It's been a while since I have updated about Little. Life has been a bit hectic. On Monday I turned down a job offer for a teaching position in Woburn. I turned it down for various reasons, it just wasn't the right fit. I did so much reflecting after spending time there and have been more positive about my situation since. If I can't use my teaching skills in a new job, I will use them to my best advantage while raising my daughter. She is one lucky kid. Every day I feel like I am able to pull something new from storage that she can play with or explore.
I decided that I want to start touring more schools. I need to start collecting information for the possibility of opening my own place one day or even just to have more of a wish list for my next dream job. Until then I am going to try my best to enjoy every day. Here are some pictures of a couple recent favorite moments.
My sister had us do some kitty babysitting and Amelia just LOVED her house.

Checking each other out :)

Using Stewie's brush as a hair brush

Cleaning Auntie's house

Exploring all the records

We went to the Public Garden to see one of Little's previous classmates and a couple of her teachers. It was THE BEST!

Hugs between old friends

Honk!

"SaSa"

Leaning on a Random Dog. 

Just like old times!

Seriously Obsessed

Running with her new dolly from Gramma and Grampa

Love this pic

Getting into stuff together. They seriously look related in this picture!

Yesterday was unbelievable out so we went outside to do a little painting in the fresh air.

Painting outside

She spotted a school bus!

Spilling the paint is much more fun

She knows what to do now when I say, "cheese!"

She has been super fun. Just yesterday I was moved to tears when I heard her say, "pease" as she signed "please" I'm realizing that I have a kid now, not a baby. A kid that creates, communicates, imagines, plays, and is down right AMAZING!

Here is a link to my latest project...
I want to start a list of our favorite Massachusetts destinations.
https://sites.google.com/site/littleslistofadventures/central-eastern-massachusetts-2

SPLAT!

I wanted to share my love for my Splat Mat in this post and update some of the fun things that A and I have been up to. My mom gave me this wonderful mat...

to put under the baby's highchair for Christmas last year. It has stayed there and has been a rug and hardwood floor saver. It is awesome. Now that I have this Giant Kid and more time on my hands than before, I decided to take the mat out from it's hiding spot on occasion and use it for messy/sensory activities. Amelia has been having a blast.

For our first adventure she helped make some Apple Crisp. Recipe here http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Apple-Crisp-II/Detail.aspx I got everything set up and tried my best to pay attention to the recipe, let Amelia explore to her hearts content, and take pictures. It was a juggling act. Here are some favorite shots...

Adding oats.

Mixing.

Tasting flour.

Loving the cinnamon and sugar

 

We had such a nice experience using our mat for a baking activity that the next time we took it back out to paint! She hasn't painted since her teachers explored paint with her in school. She was very unsure about the texture and what she was supposed to do but once she started exploring she loved it. I added some mini dinosaurs for even more texture. Of course like all activities with a one year old this didn't last long and I had the tub filled and ready to go once she decided she was done. Trying to stand up and walk away caused many giggles. It was a lot of fun!.Here are some favorite shots...

Lastly, just the other day I was going through the THOUSAND things that I have boxed up from my classroom and found some soap paint. I always loved using this with the kids because it wipes away nicely, smells great, and will clean toys! I thought that her cars could use a little bath so I put her collection on her mat. She loved it. When we were done all her cars got to get in the tub with her. 

Doesn't taste as good as it smells.

I'm considering making Splat Mats of my own. I've found some really great fabrics and ways to iron on vinyl. Anyone tried making something like this? Thoughts?

We are missing our JHCCC friends but we are keeping super busy. Until next time... :)