Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
My husband and I try to give our boys chores and responsibilities. We started with small things like cleaning up toys, putting clothes in the hamper, and making their beds. To be honest, they don’t always do their chores, but they do their best to remember and if they don’t, I remind them. Lately, Jack has been asking what he can help with around the house. He likes to do “grown up” things now, to include helping with the dishes.

I don’t mind doing dishes, but having an extra set of hands is always helpful. Jack will help me dry the larger dishes and even put away the clean ones from the dishwasher. I don’t make him dry anything really fragile. Besides, he can barely reach where they need to go.

I love that Jack is helping with more and more things around the house. When his father is out of town, it really helps me out and saves me time. I also like that Jack is learning new things and taking on more responsibility. It’s part of growing up, and, sadly, that is just what my big kid is doing.

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Hudson took his first steps a few days ago! It was thrilling. I propped him up, encouraged him, and after a couple of tries, two steps! A few minutes later, we had three. By the time Haley came home from school that afternoon, he was doing six at a time as if to say, “Check me out, Sister!” Haley was so excited and proud. I relished the sweet moment.

Hudson also finally has two teeth poking out of his gums. Haley has gotten into her head that the main point of having teeth is talking. Sure, teeth play a pivotal role in being able to talk, but I find it so funny that that’s her focus. Although Hudson isn’t reciting Shakespeare just yet, his babbling has increased. Lately not only is he giving us lots of “Mamamama” and “Dadadada” but he can say his favorite food: “nana”, also known in English as “banana”.

His new milestones remind me how quickly children develop after age one. It’s also a reminder that he can handle much more. Second children sometimes get lost in the shuffle, but I know I need to take the time to read to him specifically, teach him his body parts, challenge him at the baby gym and playground, etc. I was always on top of these tasks with Haley because it seemed like there was really nothing else to do! One more child has somehow made me exponentially busier. But I need to make the time. At this age, Hudson is a sponge and it’s my job to make sure he has plenty to absorb.

From Friday Mom – Erin:
As I may have mentioned previously, Rory loves music.  We purchased him a toy guitar last winter, but just about anything he can find can be a guitar to him, and no stage is too small to belt out a song or two.

Earlier this week, we were all hanging out in the playroom after dinner time and my husband asked Rory (who was singing at the time) if we could have a family band.  We all proceeded to sing seasonally inappropriate Christmas carols together until bedtime.

Clearly, Rory enjoyed himself, because he has been requesting family band time each evening since.  Last night, Charlotte even tried to join in the fun by pulling up on my leg while I strummed on my popper “guitar.”

I love how vivid Rory’s imagination is and I love being able to engage in such play with him.  Even if the band interest subsides, I am sure next week’s obsession will be equally fun, if not more so.