First Steps!

In an era when American auto is in a decline, Ben is improving his motor skills (video to come, Beth just wanted the pics up before 9am!). Rimshot please.

He had his first steps about two weeks ago (which puts him at about 8.3 months old). While Beth was watching, he let go and walked two or three steps (I'm told). And then the day after, while Jeremy and Heather were here for supper, he decided to show off in front of all of us and took about three steps.

I think that seeing a baby take their first steps is akin to seeing Jesus walk on water. You know that it can happen. You believe that it will happen. But when it actually happens in front of you, you finally realize just how little faith you had... Which is to say you have an epiphany and are amazed to see something you thought you might see but didn't think would happen for quite some time.

He also surprised us both by saying "Hey" quite clearly as I was carrying him down the hall. He's probably more Macaw than purposely speaking human at this point, but the clarity of it took us both off guard.

Christmas was great; we got to spend lots of time with both of our families. I got 2 puff pancakes. And Ben got his own mini guitar, a remote, and a set of fake keys (among many other great things). He likes all the toys, but of course still prefers the real things when given an option. I don't know how babies know, but they definitely know the real from the fake. Maybe it's like the difference between a pellet gun and a real gun. There's a weight and sense of power you feel in the real thing.

Anyway, Beth is back to work...until this afternoon, then is essentially off again till Monday. Though she may go work on one of her projects a little on Friday...and she has to study physics every day for a couple hours....and she has to prepare for clinic Monday....and conference Monday and Tuesday....and do some general studying for upcoming boards. Er, but believe it or not, it still counts as vacation. Woo hoo? =)