After, looking like such a fine young boy:
This afternoon I tried a new window cleaner, Method, which is purportedly non-toxic. Because it is non-toxic, I was cleaning the windows even though John was awake and bumbling around nearby. He was very interested in what I was doing and it occurred to me that since he imitates so much of what I do, I would hand him his own cleaning rag. He set about washing the windows! I do aspire to be the kind of mother who trains her young children to do chores and allows them to do them, even though she could do them better and faster. We'll see if I can overcome my perfectionist tendencies to achieve that parenting ideal of mine.
I also bought a little set of toddler utensils, which are more substantial than infant spoons. I wonder if John will eat more if he's holding his own spoon. Tonight he did pretty well with his hummus.
I've noticed that John's word for baby has changed. His word for kitty evolved over the months from "tss-tss" to "diddy." When John first began pointing to himself and saying baby recently, he said a two-syllable "ba-ay." Now he has picked up the second "b" but dropped the long "e" sound because he cannot yet say the phoneme "bee." So, now baby is "ba-ba." I find it fascinating to watch his language acquisition.
What a precious love you have!
ReplyDeleteMine desperately need haircuts! Any tips on cutting a toddler's hair? Tips especially for boys?
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI studied up what I could online before trying the first time.
http://www.hairfinder.com/hair/cut-boys-hair.htm
http://www.hairfinder.com/hairquestions/hq-cuttinghair.htm
I also searched for key words such as "baby's first haircut." I found many mothers' blogs so I could see photographs.
I'm not using clippers yet. I use the cheap barber's scissors that came in my clippers set. I think the key tip is to always use your fingers as a guide and cut in vertical lines, not horizontally. If you cut horizontally, then choppy lines will become visible. If you cut vertically (closer to the skin at the bottom, longer at the top), then it fades the hair and mistakes are less visible.
Also, trim in very short amounts so that any mistakes are easier to hide.
I strap John in his booster seat and give him something exciting to play with while I cut. If a kid were old enough to be transfixed by TV, I'd set him up in front of the set.
I'm still learning, obviously!. Today for the first time I accidentally cut a bit of a bald spot in John's hair. :)
A great glass and window cleaner that is not only non-toxic, but edible, is 1 part distilled vinegar 3-4 parts water. I let the kids have the spray bottle and a rag and go to town. If they drink it they'll be ok! and it cuts grease and water spots well. I keep a couple bottles handy and use it for just about everything including washing vegetables/fruit!
ReplyDeleteFor the round the ear trim, I am learning on Soren that unless I comb straight down from the side of the head to the ear, then trim the hair around the ear, it will always look messy when it hasn't just been combed. If I comb it straight and make sure that none of the hairs in that line are long enough to fall over the ear (I trim it in a little curve following the ear line about 1/4 inch away), it stays neater looking for longer.
That vertical trick you mentioned in your comment is something that my hair stylist of 10+years taught me and it is a real life saver! Especially on the girls. I can make about 20 mistakes and still give Miriam a semi professional looking do.
Christina doesn't even say "mama" yet. She did say "agua" (a-wa) today a couple of times though and really seemed to mean water. Other than that... zilch. But I agree it is totally fun watching the light bulbs go on.
I use Method cleaning products. I'm a big fan. Have you tried the shower cleaner? It's great:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.methodhome.com/products.php?cat=type&type=specialty&prod=bathroom&name=bathroom_ttspray
Sarah: I have a bottle with a vinegar-water mix but have found that it leaves big streaks on my glass. I also tried adding in a smidgen of dishwasher soap, as suggested, to get rid of the streaks, but it still wasn't great. What to do?
ReplyDeleteRe: "mama," well, now John has expanded mama beyond me. He'll call Chris and even himself "mama" and he'll refer to my bedside books as "mama." ~sigh~ I'm embarrassed to admit how hurt I feel when he calls Chris "mama"!
Another Method fan here! I love their aloe/green tea hand soap...I have an all-purpose cleaner spray...and their 'granite' cleaner is fabulous! Finally something that works great on granite!! YAY!
ReplyDeleteCharlie still doesn't say Mama. :O( it'll come, I know, but a little recognition would be nice! the kitty and hamsters get more verbal noises from him. ::sigh::
Oh! and as far as the vacuum goes...he may *never* be intimidated by it. I must say that none of mine have been. Charlie is in awe of the vacuum [go figure!]. He follows *us* around. and with my Kirby vac, I'll let the little ones have *rides*!
ReplyDeleteRe: the vinegar streaks, it may be what you wipe it with? It usually works well for me. Maybe try with a squeegee or microfiber towel? I love the ettore squeegee that I bought at don aslett's site. Makes VERY quick work of windows and mirrors! Even shower doors if you have 'em.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, if Method works for you that is great. Vinegar is just so cheap and if it's something I'm going to let the kiddos use, I'd rather it be completely expendable budget wise!