All About Benjamin

Good Advice

2012-02-06T21:46:00.004-05:00

Got the best piece of parenting advice out of nowhere tonight from Benjamin as he was all wrapped up in a towel and blankets on the bed after a shower.

"Momma, if you don't struggle, I don't struggle. If you do struggle then I struggle, too"

"Where did you learn that?"

"I just knowed it. I'm smart"

Yes, you sure are, Son.

A few minutes later after getting dressed we made up Secret Spy names. First, I called him Steve but then he changed it to Benjamin Nickles. And I am Chinchilla Charlie.

-N

P.S. There is a lovely full moon tonight.

Nightmares

2012-01-23T23:14:00.002-05:00

Benjamin has been plagued with nightmares and the idea of nightmares for a week or so. Tonight while flopping around in bed saying he couldn't sleep because of these nightmares I told him it was okay and that if he thought about happy things he would have good dreams. He said, "Those bad monsters destroy all my good stories." Poor Buggy.

Also tonight before bed he was digging something out from between his toes. When I asked him what he was doing he said, "I'm taking out some pieces of insect legs. Not many, just a little bit." Wonder if that has anything to do with those nightmares.

-N

Safari Nation

2011-11-16T00:25:00.010-05:00

Today was a really fun day for us. After school we dropped by the library to return and select some books. And to our surprise Benjamin's best friend from school was there! We have been talking about a play date for the boys for a while now but haven't done it so we were thrilled to be there together. Mitch (Bug's best friend) was there with his caregiver and eventually his grandmother(Nana)joined us. Mitch's Nana read lots of books to the boys and even snuck in some cookies for them to enjoy.

Benjamin and I were going to head to a new bounce place called Safari Nation after the library and happily Mitch didn't have any other plans so we all caravaned over and checked it out as it was all our first time going. The boys played and played and played. It was so nice to see them together outside of school where they could romp and do their own thing. And the adults got to talk and get to know one another which was really nice.

Benjamin had his first slushie at the snack bar. Obviously since this was a first (and he is almost 4 years old) this is not something we usually would do but Mitch was enjoying one and it seemed terrible to tell Benjamin no. He liked it but didn't finish it very fast. It took him about an hour to finish the small cup of it. I think it was too cold and sweet for him.

And he also had another first. He rode the zip line. He is technically too short to ride it but the guy running it made an exception for him. He rode it 2 dozen times before he fell and got hurt. He fell into the space between the mat and the wall and he cried and cried and said he was never going on it again. Thirty seconds later he was back up there. He was a trooper to get over the fear that quickly and keep having fun with it. It was a fun day overall and a really nice time spent with good friends.

Tonight

2011-11-10T21:16:00.001-05:00

Benjamin called toe jam "sock jelly."

Henry (while browsing Netflix--a rarity in our house since we only watch kid shows): "Why am I browsing through the kid stuff?"

Benjamin: "Some people like kid stuff."

So

2011-10-17T22:31:00.003-04:00

A few nights ago Benjamin sounded out and read his first word. It was the word "so" from the book "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." We are excited to see him begin to read more and watch a whole new world open up to him!

Out of Sight, In mind

2011-09-26T15:27:00.004-04:00

Benjamin noticed roadkill on the way home from school yesterday. It's not the first time, but it sparked quite a conversation. As we pulled into the driveway, our discussion had turned to autumn and the way the leaves were starting to turn color. He pointed at a cluster of dead leaves high up in the biggest tree in our front yard.
"But those didn't fall, they're just already dead," he said.
"They are," I told him, and explained that those leaves were on a broken branch. Without being connected to the rest of the tree, they died.
"Because they can't get the sap?" he asked.
"Yes," I said. "It's like that branch can't eat or drink anymore. If something stops eating and drinking for too long, it might die."
Without a pause, he asked, "Then why did Halmuni die?"
I was stunned that she was in his thoughts so spontaneously and in such direct relation to our discussion. We've done our best to explain what happened to Nisha's mom without making the world seem completely awful, but it's hard to tell exactly what he understands and what he remembers.
I did my best to explain that she had a sickness that was sort of like being unable to eat or drink, that parts of her were like the broken branch in the tree. Again, doing my best to not make the world seem too awful or scary.
Bug launched into one of his mile-a-minute monologues. It was about medicine and boo boos, and how to fix things. It was so fast and jumbled that I caught very little of it except when he slowed down at the end. "Maybe I could tell that to the doctors," he said. "And maybe to you too. Maybe that might help."
"Maybe that would," I told him. "Thanks, Bug."
I hate that he's in a situation where he has to try and wrap his brilliant little brain around death, especially in such a personal way. But at the same time it's amazing and reassuring that, more than a year after her death, Halmuni is still in his thoughts, and he still loves her and wants to make her boo boos better, just like she always did for him.

First Day in His Classroom!

2011-08-16T19:00:00.002-04:00

Today was Benjamin's first visit to his own classroom at the Greensboro Montessori School. We accompanied him today and had a blast watching him explore all the cool things in his classroom and meeting his new teachers. Tomorrow he goes to school all by himself! Our baby is growing up!

And for dinner tonight, spaghetti with basil that Benjamin threw into the pot of sauce and limeade with a sprig of mint, both herbs from his school garden!

Benjamin Talking About Lots of Stuff

2011-08-15T05:54:00.001-04:00

Halmuni.

2011-08-11T22:16:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I told Benjamin I missed Halmuni and he asked what happened to her. I told him she went to heaven. He asked why and I said that she got sick, really sick. He asked why she didn't wash her hands enough (to avoid getting sick) and I tried to explain that it wasn't a sickness that you can get from germs on your hands. He misses her so much it is painful to see. The other day he was upset with me and Henry and ran from our bed (where we were all playing) and ran down the hall to Halmuni's room. He stopped in front of her door that has been shut for months now, her room full of things that we need to go through. I went to go get him and I almost lost it. He looked so completely sad and lost, wanting so much to rush through that door into the comfort of her arms. Like he used to do. Momma, I know you are watching over your favorite boy. But our hearts ache without you here with us. We miss seeing you, hugging you, hearing you. And Benjamin misses you like crazy. I don't want him to forget all the things he knows now about you. I pray he won't forget.

Babies

2011-07-20T23:27:00.002-04:00

On our way driving home from Florida today:

Benjamin (talking about games on the ipad): Who is going to play with me?
Me (Mommy): You usually just play them by yourself.
Benjamin: I want a brother or sister to play with.
Me: Mommy wants that too. So does Daddy.
Benjamin: How do I get one?
Me: We have to make one.
Benjamin: But I'm a kid, I don't know how to make babies.
Me: That's okay, me and your dad will figure that part out.
Benjamin: Can I help?
Me: No, I think we have it covered.

Tonight

2011-07-14T00:45:00.002-04:00

We are in Florida visiting Poppy and lots of relatives! Tonight Benjamin played his first official game of Black Jack with his own money with Poppy and his cousin, Hannah. He did very well and has the hand signals down pat! Tonight Poppy also told him about his life in the military and Benjamin was enthralled. Especially about the "blowing stuff up" parts. He listened intently and also had lots of questions. I am glad he got to hear it from Poppy firsthand as I can never remember all the places he has been because it is a lot!

Today was also Uncle Gene's birthday so we had dinner with the family here at the house and had cake and ice cream as well. Uncle Gene opened cards and gifts and it was a great night!

Benjamin just fell asleep to me reading "If I Ran the Zoo" by Dr. Zeus. This is his favorite book these days and is extremely loooooong! But he loves it! And for that we don't mind reading it forty million and one times :)

'night night!

Thank You

2011-07-09T23:26:00.001-04:00

Benjamin was eating dinner tonight and he turns to me and says, "Thank you for teaching me." I love this child. No, thank YOU for the privilege of being your momma. Love, love, love.

Three and a Half!

2011-06-22T23:40:00.003-04:00

Today we officially have a three and a half year old! Happy half-year birthday, Benjamin! We were going to celebrate with cupcakes but ended up staying home today (Momma was in the ER last night due to dehydration so wanted to avoid the heat) but we plan on celebrating in a few days with a proper song and treat! We love you, Benjamin! You are the cutest and we are the luckiest!

P.S. Henry is now teaching Benjamin about black holes. He is wide-eyed, listening. You learn lots of new stuff now that you're three and a half!

Grape Monster

2011-06-15T00:45:00.002-04:00

After lights out tonight we were laying in bed, Daddy was already asleep, and Benjamin leans over to me and says he had a secret. He said a bunch of silly words and sounds in a hushed tone. We each did a round or two of that and then we started doing silly secrets with real words and sentences. One of Benjamin's was, "Don't go too close to a grape-eating monster because it could think your toes are grapes and eat your toes off!" Good advice!

