Toy Space

When we first moved to Mississippi, we were so excited that our new house had what is called a "hearth room." I don't know if I lived under a rock in Texas, if it's a (more) southern thing, or if I'm just crazy, but I had never heard that phrase. For lack of a better explanation, it's a den. A den that is right off your kitchen.

Our hearth room has evolved quite a bit in the past two years. I used to go for pretty and tidy, but these days I'm going for comfortable and fun. I'm learning to embrace the fact that my hearth room now resembles a daycare. They're only young once, right? Mike reminds me often that a house is to be lived in, not admired, and I'm getting there. I will say that when I see how much fun Max has in here, I could care less that the space isn't as "pretty" as it once was!

I have a slight obsession with these cubicle shelves. I have the darker ones in almost every room in my house. They are just so affordable and functional. These particular ones are the Circo brand from Target. My favorite part is the open bin shelves you can add at the bottom.

I had to take these pictures during naptime...because it sure doesn't look like this the rest of the day. The wall decor is a find from Chi Omega Marketplace in Dallas this past Christmas. They are actually old magnetic ceiling tiles. I think it will be a fun place for kid's artwork someday soon!

These Are The Days

This kid cracks me up every single day. I love seeing his mind work, and even when he drives me crazy, I just have to laugh. I just wanted to record a few funny things that he's doing right now so I'll remember them someday. The pictures have nothing to do with the stories. I just like them.

We have two remotes in our living room that are identical. I took the batteries out of one for Max to play with, but he can't be fooled. The other day he brought me both, waited to see which one I used, and then he took that one away from me. Rascal.

Max has always liked his bath, but he is hit or miss on whether or not he likes getting his hair washed. Now, he has decided to take matters into his own hands. He will get the rinse cup, fill it with water, and dump it over his head. The funny part is that he makes the worst face while he does it. It's like he's torturing himself, but he's determined to do it.

Whenever he wants a snack, he goes and gets a toy bowl, puts it on the counter, and then pulls and pulls at the refrigerator door. And when he doesn't get it open he comes and gets me. This kid is obsessed with grapes.

While I was gone, he climbed out of his crib. Twice. It was total parent error. We moved it down once when he started standing, but I didn't move it all the way to the bottom in time. When Mike found him, he was trying to turn off his monitor. Stinker.
(The crib is now all the way down).

Max has always liked to dance, but he's been adding some new moves. "Fast feet" is a new fave, and he gets really into spinning. He also likes to growl, play chase, play outside, play with bigger kids, play with cars, chew on his blankets, read, play with puzzles, tear things up, and (ahem) watch Chuggington.

Sometimes a mom just has to get ready for church.

Cereal Puzzles

Back in my teaching days, a friend shared with me a fun (and cheap!) activity for my classroom. I collected cereal boxes from friends, cut the front of the box off, laminated it, and cut it into pieces. Instant puzzles!

When Max started showing an interest in his wooden puzzles I thought of these cereal puzzles again. They could definitely be made for a younger audience. They are very customizable!

Now, I am not saying I have a genius 16-month-old who is putting together these puzzles by himself. But we can definitely play with them together, and it won't be too long before he can play with them alone!

I Want to be a Cowboy Baby

Just hanging out eating my cheese.

And yes, those are Santa diapers. I don't care what they have on them if they're on clearance...and Mimi's buying...

Mother's Day Out

While I was gone, Max went to Mother's Day Out two days. Although Mike probably thought it was ridiculous, he took a few pictures for me. And although Max looks a bit distressed in some of these, Mike said he did really well. He's not a fan of us leaving him in the church nursery at first, but he stops before we make it down the hall.

Ready to Go!

Checking out his new backpack.

Wait! You forgot me!

End of the day. I had fun, but I'm still mad at you!