Toddlers and their rocks

     Saturday I put on a sweatshirt I had in the car, reached in the pocket and pulled out a rock, lol.  I thought 'that's when you know you're a mom'.  When else and for what other reason would you have a random, seemingly ugly, rock in your pocket?  The only explanation I can think of is your child loves rocks.  

      L does loves rocks.  She carried three rocks home from our walk the other day, the whole time saying "my rock collection".   There has been one in her car seat cup holder for weeks.  She is always pointing them out or picking them up when we are outside.  

    Not sure what she likes so much about these pieces of nature but I just figure it's part of being a kid.  Loving nature in its entirely, not so pretty rocks and all.  Really when you think about it thats kind of nice.  I wish I could see the beauty in a gray piece of hardened  earth the way she can.

    

Oatmeal Play dough

       I love it when you stumble on a winning activity.  This one was not at first but it turned into a winner.  L had fun helping me mix the oatmeal, water, flour, and food coloring, which was great because it extended the activity time.  

Once it was mixed she thought it was a snack though, even though I had gotten out the rolling pin and some cookie cutters.  (note to self, buy some play dough toys)  

       After trying and failing to convince her that it was only for molding I broke out the toothpicks.  The toothpicks saved this activity.  L really enjoyed sticking the toothpicks into the dough rolled into a ball.  

      The recipe says it will last for 3 days.  I put it in a ziplock bag with the intent to use it again.  Unfortunately I forgot about it and it molded.  At least this activity created some fun for one morning, which makes it a winner in my book.  I will make this again but I will be sure to use it more than once. 

       Here is the link to the recipe. http://spoonful.com/crafts/oatmeal-clay

Resigning to the fact that TV really is ok.

L, my two year old, has turned into a TV Lover.  This pregnancy has done that to her.  I have been exhausted for much of it, well I'll be honest for all of it.  I'm at 31 weeks so I'm just waiting for the nesting to kick in.  

Back to the TV.  Today she told me today "I want to build a snow man".  Then she asked me where princess Anna is.  Lol you can add her to the list of Frozen lovers.  

Daniel Tiger is still our all time favorite.  We have watched each eposoide more times than I can count.  I can't wait for September when the next season starts.  But I do kinda like the fuzzy guy.  Even if I have noticed L adding "mow mow"

(her cat sound) at the end of a few sentences.  There are good lessons in it and we use those silly jingles often.  

PBS also puts out Curious George, she refers to this as just the monkey show.  We can't forget her first love Elmo.  She only liked the red guy at first but now she enjoys the whole gang.   

    Although I kept her away from the screen for about 18 months. I have now embraced this love.  While it should be used sparingly, and i dont enjoy the fit of "Daniel Iger, one more ime", it has some practical uses.  For example, when forced to be awake at 5:30 AM a 30 minute show gives me a chance to get some liquid energy in my body in peace so I can conquer a day full of two year old attitude.