The Bug's Discovery Box

We all know how it goes... you buy your baby cool toys, and all she wants to do is play with the box. After observing the Bug play with cardboard boxes, I noticed that she likes to play with the flaps, find things inside, and empty it. We always have all sorts of boxes from Amazon lying around, so one day I cut a hole and a door in one. I put some of the Bug's toys inside, and I sat back and watched as she amused herself while reaching in and pulling out the different objects. The artist in me decided to take this discovery box one step further and really dress up the box.

The Bug's Discovery Box
Supplies:
- A cardboard box
- Acrylic paints in white, red, yellow and blue
- Foam brushes
- Scissors and a serrated knife
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Mod Podge
- Pictures of babies from magazines
- Extra cardboard scraps
- Small mirrors
- Various textured materials: fur, felt, duct tape sheets, foam sheets

I think the assembly is pretty self-explanatory. Start with a cardboard box and paint it white. After painting it, close up the box again and re-seal with the glue gun (Note: If you're going to put a chute inside, like I did, you need to add it before sealing the box up). Use the serrated knife to cut various holes, a window and a door in the box. Decorate with the other materials.

The Bug loves looking in mirrors right now. I added the color wheel as a border so we can practice her colors when she's older. The window gets the most use. The Bug loves reaching in and pulling out the different objects I place in there for her. She gets so excited when she pulls something out and has to show it off to me. She likes the fur, but unfortunately the Bug pulls all the strands off and tries to eat them.

     

The Bug really enjoys peek-a-boo books, which inspired me to add a door. She hasn't quite grasped the concept of the "handle" and tries to open it by pulling on the corners. She'll get there. I also added some peek holes that she likes to poke her fingers in. The Tye-dyed bursts are squishy foam, and the black strips are felt. Bug-a-bug like to scratch these.

I added some baby faces because the Bug enjoys looking at babies in books and magazines. She likes to say "hi" to them. The top opening is the entrance for the chute, or slide, contained inside. I think small cars and balls would fit down it, but right now we just send O's down there. More foam bursts, fur, a mirror, and some duct tape rectangles finish this side off.

    

Here's the opposite side where the O's pop out! The Bug loves watching them come flying out. More babies, duct tape circles, a foam burst and some hearts for texture and interest.

"Hi, baby!"

The Bug really enjoys turning the box to look at all the different sides. She enjoys feeling the different textures. The fur is a real hit, but probably not the best choice of material. She also enjoys scratching the felt strips and squishing the foam. The mirrors on the sides are kind of freaking her our right now. She normally loves looking in the mirror, but I'm not sure if she realizes that the baby in the little mirrors are her.

In conclusion, this discovery box was a great idea. It took me most of the day to make, but I think we'll get a lot of use out of it. I think as she ages and develops, the Bug will discover different things that she likes about it.

Meal Planning: Week 4

We had some pretty tasty meals last week...

 (clockwise) caribbean pork - leftover pork with mango and black bean salad
stuffed spinach and mushroom pizza with leftover salad - chicken with artichokes and pasta

I learned a few lessons this past week.

1. I don't like baked oatmeal.
2. Don't forget the salt when baking bread. Also, double check the measurements of ingredients. 
3. Check the "Use By" date.
4. PMS has other plans
5. Mr. H is a saboteur.  

Baked Oatmeal with Greek Yogurt (eww)

Well, in some ways this past week went better, but in other ways, it bombed! The Pita Pockets were a no go because the pita bread I bought the week before had molded. I turned the black bean mango salsa filling into a salad of sorts instead, so at least it wasn't a complete waste. The Greek Turkey Burgers weren't made on Thursday because I noticed that Friday's chicken needed to be used by 6/28, so I made the Chicken Artichoke dish on Thursday instead. I meant to make the burgers on Friday, but the Bug and PMS had other plans. I went on a cooking strike, intending to eat leftovers, but after I had put the Bug to bed, I went downstairs and noticed that Mr. H. had ordered three, THREE!, pizzas (at least they were mediums) from Papa Johns. Good God, this man is trying to sabotage my saving money/healthy eating best intentions! Saturday night's dinner didn't happen either because we had leftovers, and Sunday Mr. H decided we needed to go out to lunch, which meant more leftovers for dinner on Sunday night.