We got Eggs

Christmas at the Whiteheads was uneventful, yet so very full of excitement at the same time. Ben was so into the whole idea of Santa and presents. It was really fun.

We celebrated with Grandma and Grandma Whitehead the weekend before Christmas so we were able to stay home with just the three of us for Christmas Eve and Morning. We set out our cookies for Santa, and carrots for the reindeer. Put our magic key on the doorknob for Santa (Because "We don't have a Chim-in-ney Mama!!") And Ben went to bed with sugar plums dancing in his head.

The next morning Ben woke around 6 and I took him to the bathroom. As he was doing his business I asked him if he remembered who visited last night.

Ben: SANTA! Where is he?
Me: He went home but he left you some things.
Ben: EGGS!?
Me: Maybe! He told me to tell you there is a special present, wrapped in blue paper right on top just for you.
Ben: Let's go see!

Todd was in the hall with the video camera and he grabbed his hand and they walked very slowly into the living room. Ben found his special blue present and took it very carefully over to the chair where he opened it so slowly. Yup inside were two metal toy eggs that opened and inside were flat cloth eggs (think fried egg).

That boy was so excited!

But of course there were other toys to open and the eggs were forgotten for a couple of hours while he played with other new things.

I think he was pretty thrilled that Santa got him what he wanted. Now what am I going to do next year when the request gets bigger?

I made the traditional Christmas Quiche and we invited our friends Y'vonne and Josh over to share in toys and food. For Josh, mostly the toys!

Last Saturday we were able to visit with the extended Beyers' side of the family (Charlene's sisters) with dinner and a gift exchange. Several people were not feeling so well, so it was a pretty low key affair for the adults, but the kids had a ton of fun!

I am sorry I have very few pictures to share of the whole week. We took mostly video which I have yet to download and convert! So here are a couple of shots from Ben's new V-Tech kids digital camera, just for laughs.

Playing Doctor

Ben has a new game. He was in the room with us earlier this week (as was Grandma Becky!) when the technician used the ultrasound on my rather rounded tummy.
In usual Ben fashion, he had about 100 questions about the whole procedure and watched every move that woman made on the machine.

He now wants me to lie down and expose my belly so he can put the "jelly" on it. He squirts it around just like you would imagine. Then with one hand he moves around the "camera" and with the other he types on an imaginary computer, all the while looking at the "computer screen". He tells me he sees the baby, sometimes he sees other things, last night it was a turtle, interesting.

It really is the cutest thing ever.

He is accepting that he will have a little sister now, although he still insists that the baby in HIS belly is a boy.

Lots of pink around here soon

We found out yesterday that we will be having a little baby girl.

We are thrilled!!

Ben however....he might need a little time with that information.

Everything else looked great, baby looks right on target.

"Happy Turkey Day!"

That is what Ben said all day Thursday and Friday last week. He was too cute!

We had a lovely Turkey Day spent with our friends Y'vonne and Josh at their house. Y'vonne put out quite a spread and we are stuffed! Ben never did warm up to their dog Sasha but she was just as lovely as could be to Ben. Just the best dog!

On Friday Grandma and Grandpa Whitehead came into the city and picked us up to head up to Lake Geneva for a few days spent with them and Wendy, Dom and Dean. Dean DID finally warm up to Ben though I can't blame him for being skittish, Ben was in a bit of a mood that first night! I think the boys had fun playing together and it was nice to spend time with the family.

With Wendy and I both expecting in the spring I have a feeling these all family get togethers are going to be scarce until we have kids old enough to put on couches in the basement and forget about them!

Ben is looking forward to Christmas. He "gets it" a little more this year. He knows what the decorations mean and he knows who Santa Claus is. A conversation close to this has been ongoing in our house in order for Santa to figure out what it is Ben would like under the tree, unfortunately I get the same answer EVERY time.

Me: Ben what do you want Santa to bring you this year?
Ben: Ummmm eggs.
Me: Ok, eggs. What about a toy any toys?
Ben: Ummmm straws.
Me: I was thinking of something more like a toy. A race car? Some new Crayons?
Ben: Eggs, straws and a tiny computer *holding his hands about 2 inches apart and using his little baby voice*
Me: Ok then, Santa will have to work on that.

