Babycakes

You are five years old today! I never thought the time would pass so quickly!

I love watching you grow up. I love the way you bring me boardgames and say “Daddy, will you play with me?” I love the way you cheat at Go Fish so everybody gets a chance to share. I love that you now make up your own words to familiar tunes. I love that you chase Naomi down the hall and tickle her and hold her hand at school and comfort her when she’s sad. I love watching you pick out your comic book and ask to pay for it. I love watching you tango and flamenco and do that silly chicken dance you’ve been doing since you were three. I love that you’re independent and helpful, from insisting on opening car doors, turning keys in locks, taking food out of the microwave, cracking eggs to help Momma make pancake batter, picking your clothes and reading from your own handwritten grocery list. I love taking you out for ice cream. I love how you plan the activities for the day. I love how you play pirates and superheroes, but when I call you “Super-Ben” you answer “It’s me. Just Ben.”

That’s all the super you need.

love
daddy

Ben went on his first field trip today. His ABA therapists, Sarah & Nathalie, took him to visit the children’s exhibit at the Biosphere, along with another one of their clients. Ben brought his backpack, his swimsuit and a lunch, because this trip started at 9:30 and lasted until 4:00.

Ben took the bus and the metro, explored the museum, had lunch, and then played in the swimming pool. He came home very tired, but very excited. He promises to take us to the museum later and show us everything he did.

We can’t wait!

More pictures below the jump.

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graduation boy, originally uploaded by dina the m and o.

Ben’s daycare graduation was possibly the cutest thing I’ve ever seen: he tangoed!

See the rest of the photos here.

purple piano, originally uploaded by dina the m and o.

I think Ben’s kindergarten teacher is going to have a heck of a time keeping him away from the cool purple piano!

craft time, originally uploaded by dina the m and o.

Ben is the King of Craft-time!

Super Ben, originally uploaded by dina the m and o.

This cool new swim suit will help Ben swim faster than a speeding bullet!

leprechaun, originally uploaded by dina the m and o.

Sometimes, Dina manages to get the best Ben shots when he’s actively trying to avoid having his picture taken.