A Good Day

Dear Ben,

You had such a lovely day today... a day full of friends and generosity.  After a really tough wake up (maybe because you had an interuppted sleep cycle), you finally calmed down, read books with your mama, played a little, and went back to sleep.  Then, we went into the city to meet up with three other little people and their Mamas -- 2 year old Evie, 7 month old Mack and 16 month old Melina. 

You had a hard time at first -- didn't want to share toys, refused to take your coat off, wanted everything that everyone else had.  But, you relaxed eventually and you even agreed that the baby was cute.  I was impressed with how well you took it when I was holding him.  I expected you to be jealous.  It's also worth noting that you repeatedly asked Melina for cheerios, by saying "Pease."  How lovely that you now know how to ask nicely, even to other kids.  Too bad that please doesn't work real well with other 1 year olds.

Later in the evening, when we met up with the group again -- plus dads and some other friends -- you again were sweet to baby Mack and allowed me to hold him and read to you both.  You even tickled his feet and patted his head very gently.  What a sweet guy you are.  You're giving me hope that it won't be HORRIBLE for you to adjust to Baby Bear this spring.  I hope it's not false hope, Sweet Pea. :)  I think you could quite enjoy a little brother or sister.

In between, Ezra and a new friend from the neighborhood, Daniel, came to play.  Last time Ezra was over, you two fought constantly, always demanding what the other one had.  You did a little bit of that today... but you're getting better at following my instructions to share and let others play with a toy for a while.  (We also had about 50 thousand toys out on the rug in the playroom.)  I think it may have helped to have Daniel around for a while: you felt like a host entertaining in your house.  You wanted to show off how good you are.

But -- it gets better.  You and Ezra weren't just NOT MEAN to each other.  By the end of your play date, the two of you (at Ezra's initiation) had each patted the other on the back (very nice), hugged and kissed.  You two loved Sarah and my delight at these actions.  You also swapped apples and sippy cups repeatedly.  But, how nice it was to see you two being friendly to one another.  You even said Ezra's name today.  I asked "Where's Ezra" when Ezra wandered into the next room, and you repeated, "Ez?"  How cute you both are.

Ben, I'm so encouraged to see you getting along with other kids.  And especially not minding when Mama plays with another baby. 

My love for you is absolutely boundless, Ben Bode Brown.  It fills me up and surrounds me, and I can't even comprehend how much I'm thrilled by you, Sweet Thing.

Love,
Mama

Mastery

Off -- with all its various meanings -- get off the chair, turn off the lights, take the sweater off.  Pronounced with a very definitive, long-lasting FFFFFF at the end.

Hop -- what bunnies do.

Up -- With a very pronounced PPP

Pop -- The sound bears make with their teeth in "The Blueberry Bears," the first half of "popcorn" (which he enjoys making and eating with his mama on weekday afternoons), and what the weazle does in the famous song -- often accentuated by the releasing of a scarf or crumpled paper.

Totally got the concept -- complete sounds will follow:

Haahhh -- as in Hot. 

Puh or Puhluh -- Please. 

Asah -- Outside.

Baff or Bah -- Bath

Bah -- Ball, and many, many other things

Cah -- Car and clock.  When we ask what time it is, you look at your wrist (where a wrist watch could be) and say "Cah."

Shirr or Shhhh -- Shirt.  You love to hear the song, "Ben wore his red shirt..." over and over again, and you grab and shake your shirt every time.

Sahh -- Sometimes "saahhk" -- Sock.  You love to pull 'em off.

Chiz -- Cheerios.

Pointing aggressively at corner cabinet, crying, and stamping your feet rapidly: "I want craisins."  But, Mama has figured out how to get you to calm down and ask nicely before receiving your favorite treat.

And many, many more that I can't even remember at the moment.  Ben Bode Brown, it is a pleasure to watch you tackle language and add new words to your repertoire just about every day. 

Photos to come -- once Dad ("Dah" as you know him) reconnects the Z-drive to the computer.  Right now, sweet thing, your photos are in a limbo that I can't reach.  Well, that or still on the camera. 

Love,
Mama