07.22 Weekly Message

Hi mama!

Our travel plans changed due to the crazy airport situation, so we won’t be home until tomorrow instead of Saturday. This unexpected downtime has given me a chance to think about what I want to explore with Emi when we return.

Even though Emi isn’t in school yet, we like to refresh our routine and set goals for the new "semester" as Papa starts his new school year.

Here are a few things I’m looking forward to:

• More art projects, especially nature-inspired creations

• Introducing new language categories such as colors, textures, and numbers

• Designated park time during the week

• Transitioning to one nap (not looking forward to this, but it’s happening)

Let’s make this week a joyful one!

EAT: Also not looking forward to the cold… but it’s winter down in Chile, and all I can think about is a nice hot cup of soup. This chicken corn chowder looks delicious, kid-friendly, and easy to make. Check out the recipe here.

BEAUTY: The main thing we stock up on before leaving the US is beauty products (and crunchy peanut butter, of course). Our suitcase is filled with a 5-month supply of our favorite face wash, soap for Emi, and almond oil.

READ: I finished reading Crescent City, which was better than expected. I know Sarah J. Maas fans are hardcore, but I was “meh” about her after reading A Court of Thorns and Roses. However, an author that really hooked and shook me was Rebecca Ross with her book A River Enchanted. It was one of my favorite summer reads, and I’m looking forward to the sequel, A Fire Endless. I got the audiobook and will be enjoying it during our 15-hour plane ride.

MOVEMENT: I talk a lot about nature walks, but until recently, only mama and papa were walking. Now that Emi can walk some of the trails, our walks have changed. We go slower as Emi loves to examine every little acorn. I caught myself trying to rush her but realized there was no need. This is valuable exploration time. Walks are different now, but that’s a good thing. I need to let Emi explore and grow at her own pace.

SENSORY: Mama loaded up on tools for sensory play, and I’m excited to get creative with new projects. However, these last few days, Emi has been super into rocks, moving and admiring Nanny’s landscaping rocks. So, the hunt begins for some good rocks. I’m also looking into this cool Fossils and Mineral Collection.

LANGUAGE: Last trip to the library, we found an amazing color book. I regret not ordering it before leaving because it had realistic images and featured Emi’s favorite things right now: frogs and raspberries. Check it out here.

NATURE: We haven’t seen our houseplants in five weeks, so I know there will be lots of tending Emi and I will have to do this week to give them some extra love. A great activity is to let your little one water the houseplants and keep a plant log or do a "meet a plant" activity using this free printable. Download the printable here.

ART: Emi has been lukewarm about art activities, so I’m looking forward to finding some art projects she might be interested in. Here are some of my ideas for the upcoming weeks: nature-inspired summer art projects.

PRACTICAL SKILLS: Let me tell you, Emi has taken the concept of finger food to another level. EVERYTHING is finger food. While there’s nothing wrong with that, I would like to encourage the use of utensils a bit more. I’m planning to use spoons more often for our scooping activities and try these self-feeding utensils during meals. If you have any tips, please send them my way!

ps. All my free printables are available here.

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