Blog Feed: Grandbabies101

Let there be cake! A special birthday cake, that Katie gets to smash, smear, eat and play with all she wants on her special day! And there was, and she did, all over herself and anyone and anything within reach of her high chair!

Fireworks on the Fourth of July

Published on 2012-07-07 00:07:00

After a delicious day of barbecuing

Four Generations of Fun

Published on 2012-06-26 19:30:00

"Kenneth W. Wachter, the chairman of the department of demography at the

Three Month Old Milestones

Published on 2012-06-23 23:56:00

If he's sleeping and we know it shout, "Hooray!" Hooray!... But please, not too loud. After all, mommy just got Elliot to sleep.I can't believe my new grandson is almost three months old already!

Little Miss Sunshine

Published on 2012-06-21 03:29:00

"Babies can quickly suffer the short- and long-term damage of

Siblings

Published on 2012-06-18 14:29:00

I am smiling because you are my brother, I am laughing because there is nothing you can do about it! ~Unknown~Oh, brothers! I sure can relate to this quote. Being one of five, it was 2 plus a 3-ring-circus growing up in my home...and I loved it.

Jude Goes To Preschool!

Published on 2012-06-17 02:17:00

Behind the wheel of this very fine truck is the one and only "Jude," taking on preschool, one toy at a time!There was a bit of apprehension the first week, but it looks like Jude noticed the fun, and decided to come on board!

Reading is Fun!

Published on 2012-06-03 01:44:00

Hmm...I think she's got it!See Katie see daddy read!

Learning to Eat an Ice Cream Cone

Published on 2012-05-24 15:04:00

Learning to eat an ice cream cone can be hit or miss. Before the dripping started I tried to show Jude, best I could, the collaborative effort of getting to the cone mess-free. You see, my kids would allow me to lick the drips, actually insist I lick the drips before it touched their fingers...but this honey wasn't going for that, at all! Jude wouldn't even let me scoop up the overflow with a spoon. This treat was all his, and he planned on conquering it alone...and he did...right down to the la [..]

Teaching Baby To Feeding Themselves

Published on 2012-05-17 13:31:00

Watching Katie learn to feed herself was quite a treat for Mommy and Daddy, but for Jeggie, (the drooling pup on her left), it was a dream come true! Turned out to be a win-win for everybody. Jeggie gets every piece of food that falls from Katie's little fingers, and the floor is always free from crumbs.

Teaching Toddlers Good Manners

Published on 2012-05-10 12:44:00

Jude loved his time visiting with the ducks at the lake. He laughed at their swimming antics, tried to keep up with them as they waddled along the path, and shushed the geese who honked at them. The only thing he couldn't do was get them to greet him. First, Jude put out his fist for "knuckles,"... but no takers! And as you can see in this picture, he even gave it the old "high five" try. I stepped in by quacking with the ducks to show Jude that this was their way

Penny (Token) Arcades

Published on 2012-04-24 00:20:00

Jude finished his pizza, riding all the rides, and playing every game ("appropriate" for his age), then decided to show me what to do with those leftover tokens. In all the years I've gone to Chuck E. Cheese for pizza and games, it never occurred to me to give back to those who give so much joy to others. So, Jude went from the carousel horses, the Bob the builder car to the big, Bumble Bee and gave them each their very own rides. I suppose he decided they needed a break... some fun time without [..]

Playground Fun For Babies

Published on 2012-04-15 19:26:00

Just thought I'd try Katie "our almost 9 month old lady," in a bucket swing, and she loved it! I padded it a bit for stability with her blanket, and she was good to go!

Playing Indoors

Published on 2012-04-11 23:25:00

Tunneling between chairs happens to be high on my list of things to do. And I would have loved to have joined Jude on his incredible journey, it's just that volume has definitely become a factor in our play. As hard as he had me try, I finally convinced him that quart size ladies can't fit through pint size chairs!

Raspberries do a Baby Good!

Published on 2012-03-30 00:48:00

"Razzies really teach babies how to regulate their voice, how to turn it on and off, change the volume and the pitch. It shows them how to navigate the diaphragm, mouth, lips and tongue," explains Tara Kehoe, speech and language pathologist and manager of the Speech and Language Department at Easter Seals DuPage and Fox Valley Region in Villa Park....and it's so darn cute, too!Katie's become quite the little expert. She can even perform this adorable motor-boat sound with or without spit! Best o [..]

