Tonight, Bennett and I met Brian at our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Palenque, for dinner. Bean and I had just left a play date and Brian was coming home from work. Bennett and I got there a few minutes before Brian, which was fine. They have fresh chips and salsa - yum!
Oh my goodness, y'all. Bennett literally shoveled the salsa in to his mouth. He'd load up a chip and then bite off as much as he could, licking his fingers between bites. We have given up ordering or even offering him anything else when we go there. All he eats is salsa.
Tonight he had lemonade to drink and every now and then, he'd get this semi-panicked look on his face, stick out his tongue and say, "too spicy, mama!" I'd direct his attention to his cup and he'd slurp down some lemonade to put out the fire before diving back in - teeth first.
Brian arrived just before Bennett had emptied the chip basket, thank goodness. The first thing Bennett said to Brian? "I have yummy salsa, daddy. Have good day?" Upturned salsa-covered face, sweet smile, salsa-covered hand lovingly placed on clean white t-shirt. All we could do was giggle.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Funny things he says . . .
When he's finished getting dressed, he screams out what is supposed to be, "All set!" It sounds more like, "Oh Shit!" (I giggle inside every time!)
He also likes to tell me that things are "apornant". That's "important" in Bennett-speak.
I'm sure there are more - I'll add them when I hear them. We could all use a good laugh, right?
He also likes to tell me that things are "apornant". That's "important" in Bennett-speak.
I'm sure there are more - I'll add them when I hear them. We could all use a good laugh, right?
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Puppy Runs
I have had puppies several times in my life. They used to do this thing that I fondly called, "puppy runs". It meant that they started running back and forth very quickly between two previously unimportant spots in the yard. It looked a little like what basketball players called a "suicide".
Bennett sometimes does this. It's quite funny to see! The other day, he was hyped on late afternoon sun and he just ran and ran and ran from the front door to the kitchen and back again. He has the biggest grin on his face and giggles like he's hearing a very funny joke in his head.
Bennett sometimes does this. It's quite funny to see! The other day, he was hyped on late afternoon sun and he just ran and ran and ran from the front door to the kitchen and back again. He has the biggest grin on his face and giggles like he's hearing a very funny joke in his head.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
The Rocker
He fell asleep in his rocking chair again tonight. I was able to move him to his bed after he'd been down for an hour or so, thank goodness. I don't know where this is coming from!
He's been trying to so hard to be "big" and go to sleep on his own, but he's not as brave as he thinks. Maybe. Maybe he's just so used to having me there, that even though he knows I'm going to leave when I put him in his bed, he still thinks I'll come back.
Tonight - we were getting him dressed (read: baby wrangling a thirty pound alligator) and it took longer than usual, so we had to cut our book reading from three books to two. He blew me away when he didn't protest or demand another book or fifTEEN. Check out this video to understand how that number is supposed to sound: John John Counting. He simply got up to hug Brian, and then climbed in his bed and said "night night". WHAT?!?! You're all grown up now?
Yeah, right. We hugged him, told him we loved him and that we'd see him in the morning. Brian flipped the light switch off and we left. There were immediate tears and when I finally got the monitor turned on, I could see that he was trying to turn on his lamp and in the process, hit the ottoman at the rocker and fell over. I couldn't just leave him in there at that point, so I went in. He said, "Mama, rock?" Of course, my sweet love.
We rocked for a few minutes and he got all loungy and relaxed, so I leaned in real close to his ear and whispered, "Would you like for mama to leave you here on the rocker by yourself to fall asleep?" His reply, "Yes, please." So I did.
He stayed there for a little while, but then he started to cry and wandered around. He rested for a while in his bed, then got out and propped the blanket on the end of it before walking back to the rocker. He ultimately fell asleep there and I moved him back to his bed where he still sleeps peacefully.
He's been trying to so hard to be "big" and go to sleep on his own, but he's not as brave as he thinks. Maybe. Maybe he's just so used to having me there, that even though he knows I'm going to leave when I put him in his bed, he still thinks I'll come back.
Tonight - we were getting him dressed (read: baby wrangling a thirty pound alligator) and it took longer than usual, so we had to cut our book reading from three books to two. He blew me away when he didn't protest or demand another book or fifTEEN. Check out this video to understand how that number is supposed to sound: John John Counting. He simply got up to hug Brian, and then climbed in his bed and said "night night". WHAT?!?! You're all grown up now?
Yeah, right. We hugged him, told him we loved him and that we'd see him in the morning. Brian flipped the light switch off and we left. There were immediate tears and when I finally got the monitor turned on, I could see that he was trying to turn on his lamp and in the process, hit the ottoman at the rocker and fell over. I couldn't just leave him in there at that point, so I went in. He said, "Mama, rock?" Of course, my sweet love.
We rocked for a few minutes and he got all loungy and relaxed, so I leaned in real close to his ear and whispered, "Would you like for mama to leave you here on the rocker by yourself to fall asleep?" His reply, "Yes, please." So I did.
He stayed there for a little while, but then he started to cry and wandered around. He rested for a while in his bed, then got out and propped the blanket on the end of it before walking back to the rocker. He ultimately fell asleep there and I moved him back to his bed where he still sleeps peacefully.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Mr. Pitiful
Bennett has had a pretty rough cough for most of today. In fact, it was so bad this afternoon, that he had ZERO nap. Fun for me, right? Wrong.
Anyway, tonight, after his bath we gave him a little medicine to help him feel better. He took it without any protest and then we went on with the rest of the process. He picked out three books to read, then turned off his light before climbing into the rocker with me for some snuggles.
After chatting about his day and then a couple of more stories, he looked up at me (I guess that's what he did because it's pitch black in there and you can't see a damn thing.) and said, oh so pitifully, "I coughing mama. Medississ." (Translation: "I'm coughing, mama. Medicine?") I assured him that we had already given him some medississ and that it just needed a minute to start working. He nodded and immediately drifted off to sleep.
Now that's some trust, right there!
Anyway, tonight, after his bath we gave him a little medicine to help him feel better. He took it without any protest and then we went on with the rest of the process. He picked out three books to read, then turned off his light before climbing into the rocker with me for some snuggles.
After chatting about his day and then a couple of more stories, he looked up at me (I guess that's what he did because it's pitch black in there and you can't see a damn thing.) and said, oh so pitifully, "I coughing mama. Medississ." (Translation: "I'm coughing, mama. Medicine?") I assured him that we had already given him some medississ and that it just needed a minute to start working. He nodded and immediately drifted off to sleep.
Now that's some trust, right there!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sleeping
We put Bennett down for sleep tonight after having a little talk about how big boys sleep. The key is that when they wake up in the middle of the night, they get back in their bed and put themselves to sleep again. They don't cry for mama . . .
I looked at the monitor about fifteen minutes ago and saw this:
I thought he had just rolled out of his bed - the brown blob in the middle of the white was his hand and the brown blob at the bottom of the screen was his head in my opinion. Then, I scrolled the camera based on a hunch and found this:
It seems he followed my advice a little bit. I hadn't even heard him get out of bed. Good boy!
After quieting our laughter, I went in to move him back to his bed. Not a peep. And for the record, he's holding his bubby in the bottom photo. Kept his security with him, I see.
I looked at the monitor about fifteen minutes ago and saw this:
After quieting our laughter, I went in to move him back to his bed. Not a peep. And for the record, he's holding his bubby in the bottom photo. Kept his security with him, I see.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Santa, redeaux again
We went to see a third Santa tonight. My friend Tamara (CJ's mom) invited us to join them at the Festival of Lights at the Erie Co. Fairgrounds this evening. I'm so glad that we went! I didn't think that Bennett would really be into seeing Santa, but he was okay. He didn't burst into tears, which was wonderful! (He told Santa that he wanted "lights" for Christmas. News to me!)
Before we stopped to see Santa, we drove through a field of lighted displays, which was lots of fun. Bennett loved identifying what each theme was. He especially liked the reindeer. I'm only sad that we drove the Elantra rather than the Volvo because my clutch leg is exhausted!
Then, we went inside where we met up with CJ, Tamara and Chris for the boys to ride some rides. What fun! There was a car ride similar to the one they rode last summer at the Old Home Days, a motor boat ride and a train.
Definitely an activity to repeat next year.
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| High Fives for Santa! |
Before we stopped to see Santa, we drove through a field of lighted displays, which was lots of fun. Bennett loved identifying what each theme was. He especially liked the reindeer. I'm only sad that we drove the Elantra rather than the Volvo because my clutch leg is exhausted!
Definitely an activity to repeat next year.
