An Early Spring

I never thought we'd be going to the playground as early as March, but we have been blessed by some very nice weather after a winter that barely was (by Toronto standards, anyway). Noah is a pro at the playground now, and Oscar is eagerly attempting the various play structures.

Noah often likes to play down by the empty wading pool at Lithuania Park, as well. There is a little hopscotch there and a graffiti sign on the concrete that says "Scribbles." Noah always lies down on the word. He says, in a matter-of fact way, that this is what you are supposed to do when you see it. Who knew?

Oscar helped Noah with the number line one day. Actually, it is really nice to see Noah learning how to get along with someone younger than him. He is learning to be more patient and generous with Oscar. I'm hoping this proves to be great practise for Noah adjusting to his up and coming little sister!

I helped Oscar do some beading while playing "Zoominoes" with Noah. Oscar is very focused and determined to learn new things. He's got a great attention span, just like his big buddy Noah.  

We did Play Dough after naps one day (well, Noah has recently given up on naps, but that's another story). It was Oscar's first time with Play Dough at the daycare. At first he was touching it and squishing it, and exploring it in completely appropriate ways. But, like most children his age, he became intent on eating it. (I did give it to him while he was in his high chair. What is he supposed to think?) I had to bring him down and let him stack the Play Dough cups instead. We'll try it again next time. Actually, it was the most successful attempt I've ever had with a 15-month-old, since it took him a good 5 minutes to try his first taste. That's a record!

As mentioned in my last post, Oscar is now walking more than half the time. Even though I didn't catch him walking on this next video, I had to post it anyway, because he's just so darned cute!

I did catch it in this video. Way to go, Oscar!

We took a trek up to Vine Parkette (Choo Choo Playground) on a beautiful and warm spring day. Noah and I had seen workers building a new playground there in the fall, and now it's all finished. I love how there are always toys kept there for the kids to play with, like the ride-on toy Oscar is taking for a spin, below.

It is not enough for Oscar to focus on walking, at this point. He is intent on mastering many more gross motor skills. Here he is trying to teach himself to step down from a little curb at the new playground structure. He was persistently working on this for about 20 minutes! I guess it's good to start setting personal goals at an early age. 

It got so warm out that we were able to take our coats off. Noah seemed to feel so free and happy the moment we took his sweater off, and danced around the empty wading pool, as he often does. He loved pushing this lawn mower toy around, which also belongs to the park. He was mowing the cement for a good half hour! It was too cute!