Mom's Birthday

Mom got older yesterday, so we had a party. Mom and Dad invited a bunch of old people and I invited Owen. Owen and I got off to a rough start, but then we had a superfun time. I was sleeping when they got there, so when I woke up I was not prepared for visitors. So when Owen thought he should crawl on top of me and pull my hair, I was understandably upset. He seemed very sorry for mistaking me for his dog, so I forgave him right away and we played and played. He is 1 month older than me, so he is a little faster. Of course, being the BIG man that I am, I am a little bigger than he is, but you could hardly tell. It was so nice to be with someone who speaks the same language. Overall, it was a good party. At least it seemed like it as I heard laughing and talking several hours after I went to sleep. Mom and Dad sure are crazy....

Playing with the cousins

On the way home from our Island Adventure we went to Aunt Connie and Uncle Jim's house. There were so many people there when we pulled into the driveway. I got to see Maddie again, I sure like her a lot. Jyllian was there too. AND, the new baby. Aidan James Rabideaux. He was SO small....he was only 8 days old! He slept a lot and drank his bottles. I can't wait until he's down on the floor playing with us. It will be nice to have another baby boy around. We hung out there for a few hours, I tried some ham and some other stuff, then the cameras came out. I can't believe that they tried to get pictures of all of the great grandkids again. Have they learned nothing? It was chaos. I didn't want to be there, Jyll didn't want to be there, Maddie didn't want to be there and Aidan was sleeping. Silly adults. Maybe we'll all sit together in 5 years or so, then again, maybe not.
After we left we had to get in the car, AGAIN. Another long ride, we better not be doing this again any time soon.

Island *Crawling* Baby

I just got home from a super fun vacation. On an island! There was water everywhere. Mom, Dad and I went to Madeline Island in Lake Superior for a family vacation. Grandma Lola, Grandpa Gary and Aunt Kristie came too. We had our very own house to play in. It was SUPER hot the first day. I felt like I was melting. Then we all went to the beach. What a relief! There was a nice wind and we got to play in the water. Mom and Dad went out really far into the water. I was sad to back to the house. Mom said it was like a hundred. I think that's bad.
The next day it started cooling off a little. We went to the pool and played anyways. It always feels better in the water. I met lots of other kids at the pool. They wanted to play with me, so I smiled and splashed water at them. One day Mom, Dad and Kristie went out on a HUGE boat with big sheets that went way up into the sky. Aunt Kristie and Mom said Dad tried to tip them over into the water. Silly Dad. Another day Mom and Dad and I went on long walks at a park. We went and saw a pretty beach and walked through the woods. It was very fun. Later that day Dad and Grandpa Gary left go home and Mom, Aunt Kristie, Grandma and I went back to that pretty beach and went swimming. So from then on, I was left with the ladies. We had lots of fun, and as usual, life centered around me. We went to lunch one day and they let me try a french fry. It tasted okay but what I really liked was to mush it in my hand. They didn't know, but I held that thing while we were shopping after lunch and didn't let go until we were on the front porch. Then I dropped it! And everyone laughed. I'm funny like that.
Here's the BIG NEWS: I started crawling forward. I could crawl backwards before, that was super easy. I thought to myself, "It would be so nice to see something and be able to go and get it and stick it in my mouth." So I did it! Mom, Grandma and Kristie were so excited! Mom took some video and called Dad.
We even had visitors. One day Mom's cousin, Auntie Sheila came with Uncle Martin. We hung out for a while and then cousin Carol and Cory came too. We sat at the patio next to the pool and had refreshing beverages for an hour or so then went home and had a HUGE dinner. I slept good that night. The next day Auntie Diane, cousin Kylea and Jyllian came to visit. We played on the porch, went to the pool and had a yummy dinner. I like Jyllian. Even though she older than me (but a little smaller) we get along like peas and carrots.
The next day we had to pack up and get back into that dumb car again. We had SO much stuff to take home. It was packed all around us. We took a detour on the way home, but I'll tell you about that later. It sure is nice to be home with my kitty.

I'm a little firecracker!

Today was my first 4th of July. It was really fun. Mom, Dad and I went to the parade. Grandma Peggy, Grandpa Mike, Uncle Mark, Grandma Lola, Aunt Kristie and Great Grandpa Len were all there too. I got to see big loud trucks, motorccycles and little trucks. I also became a future memeber of the Boy Scouts. Then Mom and Dad had me meet some really important guy. All these guys were holding signs and walking around with him. He asked if he ould hold me for a picture.
Later after dinner, I am going to sleep at Grandma Lola's and Mom and Dad are going to the fireworks. They said I can go next year.
Pretty cool day.