Snow
It finally snowed. Bennett and Brian worked hard to do some shoveling late last week. We finished up the job this morning. Bennett had a great time!
I'm quite positive that he won't love it as much the tenth time we send him outside with his snow shovel!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Why?
It seems we've entered the "Why?" phase. I overheard bathtub conversation tonight and the majority of the sound coming out of Bennett's mouth sounded like, "Why?"
Great. (Please read the masked sarcasm here. I'm VERY excited that he's curious. I just hoped we'd be able to wait a while before that particular developmental stage set in.)
Great. (Please read the masked sarcasm here. I'm VERY excited that he's curious. I just hoped we'd be able to wait a while before that particular developmental stage set in.)
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
This one is for my mom . . .
Last Friday, we hosted playgroup at our house for some close friends. I served chicken salad for lunch. Just like his mama - Bennett separated out the celery first.
Then - he ATE IT!
Unlike his mama.
Today, I served the same chicken salad again. I tried to feed him and he said, "celery first". Someone needs to do a DNA test. I'm not sure he's mine.
Then - he ATE IT!
Unlike his mama.
Today, I served the same chicken salad again. I tried to feed him and he said, "celery first". Someone needs to do a DNA test. I'm not sure he's mine.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Christmas fun, exhibit A
Today was a really busy and mostly great day!
This morning, we rearranged Bennett's bedroom because he had made escapes from his crib every sleeping time since my last post. ACK! We decided to take one side off his crib and begin the conversion to Big Boy Bed. We had to rearrange the rest of the furniture so that we could put the new "bed" against a wall.
He only slept one hour before he "escaped" and tried to get out of his room. Ugh.
The afternoon felt like it was dominated by Sir Cranks Alot. We had pulled a tiny three-wheeled scooter out of the trash pile of a neighbor earlier in the day. Brian spent the little bit of nap time fixing it so that Bennett could ride it this afternoon. Oh my gracious - that scooter or "skateboard" as Bennett likes to call it caused so much drama! He learned to ride it in the living room and seemed to have a handle on the idea.
Brian took Bennett outside to try it on the sidewalk. We even got his bike helmet on and everything. No. The second Bennett got outside, he wanted to "drive" Brian's car. Then, he tried running out into the street. UGH! I had been trying to get us packed up to go Christmas tree hunting and put that into a quicker gear.
After much crying and lots of refusal of any snacks offered, Bennett calmed down as we got closer to the tree farm. Thank goodness! We had so much fun picking out a tree. Our tree is small (about 4.5 feet), but has a nice round bottom and even shape. It's sitting outside on our porch waiting to be put in the stand. I think I'll get lights on it tonight and then we can decorate it with ornaments tomorrow night.
The place that we went for our tree was a little north of us in Wilson called Erway Christmas Tree Adventure. What a fun place! Not only could we cut down our own tree, but they also had a lodge where we could go to warm up. Inside this lodge were all kinds of taxidermied animals - including the head of a giraffe AND an elephant head. Very neat to see. Also in the lodge was a couch with Santa. We had a horrible experience with Santa at the zoo yesterday (see photo evidence). Tonight's attempt went a bit better, I think!
In addition to Santa, the farm had a life sized Rudolph character greeting the children. Bennett thought that was the coolest thing ever. He kept saying, "I want to hug it!" Now that was fun. See below:
Yay! We're making progress, for sure. There will be more fun documented and posted as it happens!
This morning, we rearranged Bennett's bedroom because he had made escapes from his crib every sleeping time since my last post. ACK! We decided to take one side off his crib and begin the conversion to Big Boy Bed. We had to rearrange the rest of the furniture so that we could put the new "bed" against a wall.
He only slept one hour before he "escaped" and tried to get out of his room. Ugh.
The afternoon felt like it was dominated by Sir Cranks Alot. We had pulled a tiny three-wheeled scooter out of the trash pile of a neighbor earlier in the day. Brian spent the little bit of nap time fixing it so that Bennett could ride it this afternoon. Oh my gracious - that scooter or "skateboard" as Bennett likes to call it caused so much drama! He learned to ride it in the living room and seemed to have a handle on the idea.
Brian took Bennett outside to try it on the sidewalk. We even got his bike helmet on and everything. No. The second Bennett got outside, he wanted to "drive" Brian's car. Then, he tried running out into the street. UGH! I had been trying to get us packed up to go Christmas tree hunting and put that into a quicker gear.
After much crying and lots of refusal of any snacks offered, Bennett calmed down as we got closer to the tree farm. Thank goodness! We had so much fun picking out a tree. Our tree is small (about 4.5 feet), but has a nice round bottom and even shape. It's sitting outside on our porch waiting to be put in the stand. I think I'll get lights on it tonight and then we can decorate it with ornaments tomorrow night.
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| At the zoo with his pal Logan |
In addition to Santa, the farm had a life sized Rudolph character greeting the children. Bennett thought that was the coolest thing ever. He kept saying, "I want to hug it!" Now that was fun. See below:
Yay! We're making progress, for sure. There will be more fun documented and posted as it happens!
Friday, December 2, 2011
prisonbreak, part 1
It seems we have an escape artist on our hands.
About one hour into his nap, Bennett sat up and cried out. I thought nothing of it because he usually wakes up about an hour in to pee. However, this day was different.
I watched him scale the side of his crib (his mattress is on the floor inside the frame of his crib, so this was no small feat), traverse the crevasse b/n bed and rocker, then safely shimmy to the floor. He waddled to the door, tried the knob and then called out - "Hey mom. I wake!"
I'm not really sure what to do now.
About one hour into his nap, Bennett sat up and cried out. I thought nothing of it because he usually wakes up about an hour in to pee. However, this day was different.
I watched him scale the side of his crib (his mattress is on the floor inside the frame of his crib, so this was no small feat), traverse the crevasse b/n bed and rocker, then safely shimmy to the floor. He waddled to the door, tried the knob and then called out - "Hey mom. I wake!"
I'm not really sure what to do now.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
wherein he melts my heart
Today was a great day! We went to story time at the book store (which ended up not being so great because there was a guest who was horrible). Then we had a short visit with our friends Corbin and Megan (she wants me to do a sewing project for her and her son Corbin is part of Bennett's play group). After that, it was nap time. Two hours and then we were up and at 'em for the afternoon.
Bennett has begun participating in scientific studies at the University. Yesterday was his first session, today we went back for a little more. The study is with someone we'll call Dr. Hugo. He is observing the language development of children who come from a monolingual family as it compares to that of a child raised in a bilingual environment. How perfect for him that he has two children in the department who are just one month apart for comparison! Brian's co-worker has a son who is learning Chinese and English at home. I'm not sure of the details, but the study involves me playing with Bennett in a small room with an increasingly larger pile of toys. We are video taped and recorded through microphones. I'm anxious to find out the results. Dr. Hugo tells me that his goal is to track the boys for one full year, at three month increments.
The added bonus is that Bennett gets paid $15 each session. We've already got $30 in his college savings account. Whoo hoo! The boy may get some larnin'.
After we got home, Bennett and I had a great time putting the finishing touches on dinner. Then, we made mom's muffin batter together. Bennett is a very good stirrer! Very little of the batter escaped the bowl this time.
Dinner is when the little munchkin fell apart. Absolutely to pieces. We had to push his chair away from the table while we finished eating. Then, he was mostly uncooperative during bathtime. He kicked me and head-butted me as I was trying to rock him to sleep. I'd about had it when he asked me to help him find the g.d. tag on his blanket. SERIOUSLY KID!?!?!? I found it and touched his hand with it and whispered, "here it is, love."
He whispered right back, "Thank you."
Bennett has begun participating in scientific studies at the University. Yesterday was his first session, today we went back for a little more. The study is with someone we'll call Dr. Hugo. He is observing the language development of children who come from a monolingual family as it compares to that of a child raised in a bilingual environment. How perfect for him that he has two children in the department who are just one month apart for comparison! Brian's co-worker has a son who is learning Chinese and English at home. I'm not sure of the details, but the study involves me playing with Bennett in a small room with an increasingly larger pile of toys. We are video taped and recorded through microphones. I'm anxious to find out the results. Dr. Hugo tells me that his goal is to track the boys for one full year, at three month increments.
The added bonus is that Bennett gets paid $15 each session. We've already got $30 in his college savings account. Whoo hoo! The boy may get some larnin'.
After we got home, Bennett and I had a great time putting the finishing touches on dinner. Then, we made mom's muffin batter together. Bennett is a very good stirrer! Very little of the batter escaped the bowl this time.
