Exercise With The Kids

Watching Jude throwing and chasing his ball was adorable, but once he started using his ball as a form of exercise, I decided he was trying to send me a subtle, "get up and move" message. So I turned on some Disney tunes and copied Jude's moves.  Must say, he gave me a great workout!  Hope he doesn't bring out the weights next time!
Moving right along,
Bubbie and Jude


Related Articles:
Exercising With Your Toddler 
Incorporating Kids Into Your Exercise Routine 
Working Out With Babies And toddlers 

"All About Me"

There's never a time to feel alone when eating.  Just take it from a kid.  Grab your food, find the closest mirror, and delve into some good tastes and sweet conversation.  Make it what you want it to be.  Do as Jude does!  Savour each bite, and yuck it up!  Looks like fun, doesn't it?  I know I had a blast just watching this honey enjoying his own company.
Bon Appetite!,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
Why Possessiveness Is A Good Sign 
Toddlers Crafts/All About Me 
Mirrors 

Dental Care for Infants and Toddlers

My all-time favorite brush-your-teeth song has to be, "Brush Your Teeth" performed by Raffi!  Jude loves to watch it too, as he practices brushing his teeth. At this age brushing means sucking and chewing on the bristles until all of the flavored toothpaste is gone. I don't know about you, but I prefer rinsing and spitting!



Keeping them clean,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Any tricks on getting the kids to brush their teeth?
Related Articles/Video
Brush Your Teeth by Raffi Video
Toddler Dental Care
Oral Care Products For Infants And Toddlers

Do One Nice Thing!

Thought I'd take a minute to talk about a wonderful Card Recycle Program.  Driving home from visiting my dad tonight, I was listening to 980 a.m. talk radio, and they were discussing "Do One Nice Thing's" website:
http://www.doonenicething.com/d1nt-ideas.php
On their list of "nice thing's to do", they suggest sending your used, all-occasion cards to St. Jude's Ranch.
At  St. Jude's Ranch for abused and neglected children, kids will redesign and sell your cards to raise funds. Click on link below for details:
http://www.stjudesranch.org/help_card.php

I've already started a pile of holiday cards myself!  As an added incentive to you, I'd like to offer an Original Shnoozles' Book, Audio Book and 3 bookmarks, to the first 30 people who write and tell me they'll donate some of their used all-occasion cards to this worthwhile cause.  I am not being paid or reimbursed in any way by anyone for doing this.  Just thought it was "a nice thing to do!"



Best holiday wishes,
Eileen

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

When Toddlers Are Ready To Color

Do you know that Crayola offers crayons which sit in holders "shaped for a child's first palm grasp?"  And do you know if Crayola knows that these "Ta Doodles" have other uses...such as spinning?  Yes, Jude showed me how, with just a flick of the wrist, these "Ta Doodles" can spin on the very same paper I wanted him to draw on.  One of these days, Jude will actually use these for their intended purpose, but for now he's loving his three, lean, mean spinning machines?
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How do your grandkids change-up the play with their toys?
Related Articles:
Crayola Beginnings Website
Teaching Toddlers To Color
Turn Your Photo Into A Coloring Page by Crayola ( I thought this was pretty neat.  Haven't tried it yet.  Sounds like you need to get a code from their coloring box, to do this.  Let me know if any of you try it.  I'd like to know how it works!)

Potty Training

Potty training time! A time for all good parents to come to the aid of their toddlers, by helping them understand when, where, why and how to go potty.  I think it's a safe bet to say, this is not what it's supposed to look like!  After Jude removed all that was in his way, he stepped right into the potty to see if he could fit...standing, of course.  Hmm, don't think that he's willing or able to do the deed, just yet!

Best,

Bubbie and Jude

P.S. At what age did you begin potty training your little ones?

Related Articles:

Potty Throne Chairs (had to share this...too funny!)

Toilet Training Your Child

Scholastic Holiday Book Giveaway

The Scholastic Holiday Book Giveaway Winner is:
Marci J
Great big thanks to everyone who entered to win six outstanding Scholastic books!
Happy holidays and a wonderful New Year,
Eileen

When should babies learn to use eating utensils?

e-How.com showed me the way!  A little late, but next time Jude eats over, I won't need the carpet cleaner.  You see, if you scroll down to rule number two, you will read as I did, "Consider lining the floor beneath your baby's highchair with a garbage bag or plastic shower curtain liner to catch food your little one will inevitably drop or throw."  Now why didn't I think of that  before offering this newbie-fork-user, pasta with lots of tomato sauce?  Next time around, the curtain comes out and down, and I'll be lined with the garbage bag!
Ready and waiting,
Bubbie
P.S.  What tricks have you used to help your kids or grandkids use eating utensils?
Related article: "How to Teach a Baby to Use a Fork"

Cleaning Up Can Be Fun For Kids

Toy storage bins seem to have taken the place of the big, old toy chests.  When I first saw this, I thought it was a fantastic idea.  Categorizing toys into their own bins!  What could be better, or simpler?  Stuffed dolls in one, balls in another, etc., etc. Twelve opportunities for separation!  Wow!  And this probably would work out swell, as long as there are no toddlers within arms reach of the unit!  Once in contact, there must be this little voice in their heads that say, "Tear that sucker apart!  Dump it all!  Leave no bins unturned!" When all is said and done, there lies the opportunity to sing my favorite song, "It's Clean Up Time Again!"   
Ah kids, 'ya gotta' love 'em!
I know I do,
Bubbie
P.S.  How do you encourage your grandchildren to clean up after themselves?

Related Articles:
Making Clean-Up Fun For Kids
Clean-Up Songs

Learning Through Imitation

"Imitation is the sincerest of flattery!"  Quoted from Charles Caleb Colton , and being practiced by Jude, the 20-month- old copycat .  This is where parenting really gets to be fun !  Not only do toddlers want to imitate you, but in turn, they want you to imitate them.  Good thing I'm only the grand mom, because at this point that boy can out bend me, out spin me, and yes, out dance me!  
Simon Says, "bye for now,"
Bubbie
P.S.  Share some fun copycat moments you've had with your grandchildren.
Related Articles:
Video/Games To Encourage Imitation 
Children Learn By Imitating Behavior Of Parents 
Quotes From Charles Caleb Colton 

Say "Yes" To Play

Discovering what your hands can do can be pretty funny, especially when you blow raspberries into your palms and feel the tickle!  Jude came up with this new game in the middle of "Open Shut Them !"  We were on "creep them, creep them, creep them, creep them, right up to your chin," when all of a sudden Jude thought I needed some comic relief.  He was so right!  Oh, and if you're tempted to try this yourself, the wetter the better!  (Just a little coaching tip from a toddler who knows!)
 :O)
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What fantastic discoveries  have you watched your grandchildren come up with?
Related Articles:
What Young Children Learn Through Play 
Words to Open Shut Them 

How And When To Teach Reading And Writing?

Texting?  He's barely talking!  Does this mean he's reading ?  And who's he writing to?  Could it be the cute red-head he played with on the slide today?  How did she get his number?  Wait a dog-gone minute here.  That's my phone, and stop pushing the buttons! You're about to call England again!  Whew!  Kids!  Can't leave them alone with your phone for a second!
Best to be watching them,
Bubbie
P.S.  When did your cuties show signs of interest in reading and writing?

Related Articles:
When and How Can I Teach My Child to Read?
How to Teach My Pre-Schooler to Write?

Helping Children Learn To Share

Not another call for me!  Why isn't the phone ever for him?  And they're all crank calls!  No one ever answers!  This sharing thing is becoming a bit much.  He's even feeding me his half eaten pieces of dried cereal, whether I want them or not!  Last week he brought me his balls, books and blocks...all at once!  I'd like to say he shares with children  in the same way, but he's not there just yet. Today Bubbie, tomorrow the world!
Taking one day at a time,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What were the first signs of sharing from your kids and/or grandkids?

Related Articles:
Teaching Your Child To Share
Social Develpment/Toddlers

Shadow Puppets and Activities for Kids

"Find a shadow. Pick it up! All day long you'll have good luck!"
Hmm...I don't think so!  Although Jude did give it his best shot.  Funny thing about those shadows ,they just don't seem to stay still long enough to let you get a good hold on them!  A lot like a kid!  But when this kid gets a bit older, I'll bring out some sidewalk chalk, and we'll have some fun tracing each others shadows , as we strike a pose.  Can't wait!
Fun in the sun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Please share some of your sunny day explorations with your grandchildren!
Related Articles/Videos:
How to Make Shadow Puppets
Shadow Activities for Kids

"Mouthing" Is Normal

And the duck went quack, and the pig said, "oink" and the cow yelled, "help, help help!"  As we all learned from our kids, and now the grandkids, everything goes in the mouth!  There is actually a term for this called, "mouthing ." Fortunately, after Jude finished "mouthing" the cow, he decided to skip the rooster, pig, and duck, for something much tastier and fur-less...a banana! He was even willing to pass on the peel!
Helping 'em grow,
Bubbie
P.S. Which of the five senses did your children or your grandchildren use most?
Related Articles:
When Your Baby Puts Everything In His Mouth
Prevent Choking

