Time Outs and Vaccuums

There is not much to report right now. Stirling was sick earlier this week, so I ended up having a four day weekend staying home with him on Tuesday. My week at school was then even more hectic with a substitute, guest speaker, field trip, etc. Even though I only taught three days, it was a really long week. Even more tiring is Stirling's new "stomp feet, scream, and hit" routine. It is difficult to stay calm when he yells and hits me in the face. We do time outs by restraining him on our laps. He doesn't like be restrained, but it seems kind of like a hug and might be sending mixed messages. I think I am going to buy a little stool to be his "naughty spot."
On a more positive note, Stirling loves helping with everything. He has completely changed his previous attitude about the vaccuum and now LOVES to help push it around. He also takes his placemat to the table, helps sweep, and likes to put things in the garbage. Having Stirling help with everything helps prevent meltdowns, but everthing is twice as difficult and time-consuming!

I tried to load a video of Stirling playing with his new basketball toy, but it was sideways so I decided not to.

The desert can be beautiful

Summer Fun

Well, school has started and that means back to work, and back to daycare. But boy, Stirling and I had fun this summer. We stayed at home and did simple little activities that we could enjoy together. Here are just a few pictures of our summer fun!

Funny face.










Taking a walk.











Sweeping!











Picking flowers.








Fingerpainting (or should I say face painting?!?)!











Waterplay.









Blocks