tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14319241757648925672024-03-12T20:10:39.310-07:00little dictatorswhere snark and motherhood meet..... with illustrations!ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-8544517379320916532011-12-22T14:19:00.000-08:002011-12-22T14:19:14.091-08:00the worst presents your child will get this holiday seasonwhen i was two years old, my aunt got me drums for my birthday.<br />
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she didn't yet have any children of her own.<br />
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so a few years later when my cousins were born, my mom made sure to get them the loudest, most annoying toys in existence.<br />
<br />
now i find myself a parent and the proud recipient of toys i want to smash with a hammer. naturally, though, my children only become attached to the presents i hate the most.... meaning i'll have to chase down the person who bought them with a hammer. i kid! i kid! (mostly. by which i mean i will hunt them to the ends of the earth.)<br />
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well, the holidays are upon us. and all the evil toys you've managed to talk your children out of/hide when they weren't looking/pawned off on other people's kids/donated to goodwill will now make their way into your home, whether you like it or not.<br />
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here, for your enjoyment, a few of the things i'd like to set fire to the most:<br />
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<b>The Ugly Sweater</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8vJntZY3TA/TvOkZambjbI/AAAAAAAAAoM/_x86q0GSWMw/s1600/the+worst+girts+your+kids+will+get+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8vJntZY3TA/TvOkZambjbI/AAAAAAAAAoM/_x86q0GSWMw/s400/the+worst+girts+your+kids+will+get+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the ugly sweater usually comes from a relative, meaning you'll have to wrestle your kid into it long enough to take a picture for great-aunt tilly. if you're lucky, you will get a matching set for you, the kids, your spouse and possibly your dog. and i have a feeling you'll be lucky this year. apologies to fido in advance.</div><br />
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<b>The Lego Set of Doom</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUVkim9Wt_Q/TvOkcIMc-aI/AAAAAAAAAoU/eCae8J2edDU/s1600/the+worst+girts+your+kids+will+get+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUVkim9Wt_Q/TvOkcIMc-aI/AAAAAAAAAoU/eCae8J2edDU/s400/the+worst+girts+your+kids+will+get+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">good lord, do i hate these freaking lego sets. the box may say "ages 4 and up!" but it doesn't matter, because they can only be assembled by someone with an engineering degree. each lego set shows a picture on the box of a bulldozer/thermonuclear reactor/actual working velociraptor that will take approximately 7 working days to finish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">bonus: once completed, you are not actually allowed to play with, touch, or even look at said thermo-bull-raptor because it will fall into one million pieces and you'll have to start the entire process over again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>The Loudest and/or Most Breakable Toy Ever</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZs4CVvdklI/TvOkgG7rRuI/AAAAAAAAAoc/JyU3Osweh3w/s1600/the+worst+girts+your+kids+will+get+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZs4CVvdklI/TvOkgG7rRuI/AAAAAAAAAoc/JyU3Osweh3w/s400/the+worst+girts+your+kids+will+get+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">some toys are loud. some break repeatedly. but most of the toys my children get possess both of these qualities. does a toy fire engine really need to be as loud as an actual fire engine? toy manufacturers seem to think so. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the "level at which sustained exposure may result in hearing loss" is 90-95 decibels. the "level at which pain begins" is 125 decibels. every toy in my house that makes noise is approximately 126 decibels. volume switch? not necessary! you'll lose hearing soon enough and then it will be a non-issue!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">even better is the toy that breaks, over and over and over again. it's the gift that keeps on giving! think you just fixed the shovel on that toy excavator? think again! "didn't i just fix barbie's magic wand?" you did.... but look! magic! it broke again! WHEE!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>The Evil Catalogue Insert</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cF_NGOdduqc/TvOkmwfWNUI/AAAAAAAAAok/0AGpo9m7BpM/s1600/the+worst+girts+your+kids+will+get+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cF_NGOdduqc/TvOkmwfWNUI/AAAAAAAAAok/0AGpo9m7BpM/s400/the+worst+girts+your+kids+will+get+004.JPG" width="295" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">my husband and i have become toy-opening ninjas. as soon as the kids rip their gifts open, we swoop in, mission impossible style, to extricate the accompanying catalogue before our children can set their greedy little eyes on them. because once they do.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">.....expect the actual present to lie forgotten and neglected on the ground as your kid pores over the millions and billions of OTHER things they could have gotten but didn't. thought you got them exactly what they wanted? WRONG! it was exactly what they wanted until they saw additional options. options that you, clearly being the horrible, awful, meaniepants parent that you are, didn't think to get them. i hope you're happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><b>The Gift that Keeps on Giving</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iT77XwT3zrA/TvOksLBjZwI/AAAAAAAAAos/qqpbqvpMOYw/s1600/the+worst+girts+your+kids+will+get+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iT77XwT3zrA/TvOksLBjZwI/AAAAAAAAAos/qqpbqvpMOYw/s400/the+worst+girts+your+kids+will+get+005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...and giving, and giving, and giving. you got the racetrack! good for you! it was the last one on the shelf and you knocked over that parent pushing a stroller to get it! hooray! oh wait, i'm sorry - did you think that you got the entire racetrack? nice try, amateur. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">the latest toy company trick that has me cursing the heavens are those which promise an entire world, only to deliver a lamppost from that world. maybe a mailbox. possibly just a shoe. because who thinks to check the fine print when the shiny picture on the front will do?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">don't worry, though - you can assemble the toy you actually wanted once you upgrade and buy the Street Kit, People Kit, Car Kit, Upgrade Kit, Gold Star Kit and Best Parent Ever Kit, all for only $49.99 apiece! oh, except that Best Parent Ever Kit - those are sold out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-8107048242471149352011-12-09T14:43:00.000-08:002011-12-09T20:26:00.803-08:00things i didn't appreciate until i had children, volume 2.ah, the good old days. when a bottle of wine and a block of cheese counted as "dinner." and when "late" meant 2am instead of 10pm. who am i kidding, if the phone rings past 9:30, i'm convinced someone is dead.<br />
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all these things considered, though, the weekend was still made of of three distinct parts: 1) being wickedly hungover and lying around in bed until noon, 2) eating some kind of greasy food out of a take-out container on the couch, and 3) wash/rinse/repeat the actions of the night before.<br />
