My Blog
Mobiles, part II - Yo Gobbi Gobbi
I previously posted about the first two mobiles that are introduced to the newborn: the Munari and the Octahedron mobiles. The third mobile that the young infant is exposed to (somewhere around 6 weeks of age) is the Gobbi.
This beautiful mobile consists of five balls in five graded shades of one color. Its purpose is to further refine the child's developing sense of sight by providing a slight change in tone from one ball to the next. The baby tracks the change of shades back and forth, and h…
This beautiful mobile consists of five balls in five graded shades of one color. Its purpose is to further refine the child's developing sense of sight by providing a slight change in tone from one ball to the next. The baby tracks the change of shades back and forth, and h…
Zach's Digs - A Montessori Room
I was in Italy finishing my Elementary training when I found out I was pregnant, so my wonderful husband decided to surprise me by totally re-doing our spare bedroom and turning it into a Montessori room. When I came back, we worked together to add the finishing touches (mattress, nursing chair, artwork, etc.). 
The floor is wood and it has slight grooves and ind…
Making a Difference
ADHD drugs are only band-aids and fail to deal with the underlying issues affecting the child's behavior. So says this article in Psychology Today. I tend to agree... It's easier to medicate than to make the lifestyle changes that will make a difference (funny how this applies to so many issues, from obesity to heart disease - not just ADHD!).
What are your thoughts after reading this insightful article?
What are your thoughts after reading this insightful article?
Topponcino Tutorial
I'm very much a "fly by the seat of your pants" type of sewer, so I unfortunately don't have a pattern or very precise measurements for the topponcino. However, I can share with you how I made it and you can check out the pictures of my topponcino, in case you want to make your own.
Materials:
Materials:
- muslin fabric (or other thin cotton fabric) for topponcino
- soft cotton fabric for cover
- cotton batting
- embroidery thread
- sewing machine (or needle and thread)
Topponcino: The Miracle Pillow
I have three close friends who have completed the Assistants to Infancy training course (to support the development of children from birth through age 3). When they found out I was pregnant, all three told me to make a topponcino.
A toppon-WHAT?! A topponcino is a thin full-body infant pillow that provides the newborn with a sense of security when being passed from one person to another or when being placed onto his bed when he falls asleep in arms.
www.topponcinocompany.com
Being the crunchy momm…
A toppon-WHAT?! A topponcino is a thin full-body infant pillow that provides the newborn with a sense of security when being passed from one person to another or when being placed onto his bed when he falls asleep in arms.
www.topponcinocompany.comBeing the crunchy momm…
Zach is born
After many years of dreaming, nine months of gestation, and 12 hours of labor, our beautiful son was born into the hands of our midwife. He was born at home, with no painkillers or medical interventions, just like Nature intended.
From the moment he came into this world, Zach had his eyes open and was intent on looking around. He made every effort to focus on my face, and from that day on the characteristic that has most defined him has been his amazing curiosity for all that surrounds him. …
From the moment he came into this world, Zach had his eyes open and was intent on looking around. He made every effort to focus on my face, and from that day on the characteristic that has most defined him has been his amazing curiosity for all that surrounds him. …
Mobiles, part I
Our baby is due in 4 weeks, so I've been working feverishly to create materials that will support his development in the months to come.
One of the first materials a newborn is introduced to (after a couple of weeks of adapting to his surroundings) is the Munari mobile. This black & white mobile hangs close enough to the baby's face so he can focus on it with his limited range of vision (about 12-14 inches) but far enough so he can't accidentally swat it with his flailing arms and legs.
Why black …
One of the first materials a newborn is introduced to (after a couple of weeks of adapting to his surroundings) is the Munari mobile. This black & white mobile hangs close enough to the baby's face so he can focus on it with his limited range of vision (about 12-14 inches) but far enough so he can't accidentally swat it with his flailing arms and legs.
Why black …
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