Wooden Puzzles

Wooden Puzzles (3)

We were out and about a lot today, but I did take time to focus on one classic activity with Veronika: wooden puzzles.

For this age (11 months old), find puzzles with knobs that your little one can easily grab and lift.

There are two versions I like. In the first, a colored shape is on top, and an image is revealed underneath. When you play with these, name the image as your baby makes it appear!

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The second kind has the image visible from on top, but the fun comes when the puzzle piece goes back into the frame and makes a sound. Veronika and I played with wild animals first…

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…and then domestic animals.

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Again, point to the picture and name the object or animal while your little one puzzles.

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Veronika was so enamored with the duck piece that she made me do that shape over and over, and I think was trying to say quack!

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This is her, “Mom you better do that duck again,” face.

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Obliged!

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Wooden puzzles like these are great not just for little fingers, but for little minds, too.

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Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apples

Oatmeal with Cinnamon Apple

This cinnamon-laced oatmeal will warm up chilly fall mornings. I like to make it for the kids the night before, so they don’t have to wait for it to cool down from a boil first thing in the morning. Simply reheat individual servings just before breakfast!

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup apple juice
  • 1 golden delicious apple
  • 2/3 cup quick oats
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons agave nectar
  • 1 cup soy milk
  1. Combine the water and apple juice in a saucepan; set aside.
  2. Peel, core, and dice the apple. Add to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
  3. Stir in the oats and cinnamon; continue to cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the agave and soy milk; the mixture will continue to thicken as it cools.