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.