Beene Happenings

Charles and Ian played at the West Seattle Arts Festival last week. It's a very mellow event and Max always loves getting to the beach so he can throw rocks in the water. He also loved seeing his daddy play his guitar and sing songs.

This past weekend we met with Taryn and Jen for a playdate at Magnuson park. It was great getting together and spending a Sunday afternoon with friends. Max and Jonas had fun on the slides while Elana chilled out in the shade. I was really happy to see Max playing for as long as he did in the sandbox by himself alongside other kids.

It got me to thinking of how much he's changed since we've come back from Colorado at around his first birthday. He used to cry when a kid even came near him and he would cling to me. He wouldn't play at all by himself and he quickly got nervous if he didn't have me in his sights.

Now he is playing by himself for longer stretches of time. He doesn't seem to have any problem with adults. He's pretty flirty when he's getting attention payed to him. I notice people really responding positively to the fact that he is engaging with them (making eye contact and smiling). I think that boosts his confidence and makes him more willing to engage with the next person.
At daycare he is always playing and having fun when he gets picked up. Drop offs are still hit or miss.

Best of all he goes to bed now without any fuss. He sleeps with a little monkey friend. When I put him down he smiles and scoops him up in his arms. I think he doesn't cry anymore because he really doesn't mind being alone for a while till he falls asleep. He talks to himself or the monkey and takes off his socks. Usually within 15 minutes he's asleep.

We still have our issues in the house. But when we are in public he's much better behaved. I guess we should be happy! Then again, it's not like we can take him to a restaurant. Recently we tried and it wasn't fun. He's well behaved when we are doing something that is all about him. But hey that's a kid for ya!