Up North with Great Grandma Lynn

Mom, Grandma Lola, Kristie and I all jumped in the car on Saturday morning to go see Great Grandma Lynn. Nobody told me we would have to stay in the car for 5 hours! I did pretty good though, we stopped and got out to stretch our legs one time.
When we got there I got to meet SO many people, but best of all was Great-Grandma Lynn (GGMa). She was so happy to see me! We hugged and talked and hung out together. I also got to meet Great Great Aunt Nonnie, Great Uncle John and Great Aunt Karen, Great Uncle Pat and Great Aunt Anni, Great Uncle Mike and Great Aunt Faye and Great Aunt Pam and Great Uncle Lance. Grandpa Kelly and Grandma Pam were there too!
We all hung out on the huge front porch for most of the weekend. I love being outside! I got to sit and visit with GGMa a lot. She is so nice. Great Uncle Pat sang a German song to me and played with me. I sure liked him a whole lot. Mom, Grandma Lola, Kristie and I also went shopping and to lunch one day. I got some very cool books and Grandma Lola got me a ball that has holes all over so I can grab on to it. It's very cool.
It was a great weekend and I can't wait to see GGMa again. What a good way to celebrate turning 8 months old.

Finally!!!

It's happening! After all of the pain, fevers and crabbiness I am finally getting a tooth! It's on the bottom in the middle. Mom felt it last night and ran me over to Dad so he could feel too. I just hope they all come in soon so people can stop putting their fingers in my mouth whenever they feel like it. I'll keep you posted on the tooth situation.
On Monday I went to softball with Dad again. Mom and I hung out on a blanket and played while Dad tried to hit things and ran around. But this time was different. Someone new showed up to play with us - Zach! He is almost 1 year old and lots bigger. We played with toys, he grabbed my face and I tried to grab his. He can crawl and stand up all by himself. I have to learn how to do that. It was so cool. After everyone was done playing they came over and hung out with us. I had a good time talking and rolling. It was a good night.

Me and My Dad

I can't believe it's been so long since I posted last! Well, a lot has happened in BenLand! I have found my first mode of transportation....ROLLING! I work really hard at it and go from my tummy to my back to my tummy to my back to my...well, you understand. I can make it really far, this means that I can get my toys when they are not next to me and I can also get my bottle and pacifier when they fall out. It's great!! This is the start of many BIG things!!!
Last weekend we went to Cousin Josh's Open House. It was fun, I got to see Maddie and a whole bunch of other people. I also got to see this big furry cat they called a "dog". His name was Cooper and he liked to lick people. Then I went and spent the night at Gamma Lola's house. Super fun.
On Friday we went to the airport because we were going to Michigan to see Grandma Peggy's family. But there were stupid storms in MN and our flight was delayed. Then I decided that I no longer would tolerate those pre-made bottles so Mom and Dad had to feed me my pears and then there was no more. So Mom and Dad decided that we would just go home after hanging out in the airport for 4+ hours. The next day Dad said that our flight was 5 hours late and there is no way that would have worked out well for us. So we went home and slept. The next day we went to the Baby store and bought a gate for the stairs (see rolling around) and some other stuff so that I am safe in my house. I soon will be free to roam as I please....(note to self: learn how to roam as I please). That night we went to Franklin and Amanda's house for a sleepover; they sure are fun.
On Sunday it was Father's Day! We all took a 3 hour nap and then Dad opened his presents. I got him a picture of me and him and a picture of me and Mom that we had taken when Dad was at work. I think he liked them. I hope so because I love him a lot! Then we went to the Zoo! Uncle Mark came too. I got to ride in a backpack on Daddy's back. It was fun - I could see SO much! I fell asleep on the way home and when I woke up we went to have dinner with Grandpa Mike and Grandma Peggy. They drove all the way from Michigan! I sure am tired. I think I'll sleep all day......

Memorial Day with Mom and Dad

Yesterday was Memorial Day which means that I got an extra day with Mom and Dad. I had a fever in the morning. Stupid tooth won't come out! Mom thought it would help me cool off to play in my brand new pool. So Dad went out and put it in the backyard and filled it with water. Mom found some fun cups and the BIG rubber ducky that Gamma got me and out we went. I was mad at first because I didn't know what was happening, but then I started talking and playing with the cups. After Dad stopped video taping me I felt as if I could really let loose, so I started splashing the water. It would go in my face, I'd get scared, but then I thought it was pretty funny. I had a great time.
After we went inside Uncle Mark showed up. He was playing in the mountains far away for a couple weeks. It was good to see him, I was glad that he was still funny.

