Checking email after a hard days work!
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Saturday, February 17, 2007
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Saturday, February 17, 2007
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Thursday, February 15, 2007
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Thursday, February 15, 2007
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So - you would think that we would be super duper excited for our first snow day of the year with Ben.....
However - Ben has been sick since Friday (last week) with a fever and cold. So, he was in no mood to hang out in the freezing cold...bummer!!!
The snow wasn't so much the issue in our neck of the woods as much as ice and sleet were...so - Matt decided to work from home. Great! Idealistically you think, snow - cold, hot chocolate, puzzles, and all out fun....but that was not the reality in our household yesterday...
Here is how it went down....
Matt working at the kitchen table on the lap top modeling out extensive excel spreadsheets (note - he says his day was very productive!), Ben running around like a chicken in a coop, nose running, going stir crazy, not wanting to play outside but clearly sick of being inside, Mommy wiping Ben's runny nose (about 10000 times), making soup (aka clearing out the refrigerator), cleaning the kitchen, checking email, wiping ben's nose some more, waiting desparetely for Ben to crash and nap so I can get a good 2 hours of work in....
Uhrig's Law
1. When it snows - our child doesn't want to play outside because he is sick
2. When mom wants to work - our child didn't take a nap.....
3. When everyone was just getting back on the mend - mom's herniated disc starts to flare up...
So instead of my romantic view of a cool snow day - it was more of a running around, praying for a nap, checking email (on the sly) kind of day....
Oh - speaking of romantic - wasn't it valentines too ;-)????
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Thursday, February 15, 2007
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The top 5 things ben has said this month (some funny, some thoughtful, some out right sweet)
5. Matt and I were talking about work at dinner...ben said "You! You talking about office? Stop talking about office"!
4. While climbing up a bookshelf I told Ben - Ben no climbing on the bookshelf. As he got down he looked at me and said "What can I climb on mommy?"
3. Its breakfast time and I'm asking Ben what he wants to eat. Do you want oatmeal? No. Cereal? No. Waffles? No. Yogurt? "That's what I was thinkin!"
2. Ben has a cold and now that he doesn't have a crib to "contain him", he will wake up in the morning and come into our room and climb into bed with us. Albeit it - normally its 6:30am - but with the cold - this morning it was 3:30am. We are exhausted but we let him climb in - for the sake of "our" sleep. He lays down. Rolls over. Puts his nose up to mine and says "I love you mommy" and kisses my nose. Ok - you can climb on in anytime I thought ;-)....
1. Two nights ago. We are sitting at dinner and talking about our sister-in-law Tara who is pregnant and due in May. We were telling Ben about the new baby cousin, Caroline, that he will have soon. Ben loooks at Matt and says "I was born in my mommy's belly". Oh boy! I couldn't believe it. Were we really going to have this conversation - sooo early? (I'll blog about our resulting conversation later)
They say out of the mouths of babes...but seriously?!?!
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Sunday, February 11, 2007
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Sunday, February 11, 2007
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Sunday, February 11, 2007
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Adoption Day
In celebration of our friend's, The Johnson-McCormick's, 2nd anniversary of their adoption day.
A must watch film by Braydon.
http://johnson-mccormickfamily.blogspot.com/2007/01/adoption-day.html
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Sunday, February 04, 2007
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Sunday, February 04, 2007
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Last week, on Friday - Ben and I along with my mom, took a trip into NYC to watch my youngest brother Matt compete in the Gotham Cup. The Gotham Cup is an indoor track event among Division I, II, and III schools. Matt pole vaults and high jumps for Johns Hopkins.
Ben loves the city...all of the comotion from tons of buses, taxis, big buildings - its super stimulating. Matt knew my mom was going in - but didn't know Ben and I would be tagging along. We really enjoyed surprising him! The Gotham Cup was held in the Armory in Harlem accross the street from Columbia Presbyterian. Its a beautiful facility. The best part is all of the seating is in the rafters - so we positioned ourselves right in front of the Pole Valut event - where we were eye level with the jumpers. There was so much to see. High Jumping, Pole Vaulting, Shot Put, Relay Races, Triple Jump and more! It was a great day!
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Wednesday, January 17, 2007
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Wednesday, January 17, 2007
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We had our friend Issac LeBlanc (3 y.o.) visiting with us today. Ben and Issac had a ton of fun and clearly have very similar interests. They were hooked on trains, legos, and pancakes during the morning and then we took advantage of the awesome weather by going on a nature walk....a perfect day! We hope to see Issac and his parents Jeremy and Karen again soon!
