“I knew you’d gone a little crazy when you started complaining that ‘only’ 35 people are coming,” my friend said.

“Down from a guest list of 80, that’s a lot of cancellations!”

“And there’s your first problem.” He accentuated every syllable for effect. “You invited 80 people. To a first birthday party.”

Yes, I know my daughter, who turns one October 12, won’t remember any of it. Yes, I know it’s mostly for the parents. Yes, I know it’s probably a tremendous waste of money. But my daughter only turns one once, and I wanted to throw her (myself?) a party.

It didn’t start out of control. I had very practical reasons for having it in a local steakhouse rather than our backyard or basement. We were in contract on a new home and had no idea where we’d be living at the time. Our old apartment couldn’t accommodate more than 10 people comfortably, and we had more guests than that if we just invited immediate family.

Faced with a room that holds up to 120, and a reasonable price per plate, I went a little crazy with the guest list.

Then I became fixated on a theme. It had to be something she likes, of course. Cool but not trendy. We’re not trendy type people. So no Dora or Disney Princesses.

Lilo & Stitch! Recent enough to be recognizable but old enough to be offbeat. We needed a custom-designed cake with Lilo & Stitch cake toppers. And I’d play DVDs in the background on my laptop during the party. I bought myself a dress that could pass for a Hawaiian print – big flowers all over. Adorable picture frame favors in the shape of surfboards, flip-flops and Hawaiian shirts. And balloons!

I didn’t go this crazy before my wedding.

The worst part of it all is I always made fun of kids’ birthday parties taken to an extreme. What’s the point of clowns, characters and face painting if the kid won’t remember it? Then you realize it really is for the parents and the photo ops, and it doesn’t seem so bad. After all, we’re grown-ups and if we choose to have a big party to celebrate our child’s birth, it’s our choice. I’m saying we, but honestly, the whole big party was my idea and my responsibility. My husband would have been happy with a cake.

I take a deep breath and reflect on what all this really means. We survived the first year of parenthood… and so did our soon-to-be-toddler. We are a happy little family of three.

Unbidden, Stitch’s crazy little alien voice pops into my mind with a line from the movie: “Ohana means family.” That’s what this party is really about.

I’ll throw a few Winnie-the-Pooh balloons into the mix and Ashley will be just as happy. We’ll be surrounded by friends, family and chocolate cake. What could be better?

Time to ‘fess up. Did anyone else go a little crazy in preparation for their baby’s first birthday? Did that tradition continue or did it taper off? Do you celebrate with a big bash every year or just milestones?

The kids are back in school, the leaves are turning and there is a chill to the air. What better time than now to bake with pumpkin?

Pumpkin spice cupcakes are just the thing to take off the chill and warm up a fall day. Even better, this recipe is an old family favorite – and probably one you’ve heard of or even used in the past.

These cupcakes are so easy to make, my toddler helped me not only mix the ingredients, but “sample” the frosting as well! (We used a store bought cream cheese frosting, but vanilla or even chocolate would be delicious.)

How to make Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

The ingredients for the cupcakes are so simple, no measuring is involved: just a box of spice cake mix and a 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree. After preheating the oven to 350 degrees, pour the two ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir with a wooden spoon just until moistened. Then, using an electric mixer, blend on medium speed for about 2 minutes or until mixed thoroughly.

Divide the batter evenly into paper lined cupcake cups (using an ice cream scoop for less mess and more fun – my daughter especially liked this part!) and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove cupcakes to wire racks to cool completely.

Once cooled, frost and serve.

]]> http://blogs.babiesonline.com/fun-stuff/pumpkin-spice-cupcakes/feed/ 3 http://blogs.babiesonline.com/fun-stuff/how-to-read-to-a-toddler/ http://blogs.babiesonline.com/fun-stuff/how-to-read-to-a-toddler/#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:00:21 +0000 Teresa http://blogs.babiesonline.com/?p=12632

We all know about the importance of teaching children to love reading– not only does it teach language skills, but it is an excellent way to bond together.

