Today is Day 6 without TV. Yesterday was the first day the TV was turned on in Cole's presence but it was golf for Brent. The first few days he did ask for it a couple times, but by Saturday, he didn't ask for a show once! Yay! Yesterday and today, he has asked one time, but I think that is the result of seeing it on for a bit yesterday. But we are having progress.
I am seeing him WANTING to play again, whether it is with us or independently, and I am loving it! All we needed was a break from TV for a good few days.
I am so thankfully to have my silly, funny, creative boy back playing actively!
**I didn't mention in the first post how much Cole is like me. The shows he does watch are great. I have watched them with him to make sure. He does learn things from them, but he is a zoner, just like me. They ask him questions or tell him to do something like stand up and jump. He just sits there. I ask him a question. He just sits there in silence. He completely spaces out. I don't think it would be as big of a deal if he were responding in some way, but he is like me when it comes to TV and we both need to limit our TV time. :)**
Monday, August 16, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
No More TV
Did I just say that? Yes. But it needs to be done for Cole's sake. I didn't say I was giving up TV. I love to sit down and relax with a show or two during afternoon nap or after he has gone to bed, but his TV time has gotten WAY out of hand and it has got to stop, not completely, forever, but for awhile. It does not need to be the first thing he asks for every day. It does not need to be better in his mind then playing outside or with his toys, actively playing. He didn't even want to play with me yesterday. Sad. He rather sit, in silence, in front of the TV.
Please know that I do not think watching TV is wrong, but I also think that TV for babies and toddlers is not the best option. Their little minds are soaking up everything they see and hear and it definitely takes away from their ability to have creative/independent play as I have seen with Cole over the last few months.
When Cole was first born, I had the TV on from the moment we woke up in the morning. He was a baby. He didn't care, right? I don't know and definitely didn't think so. Well, for my benefit because there is too much TV for adults too, I decided to limit myself to 1 hour of TV during the day while Brent was at work. I was WAY more productive. Imagine that!
Another eye opening experience was the day Cole responded to what I was watching on TV. He was not even a year, maybe 8 or 9 months. I was just watching CSI, nothing terrible or anything but not great for a baby to be absorbing. I had NO idea he was even paying attention because he was off playing on the other side of the room by himself, not even looking at the TV. I guess someone was leaving or something and said "bye" so his natural response was to tell them "bye" as well. Whoa. Wake up call for me.
At that moment, I knew, no more TV while he was awake. So we had about a year with no TV while Cole was awake. And that was our shows. He never once had watched his age shows ever, at least at our house.
Then at about 20 months, so only 4-5 months ago, I was pregnant and sick/tired all the time. TV was an easy thing to turn on and him be entertained. Yes, at first, he barely made it through a 25 minute show and he was finished watching and ready to get back up and play. That quickly changed. He literally could sit in front of the TV all day long now and never wants to turn it off. He wakes up in the morning asking for a show. He gets up from his nap asking for a show. It's bad. He is completely addicted. How did this happen so quickly?? We were doing SO well without TV. I had a plan of no TV. It makes me sad because I see with my own eyes what TV has done to him at such a young age. His play time has seriously declined to the point of I wonder if he knows how to play anymore. Sure at new places, with new people, and new things that aren't his own, I see him play some, but here at our house, hardly ever, unless Brent and I are trying to engage him. Super sad.
And again, every kid is different and this is only my experience, but wow, it really took a hold of him and we have to put it to a STOP.
So today, we are having our first TV free day! We haven't had that in I don't know when and I know the first few days will be hard, maybe even the first few weeks, but we must get back to creative/independent play.
Moms, what are some activities you have around your house for your kids that have nothing to do with TV? How do you distract them from wanting to watch TV?
We go on outings but we can't be out all the time and he used to love just playing at home with me or by himself. We have lost that love and we need to get it back.
I started this post this morning at breakfast and it is now 2pm. Cole just went down for a nap and the TV has not been turned on and only asked for once when he got up. I sat him down and explained that we weren't watching TV today and that we are going to play with our toys, go outside, etc. I am shocked it hasn't come up more, but super thankful because I know I shouldn't give in to fits and whining but when they won't quit you know it is hard other moms, right?
Today, we have been to the library and mall. So not a lot of home time yet but this afternoon we plan to just hang around here and play outside and with our toys inside. Now, I need to go nap so I am ready to play and don't give in to my temptation even to turn it on.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Re-Post: Playing Catch up
About a month and a half ago, I posted a to-do list because I was so behind on many things around the house and just lots of things put on hold due to all the sickness with this pregnancy. I am glad to say I feel so much better these days and there is a ton of work being done around my house.
