Things Benji Says (that you wish he wouldn't)

Benji had some audible gas.

V: Benji, did you make a little toot?

B: No.

V: Really? I'm sure I heard something.

B: Benji make a BIG toot!

It's so hard to keep a straight face. --Victoria

More Pictures from Xavi's Visit

In the middle photo, Benji is actually gently hugging Xavi, not strangling him (despite the surprised look on Xavi's face).

--Victoria

Things Benji Says

I was getting ready to cook an omelet, and talking to Benji about it. He said, "Mommy, let's cook a eggs."

When I cracked the eggs, one of them had a double yolk. I picked Benji up to show it to him, and explained that some of the eggs have one yellow part inside, but this one was special because it had two yellow parts. Then, with him still on my hip, I took a fork and started beating the eggs.

B: "OOOOOH!!! The yellow went DANCING!!!"

When I stopped giggling, I put him down and get the rest of the stuff ready. He said "actually, that's for Benji." Then, when I finally poured the egg mixture into the pan, he looked up and said, "oh, that's right."

The running commentary on everything we do is just hilarious.

--Victoria

Doh the Destructive Dog

"Mommy, Doh Doggie eating flowers!" That Doh, he's one crazy dawg.

Later, I was informed: "Mommy, trees are flowers." Who knew? I learn new things ever day from this little guy. --Victoria

Things Benji Says

Benji: (sitting on my lap, pointing to a freckle on my shoulder) What's that, Mommy?

Victoria: It's a freckle. A little brown circle on the skin is called a freckle.

B: Freckle.

[he then leans forward, delicately pretends to pick the freckle off my shoulder, and puts it in his mouth]

B: Eating Mommy's freckle. Mmmm...

Bath Time, Times Two

We were babysitting Xavi, our friend's son, who is 13 months old. We realized that Benji was developing a nasty diaper rash, so we decided to give him a bath. When Xavi tried to climb into the tub, we decided it could be a bath for two. The boys had so much fun splashing and laughing at each other that this may become a regular event. --Victoria

Things Benji Says

Benji's latest favourite phrase is "No, that's MINE! That's Benji's!!!"

He didn't want his diaper changed, so he ran away from Aaron. Aaron caught him and said "This is MY Benji!"

Benji: No, not Daddy's Benji!

A: Are you Mommy's Benji?

B: No, not Mommy's Benji!

A: Are you Grandma's Benji?

B: No, not Grandma's Benji!

A: Are you Uncle David's Benji?

B: No, not Uncle David's Benji . . . ROXANA's Benji!!!


--Victoria

Hawaiian Benji

Things Benji Says

Aaron: Benji, who is Daddy's biggest guy?

Benji: Big Benji!!!

A: Who is Daddy's littlest guy?

B: Little Benji!!!

A: Who is Daddy's silliest guy?

B: Silly Benji!!!

A: ...and who is Daddy's favourite guy?

B: Favourite Benji!!!

Aaron is such a great father. I love them both so much. --Victoria

Benji "reading"

Running By The Pool

Benji spent a long time running up and down the hill by the shallow pool in Yards Park. No wonder he's not chubby anymore! --Victoria

Things Benji Says

We were driving in the car, and he said "I see Capitol Building . . . how WONDERFUL!"

That's cute in and of itself, but it's worth noting that we were nowhere near the Capitol Building, and I pointed that out to him. He insisted "I see Capitol Building!" and then I realized that there were flags hanging from the streetlights that advertised a local event and included a large line drawing of . . . the Capitol Building. Of course.

I should never doubt his powers of observation.

--Victoria

Things Benji Says

During a walk, Benji stopped to play in some dirt. After a while, Aaron wanted to move on and said, "Come on Benji, let's go." To which Benji replied, "No Daddy, I'm getting dirty!" Given that this is presumably a toddler's number one job, he is is a very responsible little boy with a good work ethic. --Victoria

Visit to Longwood Gardens, part 3 (more children's water garden)

He spent a long time chasing the water. After we got in the car, he was fast asleep within minutes: tired, but happy. --Victoria

Things Benji Says

At the supermarket today, Benji stole the grocery list when Aaron wasn't looking, then dropped it on the floor at some never-to-be-determined location. Aaron said, "Benji, now how am I supposed to know what to buy?" and Benji answered "get yogurt, Daddy!"

Yes, yogurt was on the list!

--Victoria

Visit to Longwood Gardens, part 2 (children's water garden)

Our normally cautious son has absolutely no reservation about flinging himself under and into water. He was as happy as I've ever seen him -- squealing and dancing in delight. Fortunately, we brought a full change of clothes. --Victoria

Visit to Longwood Gardens, part 1 (picnic)

For years, Aaron has held a birthday picnic at Longwood Gardens, followed by a visit to the gardens themselves (which sometimes extends into staying for the fireworks in the evening). Last year, he decided that it should be a Father's Day picnic. Many of our friends have young children, and there were almost a dozen little boys from the ages of one to seven years old. Benji enjoyed playing with Maxwell, who is just about his age. He also enjoyed the chocolate chip cookies that Yousef baked -- as you can see from his chocolate-smeared face. --Victoria