Playtime!

We are finally getting to the point where we have a pretty good routine. I've been waking up in the mornings, nursing both boys, reading to them, playing games and singing songs, and then they both generally fall asleep pretty quickly. This has worked well for us since about the middle of January, which is pretty cool!

One thing that we've been able to incorporate the last few days is some playtime, mixed with a little tummy time, our least favorite activity of the day. We have the jungle gym mat shown here that the boys have only recently not minded being laid on for longer than a few minutes. During that time, up until recently, we've had to sit there and entertain them, or, at least, convince them not to cry. And forget tummy time. That's the worst!

Saturday morning, we left Bl'aig on the mat for nearly an hour after his brother had fallen asleep in the other room, and he cooed and laughed and loved nearly ever minute of it! We were thrilled!! Since then, we've tried just setting the boys on it (face up) and letting them gawk at the colors and toys. Occasionally, I'll flip one of them over and rub his back while he's on his tummy, which is getting less disagreeable. After they've cried sufficiently and lifted their heads a few times, I'll flip them back over (I only flip one at a time!) and they are pretty much distracted from their discomfort by the colorful things.

This new discovery is so liberating! They aren't crying to be held at all times, I'm not constantly trying to get them to nap so I can get things done, and they are learning before my eyes! I had them both on the mat for over an hour and a half yesterday (L'aig did 2 hours!) and they both were purposefully using their arms and hands to grab things, reaching across their bodies (I think I'm going to have at least one lefty), and bringing things with accuracy to their mouths. It was so cool to watch! I was even able to fix dinner while they entertained themselves.

It is amazing to watch their growth and development every day. I can't believe how much they are changing on a daily basis. I wonder what the next month will hold for us?

Today's verse: This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24