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:
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Listening to Children

Infants and toddlers Making Music

Jamming with Jude is cheap, and requires no musical background or ability!  Simply turn over a few buckets, pitchers or flat-surfaced objects, grab something to bang with, and sit yourself down.  (Jude's first choice for sitting was the dog, but he quickly found out that dogs like to move to the beat of a drum, too!)
Since I wasn't too terribly coordinated to drum, Jude handed me two wooden blocks for clapping to his tapping, which worked out great!
Please share some of your musical meetings with your grandbabies!
Making music,
Bubbie and Jude

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Grocery Shopping with the Kidlets!

Taking the little ones shopping for groceries doesn't have to be a problem, especially if you follow the rules:
1. Shop at off-hours (2 a.m. to 5 a.m.)
2. Let children buy whatever they want.
3. Allow children to eat whatever they want as you shop.
All joking aside, here are a few tips that worked for me:
- Before shopping everyone was fed, went to the bathroom and already napped.
- I organized my shopping list clustering items on same aisles together (best I could).
- Tried to shop at less busy times.
- Had the kids help find items on grocery list.
- Brought or bought a healthy snack for kids to eat while paying, to avoid the candy temptation at check-out.
How about sharing some favorites that worked for you?
Keeping it fun,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Articles:
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Simple Grocery Shopping Games

Sesame Street in 2011

Jude has a captivated audience today, as he sits down and discusses his 'play plans' with some Sesame Street characters.  Although Jude did do all the talking, his friends remained attentive and with broad smiles throughout their five minute chat.  They seemed to understand what Jude was saying much better than myself.  I've got to start coming to more of these meetings!
With some 'googling' I've discovered that Sesame Street has been on the air entertaining and teaching our children since 1969.  Over the past year I've had the most fun reconnecting with some of my favorite Sesame Street segments through YouTube. (Oh, Jude likes them too!)
Below, if interested, you can watch a short video on "The History of Sesame Street:

P.S. Which children's show(s) holds your grandchild's attention today?

Keep them learning,

Bubbie and Jude

Bubbles/Helping to Improve Language Development

"Language is a complex set of behaviors.  It involves much more than learning words and their meaning.  A child needs to have the psycho-motor skills to be ready to learn languages.  Playing with  bubbles encourages a variety of opportunities to coordinate breathing and movements with the mouth and tongue." 
Who knew?  And we thought we were just having fun!  What an added bonus to know we're contributing to our little-one's language skills. It is pretty amazing to see how quickly the youngest and newest kids on the block figure out, after just a few tries, how to blow a bubble!  
(Biggest Bubble Blown This Day went to Jude!)
Ta Dah,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Please share ways you've found to help promote language with your grand kids and/or kids?
Related Articles:
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Back To Sleep

Although SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), was a concern when raising my children, it wasn't until the early 1990's that doctors learned it was best to put babies to sleep on their backs, to reduce the risk of SIDS. "While this advice has saved thousands of babies' lives, experts have noticed a fivefold increase in misshapen heads since then." Staring at my lovely new grand daughter, sleeping soundly in this position, my daughter mentioned how she often repositions Katie on her back, to avoid this issue. (Click on links below for information on this topic.)
Love from one curious grandmom, always wanting to know, "What's new?" 
Bubbie  
Related Article:
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How to Correct Positional Plagiocephaly

Fun in the Pool

Scenario: You're in the pool, having a great time...playing with your turtle float, playing with your scoops and hoops, when suddenly out of nowhere you notice this dark hand on the cement slab, staring you in the face...and this hand, just so happens to be controlled by your own hand!
Question: What should you do?
Solution: Fortunately, this was happening to Jude and he figured he'd play along with the joke, so he poured some water on it for a bit, then walked away hoping it would too...and it did!
Keeping cool,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Any advice for 'pool play' with the grandkids?
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BAILEY/A Book Give-A-Way Contest

Baily is an irresistibly, lovable creation by Harry Bliss; a New York Times best selling illustrator, an award-winning cartoonist and cover artist for the New Yorker magazine. After reading this book with several delighted kindergardeners, I'm confident that Bailey will entertain all who get to spend the day with him!
If you have or know a little one who loves books and lives to giggle, be sure to enter this give-a-way contest. Scholastic Press will send three (3) lucky winners a hardcover copy of Bailey. (Please find contest rules at the bottom of this page. Entering is as easy as submitting a comment with a method of contact. That's all there is to it!)
Contest ended October 7th, 2011/11:59 p.m. (PST) 

Bailey
by Harry Bliss
ages 4-8

Meet Bailey, a dog who surprises and charms his fellow human classmates with his irrepressible antics.

Follow Bailey the dog as he gets ready and goes to school. Should he wear the red or blue collar? Both are so fashionable! Will he be late? That squirrel is a distraction! And what about Bailey's homework? Would you believe he ate it? That is what dogs do, after all.

