I showed Mio an episode of the stop-motion claymation TV series Pingu for the first time today, and I’ve never seen her giggle so much while watching anything! Most of the time, she’ll look very serious and focused while watching video clips that we show her of Shimajiro and Sesame Street. Occasionally, she’ll crack a smile or two or stifle a chuckle… so it was really surprising to see her laughing so much and visibly enjoying the show!
Is it because she loves penguins? Or the claymation aspect? I personally have never been a huge fan of Pingu because it doesn’t have any real dialogue and just loud penguin noises, but maybe that’s the appeal to kids! I read that shows like Pingu “teach kids how to decipher a visual story; to respond to it in their own imaginative, creative ways; and, ultimately, to sharpen their skills for mastering media by using them critically.” Interesting! If you pay attention, the show teaches little social lessons here and there as well.
Well, I guess we know what Mio’s new favorite show is…
I’m a bit behind on updates, but Mio turned 22 months old February 2. Here’s the latest on her growth and development!
The Rundown at Twenty-Two Months…
Stats: I’m not sure how tall you are right now because we haven’t had a chance to measure you in a while, but in terms of weight, you now weigh 28 lbs according to the scale at home. You are already getting too heavy for me to carry, and I have to put you down after a couple minutes.
Things You’re Doing Now: You are starting to take an interest in colors, and like to point out things that are red and blue, saying “aka” and “ao” (the Japanese words for the colors, respectively) — though sometimes you get the two mixed up. You’ve always been really into animals, but in the past month or so, you’ve really taken a liking to sea creatures, and like to say “fish” (but with a swishing tone when you say it) and have recently learned “turtle,” too! You have been picking up on certain songs, frequently singing Justin Bieber, as well as singing parts of your favorite Japanese kids’ songs (“Ai Ai,” “Chou-chou”, and “Zou-san”). You’ve started learning some manners too and say “Douzo” when you hand things to people… though sometimes you get confused and say it when you are receiving things, too. You love to take care of others, and I see you frequently trying to feed and dress your stuffed animals, hand toys to other kids, and push doll strollers around. It shows that you have a very nurturing and sweet nature, which is a joy to watch. You’ve also started taking pairs of stuffed animals in either hand, bringing them closer while you make a smacking noise with your lips, followed by “daiii” (for “daisuki”), showing that they are kissing! I have no idea where you learned this from, but it makes us laugh every time! You have been doing a lot of quirky things that I want to capture on camera and remember forever because they are just so silly. You got your first hair trim the other day at the hair salon, where they just cut your bangs, leaving your curls in the back intact. You didn’t even flinch and just stared into the mirror while in my lap, as they snipped away. You broke out into a beaming smile when you saw the results! You are more active than ever and constantly climbing onto furniture and up to high places. The other day you climbed up and stood balancing on top of your tricycle seat, and then triumphantly clapped and shouted to show us your feat! You are becoming more and more independent, and we can definitely see the beginning of the “terrible twos” with some of the tantrums and frustrated whines you’ve been exhibiting when you don’t quite get your way or have trouble communicating what you want. You’re still our sweet little girl though, and while we say this at every stage of your growth, we think you are as cute as ever and can’t wait to see how you will continue to blossom! 🙂
Mio’s new fringe. We only cut her bangs.
An example of some quirky, interesting behavior from Mio: wearing a box on the head and trying on auntie’s boots…
Mio’s caught Bieber Fever since a couple weeks ago… After hearing the radio play the song a few times, she’s been repeating “baby ohhh.” We’ve been trying to capture it on video, but are always too late!
Today, my sister and I were marginally successful in recording her. Right before I started recording, she’d been belting it out enthusiastically, but as soon as the camera started rolling she started clamming up. Oh well…
Last Saturday, we went out to get some Chinese food and Mio started running around with the two kids of the restaurant owner. She’s usually pretty shy and reserved when she sees other children, but the little girl (apparently 3 years old) was so friendly and kept coming up to Mio and giving her hugs that Mio warmed right up to her and soon they were running back and forth across the store. It was really cute to watch! 🙂
…and here’s the helpful advice I got from my fortune cookie there. ♥
Last Sunday as a busy day for us! For lunch, we drove over to Bowie, Maryland to visit our friends Will & Clair and their adorable one year old son Joseph! We had a great time at their lovely home, making homemade pizza for lunch and letting our little ones get to know each other…
Cutiepies! Mio meeting almost-1-year-old Joseph.
Making homemade pizza for lunch!
Later that evening, we went to Gymboree Play & Music in Burke to celebrate our friends’ son Danny turning two! Mio and Danny had met a few months ago when we went to Frying Pan Farm Park. This was our first time going to a party at Gymboree, but it was a lot of fun and we can see why it’s so popular!
Mio at Gymboree play gym, looking intense. Playtime is serious business.
Butt sticking out of the tube tunnel
Sticking her head out: “Coast is clear!”
Everyone was supposed to hop on the “train,” but Mio ran away from the group activity.
Mio with the birthday boy Danny, who loves trains!
Mio is doing her own thing (again) while everyone’s collecting balls.
What finally piqued her interest were the bubbles!
Mio’s favorite was music time: she loved hearing the instructor sing, and enthusiastically shook her maracas along with the song.
Danny with his lovely mama Stephanie.
Mio also loved the parachute! The kids had fun running around under it.
After an hour of fun-filled playtime, it was time to eat!
Beautiful cupcakes for Danny!
Happy birthday Danny! The beautiful family. 🙂
Mio chowing down.
Mio had a lot of fun! She was especially fond of her party hat that she got at the party, and still likes to wear it even a week later… 🙂