Boat Baby

Wow! So much has happened since I posted last! Anna came over and played with me for a whole night while Dad went fishing and Mom went to a concert with Gamma, Grandpa Q and Aunt Kristie. We had a lot of fun. Mom said it was neat that she got to babysat me because Anna was the first baby that she ever babysat for. I also got to see Lindsay that weekend - I hadn't seen her since I was a wee babe. I showed her all of my new tricks and I think she was pretty impressed! Oh yeah, I saw T-O-M too! He's a cool....for a grown-up.
One day I went to Softball with Mom and Dad. Dad goes and tries to hit a ball and not fall while he is running. I had fun playing on a blanket with Mom. Sometimes Dad would walk around with me and show me the ropes.
I got to spend the night with Grandma Peggy and Grandpa Mike on Saturday. We went on a fun walk around Lake Harriet. When Mom and Dad picked me up on Sunday we went for a long ride to Noah and Keri's cabin. I slept the whole way and when we got there it was so HOT! I got meet this really awesome girl, Josephine. We talked and played and chewed on things together. She's only a couple months younger than me, but she's almost as big! We all went for a ride on a boat...I was kind of miserable though because of the heat and that stupid tooth that is trying to poke through. My hat flew off of my head and Noah had to turn the boat around to get it. Dad sat on the edge and reached for it, but missed. Silly Dad. We thought it was gone forever, but then Dad spotted it on the toon or something. So I got to wear a wet hat, but it felt nice and cool. After that I calmed down and slept for most of the ride.
Pretty fun!!

A day for my mom

Yesterday was day just for my mom. And grandmas. Dad and I got presents for Mom. We had already told her she was going to get a new printer so that she can print lots and lots of pictures of me. But I told Dad that we had to get her something to open ON Mother's Day. So when we went to REI to get the red stroller for Grandma, I said "DAD - that chair, over there! That's the one that Mom loves. You need to get it for Mom." So he did. When she opened it yesterday she was SO happy. She sat in it almost all day. Later we went to a restaurant where there guys playing some funky music. Dad said it was jazz. We ALL went. Mom, Dad, Aunt Kristie, Grandma Peggy, Grandpa Mike, Gamma and Grandpa Q. Uncle Mark was flying to some country far away, so I hung out with him earlier.
Later, Mom and Dad took me for a walk in the new red stroller and we went to this AMAZING place. They called it the park. I was in this swing and I went SO high. I laughed and smiled and played while Mom and Dad sung with me. We also went to down the slide. Good Times. I had so much fun I couldn't even nap. I stayed awake until bedtime. About 5 hours, cuz I'm a big boy.
What a day! Mom's should have special days all of the time!
Love you Mom!

More Pictures of ME!

Mom is working on putting more pictures of me on Shutterfly. There are a bunch more; you should go see them. You might be in one....

http://babybenkeeler.shutterfly.com/action/

Shout out to Gamma Lola....I'm so glad you're home. I had a ton of fun playing with you and Grandpa Q this weekend.

My 6 Month Birthday (Dad's 27th :))

Oofta. I am 6 months old. Time sure does fly. Yesterday I spent the day with Grandma Peggy while Mom and Dad worked. Then they went out to a grown-up place for dinner to celebrate Dad getting older. Mom helped me buy him the Indiana Jones DVD set. She said I can watch them with him. I think it's gonna be fun! Mom, Dad and I are going to celebrate this weekend. They said they have a surprise for me. Ooooooh...I wonder what it is!?!
I had to go to see Dr. Park on Monday for those stupid shots. They gave me three!!! So mean. But she says I don't have to get anymore until I am one year old, we just get to go and visit them when I am 9 months old. Sweet. Dr. Park told me I am 19 lbs, 13 oz and 27 3/4 in. tall. I am in the 90th percentile for height and between 75th and 90th percentile for weight. I'm big, but not as big as everyone thinks I am!
One more thing - Grandma Lola comes home tomorrow! Yaaaaayyyyy! I get to spend Saturday night with her. We will have lots and lots of fun.

My Adventures with the Easter Bunny

Today when I woke up at Uncle Jim's and Aunt Connie's, Mom told me it was Easter. She said when we got home that there would be a basket with goodies in it that...get this...a big bunny brought to me. I know...crazy!!! Anyhow, it seems that this big bunny knew I was Up North so he brought me a book and candy (I gave the candy to Mom) to tide me over until I got home. This Easter Bunny is AMAZING!
When I got home, there was my basket! It had a book, MN Twins clothes, easter eggs and Easter bunny Eeyore and Pooh! It looked really neat. I just wanted to grab everything out of there!
Later we went Great Uncle Dave and Great Aunt Pam's house for the feast. Dad made cheesy potatoes. Everyone says he did a real good job. I slept through dinner, but I got play with everyone when I got up. My favorite was Ann. We talked and hung out together. Yeah, I like Easter and I can't wait for next year. Mom says I have to find my basket, because the Easter Bunny will hide. That Easter Bunny sure is tricky....