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parenthood does not allow this. and i really, really didn't appreciate the ability to be nauseous all sunday morning without having to be yelled at by dora and her map.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yfC_-gc1uWWyowx7jnS4EQOo-kJ8HcRBogithn_73Clrpbwp2lQ4JKHexlLDtXhY98ksMBCRk65cxuY1gW2mCUaRQ7cycfC-9aG_1exr8eMZftpda0Vadpa42fYoupLjqdflgZJWOBw/s1600/things+i+didn%2527t+appreciate+-+hangover+edition+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yfC_-gc1uWWyowx7jnS4EQOo-kJ8HcRBogithn_73Clrpbwp2lQ4JKHexlLDtXhY98ksMBCRk65cxuY1gW2mCUaRQ7cycfC-9aG_1exr8eMZftpda0Vadpa42fYoupLjqdflgZJWOBw/s400/things+i+didn%2527t+appreciate+-+hangover+edition+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
in the unfortunate event that you allow yourself a tasty adult beverage or two (or three), the Morning After is almost guaranteed to consist of three new distinct parts: 1) being wickedly hungover, 2) being woken up at 5am by your lovely children who are very excited to jump on your head and force you to put a toaster waffle in the oven, and 3) you silently praying for the Babysitting Fairy to come and watch your kids so you can vomit in privacy with some dignity.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-32450908241300967602011-11-29T11:59:00.000-08:002011-11-29T11:59:06.759-08:00things i didn't appreciate until i had children, volume 1.so there were a number of things that i just took for granted before i had kids. simple things, really - like going to the grocery store. alone. or picking up prescriptions from walgreens. alone. or pretty much anything. alone. <br />
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every morning i make it my duty to take a nice hot shower and pretend to take care of my appearance so that i don't look like a hobo when i drop my kid off at school. it's the only ten minutes of the day that i have to myself. and it is magical. except.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPIomOZpZiCGshCtdlWhjkcv2NkENRFZU5cf01K6vVnRqwBdOMvi1kZs4veWkCfQ11u8aYesJb9Q_ENfUVcnhrA-m0gdinrlUZnzd-CrfgNCO0k9Gbjbf85p03xugg0IqQ9xrS5E_NVU/s1600/taking+a+shower+-+alone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPIomOZpZiCGshCtdlWhjkcv2NkENRFZU5cf01K6vVnRqwBdOMvi1kZs4veWkCfQ11u8aYesJb9Q_ENfUVcnhrA-m0gdinrlUZnzd-CrfgNCO0k9Gbjbf85p03xugg0IqQ9xrS5E_NVU/s400/taking+a+shower+-+alone.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
...the worst sound in the world is that of the bathroom door opening while i am in the middle of my nice steamy alone time. (not nearly as sexy as it sounds.) nice clean alone time now means answering a barrage of questions, offers for company and, best of all, my husband asking me "are you done yet?"<br />
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no. no, i am not.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-67820453383317349932011-10-20T12:40:00.000-07:002011-10-20T12:40:49.314-07:00you can run, but you can't hide from your children in the bathroom for longdear husbands,<br />
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here's a little secret: your wife does not suddenly suffer from lactose intolerance. it's just that the bathroom is the last place she can justifiably hide from her children.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWWz5_HNMhrzH0HSqP1ZHQIUdNlEQsoSXza79boaks46SSpr6-O9vmkISw22iXf3bMRmlWYUW2W1aOBZ1t_lr9t5ksm6vD1ar0KeP0l7-GZiRZ3LYNroj5khAZ19PwCZykDYrXwymi-0/s1600/IMG_4604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWWz5_HNMhrzH0HSqP1ZHQIUdNlEQsoSXza79boaks46SSpr6-O9vmkISw22iXf3bMRmlWYUW2W1aOBZ1t_lr9t5ksm6vD1ar0KeP0l7-GZiRZ3LYNroj5khAZ19PwCZykDYrXwymi-0/s400/IMG_4604.JPG" /></a></div><br />
note to my husband: i would never do this. ever. maybe just once. once a day. or twice. twice a day. probably more on weekends.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-59082997614410552632011-10-11T19:51:00.000-07:002011-12-09T19:57:15.911-08:00this is your lingerie drawer.... on toddlers.yeah, we all like to pretend that we're the hot milf at our kids school. or maybe that's just me. don't judge.<br />
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it is, of course, easier to pretend how hot and put-together i am when i'm not wearing my uggs and my husband's sweatshirt that says "my weiner does tricks" underneath a picture of a dachshund. again, don't judge.<br />
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while i fancy myself to still be the cool chick i was in college when i worked at victoria's secret for a semester and ended up with a drawer of garter belts, the reality is a little different these days. by which i mean drastically, completely different. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvKm3dMYq-iWy-Q_zFIm_WLCT7AItQsQd1XY9uwjj7kmUdhYF7Atb36P9GLPAuWTZSJIZ9dRS4DieCSdepR9rkpsADhv-X1f6-v4N9gSYV2so0KL0vUuWq-RBh8ymXW60T3-AQ6gH_oA/s1600/underpants+before+and+after+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvKm3dMYq-iWy-Q_zFIm_WLCT7AItQsQd1XY9uwjj7kmUdhYF7Atb36P9GLPAuWTZSJIZ9dRS4DieCSdepR9rkpsADhv-X1f6-v4N9gSYV2so0KL0vUuWq-RBh8ymXW60T3-AQ6gH_oA/s400/underpants+before+and+after+002.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">yeah. that's a sad state of affairs.</div>ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-49084251495811770942011-09-03T08:45:00.000-07:002011-12-10T08:51:58.608-08:00possession is 11/10ths of the law.toddler law, that is.<br />
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i was inspired to create this lovely venn diagram after a playdate. or a weekday. or every day of my life that more than one child is involved.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlXLQ_pHiOWfnWtFUmfDinY9DXRXFaRhWSbl7bo8zW8CNuIrVyi9EDoFkODZt_UorqMwd6eIz9Stp2L0px3mRqVwFKiFP0jgSAxP2rNA9sAVdh_Zbdrs1obmW0riOx5vQlULYMTN0OJg/s1600/toddler+toy+venn+diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlXLQ_pHiOWfnWtFUmfDinY9DXRXFaRhWSbl7bo8zW8CNuIrVyi9EDoFkODZt_UorqMwd6eIz9Stp2L0px3mRqVwFKiFP0jgSAxP2rNA9sAVdh_Zbdrs1obmW0riOx5vQlULYMTN0OJg/s400/toddler+toy+venn+diagram.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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not mentioned: the crappier the toy is, the higher the desirability level. example: brand spanking new monster truck with remote control = low desirability; small sharp metal truck missing one wheel that lived under the couch for six months and was recently found by my bare foot = the equivalent of women fighting over louboutins.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-37868346510213135512009-10-02T12:15:00.000-07:002011-12-09T18:56:18.538-08:00we're on facebook!<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://bit.ly/littledictators"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlHe1o-6VC2XDL0LJ8HX6JQhU61W8gEV8KkimTSbM-t-0jsfp_Eiiskih0aO2L-fLZyQpGs3iQsTHPc1QIbpJ8A0SaklD_vita32uaMCizxovXzdU3RZWeNr5rHyndgcEIr04Tv48tKg/s1600-h/!fb+screencap.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388087606949215394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlHe1o-6VC2XDL0LJ8HX6JQhU61W8gEV8KkimTSbM-t-0jsfp_Eiiskih0aO2L-fLZyQpGs3iQsTHPc1QIbpJ8A0SaklD_vita32uaMCizxovXzdU3RZWeNr5rHyndgcEIr04Tv48tKg/s320/!fb+screencap.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 238px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
little dictators is back! great news for all three of you who have been waiting with bated breath.<br />
