Keeping Busy!

Playing on the lanai
Originally uploaded by the golbys.

The departure of our house guests meant a distinct decrease in entertainment for Kathleen. To try to distract from the 75 percent reduction in fun (people, at least), we've been trying a lot of new things lately. I'm not sure that our activities have been a satisfactory substitute for doting grandparents (what could be, though?), but we've certainly been keeping busy.

To begin with, Kathleen now eats with a spoon without assistance. I won't lie -- it's a pretty messy affair. But she wouldn't have it any other way. We do better with things that really stick to the spoon, but even if the food is pretty slippery (think: applesauce), Kathleen still manages to get a fair amount to her mouth.

I can do it myself!
Originally uploaded by the golbys.

In case you're wondering, that mess on Kathleen's tray is breakfast. In addition to the yogurt, that's a chunk of banana, some mangoes, and multi-grain cheerios. We've been offering plenty of variety at the Golby breakfast buffet lately.

Having mastered the spoon, Kathleen quickly advanced to using a fork. I didn't even have to offer her a fork. One afternoon Kathleen managed to open the top drawer in the kitchen, withdraw a salad fork, and spear the cubes of cheese she'd been offered as a snack. We negotiated a trade -- toddler fork for salad fork -- and the successful use of utensils continues.

Making a masterpiece for Daddy
Originally uploaded by the golbys.

We've begun drawing lately, too. Kathleen mailed off her first work of art to her Daddy just this week.

Fortunately Crayola washable markers are, in fact, very washable. That was good news for us, as Kathleen had marker on her hands, face, and belly! Although we were quite proud of Kathleen's marker masterpiece, we're now working on using crayons. We've been told they're better for developing hand strength...

Fast break
Originally uploaded by the golbys.

We also attended a "support the troops day" at a local high school last weekend. Of all the activities, Kathleen's favorite was the basketball toss. She marched right up to a group of teenagers who were using it, and stuck her hands up, confident they'd give her a ball. They did. And she ran with it!

We'll keep you posted as we keep busy! We've almost made it through one month...