Precious moments of pure enjoyment

Looking at the recent photos I've taken of Zech, a sudden thought struck me. He's growing up too fast. Much too fast. There are times I want him to achieve his milestones as soon as possible. There are times I want him to be just a baby in my arms. A big baby now. Such is the dilemma of mothers I suppose.

Nevertheless, a child should never be defined by the number of achievements or milestones attained. They should be guided but free to explore their preferences and interests. An important lesson I learn on my motherhood journey. Implicit teaching while playing is my strategy now. If Zech has no interest in an activity, I let him move on. I no longer insist because I realise he will come back to that activity when it's time. His toddlerhood is, after all, a temporary phase. Years later, I want to look back and together with Zech, reminisce the good old times and not the struggles of trying to reach milestones and accomplish achievements.

So let's celebrate the precious moments of pure enjoyment! Zech's childhood at 17 months!

Finding joy in reading.

This is such a great toy! Cheap and good from Ikea. He has not grown tired of it since he first tried it  at 12 months.

Initial disinterest grows to focused effort in building a tower of 7 blocks. I've been teaching him to count each block as he builds. He's great at imitation though his pronunciation really needs to be improved. Well, it will, with time.

All kids love to go out. So does Zech! This pic just reminds me of myself. But I was worse cos I pressed the red button and the escalator stopped!

Playing with his pet dog. Yes, Cherry is now his dog.

Riding on his tricycle is a daily affair now. His inquisitiveness often prompts me to answer his pet question 'What's that?'. A small neighbourhood yet so many things to see and learn.

Eating his fav fruit, grapes! Our little secret recipe for keeping him quiet and cooperative during mealtimes outside.

Pure enjoyment is real bliss indeed!

A very ordinary week with an unwell toddler

Zech was down with HFMD the whole of last week. BUT even with his temperature at 39 degrees, he was still very active. I expected him to be listless and tired and I thought he would sleep more so I could do my stuff. It was just the opposite! He slept less. Probably because he was uncomfortable and partly because we had just changed his cot to a toddler bed. Nevertheless, Zech needed to be kept occupied.

Some activities he enjoyed most last week. He doesn't mind doing them over and over again. Sticking pipe cleaners into tiny holes, exploring red beans, playing with the colour and shape flashcards, painting with some homemade paint (finally some real painting!).

Recently, I started Zech on seatwork activities. On good days, he can stay on his chair for at least 20 min but on days when he's restless and uncooperative, each seatwork activity only lasts for less than a min.

I realised that some of the 'toys' he likes most are simply ordinary stuff in the house. Boxes, containers, jars etc. No need to invest in expensive toys! Some of the blogs that inspire me...

http://handsonaswegrow.com/2012/01/30-kids-activities-materials-for-promoting-fine-motor-skills.html

http://blog.melissaanddoug.com/

http://www.teachpreschool.org/

http://prekinders.com/fine-motor-skills/

And of course, http://pinterest.com offers lots and lots of interesting and creative ideas.