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thanks for following along with us and we hope to see you there!ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-42535435896760329502008-11-11T14:57:00.000-08:002008-11-12T11:48:28.251-08:00no throw: bottle holder for babies on the go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOpqBh6V0EacOzUCPrL5OX1icXtVuQqA4IPxH_1fO2oaLL6cph75bcdCXGCD47kbvAc5eYmXibRk1PmDJNDGo2bpR5Qwq5R2GwOJgWbX6JMnKIPSmzi1ha-gK2UMEpFLls1WIexK8oSQ/s1600-h/no_throw_about_right_pic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxOpqBh6V0EacOzUCPrL5OX1icXtVuQqA4IPxH_1fO2oaLL6cph75bcdCXGCD47kbvAc5eYmXibRk1PmDJNDGo2bpR5Qwq5R2GwOJgWbX6JMnKIPSmzi1ha-gK2UMEpFLls1WIexK8oSQ/s400/no_throw_about_right_pic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267538822465211250" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.nothrow.com/">www.nothrow.com</a><br /><br />.....and we're back! after our self-imposed blogging vacation, little dictators is back online just in time to save you from having to pick up that sippy cup your adorable child just threw on the ground for the 115th time.<br /><br />the no throw is a thick velcro strap with one end that securely fits around your child's sippy cup or bottle. the other end has a leash-style handle, allowing itself to be looped around your tot's stroller, high chair, car seat or whatever stationary seating arrangement they have decided upon for 5 minutes.<br /><br />the no throw's double ended sturdy design will keep your child's cup of choice at arm's length, no matter how hard they try to fling it across the room. and believe me, they'll try.<br /><br />i'll admit: i got this as a baby shower present from my friend maire, who assured me that it would come in handy. i was doubtful. and i was wrong. it's a lifesaver.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0dai4STBe5luREQIRwSOBJtOpQnEbAYHnsHVJBAXtpGeO5_u7UpBH6Ow5bsd7Fo9UDnaXn9aQxnkXjv0fKNWzxmDWZDEBjtN4bw3aQisFQQrnUmcMELsp0RJQEOBDArPHT3_rdCdcPw/s1600-h/no+throw.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 127px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0dai4STBe5luREQIRwSOBJtOpQnEbAYHnsHVJBAXtpGeO5_u7UpBH6Ow5bsd7Fo9UDnaXn9aQxnkXjv0fKNWzxmDWZDEBjtN4bw3aQisFQQrnUmcMELsp0RJQEOBDArPHT3_rdCdcPw/s400/no+throw.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267538574346004930" border="0" /></a>the no throw is available in most walgreens stores, as well as online at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/NoThrow-Cup-and-Bottle-Holder/dp/B000GUSLK0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1226445009&sr=8-2">amazon </a>and <a href="http://www.nothrow.com/03_no_throw_purchase/01_no_throw_store_location/no_throw_store_location.htm">many other locations</a>. it's an inexpensive way to save your sanity. after all, the cost of one no throw strap is significantly less than it would cost to go to therapy after muttering "no... i won't pick up the bottle! don't throw your bottle again!" in your sleep for weeks.<br /><br />p.s. a mom friend of mine pointed out that the no throw can double as a stroller leash. a great solution, since i live in hilly san francisco and have nightmares about runaway strollers. simply loop one end of the no throw to the stroller handlebar, the other around your wrist and you're good to go!ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-74167046709406327882008-09-02T14:25:00.000-07:002008-11-11T15:17:50.107-08:00little dictators vacation!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2Y5bFVTOWjPUrANXHThyphenhyphenNz8nOEEedcLIqd7pePcWbfypOsmZVkPahRJDUVwHE5NTe3Rad2lYYa1GxkiSHF7jX7vueej1rH-7VREnipwUp8Dq11N50DsVlLHeLshVij-ONoAsz4IfiuM/s1600-h/vacation.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2Y5bFVTOWjPUrANXHThyphenhyphenNz8nOEEedcLIqd7pePcWbfypOsmZVkPahRJDUVwHE5NTe3Rad2lYYa1GxkiSHF7jX7vueej1rH-7VREnipwUp8Dq11N50DsVlLHeLshVij-ONoAsz4IfiuM/s400/vacation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242281379509497154" border="0" /></a>hi folks..... as you can tell from the lack of posts, we're on a mini vacation around here at little dictators headquarters. (um, yeah.... our vacation looks nothing like the above image.)<br /><br />we'll be back soon with more fabulous products that your child wants but doesn't need.<br /><br />see you soon!ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-41114416585242818822008-08-29T10:55:00.001-07:002008-08-29T11:09:17.091-07:00jack's big music show!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNLgqO1rZYwoasB4KzSQUPWDSLqfvRBcqPWU8a7HLEHiadETCRw9kHzt3w7Gm7ylHPlS6dtHLi2u36QBI99ZMpRD7lYci3Pqe7XubtxDynpMRG2nKQKTDc70dGg1tTk5UXcJtAXSF0J8/s1600-h/jack's+big+music+show.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNLgqO1rZYwoasB4KzSQUPWDSLqfvRBcqPWU8a7HLEHiadETCRw9kHzt3w7Gm7ylHPlS6dtHLi2u36QBI99ZMpRD7lYci3Pqe7XubtxDynpMRG2nKQKTDc70dGg1tTk5UXcJtAXSF0J8/s200/jack's+big+music+show.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239801353801473138" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.noggin.com/shows/jacks.php">www.noggin.com</a><br /><br />my cousin has her hands full. she has two boys (a 6 week old and a 20 month old) and even on a good day she barely gets a chance to catch her breath.<br /><br />she called me two days ago to tell me the news: they're all sick. "ugh," she coughed at me, "i'm exhausted. both boys have colds, i feel like crap, and i just need five minutes to blow my nose. i've been through every episode of sesame street we have on the dvr and if i have to watch <span style="font-style: italic;">dora the ex</span><span style="font-style: italic;">plorer</span> one more time, i'm going to go <span style="font-style: italic;">loco</span>. ACHOO!"<br /><br />i feel your pain. as i've mentioned before when talking about my <a href="http://littledictators.blogspot.com/2008/05/oswald.html">other favorite kid's show</a>, i'm not a big proponent of letting your tiny tot watch a bunch of tv, but i'm not amish. and sometimes when cole is cranky, or i need two seconds to prepare his lunch or, as happened the other night, my child decides he is absolutely terrified of my super nice friend who loves children and was almost a preschool teacher, some child-friendly programming is just what we need. and jack's big music show is just what my cousin needs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjq60xm74ugTfuuJPdzv2yr6mBVbjq9W-sw8RJgtybQ7HiIkeeWVdkh-cmqpD_PgR3KrTMKZiPv1qZiZnbu7nOrKnNUqaeaVkhlFPReiXPpjar5Gtl5JunUXG2FZrVG8bKGgyVczrvPc/s1600-h/jack's+big+music+show+banner.jpg"><img style="margin: 5pt 5pt 10px 10px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjq60xm74ugTfuuJPdzv2yr6mBVbjq9W-sw8RJgtybQ7HiIkeeWVdkh-cmqpD_PgR3KrTMKZiPv1qZiZnbu7nOrKnNUqaeaVkhlFPReiXPpjar5Gtl5JunUXG2FZrVG8bKGgyVczrvPc/s200/jack's+big+music+show+banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239802573610023970" border="0" /></a>jack's big music show, on <a href="http://www.noggin.com/index.php">noggin</a> (of course) is not only a great way to keep your child entertained, but teaches them about different types of music. the muppet-like puppets of jack, mary and jack's dog mel play a variety of instruments as they demonstrate rhythm, melody, singing and lots of different sounds.<br /><br />the puppet sections are interspersed with live music segments. a range of musicians, from house musician laurie berkner to an a capella group to lisa loeb (!) perform songs for your child to sing along with. participation is encouraged and children can learn about the unique sounds of all sorts of instruments and types of music from different cultures.<br /><br />jack's big music show fulfills all my requirements for children's programming. it's entertaining, bright and colorful, shows great interaction, encourages participation, it's educational and, most importantly, i don't want to pull all of my hair out while watching it. it's sweet enough for children but not so saccharine that it turns parents off.<br /><br />and good news: my cousin's son loves it! they finally have some new songs to sing along with while they're all back on the road to recovery.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-86844227184018768042008-08-27T08:31:00.000-07:002008-08-27T09:08:39.028-07:00kids organic: healthier ideas for frozen meals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPPuKOtvHfwEVbdRnHOUyx4zMoq-Mc0aFMSBlwqfNEy7Bd-lnc8HW3EBBweGpXY4aUuBLt_tT9zu2i6fKgJPBacBqnqxXxYNnM2usENi_TcjW9FUIDvwKz3LhZ0MJgvXzCj-sunPWTIo/s1600-h/kids+organic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPPuKOtvHfwEVbdRnHOUyx4zMoq-Mc0aFMSBlwqfNEy7Bd-lnc8HW3EBBweGpXY4aUuBLt_tT9zu2i6fKgJPBacBqnqxXxYNnM2usENi_TcjW9FUIDvwKz3LhZ0MJgvXzCj-sunPWTIo/s200/kids+organic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239060018537545586" border="0" /></a><a href="http://kidsorganic.com/main/">www.kidsorganic.com</a><br /><br />it's the end of a long day. you've built block buildings and knocked them over. you've pushed toy cars all over the house. you've been to the park - twice. you've sung "the wheels on the bus" no less than 700 times.<br /><br />now all you have to do is make it through dinner and you're home free! what to do when you're exhausted but you still want to feed your child a healthy, well-balanced, organic meal?