So Santa has located eggs of the toy variety and a tiny computer, though maybe not as tiny as he has asked for. He is still working out the straws thing though. I am sure he would be thrilled with a large package of drinking straws but I'm not so sure I want those all over my house!

What baby likes

Pumpkin Bread (thanks for the recipe Aunt Marci!)
Pepperoni
Sausage links
Salami
peanut butter and honey sandwiches
Decaf Iced Tea with LOTS of ice
York Peppermint Patties
Tuna fish sandwiches (yes I'm careful, only once a week!)
Mint Milano cookies
Egg Salad Sandwiches with lots of extra mustard

What the baby does NOT like (even if Mommy does like them)

Large pieces of meat (a whole chicken breast or a steak are out)
Water
Citrus fruits
Too much sauce of any kind (texture thing?)
Deli meat
Cigarette smoke. I don't love this ever, but I usually don't gag!
Bathrooms, not sure why but any and all bathrooms, no matter how lovely, make me gag.

He's an artist

Me: Ben pick up those sticks, you are making a mess.

Ben: But it's my ART!

Yeah the sticks are still on the floor.

Imaginary Puppies

Ben has a puppy, an imaginary one, sometimes two. They are all named Clifford (as in the big red dog) but they are "tiny and cute" as Ben likes to say in his most adorable little baby voice.

The puppy goes everywhere with us, sometimes in his pocket. The puppy has to go to bed with him. If we are being too loud we are reminded that the puppy is still sleeping. Or if we, god forbid, want to sit down we have to be sure that the puppy isn't already in the chair. We have had a few squished puppy accidents! OOPS.
The puppy often has to go potty before Ben does, with a wipe and a flush.

While this imaginary puppy thing is pretty darn cute, and Todd and I aren't discouraging it in anyway, we sort of wish someone else might adopt Clifford for awhile!

The things Moms say

"We don't put Cheerios in our underwear"

"It does look like a pocket, but there is no food allowed in your underwear"

Election Day

As of last Friday I am now a Stay At Home Mom, I am capitalizing it so it looks like a professional title. I can put that on forms where they ask for occupation. So far (3 whole days!) Ben and I are doing well. I think he is enjoying his mommy time. He has occasionally asked about going to school, but is Ok with the answer that he gets to stay with mommy now.

Being home now means that Ben got to come with me to vote yesterday. Our polling place was in an elementary school gym, with a playground right outside!

Ben: What you doing Mama?
Me: Voting.
Ben Oh. I see a basketball hoop mama.
Me: yes we are in a gym.
Ben: What you doing Mama?
Me: Voting.
Ben Oh. Mama, is this a school?
Me: Yes honey it is a school.
Ben: What you doing Mama?
Me: Voting.
Ben Oh. Can I play on the slide outside?
Me: Yes as soon as I am done.
Ben: What you doing Mama?
Me: Voting.
Ben Oh.

And that is pretty much the way it went for about 10 minutes as I filled out my ballot!

In other Election Day news, Obama's rally here in Chicago took place just steps away from our building. You could feel the excitement on the streets, everyone was so pumped up. Every time they called a state for Obama you could hear the roar of people. They estimated 150-200,000 were in attendance. But as Todd said, there were just people everywhere, the restaurants were full, the bars were full, there were just people walking around outside wanted to take it all in.

Todd went out for awhile around 9:00 and walked about 4-5 blocks from our house but did not cross over into the park because there were just so many people. He took some pictures of the streets and then went up to our roofdeck and took some pictures of what he could see from up there, which was basically the whole park.













There was no news of violence or police activity, everyone was peaceful, everyone was respectful. I could not be prouder of this city.

So here is to change and to hope. Let's all work together to make these next 4 years a better 4 years.

Baby in the belly

We have started introducing the concept of a baby to Ben here and there. Here are some cute things he has had to say on the matter.

******

We are playing on my bed making a spaceship out of all the pillows, we are headed for the moon. Ben gets a little excited and kicks out his leg aimed right at my stomach.

Me: Oh Ben you need to be careful OK? Mommy has a baby in there and we can't hurt it.
Ben: You have a baby in there?
Me: Yes I am growing one in my tummy.
Ben: *lifting his shirt* I have a baby in my tummy too mama.
Me: *patting his tummy* You do?!
Ben: Yeah and it a cute one!