How To Make And Play With Puppets

I've made sock puppets , bag puppets, and finger puppets, but it took my grandson to show me how to make a plastic cup puppet.  Pretty simple, actually. 
Step One: Find a plastic cup sitting on the bathroom sink, and pull it down.
Step Two: After examining it thoroughly, bite it, throw it, and last but not least, slip it over your hand!
Here comes the fun part: Get it to move by shaking your hand back and forth until it flies off your fingers and lands on the floor.  You then get to start over again, with sound effects and lots of giggles!
Try it!  You might like it!  Jude did!


Keeping life fun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. How have puppets helped your kidlets growing up?
Related Articles:
Exploring Puppets 
Puppets-So Many Uses 
Fun Baby and Toddler Puppet Games 

Self-Awareness

Not only do mirrors help enlarge a room, they're also a great distraction for little ones.  Smiles break out from the time baby sees another little face staring back at them, to the moment they recognize it's "me!"  I'm not sure if Jude is at that self-awareness stage yet, but he's sure having a blast conversing with the little boy through the looking glass!  (Be sure to keep the Windex handy!)  
Happy reflections,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  What did your little ones do to let you know they had become aware of themselves?
Related Article:
What Children See When They Look In The Mirror

Toddlers Explore Through Climbing

Watching and helping Jude figure out  how to sit, stand, walk and run have not been nearly as much fun as his latest challenge ...climbing!  This is pure joy!  He's having as much fun conquering those enticing obstacles, as I am observing and spotting him!  His favorite word now is up , which is coming in very handy since everything taller than him needs scaling!  The world according to Jude has become one big jungle gym!
Happy Day-After-Thanksgiving,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Which of your kid's, or grandkid's milestones have given you the most pleasure?
Related Articles:
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Dealing With Climbing Toddlers
Toddler Development Milestones

Toddlers Learn How To Wash Their Hands

Hands dirty?  Too busy playing to wash up?  Do like Jude does!  Locate a dog near you, hold out your hands, and let the cleansing begin!  This takes but a minute, especially if the residue on your fingers and palms are made up of cheesy poof crumbs. The tastier your mess, the faster the clean-up.  Take it from Jude, it's a time saver!
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  What shortcuts have your grandchildren taught you?
Related Article and Video:
Is A Dog's Tongue Cleaner Than A Humans?
How Do Toddlers Learn To Wash Their Hands (video)

Fine And Gross Motor Skills Activities

If car number one gets pushed off the table at 1:00 p.m., and car number two is thrown across the table just one second later, which car lands on Bubbie's foot first?  You guessed it!  Both cars miraculously hit simultaneously.  I'm thrilled to see Jude's fine motor skills , and gross motor skills  being practiced at the same time, I just have to get my reflexive skills tuned up and outta' the way!  
Watch for oncoming traffic,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Any suggestions to help kids develop their fine, and gross motor skills?
Related Articles:
Fine Motor Activities
Gross Motor Activities

Handling Active Toddlers

Need a distraction while diapering your grandkids ? Tried making faces and singing songs?  Well, here's one my grandson taught me, while struggling to keep him from squirming and turning on the changing table. Body parts!  That's it! Show that body part!  The hands seem to take up most of the game. After all, you can shake them, wiggle them, count them, and squeeze them, clap them, bend them, even throw a kiss with them!  Jude was amazed with the possibilities, and I was thrilled to complete the task without the fuss! (Mine and his!)
Happy diapering,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  Have a handy tip to share on getting through the day with baby?
Related Articles:
Resisting Dressing and Diapering
Top 10 Tips For Bringing Up An Overactive Toddler

Helping Kids Learn To Draw And Recognize Colors

This fine Monday morning I made an innocent attempt at bringing out the big drawing pad and crayons for some coloring fun.  By the time I demonstrated the fine art of scribbling, Jude showed me how to move with the paper.  Managing to touch, smell, and examine  the paper without picking up a crayon, Jude was then ready to test his sense of "taste!"  Fortunately, he didn't find it palatable, so we cleaned up and went outside to play.  I think I'm going to wait a while before I break out the play-dough!
Bubbie
P.S.  At what ages did you start bringing out some art supplies for your grandkids?
Related Articles and Video:
How To Teach A Toddler To Draw
Games To Teach Toddlers Colors
Video/Ted The Clown Mixing Colors

Bath Games And Toys For Kids

Water drums, water flutes, bobbing blocks, bathtub crayons, fingerpaints, and markers too, are just some of the many toys kids get to enjoy in the tub today.  Items either stick to the bathtub walls, or float.  Who wouldn't want to take a bath? "When I was a kid," (and I can't believe I'm saying that), but our parents' bribe to get us clean were plastic bowls, and bubble bath... which we thought was for making sudsy, silly hair shapes!  Since I'm still busy working on a house move, I think I'll snag some of my grandsons toys for a most entertaining and relaxing soak!  Look out magnetic boats, here I come!