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Saturday, January 06, 2007
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Saturday, January 06, 2007
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So the last time we posted....Ben jumped out of his crib for the 1st time. Well, at this point, the kid can hurdle the railing in .05 seconds flat - olympic record! Thursday night he climbed out 60 times between 8:30 - 10pm. So...
We've removed ALL of the items from his book shelf, have removed the shelves and will bolt it to the wall tomorrow. We have taken the crib railing down and have converted Ben's crib into a day bed. In addition, there is now a gate at his door so if he does get up - he can't roam aimlessly around the house. He took his 1st nap / rest today for 1 hour in his new BIG BOY bed. And suprisingly it went well. He never napped. However, without complaint - he stayed in his room, sometimes in the bed, other times not but at least he took his first "rest time" in his room by reading books in his new big boy bed!
We just put him down at 8pm and Stacey laid in bed with him reading books, said goodnight, closed the gate and we will wait it out. So far so good...not a peep....Fingers crossed!
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Saturday, January 06, 2007
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Apparently Ben does!
So - its New Years Day night and Ben is back to his usual routine. Quiet dinner with mom and dad, playing with trains, reading some books, taking a bath, more books, milk, and bed. Normal right? Sure - that's what we thought too. We go downstairs to take care of business. Matt does the dishes (shocker!) and Stacey works on the annual family photo album. And then we hear it...
The footsteps of someone upstairs~ What the heck??!!!?? First it was a THUMP. Then is was foot steps. And then....as clear as day - Daddy? I'm out! Our child has officially learned how to get out of the crib.
Oh Good God! So we run upstairs and there he is. Innocent. Smirking.
"Hi. How are you?" our child says so plainly - like - hey i've done this a gazillion times before. "Ben, what are you doing?".
"I climbed out of my crib", he says smiling ear to ear!
Ok - think. What do we do? So we talked.
"Ben, I see you can get out of your crib."
"Listen, tomorrow we will take the side of your crib off. But tonight, you need to stay in the crib."
We go downstairs. We watch the video montior. There he goes again! He's doing it again!
We run upstairs.
"Ben, honey - we need you to stay in tonight".
The first true threat of our parenting careers comes out of my mouth...
"Ben, we need you to be a good listener. You need to stay in your crib. If you don't stay in your crib...we will have to take your trains away. Daddy will bring them to work with him if you get out of your crib one more time."
Well, its been about 10 minutes, and he's sitting in his crib - but hasn't gotten out again....hopefully "the threat" has worked.
Truly - it took everything we had in us - not to LAUGH as it was really kind of funny.....
Ah the trials and tribulations of a 2 year old. Now -someone has to tell us how to take that darn siderail down!
UPDATE:
Its now 10pm. It took Ben quite some time to settle down. I'm sure his adrenline was racing with thoughts of "wow - NOW i can climb out of my crib!!!". At any rate: after about 20 minutes of silence we heard the following conversation come out of Ben's crib....as we watched him standing at the crib railing (on the video monitor)...
"Mommy said don't get out of crib".
***PAUSE***
"Maybe I'll get out of crib"
***LONG PAUSE***
"Trouble"
Out of the mouths of babes....to be continued we're sure. Stay tuned...
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Monday, January 01, 2007
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Monday, January 01, 2007
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Happy New Year! We hope for peace in this new year and wish everyone a prosperous 2007!
To kick off the New Year we happily spent time with our favorite peeps - The Johnson-McCormick family! Heather, Braydon, Kyle and Owen came to our house for dinner and some playtime before heading to a First Night Celebration in Morristown. What a blast! We took the boys to a brass ensemble. All 3 were entranced by the trumpets and trombones! The could barely contain their excitement when they heard the music!
We then headed to "The Green" and enjoyed the lights and action. We then headed back to the Headquarters where clowns were making balloon characters (Note: we now know Ben DOES NOT like clowns!). We headed out around 9:00 (right before the fireworks) as Ben was clearly beat!
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Monday, January 01, 2007
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Monday, January 01, 2007
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Emily and Keith being "attacked" by Ben and his cousins Jack, Payton, and Timmy! 
Sunday night we hung with Stacey's dad, step-mom, brother, sister-in law, and grandmother. We had a lot of fun just relaxing, eating, and opening gifts!
