Making a comeback

We are just about back to healthy!  Ben's fever is gone, and he has been eating more.  He was able to keep milk down too!  Friday night Ben started to perk back up a bit and actually played with some toys.  Saturday he hung out at home with Pat, and by Saturday night seemed to be pretty much himself.  Today he has been running around and acting completely normal.  Yay!  Selfishly I am looking forward to his sleeping better.  I'll miss the limited cuddles I got while he didn't feel well, but I am so happy to have my healthy boy back.  Now we just have to wean him off all tv we let him watch...  Good thing we go back to the office tomorrow.  :)

Feeling better!!

Get back to work, kid!

Oh yeah, Ben was Batman yesterday.  I'm fairly certain that had something to do with the healing process. ;)

 -Kim

First fever

I haven't posted much this week.  The big reason for that is we have an unfortunate first going on, Ben's first fever.  I know we are so lucky that he made it to 19 months before really getting sick.  Even now, it isn't that bad.  In the past he's gotten a little stuffy, but nothing really that slowed him down.  Thursday morning Ben woke up and you could tell he did not feel well.  Fortunately I am able to work from home and take care of him.  We stayed home Friday too.  He's doing better, but still isn't 100%.  The poor kid is a trooper.  You can tell he wants to play, but just doesn't feel well.

We think he is getting closer to being all better, and once he is we will have fun adventures to share.  Until then, it is hanging out at home and resting for Team C.

Poor kiddo yesterday.  :(

Today- trying to rally!

I hate that my baby feels poorly.  It's true what they say, you would rather be sick than have your kid sick.  Feel better, Ben!

 -Kim

Easter Bunny...

... of doom!  Okay, maybe not that bad.  We took Ben to see the Easter Bunny a few days ago.  He, well, he did not enjoy meeting the bunny.  I think the picture says it all.

Basically he cried and looked at us like, "Why are you doing this to me?"  He recovered quickly once we got a little bit away from the bunny.  I don't think we did any lasting damage to his psyche, and the Easter Bunny will still bring Ben a little something in a few weeks.  He just won't deliver it personally. ;)

 -Kim

Fore!

This past weekend we were playing in the back yard and Pat got his golf clubs out to work on his swing.  Well of course Ben wanted to play too.  I think he's a natural.

He looks a little like Happy Gilmore in this stance.

Good form!

Ready to hit the links!

I know Meo and Omi can't wait til he's big enough to really take out golfing.  Ben is pretty excited for that too!

-Kim

Anniversary

This past weekend Pat and I celebrated our 6th anniversary.  6 years!  And we still like each other!  This year we didn't do anything big.  We exchanged gifts based on the traditional gifts for six years- iron.  That was a tough one.  To celebrate this year we also went out to dinner to one of our favorite places- Outback!  We are kind of doing a two part celebration.  The children's resale we go to every spring and fall is the weekend after our anniversary, and we knew we wanted to go to that.  I'm a member of the group that puts it on, and we're able to go to the pre-sale.  The one downside is it is at 8pm.  So we knew we wanted Meo and Omi to babysit Ben the week after our anniversary.  Rather than miss out on his company two weeks in a row, we took him with us to our dinner at Outback!

Ben had a great time.  We got there early and Pat called ahead, meaning we only had a 2 minute wait.  I think the restaurant knew Ben was coming.  When we got to the table, there were about 20 coasters on it.  Ben loves playing with coasters!  He sat quite well through the dinner and really enjoyed the food.  Of course at the end he got a bit antsy, he had been sitting still for a good hour.  But we whipped out the wind up toys Gramma and Grampa had sent him and he was happy.

All in all, while maybe not the most exciting anniversary, it was lovely for us.  We had good food and good company.  Happy Anniversary, Pat!

So many coasters!

Busy busy sorting coasters.

My boys!

Laughing at Mommy

I want STEAK!

Toys!

My sweet little guy.

-Kim

St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Now that Pat and I are parents, we don't celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the, well, traditional way.  No going nuts with green beer for us.  This is probably for the best seeing as it is a Tuesday and we both work.  I'm fine with missing out on that part of the holiday, but I am really looking forward to this holiday with Ben in future years.  I picture green food, shamrock decorations, and leprechaun shenanigans.  However, this year we are laying low on that too.  I really don't think Ben will get what is going on, and he thinks most green foods are pretty terrible.  Instead I will enjoy this quiet year of not having to make a huge effort.  Pat and I will enjoy some corned beef and cabbage and a decent bed time.  Not a bad way to spend the holiday.