Private Part Powers

2011-04-18T22:27:00.004-04:00

Benjamin's all into superpowers. He'll chase after me (this is Henry), yelling, "Ice Power! You frozen! Water power! Wind power! Poopy power!" And so on. Even throw-up power sometimes. If it's a word he knows at all, eventually it will be utilized in his struggle against, well, me. And sometimes monsters. I try not to take it personally.

This afternoon, Benjamin and I returned from the park and let Loggy outside to relieve himself. Benjamin watched Loggy lift his leg and pee on a bush.

"Loggy pee-pees from there and he poo-poos from there," said Benjamin, pointing to his own pee and poo areas. "Him got a penis and a butt."

Me: "Yes, he does."

Benjamin: "You got a penis and a butt, too, Daddy."

Me: "Yes I do. You, me, and Loggy all have those two parts."

Benjamin: "Mommy don't have a penis."

Me: "That's right," I said. "Mommy has a vagina."

Benjamin proceeded to take off running across the yard, arms outstretched, yelling, "Vagina Power!"

And the monsters in our front yard quaked with fear.

Ketchup

2011-03-29T20:23:00.004-04:00

Today Benjamin ate ketchup for the first time. He was eating fries and normally when I suggest dipping them in ketchup he says "yuck!" or just shakes his head no. But today when I brought up the idea of ketchup he didn't reel back in disgust. He actually pondered it and then dipped a fry in the ketchup container, not even with an ounce of hesitation. He took a bite and said, "Mmm...yummy!" I am so happy because I am a real ketchup fan and wanted my son to know the joys of this versatile condiment. I told him I am a Ketchup Girl and he said he is a Ketchup Boy. Love my Ketchup Boy!

Looney Toons

2011-03-28T14:21:00.001-04:00

I just put on a collection of Looney Toons for Benjamin from Net Flix. It is his first time ever watching it. Well, after two minutes I had to turn it off. Too violent. How did we grow up on that? Hitting and mean talking every other scene. Not cool.

A Boy and His Dog

2011-03-27T20:42:00.003-04:00

Lucky Momma

2011-03-26T21:31:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I came home to find this beautiful bouquet of flowers from our yard that Benjamin had picked for me. The first bouquet of the Spring. Lovely!

Biology

2011-03-26T21:06:00.004-04:00

Last night Henry and I were again struggling to get Benjamin to brush his teeth so we decided to look up cavity pics online to show him Tooth Bugs really do exist. He was very interested in the gnarly teeth (I may have actually googled "meth mouth") and wanted to keep looking at picture after picture. After a few minutes he says, "Let's look up ear wax." He has his momma's curiosity for potentially unsavory medical information. He can spend hours reading Henry's old college biology book (see pics). He really is fascinated by all the processes that happen in the body and actually GETS it, more than his mommy does, I think. Kids are natural scientists and it is so cool to see him love learning.

Parmesan

2011-03-10T20:26:00.002-05:00

Benjamin decided to try parmesan cheese tonight. We did not tell him that we have been putting parmesan in his spaghetti forever. He has always been anti-cheese (except for pizza) so we snuck it in for the protein. We were surprised when he asked to taste it when he saw Henry put it on his own noodles tonight. Turns out he loves it. He asked for a bowl of it and spooned in the dry powder until I thought he might choke from the dryness. Then he asked for plain noodles with just the cheese sprinkled on it and he ate that up quickly. This is after eating his spaghetti sauced noodles less than an hour earlier. He has been eating heartily today so maybe he is headed for a growth spurt?

He is also way into old school Atari. He and Henry are playing it now. More on that later.

Happy Birthday, Halmuni!

2011-03-08T23:37:00.000-05:00

We love and miss you.

Leafy, Branchy, or Tree

2011-02-08T23:44:00.003-05:00

We adopted a dog from the shelter and picked him up late this afternoon. He is a miniature poodle, 5 years old, and very docile. When I asked Benjamin what we should name him he looked at the red leash from the shelter and said, "Well, his leash is red and he is...what color is that, Mommy?" "Grey." "Grey. (A few minutes later in the car) Or we could call him Leafy, Branchy, or Tree."

This baby is some kind of sweet. By the time we pulled into the driveway with our new dog it was dark and I told Benjamin that since we have to keep Wiggy and the new dog apart for a week (the new dog has kennel cough which is contagious to other dogs) he and I would go in first, get cleaned up a bit, and I would get his dinner plated for him and then I would go back out and get the dog. He said, "Mommy, take him in first. He'll be scared if we leave him here by himself. It's dark. I can stay here and you take him first." Seriously. Most thoughtful baby ever.

Tornado

2011-01-31T20:04:00.001-05:00

There was a tornado on "Rupert" today and Benjamin says, "What is that--a tongue twister?"

Tapirs

2011-01-26T19:44:00.001-05:00

A few minutes ago, while watching "Agaygo" (Diego): "Why are they called tapirs? They got tape? They tape stuff?" -Benjamin

What a Day!

2011-01-26T02:32:00.002-05:00

Tuesday was a whirlwind! Benjamin had his first day of his first semester of Kindermusik this morning. He did the trial class last week and LOVED it! And then we stopped to visit Halmuni for a bit after picking up some Chick-Fil-A. Then it was off to Raleigh to meet Daddy at the NC Museum of Art to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit before it leaves at the end of the month. He was exquisitely good at the Museum and used an appropriate whispery voice the whole time. We weren't sure how long it would hold his interest but after an hour and a half of looking around he was still engaged in the exhibits so next time we will plan to stay longer. Then we drove to Burlington to have dinner with Grandmommy, Granddaddy, and Aunt Nette. Chicken and dumplings! Mmmm.... Then he and I drove home and he is sound asleep as I write this. The Bug is wo' out!

Dadik

2011-01-21T11:53:00.000-05:00

"Dadik!" -Benjamin Bug's interpretation of Momma's naughty words that occasionally slip through the Good Momma filter.

Musical

2011-01-17T20:59:00.002-05:00

Wednesday night, as Benjamin and I were reading one of his books, he discovered more about the world of music. The book had some bars of music printed on it and in 15 minutes he learned about treble and bass clefs (where they are on the piano, above and below Middle C and their high and low tones), quarter, half, and whole notes (clapping them out), rests, and the notes in music, A through G. And the most fun thing he learned was "piano" and "forte." He says *quietly* "piano" and *loudly* "forte!" What a musical little Bug!

Rhyme Machine

2011-01-17T20:54:00.003-05:00

Last night Benjamin said he wanted to be a Rhyme Machine.

Benjamin: "What rhymes with 'spatula'"
Henry: "Uh...mmm...uhh...'batchula?'"

Stumped by a three year old.

Lesson

2011-01-12T01:01:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Benjamin learned how to pick the lock on our bathroom door. Like a professional. Mothers must teach their kids these kinds of essential life skills. You never know when you'll need it!

Appetite

2011-01-10T06:13:00.002-05:00

The boy who survives on air and milkshake (kefir) has actually been eating for the last 3 days. And eating a lot! It is crazy how much HEAVIER he is now that he is eating. Like a lead baby. Yesterday he had most of a blueberry waffle, a quarter of a medium apple, a good-sized portion of rice and bulgogi-style ground turkey, an entire can of chicken noodle soup (minus the chicken, but all of the broth), some fruit melts, and the inside of a ginger lemon creme cookie. If this doesn't sound like a huge amount of food for a 3-year old, you are right. But for Benjamin it is more food than he usually would eat in a week. He must be hitting a growth spurt. It is early morning as I am writing this post so fingers crossed that this trend will continue today.

Last night he crawled up into my lap as I sat in front of the computer and he clicked an ad for Farmville on Facebook. I have never played it so it wasn't installed but he went through and clicked his way through to download it. He said, "It's loading," as the progress bar moved along. At some point I tried to help him and he said, "I've got it, Momma. Step asiiiide." Henry and I are not letting him play computer games as we feel it does things to little growing brains so he was really disappointed when the computer got tired and had to go to sleep for the night just a few minutes later.

Then he got out some kitchen utensils-a garlic press with removable basket, a whisk, a rolling pin, and a melon ball scooper. We played Animal Mechanicals with our tools and went on some awesome adventures! For the last few weeks playing Pretend has been his most favorite thing to do. His favorite show these days is Animal Mechanicals and he is Mouse, Daddy is Sasquatch, and I am Unicorn. And all of us fill in for the other two characters, Rex and Komodo. Benjamin is like his dad in that he can memorize every detail of his favorite t.v. shows. To the smallest details. So it is amazing to listen to him recreate the episodes, with his own twists and turns thrown in as well. He also loves to play with his Buzz Lightyear and Woody dolls from Toy Story. Henry was out last night and we were walking down the hall on the way to bed. Benjamin was holding all the kitchen utensils (I had the rolling pin) to take to bed with us. "I wish Sasquatch was here to help." He literally never tires of playing Pretend. And we never tire of watching our amazing little boy.

