you brought your ‘little swimmers’ diapers to me. I August 15, 2003
sat them down on the floor, and you handed them to me again. I guess you wanted to
play in the ‘doggie pool’ outside. You love to play in the pool and play w/the water
hose.
Today, mommy asked you if you were ready for a nap. I told you I had to get you some milk. August 15, 2003
you walked into your bedroom and tried to crawl into your crib. Everyday – you amaze
me.
Mommy, Daddy and you were out having lunch (L.Trevino’s in Rockwall). You were trying to August 16, 2003
put your finger in your mouth and missed your mouth and hit your nose. Well you pushed
your finger even farther. Mommy pulled your finger out of your nose and you put it back in.
Guess, you’ve found your nose.
Daddy was watching you – mommy was cropping – and Daddy put you down for a nap. You August 16, 2003
were crying so he went in to get you and was amazed at what he had found. You were
butt naked. You took your diaper off and it was under the bed. Guess, we’ve learned to
take our diaper off now too. Hopefully this doesn’t start a trend for you.
We heard you wake up in the early morning. You cried once. Daddy got up to get you some August 17, 2003
milk. He walked in the room, you were standing at the corner of your bed holding
your hand out for the milk. He gave you the milk and you laid down. Very smart boy!
you knew exactly how to get milk and that you were going to get milk.
We introduced the sign for ‘all done’ and you produced it. August 17, 2003
Daddy was doing yard work. You went out to help him. You grabbed Daddy’s hand to walk August 24, 2003
w/him as he was picking up weeds. You made daddy cry. He was so happy.
When you lay on me and I watch TV you grab my face and pull it back to you August 23, 2003
You wiped your hands and face when mommy told you to August 25, 2003

Thursday, July 31, 2003

Ben's milestones (July 2003)

You learned and produced the sign for hear (which you taught to yourself) July 1, 2003
When the dogs bark you put your finger to your ear (you hear them) and you mock them July 1, 2003
You learned to go backwards down stairs and off the couch (at Dena’s)
You learned to pull down the handle on your see-n-say July 3, 2003
You are taking 3 steps. Good for you! You are such a big boy. July 3, 2003
You learned to put your toys back in your basket, mommy’s brushes back in her basket July 6, 2003
You were in mommy & daddy’s bathroom and you pulled the trash can over to the drawer and July 7, 2003
used it to stand on so you could get in the drawer. Wow, your early for all this : )
You learned to turn the pages in your Baby Faces book July 8, 2003
Wow, you are walking so well. You can walk half the length of the couch now. Yea! July 8, 2003
You learned to put the blocks back in the holes in the wiggle worm Aunt Claudia gave you July 9, 2003
You walked half way across the living room. Woo hooo! Yea for Ben! Almost there! July 10, 2003
You fed yourself pudding w/a spoon
Mommy & Ben’s first weekend a part : ( July 18-20, 2003
Mommy went to Austin w/her friend, Miesa, to have some girl time. I was so sad w/o
You and Daddy. One day is too long to be away from my boys.
You’re walking… almost w/o falling – your just about there. July 21, 2003
Last day for your bottle July 21, 2003
Your playing peek-a-boo behind Mommy & daddy July 22, 2003
First time to drink chocolate milk (you loved it) July 24, 2003
Today your walking – your almost there. Keep up the good work! July 27, 2003
Mommy introduced her sign for “I love you” July 29, 2003
First pair of ‘real’ walking shoes (stride rite tennis shoes) July 30, 2003
You produced the sign for ‘more’ – Yea! July 31, 2003
We introduced the sign for “drink” July 31, 2003