Radio Flyer

I spent all Saturday morning putting together Britton's early Halloween present, a Radio Flyer wagon. Now this isn't you're run of the mill "little red wagon"....this thing has 4 cup holders, 2 canopies, a cooler/backpack, and ALOT of parts to put together!!! After about thirty minutes of attempting to assemble the wagon the hubby got frustrated bored and retreated into the house to park himself in front of the television and watch football. Well, the Diva is pretty handy with a hammer and screwdriver when necessity calls and finished putting that thing togther all by myself.

After double checking the wagon for it's load bearing capabilites and ensuring that the wheels were not going to fall off, Britton christened his new ride with a lap around the yard. At first our baby boy was a little timid about his big new toy. Not to mention Daddy has a penchant for going way too fast for mommy's taste which resulted in me running behind them pointing out every hole and fallen tree limb and yelling something about the potential for shaken baby syndome...okay, I can be a little over dramatic at times.

Notice best bud, Scout, riding shotgun until Cousin Emily takes her rightful spot

Nevertheless, Britton decided that he actually loved his new wheels. And what kid wouldn't?!? If I didn't exceed the weight limit by a few pounds (Ha!) I would be all up for having Bubba pull me around the yard while I put good use to one of those cup holders with a frosty adult beverage, push back one of those canopies and catch some rays. I'm sure the neighbors would think it a very strange sight, but then again they have probably gotten use to my Diva antics over the years...lest I forget my own personal version of "Bikini Car Wash" in the front yard this past summer;)



A Boy and His Toys

My once immobile bundle of cuddly infant joy is now a bouncing ball of never ending energy. Long gone are the days of sleeping in mommy's arms for hours on end or just cuddling in my lap while I work on my computer. Baby Bubba must be moving all the time!!! Keeping this boy entertained is now top priority for this weary mama.
For the last several months, we have finally found a groove in our little schedule. After breakfast, the Baby Bubs spends time in his Precious Planets Jumperoo and watches what Mommy deems educationally appropriate television. Current favorites include: PBS' Word World, Super Why, and Sesame Street. It's amazing that these shows can hold my 8 month old's attention for any span of time, but he just adores them and stares at the TV, giggling and bouncing away. This morning TV time/self-play gives me just the right amount of time to get my chores done, enjoy a cup of coffee and grab a bite to eat.

We have also been spending alot of time in our Pack-n-Play. Since everything is not completely baby-proof yet, this gives Baby B a safe place to roll, crawl/scoot, and practice all his other physical feats without mommy worrying he's going to eat a stray piece of Sophie's dog food or bang his head on the hardwood floors. Little Bubba has now moved from mindlessly fumbling with a teething toy to truly being engaged and playing with his toys. Therefore, I make sure he has a never ending supply of toys to keep his little mind entertained. Our current favorite toy is Leapfrog's My Pal Scout, a plush talking pup that can be hooked up to your computer and personalized with your child's name, favorite things and the music of your choice. Scout interacts with baby at the touch of a paw. I think it's so cute how he yawns and asks if my little one is sleepy...he even plays lullabies!!! Other favorite toys of the moment include:  Vtech's Around Town Baby Driver and Leapfrog's Learn and Groove Musical Table .

Now don't go thinking that all we do around here is watch TV and play. I have made it a priority that we spend several quiet story times thorough out each day. Usually Mommy and Baby Bubba read in the mid-afternoon, and Daddy takes over evening reading time. Baby B has an ever expanding  library of children's books that are quickly beginning to overflow his little bookshelf into every nook and cranny of the house. Where once our coffee table was strew with issues of Cosmo, Sports Illustrated and Cooking Light it is now covered in little piles of baby books. I hope starting this tradition of reading early on develops into a lifelong love of books for my precious son. Current favorites include: The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Cargle, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise, Elmo's ABC Book and Little Feet Love (a touch and feel book for his tootsies).