Big Question

2010-12-29T23:47:00.003-05:00

Last night I was peeling and cutting up some apple and I told Benjamin "God gave you teeth so use them" as he tentatively licked the small piece I handed him.

"Who is God?"
"God's the one who made everything."
"I don't want to use my teeth."

Skip to an hour later, while we were in bed about to read some books before bedtime. Out of the blue he asks, "Who is God?" But this time it was a reflective question, one he had been thinking about to himself for the last hour since he learned my basic definition of God. He was intrigued and curious about how in the world someone could make everything and how come he hadn't heard of this before? I blame his dad, Mr. Religious Studies, who, when I told this story, corrected me.

"Evolution made his teeth."

Whichever way you think, I am thankful for my Bug and his chompers.

Three

2010-12-22T21:45:00.002-05:00

Today is Benjamin's 3rd birthday. Three years ago we got a surprise early Christmas gift, the best one we could ever imagine. We love you so much, Benjamin Bug.

Dog Biscuits

2010-12-21T22:53:00.003-05:00

While shopping at Target tonight Benjamin LOUDLY and insistantly begged to eat dog biscuits that we had just bought at PetSmart. We finally just got home and opened the box for Wiggy to have one. Benjamin insisted on eating one, too.

"I kinda like it. And I kinda don't like it."

At least he's stopped demanding we give him some. He's letting Wiggy enjoy the rest of the box. Now he says he's hungry for dinosaurs. Oh my. Glad we got him a RoboRaptor for his birthday. Yummy! Now if we could get him to eat real human food.

Transition

2010-12-21T22:49:00.000-05:00

Saying goodnight to our 2-year old and waking up to our 3-year old.

Buttlock and Snickerdoodles

2010-12-19T20:31:00.001-05:00

So there's a new dance craze sweeping the Coffey-Kivett household. It's called the buttlock. Imagine a headlock. Now imagine you're locking someone's butt instead of their head. Now imagine you're using your butt to do it. Yes, it is as awesome as you're imagining. I invented it a couple of days ago (this is Henry), for reasons that I think are obvious. Or not.
Last night, after gorging his tiny tummy on my slightly dry but otherwise delicious homemade snickerdoodles (this is actually pronounced snack-ah-doodahls, btw), Benjamin started buttlocking like an expert. Seriously. His butt, by the way, is mostly out of diapers these days. We were so used to a big bunchy diaper butt, that his little buns now seem like tiny pink plums. Plums that lock.
We had a really fun night, and he totally dug my sweet buttlocking and kicking dance moves. He'd annouce "Buttlock!" and totally lock butt. Then I'd lock his butt and he'd yell, "take it back," and throw it back at me. A little more practice and I think we'll be ready for the big time. Whatever the "big time" is in the buttlocking world.

Raining Birds

2010-12-19T20:26:00.003-05:00

This afternoon Halmuni visited us through an enormous flock of grackles. Like a hundred of them. They were in our backyard flying all around and at one point they all began diving down to the ground from the trees.

"It's raining birds," said Benjamin.

It really was. It was beautiful.

This Morning

2010-12-16T10:04:00.002-05:00

It is icy outside this morning and while we were snuggling in bed Benjamin asks, "Where are my presents?"

"What presents?" (Nisha)
"The presents from Santa."
"Santa brings presents on Christmas and it's not Christmas yet." (Henry)
"It is Christmas. It is icy outside. Why would Santa not bring presents on this icy Christmas day?" Good point.

A few minutes later while we are still snuggling I said, "My head is itching." Benjamin comes back with, "My pig is licking." Hee-hee!

WordWorld

2010-12-09T11:42:00.002-05:00

While watching "WorldWorld" this morning Benjamin began to cough.

*Cough* *Cough*

"I don't like Pig."
"Why don't you like Pig?"
"He makes me cough. He's too cough-y."

I had no idea he was allergic to pigs.

Peek-A-Boo & What's YOUR Super Power?

2010-12-08T20:40:00.002-05:00

Tonight I taught Benjamin about the secret exit that are in his new Yo Gabba Gabba underwear (we are still potty training). He was so excited to discover this nifty feature of his underwear he spontaneously erupted into song. While trying out the newly discovered undie feature he sang Andy Sanburg's Dance-y Dance song from Yo Gabba Gabba, "Chomp, Chomp, Chippy Chippy Chomp." But when he sings it is it, "Tomp, Tomp, Tippy Tippy Tomp!"

Henry and Benjamin are running around the island playing chase. After many days in the house because of the cold weather and lots of papers to write (Henry's end of semester which he just finished minutes ago, yey!) they have lots of energy to burn.

Benjamin: "What's your super power?" Mine is poop power!"
Henry: "Mine is pee power!"
Benjamin: "Mine is bahngoo, panggoo power! (Korean for fart)"

Now they are dinosaurs.

Benjamin: "Let's put on a show, Microraptor! (talking to Henry)"

I love my boys!

What a Day!

2010-12-08T20:39:00.002-05:00

What a day it was! This past Saturday December 4th was a wonderful and full day! We started the morning bright and early with Benjamin's first tennis lesson! He was not very happy about getting out of bed so early but once we got there he had a fantastic time. He was fortunate enough to have two great coaches--you can't beat that student/teacher ratio! There is usually a little girl in the class but she didn't make it that day so it was just Benjamin. We wondered going in how they would teach 2-year olds the basics of tennis but the coaches had fun and effective activities that Benjamin really liked doing.

After his lesson we ran to get breakfast and change into our wedding clothes. Our friends John and Christy's wedding was at 10 a.m. so we had just enough time to get there. We realized that we left Benjamin's nice sweater at home so I had to pop into Kohl's to pick up a nice shirt. He looked super cute!

He did great during the wedding itself and had a good time during the reception with Brennan and Fiona and making new friends. I watched him walk up to an older lady he didn't know and start chatting her up, even pulling a chair closer to her and sitting with her for awhile. I love that he is so social and has never met a stranger. Sweet baby. During the reception it began to snow, the first snow of the year.

After the reception he feel asleep in the car and Henry and I drove around for awhile to let him sleep. We even got take out and ate in the car while he slept. It was beautiful to see the snow fall.

When we got home Benjamin woke up and got bundled up to go outside to play in the snow. We all had such a great time! And when we got too cold we came in and Benjamin had his first hot chocolate, homemade by him and Daddy. He took a sip or two but then decided to make his own concoction, his new favorite drink, water, a squeeze of lemon, and marshmallows. Doesn't that sound delicious? He guzzled it right down. It was a jam-packed day of great memories. A full day, indeed!

A Little Privacy, Please!

2010-12-01T19:00:00.003-05:00

While taking a shower today Benjamin gestured towards the shower curtain. "You can close that. I can do it by myself." Well, really he said "by myseh-eff." So I closed the curtain most of the way but still had it open enough to grab him in case he slipped. "No, I'm good. Close it." Dude, you are only two!

Last Two

2010-11-22T22:26:00.007-05:00

We woke up today knowing that this is the last month Benjamin will be two years old. How is that possible? Today is his 35-month birthday. Thirty-five wonderous months during which he has changed from a little preemie to a chubby infant, then a sprouting toddler and now a tall and lanky little boy.

This has been a hard year for Benjamin in so many ways. Seeing his Halmuni so ill and then being away from home for such an extended time while she was in the hospital, being away from me (Mommy) for long periods of time for the first time in his life while I was with Halmuni in the hospital, and then finally losing his beloved Halmuni and best friend. And he has been a trooper through it all. The other day he and I were in Halmuni's room watching t.v. and laying on her bed, something he did daily with her and something that comforts both of us now and makes us feel closer to her. We were eating dry cereal in the bed and made a bit of a mess and he said, "Let's clean it up before Halmuni gets back." It broke my heart. Too much for a two year old to understand. Too hard for a thirty-five year old to understand.

Tonight during his shower Benjamin had a new first. He gargled for the first time! He has been mimicking Henry for months now but never quite getting it exactly right, not as far back in the throat to be a true gargle. But tonight, he did it! Each day is a new skill. We eagerly look forward to each small and large discovery Benjamin makes during his last two-year month and look ahead to the three-year old discoveries that he will unveil. Happy birthday to you, our sweet baby!

Just a Swangin'

2010-11-12T19:45:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday Benjamin and I were feeling well enough to run some errands in the car and really needed to get out of the house since we've been homebound since we got sick at Halloween. It was making us both grumpy. On the way home I decided to make a detour to Bur-Mil Park to get some fresh air and sunshine as it was a beautiful, warm Fall day.

