Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Its So Fun to be 3!!!

I can't say enough how much I love my little boy. He does the silliest things and sweetest things. He just makes me gush. It seems (knock on wood) that some of his less favorable behavior (biting and hitting) is behind us as his speech has literally exploded and is able to communicate with us more. We have just been so busy in the last few weeks since his birthday! We certainly aren't having a "lazy" summer this year!

Last Saturday Ben's Daddy decided to plan our Saturday morning and do something new as a family. Since I am usually the planner, I was very keen on giving someone else the task, especially if its something new to do as a family. Ben woke us up very early on Saturday and we lazily got out of bed, got ready and headed out to Rockville. There we went to a new donut shop called Fractured Prune where you can choose your own donut, its glaze and topping then it is made from scratch! It was so delicious!!! This is the only donut that has ever rivaled Krispy Kreme in my book, so you know that is huge. Ben loved his rainbow sprinkle and a had a few bites of his Dad's strawberry donut. After a rather sugary breakfast we headed across the street to Toy Kingdom. It was a cute toy store that had all kinds of things, but what I liked about it most is that the toys they sold weren't all the same toys you see in Toys R Us or Target. Surprisingly after Ben played with a doll house and at the train table, he didn't want anything so we all decided to continue our day with a little window shopping. We soon came across a little store called Ten Thousand Villages (something like that) and decided to go in. They had beautifully handcrafted items from all over the world made by villagers who through this organization was paid with fair wages. Ben then saw a beautiful hand painted wood school bus with little people inside and had to have it. His parents are softies, so we got it for him. It really brightened up his little day (even though he just had a yummy donut) and in turn it brightened up our day s well.

Later that same evening we went to a drive in. We haven't been to one in a while so I wasn't sure how Ben would handle it. HE LOVED IT. Not only did he get to stay up late, but he got to chow down on unhealthy (but very yummy) movie theater food and watch a movie. The theater was playing The Sorcerers Apprentice and the new Twilight Eclipse movie. Ben liked The Sorcerers Apprentice but was a bit scared of the pack of wolves scene. He has a strange fear of wolves! I explained to him that they are only on the screen and that they are not here in real life and reminded him that they are in Iraq (we figure we never will go there so its okay if the wolves go there). He was fine after that and passed out before the second movie began.

On Sunday we celebrated my birthday early since Ben's cousin is going into Potty Boot Camp next week. The boys loved playing together and got in a little mischief. Two three year old very silly boys are bound to do that. It was nice seeing them get along and it reminded me of how I was with my cousins when I was little...giggly and got into trouble quite often.

This week has been busy as well. Yesterday after I picked Ben up from day care another little boy was leaving day care as well with his Mom. He was saying hi to Ben and calling him his buddy. He turned to his Mom just as he as getting into the car and asked her "Mom can I have a little brother just like Ben?" His Mom reply was "...get in the car". HAHA! What a situation for his Mom to be put in! Its nice to know even the school age kids adore Ben and that he has lots of friends at his school. It warms my heart knowing how loved he is there.

Yesterday,I decided to have a slumber party with Ben. Typically I don't sleep with him unless he's sick (its just easier), but Ben's sweetness in asking me to lay down with him after we said his prayers was just something this softy of a Mom could not resist. I reward good behavior and his behavior really has been wonderful lately, so it was another reason to give Ben a once in a blue moon treat.

Once I told Ben we could have a slumber party, he was THRILLED. So much so that he took great care in making sure I had adequate blankets (yes my little three year old tried to cover me up) and held my hand to make sure I wouldn't slip away. I was soaking up the moment (as was he) until I was reminded I indeed have an "all boy" child. BRRRRRRRRRP! Ben had passed gas rather loudly. A moment passed by as we both paused in silence, he then turned to me and said "EWWWW Mama!!!!". WHAT?????? I decided to play along (despite the late hour) and call him out on it "Ewww Ben Ben!!!!" He giggled his little boy giggle and we went back and forth like that for a good few minutes...until we were busted. His Dad came in the room wondering what was going on and at such a late hour. We both giggled and I explained to him what was going on. He smiled, kissed us goodnight and went back to bed. I felt like a little kid at a sleep over and a parent coming in to tell us to "quit it". HAHA!

