Thursday, December 18, 2008

Don't Eat the Yellow Snow


With the latest snow fall, I couldn't pass up the opportunity of taking our newest love of crafts outside. I filled up some squirt bottles with colored water and we had a blast "painting" our backyard. Benjamin prefered concentrated spots, emptying the bottles in one swoop and then declaring, "Empty! Need new!" And interestingly, his favorite color of all was yellow.


Another sign that Benjamin is all boy: I got my hair cut on Saturday - about 3-4 inches off and Benjamin never noticed. Kelly replaced the keyboard on my laptop and the new keyboard has a slightly different red button mouse and he noticed it immediately upon seeing the laptop the next morning.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Me too milk?

That's what Benjamin says every time I make a bottle for Bella. Milk is a very popular drink around here. So, a few times a day I allow him to have some milk with Bella, mostly because I can't get enough of this adorable sight:


Benjamin and Isabella are really very cute together (as long as she's not reaching for a toy he has designated as "mine"). Even when they aren't actually playing together, Bella just loves being near him and participating in whatever way she can. Today he built an alphabet house.


She kept track of the letter Q for him.


Here's the picture of Santa we took at the DSC. It was finally available on their website. Notice how Santa's beard is almost below his lip. Thanks Bella! :)

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Melts A Mom's Heart


I was brushing Benjamin's teeth this evening as we prepared for bed and as I ran the brush over his molars he uttered a garbled phrase. "What did you say?" I asked, pulling the brush out. "Wuv Woo," he repeated. "You love me?" I confirmed, shocked. He's never said that before in his life! "Yeah!" he cheered, "Wuv You!" this time a bit clearer. "Hug?" he asked.

He got the biggest bear hug I could give. Of all the phrases he's learned so far, this is by far my favorite.

Saturday, December 06, 2008

So Where's Santa?

The Detroit Science Center held a "Santa Fest" last week. The actual Christmas aspect of the event was sadly lacking. The crowds were so huge that we waited for 45 minutes just to get in the door and then once inside, we discovered that none of the events they had scheduled were ready yet. People were still walking around carrying tables and setting up lights, etc. Even Santa himself hadn't arrived yet. There were a lot of unhappy people complaining about what a disaster it all was. It was a sad and sorry sight. So we ignored their pitiful attempt at holiday cheer and just enjoyed the center itself. Mostly the "kids' town" - the area for kids 5 and under. Of course, Benjamin was first drawn to the water table and the computers,



but from there he found the play diner (and a little girl with whom to eat),


and the play veterenarian's office (where he bandaged up a kitten),


the theater where he pretended to be a fireman (what else would you expect?),


and the random widget table (which kept him entertained much longer than I expected.) Notice his soaking wet clothes despite the plastic smock he wore at the water table? He is never happier than when he's playing in water. His expressions of delight as the water sprayed around caused all the parents there to laugh along with him.


Bella found some fun things to play with in the baby room too.


It was a good afternoon all around - much needed after Benjamin had refused his nap earlier in the day and was driving me crazy with his fatigued whining. And to the DSC's credit - after sufficient wait time, they did get some things up and running and I was able to take Benjamin and Bella on their first visit to Santa. Benjamin wouldn't sit on his lap but he did cordially shake his hand and pose nicely for the picture (which they took, so I have to wait to receive it). Bella tangled her fingers in his beard and nearly pulled it off his face. The look of shock in Santa's eyes as he pried her hand away was worth the 20 minute wait in line.

The only downer of the day was that I missed my exit on the way home and took over an hour to make a 20 minute drive. I didn't get in an accident, though, so all's well that ends well.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Why Do I Bother?

I think I'm going to stop combing Benjamin's hair during the winter. At least on days he wears hat. I fastidiously comb his hair before we leave each morning, but invariably, as we arrive at our destination, this is what I am left with:



Requisite cute Bella photo of the day: