Firsts...and Lasts

Benton lost his first tooth on Tuesday. It has been wiggly for weeks. I think he was a bit nervous about the whole process. He stopped brushing his teeth for a few days, because he was afraid he would hurt his tooth. We quickly set his worries aside. His big sister pulled two of her teeth one day last weekend, and his resolve was bolstered. While playing at the park, it just "fell out" of his mouth. He was ecstatic. The tooth fairy visited on time for this tooth, which only increased his excitement (our tooth fairy has been known to be super busy and overlook our family's teeth). It is a bittersweet loss, this one. He is my youngest baby, and although this is his first lost tooth, I know it is another first that is my last.

No Stopping Him

Our weekend was full of all things two wheeled. I took Benton's training wheels off on Friday. Without a look back, Benton took off. I tried to give him a few pointers before he mounted his bike, but he didn't need them. He pushed off and rode immediately. I was flabbergasted. A few bumps and scrapes later, and he is a bonafide two wheeler!

Something Shiny

With a busy weekend ahead, Aine and I decided to have our monthly date a day early. After Girl Scouts, we headed out for some fun. I stopped by our home for the camera and told Dave my plan. We had discussed it last month, so he knew it was coming. Aine had no idea.

For months or even over a year, Aine has been pining for pierced ears. We were able to hold her off a bit over the summer with the promise of new jewelry in the fall after swim team ended. She has continued requesting them, assuring us that she can care for pierced ears. As soon as the swimming season ended she told us it was time. We decided that she was right. I called ahead and set the plan in motion.

As we drove, I asked Aine if she still wanted her ears pierced, and if she was up for it today. She couldn't answer yes fast enough. We headed to HTC in downtown Tempe. After a brief return home to retrieve Aine's birth certificate, the adventure began. Our piercer, Kevin, showed Aine the earring choices.  True to form her first pick was a large sparkly gemstone. I suggested that we start with a smaller earring first, so she picked a small titanium ball. 

Disinfecting her lobes

We were then led back to a smaller room where Aine listened to everything in awe. All the needles and earrings were in sealed packages. As Kevin opened everything, he explained what would happen. With earlobes disinfected and placement dots on her ears, the piercing began. We held hands throughout the process, which Aine described as someone pinching a small section of skin really hard. She did really well with only a slight grimace on the second ear.

While sucking on her congratulatory lollipop, she and Kevin exchanged high-fives after it was done. She practically floated out of the shop. As we walked, she kept putting her hair behind her ears taking extreme care not to touch her lobes and earrings (she had been told to keep her piercing clean and not touch her new earrings at all). She was so pleased and could not stop smiling. She finally has her fancy, new earrings.

Three is a Magic Number

My youngest child, Benton, is three today. It is hard to believe that three years ago we welcomed him into our home and our lives. He was born on a beautiful March afternoon. I remember parts of it like it was yesterday, but it also seems like a distant memory.

 (Benton 3/10)

Benton has grown so much in the past year. He is definitely "not a baby" which he is quick to remind everyone. He loves to play with his older siblings, and will not be excluded. They indulge his wishes and often left him join their games. He can climb any structure and loves to hang from limbs, car handles or any other fixture. He surprises everyone with this imitation of a primate.

Gammage Auditorium 3/11

Benton is a charmer. He will hide his face and play coy when a stranger approaches him. If he finds them worthy, he will bat his huge eyelashes and talk to them. He does not like to talk to everyone, and will often turn away from people. If he knows you and likes you, however, he will talk non-stop. He has a lot to say and is quite clear in his speech and his thoughts.

Phoenix Zoo 3/11

Benton loves the mechanical side of things. He can often be found carrying a screwdriver around the house or even the park. He prefers the real deal to play tools. He helps us fix everything and will often disappear with whatever tools he finds. He loves trucks and especially big machinery. Diggers is his favorite book, and he will shout in the car if he spies heavy equipment. His favorite is the excavator followed closely by all tractors. He spent almost an hour exploring the tractors at the zoo in lieu of enjoying the petting animals. He definitely preferred the John Deere over the Case.

Tractor at Phoenix Zoo 3/11

Benton is always a diplomat. He yearns for a peaceful calm home. If ever a voice is raised or stern words uttered, he is quick to tell the speaker to stop yelling. He is often overheard quoting admonitions to his siblings (Eamon, Daddy said do not get on the table!). He tries to persuade them to follow the course. He does not like to be reprimanded in any way. If he is redirected from his task or made to do something he does not want to do, he lets everyone know his anger and frustration. He will refuse to look at or acknowledge the offender. He is slow to accept them, but when he does he will talk about his hurt feelings and pride.

