I'm Nearly 3!

I was so lucky to get back to Australia recently on a work trip and get to spend a little bit of time catching up with family. I was so excited about seeing my 2-year old nephew Jude!

I went to my brother Julian's house and as his wife Davina and Jude arrived back from getting some groceries I went up to the car and our conversation went something like

Tracey: Hi Jude
Jude: Hi Tracey (I was so happy he remembered me from 6 months before)
Tracey: I can't believe how much you have grown
Jude: (indignant look on face followed by a sigh) Well I'm almost 3!!!! (walks past me with hands on hips)
Julian: Jude give your aunty a hug.
Jude: (looks at me and decides) Oh.. Ok. (Hug is given though not sure I am forgiven for thinking he is a little 2-year old)

It was a nice reminder for me that children even as young 2 (or as old as nearly 3) have their own mind set on their place in the world. Jude and I had a lot of fun - he beat me on Wii Bowling, I read him about 18 books in a row until my brother rescued me from the marathon session I had unknowingly committed to, we shared some cheese and mostly I did what I was told!

It really motivated me to think about what children in those early years are seeing, feeling and thinking and to look at new products in terms of how a child can be inspired by them. Our Oobi Baby line falls beautifully into that category as do the FLATOUTbears which are still my 'nearly 3-year old' nephews favorite lovies. Our new season will hopefully not only attract the eyes of mums and dads but also the decision makers (yes the nearly 3-year-olds who are picking what they want to wear!)

Sunny Side Up - Little Hats

I don't think anyone would argue that there is anything cuter than a toddler running around in the backyard during summer under the sprinkler in their swimsuit/underwear/diaper/bare butt! That joyous laughter and love of something so simple is just precious.

But nothing is worse that sunburn on that perfect skin either - so with summer approaching its time to be armed with the sunscreen and the perfect summer hat for your little one's. In Australia we have a song that I remember from when I was a little girl that they still use today "SLIP SLOP SLAP"

It went something like this:

Slip, slop, slap

SLIP on a shirt
SLOP on sunscreen and
SLAP on a hat

Slip, slop, slap
In the midday summer sun

Slip, slop slap!

I am sure my Aussie compatriots and reading this and have the tunes in their heads as they read those words.

I was so excited when Oobi Baby bought out an adorable range of hats for this summer. They have full brims and a toggle cord which fits under the chin to keep the hat on as they run around and play. Best of all - they are a sturdy cotton and you can throw them in the wash.


So protect those perfect little faces. Available at wonderful children's boutiques across the country including www.cute-ture.com

Daddy's Little Girl

In a much better version of the reality show ‘Trading Spouses’ my mother and I have traded husbands for a few weeks. My dad is in Los Angeles visiting while my husband is staying with my mother in Australia for his acting career and I feel so spoiled because I get my daddy all to myself!!!

Every day I leave home for work after a run to Home Depot, so that we can get materials for my father who is working on our home renovations during the day. Then later he helps me pack orders and figure out what we need to the do the next day. How brilliant is that.

So in dedication to my dad, I have been searching for the perfect item for my father (even thought its Mothers Day this weekend) and this is what I have found.

Dad Appreciation Cookie Bouquets! After a big day in the yard and then the warehouse I think my dad would love these themed cookies. The slogans are perfect “Hard Working Dad” and “Cool Dad Zone” and they are baked fresh every day.

http://www.cookiesbydesign.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=B193

The Dick Hoyt story is another reason to love dads. Knowing my father, I have no doubt that he would do the same for my brothers and I so I seriously think a story like this is worth taking the time to read.

http://cjcphoto.com/can/

Finally – for new dads, there is now enough great stuff out there that you can still look like a man while taking your child out in public – you don’t have to push the stroller with a floral diaper bag and pink bottle. Companies like Diaper Dude are making cool stuff and changing an industry that needed some fresh approaches to product.

Diaper Dude

Dad – thanks so much. I love you.