Infants and Colds

Since Katie took on a nasty cold, I did a quick search to see what is recommended for helping babies today.  The first site I came to talked about congestion:

* "An old fashioned way to clean out infant nasal congestion was to gently suck the mucus out by placing your mouth over the nostrils. If you do try this method be sure to suck only very gently and for only a few seconds at a time so your baby can breathe, keeping in mind that he can only breathe through his mouth."
Well, little Katie has congestion but I have a strong feeling that mommy won't be doing any "mucous sucking," anytime soon.
I also learned that because breast milk has anti-bacterial and healing properties, there are many uses for it besides feeding a baby. Here's one for a cold:
* "Saline solution or breastmilk can be soothing to the inflamed membranes and help to loosen up dried mucus that may be blocking the nasal passages."
(Would love to hear about any tried and true remedies that you know of, for helping a little one feel better when sick.)
Thanks for stopping by,
Bubbie and Katie, too!
Related Articles:
*Infant Congestion
*Breast Milk and its Many Uses

*Please be sure to ask your doctor before relying on any articles, or quotes I've pulled from articles.

The Art of Scribbling

You can cover a lot more ground arming yourself with two markers instead of one, which is what Jude discovered early on. His theory does pan out!  I've tried it!  And the best part about the medium that he's chosen, is that the washable markers slip and slide at record speeds over his laminated, coloring sheet, moving him that much faster along to his favorite part of all...erasing!  With just a few broad strokes with a wet-wipe, he's ready to start again!
Won't you share some of your grandkids/kids favorite ways to draw?
Happy Coloring,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
The Art of Scribbling
Learning to Write and Draw
First Children's Drawings

Easy Homemade Toys

Hats come in all shapes and sizes you know.  Just ask Jude!  Mr. Creativity has just discovered another useful way to play with toy bins.  I think he's on 'toy bin test number thirty-three!' Who knew these simple, plastic containers would run a close second to the forever popular,  'cardboard box?'  These bins have been used as car ramps, stepping stones, ball-toss-catchers, color markers and carpet sleds...among other things.  Maybe one of these days Jude will allow his toys to have a turn in a bin, too?
Please share with us your grandkids/kids playtime favorites!
Still having fun,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
5 Great Green Toys You Can Make
Easy Homemade Toys

Choosing Halloween Costumes for Infants

On the heels of my latest post on 'Jude and dressing-up for imaginative play,' I was delighted to find this picture of my grand daughter Katie trying on Halloween costumes.  Although she's not old enough for dress-up play, her mother sure is! Fortunately, we still have some time before Halloween is here, so I'm sure there will be many more costume fittings and picture sittings to come!
P.S. Send in some pics of your grandkids/kids in costumes.  I'd be happy to post them!
Best,
Bubbie and Katie, too!


Related Articles:
How To Pick An Infants Halloween Costume
Video/Tips For Buying An Infant Halloween Costume

Playing Dress-Up

"Believe it or not, dress-up play is vital to a child’s development. According to licensed child psychologist Dr. Laurie Zelinger, “It fosters the imaginative processes, and allows for play without rules or script. Dress up allows for experimentation, role play and fantasy. "
...With hats on and Jude's imagination in full gear, Jude and his pal Woody,  just spent the last half hour running, jumping and zooming 'to infinity and beyond!' I must say that the dog and I were a little sad we weren't invited in on the fun, but then again, we did forget our hats!
P.S. What types of things do you offer your grandkids to encourage pretend play?
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
How Playing Dress-Up Shapes Your Child
Why Kids Love To Play Dress-Up

When Kids Get Sick

Jude was on 'day 5' of being sick, when I noticed the truest sign of all, that he was on his way to wellness...the floor in his room.  It was a mess!  Yes, a toy-filled, walk-at-your-own-risk glorious site!  This sweetheart was finally feeling well enough to break out his toys, and dig into play!  Ahh...although his little nose was still runny, and the cough was still there, Jude was back in the saddle again!
How do you help soothe your little ones when they're not feeling well?
Almost better,
Jude and Bubbie
Related Articles:
7 Ways to Soothe a Sick Toddler
Baby Center/Colds

Rainy-days with the Kids

Two blankets, a jumper and a few toys were all it took to keep Jude laughing and playing on a very rainy Wednesday morning. Under this make-shift tent we played several rounds of peek-a-boo, sang every finger-play song I could remember, and Jude had some pretty interesting conversations with his farm animals while feeding them their imaginary breakfast. Although this activity was the highlight of his day, we did manage to squeeze in some time with play dough, crayoning, reading, and of course pulling out every toy in Jude's room, just to be sure everything still worked! 
Please share anything you enjoy doing with your grandkids on a rainy-day!
Always something to do,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
How to Build a Blanket Tent
Ten Rainy-Day Games for Children
Rainy-Day Activities for Toddlers

Can You See What I See? Toyland Express Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered to win "Toyland Express" by Walter Wick. Congratulations to our winner: Riza.
Learn more about "Toyland Express" at:
Toyland Express/The Scholastic Store

Best regards,

Bubbie and Jude

Contest Winner

Congratulations to Bobbi for winning Grandbabies101, Midnight Lullaby contest.
And thanks to everyone who entered to win.
Our Bailey Book give-a-way is still open for entry through October 7th!  Scholastic is giving away (3) hardcover books!  It's easy to enter.  Just leave me a comment saying you'd like to win.  That's it!
Best regards,
Bubbie

Listening to Children

Sometimes things just have a way of working themselves out, if you let them...and we did!  All of us grown-ups watched in awe as Remy quietly sat down next to Jude, in the middle of his upset, and simply listened to his rant. Of course, we were clueless as to his explanation, but Remy understood every last word.  (Or so, she acted like she did.) All I can tell you is 'it worked,' and after a cute exchange of funny faces, they were back at play.
Magical moments,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Please share with us your listening practices!
Related Articles:
Listening Skills Activities
Listening to Children