Monday, January 07, 2008

TOYS


I've NEVER felt like I had enough for Sophia to play with. When she was little, I didn't really get the whole toy thing, since a granola bar wrapper from my purse or the earring I was wearing proved to be PLENTY of entertainment. But as she got older, I felt like I was missing the boat on the toy thing, forcing my toddler to still find joy in spatulas and dirt. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great when they're forced to use their imaginations with unlikely objects... but you can only expect a little girl to stack canned goods and empty a tupperware cupboard so many times. And reorganizing your kitchen gets a little old.
But something has happened in the last few months. Well two somethings: her 2nd birthday and Christmas. Combine those with a mom desperate for toddler distractions, and two sets of doting grandparents, and you get lots of great toys. I'm in heaven right now as she practices her drawing skills on her new easel and magnadoodle, plays lovely tunes on her xylophone, and drains loads of energy jumping on the trampoline. Nothing is a cure-all... she still screams hysterically when I'm busy and can't play with her (this need for company came with Mila), and I hate to say, (often) demands a show, just to constantly humble me and instill that horrible FEAR of raising a couch potato. But all in all, it has been so fun to feel like I have real kid's toys in my house... like perhaps she doesn't resent our home each time we return from a well stocked friend's. Thank you Nanas, Grandpa, and Papa!

8 comments:

Kristy's Family and Friends: said...

Gorgeous photo. I love back light/blown out backgrounds too much I think.

Sarie said...

That comment was from me.

Jlowryjr said...

Joseph plays with his Geotrax train for hours. Its great to for him (and us).
Once we pt all his toys in one place we realized that he does have a lot of toys. They are kind of a hodgepodge.

alliehoopes said...

Well I do love it. The blowout and her jammies and her HAIR (time to grow out my Lily's big bangs) and that she's actually playing in the photo...not just being photographed. And I'm happy to help in any way I can from here :) But tell me why I can't figure out where you live....and how you're friends with Michellie. And Lauren? What's going on here? And you should also know that I frequently use your blog as a playlist. Like just leave it open and enjoy. Today I wondered how you had all my favorite songs on your list and then remembered that I copied them. Keep taking pictures.

Missy said...

Love the photo. How did you get the back lighting to be like that? Shoot right into the sun? Do tell, please!

This photo combined with Mila's below just make me wish I was somewhat of a photographer. Hooray for your new camera (and toys!).

Lindsay Griffeth said...

Glad Sophia is loving her toys. I think there is a good balance between something random to play with and an actual toy!

Michelle said...

yea for allie meeting lillie! two of my favorite girls! :)

anyway, lillie I loved that you didn't even MENTION how fabulous that picture is. if this were my blog I would have said, "now FIRST of all, isn't this the coolest picture you've ever seen? now, onto the toys..." so I'll do it for you. COOLEST picture. love the colors, the playing, the sunshine, what a fun new toy you have. if I weren't neck deep in piano/voice lessons, primary, and children's choir preparations I would be seriously jealous of your ability to spend your time doing cool photos. sigh. mine is fun too, right? right?!!? :)

you're the best. I love lillie.

oh yeah, and we have a GAJILLION toys thanks to my mom, and zane is STILL very needy of my complete attention lately. so sophia isn't unique in that way. but thank heavens for diversions.

Erin Marriott said...

Lillie, I bet you are loving your new camera!! I now know what camera you've been raving about, at least I'm pretty sure. They just came out with it. The rest of us can just use our plain digital cameras and admire your work. I LOVE the picture of Sophia playing...isn't it so true with the toys? For a little while, you can get by with the empty cereal boxes, or a stretchy bracelet...but then you realize how much they are entertained by real toys!! Hey, I loved your christmas card, by the way! We got home last week and was excited to get all our cards. Gorgeous family!