Benjamin Talking About Lots of Stuff

Halmuni.

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

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

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

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!

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

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!