The rabbit gentleman

A rabbit with a rheumatism crutch and a nurse, Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy, are the main characters in this collection of early 20th-century stories. And I never would have guessed that they could so captivate my son. Jim Weiss is a renowned storyteller with a large catalog of celebrated recordings. We have other CDs of his, but Ronan always comes back to Uncle Wiggly and the animal children who live in the woods.

We owe a big debt to Mr. Long Ears. When Ronan is having a hard time settling down, this CD is guaranteed to keep him still in bed long enough to fall asleep.

Tip: Copy this to your itunes while it's still fresh; CDs get scratched fairly easily and it's nice to have a back-up.

I covet this

While I usually post only about things I own, I had to make an exception for this scrumptious twirly skirt. It's fun, retro and whimsical; some of my favorite adjectives! Check it out at this Etsy shop.

Thanks to my friend Bridget for sending me the link. (And I'm coveting it for my daughter, not me! Although I could probably get into the patchwork thing, too....)

I'm keeping this for the grandkids

This lockbox from TAG Toys is fabulous. The first one we purchased for Ronan's second Christmas was half the price. As I was taking it out of the shipping box, the handle fell off. So back it went, and we invested in this one.

As you've probably noticed, I'm a big fan of open-ended toys, and this one fits the bill. Two of my favorite ways my son has used this toy: As a receptacle for play-doh bricks on a construction site (why they have to store so many bricks, I don't know!), and as a party house for small plastic animals. So, the lion, say, will decide to throw a party in one of the compartments, and then all the other animals have to knock on one of the doors until the lion decides they're worthy to come in. He's a tough doorman!

I've not purchased anything else from TAG Toys, but I love the look of the Stake Truck and this ball ramp. Oh, and they make everything in the U.S.

The perfect gift for a second-time momma

This small diaper bag by Fleurville is aptly called the "Escape Pod." It's great for second-time moms in particular, because, at least in my experience, we tend to carry less. I realize that the math doesn't add up: more kids = carrying less stuff, but it's true for me. I live on the wild side now. No extra outfit, blankie, jacket, sippy cup or miscellaneous toys at my beck and call in the middle of Target. (Don't ask about the back of my van, though!)

This bag does easily hold my wallet, cell phone, a changing pad (included), one diaper and wipes. I've been using mine for a good year, and it's probably almost time to move on. But it's had a good run!

One of my wise friends has mentioned that this is not such a good option for non-breastfeeding moms, because there's no room to carry a bottle. But I think that's the only downside. Check Google to see all the fun prints that are available.

D. All of the above

What can you use playsilks for?
A. Impromptu capes, scarves or skirts
B. Raucous games of peek-a-boo
C. Roofs/doors for your couch forts

Playsilks really are floaty, soft silk. They fold up into tiny squares and then unfurl to be lakes, slings or flags. Plus, they're machine washable: a practical parent's dream!

I got mine at A Toy Garden (click on "creative play"). If you're crafty and/or brave, you can buy them really inexpensively from Dharma Trading and then dye them with Koolaid and vinegar. I haven't tried it, but there seem to be good directions on this blog.

I think I'm going to get some large ones for the kiddos. Ronan insists that his favorite color is black (because it's the "spookiest"), so if I can find a large black one, that'll be in his stocking!

A preschool game that even Momma likes to play!

Who can resist miniature wooden fruit that you collect in tiny baskets? Not me! And preschoolers are thrilled to gather all the fruit before the raven gets it.

This is a cooperative game, so all the players are working together, which is nice for when Ronan wants to play a game with a friend. Four-year-olds are not good losers, I've found.

There are other versions of this game, including a mini one in a tin, and a large-scale one that's over two feet square, with Haba's regular-size wooden fruit.

Haba's quality is really exceptional. This game will last forever, assuming you can hang onto all the little fruit. Not suitable for the under-two set because of the choking risk.

Many online retailers sell this; so Google for the best price and shipping deal.

"One-quarter of George Washington's head"

They Might Be Giants' album for the whole family, No!, is brilliant. My son's favorite song, "Robot Parade," intones, "In a future time, children will work together to build a giant CYBORG," while my pick is the infectious, kitschy PSA "In the Middle," which gives specific instructions on how to cross the street. It's joyously entertaining for all of us.

Ronan beautifully misinterprets another track on this album, "Where Do They Make Balloons?" He sings, "Where do they make a roux?" Yes, he saw Ratatouille this summer!

TMBG have another kids' album, Here Come the ABCs. This one is not in heavy rotation at the moment, although I still myself singing, "Go, go, go go for G" more often than I'd like.