Imaginative Play

Published on 2012-03-28 00:19:00

It never ceases to amaze me when children challenge the capabilities of their toys. As an adult, I see a toy simply as it was meant to be. In all the years I've enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, I never once thought to shove their parts into my body for play. But on this day, Jude did...and it was fine until Jude wanted Bubbie to be Mrs. Potato Head. Sorry, but the ears and nose just weren't my hole size!

Jude and His New Brother, Elliot

Published on 2012-03-26 16:30:00

Yes, Jude...this day has arrived. You are officially and undeniably a big brother! I know what you're thinking! "Life is over as I've known it!" But I promise, once you've gotten over the shock...and looking at you, it might take a while...you'll be just fine!

A Kodak Moment

Published on 2012-03-07 00:35:00

Two Tootsie Roll pops, and three toddlers could equal one, unhappy child, unless you have a group of toddlers who think it's funny to share! Since Jude was the odd man out without a treat, he was more than happy to receive their sweet offerings. Jude, Arden and Remy were tickled with this game, and it kept them busy for the life of the pops. Keeping it easy,Bubbie and Jude!P.S. Have some sweet memories of your kids/grandkids to share w/us?Related Articles:Top Ten Funny Things Kids SayGrandkids S [..]

Caring Toddlers

Published on 2012-02-27 00:06:00

I couldn't resist snapping this picture of Jude in "Prince Charming" mode. He was trying to persuade this lovely princess to put her glass slippers...I mean shoes... back on her feet, so she wouldn't get a splinter. Arden did just that, as Jude helped, and they played happily ever after that day!Hugs, Bubbie and JudeP.S. How do your little ones show they care?Related Article:Teaching Your Child To Care

Sitting at Seven Months

Published on 2012-02-19 01:06:00

"If you're given ten toys, and all of them look good enough to eat, how do you know which one to grab for first?" Exactly what Katie must have been thinking as she balanced herself on her pillow in a big-girl sitting position, at just seven months old! Surrounded by sounds, textures, colors and shapes, it's understandable that choosing something to play with could be a problem! Fortunately for Katie, Bubbie came to the rescue! It was actually a no-brainer! I gave Katie one toy at a time. The one [..]

Fitness For Children

Published on 2012-02-18 02:20:00

Obviously, we exhausted all forms of play before I had the brilliant idea to work on headstands against the bedroom wall. It would have been fine had I not needed to demonstrate first. Fortunately, Jude caught on quickly, but insisted that I continue to hoist my aging legs right up next to his. After each successful stand (and there were many), Jude would turn his little, upside-down self towards me and ask, "Are you okay?"(Show-off!)Keeping it fun,Bubbie and JudeRelated ArticleFitness for Child [..]

Grasping Skills for Babies

Published on 2012-02-12 17:22:00

...and this little piggie didn't have to make a sound. Katie made enough ruckus for the two of them. And boy did they have fun! This soft, plush was swung, pulled, thrown and chewed on. (Fortunately for the pig, teeth aren't an issue just yet!) After Katie exhausted all possibilities of play with her dear friend, they both went "wee, wee, wee," all the way to bed! Exploring everything new,Bubbie and Katie, too!P.S. What types of toys were your little ones first able to grasp with both hands?Rel [..]

Toddlers Learning to Cope

Published on 2012-02-10 18:57:00

How does one play in bark, without getting any bark in ones shoes? And once the bark gets in your shoes, should you sit in that same pile of bark while trying to get it out? According to Jude, the answers to both of these questions are simply ..."Shoes off!" No discussion, no waiting, just off with the shoes! After several "shoes off" episodes, and giving the play area a try without shoes, Jude decided it is better to have played at the playground with bark in your shoes, then not to have played [..]

Toddlers Mastering New Territory

Published on 2012-02-04 15:35:00

Ta dah!!! Friday was a great day for Jude. You see, it was on this day that Jude mastered the one and only, playground Fire Pole. After months of observing other kids, he finally mustered up the nerve to take that first scary step off the treehouse's top floor, situate himself safely on the spiral pole, then slide down to the ground. Little did I know that I would learn first-hand how truly frightening this feat can be. Once Jude felt comfortable riding this baby, he decided that Bubbie should d [..]

