Bright Starts
Before I had MM, I really wasn't a fan of all the primary-colored plastic toys out there. Aesthetically, they're pretty hard to look at, and at the time, there was something super cheesy about them to me. I think I had envisioned an earthy, neutral-toned playroom filled with wooden toys a la Melissa + Doug. Now almost eight months into this gig called motherhood, I look at my former self and laugh- "How. Stupid." Not only are the "cheesy" brightly colored toys stimulating to the little ones, but they're super-interactive and engaging; giving mom an extra fifteen minutes a day- at least.
My brother-in-law and his wife gifted MM this amazing Bright Starts Activity Station for Christmas, and it took mere seconds to become one of her very favorite toys. While I had dabbled in a few electronic gadgets for MM, this one beats out the other ones we've tried by a mile. The features are endless, with over 65 sounds, phrases and melodies to entertain baby; and it was truly awesome to watch the little lady navigate through the functions and teach herself how to operate each one. It's the first toy she plays with each morning, and its a great way to keep her entertained while I make the bed, fold the laundry, or throw a load of dishes in.
For new-moms and moms-to-be out there: Ths is a toy definitely worth checking out.
As I've mentioned before, books have been an important part of our daily routine from the beginning. In fact, I don't believe a day has gone by over the past ten months without turning the pages of a sweet story
I bought Madeline her first book months before she was even in my belly- a board book version of Guess How Much I Love You. In the throws of fertility treatments, this purchase served as a reminder of the little one that would eventually come, and the memories we would someday create as a family. Today, that book will forever remind me of that strange time in our life.
Books are funny like that- serving as symbols of various events throughout our lives. Over the past several months I can think of countless examples: The Poky Little Puppy will always remind me of the time my six month old sat patiently while I read the entire book to her (and that's a long one, folks); Giraffes Can't Dance will always conjur giggles as I remember my husband's rendition; I will forever think of Valentine's Day when I see You Are My Sunshine; and Bathtime Peekaboo will always make me nostalgic for the first time my mother read to my daughter.
And the truth is, no matter how many books one has in their library- there is always room fore more stories; more memories to be made.