They call me Big Papi

At the beginning of September, Ben started daycare. We knew he was big for his age, but it didn't really hit Jeff how much bigger he was until he started dropping him off at daycare, and seeing that he was bigger than all the kids his age, and even bigger than some of the kids a year or more old! Apparently one of the ladies has given him the nickname, "Big Papi."

Of course he caught a cold just the minute he started daycare, but other than that he seems to be doing just fine. The teachers say he's happy and adjusting well.

On his six month checkup, the pediatrician gave him the homework of rolling over. And what do you know, the next day he finally rolled over. And now he's a rolling machine!

He also started solids as of six months, and unlike Daddy, he LOVES carrots! (see pic above)

Ben is also getting his first tooth. It's just popping through on the bottom....it's so cute! Hopefully we'll get a picture of it soon, but in the meantime, we've added some new ones to the gallery. (starting at pic #153, or just click here)

Happy 4th of July!

Ben had a "blast" on his first 4th of July. (But seriously, he was asleep before the fireworks went off...)

His cousin Ashley asked us today if his blog had been updated recently (umm...no), so here we are.

Check out the slideshow above for new pics -- months 3 and 4 (starting at pic #124 - or just click here). Ben took his first vacation and enjoyed his first Father's Day with the bestest Daddy in the whole world!

Ben's getting to be a really, really big boy (~20 pounds already!). And he's SO sweet...We're having lots of fun!!

Mommy is back to work now, so Ben is sure to have lots of adventures with his new daytime buddies...stay tuned!

Telling stories

Ben has been finding his voice, and it sure is cute.

Never give up

Ben's attempts to get his thumb in his mouth has provided us with loads of entertainment.

Take me out to the ballgame

Ben's first Padres game. He slept the whole time (surprise, surprise)!

Something to smile about

As previously reported, Grammy was able to get Ben's first smile caught on camera. A few days later we spent the day at the Mission Bay, and Papa had Ben captivated.

Last week we visited Grandpa, and just moments after we arrived Ben was grinning like crazy.

These grandparents sure do have the magic touch! Ben can't wait to show off his smile for Nana and Pop this summer! :)

Meet little Jeff, I mean Ben

Everywhere we go, friends, family, even perfect strangers say, "he looks just like his daddy!"

Here's a picture of Jeff (with his sisters Kristin and Kathy) when he was a baby.

What do you think?

He smiles!

It's been so fun to catch Ben smiling. Grammy seems to have the magic touch so far!

Welcome Ben!

After much anticipation, we welcomed Benjamin Scott Shanley into this world on March 11, 2010 at 9:57 a.m.

Ben is sweet, mellow and loves being held. Lucky for him, he's had many visitors who want to hold him.

We've had little sleep, but lots of fun.

This is our first family photo.