"always have to steal my kisses from you"

In Breck I captured the frequent quest for Ben kisses from his Tante Mollusk.................

Breckenridge Year 2

One year after our first visit to the Grand Lodge at Peak 7, we returned on July 28th for 7 more days in paradise. You can see how much Ben has changed in a year, with a link to last year's post here.  The weather was nicer this year and we enjoyed a few short hikes, great food and multiple s'more nights, the spa, several trips into town via the gondola, and LOTS of swimming.  We enjoyed some Olympics in the evenings but never got around to game night.  Ryan left a few days early to go back to work and then Molly did the same and far too quickly it was time for Ben, MeeMee and me to head home too.  We departed a day early because Ben, Ryan and I had to catch a plane the next morning for the beach.  It was a tough task to re-pack and shift gears but if someone had too........

further evidence of why he calls ice cream "MeeMee"

4 of my favorite pics.......

headed to the art market

Chef Dada

Shopping and chocolate donuts with Tante.......

Not a bad place from which to Man the grill

 Monkey on a moose montage........

goodbye s'mores

 

the view from our bed......counting the days..........

2 year Well Child Visit

What ?!?! Don't they mean well-baby?? 

Today Benjamin Ryan had his 2 year old check-up without another for a year and without more immunizations for several.  They sure don't ease you into the reality that your "teeny-tiny baby" is all grown up.

I will write more about Ben's 2 year milestones, favorites, etc in his birthday post. 

First, the stats:

Weight: 29lbs 8oz = 75th percentile

Height: 35 1/4 inches = 70th percentile

His head is 40th percentile and where it's always been.

Ben's new Dr, Dr. Dean was as amazing as his reputation.  He was recommended by friends and I called over and over starting six months ago to get him in and it was worth the effort.  Dr. Dean was so warm and energetic and positive, I debated about asking whether he wanted to adopt our family in some way:).  He was very happy with Ben's progress both physically and developmentally.  I shared concerns about Ben's talking and mentioned that several boys his age that we'd met lately were seeing speech therapists.  Dr. Dean was not concerned at all and said Ben was on the normal curve for boys, just at the back end.  He said the fact that he clearly understands so much and is able to communicate most of his desires leaves no cause for concern.  As long as there is continued progress and no back-tracking, we are not to worry :).  He also mentioned that because Ben is so busy physically and so strong in certain motor areas that that may still be taking priority in his little brain over the speech side of things.  

The Dr. was happy Ben was going to preschool though was glad at the limited time each week.  As I expected, we are moving on to 2% milk and integrating it into meal time rather than separate times.  Dr. Dean seemed to think this would be a favor to me but I am concerned Ben will now just drink his milk and not eat but only time will tell.  The addition of a multivitamin should help if his eating diminishes and was recommended now that he's getting more picky.

Ben had put the flirt on the Dr. while we were still in the waiting room so I'm sure that clouded his judgement but I was happy and relieved at the Dr.'s pleasure with Ben.  A couple of shots ended our trip and Ben was thrilled to head to school just in time to head outside with his friends.

(I did not lug the big camera today and could only get Ben to stand still by "showing Mama where the wall is," but still a little bit of nakey baby-ness.)

Mayday! Mayday!

Hello! Since I last posted about our new home we have..............

-gone on two, separate week-long vacations

-gone to a weekend wedding away

-moved 3 pods and stuff from 2 houses into the new house

-had a birthday

-started preschool

And we have a family wedding and associated functions this weekend. We also have a backyard bug bash with 45 of our closest friends and family in just over a week.

Did I mention we are downsizing by almost 1000 sq feet and have gone from a 3 car to less than 1 car garage?

Wow! after writing it all down I understand why I feel the way I do.  AND I am not complaining, rather explaining. 

I miss my blog but I am starting posts about each event as they come so as not to forget and in no time I'll be back with regularity.

And because I know it makes some of my readers cringe, after today's well-child (yep, not well-baby :( update, I will go back and share said events in order.

Sorry for the absence and thanks to those who mentioned they missed the family updates.