Kiddobeans

Knut, Knut, He's a Little Polar Bear

A few weeks ago, CNN.com had a video of a new little baby polar bear sleeping, and the kiddobeans loved it.  That made me think...wasn't there some world-famous polar bear named Knut out there in Europe? I bet there are youtube videos of this baby polar bear just waiting to be viewed by obsessive toddlers.  And I was right!  There are about a hundred.  So just for fun I'm posting a link to the kids favorite Knut video.  They particularly like the song, and try desperately to sing along.  In German.  You don't know fun until you hear a two-year-old trying to sing about a polar bear in German.  Those are good times.  If anyone out there actually speaks German (little brother, this means you!), I'd love a rough translation in the "comment" section.  As of right now, I just teach the kids to sing "Knut, Knut, he's a little polar bear" over and over and over to the tune of the song.  With time, I bet I could do better.  Show this one to your toddlers, and enjoy!

New Sock Day

Phil and his brother created a special holiday when they were kids.  They declared that any day on which you wore brand new socks was a special, lucky day--New Sock Day.  I have personally seen Phil eek out one package of new socks for weeks, refusing to unpack it and risk having the socks messed up in his drawer, thus jeopardizing the impact of New Sock Day. 

Apparently, Phil is not the only one to carry on the tradition.  His brother, Dan, also faithfully celebrates New Sock Day.  He and his wife even shared the wealth with us when Little Man was born.  Their baby gift consisted of tiny newborn boy socks for Little Man, 6-12m butterfly socks for Little Miss, comfy sweat socks for me, and plain white athletic socks for Phil.  They wanted to send the whole family off on the "right foot" with a New Sock Day.

After seven years of marriage, I have come to appreciate New Sock Day myself.  Those new socks are so soft and comfortable, it just sets your day right.  After a particularly hard toddler day today (no napping for Little Miss!) I found myself wanting a little pick-me-up, so while buying milk, bread, and pull-ups at Target I bought a $3 pair of soft, bright, argyle socks.  Now I'm sure to have a great day tomorrow, and it made me feel much better today!  It occurred to me that New Sock Day would be a great celebration for most new Moms and Dads.  Rough days are pretty frequent for those of us with 24/7 childcare jobs, and budgets are usually tight.  I can't buy a new outfit or have an expensive dinner out for every tough time, but a $3 pair of socks works pretty much as well--and it's fat free with zero calories!

So goodnight, and Happy New Sock Day Eve!  My new socks will be providing happiness with each step come tomorrow morning.

I Majored in Trivial Pursuit

As an undergrad, I had a double major in History and Philosophy and a minor in English Lit.  Basically, I have a double major and a minor in Useless Trivia, but, that's ok, because I love useless trivia.  Now, I am not the most talented trivia-phile that I know--that distinction would have to fall with my darling Mom--but I can hold my own, and I love searching the corners of my mind for those ridiculous little facts that find a way to stay put while my new ATM PIN slips away oh so easily.  Well, through an adoption blog (www.adoptionteatime.org) which featured a daily trivia quiz, I found the queen mother of useless trivia websites.  And guess what, I can now bring that same fun to you on this site!  So enjoy!  Check out the trivia link to the right and see how you match up.  Quizzes change daily!