Learning to Read

I am feeling almost in shock! But, mostly I am very impressed with Michael. Tonight, we sat down and read one of my favorite children's books, No Biting, by Karen Katz. When we finished, Michael took the book from me and read it right back to me. Granted, he didn't get every individual word, but most of his words were right on as he went from page to page. He also pointed out letters, "A" "B" "L" "O" "S". He is growing by leaps and bounds. I love my boy & I am loving this age!

I bought this book my junior year in high school after having a discussion about children's behavior in a child care class. I wish I could remember the psychology term for it, but I don't. No Biting teaches proper social behaviors for young children in a colorful way. The book offers a different direction when telling a child "no" to a behavior, by showing them a proper way to display that behavior. For example, you shouldn't bite your friends, but it's okay to bite an apple.

It was this concept that inspired me to help Michael with his love of throwing things. If Michael wants to throw things--let him throw, but by following simple rules such as only throwing balls. And with the plush penguin bowling set, and mini basketball hoop, he is able to throw it with a purpose, therefore allowing him to practice a behavior properly. It also saves me wasting my breath by saying "No" all the time. Instead I can say, "Yes, knock those penguins down!"

GO AWAY MOM!

In case you'd like to hear Michael yell at me to "Go away!" This happens mostly after the sun goes down, and he's spending time with daddy. I think he's either 1)afraid I'll steal daddy's attention, or 2)Putting Michael to bed.

Bubble Bath

By the way, we shaved all his hair off. He's a baldy now.

Daddy-Michael time

Throwing balls and such--basically doing things that Mommy and Daddy think are just adorable

How I know he's awake

This is one of those toys that has been around since Michael was 5 months old. When the battery died months ago, we didn't bother to replace them, but once we did it become a favorite toy all over again. Surprisingly, the music doesn't bother me one bit (unlike some other baby toys)-and sometimes gets me dancing too :)