Just Like Daddy

So I've heard a lot about how Benny looks just like Cam. Armed with this hi-tech Look-alike Meter, I decided to put this claim to the test. As it turns out, Ben doesn't look just like Cam. But he does look 7% more like him than he does his mommy.

First Haircut

Granted, Ben doesn't have much hair to start with, but what little hair he has is growing and he was starting to look at little shaggy. I've been wanting to give him a little trim for a while, but have been intimidated by cutting baby hair (or any other hair for that matter). Then last night Cam and I consulted with his cousin Amy, who has greater insight into baby haircutting. After getting some pointers, we decided to give it a go today.

First we tried the clippers, which were not well received. Ben completely freaked out as soon as we turned them on. Next, we took the scissors route, which was pretty tricky with a squirming, uncooperative little boy. Ultimately, the outcome was acceptable, although hopefully future haircuts yield better results.

We didn't really get any pictures of the haircut itself since cutting baby hair is a two-person job. But as you can see from before and after shots, Ben cleans up pretty nice.


Before: Benny is a cute, albeit shaggy little Doob.


After:

First Christmas

Ben experienced his first Christmas times two this week. We celebrate Christmas with Cam's family on Christmas eve, so Sunday night we went over to the Jacksons to open Christmas jammies. Very festive.


Then the next morning we returned to the Jacksons for Christmas breakfast and presents. Ben is well outfitted with toys at this point. Grandma Alice and Grandpa Steve provided this cute little walker.

Ben also got some little cowboy boots courtesy of Grandpa Steve.

The next morning we had a Barron family Christmas. We didn't get around to opening presents until about 11 o'clock. We had a leisurely Christmas morning and Ben enjoyed opening more Christmas presents. Ben was apparently hyped up after two days of present opening and merry making, so he refused to take much of a nap. Cam and I took turns taking Christmas naps though. Very nice.

One last picture of Ben and Daddy - because it's cute.

Our Little Man

We went to the doctor today for Ben's 9 month appointment. Short story is, he is doing great. Mostly I was waiting to see how he was growing though. He's always been a little guy, but at his 6 month appointment he was in the 1% for weight and height. I was seriously afraid he was going to fall off the chart altogether by the time he turned 9 months. As it turns out he has - kind of. He is now almost 27 inches tall, which puts him in the 7% for his age. But, he weighs only 15 lbs. 12 oz., so he has fallen off the chart in weight. We need to work on fattening him up. The doctor wasn't concerned though. He thinks it's just genetic. I guess that's what happens when you have short parents! I hope he can get up to 20 lbs. by the time he turns a year so we can put him front-facing in the car seat. That doesn't look too likely at this point though.

Anyway, here is a vintage Ben picture! Love the headband. He often models bows for Laura. We can blackmail him with these pictures some day. Ha!

Nine Months Old

Ben is nine months old today. I feel as though over the past week I have suddenly become aware that I have a little boy instead of a little baby. I spend most of my day chasing him around and trying to keep him out of trouble. Ben has a strong personality and is becoming so independent. He loves loud noises and yells constantly. His other favorite pastime is banging things together to make noise. He thinks this is absolutely hilarious and he laughs hysterically at the noise he makes. He has two teeth, and I think he’s working on a third. He can get on his knees to crawl and will sort of inch forward; however, when he really wants to get somewhere, he drops to his belly to army crawl. He’s actually pretty fast. He has also begun to pull himself up to standing, although he’s still kind of wobbly. He loves to hear his own voice, and “ma-ma” and “da-da” are part of his babbling, although I don’t think he really attaches any meaning to his “words.” After nine months, it’s hard to imagine life without him. We love him so much.

I wanted a picture of him at nine months, so I had to sneak in and take this while he was sleeping. He looks so peaceful here.

More Ben Photos

Ben's first meeting with Santa

Grandma & Grandpa Jackson were on double duty one night this week with both grand kids, so they decided to take them to the mall in that age old Christmas tradition to see Santa Claus. Ben was not amused as you can see. They backed up really sneaky like and set the two babies on his lap. As soon as they set him down, Ben took one look and began screaming as he normally does when he gets totally freaked out. He never stopped, this was the best picture they got....Merry Christmas.

The Casa

Well, we finally decided to bite the bullet and buy a house. It was about a year sooner than we had planned but it was just too hard to wait with it being such a good market to buy in right now. We sold our house in Midvale in June, and moved into Cameron's parents' basement temporarily. Then when Leslie's parent's house in Daybreak was done we moved in there planning to stay for about a year and save $$ while they are not living there, but things didn't quite work out as we had planned and so now we'll be looking at moving again in a few months. At least this time it will be a bit more permanent.
The house is almost done, it's been drywalled, and we met with the interior designer this week amidst finals to pick colors and finishes.
The home is located at Daybreak in a row with 3 other homes and its called at "Parkside Home" which means (you guessed it) it's right next to a park. The 4 homes actually front onto the park in the front yard which has some nice trees, a circular area with pavers, and some grassy areas for Ben to play. It looks really cool. We'll post some more pics of the house and the park as soon as the house gets painted, it looks a little dreary right now with no paint and covered in snow. Here's how the four look together (ours is second from the left). Here's how the floor plan lays out.

Fancy Pants

So Cameron is a big fan of his oversized "comfy" pants. In addition to these khaki lovelies, he also sports a navy blue pair from time to time. Usually I vehemently object. They are about the most unflattering thing he owns. However, it is snowing furiously today and we are homebound anyway so it has been permitted. Ben is sporting a similar pair in blue. Poor kid didn't have a chance.

Someone needs a nap.

Our First Post

So Cameron and I are admittedly not the best at keeping up with friends and family. In the past we thought no one was really missing out on much, but with the arrival of our cute Ben, we've changed our tune. He's too cute not to share. Thus, we have started this blog. Please come check things out from time to time. We'll try to keep it updated and stocked with plenty of cute pictures of our little guy. Our first post can serve to chronicle his short, but adorable life. Enjoy.