Baby 1 found out it was a girl at 20 wk ultrasound.

Baby  2 found out it was a boy at 20 wk ultrasound.

Baby 3 chose to find out at the birth - girl!.

Baby 4 found out it was a boy at 20 wk ultrasound.

Baby 5 found out it was a boy at 20 wk ultrasound.

Baby 6 found out it was a boy at 20 wk ultrasound.  HE'll arrive in November.

So far every ultrasound has been accurate.

I was curious what baby carriers others have loved over the years?  I've used front carriers, pouch and ring slings, and the Moby Wrap.  My all time favorite is the Moby Wrap!  It took a few days to get used to wrapping it on, but it is the most comfortable way I've found to wear a baby, and freeing up both hands was essential by baby #5 so the home could keep running. 

Ooo, so many new blogs to read!  I blog daily at Our Busy Homeschool about my family's adventures. 

Along the Leap Frog other activites line:  We have a game chest by Lean Frog that has number cards (for games), spanish/english matching game, color/number/dot domino cards, etc.  This is the one we have (we've had it for a few years now).  I believe they have several games out now you can purchase individually.

This baby is due on November 25th, Thanksgiving Day here in the US!  His two sisters were btoh born on Tuesdays, while all 3 of his brothers have been born on Thursdays, so a Thanksgiving Thursday baby is entirely likely. 

Dominoes are fun and can have physical depressions for each dot to count, recognize, etc. 

Tangrams and pattern blocks are wonderful for using shapes to create a picture or figuring out what shapes you can use to make other shapes (ex: two trapezoids make a hexagon, but you can make one with triangles or diamonds too.

I was using math u see primer with my son but just stopped at lesson 23 because I don't think questions like _+3=5 should be introduced before basic addition and subtraction is mastered. But I've heard lots if people have great success with this program, but I personally like the idea of children learning basic math in an accelerated way like with Dr Jones program.

I am sure it comes down to personal preference, however, as I said, I am not familiar with the Dr. Jones program or many others.   

When you are looking at the bare numbers  _+3=5  that could be offputting, but children naturally solve algebraic equations like that in daily life.  Think of it this way instead:  "Bobby, here are three forks from the drawer, can you get some more out of the dishwasher and set the table for dinner, we'll have 5 people tonight."  Or "Susie is making invitations for all her friends at ballet to come to her birthday party.  She just finished three cards.  If there are 5 children in her class, how many more invitations does she still need to make?"

Just another way to look at it.

Okay, completely non-expert here, but we love music.  Here are my answers:
-   How important do you think music education is, and why?

Music is wonderful for the whole child.  They benefit from hearing it, it affects mood, trains their ear to be more attentive, motivates them to movement, and is a wonderful way to ingrain scripture, facts, and other fun.

-   What are you currently doing with your child in terms of music education?

We listen to the works of one composer at a time, learning to hear that person's style.  We learn new songs to sing (typically hymns and children's hymns) every week.  We make music with whatever is handy and dance to many kinds for fun.

-   What instrument(s) is your child learning (or do you plan to let your child learn)?

Piano is our basic, beyond that the children are welcome to choose more.

-   What are the problems you face when teaching music (or an instrument)?

Cost!  I am getting ready to have baby #6 and lessons for al lthe kids adds up very quikly.

Hmm, favorites around here for that age include:
Legos and Duplos
Moon Sand - great stuff!
Do a Dot markers
Playdoh or other soft modeling clay
Stacking anything (cups, blocks)
Puzzles
2 inch buttons and large shoelaces
Schleich animal figures - great quality, hand painted, they look realistic!

I'm very new here, so I've not used the systems available.  However, I'm a homeschool mom and my 4 and 5 year olds are enjoying Math U See Primer.  It is hands on using block manipulatives, comes with a dvd lesson pointed at mom that my kids even like watching, and they offer levels beyond that as your child grows.  (My oldest is using the Gamma level right now, she's 9).

Interested to hear the responses on this!

Hi Everyone! 

My name is Tristan and I'm new to Brill Kids.  I've been married to my dear husband for 10 years, we homeschool our 5 children and are expecting baby #6 in 9 weeks!

I'm looking forward to learning more but right now need to go contact Tech Support as my Little Reader software won't open (well, opens and then shuts itself down).  Sigh.  Computers - sometimes they are so picky!