<br /><br />shopping at whole foods the other week i stumbled upon kids organic frozen meals. kids organic meals are healthy, well-rounded meals for your tiny tot that provide all the nutrition your children need - with none of the work.<br /><br />made from locally produced ingredients and served in go-green packaging, kids organic helps ensure that even tired mommies can give their children what they want. each meal is made of all natural and organic ingredients - no translation needed when reading the ingredient list. they're even nutritionally balanced according to the fda's latest food pyramid.<br /><br />meals are chock full of fiber, minimally processed and come in a variety of kid-friendly options, including macaroni & cheese and baked chicken stars. each entree is accompanied by a fresh vegetable medley and a "dessert" of organic fruit, brown sugar and oatmeal.<br /><br />kids organic frozen meals microwave in a mere 3 minutes using their revolutionary steam cooking process. let cool for two minutes and <em>voilĂ </em>! from freezer to table in five minutes flat.<br /><br />not only are they easy, they're tasty, too. the baked chicken stars got my son to eat chicken - <span style="font-style: italic;">for the first time ever</span>. if that's not an endorsement, i don't know what is. their environmentally-friendly minimal packaging is a huge plus as well. kids organic meals are also healthy enough so that you don't have to feel guilty when snacking on your child's leftovers. not that you would do that, of course.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-81440469931728922262008-08-25T08:40:00.000-07:002008-08-26T10:39:25.975-07:00fisher-price sesame street silly sounds remote<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWLPenX93rV9LRuNqseTMY5A8NRkkFObsDDanIVDnuGXFo7Tpx0W1yYQAGP23iDTnb5iKLCtQUVJSMZ-UswmXXSHyPN8n-XFoYzjhVagDLUwFG8as-6tW9Zks6jaq-LBWCVY2PaFHd_k/s1600-h/sesame+street+remote.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWLPenX93rV9LRuNqseTMY5A8NRkkFObsDDanIVDnuGXFo7Tpx0W1yYQAGP23iDTnb5iKLCtQUVJSMZ-UswmXXSHyPN8n-XFoYzjhVagDLUwFG8as-6tW9Zks6jaq-LBWCVY2PaFHd_k/s200/sesame+street+remote.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238878192758669458" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LT1D56?ie=UTF8&tag=littledictato-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000LT1D56">www.amazon.com: Fisher-Price Sesame Street Silly Sounds Remote</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=littledictato-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000LT1D56" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><br />my son loves watching on demand. at least that's the conclusion i've drawn after he's stolen the remote no less than 700 times and, almost every time, managed to press the "on demand" button.<br /><br />apparently, there's something he'd really like to watch that i'm not allowing him to. however, despite his father's protests, he's still too young to watch - well, pretty much anything his father watches.<br /><br />if your child is like mine, then you'll notice how quickly he gravitates towards electronics. even at just a few months old, teethers are quickly tossed aside while your baby tries to grab and drool on your remote control, your cordless phone, your cell, your pda and pretty much anything you think might be better off, say, not covered in drool.<br /><br />the problem with most "toy" electronics is that they look like toys. and believe me when i say your child will be most unimpressed by this facsimile. they demand the real thing - or at least a reasonable likeness.<br /><br />fisher-price must have some actual parents in their development department to come up with this sesame street silly sounds remote. not only is it the size and shape of your own prized controller, but it incorporates your child's favorite sesame street characters. the eyes at the top blink when the right button is pressed and the volume control actually works. your child can press any of the numbers to hear silly sounds, numbers, or the voices of oscar, ernie and the rest of the gang.<br /><br />the sesame street remote is a great way to keep your child occupied and away from your electronics while entertaining them at the same time. now if only it would keep your husband away from the remote control...ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-35099532155924221872008-08-21T14:34:00.000-07:002008-08-21T14:54:10.413-07:00blabla kids - stuffies, mobiles and more<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEEACJvvqXG5MgoQz7sc7x_QP_JIKVKwmUpDECMOg_T2u8-uywuFk04NzJpvWcTVKR6ZmAIONBe0iMBIKeBnvF0gPhPhNtDCmLKU6ZFpkBbTx4uHZiQjt3kc_cNChGm3kvbf1FFRpT_g/s1600-h/blabla.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEEACJvvqXG5MgoQz7sc7x_QP_JIKVKwmUpDECMOg_T2u8-uywuFk04NzJpvWcTVKR6ZmAIONBe0iMBIKeBnvF0gPhPhNtDCmLKU6ZFpkBbTx4uHZiQjt3kc_cNChGm3kvbf1FFRpT_g/s200/blabla.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237088893374281490" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.blablakids.com/">www.blablakids.com</a><br /><br />you've seen their soft knit stuffed animals clutched by tots everywhere you go. you've eyed their mobiles in chic boutiques. you've even possibly been silently coveting their tiny finger puppets. "but where are all these things coming from?" you ask. "i must have them for myself! i mean, my child!"<br /><br />your prayers have been answered! i bring you: blabla. lovingly handcrafted by expert peruvian knitters (no, really!), blabla brings a snuggly softness to all of their fantastic products. blabla brings their signature simple, vibrant style to handmade stuffed animals, brightly colored knit mobiles, even backpacks, finger puppets, blankets and clothing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaqj2SJqD2OlFjIzJCF84AAz9385i2XnV0clJadGD6fpqsFziV7iqELrGXnWDh-Zyv-Oq-hqQiMLJ4Ux5DMXarjkHagG6Hz0l2TiyXcpON_DksCsJadVVsHvP3ld6XLBGvE4ARGKVbB8/s1600-h/blabla+cat+doll.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaqj2SJqD2OlFjIzJCF84AAz9385i2XnV0clJadGD6fpqsFziV7iqELrGXnWDh-Zyv-Oq-hqQiMLJ4Ux5DMXarjkHagG6Hz0l2TiyXcpON_DksCsJadVVsHvP3ld6XLBGvE4ARGKVbB8/s200/blabla+cat+doll.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237092141295797506" border="0" /></a>all blabla products are made from natural fibers, making them extra cuddley. their modern design coupled with the feel of something that's already been lovingly worn in make them perfect presents for little - and even bigger - kidlets.<br /><br />blabla's stuffed animals are prized possesions and their 100% cotton clothing is mom-tested and baby-approved. their whimsical knit rattles come in a wide variety of designs, from fruit and vegetables to a medley of songbirds to a giraffe in a hat (a favorite in our house. yeah, i don't get it either.).<br /><br />who says you can't buy friends? purchase a few new ones for your tot from blabla and they'll never be lonely again.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-29133063100860113392008-08-20T10:48:00.000-07:002008-08-20T14:26:21.878-07:00studio nommo - decorate in style<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zm6tONCqBlFWNPgdMEqLjr2GRqeC2XcpK6F-KR6rSuyU6DqAELBmaxeAsab3Zms8gHu9V2WbrQaZ30vaZ8cRpTbL-V7HzJZ7gXAQdQxX_isfJPCIX8SxRrhVgnRU_NxOfjpR2qstQEE/s1600-h/studio+nommo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zm6tONCqBlFWNPgdMEqLjr2GRqeC2XcpK6F-KR6rSuyU6DqAELBmaxeAsab3Zms8gHu9V2WbrQaZ30vaZ8cRpTbL-V7HzJZ7gXAQdQxX_isfJPCIX8SxRrhVgnRU_NxOfjpR2qstQEE/s200/studio+nommo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236710278302364194" border="0" /></a><a href="http://english.studionommo.com/default.asp">www.studionommo.com</a><br /><br />i've got a confession to make: i have design envy. right after i make a design decision, i'll see something cool somewhere else and wish i had that instead. it's this envy that kept me from fully decorating my son's room until he was six months old.<br /><br />i took forever choosing just the right shade of blue for his walls. i spent ages finding the <a href="http://littledictators.blogspot.com/2008/04/via-toy-boxes.html">perfect storage</a>, a <a href="http://littledictators.blogspot.com/2008/04/flor-modular-carpet-tiles.html">sturdy-but-cute carpet</a> and just the right <a href="http://littledictators.blogspot.com/2008/05/caden-lane-bedding-and-more.html">bedding</a>. i thought i was done, but now i have one more thing to envy: studio nommo's wallpaper and stickers.