HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BENJAMIN!!

Well, he did it. He disregarded all of our requests and went right ahead. Benjamin turned two. Benjamin continues to be such a joy. He is so happy and generally laughing his big laugh. While he has added coloring to his list of favorite activities, his other current hobbies are reading and anything related to music. His favorite instrument is definitely drumming [ON EVERYTHING] but he has also taken a liking to conducting and assigning instruments to the rest of us. Singing is also gaining popularity. His vocabulary is amazing and it is so fun to talk with him. We are learning that he is always listening too. We have been working with Noah on Bible verses and saying prayers and Benjamin can say most of them too - when Noah gives him the chance. He is still a wonderful eater and has started using, "Mmm... My favorites!" So far it has only turned up with mushrooms. Maybe they really ARE his favorites and he only eats grapes nonstop because we have them more often. He managed to give up the pacifiers a few months ago but, unfortunately, lost his napping ability too. He went from 2.5-3 hours to 1.5 - if I am lucky. He still sleeps great at night, though, so I try not to complain. He still LOVES his brother and tries to do everything that Noah is doing and he is pretty successful most of the time. Of course, this is cause for a little animosity at times. (As if they needed any help with that, right?) I like to say Benjamin is my constant example of 'unconditional love' because no matter how many times Noah picks on him, he is always willing to give him another shot. That said, he is quickly learning the ways of a two-year-old and can snap back on occasion. The nice thing is when you call him on it he is quick to apologize. Is there anything sweeter than hearing, "Sorry, mommy," and getting a wet, slobbery kiss? I don't think so. While Benjamin loves his brother he never misses a chance to give his sister Abby a kiss, help with her pacifier, or share some toys with her. Benjamin thinks it is so funny to hear her laugh and he loves to play "'Mile, Abby!". Translation, "Smile, Abby!". I just hope she doesn't get mad when she finds out that he likes to sit in her Bumbo. We cannot wait to see what the next year has in store for our little Benjamin. Happy birthday, baby boy! And now - the obligatory birthday bear picture: