A Puzzling Tradition

It all started about a month ago.  One Friday night after Henry was in bed, I found a jigsaw puzzle in his "new toy" closet.  I wasn't sure if he would be able to put it together or even be interested enough to try.  I left the box out overnight.  The next morning it was the first thing he spotted.  We sat right down on the kitchen floor and put the pieces together before breakfast.  I talked him through it and he patiently worked until the picture was complete.  I wrongly predicted that he would need me to help each time he wanted to put the puzzle together.  "What have I started?"  I mumbled to myself.  Still, I was happy to do the puzzle with him two more times that day.  Then, shortly before bedtime, I realized that Henry had quietly pieced the puzzle together all by himself!

    I was so excited that I began to search for more 24 piece puzzles each time I was at a store.  It's difficult to find ones with appropriate subject matter for a boy who is not yet three.  Every time I find one, I snap it up and hide it in the toy closet.  Now on Friday nights after he's tucked in bed, I leave a brand new puzzle out downstairs.  I love hearing him exclaim "A new huzzle, Mom, a new huzzle!" the next morning.

  It's not pancakes, cartoons or tee-ball practice but it's a great way to start the weekend!