Plush Toys and Kids

It was a beautiful Thursday morning. My grand daughters and I arrived at the mall just as they opened, and we were off and running to pick out their birthday gifts. I told them how much they could spend and insisted they look in 3 stores before they make up their minds. We began our shopping spree in Justice, a kids clothing shop, followed by The Disney Store and last but not least we went into Build-a-Bear. Although they squealed with delight in the first 2 stores, their little hearts melted when they saw a room filled with stuffed animals. It was love at first sight and they had to have them. Not only did they have a blast, but it was great fun for me too! For an hour and a half they enjoyed stuffing, fluffing, brushing, dressing and naming their puppy and kitty. The hugging and loving part started the minute we walked out of the store and continued the whole drive home. I even got in on their love fest as I dropped the girls off and stole a few hugs for myself. 
Until next time, and thanks for stopping by!
Bubbie and the girls
P.S. This reminded me of how helpful dolls and plush were to my own kids when they were young. 
"These playthings have unique advantages over other toys, researchers say. Because kids know that a plush puppy or a princess doll represents a living thing, they can relate and attach emotions to it. Playing with these "friends" allows kids to explore their complex feelings."
Below find links to articles on playing with plush:

Teaching Toys 
The Importance of Plush Toys In Your Child's Life 

Cousins Camp

I tried. I really did! Taking pictures of my 6 grandkids was like getting a new litter of excited puppies to stay still. They were so happy to see each other that the last thing they wanted to do was strike a pose. After many failed attempts I settled on individual shots, and if I got lucky, another grandchild or two would get in on the action. All worked out beautifully and I've already compiled their pics into memory books, which are being printed up by Shutterfly, as we speak. They look forward to their keepsake books which they get to enjoy all year long.
We just completed year number four of our 2 night/3 day sleepovers...( I think I sleep about twice that long once they leave :)
They started this year off with camp t-shirts, assigned camp positions, miniature flashlights and clip boards with paper, pen and stickers. I knew this welcome package would keep them busy for at least 10 minutes, so I had many indoor and outdoor activities, a piñata, foods and movies ready for them. I was determined to find a way to keep these kids entertained and busy. It did work and they all slept well each night.
I would love to hear about your sleepover experiences with your grand babies or kids or whatever comments you'd like to share. Always happy to hear from you!
It has been years since I've posted, but glad to be back! Talk to you again soon!
Bubbie and her kiddos!
Here are a few related links for your reading and learning pleasure:
Camp t-shirts/Camp Fun Stuff for the kids (These are my designs I created for my cousin's camp):
https://www.zazzle.com/kids_camp_camp_t_shirt_bear_personalize_2_sided-235480437631167169
https://www.zazzle.com/collections/camp_fun_stuff-119009907275251819
Lots of great cousin's camp ideas:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/mini-money-mustaches/cousin-camp-2017-need-free-activity-ideas/
More great camp ideas I found:
https://thedailydigi.com/2013/04/21/tips-for-a-successful-cousin-camp-or-any-event-with-kids/
Shutterfly is my go-to for creating books. In case you were interested, here's their website:
https://www.shutterfly.com

Katie is One!

Let there be cake! A special birthday cake, that Katie gets to smash, smear, eat and play with all she wants on her special day! And there was, and she did, all over herself and anyone and anything within reach of her high chair!  I think the grown-ups had as much fun watching this mash-up, as Katie had doing the mashing!
First Birthday Smash Cakes seem to be the thing to do today. Who knew? 
Happy Birthday, Katie...hugs and more hugs, Bubbie
P.S. What special ideas can you share with us for kid's birthday parties?
Related Articles:
First Birthday Smash Cakes
Smash Cakes 101

Fireworks on the Fourth of July

After a delicious day of barbecuing with friends and family, there's nothing like bringing the July 4th holiday to a close with some high soaring, breath taking fireworks! (Especially when you get to watch them from a distance, without the ear piercing sound effects!) We took a short walk to the corner of the block, looked up to the sky, and there it was in all it's glory! Jude was full of oohs and aahs as he watched the sky light up with sparkling bursts of color every where. Elliot, of course had the best seat in the house...mommy's arms!
Hope you all had a wonderful 4th!
Bubbie and the Grandbabies
We'd love to hear about your 4th of July holidays with your grandchildren!
Related Articles:
Fourth of July and Your Toddler
Kids Fourth of July Crafts

Four Generations of Fun

"Kenneth W. Wachter, the chairman of the department of demography at the University of California, Berkeley, has estimated that by 2030, more than 70 percent of 8-year-olds will likely have a living great-grandparent. It is a phenomenon that Kevin Kinsella, the head of the Aging Studies branch of the United States Census Bureau, has referred to as a great-grandparent boom."
Well, Jude is just one of three great-grandchildren benefiting from this great-grandparent boom...especially the celebration part! It's Pop-Pop's 95th birthday and four generations came on this special day to be with Pop-Pop, and wish him many more to come! I don't know who was more tickled to see the other, but Jude and Pop-Pop seemed to get quite a kick out of their time together.
And big kudos go out to Jude for his willingness to put down the cupcake long enough to snap some great pictures, for a memorable day!

