Friday, January 31, 2014

He's Two!!

Last week Benjamin turned two! Our kids are both snow babies - there were snow storms when both were born and every year since there has been a significant snowstorm on one or both of their birthdays! This year was no exception. Benj's birthday was on a Wednesday and we just happened to have our biggest snowstorm of the year the night before! So Julia had her first official snow day and we were all able to celebrate Benjamin's day all together!

We started with a pancake breakfast. And Benjamin's "friends" came to wish him a happy birthday too!





We also opened some birthday presents. Benj received a soccer ball, a toy camera, and some animal figures from us, and a Duplo set that Julia had picked out. I also gave him to book Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus as his birthday book.




It took him a few minutes to even realize that there were presents out but once he did he had a great time opening them and wasn't ready to be finished when they were opened!

We spent most of the day inside playing with the new toys and keeping warm, but Andrew, Julia and Benjamin did get outside for a little sledding before dinner (see Andrew's previous post). And after a nice tub to get warm we had Benjamin's birthday dinner with one of his favorite meals - burgers and fries. And of course cake. Chocolate cake!




He thought the cake was pretty good and has been asking for some almost everyday since! Luckily we have some more cake opportunities coming up!

At two, Benjamin is an amazing kid. He is incredibly happy, always quick to smile and laugh, and loves to make us laugh too by tickling, making silly faces or noises, or just goofing around. He is a passionate kid and expresses all of his emotions fully. There's never any question about how Benjamin is feeling - he let's us know! 

He is a pretty easy going kid. He has his demands and wants but overall he's happy to go with the flow. He loves being around people, especially his Grandma and Grandpas, Aunts and cousins. He and Julia have a great relationship. He looks up to her and always wants to be doing exactly what she is. He also does not hesitate to show his frustration when he is upset with her and has initiated Julia into the ways of boys! Because he is a pure boy. He loves playing in mud, water, dirt, whatever is around that will make a "BIG MESS." He usually chooses to run over walking, jump instead of stepping, and yell instead of whispering. He throws himself fully into whatever he is doing and loves to "show you" what he has done or is in process of accomplishing. He is a curious kid, always trying to figure out how things work or take things apart. He'll watch very closely to see how something is done and then usually be able to replicate it himself in short order. He is very adamant about "doing it MYSELF!"

Physically he is very healthy and is 35" tall and 25 lbs. A little above average for height and less than average weight. He talks up a storm and speaks in 3 and 4 word sentences. He also just started saying his name this week! He can count from 1-10, loves singing - especially the Alphabet Song and Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and to read books. Favorites right now are "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie", "Ten Apples Up on Top", and "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" which he calls "Chicken Boom Boom"! 

He is a great eater and will try any food. He particularly likes spicy food, any kind of dip, and FRIES! He also loves cheese, soup, carrots, cucumbers, grapes, and blueberries. Andrew is thrilled because he likes pizza (and gets very excited when it gets delivered) and burgers. I'm thrilled because, for now at least, he is not a picky eater (yes, I'm sure I just jinxed myself!).


 Everyday with Benjamin is an adventure. He challenges us, makes us laugh and smile, and amazes us with his enthusiasm and curiosity. Life is definitely not boring with Benjamin around and that's the way we like it! Happy birthday to my best boy! We love you pieces! xo





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