We are truly blessed to have wonderful neighbours. Ben loves to play with Charlotte, Finlay and Ryan. It is great to be outside most afternoons as the days are warming up. Bring on Spring!
Tag: Ben
I wish I lived in Wonderland!
The Children’s Gallery at the Ipswich Art Gallery is Australia’s first dedicated art gallery for children. It is a place where children can imagine, create and discover. The current exhibition is – I wished I lived in Wonderland. Emerging artist Rose Skinner created this highly detailed installations using found objects, plastic, coloured sugar,lollies, toys and furniture. From 26 June until 24 July Rose worked, in public view, to create I wish I lived in Wonderland. Wonderland is a unique installation created especially for the Children’s Gallery for an audience of children and families. The installation encourages children to explore, discover and imagine. Children are able to contribute to Wonderland by making small items for inclusion in the installation. They are also encouraged to respond to Wonderland by making their own artworks to take home.
Ben, Andrew and I visited the Children’s gallery again this morning for Morning Stories – an interactive story and art making session. Ben once again loved exploring the installation. He responds to the exhibition differently each time we visit. Initially he was just overwhelmed by all it entailed but now he is more focused looking intently at what there is to discover. Ben was especially focused this morning at the art making table. He snipped away with the scissors with great concentration. We were still at the table when everyone else had moved on. Those who know Ben know that this is very unusual!!
For anyone who is traveling this way or lives locally I would suggest that you pop in for a visit. They have focused sessions – Creative Cupcakes, Morning Stories, Toddler Wonderland, Baby Wonderland that you need to book for but otherwise there is always art making available. Expect the unexpected when you visit I wish I lived in Wonderland . It is even home to live rats living in renovated television sets.
Why Blog?
I feel the need to let you know why I photograph and document Ben’s life. Originally Andrew set up the blog and I thought his suggestion for me to add to it was ridiculous – as a new mum I barely had enough time to shower. Well now I am hooked. I think It comes from my background. I have a Diploma of Photography and a Degree in Education – Early Childhood. Before Ben was born I was involved in the Ed Queensland Prep Trial with a focus on assessment. Assessment in Prep is documenting children’s learning. So it is natural for me to document Ben’s life. I can imagine some people who read the blog might think the entries aren’t that different to what most children do. And yes that is so but it is exciting for us because it is our son’s journey. I already look back at the earlier entries and am amazed at Ben’s development. I just wanted to let you know when I write on the blog I have my ‘Mummy Goggles’ on. Every step of Ben’s life is a wonderful adventure for us as a family. I love to blog about Ben and especially love when family and friends comment. I hope one day that Ben will also enjoy and appreciate the effort.
My first Baby-cino
No more lactose free milk for me!
Baby- cino Yummy!
Dressing Up!
Ben has always loved putting things on his head (refer to previous blog entries – Hats…… bowls……everything on the head! and The Big Number 2!). But more recently he has got into dressing up. I have only managed it get a couple of snaps but you will get the picture. Bonnie is included as well!
Becoming a Big Boy – my new bed!
Ben has made the transition out of his cot and into a bed. We decided on a toddler bed for Ben (we got caught up on how cute they are …….. a single bed would have been fine). We thought we would get Ben involved in taking his cot down and putting up his bed which of course he loved. I am sure Andrew could have completed the task in half the time if Ben hadn’t kept stealing the tools.
Being a little bit of a worrier (ha ha hhhhhaaa), I was concerned about how Ben would go. You hear the horror stories of children jumping out of bed for hours! Well Ben loved it. He couldn’t go to sleep on it fast enough. For at least a week anyone who came to the house got pulled into the room by Ben to see the bed. He loved it!!!
I was so impressed with how easy it was for Ben to make the transition. I was so impressed that we had no jumping out of bed…….. well not at first. Once again I should have known not to be over confident. It took about a month but the games began. The games had to begin on the night Andrew’s parent came to stay. I was mortified. He jumped up for two hours. We tried everything! But eventually Ben was exhausted and fell asleep. It was ugly and ended in tears…. my tears. Thank goodness this game was short lived and passed quickly. Toddlers….. you have to love the unexpected!