A Day Off

Today I had a day off!! Well, a work days worth!!

I left at 9AM today and didn't see my kiddos until about 2:30 in the afternoon. We spent the afternoon together out. We (sort of) got rid of the car (long story, for another day...and you will get it). And then came home and the girls crashed.

I got a WONDERFUL pedicure w/ a neck massage (brief, but wonderful), a great massaging chair and some wonderful scented oils of my own choice. My nails are all painted (something that has not occured for a LONG time) in a beautiful shiny burgundy color (It's called 'Wrapped in Rubies')...and my feet feel sooo soft. My manicure was nice, but more for the humor of my manicurist than for the manicure itself...it wasn't over the top and he didn't even massage my hands (my fav part of a manicure)...BUT, he himself was hilarious!!

So, I got a nice little Mommies Day Out. Got to chat and relax with the girls, ahve a little lunch (that got cut short for my car appointment)...and it was sooo wonderful!!

Hooray for time off - even if we do talk about our kids during it!!!

So I can't go to playdates :(

Well, after today I've decided I can no longer attend playdates *sigh* Why? Well...let's see.

Last month I went to a playdate (finally...I rarely get to with our schedule, etc.)...Molly spent almost the entire 2 hours at my side.

Today, same playdate, same situation, except I wasn't there (appointment at the chiro's...check Side Dishes for that info). She PLAYED! With OTHER CHILDREN! (well, one...but still)

*headdesk* I want to go and be able to talk to the Mommy's and...and...*sigh*

Joy.

Learning while Playing...

Seeing all the toys the therapists bring always makes me curious on appropriate play and toys for the girls. So, about once a week I go perusing websites that have sensory play based toys. Usually the equipment is crazy expensive, but sometimes you see some items within reasonable reach. I really go primarily for the ideas. Many common Sensory play items can be recreated. Some basic ideas I've come up with....

Tactile play is easy. Set out four bowls. Place four different textures in each. Rice, rotini pasta, sugar/salt, and (this can be messy) jelly. Four varying textures to explore. Rice or beans and rotini pasta are really great for opening the senses.

Get brushes of varying textures/bristle strength, and let your child explore those - but this is something to take slow.

Fabric has wonderful varieties of textures. Satin, wool, felt, cotton...all varying. Make a bin full of different fabrics and let your child explore each one.

Remember feet are as important. Let your child walk barefoot over different textures. Get washtubs and fill them with different outdoor textures...sand, pebbles (smooth is probably better here), mud, a patch of grass, a concrete block, smooth sanded wood. Let their feet get the sensations that their hands do.

Visit some sensory play sites, get some ideas there...you never know what ideas might come! I'll be posting more ideas as I get them as well. For things from physical therapy to more sensory play, to oral motor play.

Some sensory play sites:
http://www.flaghouse.com/default.asp?Category=Sensory%20Solutions
http://www.beyondplay.com/index.htm
http://www.integrationscatalog.com/index.jsp