merry christmas

We celebrated your first Christmas today. Actually we've been celebrating for the last two weeks, since the shipments of presents have been arriving in the mail almost daily. You could care less, but your sister is really enjoying opening your presents. She has thoroughly played with all your toys and you can have them now and you received some cute outfits. You did get a copy of the Constitution from poppie which we will start reading soon. We went over to Jackson's house for Christmas dinner and you got to sit at the table and watch everyone eat. About halfway through, you made me feed you, but everyone else carried on with their dinner. You tried a piece of dinner roll and didn't care for it.

Your dad and I also took you and your sister to the park today and you had your first experience in an outdoor swing. He packed you in with his sweatshirt and a blanket so you wouldn't move. You didn't seem to enjoy it or hate it, so we may keep trying with that and see how it goes. You were mostly just happy to be out of the house.

You also graduated from a bassinet to a pack-n-play. Lucky you to have almost twice as much sleeping space, even if our closet is still your bedroom. You had your arms stretched out to both sides during your nap today like you were trying to enjoy every inch of space you had.

We also tried some oatmeal cereal with you two nights ago. It was messy and adorable and you even ended up with a little in your mouth (I think). Eve was very concerned that food was running down your chest and onto your diaper. Of course you smelled like oatmeal and breast milk when we were finished, which is not the most pleasant scent. We aren't going to do that every day just yet, but maybe at least on bath days. You are still smiling and friendly with everyone you see, which is very unlike your sister and hopefully when grama gets here tomorrow, she'll be able to hear that adorable giggle of yours without having to watch a YouTube video.

In the last few days that dad has been off work you have also visited the Capitol Christmas tree and the National Gallery of Art. You mostly sleep through these things, but you were there. There will be many more trips to come, so don't worry about missing anything.

it's almost here

You don't quite realize how spoiled you are yet, which is still a good thing. You have been receiving presents in the mail now for a few weeks and they have been slowly opened by your very anxious sister. If the present is cool enough, she claims it for herself, but if the present contains clothes or something she's not interested in, she decides you can have it. I think as of right now, all your toys have been claimed by Eve, but the clothes are yours.

The time keeps sneaking up on me. You'll start doing something new and I will ask myself when did you start doing this. For example you will sit up on my lap without leaning back on me at all and just look around. When did that happen? I never taught you to do that. I guess you just learned that on your own. Another thing you do is grab my face when I pick you up and just squeeze and hug me. You are so excited to be picked up that you squeal and pinch with a huge grin on your face and try to give big slobbery kisses. You are still a very happy boy! Even with all the diaper rash that mom can't seem to get rid of you are a happy kid. You are probably happy because I let you lay around naked all the time and you pee all over everything. I think most of the time you do it on purpose. You only wait until I have turned my back before you start peeing and soaking everything in your range.

You really like the ring sling and will just lay against me with your nuk for extended amounts of time, especially in the evening when you are tired. Speaking of which, you have started this new thing where you want to go to bed around 6-6:30 at night. It's crazy, but if that is what you want to do, I will sure allow it. You have been waking up more at night and if that keeps on we may have to start you on some solid food, which I am in no hurry to do.

Daddy bought me a new camera for Christmas and you have become the guinea pig! I take so many pictures of you and they all turn out so adorable. Dad said I'm biased and I keep telling him no, you're just really handsome and take wonderful pictures.

You can now move the walker all through the house, even without Eve pushing you. Still no rolling over, but I'm in no hurry.

Grama is coming out to visit you in a week and I'm sure there will be more to talk about after her visit, but I just wanted to write and let you know how adorable you are.

Growing and Growing

Well little Ben it seems every picture I get it seems you have grown more and more each day.  You have become quite the little handsome man especially when you show off your big dimples!!!  Your mom always talks about how sweet and happy you are all the time. I  really hate that I haven't even met you yet.  You probably think I am a bad aunt, but I would if I could kiddo.  It may just have to wait until Aunt E's wedding in may.  We have been chatting on the computer with your mom and your big sister and have set up a video so we can see eachother.  So far we haven't seen you yet because you are always sleeping, but soon enough we will.  Eve seems to really love her little brother.  She is always hugging you and petting you as if she owned you!!!  It will pay off some day.  Your mom is my big sister and boy if anyone even looked at me wrong she would scare them off.  I felt pretty safe with her around and still do!!!   Well I gotta run, but I hope to see you soon!!!

