MyGym

Sarah has started attending MyGym!  We were contemplating putting Sarah into some sort of class for awhile and finally pulled the trigger in late March.  Sarah is a very active physical baby and with her staying home everyday, we wanted to be sure we exposed her to social situations and started to teach her the concepts of sharing and taking turns, along with learning some new skills outside of what we do with her.  If you have DirectTV, and have spent anytime watching BabyFirstTV then you have seen some of the things they do with the young children.  It's fantastic!  They do a little bit of everything during the one hour session and if you have a MyGym near you, definately check it out!  They will let you attend one free class with your child, so you can really get a feel for how they do things before enrolling your child.  And right now, they have a special running for their 30th anniversary, so you can catch a good deal! (Wow, I sound like they sponsored this post or that I work for them, so not true... but it really is a great thing for little kids!)

So Sarah loves, loVES, LOVES going to MyGym.  There is definately a structure to the class and after a couple of classes most of the kids know what to expect.  But we all know that trying to get a group of toddlers to all do the same thing at the same time is a bit like herding cats, so if the child doesn't want to participate in something, it's okay for them to explore the gym on their own (with your supervision).  They also introduce new items or activities every 10-15 min, so if your child didn't like the last thing, they have new opportunities to participate throughout.  I love that!  One of Sarah's favorites is when they bring the swings out.  She loves to swing by herself, or with other kids in the shared swing or funky swing (they always have one non-traditional swing that the kids can explore together).  She literally follows the intructors to the supply closet whining when they are putting them up.  But then they bring out something new for her to look at or explore, and it's okay that the swings have gone.  I've taken pictures of her doing various things every week that I'll share with you so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.  One of the weeks, the picture didn't turn out great, so it's blurry... but you'll still get a good idea!



In the ball pit - Week 1

Hanging from the trapeze - Week 2

Swinging - Week 3



Separation Time - week 4

Bubble Time - Week 5

Climbing on the mats in front of the mirror - Week 6

We had to miss class last week, because Sarah had a fever, but we'll be back this week.  She really does enjoy her time in the class, and has learned some great new skills!  Some things not shown are circle time, story/puppet time, and the gymastic parts.  Sarah isn't really into the tumbling right now (like somersaults or flips), but she loves walking the balance beam and doing the hanging/jumping activities.  Also, they have open gym time throughout the week, so if you're a stay at home parent and are getting stir crazy on a rainy (or other) day, you can drop in and play for an hour.  So cool and so fun!  I just wanted to write a little post about Sarah at the gym and share some of her cute pictures!  I hope you'll check them out if you have a young child.

15 Month Update

Sarah is 15 months old!  I really can't believe how fast time is flying by!  She is amazing us everyday with new things she says or does.  She's already had her 15 month check-up two weeks ago.  We had taken her in to have her exema looked at, because it wasn't seeming to clear up after the first time we took her in, and since it was so close to 15 months, the doctor went ahead with her check-up.  Basically we have an 18-22 mo old on our hands phyically and developementally.  The doctor has been really impressed with her everytime we take her in.  She is in the 99th percentile height wise and 85th percentile weight wise.  The doctor also said she is done teething for awhile.  She has a mouth full of teeth (12) including all her molars.  The only baby teeth left to come in are the canine teeth and 2nd year molars, but they aren't on the horizon at this stage. Yay!

New notable things with her physical developement are the ability to climb onto furniture.  She can climb onto lower furniture (sofa's, chaise's, etc.) turn around and sit down.  She is very proud of herself every time she gets up there and has a look of accomplishment on her little face.  This is especially true if she is able to sit beside you on the couch.  She also enjoys rocking herself in the antique rocking chair my great great grandfather built.  It's a low piece of furniture, and the first piece she was able to scale.  This new skill is a little frustrating to her as she thinks she should be able to get onto anything herself, but is too little for some items.  In other news, she can jump off the ground with two feet, like high.  She's always been a jumper, but now she doesn't have to hold onto anything for support or steadying.  When she gets excited she jumps in place with both feet off the ground.  The more excited she gets, the higher she goes.  It's pretty amazing!  We have also started taking Sarah to MyGym a little over a month ago and she is thriving in that class.  I have a whole post in the works about that though, so be on the lookout!

