So we learned our lesson.
As "cool" as the space play mat is. It is a bit overstimulating at this age. Piper likes it okay, but the sound can't be turned off and it doesn't take long for it to just be too much. Hey, we're out in the boonies. Things are pretty mellow and quiet out here, not like she's been inundated with traffic noise. So lately she's been playing just fine without the motor running. She is starting to grab for some of the toys and seems quite happy with out the fancy mechanical option.
This morning however, I noticed she's making it move for herself. I watched for awhile and sure enough the actions seemed pretty deliberate.
