Entertaining a 15-month old is always a challenge. My grandson has a "toy" attention span of about 30 seconds -- so finding something to occupy him that gives me a chance to read a whole paragraph or make a bed is always a challenge.
Yesterday, instead of his normal afternoon snack,I took the top off his play table, and filled the little tub with Cheerios -- thinking that would be good for a few minutes while I finished folding the load of clothes I was working on. What a surprise -- it kept him occupied for over an hour! If you don't have a play table, I'd suggest a baby bathtub or a low-sided storage container. Just add Cheerios, a couple of spoons and cups, and watch the fun.
Oh, and have the vacuum or broom ready -- the spills make great treats for your birds.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Cold Feed, Warm Energy Audits
In keeping with the spirit of President Obama's recovery program, we decided to do an energy audit on our house.
Today, HomeGreenHome took a look at our energy saving opportunities. There were no big surprises -- add more insulation in the attic (oh, and after we have it rewired to remove the knob and tube wiring, of course) and caulk the windows and doors.
The one thing I like about this company's program is their cost/return focus. Yes, I need new windows, but on an ROI basis, that will be the last thing. I should get the details on all the recommendations in a week or so -- and I'll share anything exciting.
Desired outcome -- a warm enough first floor that Grandson (and Grandma!) does not have to wear his coat in the house any more!
Today, HomeGreenHome took a look at our energy saving opportunities. There were no big surprises -- add more insulation in the attic (oh, and after we have it rewired to remove the knob and tube wiring, of course) and caulk the windows and doors.
The one thing I like about this company's program is their cost/return focus. Yes, I need new windows, but on an ROI basis, that will be the last thing. I should get the details on all the recommendations in a week or so -- and I'll share anything exciting.
Desired outcome -- a warm enough first floor that Grandson (and Grandma!) does not have to wear his coat in the house any more!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Babyproofing
Now that I'm keeping my grandson on a regular schedule, I've decided to babyproof the entire house to expand his universe. Now that he is walking/running, I'm thinking that the living room is just not offering the proper exploration opportunities for him.
So, this week we ventured up to the second floor. If you have never introduced a 15-month old to a room that has not been babyproofed -- you really should give it a try. That is, if you have a well developed sense of humor! Within the first 5 minutes, my grandson successfully covered the floor with all of the CD's and cassettes from the shelves, flipped over the coffee table (which had a loose tray top), took possession of 3 remote controls that served as simulation cell phones, and discovered that the recliner if tilted back ever so slightly makes a great slide.
Now that the CD's and cassettes are safely ensconced on the higher shelves -- and the lower shelves filled with toys like dominoes, puzzles, and very old remotes -- the second floor is quickly becoming a favored place. When boredom begins to set in, he gives me one of his winning smiles, points upstairs, and raises his arms for a lift.
Next week we'll tackle the third floor -- which should be good fun since it is mostly one big room. I'm thinking riding toys......
See you soon.
So, this week we ventured up to the second floor. If you have never introduced a 15-month old to a room that has not been babyproofed -- you really should give it a try. That is, if you have a well developed sense of humor! Within the first 5 minutes, my grandson successfully covered the floor with all of the CD's and cassettes from the shelves, flipped over the coffee table (which had a loose tray top), took possession of 3 remote controls that served as simulation cell phones, and discovered that the recliner if tilted back ever so slightly makes a great slide.
Now that the CD's and cassettes are safely ensconced on the higher shelves -- and the lower shelves filled with toys like dominoes, puzzles, and very old remotes -- the second floor is quickly becoming a favored place. When boredom begins to set in, he gives me one of his winning smiles, points upstairs, and raises his arms for a lift.
Next week we'll tackle the third floor -- which should be good fun since it is mostly one big room. I'm thinking riding toys......
See you soon.
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