Incredible Young Boy

We had a fun week visiting with Auntie Rachel and Baby Taylor aka T2! Ben and Auntie Rach...so sweet!

We visited lots with the greatest new Mommy: Maikke and her 5 -day old girl Mira and super chihuahua Cocolee...we need some pictures of Papa Lukasz too...

Ben celebrating the big 3 with mama and papa at home.

Ben is growing up so quickly. As a mother, this fact is bitter sweet - probably the same for all parents. It's bitter because that once so helpless infant is no more; but sweet because he's asserting himself as an incredibly capable, independent, and strong boy. I am in awe of him and want to take in these times as much as possible.

Ben looking like a big boy....

Ben playing with Taylor. Ben says Taylor is good at sharing. :)

Baby Mira! She is so beautiful...

I thought these flashback pictures of Ben were so interesting! Take a look back and think about how far he's come! After seeing our great friends Maikke and Luk become parents, selfishly - I know, it's made me reflect on Ben. Baby Mira was born on June 1st around 3 pm - almost exactly 3 years after Ben. It was hard not to look at sweet Baby Mira without thinking about how fast the time has gone!

Check out the changes below!!!

Ben right after the birth - giving the lungs and vocal chords a test.

When I was still able to smile instead of groan in pain or hallucinate. :) Point to note: Ben wasn't out yet!

Little wrapped up button brain.

Ben has had a hard time adjusting to his new classroom at his montesorri school. But who can blame him for that? He's been in a toddler classroom for the last year with his teachers Lia and Claudia. He loves his teachers very much but because of his age, he is moving to the next class - preschool one. His teachers say he is more than ready. There is more space in that room and its more for kids his size. In our teacher conference, Lia said Ben is very smart, and very outgoing. I know he'll get used to it but it's difficult to watch how difficult the transition is for Ben. He's otherwise one of the happiest children I know.

This video shows how much fun Ben can be! He is so fun to be around.

Ben playing with newspaper.

Ben is Three Years Old!

Ben with mama and papa at a celebration for his number three! We had many little parties to celebrate this momentous birthday!

Ben with Papa cheezin' for the camera!

Ben being goofy!

Looking very serious!

With his friend Taylor!

Ben at the San Francisco Discovery Museum...

Ben is three years old today! We are delighted to see Ben growing. He is the master of gross motor skills: this kid would probably skate board right now if I let him. He loves to stare at skateboarders for hours and watch with true fascination and envy. We have asked many skateboarders when they started and 5 years old seems like the earliest. No way to the skateboarding says this mom! For now, Ben shows great athletic potential. He is super fast on the bike and very daring. He truly has no fear! Ben speaks so many words. He has amazed us with the words he chooses to use; saying such things as, "This is delicious," and, "Please can I have more broccoli." Seriously! Ben melted my heart when he said, "Mama, you're the bestest friend ever!" He has repeated this and even told Steve it too. We'll take it because it just melts my heart! He is fascinating to watch and I fall more and more in love with him everyday. He is a great son. His "Papa" and I feel truly lucky. What else can a mother say.

Ben riding his bike in the neighborhood.