New notable things in her physcological developement are the ability to say simple phrases, and singing.  She has been really good at repeating single words for awhile, but now she can use simple phrases.  A couple of current favorites are "Oh no!" and "All gone!".  When she finishes a snack or runs out of water, she'll take it to me and say "all gone" and show me.  Similarly she has to see an empty bowl or plate to believe that the food or item is really all gone and sometimes, she even needs to scrape her spoon inside to just to be sure she got it all.  She can hear and understand nearly everything that is said to her.  If I ask her if she needs a new diaper, she'll run to her changing table and say "elmo" (who is the character on her diapers).  When I ask if she's hungry, she'll do the sign and go to her high chair.  If I give her a choice of two things like which socks or what food she would like, she's good at pointing to the thing she wants.  She can also respond with "no" and "yeah" (she has a hard time with the "s" sound) to questions.  Do you want to read? Yeah!  Would you like some more chicken? No!  We've been pretty intentional in teaching her that there are two responses to questions, so we're trying to avoid the whole "NO" phase of most toddlers.

She has also learned a few um lines...beats.... whatever to her favorite songs.  We sing a lot of duets at the moment.  For example the alphabet song usually goes like this (and if she stuggles or leave out a letter, I re-sing the part properly so she can learn it)
Sarah: A,B,C
Me:  D
Sarah: E, E, G
Me: F,G,
Me: H, I, J, K
Sarah: L, Mmm ,O, P
Me: M, N, O, P
Me: Q, R, S
Sarah: T, U, V
Me: W, X, Y, and
Sarah: Z
Me: Now I know my
Sarah: ABC
Me: Next time won't you sing with me

We also sing Row, Row, Row your boat as a duet, but she really only does the "row" part:
Sarah:  Row, Row
Me: One more... Row
Me: The boat gently down the stream, merrily merrily merrily merrily, life is but a dream
Sarah: Row, Row

Other new developements have been in her playing pattern.  She is getting good with some shape sorting.  She definately knows the circle, square, and star.  She stuggles with heart and triangle.  It's hard for her to twist it to the right position.  She can do her beginner puzzles when she does just a piece at time.  If I put all the pieces in a pile, she gets overwhelmed, but she'll put them all back throughout play time, but only a piece or two at a time.  She can recognize same shapes, but can't say them all.  Like if I say "circle" she'll point to circles, but she can't say circle.  I've also seen her randomly start pointing out circles when we're not talking about shapes, so I know she recognizes them, even if she can't say it.  She can say oval and square and she'll do the same with those shapes.  But I think her favorite shape is the star right now.  She points them out all the time on everything!  Another favorite play activity are putting things in and pulling things out one by one.  She enjoys having someone count the items as she does this and can sometimes say the next number, sometimes not.  If they are colorful items, she enjoys hearing the colors, but I don't think she can identify any colors on her own, she can, however, say "yellow" "red" "purple" and "green".  She still loves to be read to and is enjoying books with more pages, more words on a page, and actual story books.
 
We have still not started potty training yet, so she is wearing pampers size 4 diapers during the day, and huggies size 5 overnites.  We were having a leak problem at night, but going up in a size with the overnites as stopped that problem.  They are huge on her, but they work, so problem solved.  This weekend we packed up all of her size 12 month clothing.  She has a couple long sleeved 12-18 month shirts that still fit, but mostly she's in straight 18 month clothing right now.  The 18-24 month are big on her, and size 24 month are swimming on her.  But 18 month fit perfectly.  So, she she's starting to get ahead of the curve clothing wise.  She's in a size 5 shoe.  And yes, she can say "shoe/s" and "sock/s" and knows exactly what they are.  She also knows "hat" and "coat".  When I ask if she wants to go "bye bye"  She'll gather these things and go to the door.  She's a smart little cookie!

