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!