Ben has had an exciting couple of months. We found out he has food allergies and poor Ben had to get blood drawn and had to have a couple of different skin tests. We found out he is allergic to nuts, eggs, chicken, beef, soy and sesame seeds. Needless to say, its made mealtime more interesting.
Ben turned a year September 20th. we didn't know about the allergies at the time, so as you can see in the photos, he wasn't a fan of the killer cupcake. I now know that is because of the allergies.
Ben had many different costume changes at halloween. We started with a dalmation, but he outgrew the costume before halloween, so we switched to the monkey. Ben didn't get the memo about the time change so he woke me at about 6am to play. Since cousin Blake left his costume at the house, (and because I was bored) we decided to try Ben out in Blakey's guitar costume as well.
Ben also decided to try his legs out with walking. He's ben cruising all around the furniture for months, but finally is getting the hang of it on his own. Now I'd just got to get the hang of chasing him.
Today Ben is 4 months old. We watched the inauguration and he was very proud. NExt week he will be getting his 4 month check up and shots. He was very brave at his last appointment so we are not worried. :)
Ben has great head control and is sitting in his high chair now. Although he hates being on his tummy, he is very close to rolling onto it! He kicks his legs in the air and loves to "bicycle" He is smiling and laughing more and I could have swore I heard him say "hello" the other day. Although it might have sounded more like "gua-go"
We are adjusting to Ben's first week at home. So far he is a great baby. He only cries when he needs something or wants to be held. He's been sleeping throughout the night and only gets up for feedings.
At our first Dr appointment we were told that he had a high level of bilirubin which was causing jaundice. We were prescribed a biliblanket to have him wear at all times and each day have to go to the lab to have his bilirubin checked again. The biliblanket, though a pain to have him wear all the time, is working as his levels are starting to go down. He looks like a little glowworm when he has it on! Or as my brother said, he looks like ET trying to phone home.
Ben was born 3 weeks early on September 20th at 4:18am. He was 6 lbs and 9 ounces. Aaron and I were estactic as we left for the hospital, knowing that when we returned, we would have a new addition to our family. Throughout the pregnancy I was convinced it was a girl. Aaron thought it was a boy, but I was the one carrying, so I was sure I knew better. I was wonderfully shocked when I saw that it was in fact a boy!
We created this site so that we could share our experiences with our friends and family and so you could watch as our little buddy continues to grow. Enjoy.
Rachel and Aaron, baby Ben is beautiful...he doesn't even look like a new born!! I can't wait to see him. I love you all
Uncle Steve, Aunt Pat, Sam and Charlie
Aaron and Rachel, when I opened up the link and saw Ben's pictures, I couldn't stop smiling. and was holding back a few tears of happiness for both of you. Brought back memories of a picture I have of you and my kids when you were an infant.
I couldn't believe looking at him that he was early !!! You have a BEAUTIFUL son . You are blessed to now be family... a much different set of feelings and emotions that you will cherish and enjoy the rest of your life. You both are now on a new journey in your lives
Congratulations to both of you..
Sue and Gary Beauchamp