Tough day...

Today, mommy had a tough day with trying to balance the house, school, quality time with Arianna, and the fact that she didn't want to take a nap. So, I kept her awake until her normal bath time. She was so sleepy! I realize that she needs to really get used to her crib, too, even if she wakes up in the middle of the night. I might sleep up here with her for a couple of nights. Things were kinda different since I breastfed until 11 days before her 1st birthday. 

But in the mean time I'm still enjoying our Montessori journey. What do Montessori mom's do to get some decent sleep?

Well, during our playtime she played with her Nesting & Building blocks by Melissa & Doug. Then we went to her favorite Eco friendly shape sorter game. Note: she loves circles! Lol!

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":-)

First Montessori Puzzle

Today I bought Arianna two simple toys that are along the lines of Montessori development. She really enjoyed a few minutes playing with the "Hello, It's Me Puzzle". It's so cute, colorful, simple and looks far more durable than the toys you are bombarded with on Saturday mornings. This is why she only watches PBS when we turn on the television.

The second toy is the "Tumblekins School Bus". She loves seeing the people roll as she pushes the yellow bus. She dropped one of the people and went back to get the little guy to cone back n start pushing. Interestingly enough, she likes putting the two of the people in one slot. I wonder why she does this and what her brain is communicating. Can you tell that I'm enjoying all things Montessori?

The Beginning

I'm great at starting something but struggle with keeping the excitement going. I've come to the conclusion that I'm at my best when I'm organized. This means, I must be equipped with a calendar, laundry complete, kitchen clean....I mean, I may have a disorder, but that's me. The ironic thing is that with an infant in the home, these things are rarely accomplished simultaneously.

So, I'm starting this blog to stay organized with my research and experience with my daughter's child development. Arianna just made 14months and this is a great time to help her soak up everything necessary to develop as a happy exploratory little girl. Yes, she's my pride and joy and taking on another project, outside of my PhD program, is worth the sleepless nights.

Many thanks to my childhood friend, Dr. C. James for directing me to Montessori methods for the home. She's an outstanding psychologist, has three children of her own and a model for all things done in excellence and with a smile:-)

My first post is just a mention of my first book: Montessori From The Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three.

I've already learned that ages 0 to 3 are extremely important years for child development. Dr. Montessori "realized that the natural drive of young children provided the focus and energy for their self-development." (Lillard & Jessen, p. 6)

I'm excited about what's to come for us both as I research, she learns, and we see the rewards of Montessori in the home.

Here's your Montessori Quote of the day: (Courtesy of http://www.montessoriblog.com/

"The development of the child during the first three years after birth is unequaled in intensity and importance by any period that precedes or follows in the whole life of the child."  

- Maria Montessori