Hello 2010!

A new year...7 months old...and 10 1/2 months too!  Benjamin is changing so much.  Since the last time I wrote he has learned a few tricks.  He has learned to blow bubbles, sticking his tounge out, and scoot himself forward on his back by using his strong extension muscles (he made it several feet at my mom's house and ended up under a chair.)  I think the one we are most excited about is that a few weeks ago he finally touched his toes on his own.  That is not typically a big milestone for most babies, but when one spends the last 15 weeks of development flat on their back or tummy instead of curled up in a ball, it is hard to reach down arms and pull up legs!  Ever since then he has been playing with these newly found "toys."  More than once I have walked into his room to get him up and the first thing I see are two feet sticking straight up in the air.  He has also discovered that he can pull his socks off with his hands.  Benjamin has started sitting up with help and is getting better at holding himself up while being held.  He is very vocal and social according to his Physical Therapist.  He is eating well and now enjoying the fine cusine of carrots, peas, squash, and sweet potato.  Here is a picture of him after he stole the spoon from me.

 Did you know Benjamin is studying to be a sound engineer?  Here he is helping daddy edit Sunday's sermon.

He still has a lot of the same challenges - mainly digestive stuff and muscle tone, but we are continually amazed and reminded of the incredible blessing we have been given.

Every new year I like to reflect on the past year and dream about the new year to come.  Last year I was 3 months pregnant with my first child, thinking I was going to have a girl and making bets I would be a least 7-10 days late.  Oh, how we plan :).  I'm glad that I didn't know then what I know now, but I do not regret what happened.  Brian and I are different now.  When I hear about someone with a sick child, even if I do not know them, my heart breaks for them, and my prayers for them are more specific and intense.  That little pound-and-a-half baby has taught me more about life and living than anything I can think of.  As for this year...I dream of less appointments, playing in the sunshine, and celebrating lots of little milestones together.