Saturday, January 4, 2014

January's 2014 Newsletter



Happy New Years!!! I hope that everyone had a great time over the holidays with friends and family and that your little one didn't make you too crazy over winter break. Mateo and I really enjoyed your cards and gifts, Thank you, we really appreciate your kinds words and best wishes and hope that the little one enjoyed their's as well.

We were nice and busy with activities and projects in December. We made so many different kinds of ornaments, cookies and decorations. We had lots of sensory experiences, exploring with paints, dough and instant snow! We're wrapping up our long alphabet lessons with just X Y and Z to go. We look forward to playing around with numbers some more and strengthening letter, shapes and color recognition. We also look forward to making new friends this year.

We would like to introduce you to our new friend, Chase.
Chase starts next week and I can honestly say that I am really excited about him starting with us. Monica and Chase have already had the chance to get to know each other a little bit, just right before the break, and the kids got to meet him, too. Chase just turned one, he is really cute, sweet, gentle and curious. We can't wait for him to get to know us and our routine. His Buddy, Avi, will join us later this year!


Important Dates to Remember:
  • Monday, January 20th, Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Friday, January, 31st, Closed for Lunar New Year


All About Mila:
I've got the keys!
This 18 month old can be soooo silly! Her developing personality shows itself daily. She likes to keep her eye on you and stay close by. She is independent yet at times demands that 1 on 1 QT (Quality Time). She is always happy, ready for anything and is very clear on her opinions. She is mimicking sounds and will repeat words she hears in English and German. She surprises me with new words all the time and is clear. Not very excited about signing at Little Foot although we do hear that she uses it at home sometimes. She definitely know the sign for cracker, more, and done.
Peek-a-boo, I see you!





Mila, where the keys go?

All About Kazu:
Are you sure you have enough, Kazu?


The cow says "Moo".
19 month old, Kazu, has been busy producing pearly whites. He has been such a trooper and can't seem to catch a break, it's been one tooth after another. His friends Bear, Cow, and pacifier have been dedicated and supportive the whole time, practically never leaving his side. All of this discomfort has lead to some experimentation with cause and effect. If we could see into his thoughts it would probably go something like..." Let's just see what happens when I...o, right! Time out!" because he is really enjoying putting himself in time out at home. Luckily, this is just a phase, but at last he is 1 and we will continue to gently remind him that it makes our friends sad when we take things away and hitting hurts. Kazu is babbling a lot, he doesn't seem to have the patience for signing and wants what he wants now. He wants to talk and can say a few words, surprising us all the time
Chef Kazu cooking up lunch.

How many do we need for this box?
All About Sienna:
I forget sometimes that Sienna has practically spent her whole life with us at Little Foot, she has grown so
Pushing a bunny on the swing.
much, has learned so much and she'll be 3 in just a few months! She is constantly talking, telling stories, recalling memories and events, and just being inquisitive. She loves being the big girl at Little Foot, always moving, taking care of the little ones by offering toys or their cups, and being a handful. We're still working on getting #2 in the toilet but she keeps her undies and her bed dry at nap and that's a big accomplishment. She enjoys her independence and choice making. She is so smart. She knows her colors and letters, is learning how to count and is working on remembering to be slower around the younger one.

This is how big girls concentrate.  













All About Mateo and Claire:

Can you believe that these two, at some point this year, will be turning 4? They continue to soak up everything like sponges, question and examine facts, tell funny stories and embody characters in dramatic play. They are so grown compared their younger friends yet fall to pieces just as easily. I love how much they love each other and pick up every week as if they were just together yesterday.

Mateo is currently working on social interactions at school with boys his age. He just learned how to play picture dominoes, has been drawing up a storm, grown like a weed and had ear tubes put in, in December.
Playing with Instant Snow.
Music Snap Shots:
What's in the bag, Mila?

It's a Pig!

The dogs at the park.....
say "Bark, Bark, Bark".



Salt Dough Ornament Making Snap Shots:
First we measure out the salt,

then we measure out the flour

add water,

and mix

and mix,

and mix,

and mix, 

until the dough is just right.
Time to decorate!





Cookie Making Snap Shots:





Monday, December 2, 2013

December's 2013 Newsletter



Greetings Everyone, we've made it to December! Tis the season for our bellies to be fuller, our clothing to be warmer, and our pockets to be a bit thinner, LOL. As the years go by and the Holidays creep up sooner and sooner it gets me to thinking about what it is about the Holidays that I truly want to instill in my child, is it the gift giving, the joy of receiving, the mad rush we make from giving thanks for what we have to then selfishly fighting for the best deal? No, not for me. I think that the most important thing to remember is that we need each other and I hope that we are teaching our children the value of giving, sharing, and loving. Let's remember that time, being together, love, patience, and memories can't be bought. Happy Holidays!

Important Dates to Remember:

  • Mon. Dec. 24th- Fri. Jan. 3rd - Closed for Winter Break
This past month we spent a lot of time playing in small groups. This level of social interaction has strengthened bonds, encouraged team work, and has allowed time for some really sweet affectionate hugs and kisses. We were able to visit the Zoo, Recess, the playground and Stow Lake. Learned a little bit about Thanksgiving and what it means to be "Thankful" (a concept that not easy to teach to the youngens) and enjoyed some sensory play and crafts.

Here are a few snap shots:

Playtime~
Beading

Pretend sleep over.

T is for Tee Pee

Playing in the tunnel.

Having a pow wow.

Practicing his rhythm

Learning how to work keys.

Kazu really likes this toy, Mila wants to play too.



Time for hair cuts and styling~
Stylist in the making.



Mateo's Turn

Add caption
Are you next?
Sensory Pumpkin Pie Activity~
First you mix food coloring with unscented shaving cream



Then you add pumpkin pie spices


Time to scoop it out...

and make pies!

At The Zoo~
The new playground is awesome!

Sienna and Mateo have been inseparable.

One of the many tunnels Kazu explored.

Kazu's favorite this trip


At The Lake~
A scenic view and quick bite to eat before we feed the Ducks.

Mila's view of the waterfall and Chinese Pavilion.

Sienna in front of the waterfall and Chinese Pavilion.

Kazu excited about feeding the pigeons.

Mila preferred to sit back and enjoy the sites, feet up!
At Recess~
The teething life is rough.


She is getting really good at climbing!

Beep Beep!


Sienna's favorite, I really wanted to play here too!