What We Learned: 39 Months

Living with a thirty-nine month old kid I imagine is a lot like living with a thirty-nine month old man. They think they know everything and won't listen to a darn thing a woman says. We have spent some quality time correcting and disciplining lately. If it wasn't for spontaneous hugs and requests for kisses, there are times when I wish I could move his belongings to the front lawn.

Bennett learned that mommy will let you stay up til nearly midnight and scream inside once a year.

We learned that it's worth dealing with a drowsy dude to have an evening of adult conversation.

Bennett learned that even though you may have twelve days off of school for winter break and snow days, eventually you need to go back to learning your letters and using inside voices.

We learned that ten days off isn't as much fun when you're stuck inside, new Christmas toys, pirate ships and all.

Bennett learned to differences between a fire truck, rescue vehicle and fire chief car.

We learned that books, boats, and rescue trucks have much greater value when the giver is gone.

Bennett learned the power of holding his tongue.

We learned that the kid doesn't mind sitting on the stair for an hour.

Bennett learned all the words to the Lord's prayer.

We learned to forgive his trespasseses.

What We Learned: 37 Months

I nearly quit this blog series two years ago, but you folks encouraged me to forge ahead. It's a good thing I did because this blog would probably have about 1/3 less content if it weren't for these little updates. A third birthday felt like a good place to close this chapter, but Bennett continues to enlighten and delight us. My failure to produce a legitimate baby book is guilt trip enough to continue on with these entries. These entries are safe for another year.

Bennett learned to crack peanut shells, peel a banana and pop pomegranate seeds.

We learned that while he might not like spaghetti or cheerios, his palate is beginning to expand.

Bennett learned that wearing masks and mastering "trick or treat" is worth it.

We learned that our kid is surprisingly a surprisingly generous sharer.

Bennett learned that sharing and vegetables are a good compromise for taffy, chocolate and lollipops.

We learned that sometimes he likes his privacy.

Bennett learned that starting your sentences with "When I was a baby," gets your mommy's attention.

We learned that he has quite the imagination and quite the memory.

Bennett learned that riding ferris wheels, staying up late and eating doughnuts every day isn't half bad.

We learned that he still misses us, even when distracted and spoiled.

What We Learned: 36 Months

We have known that Bennett was a miracle from the first fleck of a heartbeat we saw on an ultrasound. When we met that slimey, screaming, hairy newborn we knew he was a miracle. When we dedicated our wide-eyed baby we knew he was a miracle. When he finally crawled, finally walked, finally talked, we knew he was a miracle. On his third birthday, the knowledge of what a pure, sweet, amazing miracle our child proves to be day in and day out is still a surprise, still a miracle. Getting to witness this child grow and become his own little person has been such a delightful journey. Three years later I am proud to say I am not taking that for granted.

Bennett learned that you can celebrate birthdays for days.

We learned that one celebration calls for pancakes, one for doughnuts, and one for cake.

Bennett learned that he is three years old.

We learned that sometimes he's two and sometimes he's five and to just nod and go with it.

Bennett learned that bats are interesting, witches are scary, and mom is a princess.

We learned that it's normal to come home and find a nekkid little kid coloring, fighting snakes or playing trains.

Bennett learned to master the juice box.

We learned that everything is still splattered with milk and shoulders are covered in drool.

Bennett learned how to drive a truck, buckle in a baby dinosaur, and load the truck.

We learned this is the age of exploding imaginations.

Bennett learned that instruction manuals, calendars and coloring books tell the best stories.

Bennett learned to have opinions on jackets, underwear, socks and footwear.

We learned that our kid has some mad fashion skills, when he chooses to put pants on that is.

What We Learned: 35 months

If days were weeks and weeks were months and months were years, Bennett would be middle aged. That's sort of how he feels these days. He is middle-aged between toddler and big kid. He is jaded enough he is no longer impressed by mom's silly faces, but not too old to cuddle. He is tall enough to climb a bar stool, but still need a chair to wash his hands. He has opinions on what kind of socks he wears, but won't complain when mom puts him in a teddy bear shirt.

Bennett learned dad's secret hand shake.

We learned he takes "blow it out" a little too seriously.

Bennett learned to be a line leader at school.

We learned that he is always our line leader.

Bennett learned that babies come from a mom's belly.

We learned that Bennett thought it was dark in there.

