Zombie Apocalypse and Pixie Dust - A 2 week Disneymoon (PTR link 11/14)

[inkedupmomma]

You probably missed the updates because you are busy planning a wedding and watching your kids grow up.
I mean, there is that.....
For your kid free day, just think about what you really want to do and/or things that you can't do with the kids. Whether it's doing thrills rides over and over again, taking a stroll around World Showcase and exploring the countries, doing your favorite attractions just the two of you, or something else. Whatever you choose, I'm sure it'll be special and great.

Bobs only request was that I DRINK on our kid free day. I hardly ever drink, and he really wants us to drink around world showcase! So thats happening! I also anticipate being able to go on more as we won't have to stop as much.. I think that is what i am looking forward to most..although my kids are prett commando.. maybe we will end up slowing down??

either way, I am excited!

 

[ronnmel]

Bobs only request was that I DRINK on our kid free day. I hardly ever drink, and he really wants us to drink around world showcase! So thats happening! I also anticipate being able to go on more as we won't have to stop as much.. I think that is what i am looking forward to most..although my kids are prett commando.. maybe we will end up slowing down??

either way, I am excited!

LOL @ Bob wanting you to drink. Be sure to try one of the slushie at the France pavilion!

I'm excited for you guys! It'll be interested to see what you end up doing.

 

[ronnmel]

ADVICE NEEDED

To all my Dis friends who are parents, do you have any suggestions for good toys for a 6 months old? I have NO idea what to get for Peanut for Christmas. I don't want to go to Toys R Us and get distracted by the shiny packages and flashy toys only to be disappointed. What did you kids love playing with?

Thanks in advance!!

If you are nice and give me lots of ideas, I'll reward you with baby pictures. (nothing like a little bribery ) Here is one photo as a sign of good faith on my part.

 

[Tiggerrn2]

This is the stacking/ball dropping stage as I recall (though mine are 12 and 14 now and it's been a while). Fisher Price has a great website that guides you through stages and toys that are good for their development. But I remember DD had this velcro mat-it could either be made into a circle shape or an S-shape depending on how you stuck the velcro connectors together. Each section had different play items either sewed on the section (lift a flap type items) or toys that velcro'd on that crinkled, squeeked, or had a texture attached. It was a red mat with black and white toys attached. She loved it. Before she could crawl, we left it in the circle and she would reach and grab the soft toys off of it. As she could crawl, we turned it into the S shape so she had to crawl to the toys. It was a great item. Lasted a while, too.
But building blocks, Saucers for sitting in that have toys attached, and balls that you drop into a hole and watch them roll out are really big.

 

[shan23877]

Maddie was 10 months by her first Christmas, but we bought lots of the sit and pull up to toys, like the bouncy zebra, the walk behind lion, and the busy ball popper. The music made us crazy almost instantly but she loved them. Invest in some nice measuring cups for yourself and give her your old ones-wooden spoons too.

The stackers are always good rings and cups. And, it's a great time to start a tradition that she may not be old enough for yet. I've been buying Maddie the Holiday Barbie every year since she was born (and this year Disney's gotten into the action-there's a Special Edition Cinderella available too), and for my niece I've gotten her a charm for the bracelet I bought her when she was born on each of her birthdays.

Take the opportunity to buy clothes for Christmas since this year she'll be just as interested in the paper and bows as the gifts. This will likely be the year that your extended families go overboard buying for her too. People love buying baby things.

Getting caught up on the Disney now?!

 

[AvasMommy526]

I'm not sure if I've commented before but I've been lurking along on your TR
You have such a sweet baby, she is beautiful
My DD is 17 mths now (flys by) she was 7 mths last Christmas and totally understand how easy it is to get distracted by "pretty" packages she really liked the walker we got her. And this Dino ball popper (which was pretty ummm loud) but she loved it. I really think sometimes the simpler toys are better at that age, they're easier to use and not over stimulating. Blocks and the stacker rings are also a big hit (they still are now!) and I totally agre with Shan above, Ava loved the wrapping and bows! She also got a ridiculous amount of gifts from family/friends so it was an easier year for us
You're going to have so much fun! And btw love your trip report!

 

[ronnmel]

I want to say a big THANK YOU to the three of you have taken the time to answer my question. You really provided a lot of food for thought and several of the things you have mentioned are going to go on her Christmas wish list.

