"All Done" (with Music Class)

It is a sure sign that summer is approaching when school, in its various forms (daycare/preschool, music, and swimming) is winding down. It's hard to believe, but as Blanden would say music class is "all done" for the season. It's even harder to believe that he has now completed two full years of the Musikgarten program. Tonight was the last night of this session so the teachers had a special ceremony for the children. All of the classes from the different age groups met outside on the church lawn. At first, Blanden was excited to be outside. But as we walked up to join the group, which was at that moment in a large circle and singing songs together, he got scared at the completely different surroundings and unexpectedness of it all and began crying. Blanden is really quite shy and tentative when it comes to new people and new situations, and this was not what he had in mind. But soon they broke out some parachutes to play with and he began smiling once again, intrigued and ready to join in.

Afterward, each child was presented their certificate of completion and given a little gift from their teacher: in Blanden's and his classmate's case, his very own microphone on which to practice singing at home. And finally, popsicles -- definitely a bigger hit than the microphones themselves. When classes begin again in mid-September, we hope to have both boys enrolled (schedules permitting) ...

Back to School

We are excited that a new school year has begun. With our friends' pool closed and a chill in the air, it's time for an indoor activity as we turn to fall and winter. Since Blanden clearly enjoyed his Music for Baby and Me class in the Musikgarten program last year, we re-registered this year, this time for Musical Discoveries, for children ages 16 months to 3 years. Several of Blanden's friends have returned as well, including his buddy Gavin, pictured below.

Last year Grammy was able to attend several classes with us, but Papa had yet to see it all for himself, so it was a special treat that Grammy and Papa could join us last night! Papa was impressed with the program. He enjoyed attending so much, he's going to write about it in his church bulletin.

Dancing (and playing peek-a-book) with the scarves. Other props and instruments included bouncy balls (big enough to sit on), little symbols, and instrument sticks. We practiced bouncing, listening to our teacher, listening to different sounds playing on the CD, learning to use rhythm by patting and clapping, and following the leader while dancing in a circle and a line that wound throughout the room -- all in one half hour!

Learning to use the music sticks. (Pounding them on the floor and clanging them together is a big hit for Blanden. Of course, he gets a lot of practice with this at home, as they are part of his instrument kit.)

Eleven Months Old

Today was a big day: Blanden's eleven-month birthday!

Also today Blanden learned how to stand up in his crib. In fact, he did it twice! Mostly, I think, because he was frustrated I had left him there for a bit to take a quick shower and he was trying to find a way out...

Other recent developmental highlights include emphatically shaking his head no when he doesn't want any more food. (And sometimes he does it while smiling just because it's so much fun to do.) And he has learned to clap, at all sorts of things, including when he is apparently happy that Mommy and Daddy give each other a quick kiss. :)

Today was also the last day of class for music school. Naturally, the class celebrated with a party -- and Popsicles! (A first for Blanden.)

Posing for a quick photo before class.

Receiving his graduation certificate and a few little gifts from his teachers.

Opening his gifts. (A Sesame Street language-development book as well as a little toy and tube of sunscreen for the summer.)

Blanden and Gavin enjoying Popsicles for a special treat!

But actually, Blanden thinks the tube of sunscreen is more fun than the Popsicle. Gavin is not convinced.

The whole class (including his first teacher's newborn who came to meet everyone) -- the "structured" chaos that is Music for Baby and Me. The last class photo, taken more than six months ago on Halloween when all the little ones were dressed up, was much easier to capture as none of them were mobile yet. Now they are all crawling and/or walking --and ready to move up to Musical Discoveries, the toddler class, next year.

Little Rancher

Courtesy of his grandparents (a darling faux suede jacket and "Little Rancher" shirt from Grammy and Papa, aka "The Michigan Grandparents," and an absolutely adorable miniature cowboy hat and matching boots from Grandma and Grandpa, aka "The Springs Grandparents"), Blanden had all the makings to celebrate his first Halloween in true Western style.

He wore the "getup" today for his first Halloween party. His music teacher, Miss Carrie, invited the class to dress up for Halloween, and almost everyone took part (the babies, not the parents ;) ). And he even received his first bag of Halloween treats -- no, not candy, but an adorable plastic child-size pumpkin bowl and matching silverware.

Blanden will be dressing up again on Friday to visit Dad's office and greet trick-or-treaters at the door. (Next year, he'll participate in the actual trick-or-treating.)

We Miss You Already, Grammy!

Getting ready to take Grammy to music class
Hey, Grammy, look at me in class! (Although last night I was a little more interested in sucking on my thumb than in participating in class -- I have recently discovered it in the midst of sucking on my whole fist full of fingers and it's fascinating!)
Practicing with my music sticks
Bundled up for one last long walk with Grammy on a beautiful fall day

Blanden and I just got back from dropping Grammy off at the airport for her trip home. We had an absolutely wonderful time together, and we miss you very much already. (Blanden thinks you should definitely stay for at least 10 days next time. ;) ) But we are really looking forward to our trip to Michigan over Thanksgiving, so it is great to be able to say that we will see you again very soon -- in only 4 1/2 weeks! We love you!

Ready for Fall

Caption: "Blanden in his fall jumper and knitted cap," said by Ed with a faux English accent. :)

With the sudden onset of fall this weekend, Blanden has set aside his summer shorts and Ts in favor of trying out some of his cold-weather clothes -- clothes that looked enormous to his Mom and Dad when they were first hung up in the closet a few months ago, and, lo and behold, they now fit!

Blanden had another successful music class this evening, although, according to Dad, he wasn't quite as cheery as usual. ... But on the plus side, at least Blanden didn't spit up in the middle of it all; apparently, three other babies did! (What on earth are they doing in that class?!)

Blanden is now relaxing and preparing for a good night's sleep in preparation for Grammy's visit. We can't wait to see you tomorow! I'm sure Blanden will have a smile ready and waiting to greet you at the airport!

(Posted by Mom, Photo by Dad)