At this point she is fully weened from the bottle.  She still drinks milk in the morning and at night, but it's from a cup and at night it's before we brush teeth and put on pj's.  She is starting to put herself to bed some.  She still enjoys snuggles time, but then she'll sometimes point to her bed and just want to be put down, and she'll put herself to sleep.  She is really growing up so fast.  I think I'm the one holding on to her baby routine more than she is.  But I don't see her much during the day, so nightime is my special time with her.

Like I said in the beginning, she is truely amazing us everyday with the things she not only comprehends, but can say and do.  She is beginning to lose her babyness and is starting to look more little girl like.  Not fully, but her baby fat is starting to melt away to muscle and her face is so expressive, that I can see the little person in her, not just a little baby.  She still doesn't have much hair, but it's long enough for a little bow clip when she'll tolerate it.  She is so much fun to be around and play with and it is truely the highlight of my day and weekends when I get to spend time with her!

Current Nicknames: Baby, Sarah-bear, lovey dove, snooky-loo
Favorite Food: Broccoli, rice, cheddar bunnies, cheese, grapes
Comfort Things: Mr.Bear, blankie, paci
Favorite Toys: Books, plush piggy bank, cookie jar shape sorter, puzzles
Favorite Songs: ABC, Ten Little Indians, If You're Happy and You Know It, Wheels on the Bus
Favorite Show: Mickey Mouse Club House, Little Einsteins, Super Why
Favorite Activity:  Going outside, swinging, jumping, reading, climbing
Current Size: 18 Month Clothing, Size 5 shoe, Size 4 Pamper (day), Size 5 Huggies overnite (night)

Secret Hiding Place

Today I want to talk about secret hiding places of kids.  Not the kind of places kids like to hide themselves, but places they like to stash things when they think no one is looking.  For instance, Sarah has taken to shoving things down one corner of her bed.  There is a small triangle at the corner of her bed just big enough for her to shove her paci and blankie down.  So whenever we are having a hard time finding a pacifiers, I know I can recover at least (5) if I look in that corner, along with a blankie or two or three.  I'm not sure why she feels the need to put things there but she does.  I know it's not always a game, because she'll do it in her sleep then get upset she can't find her pacifer to put herself back to sleep.  This little habit is no big deal.  Every kid has their quirks and this is one of hers.  I've learned to put extras on her chest so in the middle of the night I can grab a new one and not have to try to find the one she's managed to lose in the 4 hours since I laid her in bed.  I can even see the draw of putting things down that triangular hole.  I mean if I were a kid I might think it's magic.  They go in there and somehow find their way to mom a few days later.  Pretty neat.

But this is not the only hiding place of Sarah's.  This is just her paci and blankie hiding place.  She likes to hide bear behind her bookcase.  Her bookcase is slender and made with pockets, so it's easy for Mr. Bear to fit between the wall and the shelf.  But rest assured, if you can't find Mr. Bear just look under the bookcase, or sometimes in her high chair if he happened to get hungry when they were playing.  But again, this doesn't bother me.  She has her reason's for putting things in odd places.  Just like at my mom's she likes to throw things away because the lid to their trash can swivels and she can't see the top, so it's just fun to watch the top swish about for a few minutes.  This is especially true of her shoes.  Don't ask why, because I don't know.  But if I can't find a shoe, it's always in the trash.  (We're discouraging hiding place though, because trash goes bye bye for good, and someday I'm sure she'll put something in there we won't know about and it will just be gone.)  This hiding place kind of bothers me, but not really because we know to look in the trash anytime she is playing around it.  But there is another place that I don't understand and that I don't know whether it's funny or bothersome... (definately more funny... on second thought)

You see one of Sarah's hiding places has become my shirt.  And before I go on, I should let you all know that Sarah has a habit of putting her arm down my shirt at least 50-75% of the time when I pick her up.  She's perfected it to be such a smooth motion, that I don't even notice it.  I guess it's some sort of comfort thing.  It's never bothered me, and she doesn't seem to do it to anyone else, so whatever, no biggie.  (Now, the pulling of my shirt neckline in public is problem, and I am trying to break that habit... but that's generally when she wants me to hold her instead of riding and I'm getting off subject...) 