Original "To-Do List":
1. Re-read "Baby Wise"
2. Read "Potty Training in 3 Days"
3. Finished magnetic chalkboard
4. Start using coupons again/Organize all coupons
5. Read all my "Real Simple" mags that are unread
6. Finish painting Cole's kid table and picnic table
7. Make Cole a headboard
8. Redecorate Cole's room into "big boy room"
9. Create nursery (one sex of baby #2 is known, June 29th!!)
10. Do prenatal yoga and cardio routine at least 2-3 days a week.
11. Attempt potty training for Cole starting in July.
12. Start blogging again!
13. Unload months of pictures of my cameras.
14. Start taking quality pictures again.
15. Finish moving all my old computer to my new one.
Completed Items:
2. Read "Potty Training in 3 Days"
6. Finish painting Cole's kid table and picnic table
7. Make Cole a headboard
11. Attempt potty training for Cole starting in July. Success!!
13. Unload months of pictures of my cameras.
In Progress Items:
8. Redecorate Cole's room into "big boy room"
9. Create nursery (one sex of baby #2 is known, June 29th!!) It's a GIRL!!
12. Start blogging again!
14. Start taking quality pictures again.
Haven't Started Yet Items:
1. Re-read "Baby Wise"
3. Finished magnetic chalkboard
4. Start using coupons again/Organize all coupons
5. Read all my "Real Simple" mags that are unread
10. Do prenatal yoga and cardio routine at least 2-3 days a week. Only twice TOTAL.
15. Finish moving all my old computer to my new one.
Oops...
So I have been told that some posts showed up in Reader that were not technically posted yet or weren't supposed to be. They are works in progress, so check back when they are complete. :)
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Antique Fair Finds: From Trash to Treasure
Twice a year, in Roundtop, Texas and surrounding area, they have a HUGE antique fair that my sister-in-law, Larra, and mother-in-law, Dena enjoy going to and checking out all the junk and treasures people bring to share with us. We typically go in Spring but have gone to the Fall one once before but it is not as big. It is so fun to walk through fields and fields and be creative and decide how we can re-purpose items for our use in our homes.
Here is the link to the fair.
Check out some of my finds!
In April 2008, I found this classroom bookcase for Cole's nursery for $20! I don't have a before picture and I really wish I did because this thing was in a major need of some LOVE. It is old and showed it, but after some good sanding, prep and coat of paint, it was as good as new.
Then this past weekend, we repainted it to go better with our living room and to give it more of a weathered look. It is now where all the toys belong that used to be just hanging out on the fireplace. Ahhh, so tidy now! :)
(The picture would not turn for me, sorry.)
Back in April 2009, I found this for only $20!
An Antique Door:
The door was originally was purchased to make a headboard for our guest bed, but one year and a few months later, it stood in our garage unused. I am so glad! Because of my lack of whatever that kept me from getting to this project, allowed us to instead create a headboard for Cole's big boy room. I can't be more thrilled with the result!
Plus two $8 fence posts from Lowe's and we got this!
Finished Headboard
(Of course, I forgot to take an after picture BEFORE bolting it to Cole's bed.)
Also found in April 2009 was this kid table and chairs:
(Of course, I forgot the before picture, but it was just plain wood with an old finish.)
I am looking forward to going next Spring to see what we can find. Maybe this time it can be a kid-free trip???
Here is the link to the fair.
Check out some of my finds!
In April 2008, I found this classroom bookcase for Cole's nursery for $20! I don't have a before picture and I really wish I did because this thing was in a major need of some LOVE. It is old and showed it, but after some good sanding, prep and coat of paint, it was as good as new.
Then this past weekend, we repainted it to go better with our living room and to give it more of a weathered look. It is now where all the toys belong that used to be just hanging out on the fireplace. Ahhh, so tidy now! :)
(The picture would not turn for me, sorry.)
Back in April 2009, I found this for only $20!
An Antique Door:
The door was originally was purchased to make a headboard for our guest bed, but one year and a few months later, it stood in our garage unused. I am so glad! Because of my lack of whatever that kept me from getting to this project, allowed us to instead create a headboard for Cole's big boy room. I can't be more thrilled with the result!
Plus two $8 fence posts from Lowe's and we got this!
Finished Headboard
(Of course, I forgot to take an after picture BEFORE bolting it to Cole's bed.)
Also found in April 2009 was this kid table and chairs:
(Of course, I forgot the before picture, but it was just plain wood with an old finish.)
I am looking forward to going next Spring to see what we can find. Maybe this time it can be a kid-free trip???
Monday, August 02, 2010
Milestones of Turning Two
Wow! I thought a baby changed so much from birth to age 1 and they do so don't get be wrong BUT their second year of life is filled with so many more changes as they go from a baby to wanting to be an independent toddler.
6 Days Old
13 Months
12 or 13 Months
2nd BirthDAY
In the month of July 2010 alone, Cole was potty trained, upgraded to a twin bed, and no longer sits in a highchair but in a booster at the table with us. He also started climbing! Yikes. He his been able to climb on lower objects like his old toddler bed and couch for awhile but never could manage our bed or even attempted the dining room table chairs. But sure enough a couple weeks ago, I turn around for two seconds and he is up sitting in his booster ALL BY HIMSELF. Talk about panic.
