Christmas Joy

We hope you had yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

More Press

For the other Cooper this time....

From Cycling News

We're Practically Famous

Check us out in the December issue of Baltimore magazine. It features some of the best independent artists right here in Baltimore. We're incredibly honored to be included in their 2008 Holiday Gift Guide!

This Sums it Up

I feel this picture captures our kids' personalities so well. You'll notice Jonah can't sit still and is jumping in the background. Meanwhile Ellie is in the foreground cuddling her lamby, whom has shared the bed with her since he arrived—four years ago.

I love that I can also see how distinct each of the kids are in this picture. And yet, I notice that they also seem content with each other. Ellie accepts Jonah bouncing on the bed (which I'm certain is causing her to bounce around). Meanwhile, Jonah has kindly given her just enough space so she can sit without him landing on top of her.

I'll try to remember this moment the next time I find them squabbling.

Save the Handmade!

Our friends over at Cool Mom Picks have created a resource page. If you're concerned about saving handmade toys (from Europe, Canada, South America and even here in Baltimore) please visit the site, educate yourself and even see what you can do to help. You'll find articles, late breaking news and resources like the Handmade Toy Alliance. It's important this law gets re-written. As a mom and a manufacturer, I believe in keeping lead out of toys! But as the law is written now, we lose more than we gain.

Down Under

Heading to Australia? Check out Dave's movie at the Adelaide Film Festival, then head over to MetroMum to purchase an Ellie Bellie Kids tutu.

Australia, the Coopers have arrived.

Disappearing Play

Here is an article I found from a link on Parentise. The article is titled Experts: Lack of playtime is hurting children. This very issue has been on my mind for years now. It is one of the reasons we created Ellie Bellie Kids—to encourage imaginative play & creativity. And it is also the motivation for developing Classic Play (our ezine) — to inspire parents by giving them ideas for games/activities kids can play together.

Experts will tell how important playing is to a kid. How important it is for us adults. But really, it's common sense isn't it? At least I thought it was. However, we see it disappearing from the landscape of American Education. Which is unfortunate. Now it is up to me to make sure my kids get as much play time as possible.

So as I sit here watching Ellie and Jonah playing play pin-the-tail on the donkey, I not only notice how adorable they are, I see that they are working out how to take turns, further strengthen their communication and are developing negotiation skills. And while they're learning all of this, there's a heck of a lot giggling in the room. That is bliss.

It's Finally Here!!

The new issue of Classic Play now available online. Happy reading!

Become a Fan

We've done it. We've finally set up a Facebook Fan page. Periodically I'll select random members to win free items! So sign up and let the games begin.

Happy December!

Just wanted to take a moment to say happy first day of December everyone! I hope you're able to find at least a few moments of joy amidst all this craziness.

A Favorite Picture

Dave and I stumbled across this picture taken last winter/very early spring. I love it for so many reasons, but one of my favorite things is that Ellie is holding her trusted and faithful companion Baby Bear. He's been a member of our family for six years now. I don't think I have ever loved another teddy bear more.

Happy Thanksgiving

If you're like me, you'll start with the Thanksgiving parade, move on to a feast with the inlaws, have dessert with your side of the family and then finish with a nice glass of bubbly in celebration of making it through a whirlwind of a day.

Best wishes from our family to yours. Happy Thanksgiving!

From Moms With Love

I wanted to share this group of designers (who also happen to be moms) with you. They are an amazingly talented bunch of ladies, many of whom I am lucky enough to call friends.

During these economically challenging times it's important to buy for quality and not quantity. Not only are you getting a better product (that's made with love by people who are truly inspired by motherhood and children) that will last for years to come, you're supporting our national economy. So without further prelude I give you some of the best places to shop this holiday season. Enjoy!

Happy Turkey Day

Today is Ellie's last day of school before the holiday break. Since I caved and let her actually BUY a school lunch yesterday (which consisted of a pretzel, apple juice, chocolate milk and a cupcake someone brought in for a birthday) I felt compelled to compete. So I made her this turkey sunflower seed butter and jelly sandwich (Ellie embellished it with the blueberry flower). She was rather excited when she saw it.