******

I'm lying on the bed rubbing my stomach and Ben is crawling all over being...well 2 years old and BEN.

Ben: Mama? You have a baby in 'der? *pointing to my tummy*
Me: Yes I do sweetie.
Ben: I take it out now mama and play with it OK?

******

Ben has a bowl with a few Smartie candies in it and I am standing in the kitchen feeling fat and gross.

Me: Mommy's tummy is getting big isn't it bug?
Ben: There a baby inside.
Me: Yeah there is a baby inside.
Ben: Take it out mama, I share my candies with the baby Mama!

Secrets Revealed

Since I know there are quite a few of you out there in the Northwest who read this Blog, and I am trying to let our big news seep out there without a bunch of fanfare, I thought a post and a bit of talk amongst family would be the best way.

Todd and I are expecting a new baby in May. I am currently 13 weeks pregnant (and starting to look it!)

As most of you know we have had some difficulties trying to add to our family this year, so we are quite pleased that this little one has chosen us. It comes, of course, with some extra baggage though! I am under the care of high risk doctors and some specialists. I am currently the lowest risk - high risk patient they can have. I hope that we keep it that way!

We have been blessed with many many ultrasounds to see the baby, and have been assured that at this point everything looks just the way it should.

Please keep our family and our newest addition in your thoughts and prayers. I have a feeling we have a long road through this pregnancy!

Sometimes...

Ben bumps his head.
(and gets cold hands when he holds the icepack!)

Bar Exam - Passed!!

That is right folks, The Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar has informed Todd that he can now practice law in the state of Illinois!

We are all so thrilled, and I am SO proud of him.

Swearing in is scheduled for Nov 6th!

Picture this

Ben standing in the hallway. Leaning with his shoulder against the wall, one foot crossed over the other. Toy cell phone to one ear. Finger in his other (so he can hear, don't you know?!)

Ben: yeah, uh huh. I in the bathroom. Uh huh. Ok Bye, see you later.

Where does this kid come UP with these things?

He is killing us, just killing us.

A couple of small Ben stories

I had a small bit of yarn, 8 feet or so, left from a project and I asked Ben if he wanted to play with it. He took it and went running into the hallway.
He laid it all out on the floor and told us it was his "football floor". Having of course no idea what he was talking about, Todd and I just said "uh huh, looks good buddy". Then he had us put on imaginary helmets and went and found his football.

Then it dawned on us, he made the lines of the football field with the yarn on the floor. His football floor. So we played football in the hallway. Ben won.

****

One of the stories you always hear from parents of toddlers is the first time you hear a curse word out of their kid's mouth. This week we have been hearing "cwap" an awful lot.

"It's cwap, mama" When asked what he has in his hand.
After dropping his milk cup "Cwap, it in the floor"

At first we weren't so sure exactly what he was saying so I ignored it, but now it is evident, he is saying crap. And pretty much in context!

Given how much I swear, and the MUCH worse words I tend to use. Really "crap" isn't all that bad! But I think I need to clean up my act a bit! CRAP!

****

On the potty training front:

We are accident free for 4 days now, and woke up with a dry diaper this morning! He has definitely learned to hold it and is letting us know when he has to go. We still ask a lot and ask him to go before we go out anywhere.

Last week I picked him up from daycare and he told me he had to go before we went home, so we headed to the bathroom. They have those super cute toddler toilets in their bathroom! I asked if he needed help and he said "NO! I do it myself!" Ok buddy. So I sat in the counter and waited. He pulled down his pants lifted the seat and went standing up. Who taught him that? I went and asked the teacher, she said she had wondered if we taught him, he had been doing it all day. I think it is one of those things wired in the male brain. "Hey I can pee standing up, why in the world would I sit?"

Halloween

Todd: What do you want to be for Halloween Ben?

Ben: DADDY!

Good answer bud, good answer.

What do you think Ben should be for halloween?

Busy Whiteheads

We have been a busy family the last couple weekends and I have failed miserably to document those happenings so I thought I would share our adventures now.

Labor Day weekend we headed up to Lake Geneva and Pat and Charlene's condo there. Pat and Charlene were there for the weekend and Aunt Jenny, Uncle Gary, Lisa, Jim and their 2 girls, Zoe and Claire joined us on Saturday. We had such a nice time!