Benton loves to cuddle. He will often tell you to sit down, so he can crawl into your lap. He will bring piles of books to read with you. He loves his mama, daddy, brother and sister above all else. He gives big hugs and often kisses. He loves to hold hands and prefers to be carried. He no longer wants to ride in the sling - mostly because he is afraid he will fall asleep.

 Benton is truly a delight. None of us could imagine our family without him. Happy Birthday, Benton!

12 Years Ago...

He planned a surprise. I almost found out. My sister knew. She was worried about my answer. She almost told. I had no idea. He wanted to do it later in the day. We had plans to meet friends at the Field Museum. We were talking about invisible fences for his dog. I suggested we email my uncle. He wanted to wait. I told him we had time. I would probably forget if we waited. I noticed an email from my sister entitled "You have to check this out." I thought it was a forward. I opened the link. I didn't notice him behind me. It was his proposal. I turned around and he asked me. I said, "Yes!"

Miss Aine is 6

Our little girl is now 6 years old. When she awoke, I asked her if 6 felt different. She emphatically nodded her head, and quipped, "I feel taller!" We spent a bit of time looking at old photos and revisiting birthdays past. It was nice to have most of it documented on our blog!

Aine's Birth Story

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

After breakfast, we headed to the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Aine really enjoys this museum. It was the same destination she chose last year! We took our requisite photo on the dinosaur outside. (Here is a comparison of last year and this year.)

February 2010

February 2011

We spent several hours exploring the museum - playing with light, building dinosaurs and looking at all the exhibits.

We headed home and had a dinner selected by Aine. She wanted pasta aglio et olio. We followed dinner up with a white cake with caramel between the layers. Aine decorated it herself. It was a wonderful day, and Aine was quite pleased.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AINE!

Five and a Half

An update on Aine is long overdue, so a mid-year update is needed. Today Aine is five and a half. She has been talking about her birthday for several weeks. She wanted the traditional half cake, however she is making due with brownies due to our week at the cottage.

Aine is fast becoming a big girl. She runs, jumps and twirls everywhere. She enjoys gymnastics and has decided she wants to take a break from her dance combo class and concentrate solely on gymnastics. She works often on her handstands and has mastered the hand over hand bars. Aine is strong and loves to climb. While at the cottage, she and her older brother climbed much higher than her mother’s comfort level in a pine tree. She is fearless and will try to conquer most play structures as well as her environment.

Aine is also becoming a strong swimmer. She participated on swim team this summer and impressed her teammates and coaches with her positive attitude. Aine earned the title of swimmer of the week for these attributes. Although the youngest member of the team, she never gave up and swam hard every day and at every meet.

Aine is a lover. She takes care of her family, and worries when they are separated. She loves deeply and will still cry about our dog Ava. She also talks continually about her cousins and how much she misses them. Aine makes sure we all know about our family and how important everyone is. She takes care of her little brother, and she is the first person he usually asks for upon waking. She is also the one who can frustrate him like no other, and he can often be heard telling her “NO!” or “Space, Aine.” She plays well with all children and finds new friends wherever she is. Aine loves babies and will mother her dolls endlessly. She always wants to know about the mothers and babies when we encounter wildlife and even other families.

Aine’s favorite names for her dolls are Sarah. Alissa, Talisa, and Maggie. Sarah is by far her favorite and will be used for more than one baby. She loves pretending she is the mother, and her brothers are either dads or the baby’s siblings. Her parents take on the role of grandparents. She creates elaborate role-plays and loves if you will join in her play.

Aine developed a preference for wearing dresses only. This fashion trend was started by her cousin and dear friend, Rachel. She prefers twirly dresses, but loves them all. She has a favorite skirt also. It is tiered and made from smooth synthetic material. The skirt is purple, pink, and green. She loves it and will wear it everyday. Aine also has opinions about her hair. She wants it either down or in ONE ponytail. She does not prefer piggies or braids. She also likes it in a bun.

Aine adds a gentle kindness to our lives and reminds us of the importance of family and one another. She continues to brighten our lives and we cherish her dearly.

Milestones

Aine lost her first tooth today.  She has been certain that her teeth were loose for years - ever since her big brother had a wiggler.  Today she was pleased to find she had a wiggler that would wiggle out.  She beamed with pride.  Her wiggly work was rewarded with $2 from the tooth fairy.

Eamon turns Seven

Eamon is an amazing young boy.  He loves strongly and fights just as hard.  He reads incessantly - recently finishing the first two Star Wars novels.  His passion for all things Star Wars is consuming.  He will talk to you about battle droids, Luke, Anakin and Tatooine until your head swims...

Missing

Eamon is now short one tooth. He lost his first tooth after much diligent wiggling. It came right out and he quickly put it under his pillow. His hard work was rewarded by the tooth fairy.