Ben & Grandma

This past week it's become very obvious that Ben is captivated by his Grandma. If she enters the room and fails to pick him up, he throws a tantrum. When she puts him down and leaves the room, he throws a tantrum.

These tantrums are something new for us. I guess I didn't realize that babies started having them this young. Ben has quite the flair for them. He'll throw himself down on the floor (usually hitting his head in the process), kick his legs and arms, cry hysterically, and squeeze out a few tears. As dramatic as they may seem, they are often just for show and he can turn them off in an instant.

Maybe Ben has Grandma figured out better than we think. You could say she has a slight soft spot for the boys, and at the first sign of a meltdown she will often give in to pacify them. I think Ben may have this figured out thus the tantrums.

I suppose that if I were in Ben's place and someone I loved that much were leaving me too, I'd do everything in my power to make them stay. It's so sweet to see how much Ben loves his Grandma. He immediately snuggles into her shoulder and is content to just sit with her. I can tell how being near her soothes him. The closeness between them is exclusive. Ben doesn't snuggle up with anyone else like he does with his Grandma (not even me...sigh). He must be in tune with what a special person she is!

This sums it up pretty well. If you're not Grandma, move along.

~XOXO~

I love Valentine's Day. It's my favorite holiday and I look forward to it every year. I have fond memories from my childhood of my Mother making it a fun and special day. I always enjoyed making Valentines for my classmates, and even now, I still enjoy making Valentines for my family and friends.

I'm so not a romantic person, and I don't do the flowers and chocolates. I just enjoy making a few sweets and spreading a little extra love to the special people in my life.

It was fun to spoil my boys a little bit today! This morning I made Ben & Zach pink banana pancakes.



In the afternoon we took a long walk with Grandma & Grandpa. The highlight of the walk was my Dad listening to his iPod. He had the volume up, so he couldn't hear my Mom and I (or himself when he spoke...he shouted) and he'd be singing along to the songs he was listening to. He kind of mumble sings and then sings the parts he knows really loud. My Mom and I would try to figure out what he was singing (nearly impossible). Dad is so cute!

We ended the day with Red Velvet cupcakes and sweet kisses goodnight.

"Life, love and laughter - what priceless gifts to give our children." - Phyllis Dryden

"Happy Iceworm Day!"

Since 1961 Cordova has celebrated the Iceworm Festival. It was created as a way to break the winter blues. It's nice to know that it's not just me that gets stir crazy this time of year!

This was our first festival and it was an absoultely beautiful day to enjoy some of the events. This morning Darius, my Mom and I watched the Survial Suit Races in the harbor. Teams of four race down the dock, dress in survival suits, jump in the icy water, and swim to a raft in the harbor. The team with the fastest time wins, but there are also style points which are awarded. Let's just say that the majority of the teams were out for the style points.

Early in the afternoon we bundled up the boys and took them to see the Iceworm in the parade on Main Street. It was a small parade, which was perfect for us. Zach and Ben seemed to enjoy the fire trucks the most. I've never seen the Iceworm before, but I was told it was much longer this year than it's been in the past.

It was great to be able to finally get out of the house with the boys and enjoy the beautiful (but very cold) weather and get some fresh air!

Cabin Fever

According to Mythbusters, Cabin Fever is plausible and I wholeheartedly agree. Although it's only been a week that the boys and I have been cooped up in the house, it seems longer to me. My sincere apologies go out to my family who have been subjected to my snippy behavior lately!

It's been a few years since I've experienced winter and I've never cared for the season before, and especially not now. I'm sure when Ben & Zach get older and can actually play in the snow, I'll learn to appreciate winter more. For now we're waiting for a break in the weather and a much needed walk in the fresh air.

Zach and Ben love looking out of the big windows in the living room. The glass is cold and they love to touch (or bang) and give it sloppy kisses.