As promised, here is another baby picture.

Ok, how about two pictures, since you all wrote LOTS of things and not just one?

This is the stacking/ball dropping stage as I recall (though mine are 12 and 14 now and it's been a while). Fisher Price has a great website that guides you through stages and toys that are good for their development. But I remember DD had this velcro mat-it could either be made into a circle shape or an S-shape depending on how you stuck the velcro connectors together. Each section had different play items either sewed on the section (lift a flap type items) or toys that velcro'd on that crinkled, squeeked, or had a texture attached. It was a red mat with black and white toys attached. She loved it. Before she could crawl, we left it in the circle and she would reach and grab the soft toys off of it. As she could crawl, we turned it into the S shape so she had to crawl to the toys. It was a great item. Lasted a while, too.
But building blocks, Saucers for sitting in that have toys attached, and balls that you drop into a hole and watch them roll out are really big.

Thanks for the advice on the website. I looked into it, and it had some great advice.

That velcro mat sounds fun, but I doubt I'd find it nowadays, especially without the name for it.

I already have an exersaucer (pictured above). It's a WINNIE THE POOH!!! She loves it! She's so tiny that we have to put extra pillows around her, and several pieces of foam mat under it so her feet can touch the ground. I love watching her evolve, how she went from batting at everything *by mistake*, to touching stuff on purpose. She especially loves when music comes out of the little piano.

A thing that you drop balls and watch them roll is what I'm having the hardest time finding one I like. I'll keep looking.

Maddie was 10 months by her first Christmas, but we bought lots of the sit and pull up to toys, like the bouncy zebra, the walk behind lion, and the busy ball popper. The music made us crazy almost instantly but she loved them. Invest in some nice measuring cups for yourself and give her your old ones-wooden spoons too.

The stackers are always good rings and cups. And, it's a great time to start a tradition that she may not be old enough for yet. I've been buying Maddie the Holiday Barbie every year since she was born (and this year Disney's gotten into the action-there's a Special Edition Cinderella available too), and for my niece I've gotten her a charm for the bracelet I bought her when she was born on each of her birthdays.

Take the opportunity to buy clothes for Christmas since this year she'll be just as interested in the paper and bows as the gifts. This will likely be the year that your extended families go overboard buying for her too. People love buying baby things.

Getting caught up on the Disney now?!

I like the bouncy zebra, but from what I've read I think she may be still too small for it and would not be able to get on it by herself. She is so TINY, it might be a while before she could do that. I cannot make up my mind about the busy ball popper. I read lots of great reviews, but the main con is the loud noise. Since we live in an apartment, it concerns me. I think I'll leave it off the list for now, but I won't be sad if someone ends up buying it for her anyway. I wouldn't be surprise if they did, it looks so attractive!

LOL, I could probably go to the dollar store and get her a few kitchen items. Who knows, maybe she'll develop an interest in cooking. If she does, I'll gladly let her take over since my cooking skills are only very slightly above my sewing skills.

I've had so many people tell me about stacking rings and cups, those are FOR SURE going to make it here. I saw these super nice soft plush stacking rings, but they are quite expensive. I need to think with my brain and not my eyes, and remember that Peanut will be perfectly happy with cheap plastic rings.

Those Holiday Barbies do look very nice. I know for sure I want to start the tradition of giving her one Christmas ornament every year as that is what my mom did for us. I have not decided on any other traditions yet.

We had dinner with my family last night and the one thing I asked people NOT to buy for Claudia are clothes. Two of Ron's friends gave us boxes of hands me down, so she is set until she at least years 12 months, if not 2T. And given that I JUST finally put away the newborn clothes, that could be a while.

yes, finally got caught up on Disney. I only have a few updates left, which I'm sad about.

I'm not sure if I've commented before but I've been lurking along on your TR
You have such a sweet baby, she is beautiful
My DD is 17 mths now (flys by) she was 7 mths last Christmas and totally understand how easy it is to get distracted by "pretty" packages she really liked the walker we got her. And this Dino ball popper (which was pretty ummm loud) but she loved it. I really think sometimes the simpler toys are better at that age, they're easier to use and not over stimulating. Blocks and the stacker rings are also a big hit (they still are now!) and I totally agre with Shan above, Ava loved the wrapping and bows! She also got a ridiculous amount of gifts from family/friends so it was an easier year for us
You're going to have so much fun! And btw love your trip report!

