Thank You, Ms. Gail

When I need to start dinner before Paul gets home, I will sometimes gate myself (and Wrangler) in the kitchen, leaving Sophie in the great room playing. I turned around tonight and this is what I found. Actually, the first thing she did was have her knees resting on that middle bar, but by the time I grabbed the camera, she had gotten her feet up there.

I know Ms. Gail must feel so proud, since she was teaching Sophie how to climb out of the pack 'n play at preschool. So to Ms. Gail, I say, "Thank you, thank you very much!"

Tot School: The Beginning

So there is a blogger who home schools all three of her children, one is a toddler, one a preschooler and one elementary age. If you know me, you know that homeschooling is not for me or my family, but I like some of her ideas. Basically, she came up with activities geared toward each of her kids to do during "school" time. The ideas for both the preschooler and toddler are similar to what I call table top toys at the Preschool. Because I sometimes feel like Sophie and I are always out and about, I like this idea of focused, intentional time together.

Sophie loves stickers and they keep her busy. I have to take them off the sheet but then she gets to stick them down. I got this sticker pack at Target today. It has a fold-out card that you add bakery stickers.




I took 10 straws and showed her how to put them in a large cup I found in the cabinet. She got bored with putting them into the cup fairly quick, but loved getting them back out so I could put them in again.

I raided MIC's closet and found these plastic spiders. Sophie and I worked on colors and sorting. Okay, I sorted by color, Sophie just put them in and out of the compartments.

Zoo & Train Ride

Sophie and I went to the zoo this morning. We've never made to the Texas part of the exhibits or ridden the train so that was the plan. Because we were going to ride the train, I really didn't want to take the stroller. I always said I would never, ever, never, ever put a leash on my child...never say never! I weighed the pros (and the only cons were my previous conviction not to do it and Paul's feelings of the same) and decided that at least for the zoo, it was a great idea. Here are the pros:

1. I end up taking her in and out of the stroller so she can see the animals, now she'll be right there, no buckles or straps to mess with.
2. The stroller is bulky and I hate to leave it off to side when my stuff is in it, now I can get closer to the exhibits without worrying about the stroller.
3. Sophie loves to move, walk, run, climb, etc.; the harness gives her the freedom and option to do all of these.
4. She and I are at those heights where holding her hand puts me in just a slightly slumped position; leash=no leaning over.
5. Holding her hand can make her off balance at times; hands-free to keep her steady.
6. In the enclosed areas, like the penguins and reptile museum, Sophie gets to lead me to what she wants to see.
7. The harness I got has a small pocket where I can keep our zoo card and cash so I don't have to go searching the backpack when I need to get train tickets or a snack.
8. Sophie is just so stinking cute, wearing a leash really doesn't change anything!

Paul hates the idea, but I don't have to use it if he's around...he can lean over or carry her wriggly body everywhere.

We had a great time. I ended up carrying her a lot because she was tired, but it was still easier than getting her in and out of the stroller. We didn't see the giraffes, but the gorillas were out and about. And she got really excited when the zebra started making noises!

Let's Play

Just some random pictures of Sophie having fun!

Temper Tantrums

She may only be 14 months but she sure can throw a fit!

This is what she did after I showed her the video above and then took the camera away.

What's in the Bag?

The kitties love bags, I mean love, love, love bags. This blue one got left out and Sophie started dragging it around. At first, I couldn't figure out why she was having such a hard time with it. Then I noticed the kitty in the bag.

Boxes of Fun

We are still opening MIC boxes. Sophie thinks the box is the best part.

Sophie's not the only one who likes boxes!