Lately, reading to our toddler has become more of a chore than a pleasure. Sure, we all enjoy the time together and some of the stories are quite good, but getting her to sit down and pay attention is turning into a losing battle. Instead of fighting, we’ve given in to her toddler whims and gone with them. Here’s what has worked for us.

• Make reading fun. We try to read fun books to her (anything by Dr. Seuss will work). Not only are the illustrations wildly colorful and imaginative, but the rhyming verses also capture her attention. Also, instead of reading the same few books every night, we try to mix it up and rotate her books. That way, she isn’t hearing the same stories and looking at the same illustrations every night.

• Read interactive books. “Pat the Bunny” and lift-the-flap books are amusing for toddlers – not only are there a story and illustrations, but the child is able to take part in the book instead of passively listening.

• Allow play during reading time. Instead of sitting down and reading to our daughter, we let her play with the books. Not only does she have fun turning the pages and pointing to some of the drawings, she also seems to be making up her own story to go along with them. (A note to the type A moms like me: it’s OK to keep reading the story while your child turns the pages back and forth and skips pages – since you have the story memorized anyway, go ahead and “read” it from start to finish.)

• Make up a new story. Turn one of your child’s books into a new story – instead of reading the story, look at the pictures and make up something else. Instead of “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?“, maybe it’s a trip to the zoo or someone’s house pets. “Guess How Much I Love You” could be a series of sporting events.

• Act out the story. Instead of just using different voices for different characters (which is also a good way to make reading fun), involve yourself and your kids in the story – act out certain scenes or just do what the characters are doing. Have your child jump up and down when a character does, or just make the same facial expressions.

Reading is an important step in your child’s development – making reading more fun can be a good way to enjoy story time together with your toddler.

If the thought of a family road trip conjures up images of whining, sibling fights in the back seat or cries of “Are we there yet?”, think again. A road trip can actually be a great way to communicate better with your kids and even learn something about each other along the way.

Ways to make a car trip more enjoyable.

• Distractions.
  • If your home is anything like mine, it seems like there are more distractions than opportunities to talk to each other. Between the television, cell phones and electronic games, we’ve found more and more ways to not communicate. However, in the car, things are much different. Not only do you have a captive audience, but no distractions – save for a DVD player or other device you might have installed. Turn off the TV and radio, and talk to your kids. It might take a little while to get them warmed up, but after you do you may be surprised at what you learn.

• Broaden horizons.
  • A road trip – any road trip – can broaden your horizons and introduce you and your family to something new. Even the same weekly drive to Grandma’s house across town can be a new experience if you take a different route or add a new pit stop along the way. Take a few minutes before leaving to map out new directions or find a new place to stop that no one has been to before.

• Play games.
  • Games aren’t just for kids – get the whole family involved. Whether it’s car games, such as watching for out of state license plates or counting the number of a certain type of car, or playing 20 Questions, everyone can play. Or, for younger kids, sing a silly song together — either make up new words to a familiar tune, or sing a favorite. Playing games together can strengthen bonds and be fun for the entire family.

• Start a new tradition.
  • In our family, there are certain stops we always make, depending on which direction we are headed. These stops become part of the journey and make the time more enjoyable. Try adding a new tradition to your road trips, such as collecting a certain type of souvenir, like post cards, or taking a photograph in the same spot each time you drive by and make a scrapbook. You and the kids will come to enjoy these special traditions that you all share.

Summer goes by so quickly. Before you know it, the school year has started and chill has filled the air. Before you dig out the winter coats, take some time to enjoy the sunshine. Even for busy parents, it’s important to spend some family time outdoors (with sunscreen on, of course!). If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the weather, try dining out in the great outdoors at a restaurant patio or terrace.

5 Reasons to Dine Outside With the Kids

• Noise. In a quiet restaurant, even the softest baby squeal can seem too loud; outdoors, on the other hand, it might not be heard at all. Among the street noise, sounds from other diners and outdoor sounds, a few cries from a baby probably aren’t going to bother others.