Today Ben is having water day at school (its a weekly thing on Tuesday during the summer). How I wish I could play with him right now instead of being stuck here at work. I wonder if he misses me at all? I miss him...which is why I usually write this blog when I'm at work : ) I just can't wait to see him. I miss you Ben!!!!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Ben is THREE

Last Thursday, Ben had his third birthday! I can not believe my little guy turned three years old! For his birthday, his Mama as in years past took off work Thursday and Friday to spend with her little man. The weekend went by quickly, we all ended up with a cold but we had so much fun!

Thursday Ben woke his parents up at the crack of dawn and asked for cake. We told him he had to hold off for a while and once we had breakfast and got dressed, we headed to Toys R Us. Much to his Mom's dismay the toys she ordered well over a week and a half before that had not yet been delivered. Ben had not been to Toys R Us in quite a while so when we did arrive he ran over to the first bin that had a water toy in it. I think it was just because simply it was a toy and typically we are never at just a store that sells only toys. Ben then looked around, saw all the toys that surrounded him and screamed a delighted/elated scream of joy. We looked at so many toys for over an hour! Mostly we played in the power wheels section, but finally when it came down to deciding what Ben wanted...he choose a microwave and a car on the top of it that made it move. After we left, we started heading to Great Country Farm (a farm that neither him or I have been to) and on the way we stopped and ate at McDonald's . Ben certainly does love french fries! We had a wonderful time at Great Country Farm, but it was a little too warm. Ben loved nothing more but to run to all the different play houses and check them out.

That evening after a much needed nap, we ate Salisbury Steak (which Ben ate most of the meal) and his favorite veggie carrots. Finally Ben got what he was asking for all day and received his cake, a snicker ice cream cake. Ben loved it so much he had TWO pieces!

On Friday we continued Ben's Birthday extravaganza. We had made plans with his cousin to play at a nearby pool, which was another place we have never been to! It was the Volcano Island Waterpark in Sterling. While I knew Ben would play with the water a little bit, he has also got fearful of pools. I was delighted to see that they had a 1 1/2 foot pool area, as well as a separate pool. Ben surprised his Mom by not only playing in the water, but walking down the ramp of the pool to the 2 1/2 foot section and started dancing the music the lifeguards were playing. He also tried going down the slide a few times! Shocked me, but I was happy that even though he was still quite cautious, he was getting more comfortable with the water. That night we headed to Fairfax Corner and ate at the California Pizza kitchen and after dinner Ben played with all the other kids at the water fountain. Ben somehow managed NOT to get wet at the water fountain. He enjoyed nothing more to get close to the water and then run away from it. He had a blast!

Saturday was Ben's birthday party at the Loudoun Bounce House. We were quite concerned that Ben would not play in a room full of moon bounce type equipment because at his cousins birthday party a few weeks prior, he had NOTHING to do with the moon bounce his Aunt and Uncle had rented. Our worries were quickly put aside and Ben was already trying to run up a slide before we could take his shoes off. He was laughing hysterically at everything and was just very delighted. We had a great turn out with lots of Ben's little friends and I believe all the children including the adults had a fun time. Although we were pleased to have so many family and friends show up, seeing Ben's happy face and having the best time was all that we needed.



About an hour in to Ben's party, we decided to cut the cake. Ben's Nagypapa made a dog cake for Ben. I sat down Ben and everyone started singing Happy Birthday to him. He was so bashful at the thought of so much attention he hid his face and giggled. It was one of the best moments of his birthday weekend by far! Below is a picture of his reaction:


Ben's birthday weekend ended with a fun overnight to Nagypapa and Nagymama's house so his parents could attend a wedding. He didn't mind one bit as he loves nothing more but to spend time with some of his favorite people and in a house he feels is his second home. While I am still getting used to being a Mom of a three year old, but it has been wonderful so far! Happy Birthday my little man!