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDizczUNRAIQ1jWhdUw9Eh0PbVESZGC-xaAVkmFWe42MBq1TGHdd5vMceURzVtJmvaXge4L1IUUfi3nobfqrMF24EHtKxx1sXbOntWvuVflgd-rBydJ_Jkns0pMNNthFsNwwulZuz1NE/s1600-h/studio+nommo+wallpaper.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDizczUNRAIQ1jWhdUw9Eh0PbVESZGC-xaAVkmFWe42MBq1TGHdd5vMceURzVtJmvaXge4L1IUUfi3nobfqrMF24EHtKxx1sXbOntWvuVflgd-rBydJ_Jkns0pMNNthFsNwwulZuz1NE/s200/studio+nommo+wallpaper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236711118001838802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />studio nommo is a turkish company that designs clever wallpaper and innovative wall stickers for you to beautify your home. they have a number of products you'll want for yourself, but a special section <a href="http://english.studionommo.com/koleksiyon.asp?k=4">just for baby</a>. wallpaper patterns have everything from pink candy-colored stripes with alphabet letters to dancing creatures to keep baby company (shown right). their "landscape" wallpaper (shown bottom left), supposedly for adventurous adults, would make a great addition in any playroom.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksLK1e4vzSniX0NSb4IXrVEvV1Ig1EBev89E2iYwZBFTZJLaQHSwxmkD3H6DeOQoGOqoRempIt-lmUZwK5Nm3hTIGK_sM5EyVBUWvinoViHl-xX8rkGmX7thSiPKLOvpO8eYztRlvX1Q/s1600-h/studio+nommo+wallpaper+landscape.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksLK1e4vzSniX0NSb4IXrVEvV1Ig1EBev89E2iYwZBFTZJLaQHSwxmkD3H6DeOQoGOqoRempIt-lmUZwK5Nm3hTIGK_sM5EyVBUWvinoViHl-xX8rkGmX7thSiPKLOvpO8eYztRlvX1Q/s200/studio+nommo+wallpaper+landscape.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236712845509026034" border="0" /></a><br />our favorites? the wall stickers are a simple and easy way to dress up any environment. choose from designs including underwater (shown above) for your deep-sea diver, <a href="http://english.studionommo.com/koleksiyon_detay.asp?k=5&a=116">faux brocade</a> embellishments for your little princess and <a href="http://english.studionommo.com/koleksiyon_detay.asp?k=5&a=162">plump flying birdies</a> for your outdoor enthusiast.<br /><br />wallpaper designs are scalable to your wall sizes (no awkward edges to work around) and are made of sturdy cleanable fleece vinyl. some designs come with multiple color options for you to work with. still can't find anything you like? although i might think that's impossible, studio nommo will customize wallpaper for you with a design of your choice. you can't lose!<br /><br />studio nommo offers the best solutions for parents looking for something cool enough for them but still whimsical enough for their little ones. the hardest part? deciding which one of the many designs you'll love to put in your child's room.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-51380809996853623712008-08-19T09:08:00.000-07:002008-08-19T09:35:16.881-07:00boobie tuesday! kellymom.com - breastfeeding and parenting support<a href="http://www.kellymom.com/">www.kellymom.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT9JrU4AHUAqrmZDjqpCEO4ogn5sxZf0u2jPGf8texBAEEK7b40junvAlAxQvaaX-PpoXFqdqZSS-Ba6sxzNLQ8SciKNCSBTPWaZO3pPM1S_BHbz-fnr3C_22ezRKL1pFWEt5MIcxAx8/s1600-h/kellymom-banner234x60an.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinT9JrU4AHUAqrmZDjqpCEO4ogn5sxZf0u2jPGf8texBAEEK7b40junvAlAxQvaaX-PpoXFqdqZSS-Ba6sxzNLQ8SciKNCSBTPWaZO3pPM1S_BHbz-fnr3C_22ezRKL1pFWEt5MIcxAx8/s320/kellymom-banner234x60an.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236262689738284850" border="0" /></a><br />did you know they have breastfeeding classes? until i was pregnant, neither did i. but at 8 months pregnant, i dragged my husband to <a href="http://littledictators.blogspot.com/2008/04/day-one-center.html">day one</a> and made him sit in on a breastfeeding class with me. think it's intuitive? i've got news for you: it's not.<br /><br />when i had questions and couldn't get a hold of the ten million people i called (lactation consultant, obgyn, my son's pedatrician, new mom friends, anyone with a pulse) i would resolve myself to looking up information online. and that's when i found <a href="http://www.kellymom.com/">kellymom.com</a>.<br /><br />kellymom was founded by kelly bonyata, an international board certified lactation consultant and member of the international lactation consultant association. she has been helping mothers and babies breastfeed for over ten years and keeps up-to-date with the latest research and studies so that you have as much information as possible.<br /><br />website sections cover basics from getting started to common breastfeeding concerns to nursing a preemie to supply and let-down issues. kellymom also touches on everyone's favorite "is this safe when breastfeeding?" so that you can figure out everything from caffeine to alcohol to (finally) dyeing your hair.<br /><br />there's even additional information on mom & baby nutrition, parenting, postpartum depression, starting solids, fussy babies and finding local breastfeeding support.<br /><br />kellymom.com is a "must" for new moms who now have help only a click away. there's a reason they've been around for ten years! tell a friend - kellymom will become your new favorite site. make that second favorite.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-44859772380918066932008-08-18T09:04:00.000-07:002008-11-11T15:17:08.995-08:00jj cole outdoor blanket<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3004125#prod_prodinfo"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtJQaPreIJeC9KF5gJeFcVqPn5-lCADsA5lzZRoCd0gGqSJ8W23mLyQ7bmX6gCcxKTPy1AA5sSzCMU2hyphenhyphen_WpEZXwH2vvs98MhgOzhyphenhyphen2MLhtGREU03l11vzFvzJcl5rehoLbj-aH6H6zQ/s200/jj+cole+outdoor+blanket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235889825400536514" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3004125#prod_prodinfo">www.babiesrus.com</a><br /><br />this weekend was another typical san francisco weekend - each day started out damp and covered in fog and ended up gorgeous and sunny.<br /><br />we had a sweet baby picnic at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/dolores-park-san-francisco">mission dolores park</a> (meaning it was fun and full of children, not necessarily full of sweet babies) but found ourselves wholly unprepared for the wet transitioning to dry weather.<br /><br />my husband thought that this was an opportune time to buy a waterproof-poncho-that-unzips-and-doubles-as-a-blanket. of course. i, on the other hand, wanted something better. and by better, i mean cuter.<br /><br />my friend julie had the best outdoor blanket i've seen by another of our favorite companies, jj cole. makers of little dictators favorite the <a href="http://littledictators.blogspot.com/2008/06/jj-cole-bundle-me.html">bundle me</a>, jj cole brings us this fabulous outdoor blanket. it comes in three different and sassy patterns (pink stripes, retro blue dots and green stripes) and measures at a generous 5' x 5'. the built in inserts mean it's easy to fold. ready to go? the blanket packs up into a compact messenger bag with a built-in handle.<br /><br />this great outdoor blanket is sturdy, attractive and portable. the durable outdoor fabric means you can take your blanket anywhere. from the sandy beach to the damp park, simply wipe it clean when you're done and ready to go. now if only it was so easy to clean your child...ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-8226132398640494762008-08-15T09:21:00.000-07:002008-08-15T09:38:26.817-07:00begin smart's "what does baby say?"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKonyFLvn5bp5S17IlIL0RYSGei8WLFiZMnDpH8X5s_G6aseioNV-teDAEbUjjLpcOD0pemljljSlXINku_fnpOFJt4ylEKpt3VojVykbHbWxY2cV92P76U1l04LWiNlo-cY7oFN2QoM/s1600-h/whatdoesbabysay.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKonyFLvn5bp5S17IlIL0RYSGei8WLFiZMnDpH8X5s_G6aseioNV-teDAEbUjjLpcOD0pemljljSlXINku_fnpOFJt4ylEKpt3VojVykbHbWxY2cV92P76U1l04LWiNlo-cY7oFN2QoM/s200/whatdoesbabysay.