Yummy!

The pediatrician told us back when Ben was 4 months that we could start feeding him rice cereal. But, a combination of laziness and his happiness with just formula kept making me push it off. Well, that and there just isn’t enough awake time in the night for an extra feeding. But, Ben has been watching every bite of food that goes in my mouth for the last few weeks and has even grabbed at my fork or the plate if he gets close enough. Since I had a few extra minutes tonight I figured I would see what happened.

And, for the record,this is how everything at our house looks. Toys and papers piled on the counter. Games and paper on the shelves underneath the counter. A never-ending game of Monopoly spread across the table. The boys always crowding around the youngest member of the family. And me, hair in a ponytail and sweats and a sweatshirt to keep me warm.

Ben was a little cranky when this whole experience got started, but he quickly calmed down.

He smacked his lips through several bites (never once really pushed it back out with his tongue like the other boys did the first time they ate) then decided he’s had enough. He wasn’t done eating though. He polished off the rest of his bottle like we hadn’t fed him in weeks. So, I guess the food was a hit, but only in very small helpings. I’m thinking he’s going to like it when we finally get to feed him “real” food in a few more weeks.

Hiding out

Ben’s found a new little hideout, one where the big boys can’t get to him.

Well, at least they can’t step on him

And this kid, he’s turned into a bit of a ham. If I have the camera out he has to be in front of it. Worst part, after every picture he scrambles up quick to make sure I actually took a picture of him.

But, I guess if he keeps posing for me like this I really can’t turn him down.

Ready for launch

My boys have once again reminded me why a battery-free Christmas is just what we need in this house. The two of them spent more than an hour playing with random toys, cardboard boxes and painting tape. Nick started it off by building a “bomber.” He used a felt puzzle keeper as the launcher and a Little Tikes chair and cardboard box to prop it up. Then he used a McDonalds toy to light it.

Then Zander had to get in on the fun. He used similar materials to build a laser (the one-upping is starting already).  

Nick couldn’t be outdone so he upgraded his bomber using a McDonalds Happy Meal bucket (yes, we eat out too much).

These bombers and rockets spurred a three-day long taping spree that encouraged them to use their imagination and think about how to play with their toys in new ways. I’m pretty sure Santa will be leaving some fun colored tape in their stocking this year.

Another milestone

Ben is finally big enough for the swing! We’ve had a couple of unseasonably nice days (75 in October? Yes, please) and we have been outside to enjoy some of them. The boys love playing with the little neighbor girl behind us so the backyard has been the place to be these last few days.

He fell asleep for a couple of minutes, but when I went to take the picture his little eyes fluttered back open.

Are ya’ scared?

I’m not sure what it is supposed to be (other than a mask), but Nick made it at school. I’m trying hard to take pictures and/or scan his art work so I don’t actually have to keep it. We will see how long this lasts.

Ready, set, jump

I hate raking leaves, but I love watching the boys jump in them.

It only took a couple runs for Nick to bore with the idea. Zander was kind enough to give me one or two more good jumps!

Ben just enjoyed the nice day! He’s such a happy little guy.

And then the boys had to give in to their packrat tendencies. They pulled every box they could find from the garage so they could move. What did they move? Why, the leaves I had just raked, of course.

I said they took every box, even the unused empty 12-packs.

Do you see all of those boxes lined up by the front door? That was their moving van.

We had to go inside after Zander threw a fit because I started dumping the leaves out so we could pick up for the day. Disrupting their hoarding never ends well.

Whatcha doin’?

Well, I know what he’s doing. The real question I guess is “Why are you wearing a helmet to do it?” Who knew playing on the iPad was such a dangerous pastime.

Apparently Zander (sans pants) wonders the same thing.