meta-dad

Big Words for Little People

Big Words for Little People is the eighth book in over ten years by author (and Hollywood star) Jamie Lee Curtis and Artist Extraordinaire Laura Cornell. It not only introduces some important words to kids but brings up important family stuff like, “privacy”, “cooperation”, and “patience.” My wife and I quickly found that the book spurred some interesting and candid conversations with our four year old about what is “possible” and “impossible.” What more could you ask for from a childrens book?

Both the illustrations and the writing get equal billing, Laura matches Jamie’s writing beat for beat with clever and irreverent illustrations that characterize big words like “perseverance” and “inconsiderate.” My current favorite is the spread for “consequence”, where a gum-stained little girl has to stay in her bleak colorless classroom (for blowing bubbles in class) while the rest of the kids enjoy recess in the color drenched playground.

This little literary voyage takes place with a mixed/blended family which will inevitably elicit some big questions from the kids (adopted siblings, foster kids, etc.), which is good and important. This details is one of many in this layered book that will entertain both the kids and the parents many times over.

Other Books by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell:
Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day
I’m Gonna Like Me : Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem
It’s Hard to Be Five : Learning How to Work My Control
Is There Really a Human Race?

Green Birth e-Announcements

For those of us sensitive to paper waste, this may be a nice option when your precious one is born and you are looking for a “greener” way to announce the baby’s birth to the family and friends.

The fine folks at BabyMomento have created a number of animated (Flash) birth announcements designs to choose from. You simply choose the design you want to use, send them the photos you want included in the announcement, once you approve the finished product (and pay them, of course), you announcement is published, pretty cool.

(Between $25-35 bucks @ BabyMomento)

Daddy Tactical Diaper Bag

Before our oldest son was born, my wife and I took a bunch of classes and workshops. Classes about caring for the baby, feeding the baby and of course giving birth. One of the few things I remember from that blur in my life was one instructor (I don’t remember which) saying to the moms’-to-be in the room (about the fathers), “please remember that the dad’s aren’t going to parent the same way as you, and that okay. It doesn’t mean they’re doing it wrong, just different.” That’s right.

This can be summed up by the different ways my wife and I separately pack for a day out with the kids. I grab a handful of diapers and jam them into my back pocket, throw some snacks and water into my other pocket, scoop up the tikes and drive off, whereas my wife packs much more thoroughly (coloring books, ointments, wipes, et al.).

Inevitably, an hour later I have my wife’s Kate Spade diaper bag under my arm rushing the boys into some restroom - sure things could be a lot worse but, why not have my own “man-style” equipment bag for the tikes.

Enter the 5.11 Tactical Bags. Nothing is more macho than fashioning a Dad Bag from a tactical shop. Seriously. I have the Tactical Bail Bag earmarked as my next Dad’s Everything Bag for my trunk.

(Via 511 Tactical Outdoors)

And Now For A Moment of Zen…

May the force be with you, lil’ guy!

Does your little one have a little of the dark side in him/her? Costume includes a character headpiece with a detachable cape and under leg snap closure (onesie-style).This cute little number is made of a plush, thick, soft fleece fabric for comfort and warmth.

$27 (+ shipping) @ BuyCostumes.Com

Dwell Stroller Blankets

The Dwell Baby stroller blankets are of generous proportions, measuring in at 30″ x 40″, with a Dwell Baby pattern on one side and a plush velor reverse surrounded with a contrast pipe. Use it in the stroller when it gets chilly, or at home as wonderfully soft receiving blanket.

Hey Moms and Dads, these are also fantastic for swaddling the little one. My wife and I use these many times a day.

Patterns available: cowgirl, cowboy, garden and transportation.

($40 bucks @ FlyingPeas.Com)

French Bull Kidware @ Cocoa Crayon

Now you finally have a great excuse to toss away all those Elmo, Barbie and Blue’s Clues plastic plates that have been getting on your nerves anyway.

French Bull by Jackie Shapiro is simply the coolest melamine tableware for kids and grown-ups alike. It’s high heat and dishwasher safe, light weight, durable and won’t fade, discolor or chip. It’s also great indoors and out.

Kid’s Set’s $22 bucks @ CocoaCrayon.Com