P.S. Jude is also available for weddings, graduations and bar-mitzvahs!
P.S.S. How many of you are already into 4th generation families? We'd love to hear about it!
Related Article:
Here Come the Great-Grandparents
Happy 95th, Pop!
Bubbie and Jude...Elliot was there, too!

Three Month Old Milestones

If he's sleeping and we know it shout, "Hooray!" Hooray!... But please, not too loud. After all, mommy just got Elliot to sleep.
I can't believe my new grandson is almost three months old already!  And when Elliot is in the "wide awake" position, this little honey coos, laughs, and tries his hardest to hold his head up, and turn onto his stomach!
"This is the stage that child psychiatrist Margaret Mahler referred to as “hatching,” when babies come out of their “shells” and begin to react and relate to the world around them." 
What fun!
Bubbie and Elliot and Mommy, too!
Please share your grandchildren's milestones...at any
age!
Related Articles:
Baby Development: Three Months
Baby Soothing Nursery Gear
Soothing a Crying Baby
22 Ways to Calm Baby

Little Miss Sunshine

"Babies can quickly suffer the short- and long-term damage of sunburn and heat stroke, so keeping your baby safe in the sun is crucial."
I love seeing Little Miss Katie enjoying the great outdoors, and I'm thrilled to see she's always dressed for the occasion! Love the hat!
Thought I'd share a few related links for keeping our kidlets protected from the heat...and a walk down memory lane.
~Just loved the punch flavored ice cubes my mom would make for all the neighborhood kids in the middle of a hot, summer day growing up in Philly!~
Best,
Bubbie and Katie!
Related Articles:
Keeping Babies Safe in the Sun
Test Your Sun-Safety IQ
Baby Moose Video/Summer Fun in Sprinklers

Siblings

I am smiling because you are my brother, I am laughing because there is nothing you can do about it! ~Unknown~
Oh, brothers! I sure can relate to this quote. Being one of five, it was 2 plus a 3-ring-circus growing up in my home...and I loved it.  I do expect Jude and Elliot to have quite the collection of never-to-be-believed stories to share with their children. 
Great fun for all,
Bubbie, Jude and Elliot, too!
P.S. Have you any good tips for helping siblings grow fond of one another? If so, please share!
Related Articles:
Teaching Healthy Sibling Relationships
Early Sibling Relationships Influence Adult Behavior
Influences on Sibling Relationships

Jude Goes To Preschool!

Behind the wheel of this very fine truck is the one and only "Jude," taking on preschool, one toy at a time!
There was a bit of apprehension the first week, but it looks like Jude noticed the fun, and decided to climb on board! 
Best, 
Bubbie and Jude!


P.S. We would love to hear about your preschool experiences with your little ones!
Related Articles:
Preschool - First Day Tips
Preschool Lunch Ideas

Reading is Fun!

Hmm...I think she's got it!
See Katie see daddy read! 
See Katie read, too! 
At just 10 months Katie is already getting the message...Reading is comforting and fun! 
When my kids were little I created a small reading corner consisting of a few colorful, over sized pillows sitting next to baskets and a low shelf filled with age appropriate books. Please share your stories for encouraging your little ones to read!
Thanks,
Bubbie, Katie and Katie's daddy!
Related Articles:
Reading Books to Babies
How Can I Encourage my Young Child to Read?
Choosing Baby and Toddler Books, Suggested by Scholastic Books
RIF (Reading is Fundamental)

Learning to Eat an Ice Cream Cone

Learning to eat an ice cream cone can be hit or miss. Before the dripping started I tried to show Jude, best I could, the collaborative effort of getting to the cone mess-free. You see, my kids would allow me to lick the drips, actually insist I lick the drips before it touched their fingers...but this honey wasn't going for that, at all! Jude wouldn't even let me scoop up the overflow with a spoon. This treat was all his, and he planned on conquering it alone...and he did...right down to the last crunch. Granted, a little piece of napkin did enter into the mix, but he didn't mind it one bite...I mean bit!
Guess I'll have to buy my own cone next time!
Eating out for fun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Share one of your favorite "eating-out adventures" with your little ones.
Related Articles:
Great article!!! Be sure to read, "Ice Cream Cone Decoy"
Ice Cream Activities for Toddlers

Teaching Babies To Feed Themselves

Watching Katie learn to feed herself was quite a treat for Mommy and Daddy, but for Jeggie, (the drooling pup on her left), it was a dream come true! Turned out to be a win-win for everybody. Jeggie gets every piece of food that falls from Katie's little fingers, and the floor is always free from crumbs. 
Katie's favorites: graham crackers, cheese, bananas and cereal
Jeggie's favorites: everything!
Best,
Bubbie, Katie and Jeggie, too!
P.S. Would love to learn about your finger-foods suggestions for babies!
Related Video and Article:
Video:How to Teach Baby To Feed Themselves
Article:Teaching a Child Self-Feeding