Dinner is when the little munchkin fell apart. Absolutely to pieces. We had to push his chair away from the table while we finished eating. Then, he was mostly uncooperative during bathtime. He kicked me and head-butted me as I was trying to rock him to sleep. I'd about had it when he asked me to help him find the g.d. tag on his blanket. SERIOUSLY KID!?!?!? I found it and touched his hand with it and whispered, "here it is, love."
He whispered right back, "Thank you."
Thursday, November 17, 2011
I don't know how to title this one
So this is what Bennett found to be the funnest part of his week at Granna and Daddy-o's house. Let's have a title contest. Submit your entry below and I'll pick my fave.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
he's lucky I love him
Tonight, Bennett and I are in a hotel room in Morgantown, WV. We're almost halfway to my parents' house in NC. We stopped only because I'm driving by myself (Brian is in DC for a conference) and I couldn't continue. I just couldn't keep either of us trapped in the car any longer. Also, my mom is a little under the weather, so we're giving her a few extra hours to rest before having this huge ball of puppy energy foisted upon her.
Anyway - this kid is lucky to be alive and un-bruised. He has been trying my patience. Maybe he's just been himself and my patience is generally worn thin from poor eating, long distance driving and lack of adult conversation. Regardless - it took him forever to calm down to go to sleep because he just wanted to wiggle on the "big bed". And by golly he was distracted by every little sound. The acoustics are terrible in these cheaper hotels. But we're in a Best Western - so I can only imagine what we'd be hearing in a Motel 6. We simply got spoiled by the Staybridge Suites when we went to Susan's wedding. You couldn't hear ANYTHING in that place. Loved it.
I'm hoping that he'll at least sleep until 7am. He hasn't moved in the hour that he's been asleep so far. I'm going to turn in shortly. Brought a book with me and I'd like to read at least two pages . . . more than I've read in a week.
There's lots more to report, but it will have to wait for another day.
Anyway - this kid is lucky to be alive and un-bruised. He has been trying my patience. Maybe he's just been himself and my patience is generally worn thin from poor eating, long distance driving and lack of adult conversation. Regardless - it took him forever to calm down to go to sleep because he just wanted to wiggle on the "big bed". And by golly he was distracted by every little sound. The acoustics are terrible in these cheaper hotels. But we're in a Best Western - so I can only imagine what we'd be hearing in a Motel 6. We simply got spoiled by the Staybridge Suites when we went to Susan's wedding. You couldn't hear ANYTHING in that place. Loved it.
I'm hoping that he'll at least sleep until 7am. He hasn't moved in the hour that he's been asleep so far. I'm going to turn in shortly. Brought a book with me and I'd like to read at least two pages . . . more than I've read in a week.
There's lots more to report, but it will have to wait for another day.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Paging Dr. Allman, Jr.
Tonight, Bennett wore his "doctor jamas" for the first time. It's been warmer here, so I figured he didn't need the full regalia of "grandpajamas". He LOVES his scrubs!
We just need a surgery cap and he's all ready for Halloween 2012. As long as he doesn't grow!
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| Did someone call for a doctor? |
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| Mom, no one trusts a one-socked doc. A little help? |
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| I'm ready, is this thing on?? |
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| A rock a day keeps the bad dreams away. |
Monday, November 7, 2011
he's got adventure in his blood, it seems
So guess who just showed up in the kitchen with a snow shovel? The snow shovel that WAS out on the front porch. The porch that is OUTSIDE the front door. The front door that was SUPPOSED to be impenetrable by my toddler.
Yeah, that kid.
When I got over the initial shock, I asked him to show me how he got the shovel. He walked to the door and said, "I open it." I suppose we have to lock the screen door now too.
Yeah, that kid.
When I got over the initial shock, I asked him to show me how he got the shovel. He walked to the door and said, "I open it." I suppose we have to lock the screen door now too.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
And one and two and down and up . . .
For tonight's viewing pleasure we have a perfect example of "I wanna be just like daddy."
Monday, October 31, 2011
"lou-der"
Last night, I had got to sing Bah Bah Black Sheep about 250 times to help Bennett fall asleep. As I sang each round, he would tell ask me to switch the "boy" down the lane with a "girl" down the lane or vice versa. Fine with me, it's nice to switch things up a little when your voice is a broken record!
At approximately round 125, I switched to a whisper voice, in an effort to help him get more sleepy. Um, no. Before I got to "sheep", he had piped up - "Lou-DER". I suppose this means that he understands volume.
At approximately round 125, I switched to a whisper voice, in an effort to help him get more sleepy. Um, no. Before I got to "sheep", he had piped up - "Lou-DER". I suppose this means that he understands volume.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Not really failures, but they feel that way
So, we're back to using diapers. Bennett has had several days of multiple accidents, all of them pee, but still accidents. And he doesn't seem to understand! UGH! It feels like I may have misjudged his readiness for this task. But really? He was having so much success!
Is it because we traveled? Is it because he's building his vocabulary? Is it because we put him in preschool? Or is it just because he's two?
I don't have any answers, but in an effort to save my sanity, we're back in diapers. And unfortunately, we're using paper diapers. The cloth were hurting him and I couldn't stand that. My hope is that we won't have to use the diapers for long, so our environmental impact will not be horrible, but there's still some impact.
Anyway - cross your fingers that my Big Boy Bennett returns and tells Baby Bennett to take a hike. (But when he's ready.)
Is it because we traveled? Is it because he's building his vocabulary? Is it because we put him in preschool? Or is it just because he's two?
I don't have any answers, but in an effort to save my sanity, we're back in diapers. And unfortunately, we're using paper diapers. The cloth were hurting him and I couldn't stand that. My hope is that we won't have to use the diapers for long, so our environmental impact will not be horrible, but there's still some impact.
Anyway - cross your fingers that my Big Boy Bennett returns and tells Baby Bennett to take a hike. (But when he's ready.)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Success at "gool"
Great news to report today!!!
Brian took Bennett to school this morning. Don't be mistaken, I followed behind them and made sure to keep myself from falling apart (let's be honest). Brian came back to the car about ten minutes after going inside. He was a little frazzled because Bennett had started screaming when they got off the elevator. Sheesh!
Anyway, I came home and busied myself to keep distracted. And then it was time to go back for pick up. I was nervous to learn how the day went, but was pleasantly surprised. Ms. Vivian told me that Bennett only cried for a couple of minutes after Brian left and then went on about his day. He only cried during transitions, which is normal at home. He was smiling when I came into the classroom and was so happy to show me what he had done that day.
We're all about celebrating the little things!
Brian took Bennett to school this morning. Don't be mistaken, I followed behind them and made sure to keep myself from falling apart (let's be honest). Brian came back to the car about ten minutes after going inside. He was a little frazzled because Bennett had started screaming when they got off the elevator. Sheesh!
Anyway, I came home and busied myself to keep distracted. And then it was time to go back for pick up. I was nervous to learn how the day went, but was pleasantly surprised. Ms. Vivian told me that Bennett only cried for a couple of minutes after Brian left and then went on about his day. He only cried during transitions, which is normal at home. He was smiling when I came into the classroom and was so happy to show me what he had done that day.
We're all about celebrating the little things!
Monday, October 17, 2011
photo overload
We've had a busy couple of weeks, folks! Sharing a few favorite photos of your favorite TWO YEAR OLD!!! First, we spent the weekend before Bennett's birthday in London, ON, with his Oma and Grandpa.
Then, playdate with friends in the park on Monday afternoon:
Wednesday, we celebrated early in the morning with Daddy, and then with friends at a playdate at our house in the afternoon:
Friday, we went to Virginia for the wedding of my good RMWC pal, Susan. Bennett came along and enjoyed quality time with Granna and Daddyo.
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| What do these fancy napkins mean? |
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| Why all the pics, ma? |
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| FIRE!!! |
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| mmmmmmmm - special treats. |
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| I like TREATS! |
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| too many treats . . . |
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| I promise he did more running than eating! |
Wednesday, we celebrated early in the morning with Daddy, and then with friends at a playdate at our house in the afternoon:
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| All of these for me?? |
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| Showing off his new Grandpa Pajamas |
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| I think the balloons were his fave! |
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| Ripping right in |
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| The COUNT!!!! |
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| Showing off his spoils - Elmo and The Count |
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| Look at me! I'm the birthday boy. |
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| WHAT?!?! More treats? Gimme more birthdays, man. |
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| A little drunk on icing, I think. |
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| With Daddy in the gardens at Ferry Farm |
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| Directing traffic - maybe for bugs? |
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| He really loved that flag! |
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| More flag - perhaps he was feeling patriotic. |
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| And now he has his very own tri-point hat |
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| Being wrangled by Daddyo |
Monday, October 10, 2011
"my gool"
A couple of things worth noting about today . . .