Love you!!!

Aunt Jill

hey little man

You went out in your first snow today. You slept the whole time we were out today except when we went to the Dunkin Donuts. You did wake up to eat while we were there and hung out for a bit while we drank our coffee. You are now mobile, at least when you are in your walker. You like to spin the toys that are in front of you and watch the flashing lights. You are almost too big for your swing and your bouncy chair, but you like the jumparoo that hangs in the doorway to bounce around in. Eve has been very helpful while you are in your walker and likes to push you around the house running you into walls and chairs. You don't seem to mind much. In fact any time your sister is around you get a huge grin on your face, hoping she will try to hug or kiss or even talk to you. Any attention at all makes you smile. You love being tickled and actually laugh out loud every time you are tickled on your sides or your neck. You must be getting teeth because you seldom take your fist out of your mouth. Last night while dad was holding you in an airplane over his head while he laid on our bed, Eve and I would wait for your drool to drip onto dad before cracking up and saying Eeeeewwwwww. Eve thought it was great. You are probably seeing stars still from all the camera flashes you've been seeing lately. Dad bought me a new camera and you're the poor sucker that has to endure endless pictures throughout the day. I've really caught some great pics though and I have to say you are the most handsome little man I know! Love you.

Turkey Day '07

Hey Bud!

First of all, I found out how to spell "Poppie". I guess it has an 'ie' instead of a 'y'. Anyway, I've got the turkey farts this morning, as I ate about half a bird yesterday. It may be the dressing, not sure, but they smell like celery and onions...sort of. I probably should have written to you earlier, just after you were born, but we just got our computer hooked up. I cannot imagine what kind of techno stuff you will have by the time you read this, but I'm sure it will be pretty cool. Well, back to you. The good part of your birth was that I was in a business meeting, when your Mom called and said you were here. I stopped the entire meeting to hear all of the details and then everyone there erupted with congratulations. That was the cool part, since we hadn't slept for about 2 or 3 days. The rest of your arrival was really not that fun for the the rest of us. I mean it was great that you made it, but it was "how" you got here that made it interesting. For some reason, your Mom and Dad decided to have a flashback to the 1960's, which is what was referred to as "hippie" times. People back then tried to get back to nature and the "old" ways. They sort of rejected progress, tried to live off the land, and do things naturally, instead of using modern technology. For some unknown reason, your folks decided to try and apply those principals to your birth. They can probably explain it better than I, but here's what actually happened. They rented a big bath tub and hired a couple of women (probably ex-hippies) to come over to your house. The plan was to have these women put your Mom in the tub of water and let you swim out, I guess. They actually have hospitals where most people go to have babies, but nooooo...not your Mom and Dad. Anyway, after a day or two of trying this plan to no avail, I guess you figured it out yourself and were not really too keen on the idea. You just stayed in there waiting them out. You finally decided to make your Mom so miserable that she had to go to the hospital. Go idea, Bud. So instead of being born like a dolphin or a beaver or something, you got to be born like most of the rest of us...in a hospital. They have clean sheets and nurses and doctors and stuff like that who are there to help take care of you. While I am sure those old hippie women would have tried their best to squirt you out in a bath tub, I am glad you held out for some better "digs". You will probably have to continue working with them to make sure they don't have any more crazy ideas like that, but I am sure between you and your sister, you can keep them lined out. Anyway, you had a hell of a start to your life, so you must be special. You do have some pretty big shoes to fill with your big sis though, as she can already recite the Constitution of United States by memory at the age of 2, when most other kids are still trying to say "moma" and "dada". We look forward to seeing you in person and welcome to the world! Poppie.

first dip

Dad, Eve and I decided to take you swimming for the first time last night. The first two times dad took you, you screamed and thrashed, but not last night. Mom took you in the water and it was a little warmer than the last few times, but as long as we eased you in very slowly you were fine. Once you were in, you really enjoyed it. You swam around naked and splashed laughed aloud. It was a great time and Eve was so happy to have her little brother in the pool with her. You also got to go the Natural History Museum with dad since he had the day off. You slept through a lot of it, but woke up to see the gift shop. You got to ride around in mom's sling while everyone talked about how cute you were. That happens often. You have also started laughing out loud every time you are tickled or when you get really happy. You love playing peekaboo with mom. You can clasp your hands together in front of you and also hold objects in your hand. You really enjoy reading books and looking at the pictures too. It's crazy how fast you are growing and I wish everyone could see how adorable those dimples are in person rather than in picture and video! We love you and keep making us laugh. Your dad keeps thinking something must be wrong with you to be so happy all the time. He can't imagine that you are just a happy boy.

