I can't belive I'm not the only one thinking about this already!!!    I've seen so many cute costumes and I just can't decide.  I figure when I see the right one I'll know.   

Matteson has been going to Gymboree since she was 3 weeks old on the advice of my wonderful sisters.  It's been excellent for her learning physical skills and I find that she has been ready to move up to the next level about a month earlier than normallly suggested.  I attribute this to starting so early (gee sounds like a familiar principal huh? )  We've also started going to their music class and she seems to like that as well.  Like it sounds, focus is more on music and rhythm, shaking noise makers in time and beating on drums and such.  If you are unfamiliar with Gymboree, here is a blurb from thier website

Why Gymboree?
We're the Global Leader in Classes for Kids
Gymboree Play & Music has been fostering creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5 for over 30 years. Today there are over 550 locations in 30 countries, making us the global leader in early childhood development programs. Designed by experts, our age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play. Our programs are also recognized for their unique approach to parent involvement—which encourages participation in and understanding of each child’s development.

I have absolutly no connection to Gymboree, just a satisfied mommy who has fun watching her baby learn and develop both mentally and physically!   

HHHMMM...Jeans! :tongue2:

I am the secretary/treasurer for a non profit organization; it kinda found me becuase I am a memeber of the group.   I know not everyone can be this lucky, but I have to think that there are other small businesses or organizations out there like ours. I do the billing and handle the payroll which have a specific date they have to be done by, but no one cares if I do things at 8am, 3pm, or 2am!   

Im a stay at home mommy and I love it!  I do have a "part time" job that allows me to work from home at any hours that I want, so that helps me to have a little spending money and be able to stay home with Matteson.  It works out perfect!

Thanks for the encouragement Mum!  It's nice to be reassured that it will work if we just stick to it.   

Yeah!  More things to keep you from working on Little Math!   :tongue2:

On a seperate tangent from that, how early in the "learning" has anyone seen results from YBCR or Baby Signing.  I've been doing these two with Matteson for about two and a half months now and though she watches, I don't think I've really seen any real comprehension.  I thought perhaps she was reading the word clap becuase for three days in a row when that word came on she put her hands together, but now she dosen't do that any more.  I also thoguht perhaps we knew the sign for all gone/finished...but she seems to just randomly waive her hands like that now..   I'm sure that in the long run, these plus Little Reader (and when ever we finally get little math, ha ha :tongue2:) will be beneficial, but am I expecting results to quickly???  I'd love to hear what others experiences are.   

That's a great question.  If not, it sure would be a really great thing to have in my opinion.   

UH OH!     My license is expired!  Can I have an extension please??

Matteson Rhea is named after her great grandfather Matthew who turned 100 this past April.  He goes by Matty and the thought was that she would be Matte as well, but mostly I call her Matteson...others call her Matte and I'm ok with it.  I don't know...it just dosen't sound right to me when I call her that.     Her middle name is my middle name and also my husband wanted to come up with an "R" name in honor of his father Richard who died in Viet Nam; so Rhea worked out well.   

Thanks for the suggestion of showing her how to do it...I will try that for sure!

I get so "confused" by this subject.   Matteson, who is nearly 9 months, dosen't really watch TV, but we do watch YBCR and Baby Signing Time as well as Muzzy language DVD's.  So I feel like she's constantly watching TV, but it's not broadcast TV, it's all educational stuff.  Her dad does tend to let her watch regular TV like the Disney channel, but not all that often.  So if you asked me does she watch TV, yes, is the broadcast junk that is "rotting brains: , no, it's educational stuff, that I feel comfortable with.

Well it certainly does look like we are a world wide group for sure!  I feel so humbled to see how well all of you whos native tongue isn't english, "speak" it!  I can barely get by with the German I remember and I know there is no way I could teach Matteson German they way you all are teaching english!  KUDOS!!!! to you all!

Yeah!   Your welcome!  Thanks for making me feel like I'm not the only one heyblue!