Monday, July 23, 2007

highs and lows

My day started like this. Ben eating toast. Now Ben's eaten toast before, but it's been a while. And anything that's not a yellow cracker (wheat thins...they come in a yellow box) or a regular cracker (saltines) and is not from a baby food jar is cause for celebration around here. For goodness sake, I took a friggin picture!

Unfortunately things went downhill from there. Clara has been struggling to get rid of an ear infection for the last week and Ben, sweet Ben, may possibly the most mischievous three year old in history. Far more mischievous at least, than Brandon and Allison were at this age. I think he was going for some kind of record for consequences today. I really had to get creative. He was punished twice just because he can't seem to stop himself from putting things in the DVD player. He also ran the coffeemaker. With no pot underneath it.

And apparently he decided that this wheat toast from this morning was enough nourishment for the day, because after that he stopped eating again.

By this evening I was sitting on the kitchen floor, wedged in the corner between cabinets with my hands wrapped around my knees, trying to gather the strength for the battle I knew was inevitable to get Ben to eat a couple jars of babyfood for dinner. Ben came in the kitchen and found me that way and was delighted. 'This must be some kind of game.' I could see him thinking.

"I'll get my stool!", he said, and off he ran to the bathroom. He pushed his plastic stool down the hall and into the kitchen, in front of me. He sat down on it and looked at me eye-to-eye. I couldn't help but smile. It's sometimes impossible to be in a bad mood around Ben. Even when he's being a pill, he's such a happy little guy. I forced a serious expression back on my face.

"Ben, you have two choices. You can either eat your green beans and blueberries or you can go to bed."

"Ummm", he said. "Ummm" A long pause. I waited, watching him struggle with his options...."Ummm....I want....Ummm..."

"Yes, Ben?"

"I want a nover choice"

I burst out laughing. I couldn't help it. "Another choice, huh? Well don't we all."

He did eventually chose to eat his green beans and blueberries and we followed that with reading the new books we purchased today at the used bookstore. Including Curious George, his favorite. It's no surprise that he finds a kindred spirit in that cute, good-natured monkey, who can't stay out of trouble.

8 comments:

S said...

These kids, they keep us on our toes, don't they?

Sigh. ;)

Christine said...

oh i'd eat green beans and blueberries for you an day, friend!

seriously--they run us ragged but oh how dear they are to us.

Lynn Stallworth said...

Okay, I admit I have to check your blog each day to see if there are any "New Adventures of Ben." It's so hard to believe that so much mischief is wrapped up in that innocent looking little guy! Imagine what my life will be like in a couple years with TWO three year olds running around. A lady I met at Costco had three y.o twin boys and she says they tag-team her already. One will be the diversion while the other gets something they're not supposed to have and they'll join up in their room and share whatever it is they are forbidden to have. Oh BOY!

thirtysomething said...

What a joy your Ben seems to be. Despite the run for your money he gives you each day. You will look back on these days and smile, especially as you sit and watch him chase his own little mischevious boy around, and yes, hard to imagine but that day will come. What fun it will be.

Bea said...

I have so been that mom lately - sitting in a corner, head on my knees, waiting for strength.

Kyla said...

KayTar has recently learned the word "No." As in, "KayTar would you like to eat some pears?" "No. (long pause) No. No. No" She says it so sweetly, that I almost don't mind! ;)

Hang in there. KayTar decided that bread is okay this week, too. It must be in the air for them. I'll take it!

Beck said...

Busy days, eh? He's a cutie, at least!

JustMe said...

Over from my blog, from your comment, from Jenn's link (Whew!). Just have to say that I have three boys -- and your stories of Ben remind me a lot of my little guys!

Today's my first day on your blog, but I really enjoy your writing! Have a great day!