Happy Birthday Mamaw

Happy Birthday to Mamaw. She turns ?? today.

Nap Time

Isn't this the cutest twosome you've ever seen?

GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!

Uncle Kevin sent Papa Swag, Mama Liz, and Baby Ben a present for Gameday!!! We love it!! GO VOLS!!!!!!!!

Game Day Socks

It's Football Time in Tennessee (and North Carolina). No Carolina Blue for this kid. It's Big Orange for Ben!!!!!!!! GO VOLS!!!!!
Also, you can see that Ben has TRULY found his thumb. I think he likes it.

Smiling Boy

Not too much to report on from today. Here are some pictures that Elizabeth took just a few minutes ago. Ain't he cute?

Watch for It....

Ben's Revenge and Playtime

Ben exacted his revenge on the evil duck yesterday. We no longer worry about him defending himself against his duckie foe. The duck didn't stand a chance. Look at our little tough guy!

We also had a great time playing with him yesterday. He was awake and attentive a good deal in the afternoon. While we cannot verify the laugh, it does seem like he had a chuckle while we played (as you will see in the third picture).

EXCLUSIVE--Belly Button Pics (warning maybe NSFW)

These EXCLUSIVE pictures of Ben's Belly Button were taken this afternoon. Warning--These photos may be NSFW (not safe for work). View at your own risk.

Back to Work for Mommy

It's back to work for Elizabeth today, but with a twist. She now has company while she grades papers and finishes up her dissertation. It's a shame how much trouble Ben has finding comfortable places to sleep.

In other news, Ben now has his very own Bellybutton. Once the first pictures are available, you can be the first to see the exclusive pictures right here on Ben's Blog. Check back soon!!!

Yes, in fact, he does CRY (a little at least)

Typical Sunday

Today was just a new typical Sunday at the homestead. Diaper changes, many feedings, Sunday afternoon bath and field trip. No real excitement yet, BUT the umbilical stump is just about to fall off, and Ben is about to have his very own belly button. Yippie. As this story develops, I will keep you posted.

The first picture is when Ben was talking to Mamaw on the speakerphone. The second picture is just him hanging out with Elizabeth this morning. Enjoy!!!

Help Arrived in the form of a FROG!!

After our scary morning with the duck attack, help arrived this afternoon in the form of a new friend/protector for Ben. His name--Friendly Frog. We're not sure if this gift was intended to be a friend for Ben or if it was suppose to be a washcloth book and outfit, but in the end Ben has a new protector. Thanks Lauren for the outfit/book/friend.

Also, I got to feed Ben this afternoon, and no, I am not lactating. Instead I used a bottle and some of mommy's milk.

BREAKING NEWS---Duck Attacks Ben!!!!!!!

Every parenting book we have read warns about leaving your baby alone even for just a few moments, and now we see why. We still don't know why the duck acted up they way that it did, but just look at how quick things can happen. One minute Ben is sleeping with his ducky friend, the next...well you will see.

The good news is that Ben slept through the whole attack, and we do not think there will be in long lasting effects.

In the last picture, you will see that we spot lighted the duck to distract his attention from Ben, while Elizabeth jumped in and pulled the duck away. Look at those eyes on the duck. It was a good thing we acted when we did, or who knows what might have happened.

To see more pics of the attack, just look at the Week Two photo album.

The Unhappy Swede

Ben is receiving a bunch a cool gifts from happy friends and relatives. Yesterday, he received a cool "lil Swede" bib from Dan, Anna, and Kristina. We wanted to get a cute picture of Ben in the bib to send out. As you will see, that task was easier said than done. We promise this is no reflection of his like of the bib.

Thank you all for the gifts and check back soon for pictures of Ben wrapped in your gift to him. THANK YOU!!!

Funny Faces and Manicures

Video Ben

Wide Eyed

For those of you who have actually met Ben, you know that he spends most of his time with his eyes closed or pirate-eyed with only one eye open. This morning while mommy caught up on some sleep, I was luck enough to take a few wide eyed pictures. Enjoy!!!Elizabeth did get to play with him while he was awake, and she took this picture. With any luck, we might be able to include a short video clip in the next post. We will see. Bye for now!!!

Back to School

It was a big day in Greenville (well for us anyway). Elizabeth met with her two classes this morning to tell them they would be meeting online until October. As you might imagine, the students were very disappointed in this news. While this was taking place, I had a wonderful exchange with the ECU parking popo who was determined to give Ben and I a ticket while we waited for mommy. Luckily his superior popo told him to cool it and no ticket was issued. You gotta love meter mans.

Also, the last of our grand-help has left us. We're now completely on our own. Please wish us luck.

Other than that, Elizabeth and I just spend a lot of time watching Ben TV. It has become our favorite show. As you can see, the yawning is darn cute.

Hippie Ben

I know, I know. First it was the UT outfit (which there is nothing wrong with that), but now this. Poor Ben is becoming a fashion (if you can call that hat fashion) guinea pig. As a bonus though, when we're in Knoxville, Ben Harper will be in concert, and I bet if we put this hat on our Ben, we could definitely swing a photo op.

Gotta run and try to find the patchouli before the spiritual healer arrives.