Bennett rode to school with Daddy - after telling me, "Mama, go way. Daddy car." Alrighty then, Mr. Independent!
We made it into the building and his classroom without tears - yay! Bennett showed us where his cubby is so we could hang his coat and then he went to the bathroom. The waterworks began as Brian and I said our good-byes. It's getting easier for me to leave him when he is so tearful - but those cries really pull at my heartstrings!
When I went to pick him up this afternoon, he was very excited to see me and tell me all about what they had done at "gool". Most impressive was the petting zoo. Apparently the llama peed on the ground and Bennett found that act terribly fascinating. Ms. Vivian, Bennett's teacher, told me that Bennett made sure she knew that the llama was going pee. Too cute!
Along that vein, Bennett had no accidents at school! Even more awesome - he was in the very same pair of underpants at the end of the day that he was in the morning. Go Bennett!
p.s. When we ask him what his name is, he replies: "Bean." (You won't hear me complain!)
Bennett rode to school with Daddy - after telling me, "Mama, go way. Daddy car." Alrighty then, Mr. Independent!
We made it into the building and his classroom without tears - yay! Bennett showed us where his cubby is so we could hang his coat and then he went to the bathroom. The waterworks began as Brian and I said our good-byes. It's getting easier for me to leave him when he is so tearful - but those cries really pull at my heartstrings!
When I went to pick him up this afternoon, he was very excited to see me and tell me all about what they had done at "gool". Most impressive was the petting zoo. Apparently the llama peed on the ground and Bennett found that act terribly fascinating. Ms. Vivian, Bennett's teacher, told me that Bennett made sure she knew that the llama was going pee. Too cute!
Along that vein, Bennett had no accidents at school! Even more awesome - he was in the very same pair of underpants at the end of the day that he was in the morning. Go Bennett!
p.s. When we ask him what his name is, he replies: "Bean." (You won't hear me complain!)
Friday, October 7, 2011
He's a brainiac, brainiac . . . on the floor.
And he'll work that brainiac right out that door . . . .
My apologies to "Flashdance" but it's the best reference I could come up with on the fly. A cute/brilliant moment happened a couple of days ago:
Bennett is playing with two measuring spoons as Brian and I are getting ready for the day. We're all in the kitchen.
Brian: "Bennett, which one is big?"
Bennett: (thinks for two seconds, holds up spoon in his left hand - 1 tablespoon)
Brian: "Bennett, which one is tiny?"
Bennett: (thinks for one nanosecond, holds up spoon in his right hand - 1/4 teaspoon)
Brian: (turns to me) "I think we've got our hands full, honey." *Grins*
p.s. Bennett hasn't been wrong since.
My apologies to "Flashdance" but it's the best reference I could come up with on the fly. A cute/brilliant moment happened a couple of days ago:
Bennett is playing with two measuring spoons as Brian and I are getting ready for the day. We're all in the kitchen.
Brian: "Bennett, which one is big?"
Bennett: (thinks for two seconds, holds up spoon in his left hand - 1 tablespoon)
Brian: "Bennett, which one is tiny?"
Bennett: (thinks for one nanosecond, holds up spoon in his right hand - 1/4 teaspoon)
Brian: (turns to me) "I think we've got our hands full, honey." *Grins*
p.s. Bennett hasn't been wrong since.
Monday, October 3, 2011
First Day of Preschool!!!
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| First Day 2011 (2yo preschool at ECRC) |
I called a couple of places (there are not very many non-faith-based preschool options in our area) and decided that we would visit one and then determine if we wanted to visit another/others. Our top choice is the Fisher-Price Endowed Early Childhood Research Center at UB - North Campus. (ECRC for short.) You can check out the website here.
Some of the things that we really like about it are that it is on the University campus and run by the Graduate School of Education. This is not your run of the mill day care center! The two teachers in Bennett's class have graduate degrees in early childhood education and are not only teaching the little guys, but they're also teaching the other teachers.
The "curriculum" is play-based and child-centered. The teachers let the kids lead the way. As I watched Bennett this morning, he explored the painting station, the kitchen center and then the gerbil cage, all while his teacher simply observed. I love that he's given the freedom to roam safely!
I mentioned my watching him. Another thing that is really great about ECRC is that because it is a teaching center, the classrooms are observable all. the. time. I will even have web access to the cameras that are in the classroom so I can watch from afar if I so choose. The video that is shot of the classrooms is used to help the teachers become better. Because this is a research institute, the video is also used for data collection purposes when there is an experiment being run in a particular classroom. At this time, there are no questions being asked of the toddler room, but they're learning a lot from the older kids. I love the idea that Bennett is part of a greater research opportunity. I have two handsome scientists in my life and one doesn't even know it yet!
We go back for his second day on Wednesday. I hope that he doesn't kick and scream too much. He seems to like his teachers - Vivian and Stephanie. He cried a bit after he realized that we were not there, but I am told that he was able to be consoled, which is really nice to hear. He was a bit clingy this afternoon and evening, but that's to be expected, right? I'll keep you posted!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
two new things today!
So, Bennett received his first hockey stick today. Actually, two hockey sticks and a street hockey ball. I'm surprised that he's using them correctly more often than not. Uncle Trevor, he appears to hold it like you, whatever that means!?
See the video below for a demonstration of his killer skills.
Notice that we're not really sure if we should focus on his slap shot or his sit spin . . . eh, I guess we've got time, right?
(Mom, this next story is for you!)
Tonight we decided to give Bennett a little haircut. He's been asking to use the "clips" for several days. I promised him that if he shut his trap about it we'd cut his hair this weekend. Don't you know he didn't ask about them one time today? When we needed to kill a little time before bedtime, Brian piped up, "Hey, you wanna cut your hair? Use the clippers?" Why, yes, dad - an emphatic yes. He practically threw his new hockey sticks into the corner and raced up the stairs.
As we're trimming his hair (don't worry, we didn't take much off at all), he starts to whiper because the hair is itchy. Sound familiar? Brian eventually put the clippers down and started to brush Bennett's neck, etc. As I went down the stairs to shake the drape off on the front porch, I hear a tiny voice pipe up, "MYSELF!" He grabbed the clippers out of Brian's hand and promptly took a chunk out of his hair, front and center. Granna's boy. I don't have a photo of that, unfortunately. Luckily, you can't really tell because we grabbed the clippers back pronto and began the "big boy shower".
p.s. no actual children were harmed during the filming of the previous video. :)
See the video below for a demonstration of his killer skills.
Notice that we're not really sure if we should focus on his slap shot or his sit spin . . . eh, I guess we've got time, right?
(Mom, this next story is for you!)
Tonight we decided to give Bennett a little haircut. He's been asking to use the "clips" for several days. I promised him that if he shut his trap about it we'd cut his hair this weekend. Don't you know he didn't ask about them one time today? When we needed to kill a little time before bedtime, Brian piped up, "Hey, you wanna cut your hair? Use the clippers?" Why, yes, dad - an emphatic yes. He practically threw his new hockey sticks into the corner and raced up the stairs.
As we're trimming his hair (don't worry, we didn't take much off at all), he starts to whiper because the hair is itchy. Sound familiar? Brian eventually put the clippers down and started to brush Bennett's neck, etc. As I went down the stairs to shake the drape off on the front porch, I hear a tiny voice pipe up, "MYSELF!" He grabbed the clippers out of Brian's hand and promptly took a chunk out of his hair, front and center. Granna's boy. I don't have a photo of that, unfortunately. Luckily, you can't really tell because we grabbed the clippers back pronto and began the "big boy shower".
p.s. no actual children were harmed during the filming of the previous video. :)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
untitled
We had a lovely visit with Oma and Grandpa (aka "Gampa") this weekend. We are very thankful that they were able to come and stay as long as they did. Brian and I had some errands we needed to run without the tiny tag-along. He had a very good time getting undivided attention from his grandparents. He also really enjoyed terrorizing their dog, Bailey. It's very sweet to hear him say hello - "Hi Baiey", but I'm not so sure that Bailey loves the attention.
I'll post plenty of pics soon - gotta get them uploaded to the computer first.
I'll post plenty of pics soon - gotta get them uploaded to the computer first.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
das mies broom, redux
Every now and then, I get a hankering to clean. Don't get excited, it doesn't happen very often! (As anyone who knows me at all can attest . . .) The other day, I decided to sweep the kitchen floor. Bennett went to the toys and got his broom to 'help'.
