Big Helper

I remember when we were in Dublin and D started the "helper" stage. She loved to unload the dishwasher and pull the laundry off the line and place it in the basket. Now, C has entered this stage. He is a fabulous helper with the dishwasher, sweeping floors, setting the table, and helping me make my bed.

Our playgroup is also full of opportunities for C to help out. Everything is kid-sized so he loves to wipe down the tables, pack away toys, and move all the plastic stools to the closet when it is time to clean up.

Table setting came about has C loudly demanded dinner one night while I was in the kitchen working on it as fast as I could. I handed him 2 plastic plates and told him to put them on the table. I figured he scurry off and play with them on the rug. But, he smiled and toddled over to the dinner table. He put one at his place and the other at D's. He then came back, motioning to the silverware. I handed him a fork and spoon for each of them and he finished the job. I was so impressed!

C can't really make my bed- but he does love to drag all the pillows to me as I pull the covers up. His proud grin is just adorable. They are large, square European pillows that we keep at the head of our bed. They are too big for him to manage easily so when he carries them, he often trips and falls. But, they make for a soft landing and he lays there awhile and has a little rest before getting back up to try again.

C seemed to love the dustpan and brush- which totally grossed me out. So I tracked down a kids dustpan and brush that I keep beside my own in the kitchen. C has really gotten the hang of cleaning the floor under his seat at the table. It's almost automatic on nights when we have rice. I clean him up, let him out of his seat, and heads straight for his cleaning supplies.

He also puts his own diapers in the trash bin, as well as anything else that might resemble rubbish. Watch out if you wanted to keep that crumpled bit of paper! C likes the place tidy!

I will mention that D remains a big helper. A new favorite family activity is to make homemade pizza together. She is a superb sauce spreader! And you should see how evenly she places the pepperoni, baby spinach leaves, and pineapple tidbits.

And she does a fine job teaching C cool dance moves like the dancing train around the living room. There are few times that C laughs harder!