Things We Have Found in the Garbage

Charles has become quite the little helper. With a little direction from us he can help put his blocks and books away as well as set things back on the coffee table or counter. He also loves putting things in the garbage can. If he sees a piece of paper or something on the floor, he will bring it to the garbage. This is a step in the right direction as he also likes taking things out of the garbage. The first time I saw him throw something away was when I had given him a snack of pureed fruit that comes in a pouch that he can squeeze to get the stuff out. We were in the kitchen and I was doing the dishes or something and he went over to the garbage can and as I was about to say something like 'no Charles, don't touch the garbage' he lifted the top, dropped his empty pouch, and shut the lid. However, our little helper also likes to throw things in the garbage that don't need to be thrown away.

Every morning, before we get him out of bed, he throws is teddy bear into the can next to his crib. Depending on the morning and how long WE want to stay in bed, this may happen over and over again. He'll drop his bear into the garbage and then say "buh-buh, buh-buh", sign 'bear' and point down to the bear until we get up, pick up the bear and give it back to him. Maybe this is his way of getting us out of bed??

Other things we have found in the garbage?

books
his pacifier
Mega Blocks
Chris' pay check. !
my keys
my shoe

We have decided to get a smaller garbage can for the kitchen that will go in the cabinet under the sink.