9 months

Another month has passed by, filled with more enjoyment than I ever though possible.  There have been many times lately where I wished I had a pause button, or at the very least a way to slow down and relish my time spent with our sweet baby boy.  Last week the incredible Tammy came to document our precious angel in all his 9 month glory.  Here is the link to his incredible slideshow: http://marcelainphotography.blogspot.com/

I have no idea how to choose only a few to order, so if you have suggestions, leave me a comment and help me decide!  I am amazed at how quickly Benton is changing and growing.  Anyone who meets him asks "Is he this happy all the time?"  The answer is an overwhelming yes.  

He loves, I mean really loves to be outside.  Saturday night we had a picnic at the tank in Baird to test out Nana, G-Daddy, and Benton's new offroad toy.  You see, God really did answer Benton's prayer (see prior posts).  We road around in the Ranger, ate some Chicken Express, and admired the bulldozer moving all the dirt around.
Benton also got to try out his Christmas present to G-Daddy, a backpack so he could be in the middle of the action.  He helped shoot the bow, kicked his feet merrily, and tried to grab anything and everything they walked past.  So cute!We are in the not-quite-crawling, but into everything stage.  He does this,
and this,

and this, but is still in reverse mode.  I've found him in all sorts of compromising situations, under the bed, feet stuck between the crib slats, etc.  Bottom line, the boy really doesn't like his tummy much.  If I lay him on his tummy, he automatically walks himself back up to sitting position.  His preferred mode of transportation is sitting, lunging for something, grabbing it, then sitting back up only to start the process over again when he finds something else he wants.
He loves his new toy from dittos for kiddos, and will pull himself up to play all the musical gadgets.  It was so fun watching him learn how to flick, turn, slide, and open all the little thingies.  I feel like he is watching and absorbing everything we show him!
I sat him in the front seat while I got his car seat ready, and this is what I found.  This was his first time to pull up.  When he saw me, he smiled and was so proud of himself. 

 He also has started signing "more" to me when eating.  So much nicer than yelling when he wants something!  He eats anything we put in front of him and does a great job chewing with his tooth and gums.  Benton also claps for himself while yelling ahhhhh loudly.  He says Mama to me and Dada to Hunter.  We think we've also heard Nana.  He loves to throw the ball and one of his favorite toys is his egg shaker.  Benton also looks for Fred, and cries when he leaves the room.  He sure loves his puppy.  He's always talking, and the people who sit around us at church would probably agree.  I treasure every moment spent with him!