Little Boy Blue--Stuff We Love

Drooling over the speja tunnel from www.ikea-usa.com --it collapses down to nothing, is designed for 18+ months, and is CHEAP entertainment at only $17.99


Funkie Baby Retro Rockets bib from www.hipandlittle.com



Illustrated tin lunch boxes from www.pinktaffydesigns.com


Super cool polka dot rubber duckie from www.uppereast.com/giggle


Camo pj set from www.littleboychic.com

A few things Buby & Co. recommends in our fave color. All four sites are super delish.

Game On

Today marked Buby's 1st annual Easter Egg Hunt, and the first of several such events in the next week. Quite a success for our first time out! Gavin and Hannah--and about 100 other kids--ran through the fields filling their baskets. And comparing their loot afterwards. On the sidelines, competition of another sort heated up. Truth be told, Mama's feeling a bit guilty now for using her precious, undeniable Buby as a device to snag more chocolate for herself. But it wasn't just run-of-the-mill rabbits, it was the good stuff. We're talking REESE'S people!! And we at Buby & Co. are a team, aren't we? Being the gracious good sport that she is, Mrs. Rabbit begrudgingly obliged. And now Mama sits at the computer, head tilted ever-so-slightly in shame, scarfing down those sweets with a big old smile. No regrets.

Editor's Cravings

"When Pigasso Met Mootisse" is a touching tale of two tails. I'm rooting for Mootisse! www.momastore.org

US Travel Map teaches geography and zips up for road trips. www.uncommongoods.com

Snail Numbers Puzzle is made of plantation-grown rubberwood and hand-painted with child-safe paint. www.uncommongoods.com

As a magazine editor, I obsess over good design, innovation, mix & match, texture, and a touch of the unexpected. As Buby's mama, these things, as well as environmental responsibility, speak to me on another level. Our home lives are cluttered enough without introducing one more noise-making, earth-shaking, larger-than-life plastic toy that Buby will tire of in no time.

This Friday's featured shops are Moma Store and Uncommon Goods. Loved them both long before Buby, but now appreciate some of their STUFF for the younger set. Gifts galore. Feel free to send any and all to us at Buby Land, USA. Just kidding. Sort of.

Tater for Tots

You say potato... I say what? Why is Buby so enthralled with this legless bald fella with beady eyes and big ears? Not that I have anything against big eyes (have we met?). One thing I can say... this plastic carb, who made his debut in 1952, has staying power. Worldwide and here in Buby Land, where my tot will play for hours on end. I would post Mr. Potato Head's original mugshot, as found on www.wikipedia.com, but I don't want to reduce the kids to tears. Check it out on your own time. And for an amusing story of one sassy spud who sure gets around, log on to http://www.spudstravels.com/.

photo: playskool

Twice as Nice

Buby & Co. is beyond psyched for the late-summer arrival of TWIN girls to the fam. Job well done Uncle Mike & Aunt Mel!! We're told they are fraternal, though we theorize they may be part of that semi-identical class scientists unveiled this week. Just kidding. Sort of. Buby factoid: Gavin was dubbed "Baby TK" by Mama's editor friends in the womb. That's Buby in womb, not the friends. TK means "'info to come" in nonsensical industry speak. So until we're given names, we will call each of these fems "Twin TK." If that doesn't hurry along an announcement of names, I don't know what will!

We're all about baseball caps and fishing gear here in Buby Land... so it's oodles of delight anytime we shop for purple polka dot prints, cloth barrettes, and blush booties. Love it!

photo: google images

TGIF--Playdate Friday

Why can't every day be Friday? Is that so much to ask? One fabulous Friday feature is playgroup. The main characters of playgroup are Gavin, Lillian, Gillian, Grace, and Shaelin. The first 3 have known each other since they were 6 months old and Musical Munchkins, and now all 5 kiddos take swim class and The Little Gym together. It's a riot to see them play--and let's be honest, sometimes brawl--with each other instead of just next to each other. They all have such wonderful personalities, and we get a kick out of cheering them on as they grow into quirky little people.

Mamas take turn hosting. Today we were at Lori & Shaelin's digs for nearly 3 action-packed hours. Bonus: The babe falls into deep sleep after so I can work. Gavin flexed his masculinity by pushing Shaelin's baby carriage around the whole house. He ate Lori's delish banana bread like it was his last meal, and he and Gillian sneaked off into the living room--with very mischievous grins--and giggled their way through Shaelin's photo album. It's IMPOSSIBLE to get a group shot of these 5, despite all of our efforts. None of them stand still. With each snapshot that includes Gillian, she sprints over to 'approve' her likeness. So sweet, and self-aware. Lillian sang soprano elephant, cow and lion sounds. Shaelin and Grace were all kisses.