• Baby can stay in the stroller. Crowded restaurant dining rooms can make it difficult or impossible to pull a stroller up to the table. Outside, there is usually more room. Just pull the canopy of the stroller over baby to shield him or her from the sun. Best of all, if baby starts to fuss, just roll the stroller back and forth – the movement just might lull him or her back to sleep.

• Messy is permitted. Cheerios on the floor of a fancy restaurant? Not good. Cheerios on the sidewalk? Fine – in fact, the birds will probably eat them up before anyone even notices. Just don’t let the kids intentionally throw things to the ground – be mindful that it is still a restaurant and someone does have to clean up.

• Distractions galore. Distractions can be a two-way street. On the one hand, feeding a baby or toddler while something else is going on can be difficult; however, if he or she isn’t eating – or is being fussy – distractions can be a welcome opportunity. Let your child watch the traffic, passers by or other diners at the restaurant – then feed him or her when you get home.

• Learning opportunities. With all the activity around you, there are also ample learning opportunities for your child. Count the number of people passing by, the number of red items or the number of cars. Or point out certain colors, shapes or patterns.

Dining outdoors can be an enjoyable way to spend time together – and enjoy the summertime weather while it lasts.

While some babies enjoy taking baths, others are apprehensive or even afraid. Both of our kids were afraid of the tub, but have come to enjoy bath time and even get excited at the prospect of taking a bath. (We’re enjoying it while it lasts, knowing that eventually they will probably turn around and start hating baths again soon enough.) Here’s what we do to make bath time more fun for our babies.

Play Music – Fun, upbeat music sets the mood for fun. Try a bath related CD or any other cheery music to help kids get ready for a good time.

Blow bubbles -  For babies of all ages, seeing bubbles is a joy. Blow bubbles, being careful not to get them in baby’s face, and watch baby laugh and smile. Caution: the popped bubbles can make bathroom floors slippery – be careful and make sure to dry the floor or put down a rug.

Make a bath time book – While you are bathing baby, have someone take pictures of the process, such as putting him or her in the tub, face and hair washing, and drying off. Have the photos printed and write a story to go along with them, then put it all together and read the book with your baby during the week to prepare for bath time.

Give baby age-appropriate toys – For young babies, a wash cloth or a rattle can be enough to stimulate his or her senses and entertain him. For older babies, try a set of stacking cups or bowls, or utensils such as a whisk, wooden spoon, and colander to play with in the water.

Make sure you’re comfortable, too. Consider washing your baby in the kitchen sink – not only will it save your back, but baby might be more comfortable in a smaller space. Place a towel on the bottom to prevent slippage. Some parents opt to bathe their babies while holding them in the tub; if you choose this route, be sure to practice safety measures and have someone nearby to safely hand you the baby and help when needed. Bath time need not be boring; try these tricks to make taking a bath more fun for baby – and you.

Whether it’s the pediatrician’s office or any other appointment, at some point, you will be stuck in a waiting room with your baby. Here’s how to make it less stressful for the both of you.

Go Early

By getting the first appointment, you’re less likely to have to wait very long. Mid-day or late-day appointment, on the other hand, are usually the least on-time. You’ll be waiting for doctors and nurses running late, other patients’ tardiness or too many appointments scheduled in the day.

Be prompt

Show up early for your appointment – yes, it might mean waiting a little longer, but it’s better than being late and possibly missing your appointment time. In addition, if your child is a new patient, there may be paperwork to fill out prior to seeing the doctor.

Pack Extra

Pack two (or more) of everything. The rule of thumb in our house is to pack twice as much as we think we will need. If you think just one bottle will be enough, take two. Bring enough bottles of water and snacks for both the kids and you – you might be waiting a while and need them. In addition, bring plenty of diapers and wipes; infants and babies go through scads of diapers each day and you don’t ever want to be without a fresh one.

