Sensory Play

As human beings we have 5 methods of perception which are called the The Five Senses. These are: sound,sight,touch,smell and taste. 


All these senses allow us to explore our surroundings. In order to make sure that we are using them to the fullest capabilities, it is advised to work on them when young.

All of us can think of quirks we may have with a sense. Whether it is the screech of the bus that sends shivers down your spine or that scratchy wool scarf that you refuse to put on even though it is below 40 outside!

I want to expose Shneur as much as possible to all unusual senses so that the world will be more of a happy environment for him. I don't want him to be like me who until today gags at the thought of putting a tomato in my mouth and cringes even when just a drop of water causes my clothes to become wet.

I noted that Shneur also takes after me in the with wincing from certain loud noises. When I am giving him a bath and I am squeezing the end of the shampoo bottle it lets out a screech which causes poor Shneur to be in tears. I actually haven't worked on it like I should as I am not sure how to proceed with that.

What I have worked on which I believe is the most essential is touch. Shneur is actually very comfortable with touch. But there are certain texture foods such as apples and pears that he has a hard time with but we are working on that.


I empty a plastic draw and fill it with different textures such as cut up paper, all his stuffed toys and I undress him and let him play in it. He loves it and besides being an enjoyable activity I think it is great for him.

I also try and put his foods on his tray and let him touch it and feed himself. I don't want him to be one of those kids who grow up not wanting to try any foreign foods and being afraid to get dirty. Why should he miss out? I try and put different textures. It is hard for me as I can't stand it when he is dirty. So I have to refrain from getting a tissue and wiping him.

The past year!

first month

Wow what a year this has been! A slow one yet flown by way too fast for me!                                                                                                  

Thank you Hashem for entrusting me with the most precious Neshama. I feel so blessed and really appreciate that you have given me such an easygoing baby which has for sure given me a positive outlook on mothering!

second month

  Thank you Shenur Zalman for giving me the chance, your calm nature and patience is incredible. It has been a wonderful year and I look forward to continue this unbelievable journey with you! Your beautiful smile stands out wherever you are and you bring out a smile on everyone's face! I love you so much!

third month

fourth month

fifth month

Thank you to the most amazing husband for always being there. This year would never have survived without you! Shneur's birthday marks our second anniversary. It has been the best two years of my life and I look forward to many more!

sixth month

seventh month

eighth month

ninth month

tenth month

I selected one picture of each month of Shneur's year. I tried to pick the clearest ones. Enjoy!

eleventh month

twelfth month
 

 Isn't he such a delightful child?

Bath time!

2 weeks old.

When we came back from the hospital I knew that Shneur needed to get washed but I was too afraid to put him in water. So with one eye on him and the other reading the guidelines in What to expect the first year I somehow managed. It was a tiring experience, I made sure my husband was home to lend a hand and I would be fretting over the baby hoping he wouldn't catch a cold. 

3 months

I finally borrowed a baby bath the second week and from then on Shneur has been in the bath daily! We both love it. I love the fact that it would soothe him before bedtime and I really enjoyed the bonding time with him in this relaxed atmosphere. He loves splashing and relaxing in the water as a preparation to his bedtime.

6 months

7 months

We moved overseas when he was 4 months. The only thing I made sure that would be purchased before I arrive was a baby bath. I was still to nervous to put him anywhere else. And not any bath but one that had support. The first day we arrived we went out and bought a baby bath.

8 months

The months went past and I knew I would eventually have to let go of the bath and move on. But I was really nervous and finally at 9 months with much prodding I moved him in the big bath! We bought him bath toys and he is in love with the bath! I don't even know what I was worried about. It has been a wonderful experience. And bath time is still my favourite time of the day. 

9 months

9 months

10 months

getting adventurous at 12 months

Coming Home

So I am sitting in the back of the car  in a lot of pain, squashed besides the car seat which is bearing my son all of two days old. As the car drives on my mind fills with conflicting thoughts.

On the one hand I am excited to finally come home and experience the joys of motherhood on my own, sans the help from the hospital and finally fulfil my lifelong dream. 

On the other hand I am somewhat hesitant and fearful. Doubt enters my mind and I question myself wondering if I will cope at home on my own and manage without the security of the hospital.

With trepidation, I glance out in the darkness, whilst gently caressing the sleeping baby in the car seat and I notice with fear that we are close to home. We arrive. The car parks outside my home and I gingerly climb out, wincing in pain and feeling helpless whilst everyone unpacks the car. I stand empty handed following the Doctor’s orders of “carrying nothing heavier than your baby”.

We enter our apartment. The door closes. We are on our own.

What now? My husband is busy setting up the baby gear. I am relieved that the baby is still quiet in the car seat so I have time to tend to my needs and get it out the way to be ready to feed the baby when he awakes.

I settle in and take in the transformation of my apartment. It is full of baby clutter.I head to take a shower. My husband  has to step out for a short while to take care of something, but I am too worried for him to leave when I am in the shower. Nervous that the baby would awake and feel abandoned. So he waits until I complete the shower and then leaves.

I  struggle for a while with feeding the babe as I am still learning on the job. I do a bit of tidying up from all the overwhelming presents I don't know what to do with, we then finally relax in bed. I breathe in and the past 72 hours swirl through my mind. I close my eyes in relief when: waaa waaaa....

A long night has begun!