Hello,

Sorry I haven't given you more of an update on Ben's belly issues but once again "out of the blue" stuff has gone wrong. Well actually 1 thing and that was the computer! Yup and how much does that stink when you take online classes?!? Luckily though I have AMAZING friends, Emily had an extra laptop she let me borrow (she is my school work savior!), and Tori's hubby (Tyson) checked out the desktop and was able to tell me it was dead. He was great and tried everything in his power to save her but it was no good :( Since I had Em's computer I was able to order the exact one I wanted from Dell and I got it this past Wed. It's all set and we are good to go. And I know I'm due for some Ben's pics and I'm using the same excuse as the blog. :)

So onto Ben (I know this is the only reason you all stop by :) He's doing well, much better with his stomach since we cut out all dairy and give him Lactaid once a day. We have cut our dirty diapers in half which is pretty amazing! The consistency is not as runny but I would still say it's diarrhea, just a bit thicker version. Seriously when did my child's bowl movements become the center of my world? No one told that would happen when I became a mom :) We see the allergist this Thur. and we'll know for sure if he is lactose intolerant or actually has an allergy to diary. My vote (and crossed fingers) are for lactose intolerant. Really I want neither but seeing as there has been a huge improvement I know it's going to be one so I'm taking the lesser of two evils! So on Thur keep our little man in your thoughts as he goes though either blood drawing or a scratch test, neither fun for anyone but especially a little guy who has no idea what's going on.

Now onto the fun things. Ben has been taking gymnastics now for three weeks and is loving it! His new favorite thing is "trying" to do a forward roll. We are working on it and he's getting closer and closer to doing it himself but for now he thinks it's hilarious when mommy gives him a push. He is also learning how to jump on the trampoline and doesn't understand why the floor at home doesn't "give" like the one at the gym. So his home jumping needs much improvement but he tries so hard and it's incredible to watch his determination- he totally gets that from his dad! He has also mastered walking backwards but he doesn't quit get that he needs to look behind him so right now he is constantly bumping into things as he perfects his new found talent. Ben has also added 2 new words to his vocabulary this week: Duck and Bath. I must say I was a little worried that by him being able to sign it would hinder his speech but Marisa assured me it wouldn't and she was right :) Thanks for easing my mind! That's it for Ben's new tricks, he's doing great and getting so big. It's hard to imagine he was ever a tiny baby who needed me for EVERYTHING- now I'm lucky if he's ever closer than 10 feet. It's really an amazing thing to watch him become his own person who is developing an incredible personality and becoming so independent! We are truly blessed and I am lucky to be able to stay home with him and watch him grow- there is no greater privileged than to call ourselves BEN'S MOM & DAD