The Kendal Jadyn Burg Blog

Big Steps April 28, 2010

Kendal is a reluctant step climber. She has no problem taking steps (even thresholds), but she needs a little reassurance in the form of a hand to hold (or even just a finger). I know she could do it on her own, if she wanted to, but she just needs the magic finger.

This week, she has suddenly gotten her confidence. It isn’t 100% yet, but when she doesn’t over think it up she goes (or down). She does our front threshold with ease, and can take our front step. The one she still struggles with is the garage step, but that is the one step that she actually seems to use the hand for assistance.

I am so proud of my little step taker… Although this just means there ain’t nothing stopping her now.

Big Words April 17, 2010

I know the PC thing to do is to severely limit your children’s exposure to TV, but while it can be a mind sucking problem, it can also be a wonderful teacher (when the right programs are selected, of course). I am not saying that 24-7 unmonitored TV is the way to go, but I think some take the anti-TV thing too far.

Recently Kendal has busted out with two big words that I have to attribute to Playhouse Disney. The first – Imagination Movers. She loves this show, and one day when it came on she just exclaimed, “Imjination Moovers” and started dancing.

The second word she learned from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse that surprised me was “telescope.” We were looking at her “look and find” Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and she pointed to the telescope and said “telscope.”

Of course, the shows have also taught her the names of all of the characters, working on counting (although we work on that a lot too), the lyrics to her fav songs and more…

No TV isn’t her #1 teacher, but it sure makes my life easier knowing that she is getting something out of her “milk/t” (milk and TV before nap time).

Bess You Mama April 16, 2010

A few mornings ago, Kendal and I were sitting on the bed watching her morning cartoons. She was sitting slightly in front of me, completely engrossed in Mik-Me. When I sneezed she turned around to look at me and said, “Bess you mama,” and then she turned right back to the TV. In that moment I was so amazed that she noticed the sneeze, registered what to say, took herself away from the TV and replied with the correct response. It was quite a step in her development and so sweet all at the same time.

She is a very loving and sweet child, and I work with her a lot about asking for “help pease” saying “tanks” and “no tanks.” I am happy to report that it seems to be rubbing off. Not only is she saying these things and using them correctly, but she is also adding names to the sentences – “no tanks mama,” “help pease dada,” etc. I am very proud of my polite and loving daughter.

Easter at the Beach April 5, 2010

Once again, we spent a wonderful Easter weekend at the beach in Pass-a-Grille.

It was a gorgeous afternoon when we arrived on Friday evening, so we  headed down to the beach to see what Kendal would think of the sand. (Last year, she was totally freaked out. She didn’t enjoy the beach at all, it was so sad.) We started with much of the same – fussiness when I tried to stand her up in the sand. But Daddy has the magic touch, when he came down to join us, he was able to get K to stand, then take a few steps and finally walk down the beach with him. It was so cute – walking hand-in-hand with Daddy down the beach.

Saturday was the real test. Armed with a bucket full of beach toys, we were ready for the beach – but would Kendal be ready. It only took me showing her how to shovel the sand once and she was hooked… She sat and played in the sand for hours, it was adorable. I couldn’t get enough watching her enjoy the sand. By the time we were ready to go, my clean girl was happy to be covered in sand.

That evening we dyed Easter Eggs. Everyone stood around and watched as I dyed the eggs, then Kendal decorated with stickers – Mickey Mouse, of course.

Even though we usually stay totally casual at the beach, I couldn’t resist Kendal’s fancy Easter dress. So while we were all casual, Kendal was all dolled up in her Sunday best! After scattering the eggs on the floor, it was time for K to hunt the eggs. Mom had a bunch of plastic fish-themed eggs, we started with those, but when we showed her the real eggs she dumped out the plastic ones to make room for the “cold” ones. She piled up all of her eggs in her basket and seemed quite pleased with her pick. But Kendal’s biggest excitement were all of her “Easer Baskets.”

As always, we had a great weekend at the beach. I can’t wait to go back to the beach this summer to try Kendal out in the water.