Ari's Journey Through Montessori
Monday, March 5, 2012
Modeling with Arianna - Adorabows
Yes, these eyes get me in a lot of trouble. It doesn't work as much with daddy yet. He says that he is the enforcer and I'm the tolerator. smh:) We love this little girl so much.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Days of the Week
Saturday, October 29, 2011
It's A Halloween to Remember....
This year, we have a full weekend planned. Right now it's 4am and I'm awake catching up on homework because we were out at two play dates already in her Halloween costume. We have at least 3 events tomorrow (probably will only do 1-2 of them). Then we have 2 more events on Monday. With that said, I cannot believe she can still fit her costume from last year...LOL! It's a 6-12mo costume from Gymboree. I love my little mini mama. She's about the only person in my family that's petite - ok, except my beautiful older sister graced with the metabolism of fly (three beautiful children and a size 2).
So, check out her little outfit. This is just costume number one. The second costume will be posted Monday evening.
In all that you do, be safe this weekend.
*Pumpkin Fairy tutu, stockings, shoe covers, and bag - Gymboree
*Orange Butterfly Hair Clip - Sweet Baby Place Boutique
*Custom pumpkin - (will ask mom, I believe it was from Michael's)
Friday, October 21, 2011
It's hard to choose....
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Tea Party, Summer Dresses and Friends...
Monday, August 1, 2011
To Watch TV or YouTube?
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?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
I Love My Hair...too!
Well, it's no coincidence that Arianna smiles every time she sees the Sesame Street video - "I Love My Hair". This video, I believe, represents all things Montessori. I'm still a novice, but I wouldn't doubt that Maria Montessori would disagree with my passion for Arianna to love her natural hair. It's tough to grow up in a society that tells little girls they cannot be pretty unless they have long flowing hair down to their elbows. What do the girls think when they see Mommy's hair isn't like that? My hair is longer than average, but 99% of the year, it's up in a pony tail. So, am I doing a disservice by not supporting this "faux" long hair movement? No way.
Before last month, I was struggling to get Arianna's hair to grow; especially around the crown of her head. I had no idea that I should be applying nourishment oil to her scalp. Nor was I aware of the dangers of products with petroleum jelly and mineral oil. The same friend - Dr. C. James - that introduced me to the Montessori method, is my source for great hair products for growing healthy African American hair. Oh my goodness, you should see her daughter's hair. It will make you quote, "Repunzel, Repunzel! Let down your hair!"
So, I'd like to use this blog to post the products that I use on Arianna's hair; followed by pics of her wearing a beautiful baby afro:)
1. Tui Herbal Shampoo by Carole's Daughter - I wash her hair once a week. Usually on Saturday's before Sunday's Church Service. For those that don't know - it's an African American ritual.
2. Revitalizing Leave In Conditioner by Jane Carter Solutions - You can purchase her products at Target, too. I love this conditioner!!!
3. Scalp Nourishing Serum by Jane Carter Solution - The label says to use 3 to 4 times a week. I use it about 2 to 3 times a week on Arianna. But I definitely use this immediately after the leave in conditioner.
4. Some of Marguerite's Magic by Carole's Daughter - I use this just about every day. First, I wet her hair, apply the cream, then wet comb before combing through. And the product last a really long time. Great deal!
5. Nourish and Shine by Jane Carter Solutions - This is actually a butter type substance that can be used on the hair and body. It's the most expensive item, so I use it sparingly. I definitely use it to lay down her edges. First, apply a little water, smear a tiny amount onto crown, then brush (with baby brush) down into a pony tail.
So, some may not believe me when I say Arianna's hair has done a 360. Below is a pic just 5 weeks before hearing about these wonderful products (all made by women of color, too!)
NOTE: ***Click the pics for zoom
BEFORE....
AFTER....taken a couple weeks ago.
Here are two extra pics: one with her best buddy and today's baby afro pose
Nature and Natural Light
Sunday, May 22, 2011
First time with fork
This evening we rushed to Harris Teeter for some veggies and fruit for the week. I saw the toddler fork and spoon set and decided to purchase. I'm really trying to encourage Ari's independence and self reliance in the small things - laying down for a nap, potty training, preparing her meals and feeding herself (now with a fork).
Two days ago he prepped her own carrots. Well we accidentally added too much EVOO. So I steamed some broccoli and added to the container.
I was shocked to see her "go at it" with the fork. Check out the pics. I'm enjoying seeing her develop daily. God is so good!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Preparing meals...
Today was a fun day. Well, I'm speaking enjoyment into my entire day. It took Arianna 1.5 hrs to fall asleep for her nap. The day before, I purchased the sunblock curtains for her room. This is what went on for 1.5hrs - her reaching out to me. I don't know maybe this is why those Montessori beds work so well; no sense of confinement to go to sleep. Who rests well behind bars?
In the end, she slept almost 3 hrs. I had to wake her up. We then went to a cookout for daddy's job. We had fun on the swing and sliding down the big slide. Yes "we" went down the slide:-)
After the park, we ran some errands and came home. Arianna wasn't that sleepy so we began finger painting. She's enjoying paint more and more.
While we finger painted, her carrots were steaming in my Beaba babycooker. I use it when I can since she's growing up and doesn't like purée foods any longer.
Once the carrots were ready, I tried teaching her how to prepare her meals (another Montessori method of child development. Check out all the pics below: