This is an old picture. I want you to notice the box of toys in the background. It looks overflowing, but most of those toys were rattles, plush dolls, teethers, and other baby toys that have since been put away.
Until Christmas all the toys Ella owned were in that bin. Our TV room was neat and I had no idea that she was lacking in toys. After all, she liked to look at books most of all.
Then we started going on play dates. And I became embarrassed. Ella's toy selection was seriously pitiful.
Then it was Christmas. And we had a toy explosion. There are toys EVERYWHERE. And I have learned, rather quickly, that the more toys you have, the more toys you have to pick up.
No we have a tent. And a kitchen. And Little People. And magnets. And Crayons. And Playdough. And new books. Lots of variety. Lots of imagination and age-appropriate interaction.
And a BIG MESS to clean up every. single. night.
