January and February Updates

January

The Farm Show - One of our favorite winter events in Pennsylvania is the annual Farm Show.  Since Luke loves anything with wheels we thought he might like it - and, boy, did he ever! :) 

"Paw" (Luke's version of Grandpa) took him to test out a tractor. 

Ice cream at the Farm Show

This nice sheepie let us touch her.

Luke's FAVORITE spot was the corn box - like a sandbox, but with corn.  While other kids were loading corn into funnels, buckets and trucks, he was moving it around and laying in it.  Guess he's at a very sensory stage!
  

First Snowman - Guess who was more excited to build it, Mommy or Luke?

Well, he did like the carrot. 

I rolled the snow into balls enthusiastically, but his interest level was still zilch.

 This was my attempt to get a picture of him and 'his' snowman together. 

This is where Luke spent the majority of the time I was building the snowman: inching toward the road and watching my face intently for a reaction, giggling all the while.

It must be very entertaining for him to see just how far he could  go before Mommy started her sing-song "Luuuuuke....where are you going??  No, no buddy.... Champ, listen to Mommy...." and finally rushed to get him.

He got a few behind swats with this snowman building - maybe next time it will be a backyard snowman!

 Fun with Jade

Jade is Matthew's goddaughter.

Her family was over for  a visit and this cuteness popped out of a box!

 February
Attempt to Get More Done in the Kitchen

Read this idea online and though it sounded brilliant!  Luke loves water, loves bath toys and could stay in the regular bathtub for up to 40 minutes.  Surely this would be a huge time saver for me!

  It worked out like this:  He played in here for 20 minutes, totally self entertained while I got 'stuff done' nearby.   Then he realized he could almost climb up over the edge of the tub.  Hmmmm.  Wet little naked boy trying to escape the tub. I could see the fall waiting to happen, so we packed up the fun.  It was  a nice try though, and who knows, we may do it again.

 "On!"

Light switches are very intriguing to Luke right now. He realized he can climb up on his little chairs by himself and reach the kitchen switch.   Not safe, I know.  I did try to teach him not to do this, but he thought it was funny to do the opposite of what I asked.   I can't spend all day keeping him away from the chairs and I don't want to remove them since we do use them. He hasn't fallen and I like to think that climbing is good for kids.  Plus...

It makes him SO VERY HAPPY! 

Outside

It's been too cold to walk the 30 minutes to the park, so on Monday we went into the backyard to get some fresh air.  It's not much of a play area yet -  no swings or toddler toys,  but there are some trees, a flagstone pathway, patio and grassy areas to run around on.  I took hot chocolate for me and Luke went exploring.

He mainly walks in circles, watching his feet.  Very cute.  He also likes to go up and down small ledges or uneven surfaces.  He goes one way, then turns around and goes the other.  He loves being chased.  So much to learn!  I was entertained just watching him!

And of course he found the grill and wanted it "On!"

 Helper in the Kitchen

Licking whipped cream off the beater while 'helping' me in the kitchen.

Lately my little buddy has wanted to "help" whenever I'm doing anything at the kitchen counter.   He says, "Hep, hep!" and starts dragging one of his little chairs over to the sink.

Cooking and clean-up is slower this way, but more fun (usually for me, but always for him).  It's been a good lesson for me in slowing down to enjoy the little joys in life, giving up hurry and impatience to savor each gift we're given.

I hope this finds you all well and savoring each gift you're given this winter!  

Love,

Laurie