A new ride

Freddie got a "bike." We opted for the Kettler Jumbo Tricycle. It came with a seat belt and has a larger seat so it seemed a better fit for a little guy. We also added a bell, a front basket, and a footrest. The footrest seemed to be a perfect way to keep his feet up since he can't reach the pedals but it doesn't seem to be working as it should. (Please do not even question whether or not Charlie has properly installed it. But if you do have any other ideas to get it to work better, please let me know!)

We considered the model that allows for the rear wheels to pivot for easier turning control for parents. This would be helpful for a heavier child, but I actually felt like this one had more control. I hope Freddie's pedaling before he's too heavy.


We opted for the bike now because some kid inevitably shows up at the playground on one every day and Freddie immediately heads over to check it out. He'll hover and wait for the owner get up but the instant he sees it's empty he hops on. Most kids freak out and have a meltdown when they see him near, touching, or on their bikes. Freddie's oblivious to the havoc he's causing as the parent restrains their nearly hysterical kid on the other side of the playground while insisting that they share.

I had thought we'd wait until Christmas for the bike but I figured I'd make life easier on all these bikers at the playground. I imagine we'll be having our own lessons in sharing real soon.


He looks like a fat man on a rascal scooter riding around. He waves to everyone as he lets on leg dangle off the side. He's also into ringing the bell and tossing everything into the front basket. I hope he loves it as much as I love seeing him on it!

Carrying the boy

I got a new baby carrier. I loved the BabyBjorn and definely got my moneys worth. Freddie just got to be too heavy and it was becoming uncomfortable for the both of us. The ERGObaby came recommended by a few friends and some even commented they liked it better than the Bjorn.


The weight of the baby is on your hips, where a Bjorn ditributes the baby's weight on your back. It does make carrying heavier loads and bigger babies easier. I've also heard it is better for the baby because the baby is in a natural sitting position.

I like it, but I don't like it better than the Bjorn though. The main reason for that is a baby cannot face forward in the ERGO the way they can in the Bjorn. Freddie likes to cuddle with me but he really, really liked being carried around while facing forward in the Bjorn.

I am yet to try out the hip and back carry. I cannot imagine getting him on my back by myself, but I've learned I am capable of amazing things these days.

Perfect for taking a walk to and being
fed chocolate milkshake from Creole Creamery!

I got the "sport" model because it has a bit larger waistband and should straps so I thought it'd fit Charlie better but it doesn't have the front pouch/pocket. I'm kinda wishing I had gone with the regular model so I could have the pocket to toss my phone and keys into.

I like having a baby carrier again. We've been on a few walks to the grocery, drugstore, and just around the neighborhood with it. It is just easier than the stroller sometimes and leaves my hands free to take the pooches along.

Even more reason to love Swedish Baby Gear

Love the BabyBjorn smock!!!

Freddie has entered the "I will feed myself with the spoon" phase and it gets pretty messy around here at mealtime. This little washable smock cinches nicely around the wrists and covers his lap...it makes clean up much easier.

It's a bit pricey at $25, and you'll want two to toss one in the wash and use the other, but it has been well worth it. Looking for one for the other messy eater in our house (and I'm not talking about me or the dogs!).

Swedish baby gear

Just looking at this photo you'd think this post would be all the reasons why I need a plastic high chair which can be hosed down after meals....which we certainly do because the Bug has taken to leaning forward in the sitter and is also quite intent on banging a spoon around in his mouth on his own during meals.

What a mess, right?

For all the new mamas and soon to be mamas who have been asking me about the "must have" baby items, pay close attention. I did not buy or register for one or two of every baby item out there. We were determined not to have a house overrun with baby stuff, especially baby stuff without much use or a purpose. While we did pretty well, we certainly have some things that have served us better than others.

We loved the cosleeper, highly recommend the cloth diapers, and the jog stroller is something we'll put lots of miles on. But our very favorite baby items are those made by BabyBjorn.

I have four BabyBjorn products: the baby carrier, the baby sitter balance, the travel crib, and the bibs.

Hands down, these are my four favorite baby gear items. I have loved using each one of these. They aren't cheap, but I wouldn't think twice about shelling out the cash all over again for these items.

Each product is simple and easy to use. The travel crib is amazingly easy to assemble and pack away. Really 30 seconds flat and it's up or it's put away. The sitter folds flat for storage and travel.

The Bjorn products all look good. They have sleek, modern designs that are not overly "baby". I wander the aisles of Babies R Us shaking my head looking at the choices of baby products with loud overdone baby themes. Tisk, Tisk.

Best thing: they all wash and they wash well. I wash our carrier every other week and it looks brand new. It shows very little wear from use or the washing machine.


That babysitter balance you see goes right through the wash and slides back onto the stand looking good as new. Really, good as new.

Freddie, Charlie, We're heading to Sweden! I need more Bjorn products. I also need to investigate if the Swedes live a sleek, simple, wash and wear lifestyle like their baby products.