Funny Ben

I am constantly amazed at what a little man Ben has become. It is so much fun watching him learn and grow into a true individual as we see more of his personality each day. I had virtually no experience with babies or kids other than my own, so I had no idea how much fun 2 year-olds can be! Ben is learning several new words each day and he surprises me all the time with the things he knows and understands already. I'm using a lot of phrases like "after (blank) we'll do (blank)" or "we need to (blank) and we'll come back to (blank)" because he's very receptive to things when he understands why we have to leave or why I'm saying no to something. Yesterday he asked to watch Elmo, as usual, but when I said no because it was time to eat lunch, Ben said "okay, after lunch we'll watch Elmo". Even though I hadn't agreed to it, I had to give in after I finished laughing. He's using my tricks on me!

He's always liked music, but now Ben is really into singing. He knows several songs now and asks to sing ALL of them before naptime and bedtime. I'm pretty sure it's also a stalling technique but it's a lot of fun so I usually sing along as long as Alex isn't waiting for his turn to go to bed. I'll have to get video of our little performer soon. He's also quite the counter these days and can get up to 8 in Spanish and 16 in English. He may be counting in Mandarin but until I learn what it sounds like I'll have no idea.

Ben had his second dentist appointment yesterday and he was a perfect little gentleman the entire time. I had coached him on holding his mouth open and spitting water into the sink and he did everything just as the dentist asked except show his teeth with his jaw closed because every time the dentist came near his mouth he opened as far as possible. Guess we didn't need to work on that as much as I thought! Afterward, he and I walked to Tanglin Mall and enjoyed some tea and a snack together at Starbucks. He walked everywhere right next to me and then sat in his chair next to me eating his muffin like a little man and I sat in amazement about much he's matured - no stroller, no diaper bag (although I still have to carry a diaper and wipes in my purse until he'll take off his pants for potty training!), no running away like a wild man. He's growing up so fast! Part of me can't wait for Alex to get this age so we can see his personality and part of me wants to keep him a baby forever and savor every minute before it slips away.

As a very wise friend told me, "the days are long but the years are short". I couldn't agree more! I often remind myself to enjoy the regular moments, like playing under the quilt after naptime or just rocking a sleeping baby, because they'll be gone before I know it. Some days when they're both testing my patience I halfheartedly wish I was still working some, but the other 99% of the time I wouldn't trade this special time for anything in the world. I'm overwhelmed sometimes that God has entrusted us with these beautiful little boys and that they can be so loving and trustful, but I'm incredibly thankful for the joy and laughter they bring into my life every day.

I read this poem this morning and I think it's why I'm feeling so reflective today:

Children Are A Gift From God

by Sandra Tolson

God sent me two packages
That needed special care
"Take care of these tiny gifts
For they are very rare."

"Watch over them with all your love
And let them feel your touch
Take care of their every need
For you are needed very much."

"These gifts will grow up very fast
As you soon will see
Love them with all your heart
And let them be what they will be."

"When these gifts have fully grown
Look at Heaven up above
Know they exist because of God
And all his precious love."