Days Twelve, Thirteen, Fourteen, and Fifteen

               I realize I’m getting pretty far behind, but I’m going to do my best to get caught back up. Moving has been exhausting for all of us, including Brendan. I’ve been trying to spend a lot of time over at our new place getting Brendan acquainted. I made a few special changes to our new home, just for Brendan. Of course, also for the sake of childhood magic.

                Friday, I attached a full-length mirror horizontally to his bedroom wall. It’s right at his height so he can look into and play. We have spent countless hours in front of it, pointing out eyes, noses, ears, and mouths. He also really likes to mirror my actions in his mirror, so that he can see. He also spends a lot time watching himself raise his arms, eat crackers, and smile. I think there is plenty magic a toddler can find in a mirror.

                Saturday, I made Brendan a corn pit. I bought him a clearance priced sand pit and filled it up with corn off the husk. Of course, he must be supervised while playing in it. He has had fun using a funnel and also transferring corn from one bucket to another. I love that it’s not messy and easy to clean from his clothing. The corn pit incorporates the fall theme a bit, and a corn pit is something I would have loved to have for myself, as a child.

                Sunday, we spent the day painting his room. I allowed him to freestyle paint his room, with supervision of course. I’m not sure that I’ve mentioned how I believe painting and art fits in with childhood magic, but I think that everyone can find magic in art. It’s being able to freely create. There’s no words to describe the magic in that act. I think there’s also a sort of magic in being able to show off your work, in having a room that he was able to paint himself, he’ll be able to show off his work to every person that enters the house.

                Monday, I put a basket with a Mr. Potato Head and accessories in Brendan’s room. He thinks it’s pretty cool. He still needs a little bit of help putting the pieces in and also, getting them out. This activity allows for practicing his fine motor skills, it works his little finger muscles, but most of the time he resorts to using his mouth. Playing with Mr. Potato Head is a great way to learn colors, body parts and some shapes, but most of all its fun!