How to get the most out of your dining experience

Benjamin loves, loves, loves his food. We know this because each snack and meal is accompanied by a steady stream of "Mmmmm, mmmmm, mmmmm" as he eats each little morsel. Anybody who has shared a meal with him can confirm this. Tonight at dinner Benjamin went a little nutzo over his peas. He gobbled up his hard-boiled and his carrots in the usual way.

Then he started in on the peas. First with the spoon. Not efficient enough. Then with his hands. Not fast enough.

Benjamin then got down to business and determined the most undemanding and delicious way to consume his peas was to drink them.

He was delighted with this new method and continued to use it until the contents of his bowl were emptied into his mouth...and his bib....and his chair....and the floor where Osa was also able to enjoy them.

But no peas were wasted as Benjamin carefully plucked the peas from his bib pocket and gracefully ate every last one (as pictured below).

Mealtimes at our house are often quite entertaining.

Bonding over Mac 'n Cheese

I just love my girlfriends. I love how babysitting turns into a play date and play dates turn into lunch together. There's really nothing like bonding over a giant pot of Mac 'n Cheese and the sounds of our children romping around the house. It's so much fun watching our babies play together, taking turns feeding the dog Goldfish crackers, stealing sippy cups from each other and learning to share toys....or not sometimes. And it's even more fun having girl time with my sweet friends, especially when our conversations turn into a confessional and we end up spilling the beans about the worst things we've done as mothers or wives....or when we can laugh over stories about our children....or when we can share our hearts and worries and encourage one another. I am so blessed to know such wonderful women and their little sweethearts.

How to properly eat a quesadilla....and sour cream.

Benjamin has recently discovered the joy of dipping his food in sauces and soups and all kinds of things. It started with a peanut butter sandwich and the leftover juice from his fruit cup. He then graduated to the ever popular grilled cheese and tomato soup combo followed by my personal favorite, chicken strips and honey. Last night we had quesadillas for dinner and I had a feeling Ben just might enjoy dipping is Mexican triangles in some sour cream. Call it mother's intuition. He loved it. Turns out he also took great pleasure in dipping his fist in the sour cream. Let's just say we're still working on table manners....