We met too little girls there, sisters named Wendy and Vera and their dad and Yeah-Yeah. Up until then Benjamin would feel most comfortable with his belly down on the swings rather than bottom down. Vera asked her daddy to push her swing to the Moon. Bug liked that idea and asked me to do the same. So we swung like that for awhile but then he told me he wanted to sit in the swing the other way. So he sat with his bottom down on the swing and asked me to push him to Saturn. I happily obliged while holding on to him because he has never been stable swinging this way. But he said he wanted to do it himself so I let go and pushed him softly. I guess my speed was too slow to get to Saturn in a timely fashion. "More, Mommy!"

While reminding him to hold on every two seconds I pushed harder and up he went, a little higher each time, not as high as the big girls but for his first time on a swing by himself he did awesome!

And then, without warning, he just jumped off. Good thing the playground is super padded with wood chips! "I'm okay, Momma!" I thought this ending to his swinging would deter him from getting on them again but before we left he ran back over to the swings and did it again. Again, he jumped off at the end but we talked about how next time he should let me know when he was done and we could slow things down before he jumped off.

Our little boy is growing up!

New Tonight

2010-11-05T21:44:00.002-04:00

Benjamin watched his first game show tonight. I mean really watched it. There have been game shows on in the background before that I'm sure he absorbed but didn't really acknowledge. But tonight he was into it. It was called "Family Game Night" and involved kids and parents on teams playing games like Connect Four, Bop It, and Cranium in order to win prizes. He was all into it. He watched quietly for a long time and then asked some questions and at the end he gave commentary on his favorite parts. I think the Bop It section was the most exciting to him. And us, too.

His other new thing tonight is he threw up a little in his mouth. Not as a result of the show. But maybe because of all the orange juice he's been downing since he has been sick with a cold this past week. But he was confused when it happened. "What is that?" Henry asked if it was sour and he nodded. Yeah, not the most exciting news but still notable. Well, to me anyway. Nice that he's gone this long without ever experiencing this particularly yucky bodily function. But cute that we will always be able to reflect back on when he first threw up a little in his mouth.

"I remember the night you first threw up a little in your mouth. It was a cold and windy night...."

Roots

2010-11-04T20:58:00.001-04:00

Benjamin said new things today.

Korean
Spock
Kirk

He made both his Mommy and Daddy very proud!

Halmuni

2010-09-05T23:01:00.004-04:00

Benjamin's Halmuni and best friend flew away on Friday August 27th, 2010 after an almost 2 year fight with neuroendocrine carcinoma. They are so close it is painful to think that they are separated but really they aren't because she is around us all the time. We visited her today, the day after her funeral service, and he asked where she was and we told her that she was here, under the flowers. He looked again, under the flowers, and asked where. And we explained that she was asleep under the flowers, under the dirt. He asked why and we said that we come from dirt (the earth) and we go back to it one day. That she was asleep in her dirt bed. He said, "Wake up, Halmuni. It's a really nice time outside--the sun is shining. Let's play." And then he took flowers from her grave and used them to clean off her bed, like dusters, saying, "Oh, Halmuni."

This morning she visited us via praying mantis, right outside our doorstep. And has visited us and several people via butterfly over the last few days. And most spectacularly, she visited Henry while he was driving via a white dove that flew parallel to his car for some time, keeping up with him as he traveled down the highway. We can't wait for her to visit again. We love you, Halmuni and Benjamin is the luckiest little boy to have the best Halmuni in the world. We love you.

Kivett Cousins

2010-06-23T14:24:00.003-04:00

We got a chance to get all the Kivett's together this past Saturday to celebrate Father's Day. We couldn't even remember when we were all under one roof--it has been a real long time. Benjamin hadn't seen his cousins since his party in February. We had a good time hanging out!

Two and a Half

2010-06-22T22:03:00.003-04:00

Benjamin is two and a half today. What in the world? Where did the little baby go? We miss the infant he used to be but enjoying the heck out of who he is now. Gregarious, inquisitive, empathetic, and loving. And busy. As he tells us all the time, "Me busy." Or, "Me gettin' busy," which actually means he's getting dizzy.

Today was spent indoors. Poor Bug has been sick the last few days and it has been really hot outside so we have been in the house resting, along with Halmuni. Hopefully he will be well again soon and we can do something more active to celebrate this milestone. Two and a half. Our baby is two and a half....

Mit Dee See

2010-06-21T09:42:00.002-04:00

Benjamin is eager to see and understand everything. One of his most uttered phrases is, "Let me see!" Interpreted into Bug-ese and it is "Mit Dee See!" One of mommy's favorite things to hear :)

Not That Right

2010-06-21T09:40:00.001-04:00

When correcting us Benjamin says,

"Not that riiiight."

And it sounds perfectly right.

Hen-er-y

2010-06-21T09:32:00.002-04:00

Last night when I was cooking dinner and Henry was in our room down the hall I heard Benjamin singing to himself. As I listened closer I heard,

"Hen-er-y. Hen-er-y. Bock, bock, bock! Hen-er-y. Hen-er-y. Bock, bock, bock!"

Daddy's a chicken.

Also, most of the time when you ask Benjamin what his own name is 8 out of 10 times he will say Bug. Other times he will give his first or whole name. But he expertly knows all of our full names. First, middle, and last. He is very cute reciting the formal-ness that comes with a proper full name. Henry Saundahs Kibett and Nisha Kim Copy. So cute.

Knock knock!

2010-05-01T15:55:00.004-04:00

So, he's telling knock knock jokes now. Don't know where he learned the format, but he totally cracks himself up.

The first one was:
"Knock knock"
(who's there)
"Banana"
(banana who)
"Banana... CHICKEN!"
followed by maniacal laughter.

Most recently:
"Ding dong"
(who's there)
"orange"
(orange who)
"orange peel you!"
followed by attempts to peel the other person.

Most often:
"Knock knock" (or ding dong)
(who's there?)
(pretty much anything or anyone)
(pretty much anything or anyone who?)
(pretty much anything or anyone) "GONNA GETCHOO!"
followed by lots of getting you.

It's extremely fun.

Already?

2010-04-21T23:15:00.002-04:00

This afternoon I was lying in the bed with Benjamin. Well, I was lounging and he was sitting up playing with a curious assortment of things--a plastic toy band aid cuff, my foot arch support sling, a paper/plastic bowl, and a handful of goldfish crackers. His lips were pooched out in deep concentration as he stratigically placed the goldfish inside the sling and next to the cuff, round and round. He was so darned cute I wanted to just eat him up! So I asked him, "Can you give Mommy a kiss?" Without looking up he says, "I can't." I asked why and he said, "Me busy." So I waited. A minute or so later I ask again. "I can't. Me busy." *sigh* He's already too busy to kiss his Mommy.

New Tonight

2010-02-19T21:48:00.002-05:00

"Come on, Mommy--it's easy!"-Benjamin Bug (as we ran around the kitchen island)

Lots of fun stuff happening!

2010-02-06T19:46:00.014-05:00

Benjamin had his first visit to The Little Gym this past Thursday. There were some group activities (like going in a circle with a parachute and chasing bubbles and ringing bells), but much of the session was just 18-30 month old kids running wild on padded gym equipment. Bug was very at ease with the instructor and the other kids, and was extremely active and vocal- especially when they brought out a giant tub of balls.

Also, he played in the snow for the first time about a week ago. It was a little hard walking at first- there was a crunchy two inch slab covering the other six inches of snow, so he'd punch through the top layer one step at a time to find himself up to his knee in snow, then have to climb forward one leg at a time. When the going got to rough, he just crawled through the drifts excitedly. And he really liked tasting and tossing around clumps of snow and running around on the pre-flattened snow on the road. That night he passed out on the couch before bedtime (which never ever ever happens). Sweet little guy was totally tuckered out!

Pictures of both events are below...

FIRST JOKE

2010-02-06T19:41:00.002-05:00

Don't get me wrong, he's always hilarious and is easily cracked up by his (and our) antics, but Benjamin made his first sort-of complex joke today. (At least the first that his simpleton audience has caught on to so far). Bug and Mommy and Daddy were all laying around in bed and Mommy started calling Daddy "Mommy" and visa versa. Just silliness. Then Bug corrected comically by calling Daddy "Grand Daddy." He caught onto our teasing and threw it back at us with a twist. We all laughed like crazy. Good times.

25 Months

2010-01-24T20:37:00.007-05:00

Well, I guess that sounds strange--25 months. This is when you drop the months and only speak in years and half years. A new era. But I will still count the precious months and celebrate the Bug each 22nd that comes. Happy 25-month birthday, Benjamin! We love you!