**A special thank you to Vegan Lunchbox for the inspiration for countless lunchboxes across the world (not just ours)!**

Note: while we're not vegan or even vegetarian I am inspired by the fantastic creativity on Jennifer McCann's site and I am sure you will be as well!

American Education Week

This week parents all across the nation are being invited into their children's classrooms to see what their kids do when they're at school.

Unfortunately for us, both kids' open houses were held on the exact same day at the exact same time. Since I volunteer in Ellie's class every Wednesday, I thought it would be a good idea to see Jonah in action.

One of the parents was kind enough to bring along their camera and snapped pictures for everyone (wasn't that sweet?!).

Here is a picture of what Jonah does the majority of the time he's at school:


Painting:


And here is a shot of Dave and me. Not sure what we're discussing but I do notice now after looking at it that we were color coordinated that day. That was not intentional.

Cue Single Tear

Oh my little blog. My sweet, sweet little blog. I've never know much what to do with you. Often you serve as a corkboard where I hang pictures for our family and friends of the kids. Sometimes I try to use you as a platform to discuss our businesses. And I've even been known to use you to illustrate exactly what it is like to be married to Dave.

I fear you have become a hodgepodge of things. Not clearly defined and infrequently updated. If you were real, I'd bring you some flowers to make up for my neglect.

But remember, even though I may pal around with Facebook, I'll always come back home. Well for now anyway. I'm pretty fickle.

As American as....

Free Starbucks: Starbucks locations nation-wide will be giving out free cups of regular coffee when you flash your I Voted sticker.

Free Donuts: Krispy Kreme made star-shaped Election Day donuts for each customer sporting an I Voted sticker.

Free Ice Cream: Free scoop of Ben & Jerry's ice cream between 5 and 8 tonight. What says democracy better than a free scoop of Cherry Garcia?

So get out there and get your Vote on!

Costumes

This year we celebrated Halloween by hosting a little pre-trick-or-treating party. You can't trick-or-treat on an empty stomach now can you? After our meal the kids all congregated to the porch for some costume watching and pictures. And now I give you....

Dinoco Blue Lightning McQueen

Our version of Silvermist (an asymmetrical off the shoulder dress just wasn't practical for a chilly Halloween night)

The trick-or-treat crew

Cut Ups

Dave and I have been working on the next issue of Classic Play. Can you believe it's been a YEAR since the last issue came out. We've actually been working on this next issue here and there since May. But you know what? We're feeling pretty good about the wait and hopefully our fans will forgive us for the long delay.

In any event, here is a sneak peek from our Cut Ups feature where kids are the paper dolls and they are allowed to unleash their inner Project Runway contestant. I can't tell you how much fun we had with these! It truly was one of my favorite projects I've done with the kids yet. For more pictures from our shoot click here and here.

Tagging

It's FINALLY HAPPENED! I've been tagged. By whom? Well by none other than Tania of Julian & Co fame (I just love her stuff don't you?!). Now I must admit, I'm a tagging novice. I mean I've read about it but I've never actually done it.

So the rules are these:
1. To link the tagger and provide the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.

Drum roll please.....

And now I give you 7 facts (1 of which is untrue just 'cause I want to keep it interesting) about me:

1. My second toe is longer than the others.
2. I rarely, if ever, follow recipes unless it's for baking. Because while I like living on the edge with my meals, I'm not about to take chances with cakes or cookies!
3. Dave and I have been together for half my lifetime.
4. Our kids are named after movie characters. (2 points if you guess which two movies correctly. Hint: These movies came out in 1993 & 1997).
5. I have about 5 different favorite ice cream flavors. I mean, hello?! Who can have just one?
6. Sometimes when I laugh really hard I snort.
7. I was one of the original Bay City Rollers.

Alrighty roo, so that's me in 7 little nuggets of info.