Sidewalk Chalk

Published on 2012-02-03 17:26:00

Talk about time management! Jude figured out a way to draw twice as much, in just half the amount of time! (What a guy!) So far, our favorite game to play with sidewalk chalk is, "Jumping to Ten!" I get to draw and number ten squares on top of one another. All the kids line up and wait their turns to jump from one square to the next, while reciting the numbers. (Our version of Hop-Scotch!)Please share any sidewalk chalk games with us, that you find fun for the kids. We're always anxious to learn [..]

Sharing

Published on 2012-01-27 16:52:00

Three kids...one ball. Yikes! Jude, Remy and Arden's play started out innocently enough. Running, rolling and jumping on a large stretch of grass, on a comfortable cool day, with plenty of birds to chase after and a helicopter to get excited about flying overhead. Ahh, but then in the midst of this free for all, Jude's blue ball was spotted sitting on the field. Everyone wanted to claim ownership and there was no way of dividing this ball up...although they tried. Fortunately, they all like to c [..]

Things That Need Counting

Published on 2012-01-15 14:25:00

Jude and I never run out of things that need counting! I just never know where these "fun things to count" might appear. Thank goodness Jude is always willing to point them out. His latest discovery eventually drew a nice crowd of like-minded toddlers, who just had to count the circles at the end of the slide, too. Fortunately, before they got too impatient waiting their turns, the bubbles came out, and we were onto bigger and wetter things!Learning to have fun,Bubbie and JudeP.S. What do/did yo [..]

"See It Bigger Planner" Winner

Published on 2012-01-12 23:18:00

Thanks to everyone who entered to win a "See It Bigger Planner" by PlanAhead.Congratulations to our winner: HarryFor more information about PlanAhead, please visit:www.planaheadnow.comBest regards,Bubbie and Jude

Babysitting the Grandkids

Published on 2012-01-11 17:16:00

Oh what fun it is to... babysit the grandkids! Especially when they're happy and/or sleeping! Hmm, but how to entertain two different age groups while they're both awake? Fortunately for me, Jude likes to help show Katie his toys...her toys...and there's always his death-defying acrobatic performances! When Jude tires I bring out some hand puppets, or take the two of them for walks in the park.Plenty of fun for all,Bubbie, Jude and Katie, too!P.S. Would love to hear some of your ideas for keepin [..]

Little Ones Teaching Littler Ones!

Published on 2012-01-05 18:54:00

Little ones teaching even littler ones! Gotta love it! Jude couldn't resist playing and sharing his knowledge with his visitor, Ava. Ava hung onto his every word and even laughed at his jokes. You can't wish for a better audience then that! Fortunately, Jude gets to spend a lot of time with babies at the park, so I'm guessing that his new baby brother's arrival, will be a bit smoother for him and his folks...I can only hope!Keeping it light,Bubbie and JudeRelated Article:New Baby SibblingP.S. Pl [..]

Kids Helping Kids

Published on 2011-06-29 17:43:00

Jude enjoyed being helped, as much as his friend enjoyed helping! The grown-ups all applauded and whooped it up, which caused the children to look for more ways to help one another. Modeling and encouraging kindness certainly pays off for everyone!Re

Seesaws and other Playground Fun

Published on 2011-06-24 17:50:00

Not only is this playground seesaw a four-seater, but it's spring won't allow anyone to be dropped to the ground, like when I was a kidlet! What a great improvement! It took us several tries as kids to figure out that you always wanted your tur

Ordinary Household Items for Learning and Discovery

Published on 2011-06-21 01:32:00

As long as there's a house full of stuff, you can never run out of fun for the kids! A few slightly damp sponges were all it took to keep this toddler amused and busy for quite some time. Jude started out cleaning the surface of the table

Ordinary Household Items for Learning and Discovery

Published on 2011-06-21 01:32:00

Dining Out With The Kids

Published on 2011-06-13 01:27:00

Want some exercise in portion control and pushing the old heartbeat up a notch or two? Just go out to eat with a toddler! In no time at all you'll be racing out of your favorite restaurant having finished only half your meal. This works every t

Dining Out With The Kids

Published on 2011-06-13 01:27:00

Toddler Playgroups

Published on 2011-06-08 17:57:00

Jude and I began going to the park months ago as a way of stretching our legs and enjoying the clean, fresh air. We never expected to end up with a great playgroup! On any given day we can have as few as 4 children and as many a

Toddler Playgroups

Published on 2011-06-08 17:57:00

Laughter Does a Body Good!