Of course all this didn't stop me from dressing Ben in an adorable holiday outfit.  (Thanks for sending it to us, Gramma!)




I love the shamrock. :)

Loving his St. Paddy's outfit!

My holiday buddy.

Every day is special with this little guy!

-Kim

Tiny Tot Art

Ben started a new program at the library!  We have been going to Baby Goose since Ben was three months old.  The ages for that program are three to eighteen months, so we are pretty much at the end of the road for that program.  We have loved Baby Goose.  It has been fun to spend time playing, singing, and reading together.  We have enjoyed meeting other moms and babies.  It taught me a ton of songs and little chants and games to play with Ben.  When Ben was just a tiny little guy, Baby Goose made me feel like I was doing something good for Ben beyond just meeting his physical needs.  It was one of the first things I ventured out to do on my own with Ben.  It was just a 20 minute library program where Ben sat in my lap and we sang and read books, but it helped me build confidence that I could be Ben's mom.  I could handle going out with him and even manage to show him some fun.  There are so many moments for every mother where you feel like you have no idea what you are doing.  But during those first few months, that time at Baby Goose made me feel like I was doing something right for Ben, and that helped so much.  I know I am going to miss Baby Goose, and Pat has laughed at me for being teary over this first activity Ben has aged out of.  It's a milestone for Ben and his mommy.

But Ben is old enough to try something new.  Tiny tot art started this week.  We could still go to Baby Goose a little longer, but I thought Ben might enjoy something new.  And I think he did!  The class is a lot of fun.  First, we read a book.  Then we do a project, and end the class up with dancing.  Needless to say Ben enjoyed the dance part.  The vibe of this class is definitely different than Baby Goose.  At Goose the kids can roam as they want, play with various toys, and participate as little as they want.  In art class they are expected to pay a little more attention to what is going on.  There is an organized activity to participate in.  I think this will be good for Ben and me.  I know Ben is still very young, but it is good for him to get used to sharing and taking turns with other kids.  He doesn't have that many interactions with other children, and practicing these skills will be good.  Plus it will expose him to more art projects to see what he likes.

I think Ben enjoyed the class.  He did not enjoy wearing a name tag, but I know he'll get used to it.  He wasn't super into the project this week.  We made fluffy sheep with cotton balls.  But he did enjoy spending time with the other kids.  He loved the dancing at the end.  The first time Ben does new things it can be hard to tell if he is enjoying himself.  He just watches everything so hard, but I know he was liking it.  I love doing art projects, so I am excited to start doing some with Ben.  (Especially ones that other people get to set up for me and then help clean up.  Score for library programs!)  I'm going to miss Baby Goose and what it represented for Ben and me, but I am really looking forward to all the new experiences we will have ahead of us.

He looks like such a big boy sitting at the table!

Making some art

Finished product!

As you can see there are only about 6 cotton balls on the sheep.  Ben was more interested in touching the supplies and seeing what everyone else was up to than gluing on the cotton.  And that is okay.  He had a great time, and we are looking forward to next week!

-Kim

His father's son

There is no doubt that Ben is his father's son.  I mean, obviously we know that to be true.  But every so often a behavior comes out that is completely not from me.  This latest- his enjoyment of spicy foods.  I hate spicy foods.  I really cannot tolerate most things with heat.  Pat adores spicy food.  Often the hotter the better.  Ben has already demonstrated an appreciation for spicy food.  He enjoys some things I think have a kick.  We haven't tested his spice enjoyment very much because, well, because he is a little kid.  I am fine with him tasting things he wants to, but I wanted to be sure he understood to drink some milk or eat some bread if something was uncomfortably spicy.

Today Omi had mustard out for his lunch.  Not just any mustard, jalapeno mustard.  Now I have tried this stuff, and I find it to be too spicy.  I know a lot of people who think nothing of it though.  Ben gestured that he wanted some, so I put a tiny dab on his tray.  He ate it up.  And then he asked for more.  He loved it!  He kept asking for more until we put it away.  I didn't want him to have too much and get an upset tummy.  He never once seemed to think it was too spicy!  I know I shouldn't be too surprised.  Grampa, Omi, and Uncle Jared all really enjoy spicy food as well.  So I suppose Ben isn't just his father's son in this regard, but his grandpa's grandson and his uncle's nephew.  I had better buy stock in this spicy mustard they all love so much.

