I met this incredible group of moms at a baby play group that I often took Josh to when he was younger. When we were all still on mat leave last summer we frequently got together to have our own sort of playgroup. Our get-togethers were really a lot of fun, but since we have all gone back to work we don't see each other very often (except on facebook...gotta love it!) Anyway it was really great seeing them all again and seeing how much their children have grown.
So, this express yourself mama mingle had five different 'stations' set up for the kids and each one provided the child with a different way to get creative and "express" themselves. There were a couple of craft stations, a cupcake decorating station, a photography station (we got our picture taken by a professional photographer) and a Gymboree section which had balls, musical instruments, crawling tunnels and a big stuffed clown -- this was Josh's favourite. My shy little guy wasn't to keen on being there initially. There was quite a few people there in a relatively small space, with lots of yelling and screaming kids. A bit too much stimulation for his liking but he grudgingly participated in the different activities with a little whining, a little crying and lots of sucking on his soucy (pacifier).
I would prefer that he wasn't so attached to his pacifier but it's his only 'lovey'. He doesn't have a special blanket or stuffed animal that brings him the same comfort and security as his pacifier. I try to limit its use at home (except at night time) when I know he doesn't really need it, but in situations where I know his anxiety will be high I make sure I always have it handy.
About half way through the event, Josh started to relax and was able to enjoy himself a little bit more. He loved playing in the Gymboree section and I could hardly pull him away when it was time to go. We both had a great time!
In other news, Josh has started to push himself up to a standing position from the floor. Yay! This was the last big thing that he needed to do from a gross motor perspective as per his age group. I've been working on it with him for the last week or so and he's finally getting the hang of it. He's at the point now where he'll initiate the action without any cuing, so he's starting to integrated it into his daily routine.
The first time he pushed himself up on his own I was so happy. I was cheering and applauding to no end - Josh must have thought that his mom had gone crazy. Actually, the beaming smile on his face showed me that he was proud of himself too. So proud in fact that he plopped himself down to the floor and did it again. What a cutie! It's funny how much we celebrate each little accomplishment but when these little guys work so hard to make small gains, it's certainly deserving of a celebration.
1 comment:
That is most definitely deserving of celebration! YAY JOSH! The "little" milestones are always HUGE for us.
I'm glad the playing was fun, after the shyness wore off. I think it's good that he has some sort of comfort object. He will drop the paci when he's ready. We are lucky because Elijah's comfort object is his belly button. I suppose it might look a bit weird if that's still the case in a few years, huh? :)
Have a good day..xoxo
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