I'll be darned if he didn't walk to the wall where his little kitchen is situated. I stealthfully watched as he slid his kitchen away from the wall to get to the spots on the floor behind it.
Wonders never cease - he appears to have learned something about cleaning, from me.
I'll be darned if he didn't walk to the wall where his little kitchen is situated. I stealthfully watched as he slid his kitchen away from the wall to get to the spots on the floor behind it.
Wonders never cease - he appears to have learned something about cleaning, from me.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
laundry
Today, Bennett and I had a really great day together. We went to Rolly Pollies this morning to make up the class we missed last weekend. Of course, he wet his car seat on the way there because he told me had to go potty as we were stopping at a stop light on a very busy street and I could not turn right! Ugh. I don't know why I let these sorts of things bother me so much.
Regardless - we had a great time in class, especially when Mr. Jim told us that we could consider bumping Bennett up to the two year old class. Yay! I think we'll give it a try next week to see how it goes.
After class, we came home and played outside for a little bit. Bennett really likes to dig - which makes his clothes really dirty. I don't mind the dirt, honestly. I mind the peed upon clothes more, for some reason.
He slept for two hours at naptime and I was even able to nap for a little bit. After his nap, I tried to get him to go to the bathroom and he flat out refused, even threw some real tears into the mix. Of course, he was doing all kinds of potty dances. As I was moving to get the potty seat on our toilet, he let loose - spraying the whole toilet, the floor and the wall around the toilet. Not the way to make a happy mama!
THEN - he jumped in mud puddles when we went to the playground to meet up with friends. I had to change his pants, shoes, socks AND unders. Oh my lordie!!!
We seriously added to the laundry load today. I would like to have just one day when he wears only one outfit from wake to sleep.
Regardless - we had a great time in class, especially when Mr. Jim told us that we could consider bumping Bennett up to the two year old class. Yay! I think we'll give it a try next week to see how it goes.
After class, we came home and played outside for a little bit. Bennett really likes to dig - which makes his clothes really dirty. I don't mind the dirt, honestly. I mind the peed upon clothes more, for some reason.
He slept for two hours at naptime and I was even able to nap for a little bit. After his nap, I tried to get him to go to the bathroom and he flat out refused, even threw some real tears into the mix. Of course, he was doing all kinds of potty dances. As I was moving to get the potty seat on our toilet, he let loose - spraying the whole toilet, the floor and the wall around the toilet. Not the way to make a happy mama!
THEN - he jumped in mud puddles when we went to the playground to meet up with friends. I had to change his pants, shoes, socks AND unders. Oh my lordie!!!
We seriously added to the laundry load today. I would like to have just one day when he wears only one outfit from wake to sleep.
Monday, September 19, 2011
The reason I haven't updated recently . . .
is because Bennett has been having a couple of rough days! I don't know if it's the molars coming in, runny nose and congestion, or just being nearly two. Hell, maybe it's all three. Anyway - we've been dealing with a lot of whiny-heiny business and that makes it hard to celebrate the really cute times.
Today, for example, we didn't have any play dates planned, so we spent the morning running errands. Bennett was exceptionally good at Target (including four requests to go pee in their potty) and JoAnn fabric store. He usually cries when we have to go to the fabric store, but not today! Yay! Then, we got home and he promptly peed in his carseat. Then he peed on the high chair.
After a one hour nap (!) he peed on himself several times before making it to the toilet. He then peed on the living room chair AND in his crib when I put him up there for a couple of minutes of "regrouping". I put him in a diaper after that. Ugh! I don't like it when I lose my patience.
The good stuff (lest I forget that there is good stuff, every day!): he put some puzzles together, he read some books with me. He snuggled on my lap a LOT today. We baked cookies together and he didn't make a total mess of the kitchen like last time! He ate well at lunch (two cheese sticks and some grapes, don't judge me!). AND he pooped in the potty twice. That's surely a success.
The great thing is that tomorrow is another day. We're hosting playgroup and then meeting up with friends in the afternoon at a playground. Let's hope that the weather is nice!!
Today, for example, we didn't have any play dates planned, so we spent the morning running errands. Bennett was exceptionally good at Target (including four requests to go pee in their potty) and JoAnn fabric store. He usually cries when we have to go to the fabric store, but not today! Yay! Then, we got home and he promptly peed in his carseat. Then he peed on the high chair.
After a one hour nap (!) he peed on himself several times before making it to the toilet. He then peed on the living room chair AND in his crib when I put him up there for a couple of minutes of "regrouping". I put him in a diaper after that. Ugh! I don't like it when I lose my patience.
The good stuff (lest I forget that there is good stuff, every day!): he put some puzzles together, he read some books with me. He snuggled on my lap a LOT today. We baked cookies together and he didn't make a total mess of the kitchen like last time! He ate well at lunch (two cheese sticks and some grapes, don't judge me!). AND he pooped in the potty twice. That's surely a success.
The great thing is that tomorrow is another day. We're hosting playgroup and then meeting up with friends in the afternoon at a playground. Let's hope that the weather is nice!!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Safety
This week, Bennett and I went to Story Time for Toddlers at our local Barnes & Noble store. We try to go every week because we LURVE Grandma Fay. She is the best at telling stories and singing songs and oh that voice! I wish I had some video to share with you because she is the quintessential cartoon grandma.
Anyway - as we were leaving this particular story time, I was holding Bennett's hand as he walked beside me. (He's doing a LOT more walking now that he weighs six hundred pounds!) We got to the edge of the sidewalk and I nonchalantly took a step toward the parking lot. Young sir planted his feet, bent at the waist, stretched out his hand and yelled, "STOPS!" I was so startled that I froze with my foot mid-air. I looked down to my right just in time to catch him looking both ways before he turned that angelic face up to mine and said, "goes."
Anyway - as we were leaving this particular story time, I was holding Bennett's hand as he walked beside me. (He's doing a LOT more walking now that he weighs six hundred pounds!) We got to the edge of the sidewalk and I nonchalantly took a step toward the parking lot. Young sir planted his feet, bent at the waist, stretched out his hand and yelled, "STOPS!" I was so startled that I froze with my foot mid-air. I looked down to my right just in time to catch him looking both ways before he turned that angelic face up to mine and said, "goes."
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Adventuresome Boy
One really neat memory I have from my little girl years is that my mom would make up really great stories to tell me when she was tucking me in at night. The star of these stories was a very smart little girl who had jam packed days. Each night, when it was mom's turn to tuck me in, I got to hear all about that day's adventures.
Clearly - I learned at a certain point that the star of those stories was me. I still insisted on hearing those stories, much to my mother's chagrin, I'm sure!
I hope she'll be happy to learn that I have begun telling Bennett stories titled The Adventures of the Adventuresome Boy. He's begun to look forward to them, and I really like that he likes hearing about his day. What's really great is that even though he's starting to get relaxed and fall asleep as I'm telling the stories, if I miss a detail or tell something incorrectly, he quickly corrects me!
Clearly - I learned at a certain point that the star of those stories was me. I still insisted on hearing those stories, much to my mother's chagrin, I'm sure!
I hope she'll be happy to learn that I have begun telling Bennett stories titled The Adventures of the Adventuresome Boy. He's begun to look forward to them, and I really like that he likes hearing about his day. What's really great is that even though he's starting to get relaxed and fall asleep as I'm telling the stories, if I miss a detail or tell something incorrectly, he quickly corrects me!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
whoo hooo!
Total sidebar - but I think it's pretty cool that I've reached 1,000 pageviews sometime in the last 36 hours.
Vocabulary update
Every now and then, I think it's wise to notate the things that Bennett is saying, especially the new things. Here's what we have heard this weekend (he's 22 months, 3 weeks old, for the record).
Bum
Back
I need that one.
Daddy's chair
Mama's shampoo
More Elmo lala
Dip
Not that one
No potty
Alberta bubby night night
Daddy's glasses
Mama's glasses
pink juice
more milk please
breakfast waffles
more dance
Daddy guitar
he says all his body parts
I dig
More dig
Lawn mower
Daddy tools
ladders
George
shower
zoo
hose
party
clap
happy
keys
monkey
Mama's stories
choo choo
round and round
and so many more (including "crap" which I said before I realized he had turned into a parrot. Sorry mom.)
Bum
Back
I need that one.
