Good-Bye, Baby Cage

It's time for a big boy bed and Mommy is feeling a little weepy about her little boy growing up.

Santa, Bells, Orangutan

The other day, Daddy, Dexter, and I were enjoying butterburgers at Culvers and Dexter noticed the Christmas decorations painted on the windows. We asked him what they were and he said, "Santa, bells, orangutan." Close...it was indeed Santa, and there were bells, but the orangutan was actually a gingerbread man. In Dexter's defense, it really did look more like an orangutan than a gingerbread man. And that's the story of the birth of the Christmas orangutan.

Museum Fun

Our friend's daughter Johanna was visiting from college this week and she was looking for stuff to do while her mom was at work. Ben and I asked if she'd like to join Dexter and us at the Children's Museum and then babysit while Ben and I took in a movie. We all had a blast at the museum and Ben and I really enjoyed a little alone time together taking in a movie. Thanks Johanna!!!

The Hardest Button to Button

Dexter decided he wanted to button the buttons on his jammies the other night and told me very clearly that he wanted to do it all by himself. His little hands were trying to work the button through the button hole and I couldn't resist jumping in to help him. He told me again, "All by myself, Mommy." So I backed off and watched for a bit. He almost had it but was struggling and I jumped in again to "help". Again, Dexter said, "All by myself, Mommy," and I let go. I knew I needed to let him do it himself but it was the most difficult feeling to watch him try and try again, get so close but not succeed. It turns out that by leaving him alone to do it, he actually could figure it out and get the job done. He was so proud of himself when that button was completely through the hole. I was proud of Dexter, too. Not so proud of myself for repeatedly butting in but hopefully it's a lesson learned for Mommy.

8th Day of Hanukkah

Dexter and I (Ben was working) celebrated the 8th day of Hanukkah with our friends Ian, Elissa, Jason, Kim, and Johanna. Elissa made a lovely meal of blintzes and latkes (YUM!). The boys got to participate in the candle lighting - so special! Of course there was also lots of playing with cars and trains!