Time With Kids

I haven't had anything interesting to write about lately, and today is probably no exception. I just wanted to jot down a few things that I'd like to remember. Most of our days are divided in two. During the first half of the day, we get Peter to preschool, then Benjamin, Nora and I have some time together. Usually we get some things done around the house, have lunch, then get Benjamin to the bus stop. Once he's gone, Nora naps, Peter comes home, and it's just the two of us for a few hours until Nora wakes up. Then the three of us usually have a little time together before we pick up Benjamin. That's the usual juggling routine. It works out pretty well, although sometimes I wish I could be more flexible around the lunch hour to do things with friends. 

During our morning hours, Benjamin has really taken to his role as Nora's big brother. I have seen this boy come a long way since Peter was born!
Months ago, on one of our outings to the Science Center, I nearly bought him a Blue Angel fighter jet to share with Peter, but then didn't because the kids all had an orchestrated meltdown (cue our immediate exit!). Benjamin never forgot, and constantly brought it up afterwards. I finally told him if he wanted it that badly, he should save up for it with his own money. He and Peter combined their efforts, and yesterday was finally the big day. Ironically, once he got there he ended up choosing something completely different. Hmm...
So yesterday, on our way over, I was explaining taxes to him (I made him save enough to pay for tax too), and how one of its more important uses was to provide a military to keep our country safe. This seemed to intrigue him- the fact that other countries don't like us. So I brought up the Book of Mormon, and how this land is a special land, and that we it will only be kept safe if the people in it are being good. At this, he told me that we'd better let Peter in on this important bit of news so he will be good too! I thought that was funny. He's so logical and literal about things.

Peter is at a funny stage right now. He's so interested in doing things just like Benjamin, and usually, they are best friends. Our afternoons alone together are actually really nice. He loves to play games and read stories and give impromptu hugs and declarations of love. He's getting pretty good at reading three-letter words, especially when I pull out my vowel-changing flashcards and make silly words like BOM changing into BUM. :) He knows potty humor is off limits of course, which is all the more reason to use it. He is warming up to Nora more and more these days, although he still likes to think of her as a baby (which he told me once makes her NOT a member of our family; our family is only made up of people who can talk). Peter is sweet and affectionate and cuddly and funny, and a tragically sandwiched middle child.

Even though Peter usually wants nothing to do with her, Nora still idolizes him. Perhaps it is the "hard to get" factor that draws her in, since she knows everyone else is in love with her. She knows how to say everyone's names now including her own, but likes to say her name is "Pee-DOH" to arouse a laugh. Lately, the poor girl has also been teething like crazy. Maybe those scissored buck teeth will be joined by some friends soon. I love watching her delightful little personality unfold. It's fun how no matter how many times you become a mother, the process of discovery with each child is the same. It never gets old!