Daddy's chair
Mama's shampoo
More Elmo lala
Dip
Not that one
No potty
Alberta bubby night night
Daddy's glasses
Mama's glasses
pink juice
more milk please
breakfast waffles
more dance
Daddy guitar
he says all his body parts
I dig
More dig
Lawn mower
Daddy tools
ladders
George
shower
zoo
hose
party
clap
happy
keys
monkey
Mama's stories
choo choo
round and round
and so many more (including "crap" which I said before I realized he had turned into a parrot. Sorry mom.)
Friday, September 9, 2011
temptation
A quick story about something that happened this morning. . .
Bennett and I are part of a playgroup. There are about twenty families that regularly participate in meetups. As would be expected with a playgroup, several of the kids are within six months of his same age.Therefore, we've been invited to several birthday parties in recent months. This morning was yet another party for someone turning two. The mom had made very cute funfetti cupcakes and had them displayed on a cake stand in the middle of the dining room table.
When we arrived, the kids were to play in the living room for a while before partaking in lunch and dessert. Bennett had a great time playing with his friends and with the birthday girl's toys. Even though he had walked in and out of the dining room several times, he hadn't seemed too interested in the cupcakes. Until we sat down for lunch, that is.
We were served pizza and pasta salad (two things Bennett really likes to eat!) He had one bite of pizza and then started pointing and grunting, "dat!" toward the cupcake stand. I couldn't get him to eat anything else, despite my explanation that there would be no cupcakes without having lunch first. "Do you see all the other boys and girls eating lunch before they get a cupcake?" Didn't matter. He wanted a cupcake. We had to leave before they even finished lunch because there was no way I was going to torture him and make him watch six other kids eat a cupcake while he didn't get one. But even more importantly, I wasn't going to back down from that rule. Even if I looked like a mean mommy to the others. Gotta get the better carbs in before the sweet carbs.
In rebellion, he wet his pants and carseat on the way home. We were less than a block away and he had peed in their toilet less than ten minutes prior. Stinker. :)
Bennett and I are part of a playgroup. There are about twenty families that regularly participate in meetups. As would be expected with a playgroup, several of the kids are within six months of his same age.Therefore, we've been invited to several birthday parties in recent months. This morning was yet another party for someone turning two. The mom had made very cute funfetti cupcakes and had them displayed on a cake stand in the middle of the dining room table.
When we arrived, the kids were to play in the living room for a while before partaking in lunch and dessert. Bennett had a great time playing with his friends and with the birthday girl's toys. Even though he had walked in and out of the dining room several times, he hadn't seemed too interested in the cupcakes. Until we sat down for lunch, that is.
We were served pizza and pasta salad (two things Bennett really likes to eat!) He had one bite of pizza and then started pointing and grunting, "dat!" toward the cupcake stand. I couldn't get him to eat anything else, despite my explanation that there would be no cupcakes without having lunch first. "Do you see all the other boys and girls eating lunch before they get a cupcake?" Didn't matter. He wanted a cupcake. We had to leave before they even finished lunch because there was no way I was going to torture him and make him watch six other kids eat a cupcake while he didn't get one. But even more importantly, I wasn't going to back down from that rule. Even if I looked like a mean mommy to the others. Gotta get the better carbs in before the sweet carbs.
In rebellion, he wet his pants and carseat on the way home. We were less than a block away and he had peed in their toilet less than ten minutes prior. Stinker. :)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
water bubbies
Today was 1,000 times better than yesterday. I recognize that I'm setting myself up for disaster tomorrow, but what the hey - wanted to let you guys know that we were totally on a roll today! There was only ONE accident and it involved just pee and it was only in unders, no pants! AND we were at home, thank goodness.
We had a great morning running errands, but Bennett did not want to stay at story time because I had neglected to bring him a snack. Since the other kids (one other kid) was eating, he thought he should as well. Whatever, when I told him that all of our snacks were at home, he said, "home." Then he started to pull me toward the door.
A long nap later, we went to a local playground where we had a great time with four friends and there was no blood involved. Not even any tears! Bennett ran and chased and climbed and swang. (swinged?) Who cares, he was on the swings and having a blast.
In the evenings, he's taken to enjoying a "big boy shower" with Brian while I get ten minutes to catch up on email. Tonight, Bennett really wanted to take his bubby in for a wash. Brian, who is always thinking on his feet, grabbed a wash cloth, and handing Bennett the tag end says, "Look, Bennett, this is a water bubby. It's made just for going in the water! This way your sleeping bubby won't get wet." Genius.
We had a great morning running errands, but Bennett did not want to stay at story time because I had neglected to bring him a snack. Since the other kids (one other kid) was eating, he thought he should as well. Whatever, when I told him that all of our snacks were at home, he said, "home." Then he started to pull me toward the door.
A long nap later, we went to a local playground where we had a great time with four friends and there was no blood involved. Not even any tears! Bennett ran and chased and climbed and swang. (swinged?) Who cares, he was on the swings and having a blast.
In the evenings, he's taken to enjoying a "big boy shower" with Brian while I get ten minutes to catch up on email. Tonight, Bennett really wanted to take his bubby in for a wash. Brian, who is always thinking on his feet, grabbed a wash cloth, and handing Bennett the tag end says, "Look, Bennett, this is a water bubby. It's made just for going in the water! This way your sleeping bubby won't get wet." Genius.
"dat mies broom"
Today was not the greatest in Bennett/Mama land. Someone tiny was a very whiney hiney and someone not as tiny was lacking in the patience department. I surprised myself with the ability to ignore the broken record repetitiveness of "dat mies broom" being cried out throughout Target. I never thought I'd be one of those mothers with the quasi-out-of-control kid in the retail center. I am that mother now.
I lost my cool when it came to the toilet today. I must have changed his pants five times today. And all but one of them were AT HOME! Sheesh. I'm not real sure what we're doing wrong, but it's terribly frustrating. I hope we'll see some improvement soon. I keep encouraging and giving humongous praise when he keeps himself dry, but I'm tired of doing laundry every day!
In related news - we're back in cloth diapers for naps and overnight. Since he's no longer getting milk before he goes to sleep (yay me!) and we're putting him on the potty right before we put him in the diaper, he wakes up with diapers that are way less soaked than before. I'm double stuffing (acutally quad-stuffed his night-time dipe tonight, we'll see how that works!) them to improve absorbency. I'm thinking that this may help us get to sleep-time dryness a little more quickly. And we won't waste anymore money on the 'sposies.
I promise to post more photos soon - got to get them off the camera.
I lost my cool when it came to the toilet today. I must have changed his pants five times today. And all but one of them were AT HOME! Sheesh. I'm not real sure what we're doing wrong, but it's terribly frustrating. I hope we'll see some improvement soon. I keep encouraging and giving humongous praise when he keeps himself dry, but I'm tired of doing laundry every day!
In related news - we're back in cloth diapers for naps and overnight. Since he's no longer getting milk before he goes to sleep (yay me!) and we're putting him on the potty right before we put him in the diaper, he wakes up with diapers that are way less soaked than before. I'm double stuffing (acutally quad-stuffed his night-time dipe tonight, we'll see how that works!) them to improve absorbency. I'm thinking that this may help us get to sleep-time dryness a little more quickly. And we won't waste anymore money on the 'sposies.
I promise to post more photos soon - got to get them off the camera.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
He surprised me today . . .
This morning, we met our friends Katie and Patrick at Barnes & Noble for story time. He was supremely well behaved (which is not the surprise) and followed all of Grandma Faye's instructions. Yay! We came home and had lunch before he went down for a lovely nap.
When he woke up, I had planned for us to go to a playground we had not visited before. I mentioned this to Bennett, "Hey buddy, you ready to go to the ladders?" His response, "No. Home." You're kidding me, right, kid? You'd rather stay home than go play and climb and run? Fine by me - I've got kitchen cabinets to reorganize! He played with water and our rice cooker - "mines rice cooker." Um, no buddy. Mines. :)
When he woke up, I had planned for us to go to a playground we had not visited before. I mentioned this to Bennett, "Hey buddy, you ready to go to the ladders?" His response, "No. Home." You're kidding me, right, kid? You'd rather stay home than go play and climb and run? Fine by me - I've got kitchen cabinets to reorganize! He played with water and our rice cooker - "mines rice cooker." Um, no buddy. Mines. :)
Monday, September 5, 2011
what's new???
I decided today that I should probably blog at least every other day. Too much is happening and he's changing more and more every day! I need to document it since I'm not writing in my journal (or his baby book, for that matter) like I should.