To celebrate this milestone we spent Saturday afternoon at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham, N.C. It was an amazing afternoon--great weather, a welcome break from the rain and cold temps we've had, and lots of things to look at and play with. Benjamin liked the Butterfly House a lot and really enjoyed looking at the "cwittuhs" in the petting zoo. A highlight was when the donkey named Lightning brayed loudly to summon all the children to come visit him as he was not getting any attention at the time. And boy did it bring us all running over to him! Benjamin has been saying "hee-haww!" a lot yesterday and today remembering that loud donkey! We also got to ride the train and yell inside the tunnel, which didn't even phase Benjamin who was being lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the train. We thought for sure he would be out after the train ride but he got his second wind. He rocked out on the drums with his dad. He also got a chance to play in a group with all much older children. He held his own quite well and really enjoyed filling his cup with beads with everyone else. We all had a great family day together :)

Chopsticks and ABC's

2010-01-21T23:40:00.003-05:00

Benjamin used his practice chopsticks--a gift from his noonah Jennifer-- tonight at dinner for the first time. He said, "Daddy help put fingers!" So Henry placed his little fingers in the circular finger rings. And it only took him a minute or two and he was able to eat some rice with them!

Benjamin also sang about 2/3rds of the ABC tonight all by himself before dinner. Henry and I just listened quietly while he sang, shocked that he knew that much of the alphabet, in the right order. He is also really into "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" but he doesn't know those lyrics as well. He fell asleep tonight with Henry and I singing it to him. Then Henry fell asleep and I sang until Bug went to sleep, too.

Oh, and this morning, I was pretending to still be asleep and Benjamin stared at me for a very long time. Then said, "Good night, Mommy. Night night, Mommy." And then he got off the bed and went into Halmuni's room. It was so cute. And nice because he usually holds my face and says, "Open eyes, Mommy! Wake up, Mommy!" So a few extra minutes of rest was wonderful :)

Say What?

2010-01-20T23:49:00.002-05:00

I had my first real conversation on the phone with Benjamin today. I was on my way back home from working some and called home and Halmuni handed Benjamin the phone like she often does. Usually he might say hi but more often than not he just listens to me talk. But today was a whole new thing.

"Hi Benjamin. It's me, Mommy."
"Hi, Mommy."
"How are you doing?"
"Good."
"Did you have a good nap?"
"Yes."
"What are you doing now?"
"Sitting eating pretzels."
"Are you watching T.V.?"
"Yes. (Then he says something that I have forgotten about the show he is watching)"

It was so strange hearing his little voice over the phone, so clear and... well, grown up sounding. When the heck did we have a baby that can talk on the phone? *Sigh* He is growing up so fast.

First 5-Word Sentence!

2009-12-02T23:02:00.003-05:00

Tonight, while playing Tent in front of the refrigerator, Benjamin said his first 5-word sentence: "Come on, Daddy--come in!"

We also played Super Hero for the first time tonight with various blankets and robes acting as capes. And Benjamin played his first announced game of Tag last night when his Daddy got home from work. Both of these games were played up and down our little hallway. We need a bigger hallway, lol!

4 word sentence!

2009-11-22T21:36:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, while walking around the neighborhood with his Mommy and Daddy, Bug said his first 4 word sentence.

"Wait, come back, truck!"

He then attempted to run after the truck that had passed us on the road. Fortunately, he could not catch the truck and no one was harmed.

Also, many sticky pine cones were collected and he saw his very first cast of a Sasquatch footprint. But that's whole other story.

Happy 23 Month Birthday!

2009-11-22T21:28:00.003-05:00

As of 1:13PM this afternoon, Benjamin is a wizened 23 months old. Happy Birthday, Bug!* It's hard to believe that the tiny little sweet potato we brought home will be 2 years old in just a few short weeks. Everyone tells you it flies by, and it's true. On the one hand, it feels like I've known him forever, on the other, two years has taken no time at all.

*Happy Belated 22nd Month while we're at it, Bug! We didn't post anything on the blog for that momentous occasion, but we were well aware and had much fun! I can't believe the past month went so quickly!

Additions

2009-11-15T23:48:00.003-05:00

We have some additions to a few recent posts. While we were on the couch today Benjamin added "no, don't" to his arsenal of expressing the idea of no. Hmm...this might even be his first conjunction?? And he said another 3-word sentence when we were outside enjoying the beautiful day. He took off across the yard and we were all the way to street. He looks back at the house and Halmuni was still getting her shoes on. "Hurry up, Mahni!"

Half Robot, Half Turtle... All Bug.

2009-11-14T19:49:00.012-05:00

For Benjamin's second Halloween we once again went with two costumes (Last year he was a pea pod and a chicken- very cute!). Here are some pics of Benjamin Bug rockin' his turtle suit and the homemade robot gear we made for him. We looked and looked but couldn't find a professionally constructed robot costume that fit... and he had to have a robot costume- he's been really into "obobs" recently, so we didn't want to disappoint.

Anyway, we were really looking forward to showing him off to trick-or-treaters, but only got about four, so it was a little anti-climactic. He liked dressing up, though.

Oh, and Halloween introduced the concept of monsters to Bug. He's constantly running around yelling, "MONTER! MONTER!" Not scared, really, so much as crazed. He really loved the monster on the card Grandmommy sent him. Carried it around all day.

Lots of No

2009-11-14T19:36:00.002-05:00

Benjamin has been able to express "No" for a very long time and in many different ways. Here is a list:

No
Uh-uh
Nope
No way
*vigorous head shake*
No, thank you

But only in the last 2 weeks or so has he started expressing the idea of "Yes" outside of nodding. He now says a quiet "ye-et" more and more frequently. Wonder why the yes took so long?

Anyway, here's a cute pic since we haven't posted one in a while.

First 3-Word Sentence!

2009-11-10T21:15:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Benjamin said his first original 3-word sentence! He often repeats +2-word sentences he hears us say or on Noggin (ok, Nick Jr. now--boo!). But yesterday he said, "Mommy, boobie now." He used that sentence several times yesterday and again today. He is getting the concept of time which is crazy to wrap my brain around as it is a bit of an abstract concept. But this sentence is very important as the boobie has been all he has been able to have much of since he has been sick.

Benjamin woke up Saturday morning with a high fever and it just got higher through the day, reaching over 104 degrees. Even with alternating Motrin and Tylenol every three hours it was still around 103. But today he is better. But catching up on some much needed sleep. He actually slept 4 CONSECUTIVE hours this afternoon, waking up only because I roused him by trying to change his pee-soaked diaper and outfit. I needed the rest, too. I have missed laying down with him while he naps. Naps do us all a world of good. I'm pretty sure naps can save the world. We should have a Nap Movement. I think that's the answer to world peace. Rest makes us all feel better. And so do boobies.

Happy Birthday to Benjamin's Poppy!

2009-10-08T18:44:00.002-04:00

In honor of Benjamin's Poppy's 72nd birthday, here is a beautiful piano concerto by the Bug himself performed at Grandmommy and Granddaddy's house in Burlington recently! We love you, Poppy!

Hugs and Stuff

2009-10-07T04:11:00.003-04:00

Benjamin has been really into hugs lately. And offering them when people seem troubled, get hurt, or just because he cares. It is extremely cute. Each hug is accompanied by the word hug. "Hug!" as he gives a squeeze. He also kisses, real ones now and also blowing kisses followed by a big "muwahh!" In particular this is part of his night time ritual with Halmoni (aka Mahni) as he heads off to bed. He gets a big bbo-bbo (kiss) on his head from her and then he throws her kisses as we head out the door to our room.

New Words

2009-10-07T03:50:00.002-04:00

Dear Benjamin Bug,

Two days ago you said "Nope." for the first time and a day ago you said "Locked." (as in the back door and the bathroom door. You thrill us everyday with your new words. Hmm...yesterday was a blur so I can't remember what new words you said but I am sure it was something spectacular! You are so curious about everything in this world and love identifying it all with your little pointer and asking, "hmm?" or "ddoo?"

"What's Gonna Work?"

2009-09-25T22:28:00.006-04:00

While watching an episode of "Between the Lions" today Benjamin learned the words "pot" and "poke." The letter "p" was being featured and he really liked the storyline where the little boy had to fetch a 3-legged pot from his grandmother's house to bring back home for his mother to make potato soup (with peppers, parsley, and some other p-word I can't remember). Benjamin has been waaay into potatoes and soup lately so it was very serendipitous that the show was about both of these favorites. We got a pot and spatula out of the kitchen so he could make his own soup. He ended up creating a fabulous Block soup. Dee-lish! Very colorful and hearty. He loved stirring it up and feeding everybody, smiling as we expressed how yummy it was.

