Ben is a Big Boy

Yesterday we celebrate Ben's 1st birthday. I would love to say it was with a huge birthday bash. That we filled our house with balloons, presents and friends. But in reality it was the opposite. The house is filled with boxes. (Just not filled with toys) There are a few scattered balloons. (those are just leftovers from chick-fil-a) Thankfully we are planning a trip down to San Antonio in a few weeks and we'll be able to wish Ben a proper 1st birthday!

A quick flash back: Ben joined us last January 19th in the morning hours. I was induced to avoid the pains of labor that big babies provide (thank you to my over-active thyroid). My mom and Larry were there to make jokes, laugh and tease me with chocolate cake. They were a BIG help! LOL! Although it was nice to have my mom there to keep the girls entertained while Larry finished up his last semester of law school. 4 days later we were out of the hospital and walking around IKEA. (there's NO rest for kid #3)

Ben's favorite things: I wanted to show a few of Ben-Boy's little quirks. A few weeks ago he had his fingers smashed in a door jam. Nothing seemed to calm him down. Not even hugs from mommy. So we got him his super-duper favorite blanket (thank you Aunt Mimmie) and a pacifier. He was instantly calm. He even spent the next few minutes dragging his "comfort" toys around with him.

Can't you just see the pain on his face? He was so sad!

Here's Benjamin wedging himself into his sister's doll stroller.

I'm surprised his big diaper butt didn't break it!

This is how I find Mr.Happy Bottom every afternoon as he wakes from his nap. All smiley and wrapped in his blanket. I told you he couldn't get enough of that thing!

Ben has a new found joy of climbing everything! He's conquered the coffee table, the couch and now the packing boxes! Heaven help me!

Here's the cake I threw together. In case you can't tell...it's a basketball. (which is fitting for Larry and I!) Although I did have to shoot down Larry's suggestion of writing "Go Lakers" on it!

Get it? He's #1?!?

Ben had absolutely NO problem getting himself dirty and filling his mouth full of cake!

"Mommy, it's delicious!"

"Do you want a bite, too?"

Ben practices make a 1.

Oh look, Ben climbed his present. SHOCKER!

Gotta use that horn!
Everyone was VERY excited for Ben to get his "Push Around Buggy".

(thanks for the suggestion Ria)