Best,

Bubbie

P.S. How do you encourage your grandkids to get cleaned up?

Related Articles:

Coolest Bathtoys For Kids

Top Toddler Bathtime Games

Fabulous Tree houses Inside And Out

Tree houses aren't what they used to be.  For one, they used to sit in trees!  Hence the name, "tree house!"  As a kid, I used to envy those who had large back yards, filled with trees where someone always managed to build a make-shift tree house.  We would pile all of our good junk in them, and spend hours of our days playing, eating, and dreaming from inside their wooden walls!  Today, you're more than likely to find a tree house in the middle of a park, within the playground equipment, overlooking a street with cars.  Loses a little something in the translation, but it stills remains a special place to hide, play peek-a-boo, and pretend!
Best regards,
Bubbie
P.S.  Fill us in on some wonderful memories from your childhood experiences in treehouses.


Related Articles:
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Helping Toddlers Figure It Out

Whoever came up with the sliding board, sure knew how to have fun!  Jude has discovered that there is more than one way to slide down, and more ways than one to go up! 
It's adorable to watch the surprised look on Jude's face each time his slide is complete.  He can't quite figure out what's making him stop.  The ride is over, but "why?"
Best,
Bubbie
P.S.  How do you manage to help your grandkids figure things out?
Related Article:
Letting Toddler "Figure It Out" Helps In The Longrun

Learning Through Play

Ah, how I long for the good ol' days...playing fetch with Jude, as he would throw his toys from the high chair.  I'd have to bend a mere foot and a half to make my retrieve.  (Seems like it was just a few months ago. Actually it was!)  Now that he's walking...make that running, he's interested in seeing me move a little faster and a lot farther.  My new mantra has turned into, "get in shape, or get out of the game!"
Keep on moving,
Bubbie
P.S.  How are your grandkids keeping you in shape?
Related Articles:
Teaching Toddlers Throughout The Day

Physical and Social Development for Toddlers

Carrying the kids, turns out, is harder on the back, but much easier on the nerves!  Wouldn't be so bad letting them take the stairs, if they were willing to let you help...but NOOOOOOOO!  I try to take Jude's hand, and he pushes me away.  I feel like a human net.  Standing inches away, without him noticing, my hands are ready for the slip!  I back up slowly covering every little space Jude could fall through, while guiding him down to safety.  Whew! Jude's learning to navigate his way down the steps is working my brain more than a crossword puzzle.  Geez, maybe I'm on to something here!
Best,
Bubbie
P.S.  At what ages did your grandkids start pushing their way towards independence ?
Related Article:
A Toddler's Physical and Social Development

Let There Be Light, and No Light!

Now you see it, now you don't! The ceiling light, that is!  Learning how to turn things on and off, especially by remote is fascinating for a toddler.  Once they figure it out, it's tough to turn them off to it.  I know!  I tried...through Discussion:"Jude, this can't be fun for you anymore.  Your neck must be killing you from looking up!  You don't want to wear out the buttons on the remote, do you?"...Bribes: "Wouldn't you rather play with your favorite ball?  Look at this "big boy's" box of raisins Bubbie has for you in her pocket book!"...Distraction: "Listen to that!  I think I hear the circus train coming down the street!  Hurry!  Let's go see!"  That didn't work either, but the consolation was...Jude did figure out how to work the buttons for the fan, too!

Best,

Bubbie

P.S.  Send me the best distraction methods you've used with your little ones..that worked!

Related Articles:

Good Times With Toddlers 

Understanding Baby Talk

Jude and his friends were snacking at the park on this fine day, when along came a hungry passer-by. The grown-ups tried to figure out the gibberish that was spoken between them.  We think it went something like this: 

Boy:  Bgdiili! Blii! Hebb diididi gre!
(Translation: Quick!  Sit!  The girls are watching!)

