Das ist Gut!

The other day I got a teething ring for Xiao Mei because she is constantly gnawing on her hands, blankets, clothes, etc. It was one of those plastic ones available in the grocery store. When I took it out of the packaging it smelled like chemicals. I washed it in hot soapy water but it still smelled chemical-y, so I tossed it. Then I remembered the vow I made before I was a mom: “I will never give my kid plastic toys.” Uh….ahem. I’m only four months into motherhood, and XM’s nursery is littered with plastic rattles, rings, teethers, and toys. She loves them. My problem with plastic toys: they are usually made in China (by kids for kids!) where US safety standards are often ignored (as demonstrated by the numerous toy recalls last year). Also, the softer plastic can break down in saliva so your baby ingests toxins. While I probably won’t throw away all her plastic toys, I have committed myself to be a bit more selective when it comes to the toys I allow XM to play with and chew on.

With my new non-toxic attitude, I schlepped XM down town to Finnegan’s. I heard that was the best place to buy toys in Portland. Finnegan’s has great toys and games for older kids, but I was sorely disappointed in their selection for babies. I looked long and hard to find any wooden toys for babies, and I could only locate two things: a grasping toy and a wooden ring. The grasping toy was made in China, but the label said it used saliva-safe paint, so I bought it. The wooden ring was made in the USA, so I got that as well. Even with my new purchases, I wasn't very happy.

When I got home, I remembered a blog post I read months ago. It is all about safe toys and dangerous toys, and it links to several online retailers that sell handcrafted and European made toys. It was so much fun to visit the sites because the toys are beautiful, fun, and not made in China or with plastic that will break down. Hooray for strict European safety standards!!!

I ordered XM an Albinella bell rattle with a non-toxic finish, a Girali ring grasping toy, and HABA discovery blocks for when she is a little older. They arrived in the mail today, and I am so happy to have them. Gnaw away, little one!

Five things I'll never say (Yang)

I'll bite. Here are the five things you'll never hear me say.

1. Wow, those onions are really tasty.

2. Yes Mr. Jiffy Lube, I'd love it if you'd change my engine belts and radiator cap.

3. I'm looking forward to next week's depositions.

4. I did that perfectly.

5. I need directions.

5 things you'll never hear me say

1. Oh, XM, quit sleeping so long.

2. The pounds just melt away without any effort.

3. Feel free to move your party into the street--I won't hear a thing. What? It's 3 am? I hadn't noticed.

4. I don't want any ice cream right now.

5. Yang needs a bit more ambition.

You?

Mover and a Shaker

Xiao Mei is growing up way too quickly! Every day she learns how to do something new or sees something interesting for the first time. Yesterday she discovered her toes. Oh, the joy. Today she has been working on getting her toes into her mouth, and it’s quite the challenge. I take her socks off when I change her diaper so she can work on grabbing those squirmy toes and pulling them into her mouth.

XM is definitely a mover. Yang and I realized this almost two months ago when we discovered how much she liked to lie on her back and kick her legs. She still loves to kick, but now she has added rolling, twisting, turning, and standing up with our assistance to her activities. I set up the bouncy chair a few days ago to see if she was ready to bounce. I think she is still too little because her feet don’t reach the ground.

Here is a picture of her in her blessing gown (only two months after her blessing).