The going ons with Ben

Oh Mr. Ben. He's our bully, our charmer, our helper and our challenge. He's 2 - guess that fits perfect.

His charm comes out often. He loves to help and is usually very willing to do small tasks for me. It is a good way for him to stay busy and to feel part of what is going on. He is so good at pretend play, this is new for us because Jake didn't do much of it. Ben loves to 'cook' things for me, bring me 'things', and often is imitating something that he's seen or heard lately. It is fun for us.

Talking. Ben has lots to say, all the time. He's in the stage where you have to talk back to him otherwise he'll just keep after you. Always asking WHY and investigating something. Grandpa Ken just commented today that if he stays this interested in learning things, school will be great fro him (might drive a teacher or two crazy along the way!).

Ben loves his brothers, especially Jake. He wants to be just like Jake. He's constantly talking about how 'big' he is, and HATES being called anything 'little' these days. I like to call him Little B, but that isn't going over very well these days. He copies Jake's actions and words constantly. Usually Big Brother Jake is a good sport but occasionally it drives him nuts. Jake and Ben play great together outside, the fighting, hitting and screaming are much less than in the house. It isn't just Ben looking for Jake to play outside, often Jake wants Ben to play too. Our yard is always full of miscellaneous 4wheelers, trikes, bikes, loaders, drump trucks and shovels - please be careful if you are to ever stop by! Every night after daycare Ben heads outside, makes for a late supper but it sure is fun.

Ben has finally become very interested in listening to books. I've been waiting! He just didn't have the patience for it before now. When Grandpa Ken comes over - Ben will sit on his lap and read book after book. It is nice to have some quiet down time with him because his normal is constant motion.

We've been working on counting and colors. He doesn't have either down pat but he can count from 1-3 and often 4 - 10. The transition from 3-4 gives him trouble. It is usually 1 2 3 2 1. Then if you say 4, he can go to 10.

Well Ben's up from his nap - off to the next thing!