So the other day I went home at lunch time to see Sarah for a bit.  I don't get a lot of face time with her during the week, so I like to spend my lunch break with her.  Well, she was going to go for an outing that afternoon and I was in charge of dressing her.  So I did and her hair has gotten just long enough to put a cute little bow in it.  So I did.  She looked adorable!  But then I let her go play while I ate and Mike got them ready to go.  So as we are all getting ready to leave I notice she didn't have her bow anymore.  So I went to find it. I searched and I searched, but I couldn't find it.  I gave up and everyone went on their way, me back to office, Mike and Sarah off to wherever they were going.  I proceeded to work the rest of the afternoon.  As I am finishing up for the day I go to the restroom, as I am washing my hands I look in the mirror and notice that shirt doesn't look right... what is going on?  Well you guessed it.  I had a cute little white bow resting on my bra. OH MY GOSH!  I have been walking around all afternoon with a bow poking out awkwardly from my bra under my shirt.

Well played Sarah.  Well played.

You have to admit it's pretty genius to hide a bow there, it's the last place I would think look.  Anyway, this was just the first thing I found down my shirt.  I have since found cheerios, a magnet, her blankie, pacifiers, etc. down there.  It varies in degrees as to when I find them.  The blankie I found pretty quickly, the paci I didn't give back (um, yes daughter, I will gladly make any paci you give me disappear until nap time or bedtime).  Some I haven't found until I changed clothes at the end of the night.  It's crazy!  And like I said, she has put her arm down my shirt for as long as I can remember, so I just don't notice her doing it.  But yeah, that's another one of Sarah's secret hiding places.  So now I'm curious, do your kids hide things in weird places?  Thanks for checking in on us!

Ap-ple

Sarah has taken to calling everything Apple.  Which when she says it actually comes out Ap-ple.  Funny thing is, she doesn't even eat whole apples!  She'll eat applesauce, but she won't eat an actual apple.  This morning she busted out with Applesauce.  But just because she says it, doesn't mean she wants it.  She was having cereal and a banana for breakfast, when she looked up and said very clearly Ap-ple sauce.  So what do we do?  We go and get applesauce....  Did she eat the applesauce this morning?  Nope.  I'm sure she will later on today with her lunch or dinner, but she definitely didn't want it this morning.  But this word is said over and over and over in our house.

Me: "Sarah, do you want to go play?"
Sarah: "Ap-ple"

Me:  "Sarah, what shape is that?" (Talking about a square puzzle piece)
Sarah: "Ap-ple"

Me:  "Sarah, what are you doing?"
Sarah:  "Ap-ple"

Me:  "A is for..."
Sarah:  "Ap-ple"
Me:  "Yes! A is for apple!"
Me:  "B is for..."
Sarah:  "Ap-ple"
Me: "No, try again!  B is for..."
Sarah:  "Ap-ple"
Me: (points to picture of banana which she knows how to say and what it is)"What is this?"
Sarah: (turns page back, and points to apple) "Ap-ple"
Me:  "Yes, Apple!" (turns page forward) "B is for... What is this?" (whispers banana)
Sarah: (looks at me)
Me: whispers "Banana" again
Sarah: closes book, runs off "Ap-ple"

Me:  "That's a leaf"
Sarah: "Ap-ple"
Me:  "No, that's a green leaf"
Sarah:  "Ap-ple"
Me:  "You're silly! That's not an apple! It's a leaf" "Leaf"
Sarah:  "Ap-ple, ap-ple, AP-PLE!"

Me:  "Sarah, want a snack?"
Sarah:  "Ap-ple" (runs to pantry)
Me: "Okay we can have applesauce"
Sarah: "Mmmm"
Me:  "What would you like with your applesauce?"
Sarah: "Ap-ple-sauce"
Me:  "Yes! Applesauce! Would like something with your applesauce?"
Sarah:  (thinks, points to refrigerator) "Cheese"
Me:  "Okay"
(this time she was completely right :D )

Sarah:  (playing by herself) "Ap-ple, ap-ple, ap-ple, ap-ple ple ple, AP-PLE, AP-PLE, AP-PLE!"