Dog: Bark, bark bark! (Translation: I'll be sitting, as long as you keep the treats coming!)

1st Girl: Hak ligl! Hmm! (Translation:  Big deal! I could do that!)

2nd Girl: Bla! Pdi ke! (Translation: No you couldn't!  You hate dogs!)

1st Girl: Dile Fe fen dd? (Translation: Do you think he's cute?)

2nd Girl: Woh de boga do! (Translation: I don't like dogs either!)

1st Girl: Nol kel, arklk! (Translation: Not the dog, the boy!)

Until somebody comes up with a book for Dummies on baby language,  we'll continue to be entertained by playing, "What the heck did they just say!"

Still having fun,

Bubbie
P.S.  At what ages did your grandchildren become somewhat understandable? 
Related Articles:
Reading And Language 
Talkative Baby Girl (Too funny!) 

Fun and Games With Toddlers

Hide and Seek happens to be one of my favorite childhood games.  It gets to be even more fun as you get older and wiser.  I always lost to those more ingenious than myself at hiding, but I've finally found my equal...Jude, my 18 month old grandson.  Now, this boy knows how to hide!  The game lasts about 3 minutes, which is right about where my attention span sits these days.  We than move on to bigger and better activities, such as; popping out at each other from behind the bed, racing down the hall, and spinning anything that will spin across Jude's wooden, play table.  As long as his imagination, curiosity, and creativity continues to grow, we'll never be at a loss for play!

Fun and games forever,

Bubbie and Jude

P.S. Where does imagination and fun take you while playing with your grandkids?

Related Article:
Why "Hide and Seek" Is So Much Fun 

Halloween Costumes and Treats

In the jungle, the mighty jungle, this little lion will surely sleep good tonight !  Trick-or treating takes a lot out of a little guy!  Preparing since early afternoon, mommy and daddy cleaned and decorated the house, ordered pizza for friends and family, filled the jack-o'-lantern with candy, and in between answered the door for trick-or-treaters while dressing Jude in his lion costume.  (Costume choices came down to dog, lion or cat, because...you guessed it...those are the animal sounds Jude knew best!)  Of course Jude started his house-to-house journey walking, and very soon after wanted to be carried.  
Hmm...On second thought this little lion's mommy and daddy will surely sleep tonight!
Happy Halloween to all of you grown-ups who worked so hard making it memorable and fun for your sweethearts...Bubbie
P.S. What do you do to make Halloween special for your grandkids?
Related Articles/Video:
In The Jungle, The Mighty Jungle YouTube Video
Health Watch/Safe Halloween Costumes
Halloween Fun Snacks For Kids 

Toddlers and Dogs

Dogs and kids and balls!  A winning combination, with proper supervision at all times .  I'm amazed this beach ball is still intact.  Most of the balls Jude owns have Napoleon's personal signature on them...teeth marks.  Napoleon also enjoys Jude's plush dolls and squeak toys. It's the moving toys that are not on his "let's play" list...especially when Jude takes his shopping cart out for a spin.  At that point all bets are off, and you're taking your life in your hands to be resting comfortably, in a stretched-out position on the floor.  Fortunately, Napoleon has figured this out...and so have we!
Best,
Bubbie and Jude and Napoleon
P.S.  Do you have any favorite grandkids and pets stories to share ?
Related Articles/Video:
Toddlers and Dogs
Dog and Baby Having A Blast /YouTube Video (Too Funny!)

Encouraging Resourcefulness

re·source·ful

   

[ri-sawrs-fuhl, -sohrs-, -zawrs-, -zohrs-] 

–adjective-
able to deal skillfully and promptly with new situations, difficulties, etc.

Use in a very long sentence:
Toddlers are very resourceful, especially when they want to do something, like sitting, and are not willing to wait for just a few seconds while Bubbie brings over a nice, cushy chair!
P.S. No cup was harmed during the taking of this picture.
Best regards,
Bubbie
P.S.S. In what ways have you observed your little one's resourcefulness?
Related Articles:
Encouraging Resourcefulness
Parenting and Resourceful Children 

Friendship Between Toddlers

The start of a friendship between toddlers is sweet to watch.  Sitting side-by-side studying one another with frequent glances and exchange of vocal sounds...being careful not to move too close to one another.  As their comfort level grows they ease into "mine," and "no!"...as in "don't touch anything that I want, and if you do you're taking your life in your hands, because if a grown-up's not looking, I won't hesitate to give you such a push!

Here's to friends,

Bubbie

P.S. At what ages did your  grandkids begin their friendships?

