Christmas didn't come soon enough for our daughter. While we're committed to the idea that she's a genius, we're still impressed by the fervor our 20 week old brought to making the Leap Frog Discovery Ball sing her the alphabet, or play her music.

This elegantly simple toy features a rubber-covered electronic ball mounted on a plastic axel. Kate's little hands can easily get the ball to spin on its axel. With each partial spin the ball sings her part of the ABC's, or plays a snippet of music. Once her finger pushes get stronger, the spine of the ball is covered with individual letters which (naturally) sing about themselves or play other snippets of music, depending on the setting. When she can safely toddle, the ball comes off its axel and can be rolled around the room to the same effect.

This is a sweet, simple toy that makes nice music and has the power to captivate a little mind for at least 10 minutes at a time, and for that we recommend it.

I can't believe Kate, Joel and I are getting sick again. We traveled over Christmas weekend, and the plane ride back was incredibly hot. They were pumping the grossest heated air throughout the cabin, and I'm sure it was a germ festival. Needless to say, three days later we're all coming down with cold symptoms. I have a stuffy nose and sore throat. Kate is whining a lot. Joel has the same symptoms I do. I really hate cold and flu season.

(more...)

I am an attorney and an attachment parent, and I have to comment on this interesting article posted by Dave Taylor! His post highlights the recent lawsuit against Coke and Pepsi for selling soft drinks in schools. He compares it to the McDonalds case, which has received unjust negative connotations as a frivolous lawsuit.

(more...)

The New York Times has a great piece on co-sleeping. Apparently Dr. Ferber, for the new edition of his book "Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems", has softened his stance against children sharing a bed with their parents, and allows that "Ferberizing" your kids until they're hoarse or vomiting, but independent, isn't always the right tack for every child.

"Even though I shouldn't have to defend myself, it is nice to have [half-hearted approval from Dr. Ferber]," Ms. Jakovich said. Like many other parents, she never intended to sleep with her daughter. "My view was that granola-hippie-type people co-sleep," she added.

(more...)

I love this Maclaren Infant Carrier! We have been using this carrier since our daughter was born, and we really have found it useful. The feature that swayed our purchase of this carrier is the infant pod, which allows you to safely carry the tiniest newborn in snuggly safety. You put this infant pod around their legs and bottom, and strap it into the carrier facing towards you, and it prevents them from slipping out. What a clever but simple idea!

We use this carrier for short walks, long walks, quick trips to the grocery store, and airplane travel. I have even used it to calm my fussy baby. At three months, she was ready to face forward and of course she loved it even more! It is easy on the back too, with really wide straps to spread the weight. It has never bothered my back at all. We looked at the Baby Bjorn and while "everyone" has it, it just didn't seem to be as well designed, nor as suitable for a newborn as the Maclaren.