Morning chit chat

This morning, Stacey had gone to the gym so I was alone in bed with both kids. The conversation went like this...

Ben: Mom, you're supposed to talk to me
Me: Ok, what's your favorite color?
Ben: I'm not really sure.
Chloe: I think it's gray because you love elephants.
Silence for a while...
Ben: My favorite color is blue, mom.

I love the emergence of the thought process in my kids.

Benny's announcement

Saturday we were getting the kids ready for the zoo. Benny was sitting on the couch and as I walked into the living room he declared "Chloe is my best friend mama".

I've said it once, but I'll say it again... I'm so glad my kids are friends.

Undercover storyteller

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon switching over Chloe's closet and having her try on things to see what still fits.

Chloe and Benjamin played in the room and I looked up to find them both under her comforter while she told him stories about Prince Ben, ogres, mommy and daddy and other fun things. At just the right moments, Ben would an an emphatic "YEAH!" to the store.

I took a video of one of these sessions and will try to get it up sometime this week.

Here comes the sun

We got our first and probably last big snow of the year this week. I think we got about 6 inches total over the two days. Chloe has been itching to get out in it and I'm really looking forward to playing outside with her this weekend. Luckily our backyard is pretty shaded so I think we'll have plenty left by then.

This morning the sun was shining and the snow made everything look clean and bright. It was just one of those great mornings. I took the kids to the new sitter before heading to work. Chloe was singing along to Here Come the 123s (thanks again Amber!) and Benjamin was staring dreamily out the window and smiling. She was excited to see her new friend Cameron (sitter's son) and it seems that getting the kids out of the house has been a good thing.

My work schedule has switched to 9am-6pm but Stacey has really helped out by picking up the kids after work so we at least all seem to land at home at about the same time.

My kids are different morning types

Chloe is much like me in the morning. She needs a few minutes before she's ready to talk, be touched or be civil in general. Once she fully wakes she's her usual active self but it just takes a few minutes for her to get there. However, we call Benjamin pop tart because from the moment he wakes, he sits up and is ready to go. His eyes light up and he puts on his ornery smile. He especially enjoys antagonizing his sister. His favorite activities are whacking her in the head with his hand or a toy and laying right next to her on her blanket so she can't move. He's laughing and she's hollering "Benjamin I need a few minutes; I'm not ready to play!"

Stacey is out of town until Thursday and despite having kept both kids by myself for a year, it seems so much harder now. I didn't get anything done in the house short of a hot meal (and no clean up). I also couldn't convince Chloe that since her Daddy wasn't home she could indeed scoot over in the bed so we weren't all crammed on one half while the other remained open. Had I moved there myself, she simply would've readjusted herself to be crammed next to me on that side. :)

They hugged!

My kids are awesome. They love each other and for the most part play well together. Chloe is sometime ornery but usually nice to her brother, and he's generally happy to follow her around and is a captive audience for her general silliness. Him chasing her around the dining room table is a favorite activity for both.

Chloe loves to hug and kiss on her brother, especially when he's nursing. This morning was no different but then he insisted I put him down so he could walk over and hug Chloe. Talk about a smile to start your day.

Which reminds me... I've been slacking in the picture department but with Halloween coming tomorrow, I'll be sure to get some great shots. Chloe and Stacey are going to the Blues game tonight and they're going all out for the holiday with games and candy for the kids who are also encouraged to wear their costumes. Chloe will be wearing the infamous monkey costume with a Blues jersey over it.

Love this picture!

Thanks to my lovely friend Cathy for snapping this picture of me and Benjamin. I love how he holds my shirt. You can't see it, but his other hand is usually holding hte back of my arm and/or rubbing it. Almost like he's thanking me.

Happy First Birthday Benjamin

Benjamin, in the Bible, was the last son of Rachel and Jacob. Rachel died giving birth to him and Benjamin means 'son of my pain'. Besides Joseph, he was the favored son of Jacob as Rachel was his favored wife.

Ironically, Benjamin is the son of my joy, the son of my spirit. If I could give a meaning to his name, it would be Hallelujah! (with the exclamation point).

Benjamin, you are a truly loved boy. Your smile brings happiness and you are adored by everyone you meet. You are a beloved son and brother. Your sister truly enjoys you and I enjoy the dynamic you've brought to our family.

Happy Birthday to my sweet man, to Chloe's Mr. Beefy and Daddy's pride and joy. You have shown me just how much love my heart can hold.

Kids look bigger in fall clothes

Well, fall is coming and that means it's time to get out the warmer clothes. Chloe spent the summer in underpants, shorts and t-shirts, and sundresses. Benjamin spent most of the summer in his diaper.

I was excited to get Chloe's things out because I had been collecting from clearance racks, friends, and garage sales for two years now. Seeing these clothes again was fun.

Now that the kids are in them, they look, well too old. Much older than being on the verge of 1 and 4. The jeans look impossibly long for Chloe but fit her perfectly. And clothes on Benjamin make him look like a boy and not my sweet little baby.

And while I hear Chloe talking non-stop, I almost missed Benjamin's words: hi, bye, ball, dad. He talks in gurgles, grunts, and this funny bubble type voice.

As much as I love watching my kids grow up, expand their minds and face new challenges, seeing them get older before I'm ready breaks my heart a little.

Name meaning for the kids

Benjamin Michael

Benjamin - son of my right hand, son of my pain; in the Bible, Benjamin was the last son of Rachel who died in childbirth, son of my old age; also last son and last child of Jacob
Michael - who is like God; one of the archangels

Chloe Renee

Chloe - green shoot, blooming; Greek Heroine, another name for fertility goddess Demeter
Renee - born again, reborn

Benjamin is walking

Benjamin began walking this past Saturday. Just like I thought, he waited for his daddy to come home and took 10 steps across the room to him.

He's still a crawler for most of his movement activities, but I know those days are numbered.

My hunka hunka burning love

Seriously, how can you not love this boy? Not only is he beautiful, but he has the most incredible spirit I've ever encountered. He's had a bit of a cold, but as soon as I picked up my camera, he perked up, posed and smiled for me.

My lovely friend Michelle made him an amber teething necklace. Amber is supposed to have anti-inflammatory qualities and aid in healing the mouth and throat. It doesn't provide instant relief, but once it starts working, provides continual comfort. Plus, it makes him look like a rock star.