40 weeks: July 2016

Hi Beni!

Springtime is finally here and the weather is starting to get nice. You are a super busy big boy. First, you are very, very proud that you're 5 years old. And you have a great memory on things in the past - FCDC, your friends and vacations. What you don't really recall (which you wouldn't) are more baby moments - our old home in Crystal, our temp place in Plymouth, etc.

In the winter, you started Kung Fu and have been doing a super awesome job. On March 19th, you pass your white belt test!! Whoo hoo. You requested to continue onto Kung Fu for the summer too and started to make some friends in class, one of them named Andrew.

You're also starting to warm up to Didi a little more. We had a record milestone as you agreed to take a bath with him on March 20th. LOL.

One of the biggest achievement you did this Spring which I would say one of the biggest in your entire life is going through the peanut oral food challenge. After the blood work, they noticed you had a very light allergy to peanuts and eligible to go through the food challenge. During the challenge, you had to eat a total of 7 teaspoons of peanut butter. You made it through the entire challenge which was amazing. My heart skipped a beat many times and your bravery astounds me. During the challenge, you did have a small red spot here and there. Due to the reaction, they did not clear you as peanut free. The fantastic news is that you did not go in ana. shock and have your throat swell up. It was a tough, tough day for you but you were such a champ.

Here are some of the funnies Ben-isms / new developments ever:
3/20 - Mama, I blame you because I love you

3/22 - One of your friends at school asked you to steal a car (matchbox), which you did. You came home and told us and found it to be super funny. Although this wasn't a good thing to do, I found your complete innocence heartwarming and refreshing. You truly had no idea about the concept of stealing. After our discussion, you were a little sad and brought it back to school the next day. This was a moment that I wish I can hold onto forever, your sweet innocence.

3/27 - at the swing set w/ Walter and Margaret - "Guys, does anyone else smell feces here?" (turns out didi pooped)

4/2 - Bill, I'm really nervous because I'm five and I don't know how to fly a rocket
4/3 - Baba, I'm really frustrated with you and all your rules
4/6 - Crumbs for sale, fifty cents a crumb (you needed money to buy toys)
4/20 - Water evaporates and turns into water vaper and turns into clouds

4/29 - Went to the wild kratts show and was super excited. In preparation, we had to find a cheetah costume (which is insanely difficult in April).

5/13 - Uncle Johnny, what is your favorite color? UJ - I never thought about it. Beni - Well, maybe it's a good time to think about it.
The real significance of this conversation is how you get Uncle Johnny to open up. He had a tough childhood and didn't have much opportunity to be himself. No one really asked him about his favorites. This seemingly small question and conversation in the car was eye-opening for Uncle Johnny.

5/18 - Second tooth fell out! We have a tooth fairy pillow and journal
5/25 - This is very complicated mommy
5/26 - I put vapor rub under my muffler. You know, the two holes on my nose.
6/4 - I'm getting hot, is it the humidity?

Beni, I love you so much! You are a bright light, gentle, loving and sensitive. You're always willing to share toys and play with your friends nicely. I can't wait to spend the summer having fun with you :)