Buby's new book "Fridays Are Fun!" by Patricia Hall (Little Simon) is part of the Classic Raggedy Ann & Andy series and a wonderful gift. Check out www.simonsayskids.com. It actually celebrates all 7 days impartially, but today is Friday... so we're playing it up.

Boo Boo News

Buby's tear-duct surgery is Friday, April 27th at Northern Westchester Hospital. The procedure itself is pretty straightforward, but we have our knickers in a twist over the general anesthesia. They warned me we wouldn't be allowed in the room. THAT didn't sit well, but I do get the no blubbering-mamas-in-surgery thing. Please keep Buby in your prayers as we enter April.

photo: google images

Meet Lulu

Lulu is Buby's BFF. She goes everywhere he goes. Of course, not the REAL Lulu. The REAL Lulu is the star French Bulldog of renowned designers Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams, with whom I used to work while at HOME Magazine. I've had many REAL Lulu sightings in the North Carolina showroom. One day Mitchell & Bob sent me a stuffed Lulu--exact replica minus the incessant licking--in the mail, and Gavin opened the package. The rest is history.

Lulu is a part of our wacky clan now... much to Jazzy's chagrin. She is the first stuffed anything Gavin has befriended. The first one despite so many attempts. She goes sleepy with Gavin, she goes for walks with Gavin. He even shares his Gorilla Munch with her. And if you know Gavin, he doesn't share anything edible.

photo: mgandbw.com

I Hope You Dance

Lee Ann Womack's song "I Hope You Dance" is my favorite in the world. It means even more to me now as a mama. Buby already loves to dance, but he will know every sense of the word. The goal here is happiness, independence, faith, bravery, the ability to love, and a sense of humor about it all. It's a big bill, but if we can instill these qualities as parents, we will have done our part. Here are the lyrics:

" I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake But it's worth making

Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance

I hope you dance! "

photo: google images

Oui, Oui!

The French Flash Cards from Berlitz Kids are amazing! Granny DJ bought these ones for Buby when he was a tiny peanut. They are suggested for 3+, but the set of 50 jumbo cards are basic and vibrant, and Buby loves them already. Of course, he loves to make a mess with them more than anything, but that's cool. We're working on the one-at-a-time concept and putting them back in the box when we're done. Each card has an English word on one side and the French word, a simple pronunciation, and an adorable color illustration on the flip side. They're durable enough for toddlers and, I think, build vocab skills in both languages. The Waldorf schools in New Paltz and Manhattan teach French and German in 1st grade, so I suppose it's never too early to introduce the concept. We'll get the Spanish set when he's a little older.

We're the Doodlebops?

If Buby could change his last name, it would be to Doodle. He's a total groupie when it comes to this Canadian rock band The Doodlebops. Loves Mo best (drummer in the funky orange duds) and is really into drums himself lately. Probably Mo's doing. That paper CD insert went everywhere with him for weeks. He'd sit on the floor and read it like one of his books... study the faces of Rooney, Deedee, and Mo while absorbing the music. Fave tune is #5 "Get on the Bus." Mama & Buby have choreographed a dance to match, and I'm ashamed to admit I listen to it in the car--even when Buby isn't around. www.doodlebops.com explains their educational angle, has interactive musical games kids can play on the laptop, and a link to the Doodlebops store. Though I've found Amazon has the largest selection of band paraphernalia.

Easter Cupcakes

Looking for a healthy--is that so ridiculous?--recipe for Easter cupcakes for Buby and friends. We're hosting playgroup on Good Friday, so of course the goodies will scream festive on this occasion. This photo is from flickr.com, from Sweet Avenue Bake Shop. I love the color! Stay tuned...

Toilet Time

Despite the fact that Joshua, the main character, has some freaky tresses and a potty that looks more like my lemonade pitcher than a toilet, Alana Frankel is a wonderful illustrator. There's also a Once Upon a Potty DVD, which has earned great reviews, though we haven't seen it yet. Gavin loves to sit on the toilet and read... just like a few other gents I know. We bought the Baby Bjorn potty chairs in white and red (they are really stable and easy to clean), but of course Buby prefers the Elmo soft seat that sits right on our toilet. He pats his tushy and tells us he is either about to go, or just went. It's early yet at 18 months, so we're not pushing too hard (no pun intended), but Gavin loves the toilet, flushing, washing his hands with soap and running water while standing on the footstool.