Me and my buddy Jyllian

Yesterday I met my buddy Jyllian. We talked and held hands and played. She is a little bit smaller than me, but 4 months older. You would think that I could bully her a bit, but no. She knows a lot more than I do. She can crawl and stnad up next to the funiture. She said that when I am her age that I probably can do that stuff too, but for now, she's the boss!

Her pacifiers looked just like mine, so whenever she saw one in my mouth she would crawl over and pull it out. Guess where it ended up....her mouth! We had fun though. When I sat in my ExerSaucer and played, she stood on the other side. She made a lot of funny sounds too. She made me smile and giggle. Sometimes she would just yell. I think she was doing it just because she could. Silly girl. She's going to be here for 5 days....this is gonna be fun!

I am SO old...

I turned 5 months old the other day. Man, time flies! We celebrated by going to REI and Aunt Kristie's house. At REI Grandpa and Grandma Keeler bought me a HUGE tent. Daddy can even stand up in it. We are going to go camping this summer. I am all about the outdoors. Okay, maybe the tent was for Dad's Birthday....but I am going to pretend it is all MINE!
I have a little bit of a cold again...not nearly as bad as last time though. Mom and Dad are taking good care of me, even though Mom seems a little sniffly too. In 2 weeks Mom's cousin Kylea and her baby, Jyllian, will be here with Great Aunt Diane. I can't wait to meet them all! Me and Jyll will play and play and play and play. We will be best friends. We are getting our picture taken with cousin Maddie too. We will be the cutest trio if kids EVER!! We are going to give a big picture to Great Grandpa for Father's Day. I think he will love it.
Mom says the Easter bunny will come soon. Gamma already sent me a bunny and t-shirt all the way from CA. I'm ready for this Bunny guy!!
That's it for now.

Beach Baby

I think we should move to Florida. Think Mom and Dad will do it? I hope so. I've had enough of this Minnesota weather. Florida was GREAT. We were outside all of the time. I got to ride in the stroller out in the warm fresh air for hours and they didn't have to throw tons of blankets on me or bundle me so much I could barely move.
We went to Busch Gardens where I saw animals and went to Beer Class with Dad, Mom, Aunt Kristie, Olson and Megan. I slept through most of it and then woke up for the beer tasting. My bottle was super good - no, it did not have beer in it. Do you think my parents are insane?
We also went to the pool at the hotel and I played in the water. It was a little weird, but after I adjusted I though it was pretty cool. We went to a bunch of restaurants, which I'm not a fan of, but it was fun when all of the attention was focused on me.
I went to Dad and Mom's friends, John and Jessica's wedding reception. I danced a lot - but my tummy started feeling funny and I threw up. Too much dancing and fun, I guess. It was neat to see all of the lights and I got to wear Big Boy shoes.
The next day we went to the beach. Another big adjustment - but that sand stuff and the waves were actually pretty fun. We came home yesterday and boy, was I pooped! I played with my toys that I missed and conked out. I woke up to eat and conked out for the night.
I love Florida. Mom and Dad should win the lottery so we can hang out there some more.

Ick...I hate being sick!!

Today is my first happy day in SO long! First I had a icky cold for 2 weeks and then I had the flu. It was TERRIBLE! I couldn't stay sleeping all night like before and I had trouble keeping food in. Mom and Dad tried really hard to get me better, but then they got sick too! Today we celebrated us all being better by going to see some of their friends. I felt so good and I smiled at everyone. I think Mom and Dad are relieved that it's all over....for now.

Baby on the Go

I am SO busy. I get to see different people all of the time and they all love me to pieces!! I get to spend a day with Mom, Aunt Kristie, Dad and Grandma Peggy. The other day I got to go to a fun place with SO many toys and I got to talk to other babies. I LOVE it. Whenever Mom or Dad picks me up from the fun place they always tell them how much I smiled all day. When I get home I have to take a nap because I don't want to miss anything at the fun place. Yup, I have it pretty good.

This is me after my first day at the fun place:

Super Bowl Baby

I have one good thing to tell you and one bad thing.
I'll start with the good.
I love football. Seriously.
I. Love. Football.
I went with Mom and Dad to Uncle Louie's house to watch the big game. I sat with my new girlfriend, Sara. She was lots of fun! I was good the whole time and only got scared once when Dad and his friends were yelling at the game. I was so busy watching all of the fun colors and players on the TV. I slept for a little while, but I didn't miss much. I can't wait until next year when I can jump and scream just like everyone else.
On to the bad.
Grandma Lola left today. I will miss her SO much. We had so much fun playing the last few weeks. We had a few last cuddles then Mom and I brought her and Great Grandpa to the airport so they could go to California.
Shout out to Grandma Lola! I LOVE YOU!!

Pictures of ME!!

I like to put pictures on my blog, but it takes so goshdarn long. So here is the link to my pictures on Shutterfly:

http://babybenkeeler.shutterfly.com/action/

Feel free to peruse them daily....