When Henry got home we talked about the two new words he learned today and thought we should make an effort to each teach him at least one new word a day. Since I was ahead of the game with two, Henry had to think of a good one. He decided to teach Benjamin the word "spatula" since it fell right in line with the theme of the day and what he was using to stir and feed us his soup. After several attempts at getting him to say it we figured it was maybe a bit too late and a bit too long of a word and we would try it again later.

We all snuggled into the bed to do our nightly sleepy-time routine. Benjamin likes to lay on me and kind of hang off the bed. I usually just reign him back in but tonight Henry rescued us as I yelled, "Daddy, help us!" And Henry sang a line of the Wonder Pets theme song, "What gonna work? Teamwork!" And Benjamin says back, "Teamwork!" So Henry got his word in before the day was done. And it was a nice word to end the day on.

On another Wonder Pets note Benjamin also said the word "honey" tonight for the first time while watching the Bee episode. But we can't take credit for that one.

Happy 21-Month Birthday, Benjamin Bug!

2009-09-22T23:33:00.003-04:00

Okay, so a whole month has gone by with no posts. A lot has happened this month. We lost Bum Bum, Ellie and Timber's baby dog and Benjamin's good friend. He still looks around for her when we mention her name and says "Good Girl!" So that has been hard. And I worked extra on some freelance projects plus lots of doctors appointments for Halmuni aka "Mahni." So with all that going on I realize that I used FaceBook a little more frequently to update people on Benjamin. Mostly through pictures. But here are a few posts that I grabbed from my FB page that happened between 20 and 21 months old.

strange to be called "Mom" & "Dad" by our baby. Still want to be "Mommy" & "Daddy."
August 20 at 10:16am

Had a wonderful family date tonight. Benjamin played on the swings, monkey bars, and slide for the first time!
August 29 at 8:40pm

Feeling like the world is different without the Bum Bum. We love and miss you, Baby Dog.
August 31 at 4:06pm

In more current Benjamin news his shoes from See Kai Run were delivered this afternoon. He loved opening the boxes and seeing them, all the while saying "shoes! shoes! shoes!" He wore them for most of the late afternoon and evening and when Mahni and I tried to take them off he said, "No! Mine!" and tried to run away. The baby likes his shoes and who can blame him? They are really cute! We'll try to get a good pic of them up soon. Thanks Poppy & Mahni for the early Christmas gift!

We love you, Benjamin Bug. We can't say it enough.

Love,
Mom & Dad

Happy 20-Month Birthday, Benjamin Bug!

2009-08-22T23:56:00.001-04:00

*love!*

DRAWING & SIGNING

2009-07-20T14:17:00.002-04:00

So last Monday night, right before bedtime, Benjamin and I were drawing on a little magnetic sketchpad. Well, I was drawing mostly, but he helped fill in the negative space-- this is Daddy, by the way, Nisha's made the last few posts-- and he was telling me who to draw, or identifying people as I drew them. I drew Ernie & Bert from Sesame street and he'd say "Uhnnie!" or "Buht!" We also drew and discussed Mommie and Me and Elmo and Big Bird and Muno from Yo Gabba Gabba, all kinds of folks-- but Uhnnie & Buht were definitely his favorites. Maybe because of Ernie's and Bert's easily-identified head-shapes, a football and a pineapple, respectively. Anyway, we had a blast! He loved it. Good times.

And it left an impression. As you know, we've taught Bug a few signs over the past year. Simple stuff really, just to give him some extra communication options while his vocal abilities mature. He knows "more" and "milk" and stuff like that, just from watching us use them along with the words.

But last Wednesday was a banner day for his communication skills. He made up his very own sign! Like I said, the drawing left an impression. He popped up from a nap we were sharing Wednesday afternoon and poked me in the arm. "Daddy!" he said, then proceeded to use his adorable little index finger to "draw" on the palm of his other hand. "Daddy!" he repeated, and kept making the sign. He obviously wanted to do some more drawing! This is not a sign we're taught him, he just invented it to convey a want! Genius! Needless to say, we drew some more.

Tea Set!

2009-07-20T00:50:00.002-04:00

Father's Day and 18-Month Birthday!

2009-06-23T23:25:00.003-04:00

Sunday we celebrated our second Father's Day with Benjamin Bug. He made a special card, with a tracing of his feet on the cover, for his daddy as well as drawing him a picture of a tree. Pics soon!

And yesterday Benjamin turned 18 months old. A year and a half. Wow. Since his Halmoni was feeling up to it we went to the mall (his first time) and he toddled around and talked, quite loudly!, for most of the trip. We took a quick rest in the center of the mall when I heard him say, "tractor" several times. Being in the mall I was thinking there was no way there was a tractor anywhere around but he insisted and I followed his eyes and there in the middle of the mall was a large riding lawn mower that was being raffled off. He walked over to it yelling tractor over and over. I was floored. He was right, it looked just like a tractor. How does he know what a tractor is?? We just got him a book a few days ago that has different vehicles in it but have only gone over it a few times. But he remembered.

Loo Loo

2009-06-20T23:58:00.002-04:00

Tonight Benjamin said "Loo Loo" for the first time. Yey!

Shadows

2009-06-08T23:27:00.001-04:00

Benjamin discovered his shadow tonight. And others. Like really really discovered them.

Walking!

2009-06-02T23:47:00.007-04:00

Benjamin is officially walking today! Yesterday at the acupuncturist while we were waiting for Halmuni to get treatment he used her leopard print cane to toddle around. He called it his "walking stick" but it tripped him up almost as much as it did assist in his walking, especially when he insisted on holding the tip-top of the handle. But as long as he was holding it he had the confidence to move around the room. The same has been true with his Dora backpack we got him a week or two ago. It has a luggage pull handle and wheels on it and he will pick it up and walk around with it but never felt comfortable completely letting go and walking for more than a step or two on his own. But today he just started walking, freely on his own accord! I didn't tell Henry about it while he was at work because I was in denial. So when he got home he was surprised to see his little baby had turned into a walking boy in the few hours he was gone. I'm still in denial but his Uncle Billy got proof with these short videos below.

Tub Talk

2009-05-22T22:54:00.003-04:00

Here is sweet Benjamin taking a bath the night before his 17-month birthday. The video highlights some of his favorite words as well as his love of the water.

Happy 17 Months! You've learned so much!

2009-05-22T20:51:00.013-04:00

One hundred and eleven words!
To commemorate Benjamin's 17 Month Birthday, we've compiled a list of the 111 words (and/or signs) that he uses regularly-- all of his own accord, these are not the product of mere mimicry-- he knows what all these mean, what they describe, and in many many cases how they taste!
He understands and responds to lots more words and signs than these, but below are the ones he uses to express his very cute thoughts.

1. Momma
2. Daddy
3. Halmoni*
4. Bum Bum
5. Dog
6. Poppy
7. Up
8. Woof
9. Meow
10. Cat
11. Boo!
12. Open
13. Help
14. Hey
15. Bye Bye
16. Hi
17. Sock
18. Night Night
19. Banana
20. Cookie
21. Cracker
22. Bop*
23. Bath
24. (tooth) Brush
25. Turtle
26. Light
27. Thtmhtmp! (elephant sound)
28. Raar! (lion sound)
29. Rrraarr! (dinosaur sound)
30. quack (duck sound)
31. bock (chicken sound)
32. More
33. Bug
34. Mine
35. Me
36. Benjamin
37. No
38. Bubble
39. Boobie
40. Ellie
41. Apple
42. Blueberry
43. Block
44. Baby
45. Car
46. Go
47. Poop
48. Dip
49. Book
50. Clock
51. Tick Tock
52. Tweet (bird sound)
53. Baaa (sheep sound)
54. Hook
55. Woosh (wind sound)
56. Dora
57. Yogabgabgabgabgabblblablablabab (yo gabba gabba)
58. Duck
59. Hat
60. Birthday
61. Aww
62. Egg
63. Waffle
64. Stick
65. Sticker
66. “puurrr”
67. Grrrr! (tiger sound)
68. boo boo
69. yucky
70. walk
71. run
72. boom
73. truck
74. pants
75. glasses
76. more (sign)
77. waving hi & bye (sign)
78. milk (sign)
79. Franklin
80. Booger
81. Button
82. Look!
83. My
84. Nein!! ("No" in German)
85. Nyumnyumnyum ("yum yum")
86. Wipe
87. Tickle
88. Hot
89. Shh
90. "What is this?" (this is pronounced "duwh" -- while pointing at things, the meaning is clear even if the pronunciation is creative)
91. oink (pig sound)
92. ball
93. three
94. abc (sign)
95. oscar
96. cookie (monster)
97. bird
98. big bird
99. burp
100. fart (sign)
101. balloon
102. rubber band
103. cupcake
104. splash
105. girl
106. oops
107. bahng goo *(fart)
108. moo (cow sound)
109. friend (sign)
110. backpack
111. beep beep

*Korean word

some favorite things

2009-03-11T12:29:00.003-04:00

It's been a while since we've posted much-- we've been very busy with illness in the family, but Benjamin keeps on truckin and is growing and changing every day. He's cruising a lot (walking with the support of furniture, toys, dogs, and us), but not completely walking yet. But he's talking up a storm! One of my proudest moments was teaching him the word "butt." After learning it, he said it over and over and over for most of an hour. I'm such a positive influence!