And here's my list of those I have now dubbed the Fabulous Seven I'm tagging:

Cheryl Special Sauce in the House
Kirsten Nilsen Life
Anne The Rogers Family
Ciaran Momfluential
Dorothy Colin and Owen
Nita Wongology
Erin Design is Everywhere

Now go run to their blogs to see what they said!

Budding Artist

Jonah brought home this original painting from preschool. He titled it: Pink Carwash.

The Pumpkin Patch

visit to the pumpkin patch is a sort of pilgrimage for our family. This year, we attended Jonah's field trip to Sharps Farm in Brookeville, MD. It was the quintessential autumnal experience. We fed chickens, picked our own popcorn cobs off the stalks, found our way through a corn maze, picked pumpkins and took a hay ride that passed through a creek. Here are some pictures from our trip. Enjoy.

I Couldn't Help But Have One More...

We have been extraordinarily busy these past couple weeks. And unfortunately, I do not see an end in sight. So for now the posts will be short and light.

In that spirit, I thought I'd pop on her to post one more picture of Jonah doing what he loves best—playing (while eating waffles).

The Boy

Ellie Bellie Kids Sale

Summer Bygones

Even though summer doesn't technically end until September 22 (which is when Autumn starts), psychologically it's long gone. Ellie has been in school since the end of August and Jonah had preschool orientation this morning.

So in anticipation of the official close of summer, I thought I'd finally share some photos from our beach vacay (yes the one where we originally planned to spend at a campground but ended up in a hotel after one night in the tent). Dave put together this web gallery of his shots from The Great Beach Vacation of '08 to share with our fam & friends (which includes you of course). You'll notice lots of farmer-tans, smiles and sand. What would summer be without those wonderful things?

Gingerbread Woman

Going through Ellie's school things:

Hey honey, what's this?

My gingerbread ma (catches herself) ...my gingerbread woman.

I'm glad for two things, 1. She didn't say gingerbread person because that's just too PC even for me and 2. that she's cool with calling it a gingerbread woman even though the story is called The Gingerbread Man. I have no problem with the story being about a boy/man at all! But that doesn't mean I'm not happy that Ellie is able to hear it and still envision a girl/woman being the titular character. Isn't that what we strive to teach our children? That we're all equal?

You may ask yourself, am I reading too much into the gingerbread woman comment? I think we both know the answer to that question....

A Boy Who Loves His Yogurt

Dave: Hey Jonah, you want to go to Austin Grill with me for lunch?
Jonah (sings): I hope they have yogurt there!
Dave: No bud, they don't have yogurt there.
Jonah: AAaawww

Siblings

Dave ran across this picture from when Jonah was an infant and it reminded me just how fortunate I am to have two kids who get along so well. There has been more squabbling as the children mature, this is true. Yet, somehow I am confident that my kids will end up the way they began—holding hands.

A Serious Case of the Sillies

World Premiere

The King

You can't watch this and not have two things happen:

1. Your right foot will begin to tap and before you know it, your body will break out into a full fledged dance with arms flailing akimbo.

2. You will still be singing this tomorrow when you wake up.

Enjoy.

It's On

Last night, Dave went to a premiere of the film in Boulder, Colorado.


It was a rather large event and I don't have all the details yet as it was past midnight here on the east coast when it wrapped up out there. But I can tell you that Dave has developed a crush. A crush on Boulder.

I don't know exactly how long Dave was there before he proclaimed his love and asked Boulder to move in with him. Am I jealous? I don't know. I might kiss it too if I saw it.

Apparently all of the people riding their bikes had a little something to do with it. And I'm sure the view of the ginormous snow-capped mountains didn't hurt either. Plus he reported there are great little boutiques and cafes, and the sky is beautiful, and the sunset is amazing, and, and, and...And I had to make him stop right there. I was starting to feel a little inadequate. I mean how can I compete with that?

So Boulder, Dave leaves you today. If I see any lipstick stains on his collar in the form of a mountain range, it's ON!