Ben got to play on the beach, enjoy the swimming pool, and go to the county fair! He was up WAY past his bedtime. He passed out when we got home, hugging his new friend the stuffed frog he "won" at the fair.

Here are some pictures from the weekend.



Todd enjoyed his last days of freedom last week. He had no responsibilities, school or work related, and just enjoyed some extra naps (and maybe a few chores and errands I had for him!)

On Saturday, we headed down to Champaign, Il for a football game at the University of Illinois. Todd's family from Springfield met us there and we had a great time with all the the family. Scott and Janelle have 2 boys and add in Ben and Dean and those kids had a blast! UofI won the game and we did some tailgating afterward. There is something about a brat cooked near a truck exhaust that is just delicious!

We also had the opportunity to stop by and see my friend Michelle who now lives in Champaign. She is due with their first child in October and it was wonderful to get to see her big belly! That is going to be one adorable kid!

Here are a few photos from the game and Michelle's house.

Potty Training!

We are now potty training. Officially, no more diapers (except for nap and night!)

Ben seems to like his underwear, he hasn't asked to put on a diaper yet.

We are still having accidents if we don't force potty time regularly. I'm not sure he is aware that he has to go just yet. He has no fear of the toilet or going #1 or #2 on it, he just doesn't quite know that he HAS to go. I am also wondering if he just says no because he doesn't want to stop what he is doing. I'm not sure how to convince him that he can go back to playing after he goes potty!

We started out with stickers as a reward for just sitting on the potty but very soon he stopped asking for them at all so I stopped offering them! He doesn't really seem to need a reward each time.

We will stick with it because he seems to be accepting of it.

If you have any good potty training advice I'll take it!!

Can a car eat?

Ben decided that he wanted to bring out his blanket and have a picnic with me on the couch (we shared some of our imaginary food with Daddy as well) After we ate our meal, which consisted of a lot of watermelon, the subject turned to what some other things like to eat.

Ben: Ben kitty.
Me: oh Ben is a kitty, what does a kitty eat?
Ben: Kitty food.
Me: right kitty food.

Ben: I a turtle.
Me: You are a very nice turtle.
Ben: what turtle eat?
Me: Ummm lettuce and carrots.
Ben: Oh

Ben: Mama, what car eat?
Me: Ummm gas, I suppose. A car eats gas.
Ben: NO MAMA, silly. No eat gas.
Me: No really a car eats gas, that is what makes it go.
Ben: noooooo
Me: Then what does a car eat?
Ben: COOKIES!

We have entered the age of asking questions that mommy might not know the answer to! How long can I get away with just making stuff up? I'm pretty sure my dad STILL makes up most of the answers!

Finally some wedding pictures!

Here are some pictures of Chris and Nora's wedding events. I threw in some bonus ones from Grandma and Grandpa's house a couple days after the wedding.

Wedding Day, Saturday August 9th, 2008

This is how Ben spent the day (as outlined by Todd)

Wakeup
Waffles for breakfast
Hang out in hotel room with Daddy
Eat lunch with Daddy and Grandpa
Nap for 2 hours
Get dressed into tux - surprisingly ok with it
Eat bag of mini Oreos while waiting for pictures
Take pictures - sort of, may not actually be in any
Run around park
Eat bag of mini Ritz cheese and crackers while waiting for ceremony
Run around park
Trip and fall - lightly skin knees
Run around park
Walk down aisle holding Mommy's hand
Steal Mommy's flowers
Run to Daddy sitting in audience
See flower girl run up to her Mommy
Run up to Mommy
Run back to Daddy
Run up to Mommy
Run back to Daddy
Run around park while vows being exchanged - chased by Daddy
Run up to Mommy to hold her hand while walking down aisle
Run around park
Ride with Grandma and Grandpa to reception
Run up and down hallway
Remove tux jacket
Eat dinner - yummy
Remove bowtie
Run up and down hallway
Remove shoes
Run up and down hallway
Decide that phone booth at end of hallway is "Ben's house"
Play in Ben's house
Run up and down hallway
Run circles around Chris and Nora's first dance
Run up and down hallway
Play in Ben's house
Dance with Mommy
Run up and down hallway
Play in Ben's house
Run up and down hallway
Dance with Mommy
Run up and down hallway
Participate in conga line while being held by Chris
Run up and down hallway
Play in Ben's house
Run up and down hallway
Catch garter belt
Asked who he will marry - "Mommy!"
Run up and down hallway
Play in Ben's house
Run up and down hallway
Play in Ben's House
Run up and down hallway
Play in Ben's house
Run up and down hallway
Have complete meltdown because not allowed to go downstairs and play video games
Leave reception with Grandma and Grandpa - Daddy thankful
Pass out in hotel bed
Sleep until almost 8:00 AM next day