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234780605342024306" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1934618144?ie=UTF8&tag=littledictato-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1934618144">www.amazon.com: Begin Smart: What Does Baby Say?</a><br /><br />i'm desperate for my son to start talking, so that we can have intelligent conversations about how bad this season of project runway is, among other things. but i have to start small.<br /><br />my mom has taught him important basics, like "on" and "off" while she flicks the light switch up and down, which has only resulting in my son becoming obsessed with light switches. now it's up to me to teach him something - anything - else. because when he starts dating, he will not be able to impress the ladies by pointing at the light fixtures.<br /><br />begin smart has a number of great books for children that are targeted for specific age groups. "what does baby say?" is aimed at 12-18-month-olds who are working on their vocabularies. the lift-the-flap pages keep baby engaged while you teach them new words. simple question and answers on each page help you encourage baby to talk to you. pages ask questions such as "baby eats a cookie. what does baby say?" then you and your tot can lift the flap to reveal "baby says 'more!' "<br /><br />also included: mommy drives the car, baby says "bye-bye" and baby sees a doggy, baby says "woof." after months of trying, after reading this book to him, my son finally emitted a "woo-woo," which is as close to "woof" as i'm going to get right now.<br /><br />the brainy baby series encourages understanding of words and actions, remembering, matching words and actions, imitation and the all important parent-child interaction. they're great books for encouraging curious toddlers, not only with their words but with pages that are easy for little hands to turn. because i'm telling you: better to start reading these books than to end up obsessed with light switches.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-5149269210770867542008-08-13T14:07:00.000-07:002008-08-13T14:43:53.023-07:00boon frog pod - bathtub storage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP4WmPX7OYKGibO_ASumHfESx0WdUPfCddl9qdN4Y7mmATYDLy7tzotMaELj1hQrtDBad8OEokE4h0Xf-gKZG-Hwaow2ZXe2E-R5EWbryECzCRxseK3BNTK7z21SyYNv7JfUhvDlT7lo/s1600-h/boon+frog+pod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQP4WmPX7OYKGibO_ASumHfESx0WdUPfCddl9qdN4Y7mmATYDLy7tzotMaELj1hQrtDBad8OEokE4h0Xf-gKZG-Hwaow2ZXe2E-R5EWbryECzCRxseK3BNTK7z21SyYNv7JfUhvDlT7lo/s200/boon+frog+pod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234112069677298290" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2404626">www.babiesrus.com</a><br /><br />bath time! time to wrestle a wet wriggly baby around in a tub, attempt to scrub him clean and keep him happy for the duration of the bath and then theoretically emerge unscathed and dry with a shiny clean baby.<br /><br />more likely scenario: wrestle a wet wriggly baby around in a tub, try desperately to entertain him while washing one leg, one half an arm and maybe the front part of his hair and then emerge, soaking wet, with a partly clean baby.<br /><br />the older your child gets, the more entertainment they need - and this holds true for bath time as well. we now have a small tub that fits in the big tub so my son doesn't slide all over the place, but both tubs are filled to the brim with rubber ducks, a <a href="http://littledictators.blogspot.com/2008/06/alex-toys-talk-of-tub.html">phone that rings when wet</a>, squeaky puppies that squirt water and a variety of other bathtub distractions. where will all this stuff go?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZA0xFKcQlV9gKOqMN6HS8H479x0eulVwuu6nOrU3GtZyqWc0QamyITdmYma5VB53eQ4xrMKdZBF-NlTrwgsnRLoQLq85_WBFkKA7tiK32tCBrGwPtE2IenpEVzATM-2ln9L_KVTdn74/s1600-h/boon+frog+pod2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZA0xFKcQlV9gKOqMN6HS8H479x0eulVwuu6nOrU3GtZyqWc0QamyITdmYma5VB53eQ4xrMKdZBF-NlTrwgsnRLoQLq85_WBFkKA7tiK32tCBrGwPtE2IenpEVzATM-2ln9L_KVTdn74/s200/boon+frog+pod2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234112151815963890" border="0" /></a><br />boon's frog pod has two parts: one that sticks to the side of your tub and a porous scoop that stores bath toys when not in use. you can scoop up the soaking wet toys and keep them aside without having to dry them off or worry where they're all going to go. not only that, it's shaped like a frog! how can you not like it?<br /><br />i've noticed some online reviews that stated people had trouble getting the frog pod to stick - but we didn't. ours has moved happily into our tub and stayed exactly where he was put with suction cups. one small warning, though - we registered for the boon frog pod after seeing it online, but when it arrived in person i realized it was bigger than i thought. (base and scoop measure at 17" x 15".)<br /><br />boon's frog pod is a welcome addition to our little bath family. now only if he could bathe my child for me - <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> would be a great present.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-17712452480651248202008-08-12T09:38:00.000-07:002008-08-12T09:55:56.026-07:00boobie tuesday! the first years milk storage organizer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bOZ7HQv93ycuOODO5VeA0ia1WholpxviI2zycejurgj74M8rb4tqBQJsPc1cFcSbsNQbbJZv3ge-ktCMhpbs-x23pxCcOV_zGrEE11qH5HSar4BKf6UMDewzFJZFfcGJW5W_RdVyvXk/s1600-h/first+years+milk+organizer.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_bOZ7HQv93ycuOODO5VeA0ia1WholpxviI2zycejurgj74M8rb4tqBQJsPc1cFcSbsNQbbJZv3ge-ktCMhpbs-x23pxCcOV_zGrEE11qH5HSar4BKf6UMDewzFJZFfcGJW5W_RdVyvXk/s200/first+years+milk+organizer.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233671540102792610" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2908541">www.babiesrus.com</a><br /><br />ah, the many joys of breastfeeding: the super-sexy nursing bras, the many easy-access shirts you'll be wearing for the first year or so, the giant boobs. while all these things may sound great to your husband, they sound less awesome to new moms. (sorry, guys - but you'll just have to take my word for it.)<br /><br />oh, and did i forget to mention your new best friend, the breast pump? you'll be seeing this handsome fellow on a daily basis. if you play your cards right, maybe even multiple times a day. and now you're the lucky lady with a freezerful of milk. <br /><br />i made the clever but not fascinating discovery that if i put each bag down flat on a box of eggo waffles, they would freeze flat enough to take up less space and be able to stack one on top of the other. and when things started to get out of control, i commandeered the ice cube storage tray to keep track of my supply.<br /><br />wandering around babies r us, however, i discovered a much better idea. the first years milk storage organizer is specifically designed for this very purpose. made for your freezer, the organizer keeps milk upright in a spring-loaded drawer. all you have to do is put bags in the back of the drawer for an easy first-in/first out. no more guessing which is the newest or rooting around among the lean cuisines to find the freshest milk for your baby!<br /><br />the first years milk storage organizer comes with a cover to keep milk separate from other frostbitten, foil-wrapped items and is also dishwasher safe. don't like their freezer bags? the organizer works with most brands of milk storage bags (we like <a href="http://littledictators.blogspot.com/2008/05/boobie-tuesday-lansinoh-breastmilk.html">lansinoh</a>).<br /><br />disclaimer: although we have personally tested 99% of the items we post, this is something we haven't owned... but wish we had. any feedback from owners would be great! good luck and happy storage.