Nature and Science Museum

Ben and I had a full morning. We started off at a play group. It was so cold today that not many people showed up. He was a bit more confident today. He played with one of the girls, he walked around with out holding my hand and tried out a bunch of new toys. The people that were there continue to comment on how much progress he makes with his shyness each week.

I told Ben we were going to the Lake Erie Nature and Science Museum with some friends so he was telling me he is ready to go.

9 of us went to the museum (including babies). We didn't see too much of it. We were having fun in our little corner. They have a bunch of animals that only a boy could love....snakes, cockroaches, iguanas, fish etc. Ben just liked that he could walk around on his own, but he had a good time sitting on the edge of a fish pond. Lindsey and Tate were the only ones brave enough to go outside into the cold and check out the other animals. They have deer, rabbits, a hawk, and a turkey to name a few. I think it will be a lot of fun to check out when its a bit warmer. They have a large field so the kids can run around. We had a lot of fun, but Ben was definitely ready to come home and take a nap.

Check out flickr for more pics from today.

Sunday lunch

We went out to lunch with a group of people from church yesterday. 13 of us took over part of the Winking Lizard. We were out a bit past Bens nap time, but he adjusted well. Thanks to Alan and Lindsey for buying.

We found out our cousin, Barb, is having a baby boy in June. Ben is helping to show Aylah what its going to be like to have a brother. It sounds like she has a great time with Ben each week, so I think she'll transition well.

The boy likes syrup!

Ben has had a couple of great days. His appetite is back to normal. He's been eating more than dad and I. He hasn't had any major melt downs, he's taking great naps and has been in a great mood. He's even given me a ton of kisses. Unfortunately, he hasn't been as giving with dad, but I think he owed me a few! Some days he makes it really easy to be a parent.

Cork anyone?

Apparently I didn't get lunch together quickly enough and Ben was forced to eat cork for lunch!

Ben and I went to a play room this morning with some friends. I think having some familiar faces there helped him to explore a little bit more. Everyone commented on what a difference a week makes. He still needed mom, but he didn't hide every time someone looked at him. He even participated in snack time. He didn't want to think about sharing goldfish last week!

Ben is still having some tantrums, but we're ignoring the crying and keeping up with time outs for bad behavior. Some days are better than others, but I think its sinking in little by little.

He's been a lot better with getting it out and moving on to fun stuff instead crying for long periods. Small victory for mom and dad!

Childrens Museum

Jon and I took Ben to the Childrens Museum today. We hung out in the Big Red Barn exhibit. There was a car to climb in, animal stalls to play in, and a slide just to name a few. I think Ben had a great time. He wouldnt let dad go too far, but he went off on his own a few times. The slide was definitely his favorite. He wanted to go down over and over again (hint, hint grandma and grandpa)! There are more pics on Flickr.

Good news/bad news

Well, the good news is Jon is feeling like himself again. His fever broke and he has his appetite back. The bad news is that I don't think he had food poisoning because I got what ever he had Friday night. I'm starting to feel better today, but its taking its time.

Ben had a rough night on Friday. He had a 45 minute temper tantrum than ended in a time out. It took a while, but he finally got it and calmed down. He had a great day Saturday. He got in his chair himself when he was hungry (something we've been struggling with) and even got a new diaper for dad when it was time to be changed. Ben and dad went to a party at aunt Lorrie's last night. It sounds like they had a lot of fun visiting.













This morning, Ben shocked us by saying nana several times when we pulled out a banana for him. Ben and I hung out at home while Jon went to church. He was kind enough to let me listen to the service by phone though. Today was the Sanctity of Life sermon. Its the 35th anniversary of Roe vs Wade so Todd preached about abortion as well as assisted suicide and euthanasia. It got Jon and I into an abortion debate. We both agree that more education is a must, but at this point do we keep abortion legal and hope that enough people will spread the word so people will make the right choice on their own or do we make it illegal and risk back alley abortions where not only do we lose the baby, but possibly the mother too? We played devils advocate for about an hour and didn't really come to a good conclusion. I cant imagine what the law makers go through, knowing that they literally have the power to change/save lives.

On a happier note, Jon and I are both off tomorrow and plan on taking Ben to one of the museums. Look for another post then.

Indecision 2008!

Sorry, this one isn't about Ben. Jon found this website that I thought was really cool. I definitely have some favorites in the 2008 presidential race, but I am still undecided. This site asks your opinion on the key topics like health care, immigration and same sex marriages to name a few and then tells you which candidate you most (and least) identify with. It also gives all the candidates positions on the same topics. After visiting the site, I'm still undecided, but I think I have better grasp of each candidates stance. Hope it helps. http://www.electoralcompass.com/

On a side note, we have another sick one. Jon woke up at 2am and was sick all night. I took him to the doctor today and he has food poisoning. (No, I didn't cook dinner last night!) He is also severely dehydrated. He's on a strict diet of Gator Aid and Compazine (anti-nausea medicine) and has been ordered to stay in bed for at least 2 days. Please keep him in your thoughts/prayers.

