Surely you’ve not forgotten about Space Monkey, that cute, loveable, cuddly monkey from space that brings color, fun, and light to boring places, have you?
1000 Times No is a brilliant new book by Mr. Warburton, recent cross-coast transplant and creator of Cartoon Network’s Codename: Kids Next Door. It’s one of the few books that appeals to both Roo (5) and Jasper (2) with bright, bold illustrations and a story that rings true to the stubborn streak that demarcates toddlerdom: they don’t want to do what you want them to do. Ever. (Oh, wait– that could hold true for most kids, of all ages. And adults!)
Here’s the basic premise: Noah’s mom wants him to leave the house but he rallies against her wishes in every way he possibly can- from plain English to Russian to Japanese to morse code to robot (Jasper’s favorite, unsurprisingly) to Tagalog to Arabic and beyond… Noah says “No!” in more ways than I could read aloud correctly, so I was pleased to find this video preview of the book that gives parents some help in pronunciation:
Jasper is more of a “nuh-uh” grunting two year old than a straight-out naysayer. Still, he has a remarkable affection for all things negative as big sister Roo did, a bit more eloquently, before him. (As summer drags on here, I kind of wish she’d go back to the monosyllabic ranting of toddlerdom. Kindergarten must be when girls commence with the yakking that never stops…my lovely daughter starts talking at dawn and I tuck her into bed still talking at night… it’s exhausting!) Both of them think 1000 Times No is absolutely hi-la-ri-ous. I think it’s the kind of funny that is actually smart in disguise: dude, there are hieroglyphs in there! Plenty of opportunities to discuss other cultures and how their toddlers are just as surly as Americans. Win-win! Best of all, Mr. Warburton inscribed our copy for posterity, so Roo and Jasper can show their kiddos in a couple of decades.
We have a long standing love affair with Boon. It started with the Potty Bench and the Frog Pod, but they’ve expanded their line quite extensively since then! Now they’ve got a sweet little Layette line for the wee ones. Lennon has this DNA Bodysuit, which was perfect for Summer. Now that we’re into the colder months, how about a Coverall & Hat set in Pacifier?
You might have noticed on Boon’s website, that they now offer a complete line of ergonomic cups, cutlery, and dishware, ALL of which are BpA, Phthalate, and PVC free. Does your baby need a place to sit while dining, while using all of this state-of-the-art dishware? Very soon, you will see my guest post on one of ZRecommends awesome network of blogs, Polliwogged, discussing our newest love, and excellent addition to the Boon family of products, the Flair Highchair. I’ll let you know as soon as it’s posted…and until then, help yourself to ALL of Boon’s products!
P.S. This would look pretty great next to the Frog Pod. Do I need a little girl to go with it though?
We are sad to announce that Fooey USA will be closing it’s virtual doors. However, they are having a closeout sale that you won’t want to miss! It’s all rad stuff, and it’s super cheap! My mom got these shorts for Noel & Lennon (they won’t fit Noel next summer) for $8.99! They are SOOOOO CUTE. Fooey’s also got the best collection of shirts for kids and infants. Some are as low as $3.99, people, but they won’t last! Get over there, and say goodbye to one of the best stores out there. Fooey, we are sorry to see you go!
On a sunnier note, Ashlee has come up with a new name for her store! Nonny & Boo, formerly Nest Baby Sling, now offers even more great items, like wraps (that are the coolest EVER), hoodies, and plushies! As usual, Ashlee’s wares are quite simply the coolest! Pictured here, are Steph and Ivy in nonny & boo’s bamboo sling. We have this sling, and Elliott and I share it. We love it. The fabric is light, but very strong, and it works well going out in the Texas heat. We just heart the lady over at nonny & boo, and you will too.
Once again, we’re taking you back in time and re-introducing an old friend of MumsTheWurd! Handpicked Pumpkin is one of our favorite custom baby clothiers. Cozy, comfortable, and always fashionable, Allison’s clothes are sure to make your little guy or gal one happy explorer.
I summed up Handpicked Pumpkin last year, and had this to say:
Fashionable clothes do not always equate to comfortable clothes, especially for the littler guys. They are exploring on the floor, and learning to walk, and while we want them to look cute, they also need to have the ability to move around without limitations that I often find with pants and jeans. That is why I am so glad to have discovered Hand Picked Pumpkin! Allison put together her love for unique style hand in hand with this concept, and this amazing children’s clothing line was born!
Here, Noel is sporting his Grady Overall Shorts. This is a perfect summer outfit! It’s comfortable, lightweight, and absolutely adorable. This is one of Allison’s ready-made creations, but you can also custom design ANYTHING in hershop! Whether you’re looking for a signature outfit, comfy bottoms, a gift set for a friend, you’re bound to find something perfect! There are great patterns and colors to choose from, especially if your heart belongs in the 50s and 60s! Polka dots and stripes are the name of the game at Hand Picked Pumpkin, where you’ll find many satisfied customers!