Ben and GG
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The Holidays
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Tuesday, December 26, 2006
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Tuesday, December 26, 2006
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Well, the holidays are upon us and we apologize for being "incognito". However, a lot has been going on!
Besides the everyday hectic life of a working family with a 2 year old, Stacey found out she has a damaged disc in her neck and is suffering a lot of pain down her arm from the nerve that is pinched. This has laid her up (literally in bed) for the better back of the past week or so. With a 2 year old - this is a CHALLENGE! When the doctor told her - bed rest for 10 days she just looked at him - are you kidding?
With a number of beautiful drugs to help her on her way, a chiropractor, and lots of rest - she is getting there....we are super thankful for the support of our babysitter Tara, Stacey's Mom, and everyone else who has pitched so she can "lay low".
But what about Ben? What's he been up to during all of this? He has been such a big help! He clearly has a high emotional intelligence as he has been very sympathetic during this time and has really be super good! In addition, we are thankful for the Polar Express movie!
Last year, Stacey's sister Becky gave this to Ben as a xmas gift (albeit he was a bit young for it). However, this year - given his love for trains and all large vehicles that move - The Polar Express has become like a second family member in our household. From the music to the story - Ben loves it in its entirety! Note: not big fans of the TV on for long periods of time - but what a god sent - given it allows Stacey to rest her neck!
Here are some of the top 5 things we have been hearing from Ben lately...
1. 6am - in bed..... "THIS is the POLAR EXPRESS"!!!
2. All aboard!
3. Mom - I want some "hot hot hot hot chocolate"!
4. The boy was on top of the train! It was very dangerous!
5. I love trains!
Oh - and 2 other things we thought we'd never hear...
1. I am NOT taking naps anymore!
2. I do NOT sleep in a crib anymore!
God help us! Is this the beginning of the end??? Luckily - he has done both...napped and in his crib. But he is finally starting to test the limit and trying to see if he can crawl out. Might be time for an upgrade!?!?
And lastly...Cutest thing ever...
Two nights ago, we are sitting on the couch. Ben comes up to us and says, "Its time for night night. I'm going up now. I love you mommy, I love you daddy, going to bed, I'll be right back".
We couldn't believe it! Our little boy is turning into a BOY! A big boy who makes his own decisions and very clearly! Needless to say he came back and wanted us to help him go to bed. It really was a sign that he is growing up (way too quickly).
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Friday, December 15, 2006
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Friday, December 15, 2006
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How can one not LOVE the holidays when a kid is involved! In the past - we thought we enjoyed the holidays - but nothing compares to the excitement and magic of the holiday season with a child.....
Everything is so NEW and exciting to a 2 year old as the holidays. BRIGHT lights on trees, Santa at the stores, and of course the idea of MORE presents!
This past weekend we went to get our Christmas Tree. Last year when we did this, Ben was only 1 year old and didn't really "get it". Well, this year he does! Everything had to be BIG! Big tree Mommy! Big Lights Mommy! Big Big Big! This year "Grandpa and Lala" went to get the tree with us. It truly is adorable....
looking for the perfect tree!
Waking up the next morning to see the lights on the tree! Note - Ted, and the pups are laying on their bellys to look at the tree....Ben thinks they like to watch it best this way....
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Tuesday, December 05, 2006
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Tuesday, December 05, 2006
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They say to watch what you say around a toddler as they are like sponges...they soak everything up and repeat it verbatim...
Knowing this - we are very careful of what we say around Ben as we don't want him picking up words that we wouldn't want to hear from him. In addition, we are uber-sensitive to what he is hearing from others as well...not just people but in his enviornment.
Ben's favorite show right now is the Charlie Brown Christmas Movie. In the movie Lucy calls Snoopy "stupid". In the past, I would have NEVER even noticed it - but now I'm thinking - ugh...I don't want him to hear that - god forbid he repeat it. In addition - we have been reading a childhood favorite lately - The Very Hungry Catepillar. Those with children know - this is an awesome book and loved by most kids. In the book at one point they refer to the catepillar as "fat". Not a big deal...however, again - I cringe thinking he'll see someone in the store that is overweight and scream - He is Fat!
We can control what we say in front of our child -
but how do you control their "environment"?
This is a struggle that every parent deals with....the start of a long journey for sure. What is funny is even though we are careful about saying "the wrong" things - its all things that they listen too and repeat. Here is a top 10 list of Ben's new phrases...its hysterical.
