Terrible Two's So Soon?

I know at times we spoil Ben, but it's either starting to become apparent in everyday life or he's hitting his terrible two's (TT's) a little early.  For instance, he demands to have his show (Yo Gabba Gabba) on in every room we walk into regardless of if we stay in that room to play or even watch it.  It's a horrible habit that I already see forming, but at times it's still easier to turn it on and keep him occupied while I take care of house chores.  Otherwise we have the crying, screaming fits and I'm not always up for handling those with only 6 weeks left to go before the little girl arrives.  Another example is when we have to go downstairs to play with his cozy coupe, which normally resides in the basement, to immediately want the car upstairs and not in the basement.  This past weekend we spent a couple times thinking he wanted to actually play in the basement with his playroom only to find out he just wanted his car upstairs.  And if he doesn't get his way, yep - crying/screaming fit.  So we're trying to pick and choose our battles and time out isn't really much of a threat to him. 

Anyway - the days are flying by and all I can say is that I'm so happy he has been healthier and not sick near as much as last winter.  I have to give credit to the most wonderful surgery of his little life, the tubes in his ears.  So even though he may cry and scream when he doesn't get his way, he is healthy, happy and starting to pretend play on his own so much more.  It's so much fun to watch him and interact with him as he gets more talkative and knowledgeable about the world around him.  He even has started snuggling with us when we're sitting on the couch (only if his tv show is on though mind you).  I'm sure these small fits will continue, but in the overall scheme of things - I'll take it.  Especially when he climbs into my lap and puts his little head on my chest and is calm for an entire minute.

Trying to be like Dada in the slippers

 

Yes, that's a funny face and him saying more to 'cheese' for the camera at Little Monkey Bizness

So to reward this wonderful behavior of the early TT's arriving, we decided to spoil him even more and officially make the playroom a useable and fun space for him.  I love how it turned out and he's already been playing in there a little more each day.  We just got the chalkboard finished up tonight so he'll have some new fun and creative things to do while we're stuck inside with this blizzard of the century as the weather people are predicting for tomorrow.  Playdate anyone?!

Swim Class

We enrolled Ben in swim class and yesterday was his first one.  He loves the bath, but doesn't seem to be a fan of the pool/lake when we were there last year so we thought we could try swim classes to get more familiar with larger bodies of water and also as a good winter activity to wear him out.

The class of course has a parent get in the water with the child and hold them the entire time, but even with that our thoughts were confirmed that he has a little fear of water.  Shallow he can do, but larger bodies without being held close to your neck are currently not his favorite.  So Brian took Ben in and the first lap around the lazy river was fine and he laughed, but after that was not so pleasant.  The instructor had Brian turn Ben around and have him lay on his back to kick, but Ben was terrified of not having the front contact with Brian.  It was hard to watch, but hopefully after the 8 weeks are up he's at least a little more comfortable with it.  I guess we need to join a place with a pool or continue this effort until he's not scared of the water after swim classes are up.

Here are some pics both happy and sad.


Before the class waiting



First lap



Half way through class



Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth

It's been a while since I've posted a video of Ben and since he is getting bigger and more talkative by the day I figured it was about time.  Now I know all parents think their kid is the smartest and most talented, but I'm not delirious.  Ben is advanced on certain things, but definitely not all.  Of course I am the kind of parent who will show off his talents rather than his not so bright side! So without further ado, here is a video of Ben pointing out his body parts.

New Year, New Room

In preparation for the baby we decided to switch Ben to a 'big boy' room.  We had new furniture delivered on Friday and moved all of his things today.  He even was a big helper and moved a lot of things himself.  We tested out the new room with a nap today and although he woke up crying, he slept over 2 hours which is unheard of on the weekends with us (we're lucky if we get over an hour)!  It's probably just a fluke, but I'll take my chances.  We'll see how his first full night goes, but with most of the decorations from his old room being in his new room I hope it will go smoothly.  So here are pics of his new room and I am really liking the car decals that I got at Target.  Ben can't seem to get enough cars and mainly choo choo's so he was excited when he first saw those on the wall even though he was a little upset when he realized he couldn't play with them.  I also have a big boy bed in there for when he outgrows the crib - he loves to play on it so hopefully we don't have to use it for sleeping for a while as I will miss the days of confinement...

Due to the fact that once we removed our christmas tree last night, we hung the cheap suction cup basketball hoop on the door and Ben played with it for almost an hour this morning!  Normally his attention span isn't quite that long so I decided this afternoon once we had his room situated and he had such a great nap after helping that he should get a real (his size of course) basketball hoop so I don't have to keep fixing the one that won't stay on the door.  After three stores we finally found one that was perfect.  It is adjustable height and should last at least a few years as he grows, plus the hoop actually gets larger for when he's smaller so he can make more baskets.  Not sure who thought that up, but I'm a fan.  Here he is enjoying the new hoop.


So Excited after making a basket from 3' out!



Slam Dunk!

Hope everyone has a happy new year!!