Finger Foods

Watching Jude chow down on some cut-up peanut butter and jelly squares, put me in the mood for some easy-to-make finger food ideas. I found some great links below, but was stumped when I saw a picture of a Pikelet ??? (For anyone who also didn't know, it turns out that a Pikelet is a type of pancake found in Australia and New Zealand.) Now that I've been tempted by so many delicious recipes, I think I'll still go make myself a P & B sandwich for now.  (But I will try some of these great food combinations this week, especially the frozen yogurt on graham crackers sandwich...that should be a winner with a little one!)
Happy cooking,
Bubbie and Jude
Please share any quick and yummy recipes you've made for and/or with the kids!
Related Articles:
Feeding the Picky Eater
Best Finger Foods for Toddlers
Tasty Finger Foods

Tummy Time

"The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep and their tummies to play as part of a daily routine. This helps develop the muscles in their back, neck and core on their way to meeting all their infant development milestones." 
Yes, ladies and gentleman, this girl is down for the count!  Five minutes of exhaustive "tummy time" and it's time for a snooze. Feisty little Katie will be back on her tummy for Round Two just after she wakes up, eats, has her diaper changed and takes the dog for a walk.  Ain't life grand!
Working hard at play,
Bubbie and Katie, too!
Share your "tummy time" experiences with your little ones!
Related Articles:
Five Essential Tummy Time Moves/Great Video To Watch!
Going With His Gut
Tummy Time Tools
Tummy Time Research

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

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

Related Articles:
5 Musical Instruments to Make at Home
Introducing Toddlers to Music
Infants and Toddlers Making Music

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:
Grocery Shopping With Toddlers
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:
Blowing Bubbles (Watch the video...adorable!)
Playing With Bubbles
Bubbles to Improve Language Development
Bubbles For Learning (Terrific for older kids)

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:
Flattened Head(Positional Plagiocephaly)
Babies with Flat Heads on the Rise
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?
Related Articles:
Pool Safety
Do Swimming Lessons Keep Children Safe in the Water?

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:
Nick Jr. Summer Treats for the Kids