Allison also proudly donates 5% of her end of year profits to several fine charities-if you have one that’s close to your heart, you can email her to nominate your organization!
First of all, when was Noel ever that small??? You better believe I saved those adorable Grady overalls, and I’m already itching for Lennon to fit into them! Handpicked Pumpkin has also ventured into the realm of toddler clothing too! Ahhh…now the toddlers can look adorable and be comfy too!
Allison joined us last night for our weekly MumsCast, and was informing us that not only has she kept all of her manufacturing in the USA, but she’s also kept it local-all Handpicked Pumpkin items are made right in the Chicago area!
Allison and Handpicked Pumpkin are both awesome! Be sure to head over and get some duds!
I consider myself green. Okay, maybe not green…more like sage. But I try to do my part, like replacing all my old school light bulbs with the new compact fluorescent ones, recycling cans and bottles and I try to buy the big gear for my kids from resale shops and stuff. I would like to do more but it can be very overwhelming to know where to begin. That is where HappyGreenBaby can help! HappyGreenBaby is an online baby boutique that selects only the best in eco-friendly and sustainably produced baby clothes and baby gear. They handpick only those products that are organic, natural and that have a commitment to lessening impact on the environment.
You will find clothes (like the I’ll Save the World Tee pictured left), blankets, sippy cups, furniture and more from great companies like Boon, Baby Soy and Little Twig. Still intimidated by all the choices out there? Never fear for HappyGreenBaby can help there too with their handy Learning Center that contains tips and guides for everything from how to start using cloth diapers to how to throw an “all green” baby shower! And to top all that off HappyGreenBaby is also committed to operating their business in a green, clean, eco-friendly way. Here are just a few of things they do to lessen the impact on the environment:
· They are a member of 1% For The Planet, in which companies, like HappyGreenBaby pledge 1% of their total annual revenue to benefit environmental charities.
· They reuse all of the boxes they receive merchandise in as shipping boxes for their customers (with the hope that the customers too, will reuse the boxes again).
· They print everything on post-consumer recycled paper … and then they reuse that paper, too! You might find a recipe or letter from a “previous life” printed on the back of your packing slip.
Want to start living that Green Life that you have always wanted to? Then shop HappyGreenBaby and know that you are not just buying quality for your children but that you are also helping to make a better planet for them too!
And to get you started HappyGreenBaby is giving away a $50 gift certificate to their store!
WIN IT!
$50 Gift Certificate
Click HERE to enter and tell us what you would choose from HappyGreenBaby if you won. Contest ends Friday, September 26th at 10 PM CST. Winner will be chosen randomly and notified via email. Good Luck!!
Since we’ve already told you about Bethany’s awesome store, I thought MumsTheWurd! could instead help spread the word about Bethany’s latest undertaking-adopting a new child! Baby Luxe is sponsoring a raffle on behalf of the Balsis family, who is preparing to go to Russia to meet the newest member of their family-a little girl, Addison.
Bethany & her husband have been very busy lately, preparing for their trip to Russia, to meet their future little girl, Addison; a Down Syndrome orphan whom she and her family are adopting in the coming weeks. The Balsis’ already have two biological children, a little boy Mason & a little girl Payton. Payton also has Down Syndrome, so the Balsis’ are well versed in the special care that Addison will require.
As many of you know, adoption is a very expensive process, and the costs to bring home their new little girl will likely be high. On top of that, Addison’s initial medical expenses will likely be high.
To help with this wonderful cause, BabyLuxe is proud to be co-hosting a major fund-raising event for the Balsis family, which is taking place on The Mom Crowd. They will be selling raffle tickets for $5 each, and 100% of the proceeds will go directly towards the adoption of Addison.
Many of the designers that are donating to the raffle include: Serena & Lily, Bella Tunno, SaraBear Baskets, Baby Rock Apparel, SlickSugar, Ellie Bellie Kids, Made by Angie, Wet Happened? Wet Bags, Georgie Tees, Baby K’tan, JP Lizzy, Ribbies Clippies, Paperluxe Studio and more!
The Balsis’ are chronicling their adoption journey on their blog, Dreaming on an Angel. Go support them with a comment, or a contribution!
You can show your support by click the “Buy Now” PayPal button below. Donating just $5 will get you a raffle ticket to enter to win prizes listed over at The Mom Crowd. If you do not have PayPal, you can mail a check and include a note with your contact information to:
Balsis Family Adoption Fund
Raffle Tickets
PO Box 61
Washington, Virginia 22747
*Mailed entries must be received before Sept. 24th
Yes, I remember the mania. I was deeply immersed in it. In 1983, the one and only thing my little heart desired was my very own Cabbage Patch Kid. I don’t know what it was about these chubby little dolls that made my heart go all aflutter, but I was desparate to adopt one of my very own. I COVETED this doll with everything in me.
