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!)

Still FLATOUT in love

Just over two years ago, I saw the cutest teddy-bear ever. Working in the film office, one of my co-workers walked in with a FLATOUTbear and asked if it was something I think celebrities may like. Well forget the celebrities - for me it was love at first site.

Not much later, I was back in Australia for work and had dinner with Prue and Sarah (the most delightful sisters behind the FLATOUTbear) and I liked them almost as much as the FLATOUTbear. Hence the launch of Cute-ture. This was our first product and now with so much more in our stores that I adore, I am still as in love with this adorable teddy as on that first sighting.

In fact, a Milk FLATOUTbear has just made his way onto our bed. I am not really one to have teddy-bears on my bed, but in our new house, with so much going on, and feeling a little overwhelmed with life and very tired, it was the bear (named Lindor) who I chose to add to our bedroom for secret little cuddles between renovations....

Today I went back onto the FLATOUTbear website and was so excited to find my nephew Jude featured! Check out the link on the title and look for Jude and his bear Roadie.