My life with an almost 2 year old

Just when I think life with Ben couldn't get any crazier, he proves me wrong. It's crazy enough that he runs non-stop from sunrise to sunset, but the shenanigans that he pulls in between never cease to amaze me. For example, last weekend while Mike was deer hunting in Crosby he pulled a few of his tricks. Night number two without Dad at home, we were going through our normal bathtime routine and he was really enjoying himself playing with toys and splashing in the water. I decided I should let him splash around for a while longer so I sat down next to the tub and started reading a book. I look up when I see him throwing something overboard. It took a second, but it suddenly clicked: He's throwing poop at me, isn't he? Five seconds later, there is poop everywhere. On the floor, on the side of the vanity, on the toilet, on the walls, etc. He then decides he is scared of the few floaters he has left in the tub and begins to panic and trying to climb out of the tub. Once I got him out and got everything cleaned up, I did start to see the humor in the situation. Good story for the baby book, right?

So then I figure that's the worst thing he'll do this week, right? WRONG! I am in a grad school program right now through UND. I take my classes every Tuesday night online. The classes are interactive, sorta like Skype. So tonight I was in my virtual classroom and my mom stopped by. I ran upstairs to see her for a minute and left my computer on. Ben was playing down here, so I didn't really think anything of leaving him down here. I came down a couple minutes later to get back on and Ben's sitting in front of my computer with the microphone turned on speaking gibberish to my entire class. The tech had to disconnect my computer from the class because they couldn't figure out what was going on. Seriously kid, how embarassing!?!? At least it's another good story for his baby book.

Dear Ben

Dear Ben,

I have spent the last two hours looking through old pictures and realizing how much my life has changed since the day you were born. You are only 21 months old, but I truly don't remember what filled my heart and my days before you were born.

There are a few things that I thought you should know. First, the day you were born was the best day of my life so far. Hearing your first cry was one of the most precious sounds I have ever know. Second, I hope that you learn as much from your dad and I as we have from you. You teach me something new EVERY SINGLE DAY. Third, I will love you every single day for the rest of my life. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Love,

Mommy

Dancing like no one is watching

Ben has loved to sway to music since he could move. Every time he starts his dancing, I get the camera out and try to capture it but am never able to. FINALLY I was able to get it on video. He loves the Chipmunks so we put it on and let him do his stuff. I love how uninhibited he is and that he just does what he wants to. I wish that we were all so free. Love you, sweet boy.

Cruel or practical?

I have a lot of catching up to do since it's been over two months since I last blogged. But a very busy two months, so lots to think about. The thing that is on my mind this morning is that Ben finally did it. He liberated himself from the prison that is his crib. I knew this day would come and I have been dreading it. Luckily he landed feet first (we think) though he did give himself a bump on the head and a slight black eye. We have been brainstorming ideas of what to do next, because I feel like I am not ready for him to be in a bed yet, and I don't think he is either. Mike was pretty upset by the incident so he is ready to convert the crib to a bed immediately. My sister suggested a net, which brings me to my point. Is this cruel or just being safe?

I can't decide. I am also not sure how it would go over with Mr. Benjamin.... We might just go with a bed rail and spend many nights returning him to his bed.