Bring a new toy

Skip the play area (they’re notorious germ pits — even, ironically, in doctors’ offices) and bring your own toys – preferably a new one that your child hasn’t seen before. If you don’t have anything on hand try giving them something they aren’t used to such as a pen (remove the ink cartridge of course), pieces of paper or a magazine, an Altoids tin. Just be sure the toy is age appropriate and does not pose a choking hazard or any other danger.

Bring patience

Most likely, you will have to wait for a few minutes. Be prepared to wait and the wait will go a little bit better. In fact, if you are prepared to wait, you might just be pleasantly surprised if you don’t have to wait very long!

New parents find out quickly just how fast time can pass with a baby. Once at home with a new arrival, it seems like the day and night blends into one, punctuated by dirty and wet diapers and (if you’re lucky) a nap or two.

While there’s no way to stop or turn back the clock, there are a few things you can do to savor the moment, no matter how sore, tired or sleep deprived you might feel.

• Take photos and/or video. It goes without saying that your cameras have been busy – probably even before baby arrived. Remember to take a picture and/or video as often as you can to document everything. You – as well as any family or friends you share it with – will be glad you did.

• Write it down. Keep a baby book to jot down your baby’s results from pediatrician appointments, keep track of vaccinations, and other details.

• Journal. When my daughter was born, I started a journal, chronicling every day with her. While it began as an everyday task, it soon became once or twice a week, and sometimes just a sentence or two noting something new she might have done that day. You can also keep an online journal right here at Babies Online. It’s fun to look back on it now and read about what she was doing in her infancy and babyhood – and to compare her notes with her little brother. Plus, someday when they are older, our kids will be given the books as their own keepsakes.

• Start a memory box. For each of our two children, I have a plastic bin where I stash any little keepsake items I want to hold onto, be it an outgrown outfit, invitations to their first parties, birthday cards, or other items. Each year I will start a new box for them, with the intention of putting together a scrapbook of their childhoods.

• Relax and try to savor the moment. Stop thinking about everything you need to do, haven’t done, or wish you had done and just enjoy the time you are having with your little one. It sounds trite, but he or she will never be this little again; enjoy it.

Finally, remember that those first few weeks will soon be past and things will get a little better. Baby (and you!) will sleep for longer stretches of time, your soreness will heal and you will begin to really appreciate your time with your new baby. And when you look back, you’ll be glad you took the time to document those crazy first few weeks – and beyond – with your little one.

Keep an eye out on your kids while they play this Memorial weekend!  The following are the TOP 10 things kids stick up their noses:

1. Crayons
2. Beads
3. French Fries
4. Fingers (duh!)
5. Marbles
6. Spaghetti
7. Tissue
8. Cheerios
9. Small Toys
10. Beans and Peas

Some kids never develop the habit of sticking things (other than their fingers) up their noses.  Some kids, unfortunately, do.  The best approach is to stay calm and give reasonable explanations as to why it’s a bad habit, in terms that’s easy for them to understand.

Simple phrases help: “Noses are for breathing not stuffing.”  “Cheerios are for eating”. “If you can’t keep it away from your nose, it’ll be taken away”.

Here’s to hoping you won’t have to use any of them this weekend!

Why is it that, right after saying “congratulations” to friends or family when you learn are expecting, the next thoughts on our minds are usually, “Great! Now I can give them all our old baby stuff!”

It happened to us when we learned that our neighbors were expecting a baby. After congratulating them and wishing them well, I immediately started racking my brain of all the things we might be able to give them. They had brought us some formula samples when they found out we were expecting, and I was anxious to return the favor. Since I was able to breast feed successfully, I had the formula samples to give back to them, as well as a collection of miscellaneous baby stuff: more blankets than we could ever use; tons of onesies and other clothes, much of which had never been worn; and bottles, bibs, and other random feeding things.

In addition, I wanted to give them the baby swing our little boy is too big for that was taking up way too much precious real estate in our small living room, and which our toddler refused to stop messing with, no matter how many times we asked her to stop. Both of our kids had used it as babies, and enjoyed peaceful hours gently swinging back and forth in it while my husband and I were able to nap or actually get something done around the house.

