Holiday Amazement

We went from a baby, to a boy in two years of a blink. After celebrating our son's two year birthday, we then headed off on vacation during the Thanksgiving break. Upon our return, it was all about getting ready for the Christmas holiday season. We really were not sure if our son was really going to get it this year. But, to our amazement he did...he connected Santa Claus to the tree and presents. He also connected the baby Jesus and his birthday. As we woke up Christmas morning, it was truly a magical moment. Of course, the best gift in his mind was a huge dump truck, all else didn't matter.
A few observations to share as we made it through the holiday craze:
* Involve your child - we actually involved him in every phase of the season from picking the tree, to decorating, to wrapping presents and setting up the manger. Each step of the way, we kept reinforcing what Christmas was about.
* Focus on one item - this is a tough one, but we found that when focusing on one gift or item at a time, while allowing time for each to be enjoyed, it seemed to have a bigger impact. During the following days of Christmas, we are making time to enjoy one item at a time to fully feel the excitement of each.
* Capture the moment - of course this is completely obvious, but important. We have gotten into a regular habit of showing recent video to our son to revisit the recent memories...he seems to get as much thrill viewing his birthday and Christmas morning as he did during each day.
Live Appley!

It's Dark

As I arrive home in the evening, its getting darker and darker each day. It amazes me how our son continues to learn words and understand mother nature. Just the other day, he pointed outside and said "dark...see dark." So we went outside and he continued to say "Ohhh...dark..." He then pointed at the sky and said "stars." Not sure who taught him the word or visual of stars (not me or my wife), but it was a great moment.
So, many evenings we go outside prior to going to bed and feel the cool air, stare at the stars and say "night sky."
I really think by doing such simple activities, he will have a better feel for his surroundings and appreciate the many beauties of the outdoors.

Keeping Busy and Focused

We have entered the 22 month phase where focus is key...our son seems to be interested in everything, and stays attentive for only so long.
What we have found is that less is better - so we may not put every toy out for him to be involved, but rather a few...this seems to definitely help with his staying attentive to an activity for a longer period of time. And it seems to be definitely working as he tends to "complete" or stay on an activity with higher interest.
Try it, let me know...
Live Appley!

Nothing Better Than The Hug

Its amazing how our son continues to develop and become more and more of a person.
The latest is the hugs and kisses - there is really nothing better than coming home from work, unlocking the door and having our child run over to me with a big hug and kiss. Added to this is his attempt to chat about his day - some words are becoming understandable, which is really neat...ooking forward to the forthcoming conversations...
Live Appley!

Safety First

It's been a while since I entered some thoughts...our boy is 18 months young and growing fast...its incredible how fast!

So, now that he is into everything, more attention is being made to safety. Literally everything he is around can potentially be harmful - from electrical sockets, to extension cords to a nail clipper left on my nightstand - we have to constantly think of ways to be proactive to avoid any mishaps.



Now, I'm not saying that you have to watch every move your child makes, but I would suggest a quick check on items around the yard and house that can be placed or moved in a safer place in order to avoid any mishaps. A few tips to keep in mind:

*Reach Out - consider items that are within your child's reach; move to a different location to out smart your child - out of reach!

*Lock It - any draws or closets that may have harmful items - i.e. cleaning supplies; etc... don't take any chance - lock it down with safety clamps or other helpful items.

* Watch the Path - move items that are in the common path of your child - yes, it involves bending down often, but helps avoid those common trips and falls

* Step Lightly - stairs are tricky (to say the least); allow your child to attempt stairs, but make sure you are close behind to avoid any traumatic slips and falls