Testing

Zeke has carefully developed a technique for getting what he wants that is surprisingly effective.  Here is a sample from this afternoon, approximately 3:42pm.

"Want a binki."

"Zeke wants a binki?  Okay, you can have one at bedtime, but not right now."

"Want a binki right now."

"Not until bedtime."

"Want a binki."

"You can have one at bedtime."

"Want a binki.   Want a binki.  Want a binki.  Want a binki.  Want a binki.  Want A Binki.  Want a Binki.  Want a Binki.  WANT A BINKI!"

Pause.

"You can have one at bedtime."

"Ready for bedtime."

Awesome, eh?   My patience usually runs out by 5pm, leaving a gap of at least an hour before Mike gets home.  To prevent myself from doing something stupid (like screaming back), I usually give in to his demands and rationalize my weakness.  (It's okay to watch 10 more minutes of Pooh Bear, I haven't had ten peaceful minutes with Ben all day...Fine.  I'll give back the toy I took away because he threw it at Ben's head.  He missed so it doesn't really count...) 

Next post will be about Ben - I promise.

Face Lift

Mike finally got around to fixing the blog so we could use the new Blogger design template editor.  Now Tina can make quick changes to the layout, style, etc without worrying about all the special modifications that Mike made.

Except the title of the blog, which required a little special mangling to get it to look pretty.

Let us know what you think!  Zeke likes it:

Just right

Ben loves to stand!

Are we sleeping yet?

Yes. There is more sleeping in my house now. The Zeke sleep problem has been well-managed with a gate, calm, gentle parenting, a blue light from Target, and a fancy timer. I am learning that there is no "solution" to Zeke's developing physical abilities and strong will - these are good changes that show he is growing up. I have a new understanding of the song lyric, "Buildings and bridges are made to sway in the wind/to withstand the world that's what it takes."

Awesome shirt, Zeke!

Ben also continues to grow, and I mean grow. He is outrageously long for a 3 month old. For example, we're trying size 1 year pajamas tonight because the 9 month pjs are just too short. Also, I had to make a special swaddle blanket for him that is 61" square because they don't make swaddle blankets for giant babies. He's also too long for our double stroller, but he's too young to sit up yet. Crazy times.

Aren't these great problems to have?