Ben is a Big Boy

As Ben gets closer to that first birthday, Joe and I are just astounded at how much he is changing.  Suddenly, our baby isn't one at all.  He has magically morphed into a little boy and is just so neat to behold.  

He has gone through a lot of "firsts" lately.  None of them are big, but they are there and remind me that he is growing all the time.  Some of them are imposed by us, like his first happy meal, latte, and ice cream cone.  (I'm pretty sure none of those were my idea.)  Others are all him.  He says "Da Da" for everything and has become very skilled at drinking from a cup.  He can now move forwards in his walker and has figured out how to open the kitchen cabinets.  Miraculously, he hasn't broken anything.  I guess he is saving that for when he can walk.

And of course, there are the "firsts" that are imposed from outside sources.  I picked him up from nursery to learn that he had drawn his first picture, a beetle.  Nursery has also given him the gift of his first pinkeye and his first red bodily rash.  (No, it isn't the chicken pox or the measles.  He seems to be feeling better so we'll see.)  

I'm learning the parenthood is bittersweet.  My heart swelled with pride this morning when he learned to roll the ball to me.  Yet, this afternoon, I got a little sad when I had to buy him big boy pajamas.  I suspect the 60 years will feel much the same way.  

Bristol, Bath, and Stonehenge

I am now relaxing after a tiring but fantastic holiday weekend. Friday afternoon, the Howell clan packed up the car and headed west. England's southwest section is really well known and for good reason. We focused our time on the cities of Bath and Bristol. Both cities are Amazing.

Originally, our plan was to spend all of our time in Bath. However, we could not find a place to stay so we had to branch out. (That's what happens when you don't look until the Thursday before a holiday weekend.) Joe Sr. found a two-bedroom apartment in Bristol so we happily booked it. To be honest, I wasn't overly optimistic. I thought it might be a little run down or on the outskirts of town. But it was amazing. It was right in the middle of the downtown area, which has a harbor and tons of restaurants and bars. The apartment itself was brand new and very spacious. Two bedrooms, two and a half baths, living room, kitchen, and a balcony. Granted, the elevator was out of order this morning when we needed to check out, but since I wasn't the one carrying the luggage, I didn't think of it as a big deal.

We spent Saturday afternoon in Bath, which is definitely not enough to do it justice. Bristol was bombed heavily in WWII and has since taken on a modern feel. However Bath feels old and beautiful. If you've ever seen the old Pride and Prejudice miniseries, Bath is where it was filmed. We toured the Roman bath ruins, which give the city its name. Apparently, when the Romans ruled England, they had a large bath and temple complex there. Joe Sr. kept wondering where it all went since the remaining ruins are quite small. I guess the ancient Britons were adept at recycling and they used stones to make other buildings.

This morning, we all piled back in the car and headed for Stonehenge. We knew it wasn't something we would make a special trip for, but since we were out there, we took the tour. It was neat to learn about what they think the stones were used for, but I would agree with my friends. Not exactly something I would drive 3 hours just to see.

Benjamin did very well all weekend. He is such a little trooper. I'm always a little anxious whenever we take trips because I hate to remove him from his routine. But he continuously surprises me and makes me so proud. I have a great boy.

Off to London for a Helmet

First off, I just want to apologize for slacking off lately. Life has been quite busy, which has left me little time to write, ironic since I have a lot to tell you.

Today, Joe, Lorre, and I took Ben to London. Unfortunately, we were not there to sightsee. Ben's head is quite flat on one side. After months of "repositioning" (keeping him off his head), the time has come to get him a helmet. The first time I ever heard of babies wearing helmets, I nearly laughed my butt off. I'm pretty sure it would have fallen off when I saw the pictures, but it suddenly gets a lot less funny when it is your kid.

Anyway, so we took him to the clinic to have him assessed and fitted for a helmet. As a side note, our insurance does not cover any cost related to the helmet since they think it is cosmetic. That whole issue is such garbage. If one side of his head is pushed in, then one side of his face gets pushed out. Eventually, the face is disfigured. (Think Sloth from the Goonies.) That is not cosmetic! We are fortunate that our savings can cover it, but what about the other families? Their children don't deserve to be odd looking because their parents don't have enough money.

After the appointment, Ben had his first Happy Meal from McDonald's. Big day for a wee Boy!

Spain/Visitors

I really hope that spring in England isn't over. April was so beautiful. Nearly everyday was sunny and warm (English warm, not Florida warm). The last few days have been overcast and cool. I guess Ben and I won't be playing outside today.

These last few weeks have been really busy. Right after my last post, I went to Barcelona with some ladies from Lakenheath. I only knew one of them initially, but I figured a girls weekend in Spain sounded fun. Although I love Barcelona, I have to admit that it wasn't the best time. For starters, we left early Saturday morning and came back Sunday afternoon. That is just way too much traveling in such a short time. I was so tired by the time I got back. Also, the trip was quite bittersweet. Everyone else's husbands were gone so they had no one at home anyway. But mine was home and he was with my baby. Weekends are precious. I don't always see Joe much during the week so I really look forward to Saturday and Sunday. I feel like an ingrate for saying this, but I think I would have rather stayed home.

Last Sunday, Joe's parents flew in. They stayed here a few days before heading to Morocco for a 10-day tour. Joe and I really want to take a tour, but I told them they had to work out the bugs first. They will be back just in time for Ben's christening. Meanwhile, my folks get here Thursday. (My mom is already packed.) I am really looking forward to seeing them, but I admit I am bummed they can't stay longer. There are so many things I want to show them, but there simply isn't enough time.