The Joy that is Jocelyn: What They Learn When You Think They Aren't Looking!

Well it all started the other day when I was watching my two 4 year old nephews for a couple hours -who were perfectly behaved, by the way! :) and Jocelyn was running around with them, stopping to give them sweet hugs and trying to do everything they do. She went over to the low drawer which holds the kids' plates and cups and took out a cup, then walked over to the fridge and stood on her tippy toes and tried to hold it up to the water dispenser! Anteneh looked at me in amazement and said, "Hey!" I too, was in amazement. I mean, I have NEVER showed her that before, she just saw all of us do it! Of course, everyone thinks their own kids are smart, but I've had several "aha" moments in the last few days when I realize just how much she is paying attention to all the things we are doing around her and how much she is learning at all times! It just blows my mind!

Jocelyn and I were on a mission to buy her some "big kid toys" recently because she is in desperate need of some things other than little hand-held baby toys. Well, I was comparing 3 different toy vacuum cleaners at Toys R Us because Jocelyn likes to sweep back and forth with the spatula and other long items on the floor (another thing she has picked up by just watching me-- although I don't know why becuase according to my husband I don't clean the floors enough :). I couldn't bring myself to spend $20 on these toys so I've decided to try garage sales instead. When we got home, I took out the real dust buster and can you believe it, she was even more excited than with the ones in the store. She cleaned the floors for a long time and was so proud to be doing such a big girl activity.

Last night, we were hanging out outside, getting as dirty as possible before bath time, when Jocelyn went over and grabbed the hose and pulled it over to the dogs' bowl to "fill it up" !!
Once again, something she picked up by watching us. I guess I shouldn't be so surprised. It is just so neat to see her try to do these things on her own. I have been giving her more big girl responsibilites, like letting her hand me the silverware while unloading the dishwasher. It is fun to let her practice these skills, encouraging her to become more independant!

"Better check the water temp"

"Better check to see if it tastes ok too!.. uh oh, is mommy watching?"

Hugs for Reo!

Hanging with the dogs in the yard! Levon and I dreamed about this when I was pregnant with her... we knew they would all love each other!
Check out all that wood in the background... Daddy is preparing for a cold winter!