Ben took his first steps this weekend! On Friday he put four steps together when Dani was here and he's been practicing with Jeff and I ever since. Today he crossed from one side of the office to the other. At the park he found a two-year old and was SO EXCITED when she decided to lead him around by his hand. He still has trouble getting from a sit to stand without pulling up on something.

Ben also has a new word "Hot!" when he heard a buzzer (actually the laundry machine) he pointed to the microwave and said "Hot!" though pronounced more like "Haaaaaaghht"

We celebrated Ben's birthday early since Gram was in town, and he LOVED the cake and frosting. Ben also got a new trike, which he's been zipping around on. Mainly he just wants to practice "walking" either with both hands in ours, or just one hand up for balance. His new favorite word and current obsession: "zapatos" - shoes! Last week he also put the stacking ring onto the pole for the first time by himself.

For a few weeks now Ben has been dutifully saying "Ma Ma" and "Da Da" when prompted, and now he seems even more keen on imitating sounds - his favorite "Ahhhhh" for Agua. He also is signing a lot more, with the "more" and "nursing" sign and one we think he made up but looks the part "hand-washing" (Mom has been on a handwashing rampage after all the recent sicknesses). He is also going down the slide headfirst by himself at the park! Yesterday Dad took him to the zoo and the pool (where he was excited and didn't want to get out), which must have tired him out since he slept through his typical 2:00 am wakeup call.

Megan's grandpa Doc passed away last week, so Ben and Megan headed to Indianapolis to be with the family. Ben spent the entire week chasing after Cundrie the dog, who was very patient. On the flight home Ben refused to sleep and spent the entire 4 hour flight entertaining the other passengers - smiling, clapping, pointing (especially at those people who had been smiling at him and were now sleeping).