10. Daddy, How was YOUR dinner?
9. Mmm...delicious!
8. That outifit is cute!
7. Go Rutgers!
6. Mommy, Jazz or Classical?
5. I want that SOOO bad!
4. I'm serious!
3. I'm talking to you!
2. Mommy, you have to earn that.
1. I'm bringing Sexy Back (ok - hello...it was a song on the radio! God help us!)
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Tuesday, November 28, 2006
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Tuesday, November 28, 2006
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Ok - I apologize for the delay in posts...just been super busy! Its been about 2 weeks since I've "blogged"...so there is a lot of catching up....
Last week we were in Atlanta from Tuesday to Saturday to visit with Matt's family and spend Thanksgiving with them. I don't know who was more excited...us OR Ben!
This was just too cool with a 2 year old...air train from the parking lot to the airport..."a party" at the airport (according to Ben - he sees tons of people and all of a sudden its "a party"), riding on a "big plane" that is "way big" (ben's terms not ours)...yet another train (at the atlanta airport) and then 4 days of doting aunts and uncles (ok - mostly aunts) - playing with Ben and just having a ton of fun! In total, Ben spent 4 days with 4 aunts, 1 great-aunt, 3 uncles, 1 great- uncle, a baby cousin (nathaniel), a second cousin (david) as well as extended family of our sister-in law, etc.
A trip with a 2 year old can really go either way - completely horrendous - or totally fun.
Thankfully it was the later! It really was a great time! Ben loved all of the excitment of "taking a trip". He helped us pack his bags, get his toys together, buy snacks. Then once at the airport - taking the trains, the planes, and the cars to get to and from...let alone seeing all of his relatives! The travel logistics were ridicously good...no lines or waits on Tuesday - right to the counter to check in, right through security both going and coming home on Saturday...We couldn't have been happier with the outcome. It didn't hurt that we had a 2 on 1 situation as well...Ben was outnumbered!
We are "thankful" for all of our family but I think more so "thankful" for such a smooth trip....it really was a Great "Thanks"giving!
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Tuesday, November 28, 2006
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In May 2005, when Ben was scheduled to "come home" from Korea - we had an option...we could go to Korea and get him or we could have him escorted home. For a variety of reasons we chose the escort.
When we arrived at the airport to "receive" Ben so much was going on and it was just a crazy time (more on that in another post) but what I will never forget is the generosity of Ben's escort - Mr. Lee. Mr. Lee seemed young (maybe early 20s) and this guy flew 21 hours (and 3 layovers) with a 6.5 mo. old baby boy that he did not know - just to bring him to us. Again - the overwhelming feeling of "thanks" cannot be expressed in words (for more on that see post: A time to reflect).
At any rate - he did not speak much english at the time, so our ability to communicate with him was limited - but a nod and smile was enough for him to understand we were saying "Thank You!!!!!!!!".
About 1 month after Ben came home, I received an email from Mr. Lee (i believe I put our email address into a card we gave him when he arrived (we had a korean friend write it in "hangul" for us) just asking how Ben was - so from time to time I send him emails with pictures.
Last night - I received an email from "Hwan Lee" titled "Hello" I opened it...and here is what I read....so touching......
"Hello~.
This is Hwan Lee who escorted Benjamin. How are you and Benjamin?? I remembered that Benjamin's birthday is in November, but I don't know when is his birthday exactly. How is he?? Is he healthy??
You know what? When I saw him at first time, he looked so healthy. He was bigger than other babies. However, he cried just 2 times totally. He cried in the restroom of the airplane and at the San Francisco Airport when he left me for 2 hours. Everybody on the plane told me he was lucky boy because he always smiled. I remember his smiling. Anyway, say hello to him even though he doesn't remember me. T.T
Have a nice day!
Min Ho's escortor Hwan"
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Tuesday, November 14, 2006
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Tuesday, November 14, 2006
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Just a quick update since everyone is asking how "big" ben is...
25 lbs.
33 inches
Still a small pint for his age (around 25-50% for weight and height) but he has a big head (75-90%) which means he's smart (according to the doctor ;-) ). Ben did a great job at the doctor, sans a few screams and wales when he got his flu shot...poor guy! Otherwise, healthy as a horse (and has been since April) - fingers crossed for a sick free flu season!!!
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Tuesday, November 14, 2006
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Hanging with Grandpa....
Playing with my new piano
opening gifts with my cousins Jack and Time
Hanging with my cousins, Payton, Tiim, and Jack...they are so cool!
Having a great time!
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Birthday
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Tuesday, November 14, 2006
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