Creating the New Generation of Geeks, Nerds, & Dorks

My First Desk

OK, I'll admit it, I'm a Geek. I actually like learning new things and am a rather studious person in general. Soooo of course the idea of getting my Tiny Tootles a desk of her own in the next couple years is much more exciting for me than it would be (I think) for the average parent (or should be for any sane person for that matter).

Luckily Papa X is the same way, so when we went to IKEA for Baby Room's "luxury" decor and spotted an exact replica of a real desk but scaled down for little people, we both agreed then and there we would buy one when the time was right. No questions asked.

However, after giving it some more thought, maybe an EXACT replica of a REAL office desk wouldn't be as much fun as a desk truly made for little people, such as the one pictured above. Although the bright colors and star cut-outs would look rather strange on the umpteenth floor of Business Tower Central...it would probably be just perfect for Tootles sitting next to my own home office desk. I think it'll make her feel more like she has a place of her own to "work," just like she's seen Mommy X do. We all know children love to imitate, so I might as well go with it while she actually believes hanging out with her mom is "cool."

After all, the plan is 1) Get Her to Count and 2) Teach Her to Balance my Checkbook.

So, while the desk itself might shout "It's time to color your heart out!" Baby X will really be calculating her way to a bigger weekly allowance...(You know, switch a little number here...Add a decimal there...and Viola!) Good to learn these lessons early...

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Have a Great Idea, But Don't Know What To Do About It?

I've grown tired of having my own great product ideas and never doing anything with them because I don't have a clue about product development. I mentioned this to my mother a while back, and lo and behold last Christmas she gave me this book...Which of course I haven't had the time to read until now.

Wow, am I happy I did!!! This book is fantastic!

It's one of the most practical and easy to follow guides I've ever come across. It doesn't sugar-coat the process or make delusional promises of easy millions. But it does show you how to take your idea, research it, patent it if necessary, manufacture it, and finally market it nation wide. She gives guides about what to ask a lawyer, websites with the most useful and pertinent information, and general guidelines about what to watch out for so you don't get taken advantage of in the process.

The author, a mom herself, uses stories from her own life and those of other "Mom Inventors" to illustrate certain points, which makes for a very enjoyable read.

I think this book does a wonderful job of showing just how much effort really has to go into building a business and making your invention a reality. And believe me, it is work. But if you have an idea that is just too good to pass up, and you're willing to commit yourself and your time to developing that idea, then I highly recommend reading this book as a first step.

You'll feel much more confident, and it will give you all the starting points you need to begins your own invention process. AND it's not just for Moms. This step-by-step guide is useful for anyone who wants to manufacture anything. Seriously, check it out!


The Mom Inventors Handbook: How to Turn Your Great Idea into the Next Big Thing

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I Have Limits To!

Now I realize I'm not the cleanest Mom in the world. I live by the phrase:

"My House is Clean Enough to be Healthy, but Dirty Enough to be Happy."

Sure, I've been known to pick up a fallen toy, dust it off, and put it right back into Baby X's grubby little hands. Hey, I'm strengthening her immune system! Not everything has to be ultra-bleached, ultra-washed, and 100% germ free...But even I have limits. And my daughter found it yesterday.

As I was chatting with Father X over breakfast, Baby X was rolling around the kitchen in her walker. I had a momentary lapse of attention, and realized I needed to check on her when I didn't hear the usual screeching sounds that she's so brilliantly learned to make of late. So as I tilted back in my chair to discern just what was entertaining my daughter into this unusual bout of silence, I was horrified to realize that she'd maneuvered her little self over to the trash can, grabbed the part of the trash bag that folds over the side, and was very contentedly CHEWING on it.

EEEEWWWWW! YUUUUCK! EEEEEEWWWWW!

That's exactly what went through my mind. DISGUSTING!

I quickly took hold of the walker (she was only about 8 feet away!) and pulled her back toward me and AWAY from the trash can. Well, apparently she didn't understand why I'd just removed her from her brand new favorite toy, because she began to cry her eyes out for the remaining 20 minutes of breakfast time. Luckily that particular part of the trash can wasn't actually dirty yet.

Oh well, that was too bad for her. I was not about to let her chew herself into the trash no matter how happy it would make her! I mean seriously, even I have limits!!

My Moms Day Gift to You...SMILE!

Maybe now you remember why you had them in the first place!

Happy Mother's Day!!

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Ever Feed Baby in the Bumbo?

Bumbo Tray for Bumbo Baby Sitter High Chair Seat Cushions
MOM TIME: 3 Minutes - Easier Clean Up!
AGE: 3 Months - 1 Year
NECESSITY SCALE: Want It!

I know, the title sounds wrong doesn't it? (Or maybe it's just me who has a warped sense of humor! You're right, it's me...Anyway...) But really, do you ever feed your baby in the Bumbo chair? I know I've already mentioned this chair before because I love it sooo much. You can therefore imagine my excitement when I recently came across this smart attachment...a feeding tray! I guess a lot of other moms have discovered how much easier it is to feed their kids in this rather than a high chair.

I like the fact that I can just pop it on and off to clean, because as of now my daughter makes quite a mess all over the seat itself when I'm trying to feed her...cracker mush, baby food smears. I'm sure you know just what I mean.

So, here's the Bumbo answer to all that. Yey! It keeps their hands where you can see them, and is good for putting a toy or two on the tray for them to play with instead of constantly going after the food-filled spoon...Nice idea Bumbo People.

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Perfect for Small Rooms

Scandinavian Child Cariboo Classic Changing Table - Mahogany Changing Tables

MOM TIME: 0 - But May Help Your Sanity (A place for everything, and everything in its place!)
AGE: Birth and Up
NECESSITY SCALE: Need It!

BONUS: Can Be Used To Store Toys After Babies Are Potty-Trained

Hmmm, was someone not exactly planned? Not enough room in your apartment or house for a "real" nursery? Eh, it's a baby for goodness sakes! They don't need that many things, but having somewhere to change their stinky diapers is probably a good idea, for both the baby and your sanity.

That's why I'm particularly fond of this little table. Unlike most changing tables, which are great because you can organize everything into neat rows and drawers but take up a large section of any room, this compact changer is perfect to squeeze into a corner. Depending on your situation, it may even fit nicely in your bathroom...and if not, then your living room or bedroom as well.

I'm warning you, this model is on the pricey side! It's made of mahogany wood, is imported, and is considered very stylish. However, the idea is there, and you may be able to find something a bit cheaper if you scout around. Still, I love this piece anyway...and since it can be used for other things, it may be worth the investment.

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Start 'Em Young

My Quiet Book

MOM TIME: 5 Minutes - ? - How much does your child like to figure things out?
AGE: 2 - 5 Years
NECESSITY SCALE: Want It

This nifty little book could do the trick of entertaining your child if they like puzzles and other brain teaser activities. Do they know how to use a zipper? Can they buckle themselves in the car seat yet? If not then they might really like playing with this challenging book.

I assume that once they're adept at these complex skills they'll be bored out of their minds and go hunting for something else to try...Like figuring out how to turn on the stove, or how to make the dishwasher grow bubbles...Wonderful things you'll be proud of!

But until then you can pop this into their adorable hands and go do something constructive with yours.

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