Little Girl Bike

I can't decide when to purchase Izzy her first bike/trike.  Once in awhile we make a trip out to Toys R US to play.  It gives her the opportunity to play.  We make a two hours of it just to window shop and try things out.  The last time we were there was the first time she wanted to sit on a trike and was able to pedal around the store with it.  I'm sure there are some at her Day Care but until that day I didn't even know she knew how to use one.  She had a little problems steering but I'm sure she'd get better the more she played with it.

So I'm left with the question of when I should get her one.  The one she rode was the smallest Radio Flyer which only last up to age 3 for the weight limit.  She's still a little on the small side but I wouldn't make any sense to get her something she could out grow in the next year.  The store didn't carry the next size up tricycle and the smallest bicycle with training wheels was too big.  Her legs didn't even come close to the petals.

 I've been looking at some reviews online and I've decided on the Radio Flyer Girls Classic Dual Deck Tricycle in Pink.  It's not too expensive I just don't know if she's tall enough for it yet.  WA is only blessed with a few months without consistent rain so I want something she can use right away.

Any other moms buy a tricycle for their little one?  Any recommendations?  Izzy is about 26 lbs and 35 inches.

Awesomeness = Grandma!

Are you a marathon shopper?  Maybe the one that gets to the stores the night before a HUGE sale for the best deals?  I've seen some amazing pictures of the deals people have been getting from the Black Friday shopping trips and a part of me (a very SMALL part) wonders what it would be like.  Part of the reason I'm not into going shopping on BIG deal days like Black Fridays was because I was dragged along for each one as a kid.  Now in my old (35 years of old) age I'd rather do my shopping in the comfort of my home, in my sleeping clothes and have it delivered right to my door.

Luckily, my mom is still into braving the shopping crowds and her only granddaughter is reaping the benefits.  I want to get Isabel a doll house this year.  I put one on her Christmas list in the hopes that "Santa" will do the honors.  My mom stepped up to the plate and got her this AMAZING dollhouse!  She found a Black Friday deal where she saved about $100 on it.  It's huge and it comes with 34 pieces of furniture.  I can't wait until Izzy sees it.  I know she's just going to go crazy for it.  So Black Friday Shoppers, what kind of awesomeness did you find out there today?

Random Toys

Personally, I think today's toys do too much.  Walking through the aisles at the toys store most of the toys I see are battery operated and play music or make some sort of sound.  When I was a kid, the toys we had made us use our imagination.  They didn't do anything special unless we invented a story ourselves.  As a parent, I try to balance the "old school" toys with the "new school" toys.  The ironic thing is that at her age she easily grows tired of them.

This morning I found a great toy accidentally.  A package arrived with a strip of packing bubbles.  I laid the strip down on the floor and she's been playing tea party on it for the past 20 minutes.  Or she'll run up and down the strip screaming.  She's not heavy enough to make them pop but I think she likes the texture under her feet.  Hey, I'm a mom on a budget.  If I can find something that peaks her interest and saves my wallet I'm all for it.  What about you?  Did you stubble upon a random household item that your kids went gaga for?  Join in on the conversation.

Preview - Step 2 Long Slide

We just received the Step 2 long slide for her 2nd birthday and pulled it out to try it. Here's a preview of our first play date with it.

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Water Fun

Summer around here maybe sunny and warm but it's more on the uncomfortable side. Instead of hibernating indoors with the ac running full blast I've been thinking of ways for Izzy to still enjoy the outdoors without overheating. I found two really affordable solutions. One is Step 2's water table and the other is a kiddie pool from Target.

We've had the water table a year and it was a great addition when she was standing and ready to start cruising.
I also liked the option of not having her completely immersed in the water. It's sturdy, standing on 3 legs with height adjustments. It comes with a "watermill" cup and 2 boats. I don't remember the exact cost but it was around $30 on amazon.

The other option is a generic kiddie pool I found at Target for around $10. It's large enough for 4 toddlers to comfortably play together and easy to blow up.


There are 3 inner tubes to blow up and it only took me around 5 mins. I only filled it up to her mid calf and threw in a bunch of her bath toys. Today's her first day playing with it and she's having a blast. It was definitely a good buy. What ways do you beat the heat with your baby?


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