When Ben runs for President he is going to kill me

Ben got out of his bath and was standing dripping wet with a towel around his shoulders. The two cats, who are very kind to him and rarely even bat at him, are in the doorway to his room.

Me: Ben go meet me in your room and I'll put on your jammies.

Ben: No the kitties bite me.

Me: The kitties are fine honey.

Ben: The kitties bite my penis.

Me: *trying really really hard to keep my composure* What?

Ben: The kitties bite me. The kitties bite my penis off *chomp*

Me: *REALLY trying not to laugh* Honey, no the kitties will not bite your penis off.

Todd heard this conversation and walked up next to Ben, I turned around so Todd and I could make eye contact in the mirror. My face was beet red and my eyes were tearing up trying to keep my laughter in.

You can't let him see you think it is funny. To him this is a VERY serious thing. Getting his penis bitten off.

Oh my, oh my, where do they get these things?

We made it

Todd made it through his test, he survived with only a few scars. Now the waiting game begins. We won't know results until October!

We are frantically planning for our trip out west now. We leave in just a few days and I am completely unprepared! My in-laws are driving out to the wedding (and are making a vacation trip out of it) and will be by to pick up some of our things so that we don't have to bring them all on the airplane. I am trying to figure out which things to send with them and which things to pack with us. That means I have to PACK. UGH!

Ben is adjusting to having his daddy back. He is still wanting me to do everything for him but is slowly remembering that daddy can do those things too! And let me tell you I NEED daddy to help, I am exhausted!

Bar Exam

"Bar Exam"

Those are scary words in our house the next two days.
Why does it have to be so hard? He went to school for 4 years, and made really good grades!

Not enough. You have to take this horrible test for 2 full days.

I love my husband, I love him more than anything in the world. He is the smartest, most capable, cutest darn thing ever.

Testing is Tuesday and Wednesday. Send up a prayer, make a wish, cross your toes if you prefer. He will take everything he can get.

But do it quietly, Todd is studying.

Snipits

On our walk in the park today

Me: Ben look at all those birds in the grass, they are having breakfast.
Ben: Mama birds cooking, baby birds haffa wait.

Yet another talk about weddings

Me: What are you going to do at the wedding?
Ben: Eat carrots.

And a couple of pictures:

Wake up Call

We transferred Ben to a "Big Boy" toddler bed in the spring sometime. I think we had the same worry most all parents have when they are moving their toddlers from their cribs. "He will be free, he will not be caged, what will we do? He can get up and light fires, get out the knives, order pay-per-view! Our child will be a delinquent!"

Yet, for some reason our little toddler was still under the impression that he could not get out of bed without Mommy or Daddy coming in and telling him he could. Hmmmm....we liked this little arrangement! He sits up in bed and calls for us. We have an extra minute to go to the bathroom and get his milk before we go to his room. Perfect little situation... that might have all come to an end today.

I woke up at 5:45. A small blond fellow was staring at me. Tapping my cheek. "Mommy wake up now?"

I need to hide the knives and matches.

So sleepy......ZZZZZZ

11:30 PM Tuesday: Finally pass out watching Deadliest Catch on Discovery Channel. Why I watch this show, I don't know. I get all scared and nervous for those men. Todd is away studying this week and I have a really hard time falling asleep when he isn't there.

1:30 AM Wednesday: Tommy (one of our cats) lays on the pillow above my head and starts grooming me. I don't like cats licking my head, go figure. I shoo him away.

2:30 AM: I hear rattling in the kitchen. I get up to investigate. Jerry (other cat) on the counter licking a plate left from Ben's dinner. Damn cat.

