Gymboree

Today I took Holden to his first Gymboree Play & Music class - it was so much FUN! There were 4 other babies there with us- Logan, 6 months; Sofie, 8 weeks; Emma, 7 weeks; and Arielle, 3 months. The teacher, Trish, is a mommy of two and was absolutely fabulous. The focus of the class on calming and soothing your baby to help them feel comfortable in the outside world. When they feel comfortable, they are better learners and are better able to connect with their loved ones. Holden cried for 75% of the class, but it was fun to learn new songs and meet other moms.

We started with an ice breaker, just a question really - "Is your baby on a schedule and how did you get them on it?" I was happy to hear that the mommies of the 7 & 8 week olds were not on a schedule. Emma doesn't take any naps, but sleeps for 6 hours at night. Sofie has at least one nap durng the day. It was reassuring that we're not totally out of the norm. I was happy to say that Holden had at least two established naps during the day(well kind of), and sort of has a bedtime. Next, we sang the "Welcome Song". Then the class progressed as follows:

• Tactile Stimulation - we sang songs that focused on body parts ...eyes, nose, toes, etc.
  
• Tummy Time with a mirror - Holden liked this - no crying
• Songs using our hands to promote visual tracking
• Dance Time - they got to play on the gym equipment (I don't know why it was called Dance Time)- Holden, Sofie and Emma went on a big log looking thing on their tummies (Holden loved it!)
• Baby Massage - Holden screamed through the whole thing, but I learned some great ways to help relieve his gas at night. I'm going to try after his bath tonight.
• Parachute - this is supposedly an instant baby soother but Holden cried through the whole thing. It was really cool though, we sang songs and moved the parachute. All the other babies loved it.
• Goodbye Song using Puppets.

After class, the moms stayed and chatted for a little while. Here's what I learned:

• All of them had read "The Happiest Baby on the Block" like us, and were implementing the 5 S's with success. Arielle hardly even fusses any more.
  
• One mom had read "The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer".
• If you stick a pacifier in the babies mouth right after breastfeeding, they'll suck on it. I tried it when we got home and I do have to say that Holden did suck on it. But soon after he realized it was the pacifier and spit it out. I'm officially giving up on pacifiers!
• Gripe Water is supposed to really help with the colic at night.
• One mom does Stroller Strides two days a week, but is so tired afterward she needs a sitter to watch the baby.
  
• Everyone wants a tummy tuck!

It was so much fun and I can't wait to take him back tomorrow!