The swing had been a gift from friends of ours who had had a baby a few years prior, and we were grateful to receive it – as well as a wipes warmer, tons of cloth diapers, some random toys, and other baby gear that we wouldn’t have to spend our own money on. Looking back, I realize that they might have been just as grateful to us for taking all of the items from them, freeing up space in their living room for some more sophisticated items, like furniture,

We were happy to continue the chain and pass on our old baby stuff to a new set of parents. I just hope that they will pay it forward and donate or pass on all their baby stuff once they are finished with it.

Children are the best excuse to do fun things. Particularly things that adults just don’t do normally.

I took the kids to the playground today, it was Friday afternoon and a beautiful spring day. There were a couple and their kids, and the husband and wife were jumping on the seesaw with as much glee as their kids were. The only reason I wasn’t chasing my son around the playground and whizzing down the slides was that Daycare Baby was zonked out in her carseat so I sat in the shade with her. I had a bucket and shovel so I was perfectly happy though.

Isn’t playing with sand nice? When Toddler wants to chill he shovels sand and builds little houses from rocks and twigs and I love to do that with him.

I’ve been lusting after Technic Lego – OK, I’m a geek – since I discovered I was pregnant. It’s designed for kids of about 8 and up so I have about five years until my son will be ready for it, and real lego is banned from my house until Daycare Baby realizes that it isn’t edible. But we do a lot of putting Duplo together right now. I made him a cat from Duplo the other day, and Toddler was very excited that i’d made an elephant for him. I perhaps need to work on my construction skills.

And then there’s all the kids’ activities that are fun but you can’t do as an adult… except if you have your little ones with you. Now summer is coming, it’s waterpark season, county fair season, rollercoaster season, and all that fun stuff. I can’t wait!

I love e-cards. I love receiving them and sending them. Which is why I am so delighted to find free e-cards that serve a special purpose. Not only as birthday or holiday greetings. Not only for special occasions. These are e-cards that serve as health reminders as well.

I am referring to the health e-cards available on the site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some are really pretty cute but with some serious messages. One, for example says “Peep, chirp, quack! Why parents should think twice before giving baby birds to young children at Easter.” The card links to risks of Salmonella infection from baby chicks and ducklings. There’s one on safety and healthy tips for brides. And some on pregnancy health tips with really nice photos. There is almost an e-card for every type of health situation. What is also great is that the CDC continues to add new e-cards in accordance with the season as well as with health observances. Plus, they are available in Spanish as well. And like other e-cards, you can personalize them, are easy to make and send.

So if you want to send an e-card to a friend, a family member, a colleague, I suggest you check out the health e-cards at CDC. E-cards are a great way to spread cheer and laughter – and health messages.

Ever since I was a little girl I loved gardening. In fact as long as I can remember I was planting things. My earliest memories of gardening were of me and my brother helping a landlord when we were around 7 or 8 years old with tomatoes and callaloo (Jamaican version of spinach). Not only did we have fun helping him to water the plants and pick the tomatoes when they were ready, but he gave us both a small patch for ourselves. After a few months we made money selling from our little gardens to neighbors – wow, what a pleasant memory.

Years later our family moved but the gardening bug was already planted – yeah, corny, but true. Henry (my brother) and I went back to our planting to raise some pocket money. Tomatoes were a breeze and we did well. Over the years I have continued planting, not just vegetables but also flowers. I have a passion for roses and orchids. Sadly after the birth of my son almost five years ago my flower garden died somewhat as my DH didn’t want me doing too much.

Nonetheless, over the period I have planted and reaped vegetables such as pumpkin, tomatoes and peppers. Last year for the first time my son got involved. What a treat we had working together. Of course the dear husband got jealous and decided to help, so we delegated him to watering.

This year we are just about ready to start, and J more so than anyone. The land has been prepared and the seeds purchased. So far we have cucumber, lettuce, corn, pumpkin, carrots, sweet pepper and broccoli all ready, but will also add some hot peppers as well. I am working on doing a small herb patch as well. We had planned on doing some planting last weekend but we didn’t get around to it. My son decided to draw his tomato and pumpkin since he wasn’t able to do the real thing.

