Ready, Set, Go!

The word "go" is one of Ben's newest words. Although it sounds more like "guh" at this point, he loves to get on his giraffe scooter, have me say, "Ready, set..." and then he finishes with "Go," and off we go. We continue with me saying "Stop" and Ben saying "Go" to have me push again. It is a great little game to play!

What a glorious spring day! Today was the first day of the Des Moines Farmer's Market downtown. I think the Farmer's Market is one of Des Moines' best kept secrets. Brant, Ben, and I spent about an hour strolling around amid the crowds of people. We have the best baby backpack that Ben rides in on Brant's back at events like this. He can get a better view and is perfectly content to simply gaze around, which makes it even more enjoyable for us! I love the atmosphere of live music, food stands, and all sorts of odds and ends, from homemade salsa to produce to food stands to homemade jewelry.

To continue with our great spring day, Brant mowed the lawn for the first time of the season and I cleaned the house. Normally, that wouldn't be too significant or even noteworthy, but there is something just perfect about the smell of fresh cut grass and a clean house on a spring day. I love having the windows open on days like today.

And, toward the end of our spring day, we headed to Toys R Us to look for some outdoor toys for Ben. We walked away with the classic Little Tykes plastic slide and a baby swing. Brant is planning to build a little swing set for Ben. After that, we had supper out together at Granite City and then went to pick up spring flowers and pots at Home Depot, which I plan to plant tomorrow!

Finally, to cap off the day, Brant went on a bike ride on his brand new road bike. Once he returned, I went on a great run. We are now content to take a break and watch the extra innings of the Twins vs. Royals game. Like I said, what a great spring day!

To finish tonight, I'll leave you with another precious Ben moment. Once he and I finish his bedtime story, we say his prayers. Typically, I either fold his hands in mine. However, for the first time last night, I folded my hands and he put his little hands together too. It was one of those near-tears, always-to-be-remembered moments.

April Anticipation

Poor Ben is feeling under the weather today. We have been so lucky that besides a few ear infections, Ben has been pretty healthy all through the winter. However, he seems to have caught a little stomach bug and has run a low fever the past two days. He just hasn't been himself, so he and I are home together today hoping things are now on the up and up. Ben is enjoying a little nap time while I catch up on a few things.

Brant has had a very busy month and has been out of town for several days at a time the last few weeks, so Ben and I have been spending lots of quality time together. We are so glad the weather is getting nice so we can go on our evening walks and play outside. I've been missing Brant even more the last few days while Ben hasn't been feeling well. I don't know how single parents do it!

My anticipation for summer just keeps growing. The leaves and flowers are starting to come out and at school, you can just feel the end of the year approaching. I am looking forward to summer days filled with playing in a little pool in the backyard with Ben, going to the park and library, going to music class, visiting the splash park, and feeling laid back. Of course, I'm also looking forward to Brant and my Hawaii trip and going to the lake in July. Brant has committed to riding in a 100 mile bike ride for JDRF the first weekend in August in Kansas City, so I'm looking forward to that for him, and for the weekend in Kansas City! It feels good to be on the brink of a new season!

Finally, Ben has a few new tricks up his sleeve. They include:

1.) What does the cow say? Moo! Actually, it sounds more like mmmmmm...
2.) What does the snake say? Ssssss....

3.) Where is your nose? He points to his nose.

4.) Lots of recognition of directions. He walks right to the bathroom when I say, "Time for a bath." He goes right to the stairs when I say, "Let's go downstairs." When I say "Let's read a story" he walks over and sits in my lap.

5.) Lots of imitation of sounds. Wa for water, uch for lunch, ush for brush your teeth, ow for wow, ga for goat, and so on.

Easter Weekend

We had a busy, but fun Easter weekend! On Saturday, we traveled to Mason City to have Easter with Brant's side of the family. We enjoyed a day of good food, good company, and even a lively game of charades. There's nothing like acting out mechanical bull in front of the family! And, Brant did an excellent Buddy Holly! On Saturday evening, Brant, Ben, and I retreated to the condo at Clear Lake. Perhaps one of the best Easter treats was looking at the clock this morning and finding that it was a quarter to nine and Ben was STILL sleeping. We then headed to Ames for dinner with Grandma Anderson and Uncle Nick. Again, good food and good company. Although there wasn't a lively game of charades, Uncle Nick gave Ben and new barn set and he has thoroughly enjoyed playing with it.

Due to all the other events of the weekend, the Easter bunny made an evening arrival at our house. Ben appeared to love his first Easter egg hunt. He quickly figured out how to open the eggs and that his favorite snacks were inside! I've never seen him attack puffs, veggie crackers, and yogurt melts so quickly. Additionally, I'm excited that the Easter bunny brought some new flip books to read. Ben loves to listen to stories and I'm very ready for a few fresh stories! How did the Easter bunny know just what to give!?

Shopping Trip

Brant, Ben, and I went on a well overdue spring shopping trip tonight. Ben officially has his first pair of real tennis shoes. We decided the strategy for shoe shopping with a one year old goes something like this:

1.) Which is the cheapest?
2.) Does it fit?
3.) Buy it.

The Adidas pair were the first on his feet, met all the criteria, and judging on the amount of walking he did in every store we entered the rest of the evening, they are a perfect fit. Of course, big boy shoes in itty-bitty sizes are adorable!

Speaking on shopping, I'm going to put in my plug for Ann Taylor Loft. I LOVE Ann Taylor Loft. Their petites fit perfectly. You can mix and match tons of their ensembles to multiply the number of outfits you are actually buying. There is a good amount of selection, but not too much for a shopper like me who is generally short on time, is not as patient as I used to be, or has my boys waiting for me. Additionally, they have a teacher discount and usually some sort of in store promotion. I always walk away feeling like I got classic, quality clothes at a great price! Thank you, Ann Taylor Loft!! Spring can now officially arrive because I have something to wear and I didn't have to break my wallet doing it. Now that is an ideal shopping experience.

Happy Easter everyone!

What a Cutie!

We finally got Ben's one year old pictures taken. Here are a few shots for you to enjoy!