To Watch TV or YouTube?

So, I began mommy hood saying that Arianna's eyes would not gaze upon a television until she was 2 years old. That's the suggestion of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The group strongly recommends through their TV viewing guidelines that children should not watch TV until they are 2 years old because of various downsides. One, in particular, says that television lessens a child's ability to focus and more likely to eat junkfood.
Ok, so maybe I'm skewing these guidelines a bit. Arianna loves youtube while she's getting her hair combed or just to watch the same ABC, 123 and Sesame Street videos. Of course, she also loves her flashcards. But I must say - since 15months, she's been able to read (not just sing or repeat) the entire alphabet and her numbers from 1-10! As far as junk food - she hasn't eat meat and rarely has cheese on her veggies. Yes, I'm raising her to be a vegan like her mommy. I'm a strong believer that this will not damage her; like many believe or like to judge. Based on her regular pediatrician appointments, Arianna is extremely fit and I should keep doing what I'm doing.
Lastly, we should remember that all children are different. For some reason, we have a tendency to raise children based on what professionals and nonprofessionals suggest.
Ok, this is the last comment...how do you feel about television and children under 2yrs old? Of course, it should not be used as a babysitter, but are there "loop holes" to this study?

Vegan Cupcakes for Daddy...

I decided to grate carrots today and make a batch of vegan carrot cupcakes for Daddy. Arianna enjoyed out time in the kitchen as she made music on two round cake pans and one of those barbecue sauce brushes used for marinades. LOL! I don't know why I didn't give her the wooden spoon. It was a lot of fun. I'm not far into my Montessori at home books, but I'm sure experimenting with sound via pans, bowls and spoons is Montessori-ish:) It just came natural for me to allow her to have fun while mommy was at work.

Eventually, she fell asleep while the cupcakes were baking. But this was around 4:45pm. What's up with these super late naps? We have to do better. But she'll get back on schedule as I'm waking up pretty early for Stroller Stride class tomorrow.  

While she slept, I iced all the cupcakes but one - for daddy. She added sprinkles and enjoyed a few crumbs from one of our daddy-size cupcakes. Arianna still dies not like to eat much, but I'm not complaining. Her pediatrician says that she's extremely fit and perfect for her size. Thank God for wisdom in being first time parent.

Currently, she's climbing on the couch, up stairs and able to climb back down on her own. All of this before walking. I'm so proud of her. Her current favorite activity (besides giggling) is watching and reading the alphabet; particularly the song and book - "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom":-)