In this funny new book from the best-selling children's illustrator Harry Bliss, school proves to be an unexpected place for Bailey to do all sorts of things he loves: reading, fetching, painting, digging, singing — and making friends!
Related Link:
Bailey/The Scholastic Store

Official Giveaway Rules:
1. Entry Instructions. Submit a comment explaining why you would like to win, by clicking on the "comment" link at the bottom of this page , with a method of *contact (ex. E-mail address), so I can reach you should you win.
Or
Send an email to shnoozleland@aol.com with a method of *contact (ex. E-mail address). Be sure to write on the SUBJECT line which Giveaway contest you are entering.

*A valid method of contact is necessary to enter Giveaway contest.

2. Entries Per Person. Entries are limited to one (1) entry per person, per E-mail address, during the Giveaway period, regardless of method of entry. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated means are void.

3. Giveaway Period: The Giveaway entry date begins at 9 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (“PST”) the day of the post. The Giveaway closing date ends as of 11:59 p.m. PST on the date indicated in the post. Winners will be selected from eligible entries properly submitted during the Giveaway Period.

4. Winner Selection. A prize number will be assigned to your entry upon receipt of your entry. A winning number will be generated using Random.org on or shortly after the Giveaway closing date. If your Prize Number matches the Winning Number, and you meet the eligibility requirements and otherwise comply with these Official Giveaway Rules, you win the prize.

5. Winner Notification. Three winners will be notified within three (3) days after the Giveaway Closing Date and will be posted once the prize is claimed by the chosen winners.

6. Claiming Your Prize. Winners must respond to: www.grandbabies101.blogspot.com or www.shnoozleland.com within seven (7) days of notification or forfeit the prize, in which case an alternate winner will be selected.

7. Taxes. All Federal, State, and Local taxes associated with the receipt of any prize are the sole responsibility of the winner.

8. Disclaimers. The featured product(s) on this blog were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or public relations company representing the product/creator. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.

This blog will make every effort to deliver prizes or have prizes delivered to winner. However unlikely the scenario may be; this blog and its author are not responsible for giveaway prizes that are lost in transit or damaged. This blog is also not responsible if a sponsor/company does not send prize(s). Blog author will communicate with said company(s) several times, in an effort to resolve issue. The owner of this blog is also not responsible or liable for ANY allergic reaction, accident, or injury caused by a product that has been featured, reviewed or given away on this blog.

All GIVEAWAYS are open to US Residents Only

Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer

We're approaching those last few days of August, and we all seem to be slowing down a bit...even the kids!  If I could have squeezed my body onto one of those teeny, molded seats, I would have joined Jude on this lazy, hazy, hot and humid day. Prior to this picture, these toddlers had already worn out all the playground equipment, sang, danced and jumped to all the latest toddler tunes that we could remember before filling their bellies with sweet, juicy watermelon. Looks like they're enjoying a much deserved rest, wouldn't you agree?  
Relax and enjoy the end of our warm, weather season,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Please share an easy 'great-for-summer snack or drink' for the kids!
Related Article:
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The Element of Surprise

When I cranked the knob to get old Jack to pop out of his box, it was never as surprising or funny until Jude mastered it himself!  Now I find myself laughing just as hard as Jude as he jumps as high as Jack, each and every time he gets to the "pop goes the weasel" part. Although we both know what's coming up, it still cracks us up! This is a toy that's been around, some say since the 1500's, but seems to continue to entertain, even the grandparents among us.
P.S. Let us know some vintage toys that you've found your grandkids to still appreciate and enjoy!
Keep 'em laughing,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Article:
Jack-In-The-Box Toy

Grandparents Day!

Question: What's a hug worth from a grandbaby? 
Answer:  More than money can buy...and we officially get to cash in on those hugs on September 11th this year, 2011. You see, The United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day in 1978. This special day to honor grandparents was initiated by a West Virginia housewife, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade.  (A grandmother of 40!)
Some especially great activities can be found on the site:
Grandparentsday.com

Have you hugged a kid today?
Love,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Please share your suggestions for fun things to do with the grandkids!

Kids and Weddings

It was a gorgeous day for a wedding and Jude was anxiously waiting to be seated while discussing the ceremony program.  Being the youngest to be invited, Jude demonstrated his ability to stay perfectly quiet during the ceremony, and later brought down the house with his dance moves on the ballroom floor.  It was a great time for all with loving family and friends to help share in the uniting and celebrating of the newly married couple!  
Wonderful memories will follow for all!
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Share with us your good or not-so-good wedding celebrations with the kids!
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Fast Food Playgrounds Are Not As Clean As You Think

A few days ago I decided to take my grandson to a fast food restaurant for a lunch and play-date. With his "kid's meal" in one hand, and Jude's hand in my other, I found a great spot, close to the playground, to set down his food for feasting.  Not able to hold back from the fun, Jude took off as I chased behind him and found myself climbing up and through the tubular maze, ending with a twisty slide back down to 'start.'  It was all good fun, but far from clean!  I did not expect to see big pockets of animal droppings all along the way.  Needless to say I had to take a very disappointed toddler away before we had a chance to eat or go around a second time!  I drove him home and back to our favorite park by his house.  We got to have our lunch, play-date in a clean playground.  I've learned my lesson! 1. Be sure to check out the playground area before allowing the children to play. 2. Dorothy was right...there's no place like home!
P.S. I did call the restaurant to let them know the unsanitary conditions of their children's play equipment.  
P.S.S. Please share ideas and/or experiences similar to mine.  Always looking to make the world cleaner and safer for our little ones!
Learning as we go,
Bubbie and Jude
Related Article:
Fast Food Play Places Are Not As Clean As You Think!

