Large Motor Skills

The challenge for baby number 2 is getting time in those special areas that baby number 1 spent so much time with both parents attention directed toward her. Discovery Museum days are spent chasing a 3 year old around her area with poor Pluggy strapped on my body. The older children are not allowed in the special area designed for the development of a baby. When Daddy is home we make an effort to go special places that give both children an opportunity to learn and grow. For the first time Pluggy was able to spend some time in "his area" and he enjoyed exploring. Developmentally right now he is working on large motor skills and practicing going up and over small bumps (big mountains to him) this is both challenging yet rewarding. With much encouragement he over came his desire to quit and made it up the hills.
We as adults can take a minute to learn from the patience of young children. It takes a lot of determination and patience to learn a new skill and children are masters. Where does that go as we age?
Pluggy was also interested in face recognition. On this day he was studying his own face and body. There is a three way mirror (Yikes for us adults) but for children it is the best place to learn about their little bodies. He made faces at himself, studied what would happen when he lifted one arm, then the other arm, and then both arms. He wanted to see what happens when he turns his face away from the mirror, where did it go, why can't he see it anymore, but then when he turned back he was starring at himself again. Discoveries at the Museum. It was good for him to have his time.

To Experience Water

One of the greatest aspects of living in California is the opportunity to experience 70 degree weather in January. We took this opportunity to give Pluggy some time in the water. He hasn't seen the water table in quite awhile and was excited to experience it as if it was the first time. At first he observed his sister as she, without hesitation, jumped right in and began discovering. His first step was to touch the water. Intrigued by the way it felt he continued to open and shut his hand over and over again. It wasn't too long before the splashing began. He loves to splash in the bathtub and it wasn't too different in the sensory table. Every action was preceded by a, "look what I did" as he would show us his hands as if his hands relayed the previous action on them.
Sensory experiences give children many learning opportunities. It facilitates the discovery of their senses. How materials feel, smell, taste etc. Children learn pre-math skills. Such skills include measuring/volume, spatial awareness, calculations. In science; how different materials react when the are stacked/poured/patted, along with testing and working through the scientific method. Adding materials only heighten this experience.

Christma Traditions

Our family holds strong to our Christmas traditions. Grandpa read The Night Before Christmas and a book about Jesus Birth. My two little ones loved listening to Grandpa read just as I did when I was a little one. Our Christmas books are read right before bed and right after they open a present that consist of special Christmas PJ's.
This was the beginning our Christmas's at home. Now the Stinky has gotten a little bigger we decided that it was important to have Christmas at home. The children get to sleep in their beds and anxiously await Santa's visit. Pluggy was so excited to receive another Taggie Blanket just like the one he always sleeps with. And so was Mommy considering I have been searching and searching for a second one without success. Taggie blankie number 1 was starting to get quite stinky.
The excitement was more than we could bear. For the first year Stinky was more excited about her gifts then we were. We loved watching her unwrap each one and proclaim "Ahhhh It's what I always wanted."

Magic Through the Eyes of a Child

Where is the most magical place in the world?

It's Disneyland!

It's amazing how Disneyland changes when you experience it through the eyes of you child. Somewhere in life that magic that you once felt as a child disappears and while for some (not me) Disneyland is still a fun place it changes. When you bring your children back that magic as you once felt it comes back as you watch your own children experience it. All the little things that you have forgotten to notice, are noticed by your children. Suddenly the frequent stops to gaze with wonder into the little things that as adults we walk right by. To my daughter who found nothing more amazing then the Princesses and their castle. Although it was been a few months still since we visited Disneyland the magic is still alive in our house through the memories my daughter communicates daily.

Where Have I Been?

Time just keeps passing me by so quickly I can't keep up. Where have I been? It started with an amazing trip to China. Petting Giant Pandas, Walking on the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Toilets consisting of a small holes in the ground minus toilet paper and soap, Food Poisoning and most importantly time with family. Was the trip challenging with a 6 month old and a 2.75 year old? Yes! Was it amazing? Yes! Did my children get to experience a whole new world while bonding with her cousins? Yes! An amazing trip to say the least. When we came home we hit the ground running. Halloween, Disneyland, Stinky's Birthday and ofcourse each needing a mommies touch with homemade items and lots of love. Lot's of preparations, late nights, and a little craziness kind of love. But more on the beautiful results of my labor later. So here we are two weeks from Christmas and I find myself in the middle of great Holiday spirits and many half finished projects. Along with the stress of buying a house and DH changing jobs. That's how we role. Busy Busy Busy! But full of fun. So I hope to hit the blogging world again with new ideas and a look at my latest projects and activities.

Daredevil

Something his little is not, daredevil. He loves being thrown, jumping, swinging. These types of activities bring instant laughs and giggles. The first time he went on a swing was pure joy. He grabbed on to the swing with a big smile on his face. Ok so maybe there was one "Oh Sh**" look but after the initial shock he didn't want to get down. He loves to be outside with the wind blowing, the smell of fresh air and all things the gets to see. Walk inside cry cry cry, walk outside silence. It is interesting how different he is when he is outside. It looks like camping, hiking, biking is in future.

5 Year Ago Today!

5 years ago today I married who has become my best friend and the love of my life. It is amazing how much you can grow together in just 5 years. We are great co-workers in our family and with every child we have become that much closer. I say co-workers because truly that is what two parents are when leading a family. We work together to find the best solutions in the raising of children, we plan short term and long term goals for our family unit, we lean on one another to get through busy/tough times, and we celebrate together when our work pays off. A marriage is a full time job and in order to succeed at it you must work at it. I am privileged to have a partner that feels the same way. And in that I have a happy marriage, forever evolving as our family ebbs and flows. I am so thankful to look forward to my husband coming home every night because I get to spend time with him and being excited for the weekend so we can hang out together. To you honey, I love you so much and can not think of a better way to walk through life but standing right next to you.