Happy Birthday My Little Monster

See this little guy?? The cute one with big brown eyes who just turned two?

Don't be fooled by that cute (messy) face and those big brown eyes. Because I'm here to tell you....he is a monster! In his sweet little way, he goes around the house wreaking havoc. Tearing things apart (like my keyboard, which is now missing keys....AGAIN), dumping things (like corn starch all over the kitchen), demanding things, insisting things, etc. He is one strong-willed little man.

If you give him a fork and he wants a spoon instead, watch out for flying forks. If he wants something Luke has....watch out Luke! OR if Luke tries taking something Ben has....watch out Luke! Ben is not intimidated by size. It's pretty much his way or the highway!

But man is he cute! He has started talking, and of course some of his main words are MORE and No No. I'm afraid he hears the latter a time or two every day. He actually says all sorts of things....in a way that only a mother could understand. You know how it is. My favorite is his latest and greatest. When I ask him something, he nods and says sweetly, "Uh-huh." Unless of course he says, "NO!"

For example, one morning as I was practicing with Josh, Luke began to scream. Almost immediatley, an angelic looking Ben came to find me. You know, the sort of angelic look that means....It wasn't me mom!"

The conversation went something like this.

Me: Ben, did you hurt Luke?
Ben: (sweetly) Uh-huh.
Me: Is Luke sad?
Ben: Uh-huh.
Me: You should go give him a big hug and tell him you're sorry.
Ben: No!
Me: Oh, but Luke is sad. You should go give him a hug.
Ben: No!
Me: Is Luke your buddy?
Ben: (ever so sweetly) Uh-huh.

And so it goes.

Ben is a classic example of....well, the power of example! He watches his older siblings and imitates their every move. Especially his pal Luke. Each night before Luke goes to bed, we say prayers with him. Quite a while ago, Ben decided he wanted to be just like Luke. So, although he doesn't talk, the minute Luke is done with his prayers Ben stands up and folds his arms. This is his signal that he is ready to pray. He stands there while you say a prayer for him, then gives you a hug and kiss and happily lays down. Talk about soothing the savage beast!

Tonight I got home late from a meeting and went around checking on all the kids. Ben stirred as I opened the door, and instantly he was on his feet, folding his arms. He can never pray enough you know! I said a short little prayer, which he ended with Amen (a new development), and he gave me the usual hug and kiss.

I love that kid!!!