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-21768391226416942072008-08-11T09:07:00.000-07:002008-08-11T09:23:54.599-07:00melissa & doug: wooden knob puzzles for little hands<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLI78MypH9fBiFdLimU4EMiThfRzKc0lMy2cWGA733GhslZleQzvNHDrXpSz06KdiaY7Hi9SEj6_WM9bhY5SwTZmj7haz1Ualn6u025x2KHLbCN6Oyrv254ievtREOseHmv6_YZot_DE/s1600-h/melissa+doug+puzzle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLI78MypH9fBiFdLimU4EMiThfRzKc0lMy2cWGA733GhslZleQzvNHDrXpSz06KdiaY7Hi9SEj6_WM9bhY5SwTZmj7haz1Ualn6u025x2KHLbCN6Oyrv254ievtREOseHmv6_YZot_DE/s200/melissa+doug+puzzle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233293276148201410" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.melissaanddoug.com/dyn_prodlist.php?k=86048">www.melissaanddoug.com</a><br /><br />while my son is still calling me (and my husband, and the dog, and a bagel) "dada," my friend's little boy knows what all the animals say. my friend will ask, "jakey, what does the cow say?" and he'll confidently reply, "MOO!" hmm. maybe i need to focus more on these things.<br /><br />melissa and doug are here to help neglectful parents such as myself. a twenty-year-old company started in doug's parents' garage, melissa and doug make safe, quality toys for children. among their most popular: these great wooden puzzles that come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.<br /><br />our favorites are their jumbo knob puzzles. designed for little ones still perfecting their grasp, the wooden puzzle pieces have giant knobs in place of handles, so they're easy for baby to grab and put back. or throw. or bang together loudly while your poor dog is trying to nap.<br /><br />the smiling animals have baby-friendly faces and the sides are smooth and safe. melissa and doug subject all of their toys to rigorous safety testing, and these are no exception. you can choose from a variety of the jumbo knob puzzles, from farm animals (moo! baa! cluck! goat noise!) to jungle friends to cars.<br /><br />looking for something a little more sophisticated? melissa and doug also make puzzles with everything from maps to the alphabet, and great magnetic puzzles where the pieces literally "stick" in place - no more wandering puzzle pieces waiting for a sleep-deprived parent to step on them.<br /><br />melissa and doug even sell puzzle storage cases, specifically designed to keep their products organized and out of sight. because you might as well have one part of your life organized.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-62095145441999689002008-08-09T12:58:00.000-07:002008-08-09T18:25:00.626-07:00glug - cool clothes for baby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuAujwAuB8dIYTbnt6Gev44Pbr3_LK_ioExXXNJl_sXylnbOe333US5zm6H9HLQ24rPHNK8Jw8LBXI8oP-z3lVaMMlRY1UZSRW0OkcEDNkthTLy0zP-o4TOfIqr8nUm4QVeTFyfn65p8/s1600-h/glugbaby_monkeytee_med.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuAujwAuB8dIYTbnt6Gev44Pbr3_LK_ioExXXNJl_sXylnbOe333US5zm6H9HLQ24rPHNK8Jw8LBXI8oP-z3lVaMMlRY1UZSRW0OkcEDNkthTLy0zP-o4TOfIqr8nUm4QVeTFyfn65p8/s200/glugbaby_monkeytee_med.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232691157741542194" border="0" /></a><a href="http://glugcollection.com/">www.glugcollection.com</a><br /><br />with all the one year old's birthday parties we've got going on these days, i realized that i'm going to have to give a few cool gifts to give myself. yet sometimes, even<span style="font-style: italic;"> i </span>find myself at a loss for gifts.<br /><br />so what to take to the birthday kids...... plastic toys? hmmm, they've got a lot of those. blocks? they've got those, too. how about clothes? but not the dorky little man sweater sets your mom's friend gets you. no, you want something that says, "i'm your cool aunt! i'm the one you'll call when your mom says you can't do stuff - and i'll say you <span style="font-style: italic;">can!</span> because i'm <span style="font-style: italic;">cool!</span>"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnetoO1R3qhfj7ljMDnK32DsgEn5rXrNjmSVOB7OdvxjDaOp6D2oTcBS9LD-49zvPd7wWk3crVu0BENQuf0L4lfyh45qU1Ii_oHzmkufhjGT68dUNVXbJbrOw7rv0QyExeNR26-fW4m4/s1600-h/glug_folkbird_top_med.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnetoO1R3qhfj7ljMDnK32DsgEn5rXrNjmSVOB7OdvxjDaOp6D2oTcBS9LD-49zvPd7wWk3crVu0BENQuf0L4lfyh45qU1Ii_oHzmkufhjGT68dUNVXbJbrOw7rv0QyExeNR26-fW4m4/s200/glug_folkbird_top_med.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232691515329334034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />glug baby was founded by a husband and wife team who wanted clothes for their young daughter stylish enough for hip parents but still whimsical enough for tots. and they've totally succeeded.<br /><br />glug baby makes great tees, dresses and skirts that are as comfortable as they are cute. they have a fresh, modern style that's perfect for your hipster child as they prepare for a life of trend setting. they have clever graphic designs for boys (monkey face, tiger head, giant ant) and girls (flirty bird, abstract dandelion, sassy owl).<br /><br />we love all their designs, but my favorite is the little shirt with a picture of sf's ubiquitous sutro tower that says "local" underneath it. perfect for flaunting your child's native status when traveling around the city.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-3106170576275168372008-08-07T09:22:00.001-07:002008-08-07T10:26:20.678-07:00cordoba building blocks from haba<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHBMCIgupU5Os3ij-udni1amCjGHVFzrtGGMVxXPMzVfG_W_L5MzJMShPeulsHr8WjL7B1VF3dWHgq-cMr-pqzcLm_hsf55s3voZ81TmcZXqSWXEmdaL98TH_S97QlAQh23uiqph7I8c/s1600-h/haba+blocks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHBMCIgupU5Os3ij-udni1amCjGHVFzrtGGMVxXPMzVfG_W_L5MzJMShPeulsHr8WjL7B1VF3dWHgq-cMr-pqzcLm_hsf55s3voZ81TmcZXqSWXEmdaL98TH_S97QlAQh23uiqph7I8c/s200/haba+blocks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231812021384516210" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/HA3560/Haba-Cordoba-Building-Blocks.html?oompaItem=Haba_Cordoba%20Building%20Blocks">www.oompa.com</a><br /><br />from one of our favorite websites (<a href="http://www.oompa.com/cgi-bin/category/0">oompa</a>) and one of our favorite companies (<a href="http://www.oompa.com/cgi-bin/category/HabaToys">haba toys</a>) comes the cordoba building block set.<br /><br />these brightly colored wooden blocks are a <span style="font-style: italic;">fantastic</span> gift (thanks, shar & brian!) and another great thing for you to play with while pretending to play with your child. i mean, let your child play with. and teach him how to share with you.<br /><br />cordoba building blocks, for ages 1+, come with sixteen patterned and color saturated pieces in all different shapes and sizes. not only are the blocks small and smooth enough for baby to hold, but their different features - rattles! bells! jewels! - will keep you both entertained. every piece is decorated in non-toxic, child-friendly paint, so you don't have to worry when your child inevitably tastes a few pieces.<br /><br />the blocks all fit together easily and can stack up into endless combinations for your little builder.<br /><br />need more? the cordoba set matches perfectly with haba's <a href="http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/item/HA3562/Haba-Sakrada-Building-Blocks.html?oompaItem=Haba_Sakrada%20Building%20Blocks">sakrada building blocks</a> as well as their <a href="http://www.oompa.com/baby-toys/category.cgi?item=HA2297">fantasy block set</a>. you know, just in case you can't build a skyscraper tall enough with only one set of blocks.<br /><br />haba's cordoba blocks are so cute, in fact, that you don't have to worry about picking them up when friends come over. they even look good strewn across your child's floor. which is where they will inevitably end up. especially if it happens to be <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> child's floor.ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-50500200099295064682008-08-06T10:17:00.000-07:002008-08-06T10:37:53.002-07:00wiggly giggler rattle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhak6WeuBjOyfvc5F_pU94BAb8e4RzUrQeDkJI7Hgaz__U0q5TmhrvHaykw2BAV6ntqKCrF3En3NhvBCdnwyvw04FfoY6truOxv0EuEQMK4R7-xKFsHMxJ8i2oj2OLDqI1LJHFE3RZNIOo/s1600-h/wiggley+giggler.