Published on 2011-05-29 05:25:00

What's so funny? All I said was, "Peek-a-boo!" while popping out from under a mound of pillows. This game elicited squealing, giggling and some hardy laughs for more than 20 minutes! "Experts say a well-developed sense of humor can

Laughter Does a Body Good!

Published on 2011-05-29 05:25:00

Learning The Alphabet

Published on 2011-05-21 17:51:00

"Most children begin recognizing some letters between the ages of 2 and 3 and can identify most letters between 4 and 5. This means that you can start teaching your child the alphabet when he's around 2 — but don't expect full mastery for some time

Learning The Alphabet

Published on 2011-05-21 17:51:00

Educational Toys

Published on 2011-05-15 03:05:00

The advertisement read, "This ingenious, fun-to-use phone lets children hear themselves talk…so kids can really focus on every sound they say! Perfect for exploring letter sounds, phoneme blending, sound manipulation and more, the molded plastic ph

Educational Toys

Published on 2011-05-15 03:05:00

Cardboard Boxes Stir The Imagination

Published on 2011-05-07 02:36:00

It all started with an empty Pampers box. Darn that last diaper! I simply couldn't resist introducing Jude to "the empty box." I knew it would be love at first site. The first thing Jude did was to climb in for a ride. A

Cardboard Boxes Stir The Imagination

Published on 2011-05-07 02:36:00

Problem Solving

Published on 2011-05-01 01:41:00

Going through a dog door is no easy task, as I learned watching Jude deal with the problem. His first decision was to assess the height and width of the opening from the outside. Once he convinced himself that he could fit, he proceeded t

Problem Solving

Published on 2011-05-01 01:41:00

Music Does A Body Good

Published on 2011-04-28 17:27:00

"Research shows that kids who are actively involved in music (who play it or sing it regularly):do better in reading and math when they start schoolare better able to focus and control their bodiesplay better with others and have higher self-esteem"S

Music Does A Body Good

Published on 2011-04-28 17:27:00

"Research shows that kids who are actively involved in music (who play it or sing it regularly): do better in reading and math when they start school are better able to focus and control their bodies play better with others and have higher self-estee

Easter Egg Hunt

Published on 2011-04-22 17:30:00

When I was a teen we used to play, "How many kids can squish into a Volkswagon Beetle at one time?" Today as a grandmom the game of the day was, "How many toddlers can we get to sit still long enough, to snap one picture?" I'm proud to an

Easter Egg Hunt

Published on 2011-04-22 17:30:00

Good Times With Toddlers

Published on 2011-04-19 17:49:00

I've enjoyed watching Jude play with his maze for months, but he's now taken it to an exciting new level. Ladies and Gentleman, we now have sound! (This must be what audiences felt like when "talkies" were introduced.) He's step

Birthday Parties!

Published on 2011-04-11 17:32:00

There's not a whole lot that can top a "bounce house" for a two year old's birthday party. (Not in Jude's mind, anyway.) As long as you have a big enough back yard, or a park to set them up in...you are good to go!

Wooden Puzzles

Published on 2011-04-04 00:28:00

I think I love wooden puzzles as much as Jude does! He can sit quietly with them for at least ten minutes now. Not only do they help develop cognitive learning and fine motor skills, but they don't require batteries. No batteries! &

Toddler Pretend Play Activities

Published on 2011-03-30 17:29:00

I guess babies just wake up one day and decide they're into Pretend Play. At least that's how it seemed to happen with Jude. He now talks to his plush, drives his toy cars all over town on his carpeted bedroom floor, and feeds pieces

Safety Gates

Published on 2011-03-28 17:27:00

They say, "practice makes perfect," and I believe Jude is practicing very hard to make his climbing skills perfect!Watching him try to execute a clean gate-break makes me wonder how in the world my parents managed to get five kids through toddle

Published on 2011-03-21 16:19:00

Last time I played with Flashcards, we held them in our hands, then flipped them over for the answer. Jude of course has a new and improved way! Just stick them on your head one at a time for the information to slowly absorb through your

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