Dora the Explorer

Layla has a sweet obsession with Dora the Explorer, a cartoon character on Nick Jr. She was first introduced to Dora around 1 year old when she graduated from the infant room and entered the toddler room at daycare. She started to say "Dora" randomly at home and we didn't even know who "Dora" is or where it came from. Several weeks later we found out that Layla and her friends listen to the Dora Explorer soundtrack often, along with traditional nursery rhymes, ect. The Dora the Explorer theme song is very catchy... I'll give them that! We were nervous to share Layla's new passion to our family because we didn't want Dora products to rule our house. Soon enough, we all gave in. Her Dora the Explorer collection is growing fast. She loves to play with her bath time Dora doll, soft Dora doll, Dora swim towel, Dora book/piano, Dora noise making book, Dora sippy cup, and Dora puffy stickers. Layla watches 10 minutes of Dora the Explorer every morning before she goes to school (we call daycare "school" at home). After she eats breakfasts and gets dressed, she sits on her chair and watches Dora the Explorer on our mac. While Layla is mesmerized, I tie her shoes, do her hair and rub on her lotion. I can do these things without Dora, but it's our little treat to her. Eh, it works for us and it's part of her speedy morning routine! Dora and her friends, Boots the monkey, Swiper the fox, the Map, and Backpack are now household names in our home.

"Hello" from Kaitlin on Vimeo.

Layla loves to play many different variations of "peek-a-boo". The latest version is hiding under her Dora & Boots towel, but I think she might be missing the point. We may might not see her face for several minutes. Here she is playing a serious game of "peek-a-boo" or more like, "knock-knock...hello". Turn up the volume on your computer and enjoy!