Here it comes…

I know, I know - nothing's sacred - poor kid!

We've been talking with Ben about using the "big boy potty" for a long time but he never was interested, in fact he always said "no, no, no potty." UNTIL last night - he tried the potty with Daddy's help (there is a kid seat on top of the toilet). He even said "here it comes" before he went - so now we know he knows what's going on. 

Ben and I have spent a large chunk of the day in the bathroom - what fun! But I'm happy to report since last night he's gone pee in the potty three times. 

No "number two" so far - the kid is like clockwork so I knew when he would have to go - I placed him on the seat and we read books. I could tell he had to go (and badly) but he just wouldn't do it. Two seconds later we put a diaper on for nap, he ran to his room, shut the door and took care of business in private. Oh well, baby steps!

Happy Day!

Ben thought the 4th of July was just one big birthday party - and I suppose it is - but he kept saying "Happy Day!" (which is how he says happy birthday). We went to the WG parade in the morning and he had a lollipop and popsicle before noon - so he knew he was in for some fun! He desperately wanted a flag at the parade and luckily someone was passing them out so he waved it like crazy all morning. 

We also walked up to the carnival by our house after nap and rode the toy train three times ($4 for a 2-1/2-minute ride - gulp!) - but he loved it and waved to Daddy every time we came around the bend.

Thankfully he slept well through three nights of fireworks - since we live so close to where they let them off the entire house shakes! We were considering letting him watch the fireworks if he was awake, but he doesn't even like the noise of a blender or vacuum cleaner, so we're pretty sure the fireworks wouldn't be a big hit.

Grant's Farm

On Friday Ben and I went on a field trip with Auntie to Grant's Farm. Ben loved the train, it takes you from the parking lot all around the farm. We saw a lot of animals and he told Daddy each one we saw that night - turtles, camels, elephants, horses, goats ("Ben feed a bottle") and he was very serious about listing them all. 

Also, you can see he wore his watch while we were there - this was a first and very funny to see! I guess it's more of an accessory until he can tell time!

Innsbrook

We went to Innsbrook this past weekend and Ben loved playing at the beach especially in the sand. He spent a long time with Bebe digging with the sand toys as he was less sure of the playing in the water this year. We let him skip his naps on both days since he was so well behaved and loving the beach, but we left with a VERY tired kid!

Sweet Dreams

On Father's Day Ben got his new "big boy" bed. He started climbing in and out of his crib (one of the scariest things I've seen in a long time) so we decided it was time! We went straight to the twin bed with rails instead of a toddler bed and we completely removed his crib. That first night Ben slept great and I don't think I slept at all - I kept picturing him wedged between the wall and mattress or something horrible. But he loves his bed and has been doing great - no problems (so far, at least)! 

Ben will soon have Joe's bed frame from when he was a kid. Bubba was nice enough to offer to paint it for us - so that will look really cute and will add the finishing touch to his new bed.

Some Shine

We have quite the little singer! Ben loves to sing and is often humming while playing with his toys.

He's so upset in the beginning of the video because he likes to see himself on the LCD panel of the video recorder… I remember Charlie always liked to "watch myself on tv" when he was younger too!

"Baby!"

Ben and I got to meet my friend Kathie's new baby today. He was fascinated by Emery at first and then quickly moved on to "Annie" the Yorkie. 

Ben seemed like such a big boy today - he walked with us to the park without his stroller, ate a sandwich at the market for lunch and sat with us at the table - no high chair - and he actually stayed put!

We loved meeting you Emery - you're definitely a keeper!