Woulda Shoulda Coulda

**Warning: Inner monologue moment alert**

So I've been thinking. Yes, that does happen sometimes. I've been thinking about things that I wished I would have blogged about at the time but never got around to. You know, those moments where a neon sign flickers: BLOG THIS, BLOG THIS. And while you have every intention of whipping out your trusty computer right then and there, you inevitably get side-tracked. What seemed like a good story to share at the time never got written down.

Anyway, here are some gems that should have made it to the blog but are still waiting in the line just praying not to be the last pick for the kick-ball team:

1) My interview with Barbara Walters.
This one takes place entirely in my head, usually when I'm driving for long stretches at a time. She sweeps me off my feet going on and on about how talented I am, have one of the greatest minds of our generation, etc., etc. Then we discuss my plans for revamping public education and ending our dependency on foreign oil. Babara listens with rapt attention and we engage in a natural tete-e-tete. She tells me she's totally impressed with both the innovation and depth of my solutions. Then she invites me to lunch and we dine on lobsters and drink San Pellegrino (food and beverages may change depending on what I'm in the mood for that day).
*NOTE: I have had this fantasy since, well, I'm too ashamed to admit how long I've had it. But needless to say, I've crafted it over the years making it a thing of beauty to behold—in my mind at least.

2) The Great Sleep In.
Several weekends ago the kids went camping with my folks. This allowed me two mornings to sleep in. I felt like a derelict 20-something. Okay, more realistically I felt like I did before we had kids. We used to sleep in until 11 on the weekends. Anyway, it was a momentous and glorious occasion. Except that I don't know how to sleep in any more. As I lay there awake at 7:30 a.m. I scripted my entire post. Then I poked Dave until he woke up and made him take a picture of me. The picture* was to go along with what would have been (undoubtedly) something very witty about the whole thing. In the end, it didn't make it. Let's just say that what's witty at 7:30 ain't so witty after the coffee has kicked in.

3)The Great Vacay of Aught-Eight
I'll tell you how this tent camping story ends before I begin: Night 1. Dave rolls over at 3:30 a.m. and says through gritted teeth, "Tomorrow, we are checking into a hotel. This is it." I will say this tale of using State Park restrooms, camping in a 3 person tent with 4 people on a huge inflatable mattress with one sheet to share, and a potty accident at 3:15 a.m. is fraught with comedic calamities. However, it is still all too fresh for me to write about. The therapist helping me work through it thinks I should wait at least 18 months before dredging up the memories of poo-stained toilets and showering in other people's hair.

Well as you can see, there has been much to discuss. But for now I leave you with this, I will try to get some pictures and stories up in the near future. I have commitment issues so all I can say is "try." My therapist is helping me work through the whole commitment thing in addition to the memory repression thing. Oh LORD THE HAIR. The hair of STRANGERS in MY shower. Sorry. The camping memories/horrors still hit me at random times. Anyway...

Until then!

*Oh wait. Here's the picture which you now know is slightly fabricated. Don't get me wrong though, the mask is not a prop. I do indeed wear one from time to time. You would too if someone *cough, cough* read next to you at night while you were trying to sleep.

Hit the Road Jack...

Well I may be done for adventure for the next year or two (a failed camping trip I'll share with you later) but my friend, Car & Caboodle editor Ciaran Blumenfeld isn't. She and her hubby packed up their four kids and mini van and have hit the road.

If you're up for a little adventure, some fun roadside musings and tips for surviving your next big family road trip, check out Car & Caboodle. Ciaran will be posting from stops on the way. As 1 of 4 kids myself and having been on many road trips with my family back in the day I can tell you with certainty: it's sure to get mighty interesting!

A Picture

This picture was taken just two months ago. In two months a number of things have happened: one, Jonah has sprouted up a foot and a half (okay, perhaps not literally, but he is growing like a weed); And two, he has become a little boy. No longer a toddler, but a full-fledged preschooler.