Man in the mirror

• Bennett is approaching his 9th month.  Rolling is his favorite mode of transportation.  But, he's on his hands and knees this week and it looks like there is a crawl in the near future.
• When Bennett started making predictable, replicable sounds a few weeks ago . . .  It was all da-da-daddy.  Something happened this week (I've accused Karah of brainwashing while I'm at work), but he will no longer make the da-da sounds (Boooooo!) and it's all about ma-ma-mam ma-ma-mommy (and an occasional Ba-ba-ba for whatever reason). 
• Bennett pretty much "owns" Brux at this point . . . especially, when he's in his walker.  Bennett is becoming an expert at running over toes and Achilles (including Brux's).  He often gets Brux cornered and is unmerciful in releasing (or in this case not releasing Brux).  Also note that he's so intent in keeping Brux out that he doesn't acknowledge my presence at all:  

What's the password?

• Here's another funny little vid.  Bennett must think he's good looking.  When he discovers the mirror, he wastes no time starting to admire himself:

I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!

• There's a pretty good chance that Bennett will be a daredevil.  He rarely cries when injured, he has thrill seeker tendencies, he has lots to climb (jump off of, ski down, etc.) in his backyard and he seems a little to interested in the Xgames that are on ESPN right now.   

• Bennett bought me a great book recently (he must think I could use a few parenting pointers). If I Were Your Daddy, This is What You'd Learn. It is a collection of chapters by 35 dads talking about teaching what they believe to be the most important lessons to their kids. Although I'm only about 1/4 of the way through it, I highly recommend it for both mothers and fathers (actually, anyone could learn a lot about themselves from this book). Here's a little more info on it:

I Wanted To Change The World

By Unknown Monk, 1100 A.D.

When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.

I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.

I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town.

I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.

Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself,

and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself,

I could have made an impact on my family.

My family and I could have made an impact on our town.

Their impact could have changed the nation

 and I could indeed have changed the world."

Compete!

Like father like son

Bennett went retro this week with some of Dad's far out 70's fashions.  My ensemble 36 years ago (can you dig it?):



Like father . . .



Like son


I got dad's belly and forearms



Christmas and stuff

  Hey everybody.  Dad is watching football and we just dropped Mom off so she cood skee at Beaver Creek.  So . . . this laptop is all mine (if I can just keep it on my lap. Steady). 
   I just turned 8 months old . . . and not a present from anyone of you?  Whatz up with that?  I made out like a bandit at Christmas.  Lots off cool, colurful toys.  But I really liked the boxes and rapping paper best.  Rapping paper makes great sounds (and is also delicious, I might add).

   I saw lots of family at last month.  The Dankenbring side came to Colorado for Christmas and we drove to Nebraska for New Years.  Nebraska so cold it hurt and the Huskers offense was offensive in the bowl game.  I bought Grandma and Gido mugs with my mug on it: 



Coffee with Sugar

  I recently learned how to get whatever I want.  I just turn up the VOLUME.  I can holler real good now and I have been working on this ear-piercing scream that makes Dad go insane.  I have also been chasing my puppy all over the house in my walker.  You should see the terror in Bruxy's eyes when I come for him.  It makes me giggle. 
   I been saying "Dadda" a lot, but these adults won't give me credit for my first word.  Do expect me to talk in complete sentences or sit at the computer and rite a paragraph? :) They are so demanding and not as smart as they think. They need to check out this article I read in the New York Times:  New survey shows 'dadda' most likely to be baby's first word
I can't stop rubbing my eyes. I feel a nap coming on.  Off to da crib.  Laters - B.

Bennett's First Christmas

Bennett’s First Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas and in the Valley of Vail,
Not a computer was on – no facebook, twitter or email.
The skis, boots, and poles were all hung in the garage.
The area spas were all dark -- so no more massage.

Bennett was nestled all snug in his crib.
He knew not of Christmas, which made him feel glib.
Karah in her flannel and I in my boxer-brief,
Had put our heads on our pillows and felt the relief.

When out on Eagle-Vail Golf Course I heard a loud racket.
It had to startle everyone (wealthy, middle class, & ski bums) -- no matter their tax bracket.
Away to the cul-du-sac I ran in a hurry.
I saw a red light in the distance, but it was quite blurry.

I went back in the house and put my son in the bjorn.
I could not go check out this epic event without my firstborn.
Karah decided that she should come with.
She’d often thought this Claus story was simply a myth.

We arrived at the 1st hole, and what did we see?
A 9 harnessed deer tangled around a pine tree.
The red nose of Rudolf, helped us to survey the scene
There was a big problem that no one could’ve foreseen.

Many long nights at the North Pole lead to Christmas Day.
The big jolly guy must have fallen asleep at the sleigh.
I asked, “What happened, Santa? Do you need more caffeine?”
He said, “I just wrecked the ride I’ve been driving since I was 16.”

“I’m getting quite old and it’s time to retire.
I’ve tried to sell this delivery business, but I can’t find a buyer.
I’d prefer to not leave the house at all when it is snowing.
But, it is little kids like your son there that keep me going.”

I handed Bennett to Mr. Claus so we could get him on his way.
Karah and I untangled the reindeer and uprighted his sleigh.
Bennett played with his white beard and made Santa laugh.
Santa said, “I saw you on Halloween. You made a cute giraffe.”

Bennett and Santa had become fast friends.
Karah and I finished picking up the toys and his odd and ends.
I looked over and inquired, “Santa, are you okay to fly?”
He was running late – that’s what I was trying to imply.

He chuckled, “I feel great. Thank you for responding!
Bennett and I have just been doing some bonding.
I’ve seen him when he’s sleeping, I know when he’s awake.
I know that he’s a good boy. Raising him must be a piece of cake!”

Karah and I grinned and he handed our son back.
The reindeer were getting antsy and the night was still pitch black.
Everyone was ready – Donner, Vixen and Dasher --
5 other deer I cannot name and Rudy with his nasal flasher.

Santa said, “How am I to thank you? You are too nice!”
Karah responded, “We’re happy to help. A small gift for Bennett would suffice.”
Santa reached in to his bag and looked for just the right gift.
He really took his time -- his actions were not swift.

He looked up at our son. Bennett got excited and smiled.
But, it seemed as though he had nothing for our little child.
Santa looked embarrassed as he stated, “I must leave.”
I guess it is better to give than to receive.

We watched as this odd crew took off into the night.
Deer and a sleigh are just not synonymous with flight.
We walked back to our warm house at 106 Deer Run.
We’d not forget this strange night or what we had done.

We opened the door . . . But, what the heck is this?
It was a front room full of snow-covered Christmas gifts.
I grabbed and read a note to see if this was all a trick.
The card just read, “Love - your new friend, St. Nick!”

I doubt Bennett will remember what happened on this night.
How we happened upon the wreckage and helped Santa with his plight.
When I tell him the story in the future, if it seems like it’s unclear,
I’ll say, “It is the magic of Christmas. It happens every year.”

Nothing but the tooth

Not toothless . . . still Ruthless

• Bennett better wish for a toothbrush and floss for Christmas because his first tooth started peaking through this week.
• Anyone seen Santa?  We need to track him down today so Bennett can get a picture and yank on his beard. 
• The little guy does some serious kicking and flopping in his crib. I went to check on him last night and found a leg sticking outside the friendly confines.  (No blankets, No ACL damage):