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhak6WeuBjOyfvc5F_pU94BAb8e4RzUrQeDkJI7Hgaz__U0q5TmhrvHaykw2BAV6ntqKCrF3En3NhvBCdnwyvw04FfoY6truOxv0EuEQMK4R7-xKFsHMxJ8i2oj2OLDqI1LJHFE3RZNIOo/s200/wiggley+giggler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231455747480695250" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.luvupumkin.com/Wiggly-Giggler-Rattle-p/122344321.htm">www.luvupumkin.com</a><br /><br />my son has a lot of toys that make noises. and he loves them all. a tiny piano to plink on (acceptable), rattles to bang around (also acceptable) and that stupid baby einstein octopus that plays one million never-ending songs that start all over again when you look at it the wrong way given to us by my mother-in-law (totally unacceptable).<br /><br />the wiggly giggler rattle is a small plastic rattle that makes a baby smile-inducing wheezy noise when shaken. it's the perfect size for tiny baby hands, weighs next to nothing and comes in an assortment of bright colors. <br /><br />the wiggly giggler is baby safe and phthalate free (good), makes a not-too-loud noise that baby will love but won't drive you crazy (better) and can be easily grasped by baby (mostly good, until he realizes he can throw the wiggly giggler at the dog).<br /><br />the flat ends mean that baby can place them down carefully or even stack them one on the other. the wiggly giggler is highly responsive, promotes gross motor development and most of all, will keep your child entertained for at least a few minutes. you can even buy them in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wiggly-Giggler-Rattles-Set-6/dp/B000WOZVSK/ref=pd_sbs_t_1">set of six</a> if you're feeling particularly generous. or you like living dangerously. or your child doesn't have enough toys, because they never do. right?ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-20319879937199031832008-08-02T08:22:00.000-07:002008-08-04T09:23:57.028-07:00fisher-price peek-a-blocks<a href="http://www.target.com/Peek-a-Blocks-Alphabet/dp/B00064MUJE">www.target.com</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7OA8Bg7vg0-a7MAQp_qE4UySONV_muYwdwuNfpcj1odLQYJMODD7Od6F9SxOe5TdPxU_E5ioZ-FN_ALXeuohLfycA_e93jjYrp_CnUFfGTYx2bBkbKTNozN2E7u8YQF0M-Y33ZPN54w/s1600-h/peekablocks+abc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7OA8Bg7vg0-a7MAQp_qE4UySONV_muYwdwuNfpcj1odLQYJMODD7Od6F9SxOe5TdPxU_E5ioZ-FN_ALXeuohLfycA_e93jjYrp_CnUFfGTYx2bBkbKTNozN2E7u8YQF0M-Y33ZPN54w/s200/peekablocks+abc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230697696557497906" border="0" /></a><br />everyone has that toy that they bought under the guise of "this is for my baby!" when really, it's for them. ("mister floofy pants the stuffed rabbit? oh, that's my son's. yes, i know it's in my purse. yes, i know my son isn't here. leave me alone.")<br /><br />this time, however, i didn't even have to pretend, because this awesome present was purchased for my son by my sister. fisher-price's peek-a-blocks are one of the coolest kid's toys i've ever seen. peek-a-blocks are small blocks with easy-grip tops and bottoms but clear sides to see the surprise inside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QRl7xhGqFYX-czUk5v8UkObzV_7ZN54v69RPCbfBPYvzZnQ7oLBPTAHbrtCsyQpKRL54NhAbXWHvD9qnAbr2IOCjQDIQlZBSgiQk0BvqynHd46SoNR_3TFfW4KaskbzSkeFnf2Z7QF0/s1600-h/peekablocks+w.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4QRl7xhGqFYX-czUk5v8UkObzV_7ZN54v69RPCbfBPYvzZnQ7oLBPTAHbrtCsyQpKRL54NhAbXWHvD9qnAbr2IOCjQDIQlZBSgiQk0BvqynHd46SoNR_3TFfW4KaskbzSkeFnf2Z7QF0/s200/peekablocks+w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230697833114993682" border="0" /></a>the alphabet peek-a-block set we were lucky enough to receive has 26 blocks (one for each letter) with a clever and cute object inside for baby to gaze at. the representations are fun and quirky and offer just the right level of interaction.<br /><br />"u for umbrella" has a little plastic umbrella inside with small "rain" pellets that move around when you shake it. "m for monkey" contains a smiling little monkey that actually swings on his trapeze. "t for train" allows you or baby to twist the locomotive through a mountain over and over again. "a for airplane" takes flight with a spring-mounted plane while "i for ice cream" has a rainbow flurry of sprinkles that dance around the cone.<br /><br />unfortunately, the pictures really don't do the peek-a-blocks justice. you'll obviously have to purchase them yourself to see just how much fun they are for you - i mean, baby - to play with.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">*thanks to aunt stephanie for the fabulous blocks!</span>ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1431924175764892567.post-42518565160181241702008-08-01T08:01:00.000-07:002008-08-01T08:01:37.938-07:00SwaddleDesigns: blankets, burp cloths and lovies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVb-UVQNt742XMFmrk-HgBvRhKUweAkF6lFXC1PnFfJnNS6oiiwJWcB42HmLni6hcslFZCt0cAK_0K_YA1vPq66Eh974xkvLmUs8ThwHipnuYS0FW_SsB5EzyvT5VpLVRPNjhrDqUmJs/s1600-h/swaddle+designs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVb-UVQNt742XMFmrk-HgBvRhKUweAkF6lFXC1PnFfJnNS6oiiwJWcB42HmLni6hcslFZCt0cAK_0K_YA1vPq66Eh974xkvLmUs8ThwHipnuYS0FW_SsB5EzyvT5VpLVRPNjhrDqUmJs/s200/swaddle+designs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229414537397118498" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.swaddledesigns.com/products.html">www.swaddledesigns.com</a><br /><br />one of my best friends - who's pregnant herself - asked me for new baby gift suggestions yesterday. i was forced to reveal to her some of my favorite "can't fail" baby presents, knowing full well that she'd be the recipient of most if not all of them. i've already shared two: the <a href="http://littledictators.blogspot.com/2008/06/jj-cole-bundle-me.html">bundle me</a> and <a href="http://littledictators.blogspot.com/2008/04/trumpette-baby-socks.html">trumpette socks</a>.<br /><br />there was one go-to gift, however, that i had yet to post. my knight in shining armor, swaddle designs. they have great gifts that would please any mom-to-be.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nEsB0b2nlq98M9ugcTlHnaXETiNW1pG9B_tiG0vLwKeptmYs-pCfJe-4Zr_6GWCRpdjKgxqsI0o3rB0eMz8oLtbzjkzlonTyZj3dUPHFv0ll0uYFJnJaeM0M0CGACjPRwsB_K3OByVg/s1600-h/swaddle2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nEsB0b2nlq98M9ugcTlHnaXETiNW1pG9B_tiG0vLwKeptmYs-pCfJe-4Zr_6GWCRpdjKgxqsI0o3rB0eMz8oLtbzjkzlonTyZj3dUPHFv0ll0uYFJnJaeM0M0CGACjPRwsB_K3OByVg/s200/swaddle2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229415395832353266" border="0" /></a><span class="q">swaddle designs makes THE best <a href="http://www.swaddledesigns.com/blankets.html">swaddle blankets</a>. don't let anyone talk you into getting anything else. we swaddled cole until he was almost 5 months old, so believe me when i tell you that i am the swaddle master, and the swaddle designs blanket was my savior.<br /><br />swaddle designs <a href="http://www.swaddledesigns.com/blankets.html">swaddle blankets</a> are big enough to actually wrap up your little one snugly without any middle-of-the-night jailbreaks, and cute enough to use just as a regular blanket. they are made of pre-shrunk cotton flannel, come in lots of patterns and styles and are even available in <a href="http://www.swaddledesigns.com/organic_blankets.html">certified organic cotton</a> for little green babies.<br /><br />swaddle designs also makes sturdy but sweet <a href="http://www.swaddledesigns.com/burpies.html">burp cloths </a>(that match the blankets, of course) with a super-absorbent center panel and stylish fabric stripes. they're perfect for cleaning up little messes and are attractive enough to break out in front of childless company.<br /><br />and there's more! swaddle designs gives us <a href="http://www.swaddledesigns.com/lovies.html">little lovies</a> - for the uninitiated, small fuzzy security blankets for your tot to tote on trips. theirs have a silky satin border for baby to snuggle with and a touchy-feely middle. at 14"x14", the perfect size to take to bed, to grandma's house or, let's face it, everywhere.<br /><br /></span>the good news? my friend now has a great baby present to give. the bad news? she will not be at all surprised when she gets her baby presents from me. sorry, jen!ekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10332769086519540061noreply@blogger.com0