Thomas the obsession

Sometime in the last couple of months Benson has become addicted to trains. He is addicted in every sense of the word. I have never had this happen with any of my kids before. I mean, every one of them have had a serious "like" of something, but not like this. For example, Conner liked TelleTubbies and was thrilled when we bought the movie for his second birthday. (Don't ask him, he won't admit to it but I have it on film!) Susanna has liked everything Princess, and maybe to the point of obsession, but not addiction. Benson's love is a whole other sort. I think this all started when he picked out the movie "Polar Express" from the library. When we had to take it back he freaked. So, I borrowed it two more times before I finally went online and found it on Ebay for 4 bucks and bought it. He has watched that thing so many times, and still loves it!

Benson is hopelessly addicted. What do I do as a parent to help him? Contribute to the addiction of course! For one, it keeps him busy. If you look at some of my previous posts, Benson NEEDS to be kept busy or bad things happen. Two, it is seriously the cutest thing ever when he is in "train mode" and says "Choo choo! Choo Choo! Chugga chugga chugga! All 'board!" You can't resist it, really.

So, my friend Katie has graciously loaned me several Thomas videos that keep him entertained during nap time, and he has a couple trains that he carries around constantly. We bought some Thomas jammies (on clearance, lucky buy) that he loves, and goes into fits when they need a washing. He has also discovered a blanket that I made for Jack but he never liked, that has trains on it. It is now his favorite. At Target today, I bought them some new Thomas the train underwear (in hopes it will help motivate the serious potty training I am undertaking this week). He discovered some new Thomas videos in the electronic section and tried to slyly put them in the basket. He had a fit when I removed them, and was only consoled when I showed him the underwear.

I am hunting already for trains for his birthday, and already know what kind of cake I am going to make him. I don't mind contributing to this addiction one bit. I actually think it is really cute. Alex? He is easy. He still loves everything cars, but he will watch Thomas and play with the trains too, thank goodness!