Parenting is hard work

Today has been one of those days that just has been difficult. Benjamin is really testing his limits and although I'm trying to remain consistent it seems like all the interaction I've had with him today has been negative. I finally had to call Walter this morning and have him give Ben a good talking to. Why is it that even dad on the phone is sometimes more effective then mom?

I can't decide if this attitude that he has developed has anything to do with him turning 4 in a few days. I almost want to threaten him with not having his party on Sunday but that would not probably happen so I don't even want to threaten that if I'm not going to follow through on it.

Hopefully both Becca and Ben will take long naps and give me a break for a bit. How many more hours till Walter gets home?

11 Month Update - Becca

Is it possible that another month has already passed? (I know I said that last month, but it is just going by so fast!) This month Becca started taking her first steps. She takes about 4 at a time and then goes to crawling. She has fell in love with Ben's "Thinking Chair" and loves to sit in it and rock back and forth. She usually sits in it while I'm checking e-mail or surfing the web.

She is more determined and strong willed as ever. If she wants something she goes and gets it, if she wants something and she can't get it she whines and whines about it. She will cry at the drop of a hat if she feels tears are warranted in any given situation. It's great but also very trying at times. Luckily for her she has a brother and two parents that are as strong willed if not more to help mold her into shape!

Ben and Becca have started fighting this month. Ben gets upset because she's playing with something of his (even though he hasn't played with it in forever) and will try to get it away from her. She will hold on and whine (or scream) about it, causing him to whine (or scream) until I have to take it away from both of them. Just think - another 20 years or so of this.

Becca - I keep thinking that last year at this time we were getting ready for you to be born. I was wondering how you were going to fit into our family. God knew what He was doing because you fit in perfectly! It's almost like you've always been here. You love all of us and get so excited when we walk into the room. You flap your arms like a bird getting ready to take off. You have started entertaining yourself, which is so nice. I don't have to be right there quite so often. You do pretty well being left in the nursery at church, although I was a little afraid with Ben moving up into a new Sunday School class you would not like being left alone. You did just fine. You are so independent and want to do so many things on your own, but I love that you still want to cuddle when you get tired or you just need to rest for a few minutes before you go onto your next activity. All my love, child of my heart! Momma.

Taking Steps

For the last week and a half Becca's been taking steps. The most she has taken is 4 at one time. I think she is still figuring that crawling is a lot quicker than walking at this point. Before we know it she's at the other end of the house - that's how fast she is.

Bible Camp

It seems like Ben's getting bigger each and every day. This week he has been going to Bible Camp. The first day was a little trying as he didn't want to listen and kept wandering off in the woods. I probably over reacted but I was so upset when they told me this. They asked if he had ever participated in something like this. He's gone to AWANA, Sunday School and Deb's. He's used to structure. Ben came home, got a huge talking to and threatened with consequences that Walter and I were willing to follow through on. Yesterday he was back to his ol' self, praise the Lord!. He followed directions, didn't wonder off and listened.

So here we sit, he's so excited this morning to go to Bible Camp. He just asked how long until we leave. Only a few more minutes, son.

Can I have this dance?

Last night we were getting ready to go in two different directions. Walter and Ben were going to 8th grade graduations and Becca and I were going to visit a friend. I dressed Becca in a little dress and she looked so cute. Ben stood up bowed in front of her and just like Prince Charming asked her to dance. He says "You beautiful Becca and look like a princess, can I have this dance?" Oh my....does that just melt your heart or what?