Today - he ate broccoli for dinner. I had made chicken divan and he picked the broccoli pieces out of his serving and ate them first. Brian was shoveling in chicken so he'd at least get a little protein, but he kept asking for more, "Mores, peeese?" followed by a large green goo filled grin. Brian offered Bennett the broccoli from his plate and I gave him some of mine. Still, "mores? peese?" Seriously, how can you say no to that?
Today - he ate broccoli for dinner. I had made chicken divan and he picked the broccoli pieces out of his serving and ate them first. Brian was shoveling in chicken so he'd at least get a little protein, but he kept asking for more, "Mores, peeese?" followed by a large green goo filled grin. Brian offered Bennett the broccoli from his plate and I gave him some of mine. Still, "mores? peese?" Seriously, how can you say no to that?
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Beaver Island State Park
The fact of the matter is that Bennett is a ton of fun to play with!
This morning, we went to our usual class at Rolly Pollies and he had the most fun. That's nothing new, but he is discovering some new skills! For instance, he is this close to jumping with both feet up in the air at the same time. He's also very close to doing a forward roll on his own.
He is climbing the ladder apparatus with serious confidence and is trying his hardest to climb the rock climbing wall that they have installed in one corner. Today Bennett worked the water fountain all by himself AND he got a compliment from one of the other mothers - "He's so patient! I wish my daughter (who is several months younger) would be like that!" Just made me grin.
After Bennett's nap, we decided to go check out Beaver Island State Park which is just across the bridge on Grand Island. I don't know what took us so long to discover this awesome place! It's a beautiful sandy beach along the shores of the Niagara River. We were there for a little over two hours this afternoon and wore that baby out! He swam, he played, he dug, he built, he sat and ate snacks. The most important thing is that he didn't put up a fuss when we left. Yay! for small victories.
We will certainly take visitors to the beach when they visit next summer. It's open every day from 11a to 7p. There are at least four lifeguards and restrooms and a boardwalk and lots of picnic space. We also saw a small marina - we'll certainly be checking to see if they rent boats and jetskis. Bennett will be the perfect age to start exploring the water next summer! Can't wait to share it with you all.
This morning, we went to our usual class at Rolly Pollies and he had the most fun. That's nothing new, but he is discovering some new skills! For instance, he is this close to jumping with both feet up in the air at the same time. He's also very close to doing a forward roll on his own.
He is climbing the ladder apparatus with serious confidence and is trying his hardest to climb the rock climbing wall that they have installed in one corner. Today Bennett worked the water fountain all by himself AND he got a compliment from one of the other mothers - "He's so patient! I wish my daughter (who is several months younger) would be like that!" Just made me grin.
After Bennett's nap, we decided to go check out Beaver Island State Park which is just across the bridge on Grand Island. I don't know what took us so long to discover this awesome place! It's a beautiful sandy beach along the shores of the Niagara River. We were there for a little over two hours this afternoon and wore that baby out! He swam, he played, he dug, he built, he sat and ate snacks. The most important thing is that he didn't put up a fuss when we left. Yay! for small victories.
We will certainly take visitors to the beach when they visit next summer. It's open every day from 11a to 7p. There are at least four lifeguards and restrooms and a boardwalk and lots of picnic space. We also saw a small marina - we'll certainly be checking to see if they rent boats and jetskis. Bennett will be the perfect age to start exploring the water next summer! Can't wait to share it with you all.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
and another new word
We are watching and hearing Bennett's vocabulary explode a little more each day. He has names for all of his grandparents except for Brian's dad, Leonard. He calls both grandmothers "WaWa" (I don't know why) and he calls my dad "DahDah" (again, not real sure why, but I guess he is a little confused by the Daddy part of Daddy-o.) He hasn't yet called Leonard by a nickname. He can point to all of the grandparents in photos when I call them by their "real" names - Oma, Grandpa, Granna and Daddy-o.
A couple of days ago, we went to the post office to mail a package to Brian's parents in Ontario. I talked Bennett through the process as we packed up their photo book and some toll road fees . . . "We're mailing this package to Oma and Grandpa. They live in Ontario, which is northwest of us." etc, etc, blah blah.
Today, he saw the box that the photo book had been shipped in originally as it was sitting on the back seat next to his car seat. He pointed and said, "Gampa". :)
Can't wait for Gampa to hear it live!
A couple of days ago, we went to the post office to mail a package to Brian's parents in Ontario. I talked Bennett through the process as we packed up their photo book and some toll road fees . . . "We're mailing this package to Oma and Grandpa. They live in Ontario, which is northwest of us." etc, etc, blah blah.
Today, he saw the box that the photo book had been shipped in originally as it was sitting on the back seat next to his car seat. He pointed and said, "Gampa". :)
Can't wait for Gampa to hear it live!
Monies!!
Bennett owns at least three piggy banks. One of them is shaped like the Cat in the Hat. In the last couple of days, he has frequently wanted to "play" with "Tat"! (we're working on that hard /c/ sound). So, yesterday, I decided to put the Cat on the floor and see what Bennett did with him.
He immediately found the plug on the bottom and pulled it. He was quite surprised that "monies" came flying out. "Tat poop monies!" was his exact quote, I believe . . . (we're also been working very hard on pooping on the potty instead of in his "unners") Yes, there is money coming out of the Cat's bum, little one.
We started to count the money and talk about the different sizes, but honestly, the most fun was had by putting the money back into the Cat's Hat and then watching it fall again, out the bottom.
I have tried to be vigilant about separating the US currency from the Canadian so that we can show him a little way that his two points of origin are different, but very similar. Hidden among the US coins was a $2CAN piece. He immediately noticed it and held it up. I told him that it was a tooney because it was worth two dollars in Canada. Bennett practiced saying tooney over and over. He was able to find the tooney no matter how deep in the pile of coins I buried it (even if it was inside Cat)! He insisted on calling it a "hooney".
Tonight, we played with the Cat (which has become quite broken in the manhandling over the last two days and no longer holds any "monies" thanks to a cute toddler we all know.) Anyway - Cat was helping to calm an otherwise very upset boy. As I dressed Bennett around the piggy bank, Brian came in to say goodnight. I asked of Bennett, "Can you tell daddy what kind of money you put inside Cat today?" He looked right at Brian and quipped, "A TOONEY!" Brian did a double take and my jaw flew to the floor.
I guess it's clear that he does hear me, just chooses not to listen sometimes.
He immediately found the plug on the bottom and pulled it. He was quite surprised that "monies" came flying out. "Tat poop monies!" was his exact quote, I believe . . . (we're also been working very hard on pooping on the potty instead of in his "unners") Yes, there is money coming out of the Cat's bum, little one.
We started to count the money and talk about the different sizes, but honestly, the most fun was had by putting the money back into the Cat's Hat and then watching it fall again, out the bottom.
I have tried to be vigilant about separating the US currency from the Canadian so that we can show him a little way that his two points of origin are different, but very similar. Hidden among the US coins was a $2CAN piece. He immediately noticed it and held it up. I told him that it was a tooney because it was worth two dollars in Canada. Bennett practiced saying tooney over and over. He was able to find the tooney no matter how deep in the pile of coins I buried it (even if it was inside Cat)! He insisted on calling it a "hooney".
Tonight, we played with the Cat (which has become quite broken in the manhandling over the last two days and no longer holds any "monies" thanks to a cute toddler we all know.) Anyway - Cat was helping to calm an otherwise very upset boy. As I dressed Bennett around the piggy bank, Brian came in to say goodnight. I asked of Bennett, "Can you tell daddy what kind of money you put inside Cat today?" He looked right at Brian and quipped, "A TOONEY!" Brian did a double take and my jaw flew to the floor.
I guess it's clear that he does hear me, just chooses not to listen sometimes.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Bruises and Bugs
Today Bennett and I had absolutely nothing scheduled! We took off in the morning for a local playground that we haven't visited in a while. (Sidebar - there are so many public parks and playgrounds here! No way a kid could get bored . . . in the summer.) We ran into some members of our playgroup that we haven't met in person yet, but the boys played nicely together while the mom and I got to talk. Then, as the boys are chasing each other up and down this wheelchair ramp, we watched Bennett take a tumble. Landed with his face scraping down the metal railing. Ouchie!!!
He's got a pretty nice shiner, but it doesn't seem to bother him too much. He started rubbing at it before nap and bed time, so we gave him a little motrin to help reduce the sting. I haven't been able to get a very good picture of it because he runs away screaming, "No cheese!" when I pull out a camera. Stinker!
