Food and Water

We decided it was time to throw Ben into the deep end of the pool. Literally. Well, deep for him anyway. Mike and I always thought we wanted to start our kids off in the water early to help them be comfortable in the water. And, apparently it is never too soon to start. So, a couple of weeks ago we headed to the pool and Ben had his very first swim lesson. He loved it! He was giggling and looked so comfortable in the pool. The pool was heated to 92 degrees, so I am pretty sure I would be comfortable too, but to Ben this was just one big bath tub. He was so cute the whole time. He had his little ankles crossed the entire 30 minutes!

Also, recently we started Ben on solid foods. We gave him some rice cereal first and he did really good with that, so after a week or so, we decided to give him carrots (and other various orange foods). I think he likes them.

Rice Cereal
I had no idea it takes practice to not get food all over your child's face. He is actually a clean eater, the person doing the feeding (moi) is an entirely different story.

Carrots! Yummo!

I can't believe how fast this little guy is growing! He is still in the 90th percentile in height, which totally baffles me. I guess he has Papa Ray to thank for that. And although he looks chubby, he is still only in the 40th percentile in weight.

He is so much fun these days.
He grabs our faces and gives kisses, he has learned how to scoot, but he only on his back. He arches his back and pushes off with his feet and he actually moves pretty quick and covers a good amount of space when he is moving.

And he has shown interest in the outlets. I had no idea we would need to baby-proof so soon, but they seem to be all he is interested in and he will scoot himself as close to them as he possibly can and then stretch his little arms as far as they can go, trying to touch it. A man sitting next to me on the plane the other day said "Oh, just let him touch it. I promise you that is all the baby-proofing you will need to do. That shock will ensure that he won't touch it again."
Um, thanks, kind sir, but I don't think I will be taking that route. Oddly enough, Mike agreed with him (I don't think he was serious, or was he...). Looks like I might be on my own. Go ahead, outlets, make my day!

Anywho, it has been six months and I don't remember what life was like before Ben. He has changed our lives so much, and for that, we are extremely grateful!

A little side note, the other day we handed him a pickle spear, and he looked at us like we were two crazy, grinning goons expecting him to like this strange thing. But, being that he is a great kid, he humored us and sucked on it until we took it away after a few minutes. If I have any say, he will learn to love dill pickles!

A Great New Year to You!

To ring in the New Year, we decided to jump in the car and head to Morro Bay, a little beach town about 3 hours south of San Jose. It was so much fun, and yes, just as you see in the pictures, it was stormy and cold, but it just added to the adventure.

We got there on Saturday and the rain was pouring and the wind was blowing and it was so cold, but we were going to enjoy our time, dang it! So out we went. We met some friends and headed to the beach. We made it to a saltwater taffy stand, about 100 feet from the car, and took shelter there while enjoying some delicious taffy and scalding hot chocolate (I just got feeling and taste back in my tongue yesterday).

We decided to fore-go the beach and head back to our rooms for dinner.

When our cell phones couldn't get reception and our TV had a hard time getting a signal, and the wind was literally howling at the windows, I started to feel like I was in a really bad slasher movie. You know, one of those movies where you find yourself yelling at the stupid damsel! "Don't go out there!" or "Don't open the door!" or "He's right behind you!"
You get the gist.

Look at that face!

I am actually grateful for the storm. We were able to stay inside, order pizza and just enjoy each others company. We played a rousing game of phase 10 followed by good conversation with a huge bag of candy on the bed and the baby asleep in the closet. Don't worry, it was a roomy closet (kind of) and it was dark and it was just while we played our game and then we put him down in his bed.

Come on, we aren't those people. Or are we?

Anyway, we wish you all a merry new year.

People All Over the World

I would like you to check out the link to an awesome blog, owned and operated by a couple of awesome people. Really, go on, and click on it! NOW! (top right).

I want to spread the word to as many people as possible. My dear friends Paul and Amy are on the road to starting their family, and adoption is such a blessing to all involved, that I want to help as much as I can. So, here I am, getting the word out. Please keep your ears perked up for that special person who is looking to place their child in a loving home.

Thanks for taking the time to check out their blog. I know they appreciate it, too.



Also, scroll down for the Burgin Year in Review!