Since last year I couldn’t remember what I planted where, so dear husband will be making cards so we can mark the spots where we plant. So, come this weekend we will be getting down and dirty. I also plan on pruning back the grape vine. Last year for the first time we had grapes to eat – they were tiny and tart but still enjoyable. Now to get some research done on growing grapes so that the next batch will be better – I will never have enough for wine, though.

I’m also going to tackle my ‘jungle’ of a flower garden as well in the coming weeks. Lots of pruning and repotting but it will be welcome fun in the sun. As they say, spring is in the air – lots of flowers everywhere.

Our toddler loves to hide. Whether it’s pulling a blanked over her head and walking around like a miniature quilted ghost or sitting under the table, she loves to be hidden – and to suddenly jump out at us. Sometimes, you can just walk past the table she is underneath and hear a little giggle coming from it. Look under the table, and there she is – laughing and smiling and thinking she has pulled one over on us.

Now that the weather is warmer, we spend more time outdoors, where, sadly, she has no place to hide. Our backyard is a big open area with nary a tree to hide behind. So this year, as I was gathering up the various seeds I needed to plant our garden, I happened upon some sunflower seeds. Sunflowers are incredibly easy to grow – I’ve grown tall ones from simply planning the sunflower seeds picked out of the birdseed mix we buy – and grow tall and cheery in the summer sun.

A row or a semi circle of sunflowers would also make an excellent fort for our daughter. Simply find a sunny spot in the yard, plant the seeds and water generously. Keep an eye on the seedlings and water as needed, and in several weeks the sunflowers will begin to get taller. By the time summer arrives, the flowers just might be tall enough to hide our little girl – or at least make a fun area for her to play in while her father and I are tending to the garden or doing work around the yard.

Sunflowers are easy for even the non gardener to grow, but you could try any tall flower or plant. Hollyhocks, foxglove or even corn would work just as well. Try planting a “green” fort for your little ones — it’s simple, inexpensive and sure to be a hit!

The first movie my daughter went to (other than as a newborn sleeping in my lap) was March of the Penguins.  My husband was really anxious to start sharing the experience of going to the movies with her, but up until that point I had said no because I was afraid she would see something that would scare her or teach her a word or behavior that I didn’t think was appropriate.  I’m not as big a fan of movies as my husband, but it was hard to say no to a movie that featured a bunch of penguins waddling around.  My husband said she lasted about twenty minutes and then was bored, but he was still thrilled to have taken her to her first real movie.

I’m still very picky about what movies my kids get to see, but my husband is a little more relaxed about it.  For a while I made him go see the movies first and then report back to me if they were okay for the kids to go to or not.  It was a good system because he caught some that we were glad we hadn’t taken the kids to.  For example, my brother had raved about Kung Fu Panda for his three year old, but then when my husband went to screen it he came home and said that there was no way our three year old would go because there was too much violence and scary stuff.

My resolve was strengthened when on a whim we took the kids to see Wall-E when it was still in the theater.  We were at the mall and happened to notice that the movie was starting at the theater soon.  “I read a review that said it was a good film for little kids,” my husband assured me, so we bought the tickets, loaded up on the popcorn and sat down for the movie.

My son – who had just turned three – was terrified by the movie.  He spent most of the movie huddled on my lap shaking.  My daughter – who was four – cried once or twice when Wall-E got sad.  At least I knew my kids were empathetic, but really, I couldn’t figure out for the life of me who thought this movie was okay for young kids?

Lesson learned: a G rating does not indicate that the movie is okay for all ages.  Going to the movies with my kids can be a lot of fun for them, but now I’m back to pre-screening movies before I allow the kids to go.

I recently read a horrifying article about a little boy who toppled off the side of a fast food restaurant’s play area and injured his head enough to make him developmentally challenged for the rest of his life.  Yikes! Did this article make me think twice about taking my kids to the indoor play areas we frequent now, specifically the mall, fast food places and at the gym? No, it didn’t.