Bennett learned that big boy beds are for rolling, jumping, climbing, but not necessarily sleeping.

We learned to line the wall and the floor with pillows.

Bennett learned not to be scared of sharks, but sometimes dolphins and aquarium performs are petrifying.

We learned you don't need to drive to Atlanta to view sea creatures, you can find them in your very own bathtub!

What We Learned: 34 Months

Bennett and I got to spend the day together, just the two of us a few weeks back. Being a working mom has made these days so precious, I try not to take them for granted by running errands and doing housework. Instead, we take spontaneous trips to the zoo and for ice cream and to the library. It's amazing how different it is these days than when I got to spend every day with him thirty-one months ago. As sad as it is to watch him grow, change and learn things, it's pretty amazing to have a tiny sidekick to make you laugh and keep you company.

Bennett learned to eat ice cream on a cone.

We learned that he likes cold things as much as he likes hot things.

Bennett learned elephants have tusks.

We learned to tune out the Jungle Book soundtrack on continuous repeat.

Bennett learned that a soundtrack is required for bath time, dinnertime, the commute to school, the commute to church and the commute upstairs.

We learned Bennett likes to sleep in on school days, but not on the weekends.

Bennett learned to use the potty.

We learned he's better at mastering his skills while he's sleeping than when he is awake.

Bennett learned that m&m's are pretty good incentive.

We learned that he likes to eat every blue one, then every red one and that brown is preferable to green or orange.

What We Learned: 33 Months

Maybe it's the promotion to the big kid class. Maybe it's the peer pressure from his friends, or maybe it's that staring down the barrel of three sends all toddler parents into a potty training frenzy. I think this age makes all parents nuts. All we can talk about with fellow parents involves underwear, potty chairs, incentives and bleach. It's embarrassing because it is honestly difficult to find things to discuss when even non-parents when conversation stalls and they ask about your kids the conversation swirls down the drain. I didn't want to become one of those people, but parenting a 34 month old boy has taught me that's it's all but inevitable.

Bennett learned that it's fun to stay up late.

We learned  that Independence Day parties are worth postponing bedtimes.

Bennett learned that fireworks are loud.

We learned that our kid can go from being the life of the party to the wallflower in one conversation.

Bennett learned that there are no toys at Daddy's office, "Can you believe that?"

We learned that our child doesn't really need toys. Golf clubs make perfectly fine yard tools and fire hoses.

Bennett learned that he may abandon his professional aspirations of construction worker or chef for the life of a groundskeeper.

We learned that while it appears one week we may have returned to dining out, a toddler may change their mind about the values of sitting in a chair or using inside voices.

Bennett learned that water tables are fine but slip n slides are kind of scary.

We learned that working mom guilt never goes away when you forget swimsuits, art supplies or their lunch.

Bennett learned that it's a good thing he has neighbors and grandparents that can pick up the slack.

We learned that M&M's and McQueen underpants are not worthy motivators.

Bennett learned that he can keep milking the treats and attention for quite some time.

You learned this isn't the end of theconversation.

What We Learned: 32 Months

Bennett at 32 months is at the crossroads of toddler and little boy. This was never more obvious than our recent preschool conundrum. Many of his friends at school were recently promoted to a primary class. Since he is six months younger than them, we opted to keep him in his toddler room. A few days later, he was telling me at bedtime that it wasn't his turn to go to the little house. He explained that he needed to grow and get older. My heart hurt for my baby. He felt left behind. Shortly after, he started saying he didn't want to go to school and crying at drop-off. It was obvious to me and his teachers that holding him back wasn't the right decision and it was time to promote him after all. He would be in a class with kids who know how to tie their own shoes, count to 100, make their beds, and even read. As much as I want that for my child one day, it seemed too soon. I totally cried on the drive to work.

But this sweet in-between stage also forces me to make him walk because he's getting too heavy. Then, he will look up at me and say, "I not growing, I smaller." I just love this growing, learning boy.

Bennett learned that his classmates use the toilet.

We learned that we have entered the phase of parenthood where all conversations morph into tales of potty training.

Bennett learned that mom and dad are good at nagging.

We learned that B is not "ready for big boy underpants." (at the top of his lungs!)

Bennett learned the power of indecision, "maybe yes, maybe no."

We learned to be more specific with our questions.

Bennett learned he does like a green vegetable.

We learned that our child prefers his swiss chard straight off the plant.

