Green Treehouse

The first time I heard someone speak the words “Tripp Trapp,” I couldn’t help but conjure up the kids’ song “This Old Man” (Knick-Knack Paddy Whack). Quickly enough, however, I learned that Tripp Trapp had nothing to do with music (even though it kind of rhymes with knick-knack, don’t you think). Nor anything to do with tongue twisters (think, “Betty Botter had some butter…”).

Instead, the Stokke Tripp Trapp represents the ultimate in versatility in the world of children’s high chairs. The chair is the chair that grows with the child. Not only does the Tripp Trapp enable a child to sit at the same height as an adult at the table, but it provides support for growing, little legs. Unlike some traditional high chairs that are only used for a limited period of time, the Tripp Trapp can be used for years and years. You can buy a separate five-point harness, rail and cushion for use with babies, meaning you can pass on the “traditional” high chair.

In my mind, the Tripp Trapp is one of those baby products that is definitely worth the investment. The Tripp Trapp is built to last, constructed with solid materials. The Tripp Trapp is also pleasing to the eye–available in a variety of colors. Plus, Stokke offers a 7 year guarantee on all wooden components. If you’ve ever tried to find a used Tripp Trapp for sale, you probably know that finding one is nearly impossible. Why? Because people hang on to a Tripp Trapp for years. People love Tripp Trapp chairs because they’re just so darn functional.

If you’re looking for the perfect high chair, you’ve found it! A must have for any hip mama.

Are you a Tripp Trapp fan?

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“Wow, exercise is so much fun!”  Those are the words my preschooler uttered when we finished a “run” around the block.  I couldn’t agree more, especially when exercise involves my children. 

As a mom of three, I know that finding time for myself during the day is a rare event–certainly too rare to steal time for a predictable exercise routine.  At least, so I thought until I realized that exercising with my children is entirely possible with a little planning and the right equipment.  For me, planning includes integrating a walk or run into ”afternoon outside playtime”–and setting aside appropriate fitness clothing sometime during the day, so I have fewer excuses to get moving.  Equipment includes good walking/running shoes, but most importantly the double jogging stroller.  I pack my two youngest into the stroller–who usually fall into a deep sleep as soon as I get going–and my preschooler walks or jogs alongside me.

While I know my preschooler gets the bulk of her enjoyment from the energy release of moving about, we add more fun to our exercise activities by engaging in fun conversation (think, “I Spy” games on the run) and learning activities (like shouting out directions, “left” or “right,” and steering the stroller together in the direction called).  My enjoyment comes from knowing that I’m doing something good for “me” (yeah!) and for my children, while spending quality time with them.  Thanks to my children, I’ve learned that exercise really can be so much fun!

Expectant and new parents have a lot to think about–beyond booties, diapers, and nursery gear.  Like naming the baby. 

For some, selecting a baby name is seemingly simple.  Others agonize for months.  There are plenty of tales about ”nameless” babies, and stories about parents not being able to leave the hospital with their new bundle of joy until they selected a name.

According to recent findings, when it comes to baby naming, baby-name remorse is not uncommon.  Even parents who spend a significant amount of time researching or thinking about baby names can come to experience name doubt.

Have you experienced baby-name regret, or are you worried about baby-name remorse?  How did you deal with the situation?

Christmas Eve is upon us.  If your day entails last-minute Christmas shopping, e-cards (or e-certificates) make perfect gifts.  E-cards get high marks for convenience, too–instead of dealing with traffic today, sit back and relax in front of your computer, and discover the easy way to check off those final names on your gift giving list.

It wasn’t until sometime after my second child was born that it dawned on me that children love textures, especially rubbing their fingers against soft, silky, or smooth fabrics.  Initially, I thought my kids’ interest in playing with certain fabrics was unique.  But, then I discovered plush toys with attached mini blankets and products similar to “Taggies,” Cuddle Cover Blankets, and HubbaCub Security Blankets on the market.  These products are specifically designed to offer infant and toddler tactile comfort–think cozy and chic security blankets!

Security blankets make great gifts for young children.  Perfect for the baby-to-be, infant, or toddler.  Besides providing companionship and calming fussy children, security blanket products are typically designed to retain “mom’s scent”–giving children added comfort when mom is away.