Before Christmas of that year, I spent the night with a friend who had FOUR CPKs. Yes, I was jealous, and yes, we got in a fight over them. The fight involved who was going to be “mom” to which doll, and it ended with my friend taking them all and saying, “I bet you’ll never even HAVE your own!” Yes, my heart crumbled into a million pieces at that second.
Well, wouldn’t you know…Santa came through like a champ, and delivered Elisha Jaqueline to my house on Christmas night, 1983. I loved her with all my might. Thanks to a grandma that liked to indulge her granddaughters, Elisha had her own stroller, high chair, and swing, and eventually even had her own sibling, Lily Jean (I opted to change her name from Eugenie Lillian).
When I received my 25th Anniversary Kid, I turned into that little 7 year-old girl once again. The oddly shaped box! The Adoption Certificate! The DOLL! I hesitated before opening it…This could be a collectible, afterall. Then Noel came in and saw “the baby”. Well, when it was clear that tears would come if we didn’t get that baby out of the box, I came to my senses and took Raquel Mercedes out of her box. The first thing that hit me was The Smell. If you had a CPK, you know what I’m talking about. That powdery baby smell. I immediately checked her bottom for The Signature: Xavier Roberts was a genius. There it was, his signature, with a “25″ included.
Noel thinks she is pretty cool. I have found him feeding her sippy cups several times, and I think he might like her better than he likes his little brother. SHE doesn’t cry, afterall…
Cosmic Bebe is a sweet little t-shirt company started by Julie Stevenson, who was curious about whether or not her little ones were anything like their astrological signs. Do you have a an Aries child who’s The Life of the Party?
I have two Aquarius’ who are definitely Brilliant & Bossy & I am a Tender Hearted Cancer. Although I don’t revolve my life around my astrological sign, or anyone else’s, I, like Julie, think it’s fun to see how closely we resemble the characteristics of our signs.
Check out the Cosmic Collection, and pick out shirts for your baby, toddler, even your favorite mom. Cosmic Bebe tees come in a variety of colors and sizes for all the little stars in your life. Get Cosmic today!
*Through the end of August, 2008, get 20% off of your purchase with the coupon code “mums“
*Update: Congratulations to Susan, our winner of the BabyBjorn bathroom line. Susan has been notified via email and is anxiously awaiting the arrival of her prize. Thanks to everyone who entered! As always, we have giveaways galore – so keep visiting and entering for your chance to win some great prizes.
My toddler is two and a half and we’ve tested the proverbial potty training waters here and there with not a whole lot of luck so far. She knows very well what the deal is but she’s been unwilling to entertain the fact that poo-poo’s and pee-pee’s belong somewhere other than her diaper. It’s ok though, it’s only a matter of time before she comes to the realization that she will be much more comfortable staying dry.
One thing I’ve learned during this process is: your child will eventually end up using the potty. They have to be mentally ready to make the transition and there isn’t a whole lot we can say or do to force the issue if the time just isn’t right. All we can do is continue to talk about it in a positive way, don’t get angry and one day, it will just click (hopefully). That’s what I keep telling myself, anyway.
Did you know that BabyBjorn manufactures more than just carriers and feeding items? They also have an entire bathroom line. You can be completely prepared for when the time to transition from diapers to potty arrives. We have the BabyBjorn Little Potty. It’s the perfect size for traveling and serves as a great extra potty for any room in the house.
We are giving away an ENTIRE BabyBjorn bathroom set to ONE lucky MTW reader!
To enter, email us at mumsthewurd [at] gmail [dot] com (no comment entries on this post, please) and tell us YOUR great (or not so great) potty training tips. It’s ok if you’re not in the midst of potty training yet or your entering to win the set for a family member or friend, that’s fine! You can still enter and share with us your fabulous parenting wisdom.
A winner will be chosen randomly, not based on entry comment. You may still enter, even if you do not have a blog or web site.
*This contest is open to U.S. residents only
Deadline to enter is Monday, June 9th and a winner will be announced (on our site and via Twitter (mumsthewurd)) on Tuesday morning (the 10th).
Laura on September 19th, 2009
Surely you’ve not forgotten about Space Monkey, that cute, loveable, cuddly monkey from space that brings color, fun, and light to boring places, have you?
We have a long standing love affair with 
Yes, I remember the mania. I was deeply immersed in it. In 1983, the one and only thing my little heart desired was my very own 
I have two Aquarius’ who are definitely Brilliant & Bossy & I am a Tender Hearted Cancer. Although I don’t revolve my life around my astrological sign, or anyone else’s, I, like 