I searched on the thread, and it is your first time commenting, so Thank you! My daughter lights up my day instantly with her smile.

I have spent all day looking at reviews for toys, trying to decide which one I like. Several that I loved at first just by looking, turned out to be not so great. But they look so nice! LOL

Just like I told Shan above about the Busy Ball Popper, I can't make up my mind about the Dino one. All those ball popper thingies look great and have great reviews, but I am so concerned about the noise. I worry that I'll never want her to play with it so that she doesn't bother the landlord. But I'm sure she'd love it. Don't know what to do! A friend told me about a place where you can rent toys for a few weeks, kinda like a library. Maybe I should check if they have one and *try it out* for a little while...

I'm actually making that list to give to my family, that's part of why I was asking everyone for advice. I have a friend who makes a photo album on Facebook of ideas for her daughter, and I've decided to do the same. Especially since I agree with you about the simpler toys, so I'm hopping they don't give too much big flashy things.

My cats adore when we have empty boxes lying around as well as tissue paper, and I don't doubt that babies like those as well.

I'm glad you are enjoying my TR. I love reliving my trip with all of you!

 

[jedijill]

The noise from the ball poppers really isn't that bad. I've lived in an apartment and that is something that shouldn't bleed through...its not like she is going to be playing with it at 3Am. My niece and nephew loved the one I got for them. Another hit with both of them was a musical table sort of like this one.

http://www.target.com/p/vtech-2-in-1-discovery-table/-/A-13650127#prodSlot=large_7_4

The one I found could be placed on the floor without legs and then the legs could be put on it once the baby could pull themselves up. Both my niece and nephew spent hours playing with this and it really helped them to have something that was elevated when they were learning to pull themselves up and stand. Yes, they make noise but again I don't think its enough to bleed through the walls of an apartment.

HTH

Jill in CO

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

My munchkin loved the little people toys around that age. And they just came out with some lovely princess sets. Peanut might be a bit too small yet, but it might worth while to have for the next year or so! You'll be amazed how much she's going to change!

 

[mickeystoontown]

It's been so long since I've had a little one that I can't give any recommendations but I can ooh and aah over those cuter than cute pictures. She is growing up so very quickly.

 

[ronnmel]

You know how I said I was trying to steer clear of pretty packages? Well I'm throwing all that out the window for one toy. A Disney Baby sing-along train that includes Dumbo, baby Simba, one dalmatian, and plays the melody of "I just can't wait to be king". She's getting that for xmas! Along with a few "classic toys", of course.

http://www.amazon.ca/Fisher-Price-X5144-Disney-Sing-Along-Choo/dp/B007HZ9S7C

The noise from the ball poppers really isn't that bad. I've lived in an apartment and that is something that shouldn't bleed through...its not like she is going to be playing with it at 3Am. My niece and nephew loved the one I got for them. Another hit with both of them was a musical table sort of like this one.

http://www.target.com/p/vtech-2-in-1-discovery-table/-/A-13650127#prodSlot=large_7_4

The one I found could be placed on the floor without legs and then the legs could be put on it once the baby could pull themselves up. Both my niece and nephew spent hours playing with this and it really helped them to have something that was elevated when they were learning to pull themselves up and stand. Yes, they make noise but again I don't think its enough to bleed through the walls of an apartment.

HTH

Jill in CO

You're right. The noise would probably be fine. At least for the neighbors, it might drive ME insane.

Right now I'm hesitating between one of those musical tables, or the new Vtech activity block, which has a musical side, as well as four more sides of "fun".

My munchkin loved the little people toys around that age. And they just came out with some lovely princess sets. Peanut might be a bit too small yet, but it might worth while to have for the next year or so! You'll be amazed how much she's going to change!

OMG! I want that Disney Princess Little People Castle!!! Errr, I mean, Peanut would love that castle. Yes, that's it, SHE wants it, not me. She is too small for it now, but I am so getting it for her birthday with a few extra sets of princesses. I'll keep those hidden, and give them to her randomly. Thank you so much for making me discover this awesome thing.

It's been so long since I've had a little one that I can't give any recommendations but I can ooh and aah over those cuter than cute pictures. She is growing up so very quickly.