When I stumble across my kids’ security blankets, I have such beautiful memories of them snuggling with their blankets.  Security blankets are the ultimate keepsakes–the rare treasures that I plan to hold onto forever–at least until my children have children of their own.

Does your child have a security blanket?  If so, do you think it has positively impacted your child’s development?

Today while stuck in traffic, I noticed that the vehicle in front of me had a license plate that read “Elf” followed by a number.  I couldn’t help but chuckle.  Could this have been one of Santa’s elves, perhaps running errands on Santa’s behalf? 

I’ve been feeling a little Elf-ish lately, particularly as I put the finishing touches on my gift giving.  I’ve done so much wrapping lately that I just dread the idea of wrapping any more gifts.  At this point, should I have forgotten anyone on my list, e-gift cards are the only gifts I’m willing to give (and, it’s not too late to give them)!  Thankfully, though, my kids are old enough now to help out with gift wrapping–and boy, do they ever to want to help out!  Little fingers are great for holding pre-cut pieces of tape.  They also are great for holding ribbon before the final tie!  When they help me out, I really feel like we’re our own team of elves. Obviously, if I were to wrap gifts alone, I’d be much more efficient, but there’s no substitute for that elf-ish laughter and silliness.

Not all parents enjoy having their little ones around when they wrap gifts.  Do you mind wrapping presents with your little ones?

Kids in tow, I decided to make a quick stop to pick up a gift card at a local shop for someone on my holiday list. 

Here’s how I envisioned the stop:  unload kids from minivan, zip into the store, ask for gift card, plunk down payment, zip out of store, buckle kids back into their car seats.  Oh, then, the best part:  the sigh of relief!  Shopping completed for another person on my list.

I didn’t plan for one thing.  I didn’t even anticipate it.  Bad customer service.  The clerk seemed completely annoyed that I wanted a gift card.  In fact, he came as close to saying it, without actually saying it.  It’s not like he was busy helping out other customers either.  He was just standing behind the register when I walked into the store.  And, it’s not like gift cards are an unusual request.  In fact, the counter featured a huge display of cards just waiting to be purchased.

Even though I wasn’t in the store for much longer than I had originally so brilliantly planned, I didn’t expect that I would spend much of the afternoon fuming about the experience.  I thought by the time I was back in the minivan the shopping experience would have been completed.

My solution:  I called the store and spoke with the manager.  The manager seemed truly appreciative that I took the time to call about my experience.  He apologized profusely.  He promised to attend to the problem promptly–I took that to mean talking with the employee.  He asked me to see him next time I come into the store.  He thanked me again for taking the time to call, and he thanked me for my patronage.

A happy ending to my shopping experience emerged.  A happier customer.  Shopping experience completed.

Do you have a tale of customer service survival this holiday season?  Do you have a strategy for dealing with poor customer service, especially when your kids are in tow?  If so, leave a comment and tell me all about it. 

It’s easy to forget that finding happiness during the holiday season isn’t equally easy for everyone.  There are lots of people who spend the holidays alone, or feeling lonely.  This includes many single parents–both those spending time with their children and those apart from their children during the holidays.  

If you’re a single parent, consider checking out Jennifer Wolf’s About.com site for Single Parents–of course, after you finish checking out all of the goodies here! 

You’re bound to pick up a few tips on coping with single parent holiday blues.  Here’s a spiced-up rehash of Woolf’s single parent holiday suggestions:

1.  Single parents should acknowledge their feelings of loneliness.  Societal expectations can be tough on single parents, especially when it comes to exhibiting holiday enthusiasm.

2.  Don’t forget about the holiday traditions that are important to you.  Tweak the traditions, if you must, but do what you love this holiday.

3. Be adventurous.  Try something new this holiday as a way of “validating your own identity.”  Hey, this might mean planning special holiday crafts or activities with the kids, like making holiday greeting cards to send to family and friends–all you need is paper and an assortment of art accessories, like markers and crayons (My all-in-one top pick: the Alex Art Studio).

4.  Give to others.  Giving to others, like volunteering during the holidays or donating food or toys to the needy, can help you see beyond your own situation.

5.  Remember you.  This might mean something as simple as getting more sleep during the holidays or coming up with ways to eliminate some of the holiday shopping madness, by completing your shopping online.