A Gift From Above

That's what it felt like when I got the package in the mail today, well maybe not immediately. I was more relieved that I had received it as it held my sister's birthday gift. As I opened the small cardboard box I was surprised, and a tidge delighted, to find The Toddler's Busy Book a gift for myself that I decided to indulge in when purchasing the other items for my sister.

After Ainsley went to bed (she even snuggled into my shoulder as I sang her "He's got the whole world in his hands...") I settled into the chair and a half in our living room to delve into this highly rated toddler activity book. I expected to find at least a few good ideas for keeping Ainsley (and by extension me) occupied during the long days. Little did I know the wonder that it would behold for me.

Trish Kuffner had me at the intro.

This stay at home mother of 4 is like the ultimate alpha mom. The ideas in her book are so amazing, not only because there are hundreds of them, but because they are actually practical. (e.g. Sheet Day - making the day you do the sheets a play day by letting your toddler play in and build forts with the dirty sheets, Ice Cube Bags - putting complimentary colored ice cubes into plastic bags and letting your toddler play with them while they melt and mix colors, Mailbox - making a simple mailbox out of a shoebox and letting your toddler sort, open and "mail" all of your junk mail and flyers) The list goes ON and on.

Sure I have a to-buy list a page long, but for the most part the activities don't require anything other than items you already have in your house, or the great outdoors. I was particularly thankful for the LARGE chapter on rainy days (make a box of toys and activities (and maybe a movie or new book) solely for rainy days) and on the go (make a little photo album of all your toddlers favorite people, places, and thing for the them to look at on the way), as we have that big car trip coming up. I can't wait to get out with Ainsley tomorrow to collect the supplies we need to make a few fun activities to last us the week.

This is exactly what I needed. I feel completely energized and motivated (of course right before bedtime). I've been feeling like such a slug mom lately and knowing that I can keep Ainsley happy and busy without having to go on long walks every day or dance around the room for an hour when my body just won't let me is such piece of mind I cannot even tell you.

Sorry to cut this short, but clearly I am excited about this and need to revise and organize my list for tomorrow so that we can get going on all of these great activities!