Celebrating Benjamin! A picture for each month of his life:

This was taken shortly before we brought Benjamin home from Tulane-Lakeside Hospital where he was born at 8:31 am on Friday, March 16th 2007.
Our babies all take baths in our kitchen sink until they are too big to fit comfortably. This was one of the first baths that Benjamin took without crying. He was a month old. He wasn't a big fan of tubby time early on, but loves it now.
Here is Benjamin falling asleep in his swing at two months old. He would start relaxing just in time for one of his well-meaning siblings to come over and give him loves that would inevitably end his reverie.
At three months old, Benjamin was starting to realize he would be safest and given the most attention if he could see me at all times. Thus, his bouncy seat became a permanent fixture in the kitchen from which he could watch me in safety.
If you haven't noticed yet, Benjamin has the most beautiful brilliant blue eyes you've ever seen! This picture was taken when he was four months old, wrapped up in his towel fresh from the tub.
Benjamin insists on being in the thick of it, but likes to simply observe not necessarily participate. This picture was taken when he was five months old sitting on his daddy's lap while Mark was attempting to eat dinner. He prefers to be held so that he can watch us all interact and see what crazy thing we'll do next.
Benjamin at six months sitting in our beloved Bumbo seat. He started sucking his thumb when he was about two months old and still does when he first goes down for naps or to comfort himself when he is upset.
Our seven month old baby blue eyes allowing his sister to push him around the kitchen in her doll stroller. He was well strapped in and enjoyed himself. He was the center of attention for almost an hour as the kids all took turns pushing the stroller.
Our eight month old explorer! Jackson professionally outfitted Benjamin to accompany him on his safari.
Benjamin has a hundred different smiles that win any heart. This smile was one of triumph as he learned to stand up by himself leaning on our couch.
10 month old Benjamin really starting to look like a toddler instead of our little baby.
This picture was taken a month ago as Benjamin sat happily on his grandma's lap at a basketball game. He is really learning to pose.
One year old, hooray! Happy 1st Birthday sweet Benjamin!

Here is a short list of Benjamin's favorite things: bath time, his toothbrush, sucking his thumb, his blue silky blanket, being thrown up in the air, playing catch with any kind of ball, pulling all of the books off of the shelves, sitting at the kid's table looking through books, being held, being tickled, feeding himself and making all kinds of friends by smiling and waving at them.