Tactile Play

So there was this stick.  This was no ordinary stick. This stick was found by Jude and became his magical find for the day.  Where ever Jude went, so went this stick. And sharing was out of the question! After all, sticks like this one are not easy to find, especially when you live in a neighborhood filled with gardeners ready to clean-up and remove precious treasures such as this, before they hit the ground!
Sticks, flowers, bushes and other natural materials are starting to catch Jude's eye and sense of touch. We brought this stick over to the sand for some drawing fun and it lasted for a good ten minutes before it chipped away into a 2 inch stub, which was actually perfect for digging out that little pebble stuck under some dry brush!
Exploring nature in a safe and fun way, 
Bubbie and Jude
Any tips on nature outings you'd like to share?
Related Article:
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Cooperative Play

"It takes a village," or in "Jude's World" it takes five toddlers and a water fountain to fill a bucket. 
It's great fun to watch these cuties' work together towards a common goal.  Remy held the bucket, Jude kept the water flowing, Ella carried the bucket back to their play spot while Arden and Allisa cheered them all on! Of course, the process of filling the bucket was the fun part.  Once the bucket was filled and placed back where they wanted it, one of the sweeties conveniently knocked the bucket down and they had to start all over again!  Ain't life grand?

Fun in the sun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Have you any solutions for keeping our kids learning and playing together?
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Katie, Katie, Lovely Lady!

Jude is tickled pink about his new cousin, Katie!  She has no idea the things that Jude has in store for her.  Like, how to hold a peach when you're trying to suck out the juice, where to hide when you don't want anyone to know you're pooping in your diaper, and of course, jumping on the bed then plopping on a mound of pillows! He's not yet aware that this lovely baby Katie is only one week old and still needing a little R & R before his games begin. I think this boy is going to do just fine with his first cousin, and I'm sure we'll soon see Katie teaching Jude a thing or two!                                                                                     

I'd love to hear your ideas on helping toddlers feel comfortable around newborns!

Best wishes from a very happy, new,

Bubbie and cousin Jude!

Related Article:

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Sharing Toddlers

"Share"..."Don't push"..."Take turns" are just a few of the phrases you'll hear from the grownups when our little playmates get together for their play dates.  It's getting a bit easier with kids they're familiar with, but as soon as a newbie comes along, we're clearing our throats for more words of encouragement.  A bucket of water with heavy duty paintbrushes (*all the same size, of course) seems to be the easiest activity for sharing right now...especially with the warm weather drying us off before we get too wet!  
P.S. *I bought a bag of 10 brushes at Lakeshore Learning Supplies.  Check teacher's supply stores for tons of great learning tools.
(Besides using the brushes for tracing our shadows, hands, feet and drawing, we also dip small plastic cars in the water to make car tracks on the ground!)
Let me know if you have any suggestions for helping kids learn to share!
Best,
Bubbie and Jude
Teaching Your Toddler To Share

Hydrating Toddlers

The days are getting hotter and Jude is playing harder. Fortunately, Jude likes to take water breaks, so I've always got a cuppy filled with cool water waiting for him in his car-mobile.   Another favorite rehydrator of his are grapes and watermelon pieces at snack time! To protect this little guy during the summer months, I also keep him lathered in sunscreen and look for shady spots to play. The only issue is the old hat trick...if I could only get him to keep one on his head!  Any and all suggestions are welcome and appreciated! 
Happy summer months,
Bubbie and Jude




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Kids Helping Kids

Jude enjoyed being helped, as much as his friend enjoyed helping! The grown-ups all applauded and whooped it up, which caused the children to look for more ways to help one another. Modeling and encouraging kindness certainly pays off for everyone!
Respectfully yours,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. What methods have you used to teach your grandkids and/or kids kindness and caring?
Related Article:
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Seesaws and other Playground Fun

Not only is this playground seesaw a four-seater, but it's spring won't allow anyone to be dropped to the ground, like when I was a kidlet! What a great improvement!  It took us several tries as kids to figure out that you always wanted your turn with someone lighter than yourself.  I can still feel the "thud" when I would hit the ground unexpectedly, and my "supposed" friend would take off to play on something else...like the swings.  Well, that was Jude's next stop after the seesaw and then the slides, and then the climbing toy...and then, and then, this bubbie was ready for the sleeping toy!
Happy playing,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S.  What's your grandchild's favorite playground toy?