Hello!

Hello Little Man!

I am your Poppy! Eve gave me that name because I didn't really want to be called Poopah or Grampy or anything like that. Poppy is bad enough. You can just call me Tim if you want to. Anyway, your Mom wants me to write some stuff on here so that some day you can read this stuff and figure how silly your Grandpa Tim really was. I am not silly, I am just "different". Anyway, we have this deal set up now and I have some stuff to say, but it's college football Saturday and I have to watch the games right now. I will get back to you later little man. Poppy! (PS - Ask Eve if that is the way you spell it...not sure).

New Face

Ben, you are getting bigger everyday and always seem to have a smile. I never hear you cry and if you do, it 's only for a little bit. I wish I could see you in person to see the new face of the family. Your sister loves you and helps out as much as she can. You seem to be the perfect little man. I'm hoping that you start sitting up soon because the sooner you start that the sooner you can walk so you can be the ring bear in my wedding in May. I know that is alot to ask, but I think you can do it. I love you and can't wait to meet you! Love E

You are a Star!!!

Baby Ben,
I want you to know what a hit you are on YouTube!!! Your parents take videos of you smiling and cooing and then grama sends them to everybody!! You make all kinds of sounds and smile so big that no one can deny what a handsome boy you are!!! Grama even talked to you on the phone and could hear you talking back!!! I haven't seen you since you were a couple of days old and you are growing sooo big....I can't wait to see you at Christmas!!! I hear you are very alert and like to look around. You love looking at the mobiles. Your momma told me you went swimming for the first time and didn't like it much, but I'm sure with a fish for a sister, you will love the water very soon! When Grama comes to your house, we will go for lots of walks and have so much fun. You will probably be rolling over and sitting up by then! Keep smiling and talking to the camera. Your star will shine brighter day by day. I love you, Grama

my handsome not-so-little man

You are developing your own little personality already. You love attention and when people smile and talk to you. You don't appreciate when Eve starts yelling or getting too rowdy, but when she hugs and kisses you, you smile so big. You still love your baths, but really don't like being out of the bathtub wet. Dad usually gets you dried off and dressed and you scream most of that time. You have started really concentrating on watching your mobiles or anything that is in front of your face. You have mastered getting your fist into your mouth. There are still no signs of rolling over in the near future, but you are content to be on your back or on your belly. You definitely like to stand up and look around. We took you out to eat last night and you rotated from standing on mom's lap to sitting on mom's lap to dad holding you and eventually were happy to just lay on your blanket in the booth. Sometimes you just want to be left alone, which is understandable. You aren't scared of the metro and all it's strange noises, but the elevators still freak you out a little bit. You are now sitting up in the stroller like a big boy. Every person that asks how old you are comments on your size. I just keep telling people that I don't make small babies and I like it like that. Love you little/big man.

my little man

You've already had your second road trip now and you are still a calm kid. You've started crying more often, but that's only because you get bored more easily. You've been fighting falling asleep on your own. You smile so big and coo and talk to mom and dad. You love your baths and are happy for a long time afterward.

Dad took you swimming last night and you screamed louder than I've ever heard before. You kicked and thrashed and we decided you didn't like it very much. Eve was very excited about you actually getting in the water.

It looks like your eyes are turning brown. You aren't even attempting to roll over and when I roll you on your side, you immediately flip to your back. The only thing you are interested in is standing up and looking around. You like sitting up as well in the jumper, bouncy seat, stroller, and bumbo chair. We have entirely too many kid things, but use almost all of them.

We are enjoying your sweet personality and loving that adorable smile.

hey hey

hey there little guy!! Your pictures prove that you are more handsome everyday!! You have been a pretty good baby so far and have made a pretty good impression on Eve. She loves you!! You don't seem to be doing much yet, but before you know it I will have pictures and videos of you crawling. I don't know if I told you yet, but your mom wants us to keep this fairly updated for you and Eve when you grow up and sometimes I am not the greatest at keeping up on things, so she bribes us with pictures!! Not that we aren't thinking about you two all the time, but it helps us to not procrastinate!! I recieved my first picture of you smiling the other day!! You are so sweet and your dimples are so cute!! As much as you may hate them someday, remember everyone else loves them!! I really hope to meet you before too long!! Love you!!
Aunt Jill

What a special boy!