This afternoon, after a nice nap, we decided to "dig" in the backyard a little. Bennett loves to play in his sand table and we try to do it whenever the weather is nice. He has recently taken to pulling the seed pods off our Rose of Sharon, dismantling them and "planting" the seeds in his sand table. I'm anxious to see what becomes of them. I try to leave the top off the table for a while to see if the birds will find the seeds. . . no luck yet.
Anyway - as we're digging around and moving sand, Bennett noticed an ant in our midst. Daddy-o will be very proud to learn that Bennett watched it intently for a couple of minutes before picking it up to examine it more closely. He held it gently between his thumb and pointer, then transferred it to his other hand, letting it walk around and tickle him. He giggled before putting it down. Bennett went through that routine a couple of times before we decided it might be a good idea to put the ant back in the grass so she could find her family. What can I say, my boy loves dirt and bugs. :)
He's got a pretty nice shiner, but it doesn't seem to bother him too much. He started rubbing at it before nap and bed time, so we gave him a little motrin to help reduce the sting. I haven't been able to get a very good picture of it because he runs away screaming, "No cheese!" when I pull out a camera. Stinker!
This afternoon, after a nice nap, we decided to "dig" in the backyard a little. Bennett loves to play in his sand table and we try to do it whenever the weather is nice. He has recently taken to pulling the seed pods off our Rose of Sharon, dismantling them and "planting" the seeds in his sand table. I'm anxious to see what becomes of them. I try to leave the top off the table for a while to see if the birds will find the seeds. . . no luck yet.
Anyway - as we're digging around and moving sand, Bennett noticed an ant in our midst. Daddy-o will be very proud to learn that Bennett watched it intently for a couple of minutes before picking it up to examine it more closely. He held it gently between his thumb and pointer, then transferred it to his other hand, letting it walk around and tickle him. He giggled before putting it down. Bennett went through that routine a couple of times before we decided it might be a good idea to put the ant back in the grass so she could find her family. What can I say, my boy loves dirt and bugs. :)
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Two firsts
Today was a big day for Bennett! I suppose I should say that tonight was a big night for Bennett.
We had sausages and coleslaw for dinner. Bennett loves coleslaw. So much so that he was snacking on it while the sausages were cooking. Once everything was cooked - he devoured his sausage, bun and coleslaw. Then, when Brian was fixing his second helping, Bennett really wanted to take a bite. Brian obliged, despite the fact that there were hot peppers on this one.
Bennett would have nothing to do with the sausage - he wanted a hot pepper! We're not afraid to let him try new foods, and this was no different. We let him pluck a pepper off the top and he put the whole darn thing in his mouth! Needless to say, it quickly popped out after two chews. His face registered extreme surprise and he quickly said, "milk? milk? MILK!" We had a hard time hiding the laughing - at least mom and Brian had a hard time. I was all business (yeah, right) trying to soothe my sweet baby's pain.
After finishing up dinner and enjoying a little relaxation, it was time for a bath. Brian took care of Bennett and bath time while I got things ready for bed and tried to pick up a little bit. I heard lots of laughter and giggles, which is nothing new. When I went upstairs and peeked in the bathroom to see what was going on - Bennett was standing in the shower! WHAT!?!? Turns out he had turned the knob himself and was surprised by the onslaught of water from above. He loved it and wanted more more more.
We had sausages and coleslaw for dinner. Bennett loves coleslaw. So much so that he was snacking on it while the sausages were cooking. Once everything was cooked - he devoured his sausage, bun and coleslaw. Then, when Brian was fixing his second helping, Bennett really wanted to take a bite. Brian obliged, despite the fact that there were hot peppers on this one.
Bennett would have nothing to do with the sausage - he wanted a hot pepper! We're not afraid to let him try new foods, and this was no different. We let him pluck a pepper off the top and he put the whole darn thing in his mouth! Needless to say, it quickly popped out after two chews. His face registered extreme surprise and he quickly said, "milk? milk? MILK!" We had a hard time hiding the laughing - at least mom and Brian had a hard time. I was all business (yeah, right) trying to soothe my sweet baby's pain.
After finishing up dinner and enjoying a little relaxation, it was time for a bath. Brian took care of Bennett and bath time while I got things ready for bed and tried to pick up a little bit. I heard lots of laughter and giggles, which is nothing new. When I went upstairs and peeked in the bathroom to see what was going on - Bennett was standing in the shower! WHAT!?!? Turns out he had turned the knob himself and was surprised by the onslaught of water from above. He loved it and wanted more more more.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Update
Still having success with the potty training! I'm so proud of him, and also proud of myself for having been consistent enough to make this happen. Bennett is still going strong with his efforts.
As a matter of fact - let me tell you about what happened this afternoon! We meet with a group of kids who are younger than Bennett every Monday afternoon. Most of them are between 9 months and 1 year old. Today, when we were all gathered, I took a minute to brag about Bennett's toileting accomplishments. All the moms were super impressed with him and gave him big claps. After a second of admiration, he was ready to play again.
Twenty minutes or so later, we all heard a little voice pipe up and say, "Potty? Potty!" I ran with him to our car, where we have a travel potty set up in the back. He did his business and then went back to playing - after accepting adoration from all the mommies! He was totally dry!!!
I can't say enough about how awesome it makes me feel to know that Bennett is developing his independence and learning to listen to his body.
Of course, he also took off solo today at the playground and climbed a ladder with neither me nor my mom's assistance. We didn't even know what he was doing until he was at the top. Good lordy!
As a matter of fact - let me tell you about what happened this afternoon! We meet with a group of kids who are younger than Bennett every Monday afternoon. Most of them are between 9 months and 1 year old. Today, when we were all gathered, I took a minute to brag about Bennett's toileting accomplishments. All the moms were super impressed with him and gave him big claps. After a second of admiration, he was ready to play again.
Twenty minutes or so later, we all heard a little voice pipe up and say, "Potty? Potty!" I ran with him to our car, where we have a travel potty set up in the back. He did his business and then went back to playing - after accepting adoration from all the mommies! He was totally dry!!!
I can't say enough about how awesome it makes me feel to know that Bennett is developing his independence and learning to listen to his body.
Of course, he also took off solo today at the playground and climbed a ladder with neither me nor my mom's assistance. We didn't even know what he was doing until he was at the top. Good lordy!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Potty Dance!!
We've spent the last three days inside for the most part . . . working on potty training. And today we had our hugest success - Bennett went poop in the potty instead of his unders!!
We bought really cool big boy underwear a couple of weeks ago and have had them out for him to look at and get used to. We put them on him Thursday morning after breakfast and haven't looked back! I have a huge stash of lovely clean cloth diapers just waiting for their new bum. Bennett wears unders all the time (except for over night) now. He insisted on no diaper for Friday's nap, and Saturday's as well. He woke up soaked each time, but he was determined to try.
Yay!!! We're so proud of all the hard work he did to gain this independence!
We bought really cool big boy underwear a couple of weeks ago and have had them out for him to look at and get used to. We put them on him Thursday morning after breakfast and haven't looked back! I have a huge stash of lovely clean cloth diapers just waiting for their new bum. Bennett wears unders all the time (except for over night) now. He insisted on no diaper for Friday's nap, and Saturday's as well. He woke up soaked each time, but he was determined to try.
Yay!!! We're so proud of all the hard work he did to gain this independence!
Friday, August 12, 2011
What you really want. . .
I know that if there's one thing I can't give you enough of, it's photos! I'll bombard you with a few in this post.
We've been doing lots of fun stuff this summer. Some of the most fun has simply involved dirt, some sun and the big backyard. But, we've been to a small carnival (Old Home Days) with our friends Tamara and CJ, we helped mama water flowers, we fell asleep on daddy after a particularly tough day, and we practiced our domestic skills.
The last five photos were taken at various points today. We had a very serious day of imaginative play due to both of us feeling a little puny. Can't wait to see all of you soon!
We've been doing lots of fun stuff this summer. Some of the most fun has simply involved dirt, some sun and the big backyard. But, we've been to a small carnival (Old Home Days) with our friends Tamara and CJ, we helped mama water flowers, we fell asleep on daddy after a particularly tough day, and we practiced our domestic skills.
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| Gunkle Ben got me!! |
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| In the Bounce House |
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| "Driving" with CJ |
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| Helping |
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| Enjoying the pipes and drums |
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| On a big boy swing!!! |
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| Yes, he wanted all that corn . . . |
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| The pinnacle of preparedness (boots, raincoat and sun hat) |
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| CHEESE!!! |
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| vacuuming up the googly eyes |
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| Changing Travis' diaper - in mama's shades, of course. |
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| His future's sooooo bright, y'all! |
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