Tricks are for Kids!

LATEST TRICKS:

Ben likes to hand us his toys and walk away. Then take them back and walk away. Then return them...and then....stacking, unstacking, dumping, and putting toys back in their bags...etc...

Who knew throwing trash away could be such a fun sport? Well, it is very exciting and gratifying for him to help us throw things in the trash. Just wait till Papi teaches him the importance of recycling and composting – talk about a whole new exciting world out there when it comes to “trash”.

Benjamin will pick up napkins, kleenex, and/or papertowels and fake cough/sneeze into them. It's quite the comedy routine around here.

Jumping is cute to watch when you watch your child try this for the first time. Benjamin was copying everyone in his weekly Nia Tots class. We were all hopping like kangaroos and he bent his little knees and squatted a bit and then stood straight again. All with the desire to jump, but he hasn't quite figured out how to pick up his feet. Talk about a funny site.

So, Benjamin has understood us for quite a while but we must admit – it still is fascinating and exciting to watch him understand. Wow. What a learning process for us all. Watching the wheels in his head turn is the best.

HUGS:

Benjamin continues to find new ways to make our hearts melt. He grabs our neck, squeezes hard, and nuzzles his cute little face next to ours. It seriously doesn't get any cuter than his cute embrace.

TEETH:

He has 11 teeth now! 5 on bottom and 6 on top.

18-MONTH FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT:

It's official - our little monkey does NOT like going to the doctor.


When the pediatrician walks through the door, Benjamin sticks out his bottom lip and he darts for the door. Lucky for little B., he can reach the door handle, open the door, push it open, and run as fast as he can away from us. Unlucky for him – we are more agile and can return him to the exam room. He did not have to have any shots this time so it was quite painless for all of us. He has gained a couple of pounds since his last visit. He is a 24 pound monkey. We don't have to see the pediatrician for another 6 months (until he is 2 years old). Such a nice change of pace when we are used to having to go every couple of months or so. We will either find a pediatrician in Brazil or come home for a visit during the summertime to squeeze in his appointment. Most likely both.

NEW YEAR FUN:

On New Year's eve – Benjamin went to the Children's Museum with his cousin Lillian to celebrate the new year at the “Noon” Countdown.
Benjamin was not feeling his best but he was a real trooper and had a good time. See the ball dropping in the background (at the top in the middle)?
The theme was “Where the Wild Things Are” and there were lots of wild children everywhere.
Lillian's beautiful smile:


VOCABULARY:

Benjamin's vocabulary continues to grow but he still says a lot of unintelligible words but that doesn't deter him from speaking loud and proud. Some of his latest words are: Mama, Papa, Juice, Cheese, Ice, Hot, Ball, Moon, Balloon

THE NOT SO PRETTY STUFF:

So as much as we would like to report all fluffy things about our child – we are also dealing with the “terrible” twos syndrome. Benjamin has picked up the hitting, throwing, and pushing habit. Talking to other kind parents who have dealt with the same madness make us feel better about this (mostly common) phase. Of course, we would love to pretend our child is angelic and perfect – but alas, he is not. He is definitely asserting his presence and independence. This is our latest work in progress – teaching him patience and how to be less aggressive. We know he has that sweet side to him just begging to overtake this “mean streak”. However long it takes – we will work on it with him (with all of our patience!)

NEW AND OLD LESSONS:

Benjamin started Spanish lessons again. We decided to let him join the second session of the lessons since we are going to be here a little longer than we initially thought. So, he had a good time today doing crafts, singing, dancing, and reading books. We forgot to mention that Benjamin's swim lessons have ended. We will have to pursue new lessons when we move. Perhaps, lots of ocean time? Thanks for reading this ever so long blog (we were late in posting this week). Till next week.