Preparing Big Brother

As the final leaves fall from the trees, it is obvious there is no turning back...the Holidays are almost here and Old Man Winter is right around the corner. With that, comes a case of the "Stir Crazies"- just in time for a new Baby at home, but not so fun for her Big Brother who is already starting to "stir." So with that said, besides a few bad colds (one that we are fighting again currently- the 2nd time Jacob has been sick in 4-weeks and it is only November 10th- just the beginning of flu season) this kid is starting to get B-O-R-E-D. So with my "nesting ability" in full swing right now, I have decided to prepare a few new, upcoming projects that should keep Jacob busy the first few weeks of Emerson's homecoming. We have decided to "make" a "Good Boy" chart- which is mommy's craft #1- the chart consists of really creative pictures I either drew or glued on, and a list of "Good Deeds" Jacob is to be practicing. Some examples: Pee Pee on the Potty, Listening to Mommy, washing hands regularly, getting dressed (with my help, of course) without throwing fits, Helping with Baby, Brushing teeth, putting on coat, shoes, hat when we go outside, picking up toys, asking for help- NOT Whining...etc.etc. Each day, he gets a sticker by each "good deed" if he has successfully completed it. By the end of the week, with enough stickers, Jacob gets an ice cream cone! So far, it is a little early to tell, he is still getting the hang of it...but he LOVES to put the stickers on each night.

Recently, I made a trip to Michael's....where I picked up a bunch of craft ideas- one of those was a little white cardboard box- which I have made "Jacob's craft box" (to get him excited about more crafts to come, etc. - today, we spent a nice hour decorating it with fun stickers and his name.) He seems to be enjoying these "crafty ideas". Some upcoming projects to fill up the next many weeks: an Indian headband with feathers (THANKSGIVING CRAFT), cardboard traced ornaments to decorate, cardboard gingerbread men to decorate (Holiday Crafts), and some "stick" guys to decorate. Just a few ideas....Hopefully, this will help keep him busy!