Friday, March 29, 2013

What We Learned: 29 months


Bennett learned that daddy works with many doctors, but doesn't work with Dr. Seuss.

We learned that we can go out to dinner again if there are chips and salsa involved.

Bennett learned that not all red shirts are Alabama shirts.

We learned that he's already identified where his SEC pride lies.

Bennett learned how to get in and out of his carseat alone.

We learned we have entered the do it myself phase, for better or worse.

Bennett learned to zip his own jacket.

We learned to move our chin when he tries to zip our jacket.

Bennett learned to count past three without help.

We learned he knows what comes after six, but five is the new forgotten number.

Bennett learned the appropriate response when asked his age.

We learned he still doesn't know the appropriate response when asked his name.

Bennett learned to sing his abc's.

We learned that abc's must be sung at top volume, or when he is waking up.

Bennett learned he can use the potty chair like a big boy.

We learned that just because he's successful for five days, doesn't mean he'll keep it up.

Bennett learned to care for other people's feelings, asking "you ok?"

We learned that you might want to say no so you can squeeze in an extra hug.

Bennett learned that Atticus does not have opposable thumbs.

We learned that Bennett's empathy translates to animals "I'm sowwy, you can't color buddy."


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

This kid is ALL boy

 
He loves tools. Saws, hammas, skewdivas, piyas, tape measuas and booms.

 
He loves working in the yard, digging holes, and even picking up worms. Ewww.
 
But when I bought this kid a toy drill, you would have thought I hung the moon. Considering his admiration, I should have saved it for a more momentous occassion, like pre-school graduation, his first communion, or maybe his first Nobel Peace Prize. The only thing better than the love of his new power tool (it lights up! it spins! it makes noise!), was the fact that after he drilled his first nail into the tool bench, he said: "arr arr arr," just like Tim the Tool Man Taylor.
 
I think this goes beyond genetics folks because his father failed to hang curtains for at least the fifth time in his handyman career. Maybe it just skips a generation?

Friday, March 22, 2013

Busy Busy

I haven't had much motivation to write lately. We work, we sleep and we parent. Seriously, that's about it these days. I think this may be why I am mentally drafting a post about my 30-life crisis? So until I get that fleshed out, here's some more pictures about that last thing that keeps us busy, the parenting...
Smiley McSmilerson
Both my boys really like to vacuum...
Wikking the Eggs
Sometimes I'm there too!


Thursday, March 7, 2013

Atlanta or Bust

Many, many moons ago (erm, like last month sometime?) Mimi and Papa Rock volunteered to watch the barnacle for the day so Rocky and I could do some major league shopping in Atlanta.  On a normal day, the drive should be between 2.5-3 hours.  On a day like this, it takes a little longer...
Sure, the shopping trip was my idea, but the snowflakes were not. With white knuckles and a few new gray hairs, Rocky and I bickered bantered back and forth about who's genius idea it was to  take a road trip through the mountains in February. Thankfully, shortly after crossing the Tennessee-Georgia border, the skies parted and we were greeted with spring.
We got right to work, zipping through Phipps, Crate and Barrel and other big city shops that we have been missing from D.C. We made such quick work that the credit card companies called to be sure we weren't sitting on our behinds watching George for the umpteenth time like a typical Saturday morning.

With all our hard work, driving through sleet and snow, filling the trunk with our spoils, we figured we deserved a champagne lunch and a celebratory piece of Nutella cake. But I was worried if our day was this challenging, what would the grandparents have earned? A new car? A European vacation? Turns out, our little man was an angel and even helped out around the farm.  
Maybe we'll have to do this more often!

Friday, March 1, 2013

What We Learned: 28 Months

Ever since Bennett was born, he wasn't much for hugs, kisses or cuddling.  He wanted you to hold and console him, but as soon as he felt better, putmedownputmedownputmedown.  One of hisgreatest surprises has been to watch him transition to an affectionate little boy.  Recently, he discovered an appreciation mommy's hugs, and has even started giving kisses...on the lips!  At this age, I am grateful that some things are just a phase, but this is one I wish would last.

Bennett learned how to turn the tv off.

We learned that it's ok if he turns off George, but not you.  Definitely not you.


Bennett learned that Buzz Lightyear is a nice guy.

We learned that "looking for days" is toddler-speak for minutes when it comes to a new "favorite toy."


Bennett learned that treats are for after dinner, or for visits to the grocery store.

We learned to follow through on promises, and that sometimes a two year old has ulterior motives.

Bennett learned that snow is not something that can be cleaned up.

We learned that schools can be closed for dust.


Bennett learned that even if you work hard, sometimes mommy doesn't want help.

We learned that paint trays should always be put away, even if you think they will dry overnight.


Bennett learned that fresh air can be liberating.

We learned it might be time to try the potty chair.


Bennett learned important spatial and time concepts, empty, right away...

We learned that "one more minute" might be used against us.