Optimist

Wout 2 weeks old

Today we have been celebrating 'Heiligenabend'.This is the day that presents are exchanged in Germany. Of course also Wout received a few presents and Jort was very happy with his Lego Duplo Bob the Builder set!

Baby Wout is born!

Probably most of you guessed already that something happened... Yes, Jort has a brother. His name is Wout Lucas Florian and he was born 2 weeks ago on Dec 8th. We are doing very well and Jort is very sweet with baby brother.

I have ordered these birth announcement cards at 4cards. I am very happy with the result and the service by Muriel is great. She makes her own designs and uses the work of some other Dutch designers. Our card is from the Jojojanneke series, like the mural decoration about which I wrote before.

Parents on the go

When Lesley from Weetravel sent me an email, I immediately had a look at her website. She runs a baby equipment rental company in Canada. A great concept for everyone who does not want to buy all gear.

She also has a blog  where you'll find great traveling products. Like this umbrella which you stick to your stroller or the Travelmate so your car seat can be wheeled around...

More baby room

I am very happy with my recent purchase: a great mural decoration which is a pouch as well. It is made by Jojojanneke. I have asked her to make this based on some pictures that I sent from the room. Now I am just waiting for my dad (who will come with my mom at the end of next week) to fix it to the wall. Dad, this is not the only project... take along your drill!

And we have bought the one and only Billy. Ikea is now selling a red version as well. I do not want to mention the hassle it was to take it home...

Knex construction toys

A friend told me about Knex construction toys and she told me her 4 -year-old son likes it a lot, although it requires completely different building skills then for example Lego. Maybe it is more for boys than for girls although they have many girl themes as well. Knex from Pennsylvania presents themselves as the most innovative and fastest growing construction toy company. Their sets start at the age of 3 but they also have complicated sets for 9 and older. Knex is sold in over 30 countries. Let me know if you have experience with this product, I would love to hear more about it!

Educational toys from Mudpuppy

My son is currently into puzzles, and therefore I came across Mudpuppy and found a great selection of not only puzzles but also flash cards and other educational games. They have all kinds of themes, some of them licensed from famous authors like Richard Scarry  and Eric Carle. Mudpuppy is part of Galison, originally known for its paper products made for museums. Customers from the US and Canada can order online. All others should send an email.