Teaching Toddlers Good Manners

Jude loved his time visiting with the ducks at the lake. He laughed at their swimming antics, tried to keep up with them as they waddled along the path, and shushed the geese who honked at them. The only thing he couldn't do was get them to greet him. First, Jude put out his fist for "knuckles,"... but no takers! And as you can see in this picture, he even gave it the old "high five" try. I stepped in by quacking with the ducks to show Jude that this was their way  of saying, "Hello. How ya' doin'?"  Problem solved...next!
Keeping it fun,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Have you any hints for teaching good manners to little ones?
Related Articles:
Teaching Toddlers Good Manners
How to Teach Toddler Manners

Penny (Token) Arcades

Jude finished his pizza, riding all the rides, and playing every game ("appropriate" for his age), then decided to show me what to do with those leftover tokens. In all the years I've gone to Chuck E. Cheese for pizza and games, it never occurred to me to give back to those who give so much joy to others. So, Jude went from the carousel horses, the Bob the builder car to the big, Bumble Bee and gave them each their very own rides. I suppose he decided they needed a break... some fun time without kids hanging onto their tails, jumping on their laps or pushing all their buttons. All I can say is, "those rides were still smiling as we left the game room floor!"
Keeping 'em busy,
Bubbie and Jude
Please share you're kid stories. Always love to hear about them!
Related Article:
Chuck E. Cheese Wikipedia

Playground Fun For Babies

Just thought I'd try Katie "our almost 9 month old lady," in a bucket swing, and she loved it! I padded it a bit for stability with her blanket, and she was good to go!  And "go" she went! She was kicking her little, red-coated legs, anxious for more. Trying to take it slow with this little honey was not easy. Next time I'll remember to bring my video camera to capture the giggles that followed the squeals!
Swinging right along,
Bubbie and Katie, too!
P.S. Please share your favorite playground stories!
Related Article
When Can My Baby Go On A Park Swing?
Playground Activities For Babies

Playing Indoors

Tunneling between chairs happens to be high on my list of things to do. And I would have loved to have joined Jude on his incredible journey, it's just that volume has definitely become a factor in our play. As hard as he had me try, I finally convinced him that quart size ladies can't fit through pint size chairs! 
Always something to do,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. We'd love to hear your indoor-play ideas!
Related Articles:
Rainy Day Activities
Creating an Indoor Obstacle Course

Raspberries do a Baby Good!

"Razzies really teach babies how to regulate their voice, how to turn it on and off, change the volume and the pitch. It shows them how to navigate the diaphragm, mouth, lips and tongue," explains Tara Kehoe, speech and language pathologist and manager of the Speech and Language Department at Easter Seals DuPage and Fox Valley Region in Villa Park.
...and it's so darn cute, too!
Katie's become quite the little expert. She can even perform this adorable motor-boat sound with or without spit! Best of all, she seems to enjoy the element of surprise. Like when she eagerly opened her mouth for a spoon full of green beans, and gleefully raspberried it right back at me! (Next time I'm wearing the bib!)
P.S. Have a cute picture of your little ones? Send it my way. Be happy to post it!
Love and love, 
Bubbie and Katie
Related Articles:
Raspberries And Spit Bubbles Aren't Just Drooly Fun

Imaginative Play

It never ceases to amaze me when children challenge the capabilities of their toys. As an adult, I see a toy simply as it was meant to be. In all the years I've enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, I never once thought to shove their parts into my body for play. But on this day, Jude did...and it was fine until Jude wanted Bubbie to be Mrs. Potato Head. Sorry, but the ears and nose just weren't my hole size! 
Imagination always in motion,
Bubbie and Jude
P.S. Got any funny stories about the kids for us?
Related Articles:
How Your Child Benefits From Play
9 Ways To Encourage Imaginative Play

Jude and His New Brother, Elliot

Yes, Jude...this day has arrived. You are officially and undeniably a big brother! I know what you're thinking! "Life is over as I've known it!" But I promise, once you've gotten over the shock...and looking at you, it might take a while...you'll be just fine! 
(Foot surgery has put me out of commission for a bit. Haven't blogged or been able to see my grandbabies. This picture, sent to me by my son, had me laughing off my seat. Thought you might enjoy it, too. Welcome ELLIOT! Our newest munchkin!)
More happy days to come with,
Bubbie and Jude and Elliot and Katie
P.S. Would love to hear your about your little one's reactions to newborns!
Related Articles:
What was your Toddler's Reaction to New Baby?
Tips for Juggling a Newborn and a Toddler

A Kodak Moment

Two Tootsie Roll pops, and three toddlers could equal one, unhappy child, unless you have a group of toddlers who think it's funny to share! Since Jude was the odd man out without a treat, he was more than happy to receive their sweet offerings. Jude, Arden and Remy were tickled with this game, and it kept them busy for the life of the pops.
Keeping it easy,
Bubbie and Jude!
P.S. Have some sweet memories of your kids/grandkids to share w/us?
Related Articles:
Top Ten Funny Things Kids Say
Grandkids Say The Darndest Things/Edition Three