Because Babies Grow Up

It seems like only yesterday, but really it was last year, that we were celebrating the Ultimate Blog Party. So excited for another year to participate and reflect on a year’s worth of growth. Ah, memories…

First, An Introduction

I’m Amber, livin’ the dream as a stay-at-home mom while my husband, Brent, makes his way through medical school. We have two adorable daughters, Sammi (3 1/2) and Elli (1 1/2) who love to play, dance, craft and ride around Eastern Tennessee.

About Because Babies Grow Up

My initial goal in starting this blog was to write about child development, focusing on helping parent have realistic expectations for their children birth to five. As it has developed I now focus on music, literacy and play as they relate to early childhood development and how parents can enjoy these early years with their children.

Music

We love everything from nursery rhymes and fingerplays to classical and kid’s music for grown ups. We’ve had lots of opportunities to review and giveaway new music and so far every album has been a big hit! Not a bad track record. On occasion we also post videos of the girls being cute while they sing their favorites. Here’s our most watched video:

Literacy

We love books and spend an awful lot of time each day reading. I’ve written about early literacy as well as books we love to read. Current favorites include Fanny’s Dream and book about Clifford the Big Red Dog. Sammi is also starting to show interest in longer non-fction books so we’ve had lots of fun learning about animals and construction vehicles.

Play

Just about everything is play. We are passionate about making time for play each day. I’m talking unstructured, messy, imaginative free play. We love blocks, glue, dress up, painting, water and sand. Play is my favorite part of the day because I get to see what the girls are thinking and learning. The reenact cartoons, breakfast or a trip to the zoo. Play is a window into their hearts and minds. I know them better because I play with them. And it’s so much fun!

Before You Go

Thanks for stopping by and sharing a moment in the Ultimate Blog Party with us! If you like what you’ve seen, please consider subscribing to the feed or becoming a fan on Facebook. I’m always on the look out for inspiration, laughs and new friends so I’d love to hear from you and check out your blog, too. By the way, we recently moved to Tennessee from the West and are interested in meeting other bloggers from East Tennessee, or anywhere in Tennessee or the South. I’d love to get some different perspectives and explanations about the interesting cultural differences we’ve experienced.

Some of my favorite blogs that are partying this year are The Adventure of Motherhood, Silly Eagle Books, A Mommy’s Adventures,and The Thoughtful Parent. If you have a moment, please visit them, too. They are fantastic.

Prizes

What’s a party without prizes? A boring one, I guess. And that’s why there are a kajillion prizes up for grabs at the Ultimate Blog Party. I wouldn’t be opposed to any of them But here are some specific ones I’d love to win.

• US7 – Tupperware Prize Pack from Heather @ Marine Corps Nomads
• US10 – Young Living Essential Oils Stress Away Roll-On from Oils For Wellness
• US16 – A custom-made tutu for a baby or little girl from Sweet Patootie’s via Peachy Keen
• US19 – Prize package of preschool toys from Hasbro