Bennett learned not to be scared of the ocean.

We learned to give up on the beach.

Bennett learned that he is a good car driver, but a fast motor cycle driver.

We learned that its ok if our favorite part of a vacation is your child's ridiculous grin go around and around.

Bennett learned that road trips are for junk food.

We learned the key to survival in the car is a dvd player and hugs.

Bennett learned its a good thing to have the cows, the grandparents and the farm all to yourself once in a while.

We learned that its a good thing to have generous in-laws.

Bennett learned to believe in magic.

"I said, 'how you do that.'"

What We Learned: 31 Months

As good as it gets with a 31 month old

Our 2.5 year old has become a little weasel. At his ripe old age, he has already learned to pit his parents against one another. If mommy says it's time to go, my little con-artist will reply "Daddy will take me back." It's amazing to me that he can pick up such tricks. That's not the only trick he's learned.

Bennett learned that dinosaurs growl just like bears.

We learned that he is quite the story teller.

Bennett learned that mommy is better at hiding than seeking.

We learned that Bennett scares easily.

Bennett learned about bird poop.

We learned that Bennett is scared of bird poop.

Bennett learned that not only white birds make white poop.

We learned that boys become fascinated by bodily functions at an early age.

Bennett learned that having an audience is reason enough to use the potty.

We learned we need to be invited to more parties to create such an audience.

Bennett learned he needs to make more friends. More friends equals more birthday parties. More birthday parties means more cake!

He let daddy take a picture!

What We Learned: 30 Months

At two and a half, Bennett has developed quite the imagination. Thirty months mean stories get more creative, animals appear out of thin air, bedtimes get delayed for leaks in the ceiling, and vocabularies explode.

Bennett learned how to catch a dinosaur.

We learned that we have quite a bear problem in Nashville.

Bennett learned to count to fourteen.

We learned he still doesn't know the number four.

Bennett learned that McQueen and my friends are from California.

We learned that Bennett's left foot is stinky, but his right foot smells good.

Bennett learned that there is a monster at the end of the book, but not every book.

We learned that we can no longer read fast and/or skip pages.

Bennett learned how to plant a garden.

We learned that we may finally have found the answer to getting him to eat his vegetables.

Bennett learned to water the fence.

We learned that harvest season can't get here soon enough.

Bennett learned not to wipe your hands off on the fence.

We learned that tiny splinters and tiny hands don't mix.

Bennett learned to sleep in a toddler bed.

We learned that he doesn't want to get out of bed by himself, but you are welcome to come in.

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."

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.

What We Learned: 27 Months

I know I have commented on my child's manners before.  Yet, in the past month, his politeness has only continued to improve.  His unprompted please, thank you's, 'scuse me's, and the occassional sorry can almost make a mom forget those times he uses his hands instead of spoons, his sleeves instead of tissues, and those grabby-grab "mines."

Bennett learned to share his crackers, cheese and germs.

We learned to like soggy snacks.

Bennett learned to cover his mouth.

We learned a cough can be cute when masked with an "ebow."

Bennett learned that Atticus likes pancakes.

We learned Bennett is quite the tattle tail.

Bennett learned he likes music with his meal.

We learned that while iTunes has millions of versions of wheels on the bus, Bennett knows exactly what he wants and it's "not dat one!"

Bennett learned that sometimes mommy has a hard job too.

We learned that Rocky is useless without me.

Bennett learned to stay out of the way when daddy shakes the mayo without the lid on.

We learned that you should double check the refrigerator door.

Bennett learned that you have to say goodbye to "my favorite" butter when it melts everywhere.

We learned that a mayo-filled kitchen and a refrigerator of rotten food pales in comparison to a leaky roof.

Bennett learned that you better get as much mommy time as you can get.

We learned that sometimes you spend an entire evening with a toddler glued to your lap and ignore the mess in the kitchen.

What We Learned: 26 Months

 

I probably shouldn't admit this, but there was a time I didn't think my child was all that smart.  When he was about ten months old and didn't give two hoots about crawling, never the less rolling over, I figured this kid to be a lazy one.  He would be enamored with an old box of junk for 40 minutes but wasn't too interested in age appropriate toys.  We all know he wasn't much of a talker until about a year ago.  But at 26 months, I am constantly impressed with his new skills and understanding. 