Sign of the Times

Buby picks up new signs at lightening speed. It's Mama who always needs a refresher course. The Baby Sign Language Book, courtesy of Granny DJ, has been the biggest help. It comes with oversized and colorful flashcards for kids. We also practice signing in our Little Gym class on Wednesdays. Signs Buby uses so far: Eat, drink, more, all gone/all done, dirty diaper, banana, please, thank you/you're welcome, sleep, run, milk, yes, water, book, help, sorry, freeze/stop, love, flower, gentle, quiet, want, go, hi/bye, hot, car, beep, play, elephant, and no. We're working on the following now: share, wait, sad, dog, cat, and hurt. It's a groovy tool we've been using since he was less than 10 months old. I credit signing for less toddler tantrums than some other kids his age.

Dapper Fella

You should see the snazzy diagonal striped tie (also green & blue from Chaps) that we got to go with Buby's Easter shirt. His first button-up. Ugh. Lovely. Just lovely. Gavin is psyched to host Spencer, Grace, and Parker for Easter weekend. The cousins are coming! The cousins are coming! Festivities begin this Saturday (March 31st) with an organized Easter Egg Hunt at the town park (geared to the preschool set). Gavin knows the plastic eggs very well, as we use them to get the kids to "fetch" in swim class. So he has a distinct advantage!

Life is Like a Box of Chocolates...

... or at the very least a blueberry scone. It was one of those days. Warm and sunny all over. Tom and Gavin walked down to The Daily Bean for Poppy's muddy cup and Marlene's fresh-baked goodies. Then my two sweets sat on a bench sharing a blueberry scone, hence the Gump reference. Wish I was there. [I was on route to French eatery L'Express on 20th & 3rd in Manhattan for a burger-meets-business lunch with my editor-in-chief.] Gavin had plans to go to Lillian's for the afternoon, but Papa decided to play hookie last minute and hang with Little Dude.

As I caught my train at the Beacon station, Gavin rings me to say "Mama," "Mama," "Mama" ever so sweetly. Mix of desperate and content in his voice. If he had done that six months ago, I would've pulled the emergency lever and jumped off the train to run home. But today's playful plea did not warrant train jumping of any sort. Our guy is growing up. And so am I. The boys proceeded to ride bikes (meaning: Buby lounged in the trolley while Papa labored up and down hills), play in the yard, and meet Erika and Gavin's galpal Lillian for a play date at Sally's Dream.

When my train arrived back in Beacon, I met them at the park and looked on in amazement as Gavin was laughing in the sand box, on the swings, down the slide. Tom left before us, and Buby trotted after him to say "Dada," "Dada," "Dada" ever so sweetly. Mix of desperate and content in his voice. We headed home. As we pulled into the driveway, the neighbor kids (Allison, Ethan, Mark Jr.) ran up to say hi to their buddy Gavin. We all played hoops before dinner. Robyn donated her outdoor b-ball on wheels, which totally made Gavin's day. Dinner. Bath. Dancing. Books. "Brush, Brush, Brush." Sleepy prayers. Buby is out, and Mama sprints to catch the second half of "American Idol" and throw some pig on the barbie while Tom tinkers with the new handlebars for his Sportster. Voted for Jordin Sparks. A nice end to a nice day.

Spring Sneaks Up on You

Buby's sad to bid bye-bye to his blue sled and backyard track as the last snow mound melts. He points and grunts at the garage door (where blue sled lives) every time we take Jazzy out to the yard. Good times, but we'll gladly usher in a new season of sport. Yesterday we rode our bike, strolled to the village Bread & Bakery (snagged a rockin' rustic loaf and some delish Da Vinci cheese), and then we stopped by Walden's Timeless Shoes for an expert foot measure (a whopping size 7.5 now) and to snatch Buby's latest treads (for his Easter basket). Check out the Adidas Panthers Oddity in Navy-Poppy! MAMA TIP: Shoe and handbag site www.endless.com is operated by Amazon and offers a better selection and free overnight shipping... forever. Velcro to shoelaces should be an interesting journey.

Munch on This

Gavin loves his cereal. The mix de jour is Gorilla Munch and Cheetah Chomps (with a natural strawberry flavor) in a bowl. Milk on the side. Both are tasty organic delights from EnviroKidz. We've also tried the Cheetah Berry Crispy Rice Bars recently, and he likes them alright. Though it's only six to a box and so large he rarely finishes one in a day... and it doesn't keep once opened. Check your health-food aisle.

Buby in Puddles

Splashing in puddles, stomping in mud. It's what little boys are made of. These days, Buby won't let us leave the house without his Owlford Garden Boots. It's fun to watch him put them on and dance around with wild abandon.

Salut Bon Amies

Welcome to Buby's blog. It's random thoughts (is there any other kind?), the latest news, images that inspire us in some way, and our favorite product picks. It's whatever we want it to be. And there's nothing you can say about it. Unless, that is, you post a comment. Mind your manners: If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. We'll post a new entry daily for the faraway fam, so put us in your "favorites" and check back often.

With pure bliss,
Buby's parents