Thank you! I disagree that she is growing quickly though, but I'm so happy that when I weighed her at the clinic tonight (she received her vaccination), she FINALLY broke the 10lbs!!!

 

[AvasMommy526]

Ahhhhh I love her pictures!! What a sweetie
They get big so fast, I tell my DD to stop growing but she doesn't listen to her dear mother
I have heard of the toy rental type places. I think it's a neat idea because we like to rotate toys. They get bored quickly so I try to change it up every couple weeks. I understand about the ball poppers, I'm the same way even though I doubt your landlord would be able to hear them, I know I would be concerned, just shows you are a good neighbor! She does have another ball popper at my moms that isn't as loud as the Dino one and she loves it! The activity tables are a lot fun and the one we got had removable legs so it can sit on the floor until they can stand! I also remember she liked this car steering wheel toy my dad got her, nothing fancy just some fun sounds and buttons and a wheel lol!
The Facebook idea is great, people ask me all the time what to get her and I can never remember things I have seen and I totally get it about the clothes! When you have a girl, you get soooooo many clothes
Oh and I love the Disney sing along train!! I want that at our house

http://www.amazon.com/Playskool-Exp...F8&qid=1351564859&sr=1-1&keywords=ball+popper

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-...0&sr=1-2&keywords=activity+table+for+toddlers

http://www.amazon.com/Vtech-Learn-a...1351564968&sr=1-3&keywords=steering+wheel+toy

 

[ronnmel]

Ahhhhh I love her pictures!! What a sweetie
They get big so fast, I tell my DD to stop growing but she doesn't listen to her dear mother
I have heard of the toy rental type places. I think it's a neat idea because we like to rotate toys. They get bored quickly so I try to change it up every couple weeks. I understand about the ball poppers, I'm the same way even though I doubt your landlord would be able to hear them, I know I would be concerned, just shows you are a good neighbor! She does have another ball popper at my moms that isn't as loud as the Dino one and she loves it! The activity tables are a lot fun and the one we got had removable legs so it can sit on the floor until they can stand! I also remember she liked this car steering wheel toy my dad got her, nothing fancy just some fun sounds and buttons and a wheel lol!
The Facebook idea is great, people ask me all the time what to get her and I can never remember things I have seen and I totally get it about the clothes! When you have a girl, you get soooooo many clothes
Oh and I love the Disney sing along train!! I want that at our house

http://www.amazon.com/Playskool-Exp...F8&qid=1351564859&sr=1-1&keywords=ball+popper

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-...0&sr=1-2&keywords=activity+table+for+toddlers

http://www.amazon.com/Vtech-Learn-a...1351564968&sr=1-3&keywords=steering+wheel+toy

If I read correctly the toy rental place is 20$ for the year, then you can rent as many toys as you want (not all at the same time, of course ). They have limited operating hours though.

The first two links are actually things I keep looking at, but can't make up my mind as to if I want them or not.

I found this. It's not a ball popper, but it does involve balls rolling around and has no motor. A friend who has it though says it's better for 1 year and older, so I'll probably wait for her birthday.

http://www.amazon.com/B-Whacky-Ball-Fuschia-Assorted/dp/B002YIRKQI

I *think* we have decided to give her the Disney train, some Fisher Price peek-a-blocks, shape sorting blocks, and maybe the v-tech activity cube.


http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=2979522

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Brilliant-Basics-Babys-Blocks/dp/B0089W1IGG

http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=12710202

You can totally steal the Facebook idea. I myself got it from a friend.

 

[AvasMommy526]

If I read correctly the toy rental place is 20$ for the year, then you can rent as many toys as you want (not all at the same time, of course ). They have limited operating hours though.

The first two links are actually things I keep looking at, but can't make up my mind as to if I want them or not.

I found this. It's not a ball popper, but it does involve balls rolling around and has no motor. A friend who has it though says it's better for 1 year and older, so I'll probably wait for her birthday.

http://www.amazon.com/B-Whacky-Ball-Fuschia-Assorted/dp/B002YIRKQI

I *think* we have decided to give her the Disney train, some Fisher Price peek-a-blocks, shape sorting blocks, and maybe the v-tech activity cube.


http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=2979522

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Brilliant-Basics-Babys-Blocks/dp/B0089W1IGG

http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=12710202

You can totally steal the Facebook idea. I myself got it from a friend.