Check out GiantKid to explore TMBG's offerings for kids.

For the two-year-old in your life

These Crocodile Creek puzzles are my favorite present for two-year-olds. Big, durable pieces, great graphics, and the adorable carrying case make these a wonderful gift. Although he needed help at first, by 2-1/2 Ronan was able to complete these independently. He's now four and will still do these puzzles. Soon his little sister will be able to take them over.

These are available at many online retailers, and at least one of my local, independent toy stores. (Swains, for those of you in my neighborhood.)

If you're going to have a drum in the house...

...it may as well be one that sounds really nice. Remo is a real drum company, but they have a line for kids. This floor tom has such a satisfying weight and feel. Adults (like, say, me) enjoy playing this as much as the little ones.

And if you're in L.A., check out Remo's Kids Rhythm Club. You go to their community center in North Hollywood (usually on Saturday mornings at 11, but check their website) and they have loads of drums to choose from. A facilitator leads the kids in a fun drum circle. It's free, loud and fantastic!

She's only one, and she's getting a pony for Christmas!

One of my favorite haunts, Kid Surplus, is offering free shipping now through October 25th. You must spend at least $75, and the code is FREESHIP1. They have a wide selection and good prices on brands including Playmobil, Haba, Selecta and others. My daughter's getting one of these Rody ponies for Christmas. Shhh....don't tell!

Zoom Zoom

Ronan insists that his LIKEaBIKE is a fast motorcycle. And who am I to argue? He's so joyful when he's riding it; he can even take corners without stopping.

It took him a while to get the confidence to really push off with both feet and glide, but now he's so fast that I have to run full-on to keep up with him. So I got myself a Xootr. Mommas deserve to go fast, too!

I think after riding this for a year, Ronan will be able to go straight to a regular two-wheeler -- no training wheels.

I know the LIKEaBIKE is pricey, so if you're looking for an alternative, there are knock-offs available (Skuut and the Kettler Sprint Bike are a couple I'm aware of). My only warning for any push bike is that your child needs to be able to have his/her feet flat on the floor to ride comfortably, especially at first. So pay attention to what the minimum height is. And put your running shoes on!

(And yes, we both wear helmets outside. Definitely a must.)

24 Days of Giving (and Receiving!)

Advent calendars represent the best of the holidays to me. The idea of one perfect little morsel every day, whether it's a yummy bite of chocolate or a single piece of a vast Playmobil set, seems like a great way to celebrate the season. I wish I were crafty enough to make this one myself, but that's definitely not the case. Disclaimer: I don't own this and have never seen it in real life.





I'm partial to calendars with pockets, which is one reason I like these elves, but my husband is totally freaked out by them. (Although I'd like to note that they DO have eyes, which is not apparent in this photo.)

These advent calendars are available from Garnet Hill.

In and Out

The people go in. The people come out. The people get lost under the couch. One manages to end up under your bare foot in the middle of the night when you're desperately trying to get to the baby's room before she wakes up the neighborhood.

Made in the USA by a family-owned company. You can buy it at Rosie Hippo's, another great family-owned company. You'll want to keep this rainbow people mover for your grandchildren!

Instant Architect

Magna-Tiles are the best third-birthday gift ever. It is so easy and satisfying to build all sorts of structures with them. These things rule! Ronan usually constructs houses for various superheroes (Superman's door is always on the ceiling because he can fly out), corrals and zoos for animals, and garages for his many small vehicles. I imagine that these will be in use for at least three more years.

Yes, they are plastic, and I'm assuming they're made in China, although I couldn't confirm that. We have two sets, one translucent and one solid. The latest set was purchased here. Google for the best price.

Caped Crusaders

My son wanted a superhero party for his fourth birthday. Thanks to the Superflykidz shop at Etsy, I was able to provide capes for all the attendees. (Don't mind the baseball bat my son is carrying.)

What a spectacular hit they were! Any kid under the age of six will be thrilled to have a personalized cape. And make sure you get it in a spooky color. According to my son, that's black, blue, green, red, silver or purple.

To infinity and beyond!

Because every baby needs a going-out bib

My kids are both messy eaters. Probably because I let them self-feed from the get-go. And they both were born with full heads of hair, so bibs that tie are not an option. I love these bibs from Lilypad Baby. Reversible, cute, and super-durable.

I am a wee bit disappointed, though, because they used to offer personalization. And really, is there anything that makes a momma happier than to see her new baby's name on an adorable retro print bib?

Still a great gift option. Also note that the choices for boys are just as cute as the girl options. Hallelujah for us mommas of boys!