sometimes terrible two's

MeeMee frequently asks when Ben is going to hit the terrible two's?  I assure her that he has his moments and had one particularly rough two week period.  Mostly he is a joy right now and a lot of fun but he is certainly seeking attention from negative actions so we are working hard to nip that behavior in the bud.  Time-Out might be coming-yeah right! Like he'd sit still for time-out...ha!

On Monday of this week we found ourselves in the church parking lot down the street on our regular walk.  Ben discovered the parking spot "stoppers," (what are these things called?)  He had fun straddling them, climbing on them, treating them like a balance beam with my help, and sticking sticks in the holes that had clearly been left by some other kiddo who had enjoyed the same. Oh boy was he TERRIBLE 2 when it came time to leave!! We crossed the street and I discussed his choices and he vehemently pointed and told me firmly (in words I couldn't understand) through his tears that he wanted to go back to the parking lot.  I finally explained that he could choose home or to finish our walk and that if he darted back again his choice would be made for him and it would be home.  Somehow he understood and we finished our walk quite pleasantly.  I still giggle thinking about it all :).

A couple of things that are WONDERFUL about Ben right now are his cuddling and his love of animals and all things soft.  Ben definitely appreciates an extended cuddle when he wakes up for the day and from nap.  It's often the call of coffee that finally pushes me to set him down.

Ben has loved his loveys like Jelly from a strangely young age and nothing has changed.  There are now 4 loveys in the crib at all times and he loves hugging them and giving them kissies.  Our poor speech therapist has several tools toys that are soft and she is learning Ben has to stop and kiss and snuggle each one-even the finger puppets.  I hope she isn't tiring of it as it warms my heart every time.