11 months

Benjamin is 11 months today! One more month of counting his age in months (although I probably will still have to do that). Ben is long and skinny. He doesn't have much extra fat around his legs or arms (probably took after his dad). His hair is recovering from when Jamir shaved it off and is still bristly/curly. I'm going to be in charge of the haircuts from now on. He can stand for a couple seconds and has taken some leaps from a standing to our arms. He's still too scared to walk without his walker or us holding his hand. 

He is still the same smiley social baby. He loves to give hugs-to his bear, to Manolo, to older kids, to us. He is a hugger. And will sometimes cuddle if he is tired enough. He has a lot of energy. He takes everything out of the cubbards. He has to be exploring everything-usually when I need him to sit, but I'm happy he is curious and not afraid of things. Oh and he is not afraid of things. He will crawl right down stairs or into things if I don't watch him. And got mad when we wouldn't let him keep climbing the latter when Jamir put lights up outside. People still mention how he doesn't cry much or whine...although I hear it plenty. I think he just loves people so much that he doesn't around them because he has friends. 

He is talking a lot more to us and makes a lot of facial expressions. He likes to look at books and play with more functional toys. We call him a little monster because he eats, tears, breaks and basically destroys everything. But we love him and his personality.

Manolo and Benji are best friends.

Winter Warmup

This is just the first of many attempts I see in the future for Ben and Christmas stuff. I still need to post about Thanksgiving pics, but I couldn't resist some of Benji first.

looking thrilled

okay the outfit was a little small...maybe for the next kid.

trying to find presents

Seaside Lopez Sibling Reunion

We spent the weekend in Seaside seeing Jamir's siblings. We rented a small house and were able to do a (strenuous) hike, go to the beach, play games and eat. I was happiest that we got some good family pictures without having to use a tripod and a timer thanks to Sugey. It was good to see the cousins and hang out for a bit. But I have to say, as much as I love the coast, I did not miss the humidity or cold air! Poor Ben has a little runny nose today from the effect.

Some of these pics are from other members of the family. I was extremely disappointed because my card in my little camera got corrupted, so all of the later parts of the hike are gone. We worked so hard to get to the top! It's supposed to be the highest point in NW Oregon. Only Sugey, Jamir, and Ben and I did it, because everyone else was too tired or worried about the steepness. Ben slept while we killed our calves and buns to get to the top. And it was awesome! It had a view of the ocean and was soo windy. And we were exhausted, but happy we did it. And of course I don't have the pictures for it.

starting out

pretty viewpoint, everyone else turned around here, but we kept going another 1.5 miles to the top

Thanks to Sugey I have these:

haha ,Troy

Ben sleeping almost the whole way up

Sugey showing how steep it was. They put chain link fence and a wire rail so you don't slip

Lucy and Ben with a ball

cousin bath

Ben loved Troy

Cannon Beach pictures. It was windy and cold, but Ben loved the sand. He did not want to be held, he just wanted to play! But I'm really happy we have some good pictures.

looking a little bald. Jamir decided to buzz his head. sigh.

 We had a picnic and another beach, Hug Point. It was really cool with a waterfall and small caves. I wanted to stay longer, but some people got wet and wanted to go home.

Family group pic