3:37 AM: Tommy on my nightstand knocking everything off. I get up to see if they are out of food, obviously they need something. Nope, full food and water. DAMN CATS.

4:45 AM: Tommy in the windowsill licking the blinds. Why do cats do this? Placing an ad in the paper for FREE CATS tomorrow morning.

5:00 AM: I hear a lovely rendition of ABCs from the other room. Why? Why is he up so early?! I choose to let him try and fall back asleep.

5:10 AM: "MOMMY MOMMY WHEEEEEERE AAAAAARRRRREEEE YOUUUUUU??

5:15 AM: I give in. I get up.

At what age can you just let them get their own breakfast?

About that ring bearer thing.....

Nora and Kyla both asked about Ben's reaction to being a ring barer, so I thought I would share a story from this evening.

Me: Hey Ben, do you remember that we are going on a trip in a few days? (Since he can't really tell time "a few days" means soon but not today in his brain)

Ben: Yeah! Airplane, vroom vroom *acting like an airplane*

Me: Yup, and what the the BIGGEST rule on the airplane?

Ben: NO KICKING!

Me: Right, no kicking! (Trying to get this set in his brain now, the poor people who have to sit in front of us!)

Ben: See Nora, Chris?

Me: Yup! Let's read the book Nora got you about the wedding. (Nora got him a book about being a ring barer)

Ben: Ok *finds book, and also brings back the engagement photo that he has kept with his "treasures"*

*We get to the page that shows the Bride and Groom standing together saying their vows"

Ben: Nora? *points to bride*

Me: Yup, and who will this be? *pointing to groom*

Ben: BEN!

Me: Well no, Ben will be the boy who carries the rings. *points to the ring barer* The groom will be Chris.

Ben: I no carry rings, I this one. *points to groom*

Watch out Chris, he is pretty cute in that tux.

Conversation

Ben: Mama, go on airplane!?
Me: In a few days (2o to be exact) We will go on an airplane! We are going to see Aunt Nora and Uncle Chris. Do you remember them?
Ben: No mama.
Me: Lets look at a picture OK? *go get their engagement pic from the fridge* See this is Aunt Nora and Uncle Chris, remember now.
Ben: OH YEAH! *points and tells me Nora and Chris*

- At bedtime-

Ben: On airplane mama, few days.
Me: Yeah honey in a few days
Ben: Nora Chris
Me: Right we will see Nora and Chris. Who else will we see.
Ben: *Thinking* Papa?!
Me: Yes we will see Papa, and who else?
Ben: GAMMA!
Me: Right, good job we will see Nora, Chris, Grandma Becky and Papa
Ben: Few days Mama.
Me: Right in a few days

Why do I think I have started a conversation we will be having OVER AND OVER AND OVER for the next 20 days?

Uh Oh

Ben dropped something on the floor.

Me: Uh Oh Spaghettios!
Ben: UH OH SKETTI!
Me: What is it that Y'vonne says? Uh oh what? Uh Oh......?
Ben: HOTDOG!
Me: Yeah Uh Oh hot dog! That is silly.

We laugh, life goes on.
30 minutes later in the bathtub.

Ben: Uh Oh MEATBALL!
Me: What did you say?
Ben:Uh Oh MEATBALL!
Me: *actually serious* Who says it that way? *really thinking that someone says that, maybe a teacher?*
Ben: * looking at me like I must have lost my mind* Me Mama, Ben!

Well of course, apparently we have a new saying in our house.

Quitin' Time

I quit my job today.

Well sort of.

I gave notice that Oct 31st will be my last day. Todd and I have decided that once he starts working at the law firm in September we will be in a nice position to have me stay home for a few years and take care of Ben and our house.

It is a strange feeling, knowing that I won't have a job, by choice. I feel sort of like I should be brushing up my resume and looking at listings.

Single Mom

Todd is in the final push (2 weeks EEEEK!) before the Bar Exam and is staying out at his parents house. There he has peace and quiet for studying, a car for Portillo's runs, and .... did I mention peace and quiet?

While he is away Ben and I are on our own.

I would like to tell all the single working moms out there how much I admire them. I do not know how you do what you do day in and day out. It is so much work! Even on days when Todd was working and studying late and I had the full responsibility of Ben all day, I knew that Todd woudl be home SOMETIME to give me a break. I always know I have backup.

