Eastbound

Another big adventure in the lives of our little ones. A weekend spent in Germany's famous East.

Auntie Su (our most loyal blog reader) and Uncle Chrischie welcomed us to their humble abode, a beautiful apartment that offers the most stunning view of Jena, city of Goethe, Schiller, and Bratwurst lovers. But as adventures rarely happen indoors, we spent most of our time outside, barbecuing Thueringer Rostbratwurst and flying dragons. We had a blast! Which is good when you need to flya a dragon.

Auntie Su with niece and nephew

the brothers shlepping a heavy load uphill

top of the hill: flying lesson

happy nut chasing dragon


couch potatoes digesting sausages in front of the TV

Some well deserved rest after two days of endless excitement.

Dear family, thank you for letting us crash on your couch!!

Lil' bro and big sis

The cutest couple.

And probably double the trouble very soon...

See the sparkle in those eyes? Watch out, mom.

And that's not a kiss. It's a secret plan being whispered.

Yes, he can.

He can do it! With four months and five days Ben masters the full turn. Back to side to belly to side to back. When he is lying on his tummy he will sometimes pull up his knees and push himself back to the side with his feet. For safety reasons Ben will from now on be hanging from the ceiling.

Say what?

He's 4 months!

And looks slightly confused in this one ("Me four?"), but so cute! (Where are you, Brandy?)

Ben's stats:

He is loooooooooong. 66 cm.

And weighs 6600 g. American lbs anyone? (14.5 lbs, I think.)

Anyways, he is a slender little peanut, almost a string bean.

Always happy, unless hungry or sleepy.

He thinks Lia is hilarious and has lots of laughing fits.

We are calling him Pookie. As in: "Let's dance little Pookie" by Sandra Boynton. Pookie is a piglet, but there is really no connection (other than Ben's stunning farts and his amazing repertoire of grunting noises. Oink, oink.).

Happy b-day, Pookie!

P.S. Go to Henry's website. He is reading a book about Ben!

There were four in the bed and the little one said:

"Roll over!"

Our little one is rolling over! From his belly to his back, and from back to side. And he knows how to spin around in a circle! Just like Lia did when she was Ben's age. He is a lively little Ben.

Also, Ben finds us more and more amusing and ever so often extends his gorgeous smile to loud giggles. And there is more: he has learned to reach for his toys, hold on to them, and put them into his mouth. So many milestones! There is just one thing that hasn't changed, and that's Ben's hairdo. A tradition worth keeping.

both images are a courtesy of B. Cardarelli Photography