A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014'
seriously - he is looking so much older it's killing me - SLOW DOWN! the reality is - he IS getting older. weighing in now at 37 pounds at 39 inches and going to pre-school in the fall.
we had so much fun with the 'big purple balloon - pa, pa, starts with P!'
We had so much fun, I had to post a few more pics from that day. This happened to be one of our first warm, sunny days this year too - hello Spring!
I think this is an interesting topic for parents. Do you own an iPad? Does your toddler have access to it? Are you concerned with screen time - do you limit it?
I have been asked these questions and have asked them several times. At almost 3, Rick and I have gotten into our comfort zone with iPad use. But that means screen time limitations for us as well.
The age old expression 'set an example' reigns true when it comes to technology use. Which is tricky for us - since our professions include - rather - DEPEND on the use of computers (remember my system crash? devastating....).
Not only is it important for us to limit ALL of our screen time, but also limit what is available ON the iPad. We used to have all sorts of apps from Netflix to PBS Kids, his games and a large stash of movies. We noticed that Soren was opening up PBS Kids and Netflix more often than his games which resulted in a whole lot of 'TV' watching (and memorization of the Cars script!).
Whether it is on a big screen in your home (we haven't owned a TV in more than 4 years!) or a tiny tablet - it's still TV. So, we talked about it and decided to delete those apps and keep his learning games (this is one of our favorites - and they just released this one too!). We also store it away for weeks at a time so that he continues to use his imagination and relies less on the iPad for entertainment. Bringing it out is a treat - although, I must admit - sometimes we do watch some space videos on YouTube *wink.
here he is playing endless alphabet - we keep this one on our phones too. it's a phonics based alphabet game. no matter where we are now - Soren points out letters to us and sounds them out. he will even tell you what words start with those letters. he said to me yesterday 'ja-ja momma - that's J. Jump starts with J!' then proceeded to show me what jumping is!
After being introduced to Montessori method education, I've become a bit obsessed. Ok, a lot obsessed. Especially if you ask my family members. It is such a great forum and the literature is filled with ideas on how to introduce learning into the everyday.
The last couple years, Soren and I have made gifts, cards, posters, stickers and now - wrapping paper. We snagged a sweet potato (go Paleo!) from the fridge - sliced it in half and carved (for Pappa's Valentine's Day gift) a 'X' on one and the other an 'O'. Soren wanted the red and white paint separate to start, but ended up with some swirls and pinks - we stamped away! The finished product looked incredible and we had a blast!
The next time you have gifts to wrap or looking to make some personalized cards - I highly recommend this activity. It's a blast seeing them stamp and get messy! Soren kept exclaiming - 'it's an X momma! and an O!!! I made SO many!!!'
07/52! 'it's a lightening bulb momma!' He is growing so fast I just can't take it!
Read MoreJust a quick note on what's new and old. We said goodbye to a few of Soren's curled locks this week. My little adventurer was up for the clippers so we gave him a nice short (but tasteful) 'do'. I couldn't believe how great he did, he just kept giggling, hesitantly 'my head tickwles...hehehe.'
I do miss those little locks and look forward to them growing in (which they do - very quickly).
Here is a before 'clippers' pic drinking Kefir. A standard favorite in our household. Also known as shake - because you have to 'shake it up' before drinking. He's always had a good taste for Kefir and it keeps those probiotics in that little belly as we cruise through this arctic winter!
We have a weekend filled with recording, mastering, a baby shower and a hopefully - a little family time ahead of us.
Happy Weekend and Happy Valentines Day!