Second Languages for Toddlers

I had never really put much thought into second language programs for toddlers until recently when a friend said that she enrolled her child into a Spanish program. This trend is spreading out to more and more cities and even more classes are being offered than ever before- aimed at toddlers! From Spanish to Japanese. I have always wanted to learn a second language so I think I will be signing my daughter up!

This next generation will be amazingly intelligent!

My daughter is Elmira from Tiny Toons!

I don't know how long this video will last on You Tube, but Elmira from Tiny Toons reminds me of my daughter. This video pretty much explains the relationship that my daughter has with dogs or any animal! Enjoy!



If you can find a better clip of how Elmira hugs and loves her animals please let me know!

The fool-proof baby shower gift under $75

So, you're invited to a baby shower. This can be very confusing! What to get the mom-to-be that also reflects the chic woman giving the gift can be a challenge. The worst is when the only thing left on a baby registry is pacifiers, a bottle and a diaper pail! No fear- we have a perfect gift for any budget that will make the mom-to-be wonder what she would have done without it!

For the under $75 budget we have the following perfect picks:

1. The reversible stylish cart cover. This runs about $65. Pair this with the on-tray for a fab gift set!
2. The take home outfit and blanket runs $64
3. This sling is perfect alternative to a traditional carrier and comes in some very great designs. It will run about $49- $64 for this posh pod.
   
4. A unique gift for mom or dad is the diaper dude that will only set you back $60.
5. Another luxurious gift is the baby blanket. We have the perfect blanket that will make any mom melt and it will definitely get people asking "where did you get that?" It runs $58 for this amazing blanket.
   

Add a little something extra (maybe Trumpette Socks?) to any of these gifts to bump up your final cost to $75 and receive free shipping!

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #13- The exersaucer/ stationary entertainer

There are so many exersaucers on the market... how do you choose?
I remember when I went to register, I had no idea! But, when I started to compare some the different ones I saw a few things to help me choose. Here is a short list:

• Choose one that has many interactive toys for baby to play with
• Look for one that has a mirror
• Ones that have sounds or music (but look for ones that the music can turn OFF!

Our favorite: Baby Einstein Stationary Entertainer
Why we love it: There are so many fun things for baby to play with. A mirror, a mini-book, sounds and colors, things to chew on-- Hours of fun!

• It introduces Baby to 9 developmental, interactive toys to help develop important sensory and motor skills

• Captivates child by introducing bi-lingual language into child's early learning vocabulary

Breakfast Foods

So a friend asked me the other day for ideas for a good toddler breakfast. Here are a few samples of what we eat each morning:

• Morning Star Veggie sausage, yogurt and fresh fruit
• Cereal, fruit and milk (My little one LOVES cheerios with milk- it just takes more time on my end!)
• Special K waffles (strawberry) and milk
  
• Fruit Smoothie (perfect for on-the-go)- milk, vanilla yogurt, fruit such as blueberries and banana. I also put in some wheat germ.

If you have any other ideas for breakfast food- please e-mail them to us!

Healthy Fun Snack for Toddlers

I am always trying to figure out how to have a fast healthy snack on the go. My friend introduced me to these great snack by Brother-al-Natural. They are apple and pear freeze dried fruit crisps! They are awesome! Since they are freeze dried they are not chewy, but crispy and light. They also dissolve fast in mouths, so they are great for toddlers!

You can buy them online and get free shipping! I love free shipping!


Buy your freeze dried apple crisps at their website!

Just when you think you have a rountine...

Just when you think your little one is on a nice "schedule" something comes up! Isn't that the truth?! Me & a few friends of mine were saying that just when you get used to your little one sleeping through the night or taking great naps-- poof! They began to wake up crying or they start fighting that second nap. Why? Why you ask does this happen??? The only answer we can come up with is... they are babies/ toddlers and that is what they do!
Whether it is teeth, a tummy ache or a scary dream it is a reminder that we as parents have two choices: 1) we can drive ourselves crazy trying to figure it out or 2) we can go with the flow and accept that it is just one of the many phases associated with having a child.
(Of course, if there is an illness or symptoms of something wrong, that should be taken seriously)

The older my child gets, the more relaxed I seem to become about all those "milestones" and what they "should" or "shouldn't" be doing. Each child is unique and we should celebrate that!
Trust me, it is a lot less stress just going with the flow then trying to fight it ;)

For those of you who agree, disagree or have a funny story, please post a comment. We love hearing from you!