Some other favorite words and pastimes...

His favorite snack these days is blueberries. (He'll eat more than 20 at a time if you let him.)
He's also still really into doggies (he used to refer to almost everything as "dog") but has really latched on to the word "baby" recently as a favorite. He has a little baby doll that he kisses (if you say "bopo baby" -- kiss in Korean -- he leans his head against her so she can give him a kiss).
He loves drinking from straws and playing with strings... and, speaking of strings, he just woke up and yanked my earbuds out of my ears by the cord.

Good morning, doodlebug!

Gotta run...

Vegetarian No More

2009-02-15T22:19:00.002-05:00

We kept putting off feeding Benjamin meat while we've been pondering our own lifestyle choice in regards to vegetarianism. But today our little Bug finally ate his first critter. A bit of chicken from Boston Market.

What can we say? We just couldn't commit the time and energy to make the change and felt like hypocrites denying him the full spectrum of things we enjoy (and were struggling to find enough protein-rich foods that he would actually eat more than a molecule of). He gobbled up several little pieces of chicken like he'd been doing it his whole life.

But, like with all things he eats, once he was done, he was DONE. You can lead a horse to water... but you can't make him eat a whole chicken in one sitting. Not that that's a good idea. It's late. I'm rambling. Night night, Benjamin.

Touchdown!

2009-01-18T19:50:00.002-05:00

Last night Granddaddy Coffey was watching the Pittsburg vs. Baltimore football game on t.v. while Benjamin ate dinner in his high chair. Mommy decided to yell "touchdown!" and do the hand signal and then throw Benjamin's arms up in the air, too. He learns so fast! In two minutes he had it down pat. So now everytime anyone says "touchdown!" he throws his arms up in the air and grins so big! Both his Grandmommies (both way into sports) are so proud, I'm sure!

One Year Old!

2008-12-22T23:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to our Benjamin Bug! It's been an amazing year! We love you.

Almost

2008-12-21T23:19:00.002-05:00

Just a few more minutes left before our baby boy turns a year old. We are savoring these last sweet minutes of having an infant and look ahead with excitement (okay, and a few tears) as we discover how our son will continue his transition into being a toddler. But for the moment we don't have a one year old. For the moment we have a little little Bug.

Shh! Wipe Banana!

2008-12-01T22:32:00.002-05:00

This morning Benjamin had some banana for breakfast and treated his Mommy to the word "nana" for the first time. As the meal progressed he reached out for the baby wipes in earnest. He has been doing a very fast back and forth arm movement for the last few weeks or so, kind of like a low flapping of the arm. Slow Mommy did not make the connection until this morning. He kept reaching out for the baby wipe container until I gave him one. Then he briskly wiped down his high chair tray. He's been a wiping clean freak of a baby this whole time! As soon as he can walk we are giving him a broom. And to top it all off, tonight before bed we were reading one of his favorite books, "How Loud Is A Lion?" and a repeating stanza throughout it is "Shh! Listen!" And twice he said, "shh!" So many firsts in one day.

BENJAMIN'S GOT THE CLAP

2008-11-29T21:15:00.004-05:00

...down pat. (sorry, we just watched Dewey Cox--Walk Hard)

Took him a while. He's been trying for months, at first by wrapping one hand around the other and shaking them briskly, more like an up and down motion. Then by hitting a closed fist with an open one. Now it's the real thing- two open hands smackin' together very cutely and emphatically. It's his favorite. And he's ours. Aw.

Enjoy the video of his clapping!

P.S. Friday morning (the day after Thanksgiving) Benjamin actually said the word clap as we were encouraging him to clap. Mommy said clap. And then Benjamin said clap right after. No baby talk involved. Clap. Plain as day and very matter of fact. Like he's been saying it his whole life. Genius.

First Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T21:07:00.008-05:00

Happy 1st Thanksgiving to Benjamin Bug! In celebration we thought he might enjoy his first taste of a seasoning spice. Cinnamon is almost synonomous with Thanksgiving yum so we hoped Benjamin might like it.

Well, for those keeping up, Benjamin is not very fond of solids overall. And we wondered if he might dig it more if it had more flavor.

I guess not.

But he did enjoy playing with the spoon at least.

On this Thanksgiving we are thankful for all our friends and family, for health and happiness, and most of all, for the miracle of our baby Benjamin. He is amazing and we are humbled by the gift that he is. We love you, Bug.

No No No!

2008-11-25T21:50:00.002-05:00

At the doctor's office today (Grandmommy Kim's appointment) Benjamin started shaking his head no for the first time ever. And emphatically so. Lots of head shakes, back and forth. Repeatedly. "No, no no." And he continued to do this while driving in the car, then still while trying to nurse him while waiting in the parking lot of the eye doctor's to pick up Grandmommy's glasses, and on the way to pick up lunch, until we got back home. Haven't seen it since then. But man, he had a lot of no's to say this afternoon.

What's that sneaking up on me...?

2008-11-22T20:47:00.010-05:00

It's your Eleven Month Birthday, Benjamin!

And how does an Eleven Month Old Bug spend his special day?
He wakes up nice and early, he takes a trip to town with Mommy and Grandmommy Kim, he takes a very snuggly nap with the aforementioned Grandmommy Kim, he eats some delicious sweet potatoes (mmm! his favorite!), and he learns to eat water from a spoon (we're trying a new sneaky feeding trick).

...And of course the usual running around, laughing, screaming, dancing, waving, chopping and saying "Hey" to all the light sources in the house.

Happy Eleven Months, Benjamin Bug! We Love You!

The Longest Post

2008-11-21T21:41:00.024-05:00

On the eve of Benjamin's 11-month birthday there is a lot we have to catch you up on. Again, Mom and Dad have been slow on updating this here blog.
But here's the skinny:

Food: Booby juice is still numero uno in Benjamin's book. He seemed to enjoy doing finger foods (banana, avocado) but we had to eliminate them due to the reaction he had to the avocado. The doctor recently said we could reintroduce banana, which he had this afternoon, and he ate better and was more interested than when we try to feed him purees, although still not a lot. Grandmommy Kim has been here almost a week now and we are pretty sure he has gained at least 5 pounds. She cashes in on his love of water from a straw to slip in some solids--the old switcheroo. He fusses about it, but we can tell he is heftier already. This month he tried peaches, peach soy yogurt, and zucchini for the first time. Out of the three, soy yogurt is his least yucky. Oh, and we found a corn syrup-free organic soy formula we are giving him in his sippy cup as recommended by his pediatrician, to get him used to taking a milk product out of a sippy. He seems to like it okay.

The Bug’s new favorite gesture is the Benjamin CHOP! It’s basically a judo chop, but much much cuter—and it’s not to be confused with his adorable royalty wave (which is all in the wrist; the chop is more of a shoulder/elbow action). He laughs his little butt off at peek-a-boo, and enjoys standing up in his play yard, peeking over the edge (and sometimes chewing on it). Might not sound like much, but it’s crazy cute. He very much likes removing his socks and eating them (or gnawing on his toes, which can be painful now with his 2 little choppers). Other hobbies include kicking, scratching, pinching and spitting on mommy and daddy- especially while he’s got them pinned down, yanking on a fistful of hair (or a nipple, or an eyelid). We imagine it’s not unlike a stay in Guantanamo Bay.

Other favorite things include taking a bath, drinking water from a straw, kicking his doggy, Bum Bum, in the butt (somewhat gently), eating books, reading books, throwing and catching his little grey elephant or a rolled up pair of his socks, watching Yo Gabba Gabba & Jack’s Big Music Show, playing baby in the mirror, peek-a-boo, listening and dancing to music, and playing the little keyboard/piano his Grandmommy Kim brought him.

His least favorite things are eating solids, being sleepy, being told “no” and being ignored. And diaper changes, formerly on his favorite list, are now the most distressing experiences EVER (give or take choking on a green bean, bashing his head on his crib, or being slightly drowned, don’t ask).

