1st Birthday Party

We had a birthday party for Ben's first birthday while we were home in Erie for the weekend. My mom and Dean were gracious hosts. We ordered all the food from Teresa's Deli, Giant Eagle, and Grammy's. The funniest part of the day was when we lit Ben's one candle and placed it in front of him--he instantly touched it and put the flame out to which all of us yelled "NO!" and he started to cry. Our yelling at him was much scarier than the flame! haha. Unfortunately, I was not quick enough to get it on video--and he wasn't very interested in the cake after that! Ben was spoiled and has been enjoying the new toys and clothes he received as presents. Thank you to everyone who came to the party! We had a great time.

1 year check up

Ben went to the doctor's office today for his one year check up. They said that he is a healthy little guy! :) His latest stats are: 22 lbs 12 oz (50%) and is 30 3/4 inches long (80%). He has been walking/running for several months now and says a few words like "uh oh," "ball" and "mama". Overall, he is doing great!

weird shrieking/laughing....

What a goofball! Ben was doing this weird laughing/shrieking thing. It was cracking us up.

Hanks and Eddies

Ben's First Trip to Hanks and Eddies--a right of passage! :)

Ed, Jill, Steve at Eddie's Footlong Hotdogs

Ben eating some hotdog bun with sauce at Eddie's.

Maureen, Eileen, Ben and Susie enjoying Hank's Frozen Custard

smoochie smoochie

Ben giving the stuffed Giraffe a big ol' kiss! heehee.

Swinging

Ben loves to go for runs with Dad in the jogging stroller on the weekends. They get up early and run 5 miles then play on the playground for awhile. Mom loves it too because she gets to sleep in!

Cheese?

Cheese? No thanks.

I was trying to give Ben cheese for the first time. I guess it had a strange texture to it at first. He was being a real stinker about it--throwing it, dodging my attempts to feed him, until he actually tasted it! Then it was ok. :)