Counting is another thing that has really taken off the last few months. For whatever reason, it helped to count his toes while trimming his nails, so the counting begun. Then, we also discovered that counting to 10 and sometimes 20 helped calm him down if he was having a meltdown. You can't talk to someone and them understand you while they are screaming and crying so this really helped in this area. That lead us to count lots of things around the house and out places. His loves it. Cole can count to 20 on a good day, but will usually leave out 6, 14, and 16. Funny. Why those numbers, we don't know. But he is pretty consistent about it.
Common Phrases Around Our House:
"mommy, hold joo (you)" -- which is his way of saying "hold me"
"I want to drive daddy's truck."
"I want to play washERs."
Cole has also become VERY polite and persistent. He will remind you to say "excuse me" if you forgot and will not stop saying "thank you" until you acknowledge him with "your welcome." He also has a real desire to PRAY! Which hearing a 2 year pray is incredible!! No, they aren't elaborate or fancy prayers, but he is giving thanks to his God and it is completely precious and honestly sometimes shocking when you walk into a room and you see him with his head bowed, eyes closed and hands folded. Keep on praying and praising, Cole!
A favorite part of my day is my morning wake up call and the pitter-patter of Cole's little feet running across our living room to my room, with him saying "Mommy, I slept GOOD!!!" Super sweet moments.
Some of His Favorite Books Right Now:
"read yours" = Dinosaur Garden (He can almost read this to us!)
"ham" = Green Eggs & Ham
"george" = any Curious George book
Favorite Show
"a-go", which is diego
On July 30th, we had our 2 year check-up. It went so great. Our doctor told us Cole was in her GT program, that is verbal skills were outstanding and his motor development great too. She said it is more typical for boys to have more of the physical development down then verbal and girls visa versa, but he is doing super and above in both, in her opinion. Keep it up little man!
Stats:
Height - 35inches (75%)
Weight - 33lbs (95%)
Head - 50cm (90%)
Napping 2-2.5 hours, starting between 12-1pm.
Bedtime around 8-8:30pm, wakes 7:30-8am. The last week it has gotten a little earlier, but not typical so we are working on getting that corrected. We started locking the door again this week so he will just play until I get up.
naps down to 2-2.5 hours.
6 Days Old
13 Months
12 or 13 Months
2nd BirthDAY
In the month of July 2010 alone, Cole was potty trained, upgraded to a twin bed, and no longer sits in a highchair but in a booster at the table with us. He also started climbing! Yikes. He his been able to climb on lower objects like his old toddler bed and couch for awhile but never could manage our bed or even attempted the dining room table chairs. But sure enough a couple weeks ago, I turn around for two seconds and he is up sitting in his booster ALL BY HIMSELF. Talk about panic.
Counting is another thing that has really taken off the last few months. For whatever reason, it helped to count his toes while trimming his nails, so the counting begun. Then, we also discovered that counting to 10 and sometimes 20 helped calm him down if he was having a meltdown. You can't talk to someone and them understand you while they are screaming and crying so this really helped in this area. That lead us to count lots of things around the house and out places. His loves it. Cole can count to 20 on a good day, but will usually leave out 6, 14, and 16. Funny. Why those numbers, we don't know. But he is pretty consistent about it.
Common Phrases Around Our House:
"mommy, hold joo (you)" -- which is his way of saying "hold me"
"I want to drive daddy's truck."
"I want to play washERs."
Cole has also become VERY polite and persistent. He will remind you to say "excuse me" if you forgot and will not stop saying "thank you" until you acknowledge him with "your welcome." He also has a real desire to PRAY! Which hearing a 2 year pray is incredible!! No, they aren't elaborate or fancy prayers, but he is giving thanks to his God and it is completely precious and honestly sometimes shocking when you walk into a room and you see him with his head bowed, eyes closed and hands folded. Keep on praying and praising, Cole!
A favorite part of my day is my morning wake up call and the pitter-patter of Cole's little feet running across our living room to my room, with him saying "Mommy, I slept GOOD!!!" Super sweet moments.
Some of His Favorite Books Right Now:
"read yours" = Dinosaur Garden (He can almost read this to us!)
"ham" = Green Eggs & Ham
"george" = any Curious George book
Favorite Show
"a-go", which is diego
On July 30th, we had our 2 year check-up. It went so great. Our doctor told us Cole was in her GT program, that is verbal skills were outstanding and his motor development great too. She said it is more typical for boys to have more of the physical development down then verbal and girls visa versa, but he is doing super and above in both, in her opinion. Keep it up little man!
Stats:
Height - 35inches (75%)
Weight - 33lbs (95%)
Head - 50cm (90%)
Napping 2-2.5 hours, starting between 12-1pm.
Bedtime around 8-8:30pm, wakes 7:30-8am. The last week it has gotten a little earlier, but not typical so we are working on getting that corrected. We started locking the door again this week so he will just play until I get up.
naps down to 2-2.5 hours.
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