One random morning.

Just found this is in my drafts, no idea why I haven't posted it until now.  It is a few weeks old, reminds me I must make slime with Otto again soon.

This household was hit hard by a virus last week, I had both children at the doctors multiple times as well as Hugo's first visit to emergency.  To say I am tired won't even cut it, I am physically, mentally and emotionally drained of everything I have, how melodramatic does that sound!?!  This sickness has coincided with some challenging behaviour from both boys.  Hugo needs to be held almost constantly, or at least be no further than 5cm away from me, and Otto is testing his independence, a lot.

One morning when Hugo actually slept for a while I got a few activities ready for Otto so we could have some fun together.  Neither of the activities lasted for too long but it was lovely to spend some time with Otto during such a hard week and enjoy ourselves.

First up was slime.  I have never made it, I know, what mother of a 3 year old boy hasn't made slime!  We really enjoyed making it in two different bowls and mixing them together.

I really thought making slime was much harder than it turned out to be, although I recommend taking it outside, blue food colouring ended up everywhere.

These instructions below are from about.com:

1. Pour the glue into the jar. If you have a big bottle of glue, you want 4 oz or 1/2 cup of glue.
2. Fill the empty glue bottle with water and stir it into the glue (or add 1/2 cup of water).
3. If desired, add food coloring. Otherwise, the slime will be an opaque white.
4. In a separate, mix one cup (240 ml) of water into the bowl and add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of borax powder.
5. Slowly stir the glue mixture into the bowl of borax solution.
6. Place the slime that forms into your hands and knead until it feels dry. (Don't worry about the excess water remaining in the bowl.)
7. The more the slime is played with, the firmer and less sticky it will become.
8. Have fun!
9. Store your slime in a zip-lock bag in the fridge (otherwise it will develop mold).

Tips:

1. Use white glue, such as Elmer's brand. Most 'school glues' do not have the correct composition.
2. Don't eat the slime - it isn't especially toxic, but not good for you either!
3. Slime cleans up pretty easily. Remove dried slime after soaking with water.

What You Need

• borax powder
• water
• 4 ounce (120 ml) glue (e.g., Elmer's white glue)
• teaspoon
• bowl
• jar or measuring cup
• food coloring (optional)
• measuring cup

Give it a go when you have time!