Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Buggy Hook

Think King Mighty Buggy Hook for Stroller, Wheelchair, Rollator, Walker, 2 Pack
The buggy hook is ideal for one handle across strollers.  It's easy to drape things when there are 2 handles, but 1 bar across handles make it difficult.  I used to drape my bag over the handle (my stroller is 1 bar across), except depending on the bag it wouldn't fit or it would slip off.  These hooks are really sturdy and in addition to holding a diaper bag can hold a Nalgene water bottle or a jacket.  Just be careful when the kid gets out of the stroller, as lots of strollers will topple backwards.    

Monday, October 11, 2010

Bay Area Photographer Recommendation

Although we don't live in San Francisco, we love Rebecca Hutchins.  She has incredible energy and has a fantastic way with kids.  We met Rebeccca a few years ago at my brother-in-law's wedding.  She was fun, natural and the wedding photos came out beautiful.  http://www.rahphoto.com/

About a month ago, Rebecca traveled to the midwest to do a shoot of trailer parks in Indiana, and to help fund her trip my sister-in-law (not the one whose wedding Rebecca photographed) graciously arranged for two days of photographing families in the Chicago area.  Despite Henry's foul mood that day, the pictures came out perfect!  She somehow captured the 3 smiles he gave the entire day.  Plus, despite her crazy work and travel schedule, Rebecca got the photos up on her blog in a couple weeks, and sent us the DVD within a month!  She's the best!  Thanks Rebecca!  We hope you come back to see us again soon!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Oh Weally? Go Pack Go!

Our little copy cat gives us highlights all in one reel.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

What to do with Baby/Toddler in Chicago: The Apple Holler - Kenosha, WI


A few weeks ago we visited the Apple Holler in Kenosha, WI.  It's about an hour north of Chicago and provides loads of fall fun including apple picking, goat petting/feeding, jungle gyms, a tractor ride through the enchanted forest (beautiful old trees with cut out characters tucked away in the branches), a train ride, make your own candied apples, etc.  Of course there are downsides.  The place is right off the highway and unbelievably expensive - taking full advantage of the city people looking for a quick fall getaway.  It was $40 for a bag to pick apples, which also included a ride through the enchanted forest and the Kids' Corral.

Henry had loads of fun running through the corn maze.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Bed Head


Henry gets the BEST bed head.  Unfortunately his blonde hair makes it difficult to photograph, but I think you get the gist from these few.  Every morning and afternoon after his nap I get a new hairstyle.  Flock of Seagulls, Faux Hawk, Stick up hair ... I've seen it all.  The hair doesn't seem to bother him, so I let it stick up whichever way it chooses. He'll walk around an entire day with bed head unless he wipes food in his hair.  Yogurt seems to be the best natural hair gel.  

Sunday, October 3, 2010

What to do with a Toddler in Chicago: Kohl's Children's Museum


The Kohl's Children's Museum in Glenview is AWESOME.  There is an indoor and an outdoor component to the facility, and there is something for every kid.  Henry's favorite room is the car room with tall and curving car tracks.  There is a baby nursery complete with dolls, cribs, bottles, rockers, and a lullaby player. The museum also allows for pretend grocery shopping, pretend Potbelly sandwich making, a water room, a music room, and seasonal exhibits including camping and coming soon Curious George.  Although, it's best for kids over 1 year old, they have set side areas just for crawlers.

I love the outdoor habitat, which has a tall grass maze, jungle gyms, and tunnels (see above).  The museum employees are extremely helpful, and thankfully have little tolerance for delinquent caregivers.

The downsides:  it can get extremely crowded on days when schools and camps visit.  Things calm down when the older kids are in school; and caregivers think once they enter they can let the children run wild.  If you can tolerate a few selfish parents who spoil their kids (e.g. don't teach sharing) and a few delinquent caregivers who fail to watch the children, it is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon.      

NOTE:  Beware of the spinning chairs in the outdoor habitat.  Genius that I am jumped in a chair with Henry in my lap, and I couldn't figure out how to stop it!  The centripetal force trapped us in a constant spinning up and down motion.  To avoid barfing, I had to take a deep breath and jump out mid turn with Henry still in my lap!  He loved it of course.