Related Article:

How Children Build Friendships 

Lessons Learned From Our Grandkids

Been a while since I've blogged...3 days actually.  In the middle of a move and I don't always have access to a computer.  Pretty lost without one!  This recent picture of my grandson reminded me of myself right now.  Moving things around from place to place, but not exactly sure where to put everything. I should take a lesson from Jude.  He's keeping things simple.  Only working with a few items at a time, and managing them in a limited amount of space.  I like how this boy thinks! 
Best regards,
Bubbie
P.S.  What lessons have you learned from your grandkids?
Related Article:
Lessons We Can Learn From Our Grandchildren 

Outdoor Activities

On our way over to the jungle gym at the park the other day, Jude spotted a lonely block of cement planted firmly in the ground.  It was just sitting there, minding it's own business, but Jude just had to check it out. What could it do?  There was no bounce, swing or slide to it!  It didn't move or make noise!  At first Jude walked around it, he then sat on it before walking across it.  Next he stepped up onto it, then jumped down repeating this exercise a couple dozen times. He was having so much fun, that he attracted three other children, who now had to have their own turns!
Explore your world,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What kind of adventures have your grandbabies experienced?
Related Article:
Fun Family Outdoor Activities 

Fun Things To Do With Grandchildren

Oh, yes!  Toddlers love to fill empty spaces.  If it is empty, they will find it!  Size or shape of empty space, doesn't matter.  Just as long as it's empty!  And if it doesn't have the possibility of filling up, ever, (like a cat door with a garage on the other side), all the better for a toddler.  Think of the amount of stuff they can gather from around the house, pushing it through the hole, while someone (me) spends her time retrieving, because child wants his stuff back!
I'm here to serve,
Bubbie
P.S. What kind of great fun do you have with your grandkids?
Related Articles:
100 Free Things To Do With Your Grandchild (free download) 
Grandest Time/Fisher Price-Lots to do with Grandchildren 

Weaning From Bottle To Sippy Cup

Since weaning off the bottle, Jude has graduated to a sippy cup.  He didn't take to the replacement too easily at first, but now he's become an old pro!  Here he's demonstrating his ambidextrous skills with milk in one hand, and water in the other! Of course, when he's finished drinking, the cups become odd shaped bouncing balls, and rolling logs!  Fortunately, among the dozens of sippy cup designs, there are those that promise to "bounce 50% of the distance back up off the ground!" Also in the mix you can find flip-tops, built-to-tilts, twist and clicks, sports cups, double grippers, straw sippers, and angled spouts!  I'm so happy that I'm a grandparent, eliminating the possibility of needing to make a choice between these highly advanced sippy cups. I have a hard enough time choosing between toothpastes!
Just Bubbie!
P.S. How was the transition between bottle or nursing, and the cup, for your grandkids?  Any tricks to make it easier?
Related Articles:
Z Recommends Sippy Cups
5 Step Plan Weaning From Bottle To Sippy Cup 

Museums For Children

Watching Jude discover a few lost toys in the park, brought me back to my favorite "find" as a child.  It was a small, rubber doll dripping wet from the puddle I recovered her from.  After bringing her into a warm basement, wrapping her up in a dry, old towel, and giving her lots of hugs, she was ready to be played with. So, I did just that...for three straight days..until my mother noticed this new addition in my doll stroller, and questioned where it came from.  After the interrogation was over, I knocked on doors, with mom by my side, until I brought Teenie back to her rightful owner! I must admit it was a happy reunion for both parties, even though I'll never understand why anyone would have named my darling "Teenie"...Sue-Sue!
Loving finds,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Have a good "lost and found" story to share?
Related Websites:
Please Touch Me Museum/Philadelphia, PA 
The Most Amazing Kids Museums In The USA 

Opening and Closing Doors

What can be more fun than opening and closing a door? For a toddler, this activity means making loud noises and playing peek-a-boo!  For me, it means catching fingers and toes, accompanied by loud cries!  Trying to discourage Jude from this game, I place my foot in the door opening without Jude noticing, and tell him the door is broken.  He doesn't buy it, so I toss a plush toy over his head and into the next room shouting, "Go get it!"  The dog thinks it's for him, pushes past us, and fetches!  I then turn on a Raffi CD, sweep Jude off his feet, and we dance and sing our way through three songs.  Who knew opening and closing a door could be so exhausting!
Bye for now,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What do your grandkids enjoy opening and closing?
Related Article and YouTube Video
Why Kids Love Opening And Closing Doors 
Raffi In Concert/YouTube