Bennett,
Just as I suspected, your 22nd month flew by and here were are, already into month 23… Hmmm, one month until you are 2 years old. I only have a few more days to soak that in.
December has been a month of firsts- our first flu, accompanied by our first throwing up, our first time sharing a room with our big brother, and our first Christmas where we sort of understand that opening presents is really REALLY fun.
Oh Benny, I think I have mentioned before, but you are a talker. People comment on this all the time- they are shocked how they went from not understanding a word you say to NOW understanding everything. Although, the other night Bapa was wondering how it was possible that the only word he understood from you was “flashlight.” I think it is just him…
This month was suppose to include your first haircut. Well, I imagine you can guess, based on the pictures, that I just couldn’t do it. It means you become a little man too fast and I love your rats nest and your curls. I get made fun of this, but I really, really love your hair- so, it stays.
You copy anything your brother does or says. This is extremely cute. You are becoming such a boy. This evening you and Henry were having a (pretend)picnic on the floor, Henry set up the blanket and you ran back to the play room to get food from your kitchen (you came back with a tea kettle and a slice a pizza). When did you put the two together? You are figuring out so much every day- this age is really amazing and so very fun.
We do have our moments- you have a fantastic fake cry- mouth wide open, screaming- it really is good. You are also picking up some bad habits from your brother- not going to sleep, not staying in your seat at the table and jumping on the bench. When you are told not to do something, you just give this stink eye look and continue to do it, but more discretly- SERIOUSLY kid? It is really funny, your Dad and I have a really hard time keeping our stern faces on, but you should not be figuring this out already, no, you should not.
You are also learning some pretty cool things from your brother. He is a good big brother and can be very sweet. You guys do enjoy hitting each other, sometimes for fun, sometimes not. Am I going to just have to get used to this? So far you aren’t listening…ahem… You guys also argue in the car about which side of the car you see things on. “My side, Henny.” “No, my side Bennett.” Oh it goes on and on.. and then, “Mama, Bennett says the truck was on his side, but it wasn’t, it was on my side.” Oh dear…
You can put on your own shoes.
You still enjoying riding on my back, this little part reminds me that you are still my baby boy.
You love music and have favorite songs. We went to a concert last week and, although a few of your favorite songs were played, it was a bit overwhelming (Let’s just say that my kids are not the ones dancing around. They like to sit and take it in, and have snacks).
You do not like to wake up in the middle of the night and discover that you are STILL in the car.
You also do not like being waken up by fireworks. The only year I have not had a kid wake up on New Years Eve, at midnight, was when you were in my belly.
You do like your new bed. “Dada make me bed.” You also have a growing collection of friends that must be in bed with you. A bear, Max, an elf, Betty Lou and, occasionally, a gecko- oh, and a parent. It is very crowded. You have a small bed.
This month has also been all about puzzles, or puwhzzles. I have done more puzzles in the past 2 weeks than I have done in my entire life. It is the first thing you want to do in the morning, the last thing you want to do at night (well, before naked running, of course), and I am assuming you dream about them when you sleep. I guess Santa should have brought more…
Our days have been slower lately, which is good, we are getting a lot of puzzle time and reading time in. We went to the library last week and you just kept making stacks of books to take home. I am surpised I got out of there before you realized that not every book you stacked was in my bag. You and your brother do love to read- and that is okay with me. It is one of my favorite places to be, sitting, reading with you two.
This next month will also be exciting- you get to go on your second trip to Hawaii and hopeful we will see snow (not in Hawaii, but here, we could use a snow day, don’t you think?). We also have birthdays to plan- February is a big month in our house!
Benny-Boo, Happy 23rd month. We love you.
pricklyporcupine 