The Clines: June 2011

Smart Guy

(This is Nate) So to continue on the comments Kris made in the last post, here's an example from the other night.

We have a pretty set routine for bed, but some nights, Ben isn't tired or something and asks a bunch of questions every few minutes...more milk, tuck me in again, sing another song, etc. So the other night, we did the normal routine, then I answered a few too many questions and was getting fed up. Most times, I'll let it slide when I know he's not tired, but the other night, he pushed it a bit and I got to the last one:

Ben "Dad, come up here"
Nate "Why?"
Ben "I need to tell you something"
Nate "This is the last time, then a timeout"
Ben "Okay"
Nate (now upstairs) "What do you need Ben?"
Ben "I forgot"
Nate "Will a timeout help you remember?"
Ben "Um, no, um....Oh, I remembered without a timeout. I love you Daddy!"
Nate "Goodnight, Ben"

We're in for it.

Having a 3 1/2 year old makes you realize that you didn't have it so bad with a baby. Sure, they can't tell you what they want, which can make things a bit of a mystery, but they also don't make you question your values and intelligence on a daily basis.

Now that Ben is approaching 4 it's become very clear that our days are numbered. As an example, we were in the car the other day and Ben starts waving his arms around going "bam bam bam Mom look at my guns." I (having no clue where he's even learned what a gun is??) say "Mommy doesn't like guns so let's talk about something else." To which Ben replied "Oh, Mom, it's OK - my guns shoot kisses, don't you want kisses?"

Not to be outdone, just today we were walking home from the supermarket and Ben is (of course) pretending he's Batman. He starts in with (in his theatrical-I'm-in-character voice) "I'm Batman and I'm beating up the bad guys, bam, bam, bam." I respond "Mommy doesn't like that - Batman doesn't use his fists to get bad guys, he uses his smarts" (I realize this is a bit much but when you're put on the spot you just do your best). Ben's response: "Mom, I wasn't talking about BEATING UP bad guys, I was talking about the beat of my song" and he starts singing "Beat, beat, beat, beat" and at the very end of what I think was 20 "Beat's" he whisper's "up". Oy vey.

The net net is the kid is and will continue to be a smart ass. I guess we should just be grateful he's smart. Although that brings up a whole new set of probs. Its taken me 10+ years in the business world to learn you can't take anything at face value. There's always a deeper answer or a better/faster way to do something. What has taken my entire career to learn, Ben already gets through his sheer passion for talking and insatiable curiousity. "Mom, why is called a windshield?" Me: "Because it shields the passengers from the wind while in the car". Ben: "Well, it also shields rain....and snow....and sun. So why is it a windshield? And why are there 2 wipers on the windshield. Why not one or three?" These are all questions I have never asked myself, at least that I can remember. It is cool to see your kids explore life and wonder about every little thing. I have to remind myself of that after we hit question 999 and I've lost my patience!

Slainte

(This is Nate). Only in Havertown...or in Boston I guess. For those who don't know, Havertown has a high percentage of Irish and those with Irish ancestry.

As if to prove the point, Ben brought home a shirt his class made with their handprints and names on it. Of the 14 prints on it we had, not one, but two Seamus's and three Sean's.

Erin go Braugh indeed.

Dudes Day

(This is Nate) Every so often, Ben and I head out for the day and don't come back until dinner. We haven't been able to do it as much I guess with Lils around, but we got a day today. "Just the dudes" as he says.

We started off with some quesadillas, tacos and guac for lunch...He loves guac as long as there's nothing 'chunky' in it. Then a quick $1 toy purchase at Five Below next door. We then braved the overcast skies to head over to Tyler Arboretum to check out the treehouses. A quick stop for some groceries, then as the sun finally came out, we doubled-down on the nice day and went over to Linvilla Farms to pick some blueberries. Amazingly, when we got home about 6 hours later...he was STILL full of energy. I used to use this tactic to wear him out and get a nice nap in; no longer apparently. I however, will be in bed by 9.

At California Tortilla

First of many treehouses

Pretending to be a mushroom

Getting some ink done

Pre-picking

Post-picking and eating (I'd say he ate as many as he picked)

Birthdays, Parties, Picnics, Oh My!

In 10 (er, 20) years from now I know I am going to have a hard time remembering why I was always so busy and tired when my kids were younger. This will serve as a reminder! We've been away the last 3 weekends in a row, had a new roof put on the house, interviewed and found a new nanny, got Ben squared away for school next year, working on repairing and renting the Manayunk house, trying to sell our house...oh yeah, and we have 2 kids and 2 jobs!

Some of that stuff isn't fun, but most of it is, so no complaining on my end. The spring craziness all started with Mother's Day. I believe I have already noted this as the best day of the year so need to expound upon it. The following weekend was my birthday and Mom and Dad generously offered to come watch the kids and give us a night out! We went to New Hope and stayed at the adorable Woolverton Inn. We went out for drinks, walked around, had a great dinner, slept in and had an amazing leisurely Sunday brunch at the B&B. It was one of the best birthdays on record. Next up, the shore for Memorial Day. Also fantastic and perfect weather (and company!) to boot. This past weekend we went up to Long Island for a "two-for-one" special! We visited Katie and David on Friday and went to a BBQ at the Pujdak's and got to meet their sweet new baby, Tyler, and see my college girl friends and their families.

And there is no end in sight! BBQ this weekend in NJ with Nate's college friends, Birthday AND Father's Day, Girl's weekend for me, July 4 in Latrobe and a visit to Nonni and Pop's while Nate and I are at a wedding in NYC. Holy Cow! It's a ton of work to travel with the kids, but we are lucky that we have such great family and friends and want to do our part to stay in touch and allow our kids to get to know all the people we love. And throw in some "adult time" for good measure!

Never a dull moment for the Clines, but we wouldn't have it any other way!