loveys

I read in Parents magazine last week about babies picking Loveys.  I remember being surprised at the age seeming so far away, (9-12 months maybe?) but it's 4 am and I'm not going to stumble down into the dark family room in search of a magazine!

My surprise is rooted in the fact that Ben has 3 Loveys already. There is Max, the reindeer dog from the Grinch, "dog" or "pup" from Grandpa Ken, and Jellycat, who is actually a tiger made by the brand Jellycat, but the name stuck.  When Ben first received Max as a gift, I thought he would be put away with the other Christmas things-think again!!

Ben LOVES his loveys, especially at naptime, but anytime really.  At any moment of unhappiness they can console him like no other toy can and they are a must for each of his many naps during the day.

He doesn't need or use them at night to fall asleep, which is good, but curious.

Following are a few shots of Ben with his Loveys....

I remember my sister's "greenie," large green pillowcase with a very small down pillow inside.  I remember one particular night of running back to the daycare after greenie because she couldn't live without it.  

I'm torn about purchasing back-ups for the Loveys???  The practical mom side of me says, "yes, you must, for your own sanity!!"  The baby doll loving, velveteen rabbit believing, way too many stuffed animals as a kid side of me says each well loved Lovey is special and cannot be replaced with a look-alike.  For now, I'm gonna stick with the originals, but I'll keep you posted!

Picture Update

I seem to keep starting posts that get too profound and heavy for my little Nugget's memory blog, so I'll just share some pics from the last week and a half since we've been home from AZ and leave it at that!

 

Had some fun with these upside down shots

 

 Ben's concerned contemplative look is now taking a back seat to smiles

World Traveler #2

Last wednesday January 5th, we set out on our second plane trip-this time with Dad in tow.  It was much easier with two hands but no less eventful!!  We headed back to AZ to join other family in saying a final goodbye to my Grandma Theresa.  The services were beautiful and we all thought Grandma would be very pleased.  She'd be most pleased knowing it brought family together that hasn't been more than 10 years.


But I digress, let's not forget the eventfulness!!  On our first leg to DEN, Ben made it less than 10 minutes before-BLOWOUT!!  I'll spare the dirty details but let's say you've never seen two people pray so hard for that little light to go off that meant we could sprint to the bathroom.  I went so far as asking if the flight attendant had scissors so we could just cut Ben's shirt off, but with four hands and a mile high bath we got everything under control.


Ryan had requested In and Out, so that was our first stop and Ben's second visit there.  Beyond that, we spent three days relaxing, enjoying family, basking in the sun and paying tribute to an amazing wife, mother and grandmother who inspired many.  Those who knew her will do well to attempt to live as she did!!
Thanks to Dad and Aunt Terri for the wonderful food and to Kelley for dealing with so much!

A shoe-in for the next e-Trade commercial

 Ben's Grandpa Ken, Bill and me at the Fountain

With my Grandpa Ken

Ben with his Great Grandpa

Grandpa with his brother Don and SIL Leah

(Leah is Belgian and told some amazing stories about running from the Germans in WWII)

Ben's beautiful 2nd cousin Halia

Dear Ben #1

Dearest Darling,
As I hope this blog becomes a cherished memory of your life, I've decided to write you here occasionally when the world moves me to.  Read these notes when you're 15 and we're frustrated with each other or when you go off to school someday and can't admit you're homesick but can find comfort in these words.


We just sent your Dad back to work after almost a week and a half of having him at home with us.  You have SO much fun with him-your face lights up any time he looks at you.  It was fun to be a big happy family for a while but I'm also very glad to have you back to myself during the day.  I didn't realize how much I love our daily routine, from story time to tummy time and every sweet smile in between. I truly cherish our days together. 

You've started smiling a lot and babbling on and on.  I just can't get enough of your laughing and talking and told your Dad last week, "how will I ever tell him no if he flashes me that smile?"  For both our sakes, I hope I learn some restraint before you start asking for more than formula.  


You are on the brink of rolling over.  You get up on your side and teeter, teeter, and alas back over you go to where you started.  It scares me to think how I will cheer at your sporting events when just the possibility of you rolling over has me jumping up and down coaxing you on.  I get very excited thinking about what the future holds for you.


Right now, I lovingly refer to you as Nugget, Nuggs, (yes, Nuggs) Monkey, (actually my childhood nickname) and Ben Ben (when you babble Ma Ma).  It will be fun to see how your nicknames progress.  Your Dad and I had many names for each other along the way between Baby in the early days of dating, and Love today.


I love you Nugget. 
Until next time,
               Mom