Josh's birthday, complete with fun at the zoo!

Josh's birthday is December 27, so we're in San Antonio to celebrate. This year, Josh thought it would be fun to go to the zoo. Ben was starting to feel better and it was a really nice afternoon to spend with our family!





























That night, Josh and I were about to go out while Oma Glenda and Opa Dean watched Benjamin - it was a nice dinner. Then, the next day, Josh and I went back to Houston to work for two days while the little guy stayed (and had tons of fun!) in San Antonio. I had a really nasty cold and was finally able to see a doctor while we were in Houston. We then drove back EARLY on New Year's Eve. That night, we went to The Salt Lick. Ben had lots of fun, especially since this was the first time he was able to go and actually eat the food (he loves BBQ!).

Finally fall came...

I'm not a fan of the hot weather associated with the Gulf Coast, and finally, the summer faded into the fall. We ventured outside a bit more, and started wearing fall clothing.

We went to a wedding in College Station and had a lot of fun. Before the wedding, we had lunch at Fitzwilly's with Uncle Alex. The reception was at the University Club, and the view was great! We even saw Ben's Aunt Raechel and Aunt Bethany afterwards!

























The next day, we went to Pine Gully Park with Ben's Opa Peter and Oma Angie. Ben and the dogs really enjoyed it!



























Ben continues to try new foods and have fun making noises!

Summertime

Benjamin continues to develop, and likes the dogs more and more with each month.

He laughs every time he touches them. Unfortunately for him, they run away as soon as he does! Here he is with Sadie.





Ben had a fever one day. His pediatrician thought that the bug that landed him in the hospital a couple of weeks ago came back. The next night, he surprised us by pulling himself up for the first time using a laundry basket.

We watched him instead of running for the camera, but here he is right after that!





My sister Alicia was in town for a wedding and got to see him a few days later. He was back to being the center of attention!



We continue to try solids. We know he likes some things (like the Gerber version of cheetos - are we predisposed to liking junk food?), but wasn't so wild about rotisserie chicken in tiny pieces one night.



While we were getting my watch adjusted, Ben decided that he was so hungry that he could eat his entire stroller!



... That is, until the woman working the counter starting talking to him. Then, he decided to put his "ladies' man" charm on!



He may not always be able to pull himself up to a stand on everything yet, but once he's there, he really doesn't need much support as long as we're nearby. Ben continues to love books... good thing. Not so good thing... how much he enjoys messing up the pages of books. I dread the day he reaches for my cookbooks...



Before Alicia went back to London, we were able to spend more time with her, my parents and my brother Alex.





The dogs really enjoy seeing our families. Can't you tell?



They especially love Alicia, especially when she's trying to play with Ben. Sadie and Perry think that clearly she is trying to play with them!





Ben recently mastered the fine art of raspberries...



Sometimes he really looks like a mini-Josh!



Being a baby is tough work, like when you are analyzing the swing!



Enough analysis, now it's just time to laugh!