I first took my daughter to a play area in the mall when she was first learning to crawl.  I stayed right by her side and made sure that none of the bigger, rowdy kids got near her.  The look on her face was enough for me to return the next time we were in the mall; she had a look of wonderment on her face that said, “Wow! What is this place?”

Now that we are far beyond the crawling stage, my kids still love play areas.  They’re older now so I can let them play without me hovering over them, but I still pay close attention to what’s going on.  Are there any kids who aren’t playing nicely? Are there any shady-looking adults hanging out? Is there anything about the play area that gives me the heebie-jeebies?

I know some moms who won’t even let their kids within the confines of indoor play areas because of the germ factor.  Yes, it’s true that these places probably take the cake when it comes to germy surfaces, but I stand ready with antibacterial wipes for when the kids are all done playing.  Let me tell you, there have been some days when it has been so incredibly cold outside that it actually hurts to breathe (hooray for the Midwest), but I bundle up the kids and head to a nearby fast food restaurant and let them run and jump and play in the play area until they are exhausted.  It’s great.

As far as the injury factor goes, I certainly don’t let my kids play in areas that seem less than safe.  I show them the confines they need to stay within so they don’t try to do things they shouldn’t do.  Most importantly, I keep an eye on them.  I can only imagine what dangerous mischief they might get into if I ignored what they were doing, so I make it my priority to know where they are and what they are doing.  I see a lot of parents who let their kids play in a play area but then get engrossed in a book or chat on the phone with their backs turned to the play areas.  I saw one lady do that with her baby who was barely old enough to walk – and it was a multi-level play area with a slide – and I was flabbergasted.

If you’re keeping your babies and kids out of indoor play areas because you’re worried about germs or injuries, I have to let you know that you don’t know what you’re missing.  Just keep an eye on them and wipe up their hands when they’re finished playing, and I guarantee your kids will have a great time.

It’s finally spring, and if you’re looking for an outdoor activity that both you and your kids will enjoy, head outdoors. Whether it’s your own backyard or in a local park, go out and enjoy the spring weather. And while you’re at it, make it a learning experience for both you and the kids with the Arbor Day Foundation’s new pocket guide to tree identification.

“What Tree is That?” is a 164 page guidebook that’s small enough to fit into your pocket or bag. Written and illustrated by the Arbor Day Foundation, the guide provides a step by step approach to identify 250 common North American trees, with beautiful illustrations that kids can easily compare with the tree in question. Trees are identified by answering a series of questions, much in the same way as a choose-your-own-adventure book. Beginning with the leaves or needles, the yes or no answers to the questions walk you through the identification process. There are also various “clues” and explanations sprinkled throughout the book that help to enrich the process and teach kids about the various parts of trees. For example, did you know that the proper term for those little brown winged fruits that drop to the ground from many maple trees in the springtime are actually named samaras? We always called them spinners or helicopters, and would throw them up in the air just to watch them come fluttering back down.

If you want to check the book out first, the Web site has a free interactive “What Tree is That?” section for the Eastern, Central and Western United States. Click on your region, then answer a few easy yes or no questions to identify the trees in your neighborhood or right outside your door. It’s a great way to get the kids involved in a fun activity that everyone can take part in.

There’s also a glossary of tree terms and an animated tutorial that teaches identifying characteristics, such as leaves, seeds, and fruits – handy for the budding arborist in your family.

Arbor Day falls on April 24th this year and is an excellent excuse to go outside and enjoy nature. Why not get the kids together and plant a tree or two, whether it’s in your own backyard or part of a community tree planting project? It’s great for not only the environment but for our own health as well.

I came across an interesting quiz this morning from Dream Box, the same company I reviewed not too long ago for their online math games.  I liked the games they offered online, so I figured the parenting style quiz might be fun to take.