Grandmas, dont worry, I'll do another Ben post this weekend!

Another play room

Benjamin and I checked out another play room today. Its at an elementary school not too far from here. It didn't take as long for him to get out of my lap this time, but he was a little intimidated by how friendly everyone was. There was a little girl who wanted to give him kisses and pat his head and all the moms couldn't get over how beautiful his eyes are. He did a lot of exploring and played peek-a-boo with the elementary school kids in the gym next to us. I think another week or two and he'll be running around with all the other kids and leaving mom behind!

Crazy, but true

We took Benjamin to the doctor today. She determined that he has a virus that causes a temporary lactose intolerance! He wasn't eating because he didn't feel good. We would give him some cheese or yogurt so he would have something in his stomach. Then he would get upset and we would give him milk to help calm him down. That was actually making him worse. We have to cut out dairy for about a week and let the virus run its course and then slowly reintroduce it.
She said it's actually very common in children. After talking to the doctors I work with, I found out its actually common in adults too, it just presents a little differently. He did better tonight. He's still a little fussy, but I think the worst is over.

We went to the library tonight for story time (sorry, I forgot the camera). We read, sang songs, blew bubbles and did a little dancing. Ben loved the bubbles, but I don't think he got as much out of it as he could since he was a bit under the weather. Its a weekly event so I think he'll have a much better time next week.

Sick boy

Benjamin hasn't been feeling well the past couple of days. At first we thought he was just teething, (he had a few more teeth pop through). He's had a fever, been cranky and not eating. He starts feeling better then gets worse again. We thought he kicked it yesterday. He was getting his appetite back, he was happy and the fever was gone.

His fever was back today, he has a little bit of a rash and he wasn't able to keep his lunch down--to put it politely. We're going to see the doctor tomorrow. Keep our little man in your thoughts/prayers.

Ball Bonanza

Today the three of us went to the highschool for a ball bonanza hosted by the Early Childhood PTA. It was a lot of kids chasing a lot of balls around the cafeteria. They also had a coloring and a play dough station set up. Ben had a great time kicking around the balls and making some new friends.

Play time

Benjamin and I went to The Lakewood Play Room today. Its 2 rooms filled with toys and kids. I thought it might be a good time to get Benjamin playing with more kids on a regular basis so he can break out of his shell a little bit. For the first hour, Benjamin wouldn't consider getting out of my lap. He played with some Lego's and checked out all the kids running around. Their were about 15-20 other kids and each one had a parent so there was a lot of activity. When he finally got the courage to get out of my lap and start exploring, he ignored all the toys and headed straight for the lamp! He eventually left me behind to go play with some toys and hang out with some other kids.




Thanks to aunt Prasti for helping us find some play areas. I think we're going to check out another play room next Wed. We were going to go yesterday, but the weather was still nice so we took a walk to grandma's office instead. She's only about a 5 minute walk away, but when you're with a 16 mo old boy, that 5 minutes turned into a 25 minute walk. We watched lots of leaves float around (it was pretty windy), we tried to reach the street lights and were fascinated with the walk/don't walk signs. Benjamin got to meet some of his fans and grandma let him play with the light switches in a conference room. It doesn't get much better than that! The walk home was just as fascinating, he flirted with a jogger and flirted with some sales ladies while we were window shopping. I think my plans for him to not date until he's 30 are shot!

Little Drummer Boy

Benjamin got a toy drum for Christmas with some "accessories" which has become one of his favorite toys. Although, I dont know if he likes playing it as much as he likes eating it! Jon discovered Ben keeps pretty good time so they have been having a lot of fun making A LOT of noise.



Benjamin is adjusting to life in 2008. He got to see Barb and Aylah yesterday for the first time in about a month. (Ben stays with our cousin Barb and her daughter Aylah on Monday and Tuesday). He got really excited when we pulled in their driveway yesterday. It was great having all that time off work in December, but its nice getting back to a familiar routine.

Snow Day

We took Benjamin out for his first real experience playing in the snow yesterday. He looked a little like Ralphie's brother from A Christmas Story with his layers of clothes, snow pants and his coat.

He wasnt quite sure what was going on, but he liked seeing the snow fly through the air (usually at mom). We only had about 3-4 inches. I cant wait to see how he reacts when we get a real storm!

Happy New Year, 2008

Happy New Year!

We hope everyone had a safe and fun New Year. We had some friends over and spent a quiet night inside, but had a great time. Jon and I are usually not big on making resolutions, however this year, I am taking my friend Dru up on his offer to teach me to ski. By 2009, I'll be a regular snow bunny! Of course, Jon and I will continue on our walk with God.
Benjamin rang in the new year, at 8:30, by playing with his new toys. He started 2008 by letting mom and dad sleep in until 9am. Jon especially appreciated that, as he had a hard time holding his liquor (see picture)!

We wish everyone the best for 2008.


P.S.
We'd like to send out well wishes to all of our Arkansas friends for the devastating loss at the Cotton Bowl. Maybe next year.

And don't forget to check out the flickr site. Jon played drums in church on Sunday while Aaron led the praise team.