 

Yesterday, I explained to him that we had to put on his socks because it was cold in the house.  He said, "the air come out?"  I asked him "what air came out?"  "Outta the frigerator!"  Tell me, this kid isn't a genius.

 

Bennett learned not to be afraid of the bathtub or the barber.

 

We learned that it is possible to be cough and runny nose free during cold season. 

 

Bennett learned bilingual songs in preschool.

 

We learned Bennett knows more Spanish than his 1/4 Panamanian father.

 

Bennett learned how to fix everything in the house.

 

We learned a child can never have too many tools.

 

Bennett learned the words to Rudolph and Jingle Bells.

 

We learned that he really only likes to sing "HAY!"

 

Bennett learned that while Santa is a nice man, you don't want to get too close.

 

We learned that we should listen when he says, "no thank you."

 

What We Learned: 25 Months

Even with his mouth full of cheeseburger, this boy is a talker.  He is a storyteller.  He is astute and curious, asking questions and more often, giving directions.  Some might call that bossy, but we'll just say he's opinionated. 

Bennett learned to properly say pizza.

We learned how sad it is to say good bye to his baby talk, but at least we still have "gank you."

Bennett learned to be (video) camera shy.

We learned we may never get a "gank you" on tape.

Bennett learned to whine his way into getting what he wants.

We learned that secret to a dinner out is youtube and an Iphone.

Bennett learned how to feed the cows and turkeys.

We learned that Bennett thinks the calves are his babies.

Bennett learned the words to "Wheels on the Bus," and "Going on a Bear Hunt."

We learned what windshield wipers, bus drivers and caves can be relevant to just about any conversation.

Bennett learned to correctly identify guitar, drum and piano in a song.

We learned that it doesn't take much to be more musically inclined than his parents. 

Bennett learned to say "getta outta my way."

We learned that 24 months isn't too long to wait to hear "I love you."

What We Learned: 24 Months

My baby boy is two!  But if you ask him, he's not a baby, he is a big boy.  And it is true, at two he is no longer a baby.  He runs.  He jumps.  He yells and giggles and tells stories.  He fixes the roof and digs a hole and climbs the fence.  He is fearless and funny.  When the doctor announced we were having a boy, this is exactly the little person I dreamed of.  But two years ago I could never have imagined this day would arrive so soon.

 

Bennett learned he can do it.

 

We learned not to question it.

 

Bennett learned about emotions.

 

I learned he can learn an emotion and apply it to characters in a book, Curious George on tv and momma in the mornings.

 

Bennett learned to walk sideways.

 

We learned that he can fix it.

 

Bennett learned that his name isn't "me."

 

We learned that he thinks is name is "kid."

 

Bennett learned how to use a zipper.

 

We learned that it is his job.

 

Bennett learned that happy birthday to you typically ends with cake.

 

We learned that the song either ends with eating cake or screaming "cake!"

 

Bennett learned that on your birthday you turn six.

 

We learned that if two arrived this fast, six will be here soon enough as it is.

 

 

What We Learned: 23 Months

As we get closer to two, the more anxious I become of the notorious terrible twos.  While we are still a month away, I am loving this age.  It's a good thing because the last time I wrote a monthly update, I was already missing my co-parent.  It hasn't always been easy, but this age is an awesome time to have him all to myself.  B's vocabulary is exploding.  He isn't just pointing out airplanes and bugs, he's expressing details and feelings behind those things, loud, heavy, sticky, eww.  He is imaginative and silly and a storyteller.  All of these things play a huge part in his new favorite pastime, cooking in the kitchen. 

Bennett learned that it is ok to miss your dad as long he apologizes for his absence with a kid-size microwave, oven, sink and ice maker. 

We learned that there are a million and one ways to prepare a plastic piece of bacon, play block, cardboard cutout, tinker toy and a refrigeratoe magnet. 

Bennett learned his manners, peas and you gelcome. 

We learned you can almost forgive a push, a kick or an elbow if you accompany it with an "excuse me's. 

Bennett learned to walk backwards.

We learned that to drive backwards you "Don't need to know where I'm going, just need to know where I've been."

Bennett learned that that even though he might be a decade away from reaching the pedals, he can't get enough Cars.

Bennett learned to do the chicken dance.

We learned that Bennett is just as good at pretending to be an airplane as flying on an airplane.

Bennett learned how to toast.

We learned that Bennett isn't quite ready to sleep in a grown-up bed.

