Meeting a Star

Yesterday was one of those days since becoming a dad that were special. I took Benjamin to Epcot so we could spend some time with Cathy's cousin, Orietta, and her family while they went around the park. Right as we entered I saw guests lined up to have their picture taken with the character Stitch. How perfect.

For some reason Benjamin has always been drawn to Stitch. It's one of those mysteries of the world. He has two little Stitches at home that he takes everywhere with him and always has to go to bed with them. His Baka and Nono also bought him a medium and large sized versions as well. So he is a huge fan of Stitch and for me to be able to introduce him to his buddy was special.

We waited patiently in line to have our pictures taken with the blue alien when all of a sudden Stitch walked away. I guess it was time for a break (ya gotta love those union rules). About five minutes later he reappeared which was a big relief for me.

The family in front of us finished having their photo session when Benjamin looked up and saw a live version of his best buddy. I can't think of a time when he had a bigger smile on his face. You could see it in his eye. He couldn't believe he was with the real Stitch. He kept wanting to touch him and hold him. To Stitch's credit he was patient with him as well as me. I had Orietta's son Pete snapping pictures on my iPhone so I could email pictures immediately and his dad Richard taking better resolution pictures with my point and shoot.

After a few minutes I realized I was turning into one of THOSE dads who hogs up all the time with the character and doesn't allow the other families to get their moments. So we wrapped the photo shoot and that's when I traumatized my son.

Benjamin couldn't understand why he had to leave his buddy. I know he was thinking, "Come on Dad we just met Stitch. I want to hang out with him for a while."Then the crying began. Fortunately he was quickly distracted with something else.

Yesterday was definitely one of those days where I created another memory with my son. What a way to start my week.

Magical First

  Saturday we took Benjamin to Disney's Magic Kingdom for the first time. Sergio was able to get us in to the park for free like he has done at the other parks for Benjamin. It also allowed me to have him take a picture of the three of us which is a rarity for me as I'm usually the one taking the picture.

  The park was packed but wasn't bad for us as we weren't going on any of the rides. We ended up walking around the park and enjoying the wonderful weather.

  Almost right after we entered the park Benjamin was hungry. We grabbed hot dogs for us and corndog nuggets for Benjamin and found a table outside. It was during lunch that we discovered that Benjamin requires dinner theatre in order to woof down a meal. He was fascinated with the ducks surrounding our table and just kept eating anything we put in front of him. I just wish he'd do that for me during the week.

  After lunch we found a hidden gem inside the Magic Kingdom. Around the corner from Main Street USA Disney has set up a baby center. The center is there for newborns as well as older babies complete with a heated changing room, nursing area and rocking chairs. Heck if you run out of diapers or need a new pacifier they have those too. Cathy and I felt like we could've stayed just in the baby center for the afternoon.

  We took Benjamin through the park and wound up at the Winnie the Pooh playground. This was perfect. It had stuff Benjamin could crawl around and under including Pooh's house. The ground was a rubbery pad that wouldn't hurt if he fell which is always a possibility when it comes to my son.

  The playground pooped him out as well as us. We walked around tomorrow land for a little while before heading out after a good four-hour visit. To our delight he ended up taking a 3+ hour nap that afternoon.

  We had a fun time with him at the park and feel very fortunate that we don't have to pay admission. It's one of the gifts that my father-in-law can give Benjamin whenever. I look forward to a day when Benjamin will be big enough to ride on Splash Mountain or be bored when I tell him about the first time I rode Thunder Mountain railroad with Mimi and Grandpa. But all those times will come after his first time and this time was great.