Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Music Classes

Derek and I decided that it was time to get these babies out into the real world more.  Don't get me wrong.  It's not like we keep them in a "Baby in a Box" contraption.  But when I'm home alone with infant twins it is hard to get them out of the house at a specific time for an appointment.  Between feeding schedules, nap schedules, 16(?)-ish pound babies in 8 pound car seats plus diaper bags filled with burp cloths, extra clothes, pacifiers, bottles, formula and more just getting out of the house is a workout.  Who needs a gym???

A couple weeks ago we started checking out classes for babies.  We found out we could take a free Gymboree class.  I wasn't really sure what to expect.  At five months old I didn't know if the babies would enjoy a class and how they would respond to it. 

All I can say is I wish we started these classes two months ago!

Jeff and Aaron loved the class.  They each loved different things which just proves how different there personalities are.  Most of the time one boy was fascinated by the activity while the other was bored and when the next activity started their reactions would flip.  The class had singing, massage, a parachute, bubbles, a mirror, a puppet and more.  Watching the kids smile and giggle was so exciting for Derek and me.

The Gymboree schedule doesn't work very well for us right now.  As luck would have it a co-worker recommended another music program that she attends.  I was able to take the boys to a trial class about two weeks ago.  That program has a class about 6 blocks from our apartment.  It's a less yuppie than the Gymboree class we attended in the fancy part of town; the classes are in a church basement, not a posh gym with toys and artwork on the wall.  The classes are more research based.  I liked that the program includes harmonies. rhythm exercises, tonal patterns, instruments, and more.  I believe the teacher we'll be working with has a PhD in music cognition.  How crazy is it that PhDs work this program!

At this stage of their lives, though, any class is going to be fun and beneficial.  If you Google music and babies brain development you get tons of articles on the amazing benefits.  I can't wait to start.

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