Bennett learned that rolling off the bed isn't worth waking up for.

We learned that waking up to that sweet face is worth any sleepless night waiting for a thump. 

What We Learned: 22 Months

I'm not sure when the switch flipped, but it flipped.  We stopped counting months and answering folks with, "he will be two years old in October."  You guys, my baby boy will be two in two month!  Ack. As we hurrdle towards two, the learning seems to both slow and speed up, for all of us.

Bennett learned to walk backwards.

We learned that "huh?" is the answer to just about everything.

Bennett learned that funky socks are pretty cool.

We learned that just because you outgrew newborn socks months ago doesn't mean the pain isn't worth it for FIRETRUCKS!

Bennett learned that running through imaginary sprinklers is almost as much fun as real sprinklers.

We learned that Bennett isn't a picky eater if he's dining at McDonald's.

Bennett learned that pancakes are pretty cool. His words.

We learned that when we stopped to write down how many words he has these days, it's 140 and counting.

Bennett learned to count to ten.

We learned that he still doesn't like 3 or 4.

Bennett learned shapes, circle, triangle, square.

We learned that a little boys' preoccupation with hearts is sweeter than honey.

Bennett learned that backhoes are for digging holes and bulldozers are for leveling the ground.

We learned he thinks he's pretty.  We think so too.

What We Learned: 21 Months

Last month it was all about imitation.  This month has been all about imagination.  It's so interesting to watch his little mind work.  In the past few weeks, Bennett has been very into make-believe.  He first started with make-believe flipping flap jacks, but now he has taken to imagining himself as disappearing, as imagining carrying a purse, and imagining he's a flying object.

Bennett learned to finish the lines in books.

We learned that everything sounds sweeter in toddler-talk.

Bennett learned to fly like an airplane.
We learned that it's time to invest in a safety railing.

Bennett learned to give booboos and bug bites a kiss.

We learned that Bennett's already bored with the Toddler I classroom.

Bennett learned that the big boys have a lot to teach about baseball and bootball.

We learned that big kids can teach about baseball, bootball and boogers.

We learned that Bennett can fake sleep.

Bennett learned the importance of turn!

We learned that we can't imagine that slip in the kitchen didn't happen, but we did learn you can postpone haircuts long enough to make the booboo heal.

What We Learned: 20 Months

The best smiles always come with the most drool.

At twenty months, my son is hilarious.  My son is smart.  Bennett is headstrong, stubborn and knows what he wants. Ironically, in the past month he has also started mimicking.  I'd like to think the two things are not related.  The foot stomping is not a good reflection on me or his father. 

Bennett learned to count to two.

We learned that mimicking loses its appeal somewhere between two and three.

Bennett knows what sound most animals make, can correctly identify body parts, and say "cheese."

We learned to finally disregard milestone charts.

Bennett learned to speak in full sentences.

We learned about hiding bunnies.

Bennett learned that "woah" is an appropriate response in 90% of situations.

We learned that Atticus can in fact pop a rubber ball.

Bennett learned that telling a good story never gets old.

We learned that perhaps you can show too much enthusiasm.

Bennett learned to say his name.

We learned that claiming you  need to use the potty is a fabulous bedtime stall tactic. 

Bennett learned a fabulous fake laugh.

We learned that he takes after both his parents more than we like to think.

What We Learned: 19 Months

Bennett grows and changes so quickly, you have to write it down when it happens or you will forget it's different.  He learns something new everyday, a word, a gesture, a trick.  This is the first time I've been away from my boy on his birthaversary.  There is no telling what he will pick up while we're gone.

Bennett learned he can delay a dreaded carseat trip with a hug.

We learned my child is already a manipulative monster with delicious hugs.

Bennett learned to wipe his own mouth with a napkin.

We learned it's impossible to make it to work with clean clothes when suits and dresses make for good napkins too.

Bennett learned to tell Atticus "no."

We learned that while Bennett doesn't like being disciplined, he likes to do the disciplining.

Bennett learned to climb the stairs.

We learned it's time to stock the medicine cabinet with dinosaur bandaids.

Bennett learned to flip pancakes.

We learned not to sit on the griddle, aka the ottoman.

Bennett learned that there are special carts at the grocery store, rocket ships, race cars and motor boats.

We learned that the giggles and squeals are worth the dirty looks and the muscle cramps trying to turn the super mom mobile. 

I promise, photos are coming!