1. He loves to clutch two armfuls of toys everywhere he goes. He can't go from point A to point B without bringing more than he can carry. This includes when he goes to bed. When we tuck him in at night, he has his soft blue elephant, his cup of water, and a number of various little cars, trains, action figures, rocks, and random household objects that he can't seem to live without right at that moment. He has been this way since he started walking.
2. Phrases Ben likes to use often:
Ben, are you okay? "I'm am."
"Can I have some nelk?" (milk)
"Can we listen to Hella-du-jah what a Savior?"
"I gah booger!" then he extends the booger on his finger for your inspection and disposal.
"Can you kiss it?" whenever he hurts something.
"Can I have it?"
"There's TWO of um!"
"I'm Brumming!" (driving a toy vehicle around)
3. When Ben sings "church songs" with Jake, it is always at full yelling volume. This is especially fun with the chorus of "I Am."
4. Ben loves tools, and he expecially loves to hammer. Any object can be used as a hammer and anything is appropriate for hammering. He can be seen and especially heard (still with arms full of toys) joyfully whacking his plastic hammer, or other repurposed toys on every surface he can get away with. He has not broken any windows yet although he did once hit our glass door with a real hammer.
5. Ben is all boy. He seems to have a natural affinity for sports and intense physical play. He seems very coordinated for his age, being able to dribble a ball with his feet by 18 months and peddle a bicycle and scooter by his second birthday. He has a natural toughness about him that always amazes me.
6. When Ben is especially happy, he likes to walk around swinging his arms and clapping his hands with each stride.
7. Ben is a cheerful, easygoing little guy. He is usually obedient and straightforward to deal with. He likes to imitate Jake and do whatever he does, which is a good thing most of the time.
This picture pretty much sums it up: two toys to "whack" with, a tractor and its trailer in hand, and of course the "measure" hooked to his pants. Oh, and I don't want to forget the drool! We go through several shirts each day. Ben is not into wearing bibs.