Well, Ben finally has a tree decorated here at the house. With only a week left, we were starting to cut it close. Yesterday morning, the little man lent a hand getting all of the ornaments out and ready. I think Ben had the most fun just taking them all out of their boxes and checking them out (especially all of the Steelers ornaments. Daddy’s goal is to one day have a full black and gold tree!) Of course, nothing holds Ben’s attention for too long, and after hanging several ornaments he declared that it was ‘boring’ and he was ready to play something. Ah, the magic of Christmas! (Daddy would end up staying up late to finish the decorating job on his own).
Ben’s excitement has only been growing as Christmas gets closer. his little mind seems to keep coming up with all sorts of ways to celebrate and get in the spirit of things. A few days ago, he declared that he wanted to paint a manger scene on his bedroom wall… but instead of baby Jesus in the manger, Ben wanted to be laying there! And yesterday, on the way into the house, he decided he wanted to pose for some pictures with the little sleigh and reindeer in the front yard. He told Nana he had some ideas for some funny pictures, so they went out front for a little photo shoot.
While at Mommy’s house over the weekend, Ben came up with the idea of making a new Christmas list, but with pictures. So he gathered up all of the store circulars that came in the mail, got some scissors, glue stick and some paper, and he started on his list. He was cutting out items left and right, and ended up making three lists: one for Mommy’s house, one for with Daddy, and one of things that would go back and forth. Ben was definitely dreaming big, since he included things such as a giant bounce house for outside, a popcorn maker for Mommy’s house (because they don’t have one there), a miniature ping pong table, an iPad, a full size basketball net for Daddy and plenty of other outlandish items that would be hard to track down, even if we had more than a week (and unlimited funds!) Ben just seemed to enjoy the cutting and pasting, and was very proud to explain why each gift idea made his lists.
Sure enough, in the middle of all the Christmas fun, Daddy went down for the count a couple days this week with a nasty cold. I was sad I didn’t get as much of a chance to play with Ben, but it also gave me a chance to see what an awesome little kid he is. I spent one whole day in bed, and it broke my heart to see how sad the little guy was because all he wanted to do was play with me. He was worried I was going to be sick for a long time and he just wanted to spend time with me. So when I finally emerged from my room, I was greeted by notes and pictures that Ben had made me to help me feel better. And best of all, I got an excited smile when he saw I was up and about, followed by the best hug ever. I don’t know of anything else that can help you get over a cold any better. Of course, Ben being Ben, one of the first questions out of his mouth at dinner that night was “Hey Dad, did you find a job yet??” Yep, that’s my guy, lol
Looking forward to spending this final countdown week to Christmas with him. Hope this blog finds everyone else in the holiday spirit, and don’t forget to slow down and enjoy every minute!