She really can say so many things!  She is great at repeating words back to you, or suddenly busting out a new word when you least expect it.  Like she pointed to her potty, and said Oval clear as day.  Her potty actually is shaped like an oval, smart girl.  But then she goes back to saying apple.  I guess it's fun for her to say.  Just thought I'd share one of those things she's doing all the time right now.  It's cute, and she's good at saying it! Hope you're having a great day!

How To... Fold Infant Pajama's

So here's a quick little blog.  It came to me as I was sitting here folding Sarah's laundry.  I fold Sarah's clothes, or really all clothes, very specifically.  I like clothes to look neat in drawers and to keep outfits or in this case pajama's together in one spot, making it easy to grab and dress  I used to hang ALL of her clothing up, but as she gets bigger I'm adjusting our system to meet our needs.  With that said, I thought I'd share how I fold Sarah's two piece pajama's to keep them neat and together.



Start with unfolded pajama's.   I chose this set so you can see the top and bottom easily.

 

Step 1: Spread out the top front side down.  Spread out bottoms front side up.

 

 

Step 2: Fold in one arm of the top, making it even with the body.  Fold bottom in half pulling the crouch out to make a point.

 

 

Step 3: Fold in other arm on top, again keeping in line with the body.  Fold legs up to waist on bottoms.

 

 

Step 4: Place bottoms on top of folded arms.

 

 

Step 5: Fold lower hem of shirt over bottoms up to neckline.  The shirt is basically pocketing the bottoms.

 

Ta-Da!  This is the end product, and nice neat little bundle of pj's.

Here's what a stack of these pajama bundles look like after your done with laundry:

Nice, neat, and ready to go into the drawer of your choice!

Yes, I may have a slight OCD tendency, but hey, who doesn't like neat little stacks and organized drawers?  And since pj's are usually a no brainer, it's super easy to grab the next set and put them to use!  Enjoy!  Let me know if you found this little tip useful.  I always enjoy feedback!  Thanks for stopping by!

What's In Our Toddler Easter Basket

The Easter Bunny is hopping his way through our house tonight.  Yes, we do all fictitious people in our house.  Santa, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, etc.  We also do the true meaning behind all of the holidays, but what is childhood without magic??  Kids only get to be little once, why not fill it with as much magic as possible?  So tonight I thought I'd share what we put into our toddlers Easter Basket.

Sorry for the poor picture quality, but I'm not a photographer (and also sorry for the brown carpet, believe me, we hate it!)  To start, both Sarah and Haley have the same bunny basket with their name embroidered on the ear.  I ordered them last year and still think they are so cute!  Now for the filling we stuck with mostly toys because we will be doing an egg hunt with Sarah's cousins tomorrow where they will get plenty of treats.  On the left are Snug Bugs by B. toys.  Sarah is really into putting things together and taking them apart, so I thought these would be fun for her.  Plus, they are cute little bugs and butterfly's so they are spring(ish).  Next, are some chalk-a-doos.  I picked these up at dollar tree.  We've not really introduced the whole writing thing to Sarah yet, so that will be a fun outdoor activity (If spring ever decides to show up...).  Then I picked up a little thing of bubbles from Wal-Mart.  It has a spill proof toddler container.  Since we have little miss independence, I know that she will want to carry her own bubbles to play with, so that will be fun! (Again, spring we are patiently waiting for you...)  Then are a couple of Disney fruit crisp packs (to fill the sweet treat category).  And to top the whole basket off is a little yellow duck from Kohl's.  Nothing super fancy, but all things I know she will really love!

And here is the basket all put together.  As previously mentioned, we will be doing an egg hunt for Sarah and her little cousin who are about the same age.  Here's what we put in their eggs:

 

 

Starting with the back row left and moving clockwise: Mariani Yogurt Raisins, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Colors, Gerber Graduates Fruit and Veggie Melts (Very Berry Blend), Stretch Island Fruit Chews (oh so very strawberry), and Starburst Jelly Beans.  We also threw in a few plastic necklaces and stickers.  We kept it pretty simple with tried and true toddler favorites.  We've never given Sarah any kind of candy, so we'll see if she likes them.  I plan on cutting them in half and/or smooshing them so they are easy for her to chew.  But yeah, that's what we are giving to our toddler for her Easter treats.  Hoppy Easter!!!!!!!!

