Ben

Eric is working on an inventory this weekend. We're missing him. The house is just a touch too chaotic, tensions are just a little high, and the need for discipline seems much more daunting when he is away. Besides that, things just aren't as much fun around here. We are all better people when he's home.

This morning, in an effort to liven things up and to take advantage of the beautiful day, I spontaneously decided to take Kaela and Ben to the beach at Rough River for some sun and sand, and to see Mom. (Yes, the beach is still closed, for those of you keeping score at home. We went anyway.)

Ben was just waking up when I started talking to him about our road trip. Eric says Ben is "my child." Quick to flare up, and quick to make up. He's a sweetheart and total cuddle buddy, but a stubborn one. That may be like me, to some extent, but being sleepy sure makes for a more dramatic & exaggerated exchange. This is not how he usually is, but at any rate--this is how our day began. I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry.

Me: Ben, let's get your swim trunks on and get those teeth brushed. You want to go to the beach with the playground, right?

Ben: OH, Mommy! I wub the beach! Tank you so much for takin' me to da beach!! (Gives me big kiss on the lips.) Can I wear my pumpkin outfit?

Me: Honey, I'm pretty sure you're never wearing the pumpkin again. It's 6 inches too short, way hot, and we're going to the beach. Not to a costume party.

Ben: (throwing himself onto the floor, sobbing) YOU NEVER LET ME DO ANYTHING!

Me: Are you serious?? We are on our way to the beach! You're right, though--we won't do anything if you're going to be ugly. Are you going to straighten up, or should we just stay here?

Ben: (standing very, very tall and leaning over me) I. Am. Going. To. Straighten. Up. (through clenched teeth, in a tone that implies that he has no such intention, then kisses me on the forehead) 'ou wook pretty today, Mommy.

Me: Thank you, Ben. Now let's get those teeth brushed and your swim shorts on.

Ben: Yes, ma'am. I'm being sweet, Mommy.

Me: I am so glad. Let's keep it up, or it will be a very sad day for a little boy.

Kaela: Mommy, can we take our books to the beach to read?

Me: No, the beach is wet and sandy. You won't want to read anyway. Let's just get our things and go.

(Kaela, of course, obliges and puts the books away without a fuss. She is so EASY!!)

Ben: (Sobbing loudly again) But what will we read? Dis isn't nice!

Me: Son, if we're going to start this again, you can go back to bed and I'll just get out the sprinkler for Kaela.

Kaela: BEN! Straighten up! Please! You love the beach, and Grammy has a baby horse!

Ben: Dear Mom and Dad...I will see you never again.

Aargh. We don't know what to do with him. He's precious and good-natured and ornery and such a sweetheart all at once...and some days you just want to put him back to bed. And then, when he's sleeping and looking so angelic, you just want to wake him up to tell him how crazy much you love him...and three years old is one wild ride, either way. I wish he would stay this funny age forever.