Laughter Does a Body Good!

What's so funny?  All I said was, "Peek-a-boo!" while popping out from under a mound of pillows.  This game elicited squealing, giggling and some hardy laughs for more than 20 minutes!  
"Experts say a well-developed sense of humor can boost a person's immune system, contribute to a more optimistic outlook on life, and increase self-esteem."
Jude and I are finding lots of times to laugh, whether it's pushing him in his cardboard box around his room, playing with Jude's Jack-in-the box or giving him surprised looks when my hat falls off of my head.  
"What's more, research shows that a sense of humor is learned, not inherited. "
Well, we are having a great time learning how to have a sense of humor. Fortunately, his parents love to laugh and have always shared this with Jude, so I have no doubt that this little honey will end up with a considerably boosted immune system!
Keep 'em smiling,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What makes your grandkids laugh?
Related Article:
What's funny to a toddler? 

Learning The Alphabet

"Most children begin recognizing some letters between the ages of 2 and 3 and can identify most letters between 4 and 5. This means that you can start teaching your child the alphabet when he's around 2 — but don't expect full mastery for some time."

Jude's playing with magnetic letters has become a learning experience for me, too!  First he figured out they can stick, followed by the discovery that some letters match, and I believe he's now trying to figure out how to line them up to make patterns.  Learning the letters will come, there's just so many other things that this toddler needs to explore first!   

Best,

Bubbie and Jude

P.S. Have any good tips on teaching the ABC's?

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Educational Toys

The advertisement read, "This ingenious, fun-to-use phone lets children hear themselves talk…so kids can really focus on every sound they say! Perfect for exploring letter sounds, phoneme blending, sound manipulation and more, the molded plastic phone is sized just for kids, with a lightweight, easy-grip handle." Obviously I had to buy this right away for my grandson.  I couldn't wait to watch the surprised expression on his face as he'd hear himself talk.  What the copy on the package should have added was, "...and just in case your children prefer puzzles, expect them to try to fit every toy they have into the fun-to-use phone's openings and build from there!"  I must admit, I spent a lot of time listening to myself talk into this ingenious invention while Jude slept.  It will be fun and educational once he's ready!
Happy learning,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  I'd love to hear about some educational toys you've found worthwhile buying for the kids!  Thanks!
Related article:
Unique and Creative Toys for Kids 

Cardboard Boxes Stir The Imagination

It all started with an empty Pampers box.  Darn that last diaper!  I simply couldn't resist introducing Jude to "the empty box."  I knew it would be love at first site.  The first thing Jude did was to climb in for a ride.  As the designated driver, I had the honor of pulling this precious cargo from room to room while he repeatedly asked for more!  After I pooped out, Jude filled it with balls, and drove it around himself for a while.  We've got lots more to do with this great toy as we break her in!  Old favorites never die!
Here's to fun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  How about sharing some of your great ideas for box play?
Related Article:
Fun With Cardboard Boxes