Ways to Keep a Toddler with a Broken Leg Busy

This week has been a lesson in extreme parenting. Today, I share with you my ways to keep a toddler with a broken leg busy:

1. Books. Lots and lots and lots of books.

2. A visit to the car dealership, to wander around the rows of cars from the comfort of a stroller while exclaiming and pointing in excitement.

3. Two dozen or so rides up and down in the mall elevator.

4. Also at the mall: the carousel. It was worth every penny of the $2 ticket to hear Little Man yell "up up up!" every time his horse started to rise.

5. Storytime, at every local library and bookstore I could find.

6. Homemade tracks and ramps for the growing collection of matchbox cars and transformers. Seriously, I think they're breeding while we're alseep.

7. TV. Go ahead and judge me, but during this week of trying to keep our kid entertained nonstop, Husband and I need the occasional break. And that's just what Mickey Mouse does for half an hour. Plus, Little Man is sooo cute when he does the Hot Dog Dance.

8. A spatula and a serving spoon. Who knew that these previously forbidden objects would keep him busy the whole time I cooked dinner?

9. A bowl of bread chunks and a grown-up fork. Do not underestimate the power of sitting at the table and stabbing things with a utensil.

So far we haven't broken out any of the Christmas presents, although the allure of giving him something new to play with is very strong. But really, who needs presents when you can have a spatula?