A much delayed post

It has been quite awhile since my last post. I started a post on Benji's first birthday, but that never got finished. Ben is now 13 months old. Wow. He is running around like a crazy man. He LOVES to be outside, and often walks out onto the porch when we leave the door open. He now regularly walks from the apartment to the car independently (sometime with many reminders to keep moving and with holding hands when out near the cars). I managed to find him new shoes (a big feat as he has tall feet). He is wearing between size 5 1/2 and 6 shoes and size 12 mo. shirts, 18 mo. pants. He continues to be a wonderful eater, refusing only avocado and brussel sprouts so far. He hasn't shown any food sensitivities other than yeast, which he has now outgrown.

At his one year doctor's appointment B was 20 lbs. 14 oz and 28.5" long. He has just had a growth spurt and now is 29.5" long. We have a new pediatrician with whom we are very happy. I felt like he actually listened to me, asked questions about Ben's milestones and development, and did not seem like he was running out of the room, despite a VERY full office that day.

Our sleep issues have mostly been resolved, with Ben waking up often only when teething or feeling ill. Naps are regularly between 1.5 and 2 hours. Benji is babbling regularly and is sure to get his need communicated.

Benji's birthday party was wonderful, with many of our close friends who live in the area. Ben enjoyed his cake and socializing with all the guests. Ben was not at all interested in opening his presents, but has enjoyed them all.

Here are some of Benji's favorite things to do:

• Be outside, running around, or in his stroller, or being carried.
• Read books: Ben spends time each day alone in his room or in the living room paging through his books for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
• Play or listen to music: either on a drum, xylophone, maracas, or anything else. He stops when he hears music and smiles.
• Watch football: When Benji sees football on TV, he will sit down on the floor and watch for a while before moving onto something else.

Other than that, Benji continues to grow and change daily and be a typical one year old. He loves to be around other people and has great smiles and giggles.