This is Currently the Soundtrack of My Life

 

Toddlers are a lot of fun. A lot of work but the curiosity, the silliness, the joyfulness usually balances it all out. (Usually).

 

As anyone who has any experience with toddlers knows - repetition is part of package. Some books are easier to read 40 time a day. Some songs are easier to listen to on repeat for hours on end.

 

Nye-Nye has really gotten into making up her own songs. Frequently, she will use the name Lola in her songs.  I thought she would enjoy hearing another version of a "Lola" song, so I showed her a video of the Kinks performing "Lola" at a 1973 show. It was a hit. A little bit too much of a hit!

 

Now when we are at home, "Lola" is on constant repeat. When the song ends, I hear this insistent little voice say, "Lola, again." It's kind of hard to resist that voice. So, Lola it is....over and over all day. Luckily, it's a good song.

 



 

John Prine "In Spite of Ourselves"

Papa Bear has been working extra long hours at work, so my kiddo and I have been spending a lot of time on my Parent's Farm. We've had tons of fun exploring both inside and outside. But, there have been lots of moments when I miss Papa Bear.

Here's a video that I'm dedicating to him. It always brings me Joy (since it's still the Month of Joy on my blog, I thought I'd share it with you).

It's a little bit silly, a little raunchy and definitely Country...kind of like me!

Gift Idea: Music Basket

^{Who would like this gift? A child between the ages of 4 months up to a preschooler.}

^{What are you giving? A basket with musical instruments. Decide if you will include plastic or if you want everything to be made of natural materials.}

^{When? I would leave a few days or so for collecting everything. If you do it online, you will have to pay extra for shipping (but if you are a procrastinator like me you are probably used to that reality).}

^{Where? Use your imagination. At the bottom of the post, I will list where I found some of my instruments. Get your basket at a thrift store or yard sale (or you may even have one hanging around your house).  The Ten Thousand Villages in Old Town is an amazing place to find instruments especially interesting rattles.}

^{Why is it a great gift? I’ve become a big music-and-baby advocate since we started our Music Together class. It’s phenomenal watching a small baby respond to music.}

^{My experience?  I created a basket for my daughter using her baby rattles and a few other objects I found. I put the music basket out on her shelf (Montessori-style) and frequently change out the instruments. If it's not a good time for "music," the basket goes out of sight.}

<sup>Lina loves to tote her music basket around the house when she hears music being played. Most of her Christmas presents are going to be music related. I ordered some new ones and can't wait to check them out when they arrive.

Here are some ideas...</sup>

Wooden Egg Shaker

Wooden Claves

Plastic Egg Shaker

Animal Shaker Set

Bell Wristlet

Wooden Maracas

Wooden Butterfly Castanets

Block Mallet

Sevi Guiro Toy