What's this?

Hmmm...

This stuff is really good!

And yes, it is official.  My toddler has a higher tolerance for spicy food than I do.  If you need me I'll be over here with my bland food. ;)

-Kim

First run of spring

The weather is finally starting to make a turn for the warmer around here!  I enjoy all the seasons, but after a couple of months of cold, I am really ready for it to be a little warmer.  I know Ben is itching to get outside more.  This past Saturday it was sunny and in the upper 30s, so we got to go outside and run!

Ben loved being able to run and use his outside voice for a bit.  You can see him running here.  I got some pictures of Ben's first run of spring with his good friend Meo.  It is such a joy to just go outside and enjoy the sun with Ben!

Warming up

Getting ready to race

Running hard!

Ben takes the lead!

Winner!

It was a wonderful first run of spring.  I know we are going to have a lot more.


-Kim

Helping with groceries

Ben has upped his helping game.  He now likes to help us put groceries away after we go to the store.  He likes to take the items out of the grocery bags.  Sometimes he even hands them to us.  Usually he puts them back in the bag or moves them around the floor.  He's pretty good about it.  We do have to keep an eye on him though, or something could end up in his toy bin.  Nothing like some cheese with your blocks, right?

I'll  help!

Step 1: Take stuff out of the bag.

Step 2: Put it on the floor.

Step 3: Pick it back up and run around with it!

Chores are definitely more interesting with this little helper. :)

-Kim

Working from home

Our upstairs toilet had a leak.  You know what that means, a visit from the plumber.  It is understandable that plumbers work during the day.  I mean, normal people like to ply their trade during the day, so it is reasonable to think plumbers do as well.  (Though someone could probably make a killing specializing in 'after hours' home repairs.  Too bad I don't know how to fix anything or I would start that up.)  Since the toilet had to be fixed, someone had to be home.  Fortunately, as an employee of Omi & Associates, I have the perk of being able to work from home!!

This is the first time Ben and I have worked from home.  We've had to stay home on occasion, but this time I had actual things to do.  I even had a work computer to log into the office and get the files I need.  Everything was ready for me to have a productive day while waiting for the plumber.  Everything except having a toddler home with me.  That was the mystery factor.

Well, I shouldn't have been worried, because it went well!  I think it helped that we aren't often home in the middle of the week, so it was different for Ben.  We got up and got ready just as it was a normal day, except instead of heading to the office we stayed home.  Ben 'worked' along with me.  He was pretty well behaved too!  Oh, there were a couple of time outs, but really, he's 18 months old.  Things are going to happen.  Overall, he did really well!  We even got to spend a few minutes outside.  The plumbers came, I cleaned the bathrooms, did some laundry, and managed to get all the work I brought home done.  Oh, and kept the kid alive.

I don't think working from home is something we are going to do to often.  It is too easy for me to get distracted by home tasks.  But every now and then I think it will work out well for us.  I of course managed to get a few pictures during the day.

Working!

Getting in some car time.

Our co-worker for the day!

Recess!

Taking a little break.

Living room camping is an office perk at home.

My 'office' for the day.

We had a good day!

Thank you for letting us work at home, Omi!

-Kim

Full desk

Ben is reaching the point in toddlerhood where he likes to have all his stuff with him.  Now often this is cute, and we just let him amass all the items he thinks he needs to sit down and play.  Usually it is a lovie, some toys, his sippy, and maybe a snack if one is available.  Like I said, it's cute and really not a big deal, so we let it happen.  Well, Ben enjoys sitting with me at my desk while I work.  Now he has his own keyboard, and I can put that in front of my own and work.  It's a little slow, but we manage.  However, the number of items he wants to bring up to work with him keeps growing.  Last time this happened, there was his sippy, several snack cups (only one of which had a snack in it), his football lovie, his shape sorter, his toy tablet, several foam letters, his laptop, and his stacking rings.  I already tend to have more than enough items on my desk.  It is getting a bit hard to work around here.

This was after I removed some items.

Yes, I do need all of this, Mommy.

Since we had no more room to work, we did the only logical thing we could.

Dance party!

-Kim