How to Entertain a Spica Baby

Yes, I keep referring to Evan as a Spica baby.  I can't help it.  It amuses me and it's pretty much a fitting nickname for him right now.

Steve and I are still figuring out ways to keep Evan entertained while he wears this stink cast (GOD, the odor this thing absorbs!).  It's not an easy task.  The past few days have really tested our patience.  Evan has definitely been given a crash course on how to keep himself amused.

Thankfully, Evan has mastered the army crawl to get himself around the house.  He obviously can't do steps, but he can navigate the floors quite well.  The first couple of days we were home after Evan had his cast put on, our family rallied and brought over lots of useful toys and tools for us to help keep Evan entertained and keep us sane.  My sister-in-laws, Erin and Amanda, have lent us so many fantastic things.  I was so grateful. :)

So, what ends up happening is after the dust settles, you and your child try all the different new methods and fun toys and see what sticks.  Amanda lent us an angled pillow, which worked for a while, along with activity trays, which are still working for us.  You and your child weed through all the items and finally develop a routine.  This took us about 2 weeks.  But if I'm being completely honest, I will tell you that each and every day brings a new activity or learning curve for us to work through.

This one didn't work out so well for us.  He got cold and bored quickly. :(

This is an everyday norm for us.  Tummy play.  A lot of the times Steve or I have to be on the floor with him playing too.

He loves being on our kitchen island for some reason.  While this keeps him happy, I'm extremely nervous and I pretty much hover over him the entire time.

Evan has always done very well with routine, but right now it is crucial to keep him on a routine in our household while he wears this cast. I throw in a few things everyday to change it up for him.  Today, for instance, I worked out to Billy Blanks while Evan played on the living room.  My counting out loud and clapping kept him amused.

It's all about experimentation and doing what works for you.  It's like everyone says, just keep trying different things and something is bound to stick.

I'm thinking my next post will be on diapering with the Spica (cue the dramatic music).  Believe me when I say, that process has not been a pleasant experience in the least bit.

~Nikki

P.S. Can I just say how much I love the Disney channel??!!  Evan NEVER had an interest in television before (unless there were music videos on), but now that he is shipwrecked, he has no choice but to watch the TV.  Mickey Mouse Clubhouse has been a lifesaver at times!  And so has the movie "Black Swan."  Evan LOVES it!  LOL