Big Boy Triumphs

Benjamin is comfortably settled into his big boy bed now and has told me that the crib is for the baby in Mommy's tummy. He hasn't given the baby permission to play with any of his toys, however.

He's also been talking like crazy--in full sentences! I think this really started to take off while we were in Utah and around so many people, and it hasn't slowed down since. He loves to enunciate big words that he's learned how to say, like "bah-nana." He loves to say prayers, and will usually repeat it several times, fully expecting us to close our eyes and bow our heads each time. Benjamin loves hearing scripture stories, especially the one about baby Moses and the one where Jesus calms the raging tempest. He wanted that picture hanging above his bed.

I tried to cut his hair the other day, but my skill level and his patience resulted in a half-job. So it's shorter on top and longer around the ears and the back. I only cut a little off though, so it's not too obvious of a mullet. I've asked him several times since if we can finish it, but he hasn't let me yet. It's not one of those things I think would be a good idea to force...

Before he would let me near his head, we of course had to cut all of his stuffed animals' hair. And then he had to do it himself to see that the buzzer wasn't scary. I got a little video of him cutting Bear's hair. I'm sure I'm the only one who thinks it's funny though, since I'm his mommy.




I guess potty training is also now underway, so we get to spend a lot of time in that lovely 70's bathroom. I haven't done much other than read Benjamin a few books and buy him a little stool to stand on, but the kid is motivated. He has had several successes, although it's usually after running around naked for an hour in anticipation. I still need to figure out his rhythm.

So our days go like this. I'll ask, "Benjamin, do you have to go potty?" To which he'll usually reply, "Oh, yes!" Then he gets totally undressed, puts his new stool in place and gets in position, making sure that I'm nearby and watching. He then tries really hard with no success, so I'll say, "Good try!" He then wants to get off and on, over and over, saying "It's coming!" After this repeats itself several times, I suggest, "Should we go put your diaper back on and try again later?" To which he'll usually reply, "No! Potty again!"

And thus it ensues for an hour or more...but he has gone a few times--and usually very cleanly. I never had to do the whole target practice thing with him. But I do reward him with "monkey snacks" (fruit snacks) for each time he goes. He and I are still figuring out when to anticipate an actual need and get there in time. In the meantime, I really don't mind diapers. I think they're far more convenient when we're out, so I'm not really pushing it. Maybe that will change in a few months when we're buying diapers for two!