The quiz is designed for parents of school-aged kids, but it wasn’t difficult to apply the questions to scenarios I encounter with my young children.  The quiz asked a series of questions about what I would do in certain instances.  If my child wanted a puppy, what would I say? If my child wanted to try out for a very competitive team, how would I react? I couldn’t help but laugh at one question that asked me what I would do if my child wanted to leave the house wearing a mismatched outfit; you would know why I was laughing if you saw what my daughter left the house wearing on her way to preschool this morning.  I try not to stifle her creativity, but I really wish I had a shirt for me that said something along the lines of My Kids Dress Themselves.

So I took the quiz and apparently I’m a “Mentor.”  That means that I try to prepare my kids for lifelong learning.  That sounds about right, but then to make things a little more interesting I retook the quiz and answered the questions with the opposite of what I would do.  It turns out that I am not a “Historian” parent, or one who refers to life experiences as a way to discipline.

I think there is a larger lesson here.  There’s no concrete way to have the perfect parenting style.  A lot depends on the parents, the kids and the circumstances.  I don’t think there is any combination of answers that would have made the quiz results say something along the lines of, “Wow, you really are a horrible parent!” Maybe I’m a Mentor and maybe you’re a Historian, but the fact remains that we love our kids madly and that’s the most important thing.

Go to this link if you want to take the quiz, Dream Box Learning Quiz.

Many people often ask creative writers where we get our ideas. This poem was inspired by a variety of posts I read here at Babies Online, especially those that discussed bedtime routines and setting a schedule.

Then, my niece had an assignment in her college writing class to write a particular form of poem, a villanelle. I thought it would be fun to try!

In this form, the first and last line of the first stanza repeat. I gave it a twist, changing the second refrain in order to represent the rapidly passing time with a baby! Enjoy!

Breakfast, naptime, playtime, bath

Then off to bed with a lullaby

These newborn days go by so fast.

Our day is planned, a common path

Treasure each moment in my mind

Breakfast, naptime, playtime, bath

I try to make each second last

As gurgles and goos turn into “bye-bye”

These infant days go by so fast.

Others warned it would pass in a flash

And daily routines make the minutes fly…

Breakfast, naptime, playtime, bath

Then bedtime stories and your cute little laugh

Someday I’ll miss the cuddles and cries

These toddler days go by so fast

Then one day, no lullabies,

No more stories, nor cuddles and cries…

No breakfast, naptime, playtime, bath–

Childhood goes by so fast.

My friend Melissa, I mean Boobie Chickendoodle, sent this to me in an email.  When I discovered that my new name was Snickle Rhinonose, I laughed out loud.  For the next ten minutes I renamed everyone I knew, and then decided to share with you.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

The following is excerpted from a children’s book, Captain Underpants And the Perilous Plot Professor Poopypants, by Dav Pilkey, in which the evil Professor forces everyone to assume new names…

1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your new first name:

a = snickle
b = doombah
c = goober
d = cheesey
e = crusty
f = greasy
g = dumbo
h = farcus
i = dorky
j = doofus
k = funky
l = boobie
m = sleezy
n = sloopy
o = fluffy
p = stinky
q = slimy
r = dorfus
s = snooty
t = tootsie
u = dipsy
v = sneezy
w = liver
x = skippy
y = dinky
z = zippy

2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:

a = dippin
b = feather
c = batty
d = burger
e = chicken
f = barffy
g = lizard
h = waffle
i = farkle
j = monkey
k = flippin
l = fricken
m = bubble
n = rhino
o = potty
p = hamster
q = buckle
r = gizzard
s = lickin
t = snickle
u = chuckle
v = pickle
w = hubble
x = dingle
y = gorilla
z = girdle

3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:

a = butt
b = boob
c = face
d = nose
e = hump
f = breath
g = pants
h = shorts
i = lips
j = honker
k = head
l = tush
m = chunks
n = dunkin
o = brains
p = biscuits
q = toes
r = doodle
s = fanny
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = frack
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = hiney
z = juice

What’s your new name?

Children laugh an average of 146 times a day; adults laugh an average of 4 times a day. I hope this helped you exceed your quota

- Your Friend,

Snickle