Dramatic Play

Dramatic play is one of the most important types of play for children. This is where they learn how things work around them. Children are the greatest observers, they notice things that adults don't take the time to notice or things that adults take for granted as everyday occurrences. Children need to take what they observe and practice it to get a better understanding as to how and why things work the way that they do.

I bought a basket at the flea market and in the basket were some picnic items. I only wanted the basket so I placed the picnic items in a open basket with a handle, along with some napkins, straws and plastic silverware. Stinky took this opportunity to practice setting the table; an activity she observes mommy do every night before dinner. Once she had set the table I suggested her play food as an option to enhance the activity.

"The serious side of life, with all its demands is daily work, is re-enacted in deep earnestness by the child in it play." Rudolf Steiner, The Child's Changing Consciousness and Waldorf Education

Reach For It, Reach For It

Pluggy has started reaching for toys and Stinky enjoys handing them to him.

He has begun exploring the world in the way a four month old knows best. Oral exploration is one of the beginning stages of learning about the world around us. Putting items in the mouth gives babies a chance to test out the taste and texture of different items. Sofie the giraffe is Pluggy's favorite item right now. He can make her squeak and he love chewing on her limbs.

Stinky Loves To Sing

From the beginning Stinky has loved music. She has gotten to a point in her development where she wants to memorize songs. She will listen to a song over and over and over again until she has memorized the whole thing. Her latest favorite song is what she calls, "Daddy's Song". Why? This is the song that she hears on my phone when Daddy is calling me to tell me he is coming leaving work. Coincidentally (or not) this is our wedding song as well.

When Pluggy was born Stinky received a boom box from us as a "I still love more than anything" gift. We had put a bunch of familiar songs on the boom box so when were at the hospital she could listen to songs that she listens to with Mommy and Daddy. One of our main goals is to give our children as many opportunities to be independent. The boom box/mp3 player is made for children to easily manipulate the stop/go and up/down keys. She is able to turn it on, listen to whatever she wants and then turn it off.

She carries her little boom box around listening to "Daddy's Song" and singing along. She wants to sleep with it on, she loves to sing to Pluggy, and she loves sitting on our front porch listening to the song and singing it over and over again. It is so sweet to hear her little voice singing. Every time I hear her singing I have to stop and inconspicuously listen to her. Some of my greatest moments as a parent.

Putting Myself Out of A Job

I was given a great idea from a wise mom in my mommy group. She was telling a story about how much her daughter likes to help and that her goal was to put herself out of a job by training her daughter to do all the chores. I liked that. At this age children like helping mommy with chores. I have started looking for opportunities for Stinky to help me in my everyday chores. She has really enjoyed not only the process of doing the chores but the time spent talking and working along side Mommy. I have enjoyed letting her explore the world of cleaning. Other chores she enjoys is moving the laundry from washer to dryer, handing me dishes from the dishwasher and bringing folded clothes from the living room into her bedroom. If only she enjoyed picking up her toys and putting them away.

We Love Animals

I love love love farm animals. If San Jose allowed me to have a farm in my little condo I would start with a pig and a cow, but unfortunately it's against the law. Whenever given the chance I love exposing my children to animals. And we get as close as they let us. Even though we live in the city I plan on involving my children in 4-H. I think learning to take care of these animals and understanding where I food comes from is important. Stinky loves goats. Anywhere we go she wants to touch, watch and laugh with the goats. The fair was Pluggy's first up close and personal experience with horses.

Roll'n Roll'n Roll'n Oooooover

Pluggy has decided the sooner the better. At 3.5 months he began his journey towards crawling/walking/running. He can roll from back to tummy but still hasn't figured out how to roll from tummy to back. He doesn't appear to mind though because he is focused on scrunching those legs up and scooching forward. I have been putting toys in front of him just out of reach enticing him to move forward. His is also working on his 360's. He turns his body in circles. His motivation - looking for mommy. My little mommy's boy wants eye contact at all times.

Pluggy finding his hand

I am constantly putting mirrors up in front of Pluggy. I want him to see what he is doing and discover more about himself. This is one of the first time he found his fists and he really enjoyed putting it in his mouth. It was even more fascinating to him to watch it in the mirror. Baby discoveries are so awesome to see not only us as parents but for the babies as well.