Anna's Table

Birthdays usually come early in our household because once we buy a present for someone we can't wait to give it to them. We actually did pretty good with this since we waited a whole two weeks after purchasing it before putting it together :). Here's Anna at her new table.



It has been a hit! Every morning Anna goes right to the table and starts coloring. As of now, I'm leaving the crayons, coloring books and Color Wonder markers where she can get them whenever she wants; if they start traveling around the house we may have to rethink this. I really (REALLY!) like that Anna can now pick up her own crayons if they roll off the table rather than having to constantly pick them up; this makes coloring a more fun and less frustrating activity for me :).

Today Anna wanted to have snack at her table which is so adorable. The only problem now is she is at puppy height.

The table we ended up buying was the Kritter series from Ikea. We liked the bright colors and stability of it, not to mention it was reasonably priced. Now, back to coloring...

Hi Dadda

Happy 5 Months, Madelyn!

She's eating like a champ, constantly rolling over and starting to sit up by herself. What will 6 months bring!?!?

Going Bananas

Maddie had her first taste of bananas last night and she loved them. I guess you could say I "made" my first baby food but really it seemed too simple to even say that - why did I buy this pre-made before? I took part of a ripened banana (Anna gladly ate the other part) and mashed it with a fork; I added a little breastmilk to make it a thinner consistency and 30 seconds later it was ready. Tonight I'm going to make squash and apples to store in the freezer for when Maddie is ready for them. This could be fun afterall.

Back to Marbles

My husband was off of work today so we thought we would head downtown for what has become our annual trip to the Marbles Kids Museum. We took Anna for her first birthday and thought that being almost 2 would be double the fun. We arrived around 9:30 and it was somewhat peaceful. Anna first enjoyed playing with the blocks which were a new addition to the play area (I think daddy was having fun too.) The train table was also a hit.



Anna was also able to try out several careers: Should she work at the grocery store? Drive a mail truck? Perhaps be a personal chef? Or maybe even a pirate?!?



One area that Anna enjoyed that she was not able to do as a one year old was the water zone. There were tables set up that had running water, cups and other fun water toys. (They provide aprons to keep the kids from getting too wet.)



By 11:00 the school-aged children had arrived and the place was getting crowded; time to leave. I can't wait to go back when Maddie can enjoy it too.

A Change of Season

Yesterday was the first day of fall and as Anna and I walked back from the playground I could feel the new season in the air. It has gotten cooler here in Raleigh and we've pulled out our jeans and crockpot (at least for the week).

I think Anna's favorite thing about fall are the school buses full of kids. Lately she has been waking up from her nap saying "bus, bus". We then either sit on the front porch and watch the buses and kids go by or walk down to the playground. How nice it is to be able to get back outside after staying out of heat most of the summer, except at the pool of course. Fittingly, today is the first day of Take a Child Outside Week; a week focusing on getting kids outside and enjoying nature.

At MOPS today we had a speaker from Raleigh Parks and Rec to highlight some of the outdoor activities the city offers. As they passed around an 85 page booklet (for both kids and adults) I was amazed at all of the programs. One program I found interesting was Wee Walkers (Age: 1 yrs and up. Would you and your toddler like some company for your walks? Join others on an easy paced hike around the park. This is a great opportunity for adults and little ones to meet each other and explore nature. ) The girls and I may check this out next month.

To the outdoors we go!

Rice Cereal

It was a rough weekend around our house, one plagued with illness and sleepless nights, but we made it through. One bright spot was Maddie's first experience with rice cereal. It was a little earlier than I had anticipated doing it but I think this was the right time. With Anna I watched the calendar, I couldn't wait to start solids. With Maddie, I watched her. They both showed most if not all of the signs when they started but I must say Maddie had lately been looking like she was on a quest for food.

So here's her first spoonful of rice cereal and breastmilk (I decided to buy rice cereal rather than make my own):



Just as expected, more cereal came out than went in but I think it was more from laughing at Anna than the tongue reflex.



I guess it's time I start getting my supplies if I'm really going to make Maddie's baby food - it's kinda funny that this may be the only time I'm ever going to need an ice cube tray :).