A place for everything

We have a system that is working out for us during dinner clean up.  Liam helps us wipe up his high chair and then he gets a basket of toys to play with while we put food away and wash up the dishes.  I have been working with Liam on his shapes this week and it bothered me that his shapes were sharing retail space with his little animals.  I scoured the house and all of our baskets and bowls seem to be occupied.  Hmmm... how to solve this problem?  Well, make one of course! So during nap a little basket was crocheted for his little wooden shapes. The pattern was from here  and it stitched up pretty fast.  I think if I ever made it again I would use a chunkier yarn, or perhaps two strands to give it a little more body.  It is a great fit for his toy shelf and I am very pleased that his little wooden shapes now have a space of their own.   Circle, square, oval, star.  Over and over again we touch those shapes and identify them.  We usually get three receptions before Liam starts throwing them, which of course is a fun game as well. 

Crafting for your child

There are so many things that motivate me to create. Over the years it might have been because of a certain material, or a pattern that I just loved, or the thought that a loved one might appreciate or need something. There was a joy that came from creating... a certain centering that took place.

Nothing would have prepared me for the way that my urge to create for my own child would move and change me the way that it has done. There is a freedom. Before, I was always very cautious of trying new things. It would take me years of researching, reading, watching youtube videos before actually taking a first step into making something. Now, when I think Liam needs something, ::snap:: I am quick to jump in. I don't know how to do something? I'll learn it on youtube, or if there isn't anything that I like, then I'll wing it (did I just type that?!) Creating something for Liam that he might need like pants, or a blanket to learn his letters with, or even something as small as counter objects to manipulate and work on that small pincher grasp. Mama is on it!

And that is exactly what my creating time has been devoted to these past two days: little crochet raspberries to practice counting and pinching. I couldn't find a pattern for them over the internet so I just made something up. Originally I was going for apples, but the crochet texture just screams raspberries to me. So raspberries they will be!

I was speaking with a friend about how at Liam's age, her son was working with small fuzzy pompoms and slipping them through slots. A fine motor skill activity. I was really inspired to start working with Liam with small manipulatives, but I didn't want to buy those fuzzy pompoms. For one, our crafting budget right now (after Liam's birthday) is a bit depleted, and also, I don't think I would use those fuzzy pompoms for our crafting right now. So out came the yarn and a bit of leftover polyfil, and out came ten of these little raspberries.

Liam has been successfully dumping them out and then putting them back. A skill that is new for him. Not just tearing down or emptying anymore, but building up and filling again. How interesting that concept is. How our first nature is to destroy - but through patience and perseverance we learn to build up. We learn to put into order. So much. This little one is teaching me so much. And this journey is so much more beautiful and inspiring because of him.

From play dough to pants to yes small manipulates in the shape of raspberries... oh how I would love to make everything for you.

A new tradition - handmade decorations

Lately I've been meditating on celebrations. What it means to me. What I want Liam to understand about it. Sources that have been on my reading list lately have been Amanda Soule's book The Creative Family, and a new to me blog, the stubby pencil studio blog, especially this article.  These sources have really made me stop and think about the traditions that I want for my family.  Especially about the items used in our celebrations.

Growing up, birthdays were celebrated in a very simple way. Family dinner and a few gifts. There may have been the occasional sleep over with friends, or outings to movies. But it is the time spent with my family around the table of favorite foods, and a few presents that epitomizes a happy celebrated occasion.  It was the small things - the family traditions you might say, that made it special for me. For example, when we woke up on our birthday, a few presents and cards would be on the table.  First thing in the morning. As soon as you wake up - you know that your family thought of you. Loved you. Wanted to celebrate a year of growing with you. I'd go to school with those thoughts of love in my heart and the anticipation of a family evening highlighted by a few presents.

Other than the occasional vase filled with garden cut flowers, we didn't decorate very much for our birthdays. I think that is something that I want to adopt into my own family. Nothing overly elaborate. But something festive. Bunting and garlands come to mind. A few handmade items that are associated with our family celebrations.

So with that thought racing over in my mind, and a quick search on google for "crochet garland", I settled on this pattern with a few modifications (For the smaller circles I followed her instructions and stopped at round one. For my larger circles, I stopped at round two. It was really easy to do and her instructions were very clear ).

I looked at my craft supplies, and my eyes settled on this little stash of cotton yarn (Sugar n' Cream to be exact). So during Liam's nap time, I crochet a garland to use during his birthday dinner next week. I am oh so pleased with how it turned out! Very cute indeed. It almost has on ocean feel about it - especially with that coral pink.

Does your family have traditions during special celebratory times? I would love to hear about them! Happy Crafting everyone!