Frida is eleven months old (or rather, she was a few days ago – we’ve all been unwell so finding time to blog hasn’t been easy). Her understanding and communication is increasing so rapidly at the moment. She can now say a few words, and I feel like she understands a lot of what…
Read MoreLife lately
I have been a bit quiet on the activities front at the moment, simply because almost all of the time we are at home Frida wants to be looking at, or having us read, her books. Current favourites include “Bouncing”, “The Cat in the Hat,” and “Slinky Malinky“, but really any and every book will do. …
Read MoreJust being
We spent most of today outside, walking on the cold and sunny common and playing on the swings and in the sandpit. When we got home I took Frida out of her sling and onto the sitting room floor, put the contents of my pockets on the coffee table, and sat down for a minute…
Read MoreMess-free finger painting
I have seen lots of posts and photos around the internet of babies and toddlers doing mess-free finger painting, aka paint in ziplock sandwich bags. A charming, sensory experience – messy without the clear up. I thought I would see if Frida was interested. I popped some glitter glue and a couple of splodges of…
Read MoreTen months
Ten months old! Ten! We are having so much fun. She is the funniest and most delightful little companion. I must say, motherhood is pretty fantastic right now. Better than I had dared dream. I can’t wait to see what new things the next month brings.
Read MoreOffering choice: choosing clothes at 9 months
I read this brilliant blog post by Nicole from the Kavanaugh Report on providing meaningful choices for babies and toddlers and it really resonated with me. I want my daughter to learn that she can impact on her surroundings – that her desires are valid, and that the choices she makes are important. I don’t see why…
Read MoreLet’s go outside!
One of my golden rules of parenting (I don’t have very many!) is to go outside at least once a day. On days when I don’t manage this, I really see the effects, both with myself and with Frida. We are grumpier, more restless, and I feel tired and lethargic. However, I think there are different…
Read MoreWhat’s on Frida’s shelves
As I wrote recently, we have made an effort to ensure that Frida has her own space in our living areas (dining room and sitting room) as well as her own room, and have installed some open shelves in each of these areas. I am still watching her carefully to see when her activities need…
Read MoreBaby-friendly playdough
Each week Frida and I attend a baby sensory class for one hour. I like it because she enjoys it, but also because the class leader comes up with so many different activities for the little ones which can be replicated at home. This week the theme was “colour” and one of the activities was exploring coloured…
Read MoreMessy play – finger painting with jelly
I want to do more messy play activities with Frida. I often have good intentions but don’t get round to it, or choose to do something less, well, messy. Inspired by some charming photos online of similar aged babies doing finger painting, I thought we would give it a go with some edible “paint” made out…
Read More