Big Ben

Benjamin has been using the potty pretty consistently at school, but not so much at home. Whenever we try, he usually says, "It's not coming" and then waits a few minutes and goes in his pull up. He's been extra attached to his pacifiers lately as well. When we mention that pacis are for babies and he's a big kid, he says, "I'm not big yet. But I'm getting bigger." He would agree that he would go on the potty and give up pacis some time soon.

Yesterday, I decided to put Benjamin in underwear and see how it went. He chose the pair to wear, and I told him he'd soon have to give up the pacis. He said, "Throw them away? In the trash?" I said yes. He said, "Okay, I throw them away." I said, "If you throw them away, we won't have them anymore. They'll be yucky and you won't have them at bedtime." He said, "Yep" and threw all ten or so of his pacifiers away.

I said, "I'm so proud of you! You're a big boy!" For the first time, Benjamin agreed.

Last night, he was a little sad at bedtime. This morning he woke up almost dry and used the potty first thing. A little bit later, he peed on the floor, though. A little after that, he told me he was tired. He said "paci tired" and that he wasn't big anymore. A few minutes ago he found a stray paci and threw it away, so I guess he's big again. Right now, he's running around without pants or undies on. Fingers crossed!

January Words

I haven't been the best about blogging the funny moments with the kids lately. Here's a recap of some of the January highlights...
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We were reminiscing about the first time Jacob went to stay with my parents. He was a little over two. I
Me: Daddy and I thought it was kind of fun the first night, but then after that, it just felt weird. It was way too quiet around the house.
Greg: We really missed you.
Jacob: Did you miss the sound of my laughter? (Who talks like this?!?!?)
Me: (laughing a little) No, we missed the twinkle in your eye.
Jacob: Well, sometimes people talk like that in books.
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On a particularly cloudy day, Benjamin looked up and said, "Oh, is the sky closed today?"
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Sarah: You're so stinkin' cute!
Benjamin: I not stinkin' cute!
Sarah: You're so smell good cute?
Benjamin: I not smell good cute! I stinkin' cool!
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Nana and a bunch of other family members were over the week after the Colts lost in the playoffs for our Colts party (my sister's brilliant idea - she follows sports the same way I do).
Nana (to Jacob and Brianna): So, what's new with the two of you?
Jacob: Well, the interesting thing about Brianna is that she lost a tooth.
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Greg took the kids shopping for my birthday. I'd asked for a few things, including a K-cup coffee maker (the one for people who are really bad at making coffee). I assumed Benjamin didn't know what they were going to buy.
Me (as they were leaving): So, what are you buying me for my birthday?
Benjamin: A coffee maker!

My mom and sister visited for my birthday. Benjamin had already unwrapped the presents from my mom in her room. She re-wrapped them, but Benjamin remembered what was in them. As he handed me each present, he told me what it was.
Benjamin: Here, Mom! It's a movie! Here, Mom! It's a picture frame!
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Benjamin's very into seeing things. If you're cooking something, you have to show him. If you're using a spice, he has to see into the container and smell it. If you get a piece of gum, he wants you to show him, even if he's seen you do it a million times. The best yet, however, was when he told me he wanted to "see the nothing in that cup."

Smorgasbord of Photos

The kids adore Rachael Ray. Here's Benjamin entranced by her magical cooking skills. :)

 Jacob and Brianna at our Colts party... held a week after they lost in the playoffs.

 Chef Salad Night! The kids actually get really excited about this. 

Our new Wednesday night dinner.

 Benjamin tends to ignore the spoons in the bowls and opts for fingers. 

He also tends to eat all of the ham.

 Jacob's friend Layton's birthday party.

 Jacob decided he was the king's guard. So, he couldn't smile or talk.

 Benjamin in Aunt Sarah's hat. Yes, she wears a hat from the boys' section. It's Jacob's size.

And Benjamin's face is always messy. We've just accepted this. You wipe it off, and it will be messy a  few minutes later. He happened to be eating a cinnamon whole wheat pancake at the time. He loves them.

 And I know he's too old for pacis, but he is obsessed. And a little sick. And potty training. 

We're cutting him some slack.

 Impish little smile.

 I love days home with Benjamin. :)

Christmas #4

Christmas #3 - At Home

Even More Christmas

More Christmas