I love those blocks! Adorable!
Ava has that block sorter and she loves it! It was amazing to me, watching her just play with it, then try to put the pieces in and now knowing right where they go! She also puts her toys in there and carries it around lol!
The activity cube is very cool, I like when toys have more than one aspect!
This was also something Ava got for her birthday and I was going to return it because I felt it was a little young for her (says 9mths) but I ending up bringing it on a camping trip as a "new" toy for her to play with and she loves it now!

http://www.amazon.com/VTech-80-0618...8&qid=1351618975&sr=8-1&keywords=Nursery+farm

Nothing fancy but she loves the songs and the animals, and it has 2 different volume levels!!

I've just started Christmas shopping and I'm having a hard time this year too! We've definitely decided on the Little People Disney Princess Castle and more Mega blocks! I can't believe it's only 7 weeks away!

 

[ronnmel]

I love those blocks! Adorable!
Ava has that block sorter and she loves it! It was amazing to me, watching her just play with it, then try to put the pieces in and now knowing right where they go! She also puts her toys in there and carries it around lol!
The activity cube is very cool, I like when toys have more than one aspect!
This was also something Ava got for her birthday and I was going to return it because I felt it was a little young for her (says 9mths) but I ending up bringing it on a camping trip as a "new" toy for her to play with and she loves it now!

http://www.amazon.com/VTech-80-0618...8&qid=1351618975&sr=8-1&keywords=Nursery+farm

Nothing fancy but she loves the songs and the animals, and it has 2 different volume levels!!

I've just started Christmas shopping and I'm having a hard time this year too! We've definitely decided on the Little People Disney Princess Castle and more Mega blocks! I can't believe it's only 7 weeks away!

Yeah, lots of my friends have that shape sorter for their kids and they all gave it rave reviews. Classic toys are awesome!

Let me know (PM me if I don't have a PTR or TR going) how your daughter likes that Little People Disney Princess Castle, if it's as good as it looks!

 

[AvasMommy526]

Yeah, lots of my friends have that shape sorter for their kids and they all gave it rave reviews. Classic toys are awesome!

Let me know (PM me if I don't have a PTR or TR going) how your daughter likes that Little People Disney Princess Castle, if it's as good as it looks!

Yes I definitely will!! I'm excited for it, they have the extra people you can buy like the seven dwarfs, so cute!
Do you have any plans for an upcoming trip?

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

Those blocks were a hit with our DS when he was little. I loved that each one was different - both in what was "inside" and the "texture" on some of the blocks.

 

[ronnmel]

Yes I definitely will!! I'm excited for it, they have the extra people you can buy like the seven dwarfs, so cute!
Do you have any plans for an upcoming trip?

The Little People Castle is on sale at Walmart and Toysrus!!! I'm thinking of buying it now and just keeping it hidden until her birthday... though part of me wants to wait until boxing day to see if it becomes on sale again...

Well, I booked a Little Mermaid room at AoA for January back in June because I was afraid they'd be sold out. I still have it booked, and I really really want to go. Unfortunately, we are having problem with the ex agreeing to let DD13 come with us (we need her permission to take DD out of the country), so who knows if the trip will actually happen. I'm not giving up hope though!

Those blocks were a hit with our DS when he was little. I loved that each one was different - both in what was "inside" and the "texture" on some of the blocks.

I found a couple of people selling used peek-a-blocks online, but they're not responding to my email. Fortunately, those blocks will be on sale at Toysrus starting tomorrow, so I can get it then. I'm glad to read your DS loved them.

 

[ronnmel]

Halloween!!!

Something exciting yet stressful is happening this weekend. We are having a BABY FREE NIGHT!!! My aunt has very generously offered to keep Peanut overnight on Saturday so Ron and I are free to do whatever we want! It's going to feel great to be able to do whatever we want, but I worry about how she (and my aunt) is going to handle it. And obviously I'm going to miss her!

I thought you might enjoy seeing what I dressed her up as for Halloween. Be prepared for some major cuteness!

Isn't she adorable as a mini Minnie? And I finally captured her smile on camera!



I'll try to post a Disney update tomorrow evening, if I'm not too busy packing up her stuff (so much to pack for just one night away!!).

 

[PhoenixStrength]

She is ADORABLE!!!!!

Have a fun baby-free night, and try not to worry about her too much!