We’re still teaching him signs. He seems to be catching on to most, if not all, of them. He recognizes the signs for kitty cat, doggie, night night night, water, bath, milk, eat, and yes. And he totally loves watching mommy fly through the sign alphabet (she’s really fast!). Spoken words he recognizes include all of those just mentioned plus mole, safety pin, belly button, wall, throw, catch, fingers, toes, and wall. Oh yeah, and “no.” But, trust me, you do not want to say that to him (see Guantanamo Bay reference above).

Adventures we’ve gone on since our last post include picking out a little gourd and a big pumpkin for Halloween; going on a PetsMart playdate with his best pal Brennan; visiting his Aunt Newt and Uncle Chard in Wild Wonderful West Virginia, and visiting the Natural Science Museum (especially the tigers! Whoa!).

What’s next, you ask. Hopefully a decent night’s sleep and then, tomorrow, he’s turning 11 months old. Up next, THE BIG 01!!!! Time sure flies when you’re being held captive and spat upon in the face!

We love you, Benjamin Bug!

Happy 10-Month Birthday, Benjamin!

2008-10-22T21:57:00.005-04:00

For his 10-month birthday today Benjamin got a second tooth! Yep. One right next to the other lower front. Again, it was Daddy who found it while Mommy was at the orthodontist. *sigh* How could I not know. Again!

Yesterday Benjamin and Mommy went to vote early. All the polling volunteers commented on how wonderful it was that he came out to vote and that he was the youngest citizen to go through the line. And they gave him his very own "I voted early. Did you?" sticker and pasted it right on his little chest.

The Bug and I spent time chatting and playing before Daddy got home from work today. He played with the camera, holding it from different angles and looking at all the buttons. This is the first time I've let him hold it. I figured he deserved to hold it for all the times it's flashed in his face since birth as he patiently looks in the other direction. I can't wait to get him his own camera!

As I write this Benjamin and his Daddy are asleep in the bed. Very sweet. Benjamin was doing a little bit of everything before he eventually fell asleep on his dad's chest. He bonked his head on his dad's head, made farting noises on Mommy's boobs, cooed at the puppies at the end of the bed, roundhouse-sat in every direction, tried to crawl through the wall, tried to swallow Daddy's entire nose, etc. He eventually exhausted himself and Henry shushed him on into sleep. Good night, Sweet Benjamin Bug. We love you.

First Tooth!

2008-10-21T21:53:00.002-04:00

We were visiting Grandmommy and Granddaddy Kivett in Burlington on Saturday the 18th for Granddaddy's birthday and while we were there Henry discovered that Benjamin has his first tooth coming in! Okay, this is exciting for sure, but I was really thinking that I would be the first to find this out because of the constant breastfeeding and all. But I guess I am somewhat immune as Benjamin does chomp down often with his steel-trap gums so that may be why I didn't notice. But, oh my gosh! It is crazy that he has teeth! Okay, one tooth. But still! I am really going to miss his gums though. He has lovely gums.

He has been a tad fussy but nothing too terrible. He likes to bite his fingers and toys to relieve some of the pressure. And recently likes to bite every square inch around his Soothie pacifier. It is a harder silicone than regular pacifiers so it feels good to bite. And he has been restless at night, often forming the letter H with him in the middle and me and his dad as the vertical lines.

Guess we need to go ahead and register Benjamin with the Tooth Fairy because I hear there's a long wait.

Oh Avocado!

2008-10-21T21:37:00.004-04:00

I've done a lot of reading about avocado as a first food and it is one of the most nutritious foods out there. Plus, it is melt in your mouth soft--perfect for a finger food. Here is a snippet of Benjamin's first avocado given to him on October 11th. The video clip doesn't give the whole picture. He eventually liked it. You can kind of tell at the end of the video that he is intrigued as he rolls over to me and the plate to get another look. Sadly, he had a reaction to it (skin rash that he still has a touch of), so he won't be able to have it again for a long while. Or other foods related to it like banana, cantalope, pineapple, etc. But most disturbing to me is his potential sensitivity to latex as it is also in the same family as avocado. Is it terrible that I am already worried about how he will protect himself one day and be able to have safe sex? Hopefully this won't be a full blown allergy in his adult life!

Nine Month Check Up

2008-10-21T21:29:00.004-04:00

Benjamin had his 9-month check up on _________. His percentages in length and weight has dropped from ___________ to _______________. His head has remained on the same curve. The doctor is not concerned, saying that after 6 months or so their growth kind of redistributes itself. She did comment that his verbal skills are excellent as he babbled away while she went over things with us. And he is hitting all the expected developmental milestones. So yey! The doc does want him to increase his solid consumption. Yeah, okay lady. She said to give him human green beans, like ones cooked for our dinner, cut up into pieces. I told her that he chokes on Level 2 baby food and without teeth how would he not choke on pieces of green beans?? So she said okay, to move up to Level 3 foods and offer them 3 times a day. She is worried that he won't take it well forever if he is not encouraged to do so now. I don't believe that. I think it will fall in line with his tooth development, which, at the time of the visit, he had none. His interest will come when he is ready and I don't feel like posing a choking risk just to press him into some artificial timeline. So there.

The next visit will be the one year which will include a finger prick to check for iron deficiency. Aww, poor Bug!

More Firsts

2008-09-26T03:20:00.001-04:00

This past Wednesday, September 24th, Benjamin began pointing. This is not something we've been specifically working on with him so we were a bit surprised to see his cute little index finger gingerly stretched out, with a slight hook to it. But by the end of the day he was straight-fingered pointing, no doubt about it!

His pincer grasp is also emerging. More on his right hand. He's still doing mostly the raking hand on the left side. But on the right side the pincer comes out more and more. Once he gets it down pat we will introduce finger foods!

He also interacted with the telephone like a telephone on Wednesday. Grandmommy Kim was singing "Nabiya" which he loves. But usually he smiles and looks around the room for her while he bats at the phone with his hand. But this time he held the phone to his ear and smiled, looking like he totally got that Grandmommy was INSIDE the phone.

And since we got back from his cousin's birthday party in Charlotte on Sunday Benjamin has been out of sorts. He cried most of Monday which he has never done before. He snorted with congestion all that night which was horrible. Tuesday he began sneezing a lot with clear "ko mul" or nasal drip. And more snorting through the night. And by Wednesday he had a fever that got up to 103.3. Scary. After stripping him bare naked and getting some infant Tylenol in him his temp came down to a more manageable 101.8. Thursday he still had some fever but was able to play most of the day and I'm up now writing, waiting for the time to give him his next dose of medicine. Ah, it's 3:30 am now. It's time. Poor Bug.

Nine Months Old Today!

2008-09-22T22:04:00.001-04:00

Okay, so it's been a month since we've posted. Bad, bad, bad!

Grandmommy and Granddaddy from Florida visited for about 3 weeks and we all had a great time. Lots of "Nabiya" was sung by Grandmommy Kim to Benjamin's delight. We miss them and hope they come back to visit soon!

New things since we last posted. Benjamin now crawls FORWARD! And fast, too! He also is waving "hi" and "bye" and can identify his Mom and Dad ("Where's Mommy?" He'll look to Mommy. "Where's Daddy?" He'll look at Daddy). He is still doing well with the handful of signs we taught him. He knows milk, mommy, daddy, kitty cat, eat, and the sign for more. And he loves a good round of Peek-A-Boo. He also loves to get in his walker and chase the gigantic yoga ball around the house, shrieking and smiling.

Things he still enjoys: Airplane, There's a Baby in the Mirror!, Dance Dance Dance Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle, Yo Gabba Gabba, Licky Lellie Lemon Drop, Hand, bath time, toes (his and other people's), looking at EVERYTHING!, and going "grllluurrr!"

Here are pictures from today. Happy Birthday, Benjamin Bug!!!

Where's Benjamin?

2008-08-23T00:11:00.001-04:00

Busy At Eight Months

2008-08-22T22:48:00.000-04:00

Benjamin is 8 months old today! This has been a week marked with firsts. Monday the 18th we used the stroller without the carseat attached for the first time. Tuesday the 19th he went from his tummy to a sitting position for the first time by using a sideways technique. Thursday the 21st he made his first arm moves FORWARD while crawling with some help from Grandpa Ray. And today, the 22nd, he drank water from the bottom of a bent straw for the very first time. And he's really digging the walker Grandpa Ray and Grandmommy Kim got him yesterday. Benjamin is so busy these days he often forgets to eat. He'd rather be looking, creeping, grabbing, strolling, etc.

In honor of Benjamin's busy-ness we celebrated his 8 month birthday out and about. We went to the Bicentennial Gardens and enjoyed the good weather and refreshing breeze, then went to lunch at the Korean buffet (where the straw milestone happened), and then strolled around downtown GSO and shopped. Once we got back home Grandmommy Kim fed him some sweet potatoes and rice cereal. Then it was off to a much needed bath. Whew! What a day!

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