Social Butterfly

Makaela went to three birthday parties over the span of two weeks. For some reason this was so crazy to me. I'm not sure why it never occurred to me that all her little buddies, so close in age, would obviously all have birthdays close together. Common sense, I sometimes lack. 

I'm glad Mak's birthday is one of the later ones, because now I've gotten to see how other people tackle the all important FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY and I've learned what seems to work well. 

Eeeeeee, baby girl's birthday is SO soon. I just can't believe it. Okay, I'm going off on a tangent. Reel me back in before I launch into the detailed plans for her party.

She has four little friends that she spends time with every week. We've met them at playgroups or story time and now regularly hang out. Makaela seems to love hanging with her pals, and especially enjoys playing with toys they have at their homes, that we do not have! 

The other moms and me all agree that the kids are a lot less clingy to mommy when they are in a different space and with other people. Win, win. 

Oh and they really do seem to learn from each other. It may sound funny, but after hanging with her friends Makaela always seemed more determined to try new things (like walking!).

It's been fun to watch all the kids grow and hit different milestones. They are all unique and it is wonderful. Some have more teeth than others, some walk, some scoot...you get the point.

The first time I took Makaela to a playgroup I was super nervous. I was worried other parents would be judgmental and would sit there comparing the kids "Well MY daughter..." Eww. Who likes that?! But fortunately I've been lucky to meet some cool parents! We mostly talk about random non-baby related stuff, but when we do get on the topic of baby we tend to talk about how we miss napping and sleeping through the night :-p

My advice to anyone looking to take their little one to a play group is to not get discouraged. You may not love the first one, or the first five, that you go to, but you will eventually find one that is a good fit for you. I take Makaela to a few different ones, and they definitely each have their own "vibe." 

And yes, that is cake on her face. Incredibly delicious chocolate banana cake, to be exact.

Can't leave a birthday party without a messy face now can we? Of course not. That'd just be silly.

Library Baby Learning Playgroup

Since our move to Alabama, I've been trying to get involved in as much as possible. For one, I want to meet people and make friends. Secondly, I am trying to take advantage of the fact that I am not working right now and get to spend the day with my little lady!

Back in October we started going to "Baby Learn and Play"- a free program hosted by one of the local public libraries. It is ideal for babies age 3 months to 2 years old and is scheduled for 30 minutes (but typically runs about 45 minutes) once a week.  We go every week and it is something that both me and Makaela really look forward to!

The group is hosted by a woman who volunteers. She designed the program after being inspired by a similar program her daughter took part in back in Washington. You can tell she is truly passionate about it, and has even purchased the large playmat, several books and toys for the kids to utilize.

We always start out by going around and introducing each child. The group sings "Hi Makaela! How are you? Stand right up and we'll clap for you!" Makaela EATS THIS UP. She literally smiles from ear to ear when everyone claps for her. It melts my heart.

Next, we sing a few songs out of a cute paper book also made by Ms. Moon, the volunteer coordinator. All of the songs are interactive and the kids seem to really enjoy them. Next, Ms. Moon reads a few stories to the kids. Lastly, she dumps out a bunch of toys and the kiddos play and interact while the parents socialize.

I've met some really nice parents and enjoyed the conversations we have had.  And of course I have LOVED seeing Makaela socialize with other babies. She is fascinated with all the other littles...especially the boys (uh-oh!) and she just loves trying to hold hands with other kids, sharing (or stealing) toys and kissing Ms. Moon's baby doll.

This past week we were surprised with a visit from the local news! They heard about the program and wanted to highlight it on the news. I took a video of the news report when it ran on my TV but I've also included the link to the WTVY article and news clip. Better get an agent because we've got a small town celebrity on our hands ;-)

http://www.wtvy.com/home/headlines/Daleville-Babies-Get-Headstart-on-Learning-234309771.html

Busy body baby

This little girl is forever on the go lately. She always wants to be doing something (she gets it from her daddy). Oh to have that energy...

By noon we've already played in her activity center, spent time on her playmat, played with toys and the dogs during tummy time, gone on a walk and helped with chores. 

After all that, I usually panic for a moment and wonder to myself how I'm ever going to keep her occupied for the rest of the day...thank goodness for naps, story time, bath time and days at the pool. 

Just the other day she scooted herself (backwards) across the entire living room and ended up under that table. It was hilarious peeking at her through the glass.

We also can't get enough of pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo.

All in a day's fun my friends!