Waterworld

In the Beginning...

Yesterday, Braden and I began our first Kindermusik class together. It's a marvelous (pre)preschool age program that emphasizes learning through music, dance, movement, communication and creativity. Braden is in a small group of about 8 toddlers . He is on the young end of the age spectrum, but based on his enthusiastic involvement, he fit right in.

We learned new songs about tools and dusting. We did an interpretive dance demonstrating high and low. Braden's favorite activity used musical, primarily percussion, instruments that were passed from toddler to toddler. Miss Cathy, our group leader, shared a gentle and deft touch with each toddler; engaging a group of toddlers, not to mention their parents, is a bit like herding squirrels at the park. But patience prevailed, while putting me at ease with Braden's desire to socialize with parents and students alike during the class. He's quite the social butterfly.

It occurred to me after class, that this was the first step in Braden's journey down the path of organized learning. I am so proud of his eagerness to try new things as well as his innate ability to take extended naps at the end of a big day.

Straw Poll

As of last Saturday, Braden has mastered the fine art of sucking through a straw. I marvelled at his ability to draw an Aloha Pineapple Jamba Juice smoothie through the big, red, thick straw. In all the excitement, he helped himself to more than his one-year-old, fair-share of smoothie; I think he was just so pleased he could do it finally. Now he wants to drink everything through a straw. Quite hilarious.
-I'll try to get a picture for the blog with Daddy's assistance- hard to balance a messy smoothie, a straw, a 15 month old and a camera. I'd like to avoid all foreseeable disasters if possible. I can dream....

Name That Post!

Thought it would be fun to see what YOU would title this clip of Braden. Post your entry in the "Comments" section below.
Get those creative juices flowing....
and GOOD LUCK!

Super Chalk

Braden opened his first bucket of "Super Chalk" today. We laughed, we colored and we even broke a few pieces of chalk. Great fun was had by all.

Tonight's Top Ten List

Things Braden Can Say Or Do
Number.......

10.Brush his teeth

9. Eat 5 Goldfish crackers at a time

8. Pet Indy softly

7. Eat with a fork... on purpose

6. Identify his, or your, nose, ear, and head

5. Run!

4. Indicate he needs a diaper change by bringing you a fresh diaper

3. Blow you a kiss goodbye

2. Open doors in our house

and the number one thing that Braden can say or do is......

1. Say Please when asking for something, or technically, "Peas"

Spiderman, Spiderman!

Braden and I went to the Sacramento Zoo today. We met up with our friends, the Clemens and Cole families in anticipation of Spiderman making a special Spidey appearance. Even though we all arrived when the zoo opened, the line to meet Spiderman was over two hours long. So, we took the more traditional route and looked at the animals instead. It was wonderful to see Braden comprehend and celebrate the wildlife in person. His favorite animal was the Giraffe. He also enjoyed the Great Hornbill, the Rhinoceros Iguana, and the Gibbons. Braden even made a monkey noise in recognition of his brethren.

A special thank you to Maddie (she is 4) who was kind and mature enough to share her special, new "zoo key" with Braden. Danny is lucky to have such a thoughtful big sister!