Does Sarah exist?

Sarah is in complete denial that she exists.  It's laughable I know.  But really, I believe it is a conscious decision to not acknowledge herself.  Okay, we have already covered that she loves books.  So we read books over and over and over again.  Well I believe in teaching Sarah whenever the opportunity presents itself through out our play time or in life.  So with some books we go through a million times, I start going over colors, or animal sounds, or identifying objects or body parts (believe me it helps break up the monotony of reading the same book over and over again).  So if I point at the toes in the book, then to her toes, she shakes her head "no" and pull her foot away.  But if I point at toes in the book then point to my toes, she laughs and thinks it's funny and makes the connection that the illustrations are of real things.  Same thing with eyes, nose, hair, hands, etc..  But, she absolutely refuses to acknowledge that she has a body.  She is more than happy to point out things on my body or her daddy's.  But not herself.  With any other object she'll just run and get it, picture of a cup, will send her on a mission to get her cup.  You get it.

But it's the same thing when it comes to pictures of herself.  Now, I know that pictures are a harder concept to grasp than say acknowledging her toes.  But she is really into looking at pictures on our wall, or in her photo album.  But if the picture is of her and me, and I point to her in the picture then point to her saying her name.  She'll shakes her head "no".  Like her thought bubble reads "No mom, that is not me".  But if I point to me in the picture and then to myself and say "Mommy", she gets it and will smile.  I can even ask "where is mommy?" and she'll look at me and smile.  If I point to a picture of daddy and ask "where is daddy?", she'll look around for him, and then point or smile at him.  If I point to her picture and ask "Where's Sarah?", she looks at me like I am crazy.  If I then point to her and say, "There's Sarah!" I get the same shaking of her head.  It's so funny!  If I persist, that the picture is of her and point to both the picture and herself, she looks at me like I'm crazy, gets frustrated and walks away, shaking her head again.  Her thought bubble in this case is "You just don't get it mom.  You had me going with the picture of you and daddy, but you must think I'm a fool if you think I'm going to believe that baby is me".

But this isn't always the case with the mirror.  Now, most of the time she still denies that the baby in the mirror is her.  But she will smile and kiss the baby every time.  The ONLY exception is if I put something on her head, like a bow.  If I put a bow on her and she starts to take it off, I'll walk her over to the mirror show her her reflection and say "how pretty" or "how beautiful".  When she sees herself in the mirror with the bow or hat, she will immediately leave it alone and start flirting with herself.  So I know that sometimes she gets it. 

What's even funnier, is that we have taught Sarah baby sign.  We did this because we wanted to cut down on the frustration of figuring out what she wants or needs.  But as of right now, she feels the need to do the signs on me rather than herself.  If she wants a bath, she'll run up to me and start rubbing my chest.  If she wants to eat, she'll come up to me and pat my mouth.  I think it's part of the self denial of her existance.  This part of her non existance is cute and I definately know what she is trying to tell me when she comes running up to do a sign.

I know that developmentally, she just may not be at the age where self awareness happens, but she's so quick when it comes to pointing out things around her that I think it's funny she won't acknowledge her toes.  She'll acknowledge her shoes and socks, but point to her naked foot and it's like they disappear.  I have a feeling that she is about to outgrow this phase of her life, so I wanted to be sure I got her quirkiness down on virtual paper.  I hope you enjoy!

P.S. - This whole thing goes out the window when we are playing peek-a-boo!  There is nothing that thrills her more that to reveal herself from under her blanket, or from behind our sheer curtains (which is her favorite place to play).  You should hear the giggles that come when she thinks she is invisible for real.  She's still too young for Hide and Seek, but that will be a fun game to teach her.  I'm pretty sure she'll be that kid with a bowl over her head thinking that it's covering her whole self from view.  Ah, I love playing with her and am looking forward to new games we'll get to play down the road...