Let's Play! Flower Power & Copy Cat

1.Flower Power

With each passing day, your baby is becoming more aware of the world around her, and with awareness comes curiosity. One way she attunes herself to her surroundings is through her nose — that sharp sense of smell babies are born with. An afternoon among the flowers is a delightfully fragrant way to nurture her nosy nature.

Skills developed: olfactory
What you'll need: some blooming flowers

For your baby's first experience with aromatherapy, take her to a location — outdoors, a plant nursery, a florist — where you can find fragrant flowers such as lavender, daffodils, freesias, or roses. Hold her up with her face close to a fresh, newly opened bloom and watch her expression of astonished pleasure as she catches the sweet smell. Be careful, though: Not only do roses have sharp thorns, but some plants, such as lily of the valley, foxgloves, and rhododendrons, contain toxins that could make your baby sick if she ate them. So if she has reached the grabbing stage, hold her hands gently to prevent any touch- or taste-tests.

2.Copy Cat

Even from the first weeks, your baby is learning to recognize and imitate people. Make it a two-way interaction with this simple mirror game.

Skills developed: visual, social, sense of cause and effect
What you'll need: a full-length or large mirror

Stand in front of a full-length or other large mirror, holding your baby in front of you facing forward. (If you don't have a big enough mirror at home, a department store mirror or reflective shop window will work.) Make simple movements such as raising your arm, tilting your head, or touching your nose, all the while talking and pointing out to your baby what you are doing. When he makes a movement, such as wiggling an arm or kicking a leg, make the same one yourself so he sees both of your actions in the mirror and realizes that you are copying him. The older your baby, the more playful this pastime becomes, until you are teasing each other with actions to mimic.

Remember: Each baby develops at a different pace, so if yours isn't quite ready for this week's activities, don't worry — just try them again in a few weeks.

source form http://www.babycenter.com