Ben and I got the have breakfast with our favorite group of "brunchers" Auntie Y'vonne, Auntie Laurie and Auntie Lin on Saturday morning. It takes Ben a little while to warm up to the group of ladies, but once he does they are best friends! (Although he did ask for Josh the entire way to the restaurant, he seemed to forget all about him as soon as he saw Y'vonne!)

Another side effect of Ben hanging out with me a lot more than Dad is that he picks up Mommy's traits and mannerisms. This weekend Ben: wore high heels, put on make up, got his toe nails polished (clear polish!), and was seen walking around the house holding a bra up to his chest telling me all about his "boo boos" (boobs). I think after the bar exam, Daddy might need to take him to a monster truck rally or something equally "manly".

Independance, Negotiation, Abuse, Rules

"Ben do IT!" is the most frequent sentence around here followed my "Ben have it?"

***

If he wants to delay something (dinner, bath time, leaving for school) he says "Play with Ben, 2 minutes OK Mama, 2 minutes" And holds up 2 fingers. I stop and play every time. Just encouraging it I suppose but it is SO CUTE!

****

The ones that bring a tinge of anger though are when I have sternly (not yelled mind you ) told him to do something, or have taken his hand to lead him to time out and he says "No screaming Mommy No screaming" Or " No pushing Mommy No pushing BEN!" Like I am really hurting him.
He pulled out "No hit Ben Mommy NO HIT BEN" when we were in a restaurant the other day when I placed my hand over his to stop him from drawing on the table instead of the paper. *sigh*

****

We have a set of rules that get automatic time-outs/ discipline. Ben can rattle these off quite easily.

No Hitting, no kicking, no throwing things, no screaming

So tonight he was standing up in a box and it was pretty dangerous so I told him to stop. The next time he did it I called him to me and said "The rule is no standing on the box, if you stand on it again you will get a time out and no treat tonight. Now what is the rule Ben?"

Of course what is the answer?

"No Hitting, no kicking, no throwing things, no screaming"

Ok well yeah those are the rules, but ...oh sheesh....We both really are trying to understand each other... just sometimes we pass right by...so close and yet....

Ben and The Feeneys

Todd and I attended Kevin and Jodi's wedding this weekend and left the care of our precious child in the hands of Y'vonne and Josh.
They wanted to take him to the zoo and out to eat. I thought this was an ambitious plan but if that is what they wanted to do, then I should let them have a go at it!

Of course the report back was that he was a perfect angel child and caused no problems at all, ate his dinner, and went to bed easily.

If Todd and I had tried this exact same day it would have resulted in a few tantrums and I bet no dinner would have been eaten. What is it about babysitters that make kids behave?

Here are some pictures that Y'vonne took at the zoo. You can tell that Y'vonne had the camera because Josh is in EVERY picture!

Memorial Day

For Memorial Day weekend we went up the Pat and Charlene's condo at Lake Geneva. Wendy and Dean were able to come up as well. We had a terrific time and the boys had fun playing together. Here are some pictures from our day at the park.

Aunt Wendy was really smart and brought BOTH of Dean's lawnmowers to play with. I can't imagine the carnage if she hadn't been so ingenious! Ben enjoyed being a "worker-man", fixing the mowers and making sure Dean had enough gas in his!

Long Time...

I sort of abandoned this blog for several months, but I am going to try and start back up. Ben is really talking up a storm and I think it will be nice to document some of the funny/cute things he says for everyone.

From Sunday:
It is 3:30 and Ben has been napping over 3 hours now, so I decided to go an give him a nudge into waking up.
He sits up in bed and looks at me sitting on the floor next to him.

Ben: No tawk mama
Me: What honey, no what?
Ben: Tawk mama, Ben no tawk.
Me: Ben doesn't want to talk now?
Ben: No.
Me: OK I'll be in the living room, call when you need me.

5 minutes later

Ben: MAMA!
Me: Are you ready to talk now?
Ben: YEAH!

His imagination has been really blossoming the last few weeks. He is pretending to be different animals or objects (a fire truck is especially loud!). If he is a kitty or a doggie you have to pet his head!

So really I am going to try and keep this up and think of a good Ben story a few times a week! Let's see if I can do it!