the hippest kid

Critter Chino Shorts at Crewcuts

We are flamboyant dog people and proud to say it loud. I no longer make apologies for the pet hair on my clothes or in my house.

Jude had to quickly establish his place in the dog pecking order, since Sophie and Hailey were both part of our pack before he arrived. He has acclimated beautifully. In fact, when we pull into the driveway, he shrieks "Get those crazy dogs!" in anticipation of our joyous reunion.

He loves his furry sisters. Jude clamors for a bedtime story where the three of them travel the world, seeking adventure and I happily oblige.

These kitschy dog-embroidered shorts are a charming way for him to keep his friends close when he travels without them.

Available at J.Crew's kid site, Crewcuts.

52 Fun Things to do at the Beach

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Apparently, a trip to the beach can be way more fun than stinging jellyfish and sand in your face. In fact, there are "52 Fun Things to do at the Beach". Not 51, not 53.

52.

Available at Amazon.com.

Tot Tether at Baby Boutique

Last week, we were out shopping for Mike's 20 year class reunion attire. It was taking an ungodly amount of time for him to figure out which sport coat would make him look 18 again.

Jude, having inherited my hummingbird-like attention span, reached critical mass after about 30 minutes of Daddy's indecision. He decided it was time to hightail it for something more interesting than the men's fitting room.

Before I knew it, he was running down the bed and bath aisles, chucking a rainbow of towels behind him to keep me at bay. It was a modern day "Keystone Cops"moment. It was then that I realized that he had also inherited my once cat-like reflexes, because he was seriously outrunning me.

This episode has led me to reconsider a product I've often ridiculed: the kid leash. When I first started looking into these humiliating devices, I was sure they'd be great paired with a Freud t-shirt.

However, I was surprised to discover that the child restraint industry has evolved considerably. Witness this adorable "Tot Tether". It doubles as a backpack and even comes in various animal flavors!

Available at The Baby Boutique.

Old Skools by Vans

When you live in a college town, you are constantly reminded of how tragically un-hip you are by sheer virtue of being over 30.

That's why I love that the skater kicks of my youth are still considered cool. Apparently, so cool that they come in toddler sizes.

I'm pretty smitten with the red. I may be old, but I can still spot "kickass" without my bifocals.

Available at Vans.

Pirate Bandages at Archie McPhee

I think the reason that pirates went "Arghhhh" and made people walk the plank is that they didn't have mommies that kissed their boo-boos and dried their tears.

Would there have been fewer pirates on the high seas if these adorable pirate bandages had been around in the days of yore? Hard to say, but they may have dramatically reduced the number of peg legs.

Available at Archie McPhee.

Gucio Shoes by Toddler Treads

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Thanks to Teri at Giddy Giddy for this find... You're a peach!

These shoes are quirky-cute and handmade in Poland. I love that the designer has just one style that he is continously tweaking and perfecting. Baby feet do inspire a sort of desire for perfectionism, don't they?

As a side note: sorry for so many quick entries this week. In the spirit of blogging full disclosure, it has been tough to concentrate. Someone I highly admire went home after a long bout with cancer. Man, it's hard to be a smartass when you are sad.

Available at Toddler Treads.

Flip Flops by Small Paul

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These precious mini flip flops are perfect for your littlest monkey!

Available at Modern Seed.

Counting Ball Stacking Toy at Zebra Hall

I adore the bright and whimsical designs on this unusual toy. It teaches hand-eye coordination, counting skills and the ability to match. Perfect storm of features if you are training your tot to be a celebrity poker champion!

Available at Zebra Hall.

7th Generation Diapers at 1800 Diapers

I have a huge pet peeve. I don't like brands or labels on the products I buy. I think companies like Nike and Dolce & Gabbana should pay people to advertise for them. They are getting a total free ride on everyone's shoes, shirts, hats, etc. Scoundrels, all of them!

Given that point of reference, you can imagine how I feel about diapers with Elmo, Nemo, Dora and their ilk. I also simply cannot stand how you can see the characters show through their bloomers, shorts and onesies.

It's just ugly.

What? You were expecting me to rave on about how I don't want my precious little one to be a part of Corporate America's multi-channel co-branded advertising plot to take over the world? Well, I do suppose that bugs me too.

Our solution to curing baby butt ugliness has been to dig deep into our wallet every couple months and spring for the plain brown wrapper of the diaper world: Seventh Generation

What I love about them:

• No freeloading characters.
• No latex. I break out in hives on contact and suspect Jude inherited my sensitive skin. I'd rather not risk it on the ol' privates.
• No fragrance. Come on, let's face it, NO amount of baby powder perfume will mask the aroma of baby poop, so what is the point?
• Chlorine free. My extra-green hubby loves that we are not contributing to dioxin pollution.

What I don't love:

• They are not cheap.
• You cannot pull a "Raising Arizona" caper and steal them from the convenience store like Huggies.

To get around the price issue, 1800DIAPERS is a great source of discount diapers. We buy them online in bulk. The prices are fantastic and you can get them shipped for free.

Shameless self-interest plug: If you decide to buy from their site, please use my referral code, MEMX7065. You'll get a $2.00 discount off your order and I'll get a kickback toward more diapers.

Available at 1800DIAPERS.

Babar on HBO Family

Babar the Elephant is singlehandly responsible for my decision to take 4 years of French in high school. That is a hell of a lot of influence from a cartoon character with a penchant for green suits!

I have many fond memories of this intrepid French elephant. I even vowed that one day, I would name my children after his brood. I'm sure Jude will be grateful that I outgrew this cartoon love affair at age 12. I don't think he would have enjoyed the name "Pom" very much.

Nowadays, you can find the adventures of the elephant king in an animated series. Not as challenging as trying to read the books written in cursive, but still magnifique!

Find out more at HBO Family.