Let's talk about play time.
Now that Maylin is getting a little older she is becoming more aware of her surroundings. This has made play time much more interesting for both of us! Now that she can hold her head up and focus on patterns and pictures, I've been pulling down some of her toys for wake time. It is so fun to watch her eyes lock on a pattern. She will intently stare at it, as if she's trying to figure it out. I can almost see her little brain working!
In an effort to not overstimulate her I've decided to introduce one toy and one book a week. This week I chose
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. I'm so glad I chose this one to start off because of the pictures. She is completely engaged at looking at them. I think she could stare at red bird and white dog for hours if only she could keep her head up that long!
The toy we're playing with this week is a cloth, fold-out, elephant-shaped book that is manipulative. This was a gift from Ellie (Michael's mom) that she gave me a couple months before Maylin was born.
I hadn't intended on using this "toy" this week, but as I pulled it out the elephant's ear crinkled, which made a sound like wrapping paper. Maylin was on her mat at the time and she immediately looked up at the sound. I had intended to use something simpler, like a rattle, as a toy this week to practice tracking noises with her eyes, turning her head while on her tummy, etc. but when I saw how this one got her attention I decided to give it a try. Not only does she love the sound of the elephant's ear, she also loves the patterns and colors of the book. There's even a mirror on the inside, which is an added bonus. This girl already loves to look at herself!
This week is really the first time we've practiced the art of "playing" together, and I must admit it's quickly becoming my favorite part of our day. I'm trying to clench tightly to these moments and celebrate each new milestone that Maylin achieves.
These are the times I want to remember when I look back on being a young mother. I want to remember the simple joy of watching Maylin turn her head, focus on my face, respond to my voice. I want to cling to the thrill of seeing her roll over for the first time, which she did yesterday (albeit unintentionally!). I want to store away in the files of my heart exactly the feelings I have right now. Simple, contented joy.
1 comment:
Playtime is so much fun!! =) And that's one of Alice's favorite books, too!! Her new fav toy is a soft lovie that my grandmother gave her -- it's soft, makes noise, brightly colored, AND she can put it in her mouth. Epic win. Ha!
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