I feel like I have known you for a very long time already (even though you are only 5 weeks old). I was lucky enough to be at the hospital when your parents found out that you were a boy. Everyone was soo excited. Plans were made, names were considered...we all knew you were something special. Your mom did all kinds of research and made decisions and arrangements that would provide the best environment for your birth. I must say that grama was nervous and excited and your mom did an awesome job bringing you into this world.
You are a big boy with a good laid back attitude. Like most boys, you love to eat and really don't like to take baths. This will probably last until you are about 16 years old!!!
You are growing sooo fast that your mom has to disregard almost all of the cute newborn clothes you have received and move on to the bigger sizes!!! You are already too big for the sling your mom has to tote you around!!! Your big sister Eve is soon going to have to give you her crib!
Speaking of Eve, she wants to hold you and doesn't like it when she hears you crying. She tells your mom or dad to go get you and even goes an gives you a pacifier herself. I think you two will be quite a pair growing up with lots of activity and love.
The only thing I am sad about is that you and your family live soo far away. I would love to see you every day and see all the new things you do. I will come visit as often as I can.
I love you,
grama

Finally Here

Ben, we are so happy to have the FIRST BOY in the Sortore family! I was so excited to hear that you were coming and finally your here! I can't wait to meet you! You sound like a very good baby that likes to sleep, which we aren't used to because of your older sis cried all the time! I can already tell your going to be an athlete. You have big enough hands to catch a football, just like your Uncle Dustin! He can't wait to be able to show you some skills! You have a beautiful and spoiled older sister that you are going to have to break in! We love you and can't wait to meet you! Love Aunt E and Uncle Dustin

Welcome!!

Well Benaiah
Welcome to the world!!! Unfortunately I haven't gotten the chance to meet you, but I hear you are quite a good baby. I begged grama to send pictures every chance she had. You are so beautiful and look a lot like your sister!!! You have a few different features, like your nose, but mostly the same. I am sure you are changing every day, but your mom is a little busy with the two of you to send new pictures. It seems as though you had quite the busy little birth. They did want to have you at home, but you were taking your time and putting your mom through a lot of pain. She was great though. She wanted to have you naturally and she did everything she could to do so. Of course all to benefit you!!! One day you will thank her for all the hard work that day!! I really hope to get to see you soon and absolutely cannot wait!!! Like I have told your mom when she had Eve and now having you, it's hard to imagine that not even having met you yet, I love you so very much!!! You and Eve are wonderful blessings to all of us!!!
Love you!!
Aunt Jill

not quite a homebirth

Well kid, we thought we had it all figured out. We hired a homebirth midwife and a doula to help us welcome you into the world. Labor started on Wednesday morning about 3 a.m. The midwife was called about 4:30 in the morning on Wednesday, August 1. She sent her birth assistant over and they checked your heart rate and everything was moving along fine. The doula came over a little later that morning around 7 and the midwife made it over around 10 a.m. Labor was slow but progressing and we had a labor pool in the living room that made everything a little easier to handle. To make a long labor short, we ended up going to the hospital on Thursday morning around 4 a.m. The birth assistant drove us to National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD and you were born about 4 1/2 hours later. You were a large, healthy boy at 9 pounds, 1 ounce and were 21 1/2 inches long. Mom and dad were so proud to have a little boy and we all went home the next afternoon. Eve came to visit you in the hospital with grama. Eve loved you from day one and loves to put her pink blankets on you while you are laying down. You gained about 2 pounds in 2 weeks and love to eat and sleep. Mom and dad laugh at what an easy-going baby you are. Eve sometimes refers to you as a pooping machine because it's a phrase that mom uses occasionally. You have managed to pee on mom four times so far soaking her bed twice and pooped on her bed only once. Of course your dad thinks that is hilarious and says I should have learned my lesson by now. Your baby acne is finally starting to fade a little and you focus your eyes on whoever is holding you. Mom and dad can't wait to see who you will look like! We love you more than you could know.