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I spotted the Roll & Rhyme Melody Block back in November, and when asked for a present suggestion from Erin’s aunty, it was the first thing to spring to mind.

It’s made by leapfrog who are currently one of my favorite toy makers. Their toys are fun, educational, well-made and provide plenty of ‘game play’. The melody block is a fabric cube with two settings, rhymes and music, which cleverly correspond with the up-facing side. It says it is suitable from birth and I do agree with that, however …

A week or so ago I posted asking for help and inspiration for Erin’s impending first birthday where the theme is to be PINK, and boy is there going to be lots of it.
So here is an update of what we have so far;
Invitations
Pink invites have been bought and sent, I think I may have invited too many people, but hey, it’s too late now. I have requested everyone wear something pink, which I hope will get them in the mood for the party games.
Party Games
Pink Pass the Parcel; Pink …

I have written an article at GNMParents on the topic of family nights. Please pop over and check it out, if you want to be really great add a comment and join the conversation. Thanks.

Erin and I had a spare five minutes so we played a little game which I have called Cups ‘n’ Buttons.
I used stacking cups, but any small tub or dish will do. I took four of the cups and hid a white chocolate button underneath one, mixed them up and let Erin search for her ‘prize’. She loved it, the chocolate and the game!
Buy stacking cups here.

Photo by flickr user niznoz

As the title suggests, we have decided the time is approaching for Erin to spread her little wings one morning a week and make some buddies.
We have spent the morning enquiring at four nurseries. One was full, and two others have a minimum session requirement….a minimum session requirement?! The nurseries seem to only be catering for working parents and not parents (like myself) who require some social stimulation for their child and a child-free morning to get things done.
The fourth one we visited was more successful, we’re allowed …

Have fun painting. Here’s some painting inspiration, and a recipe for making paint.
This is the first time Erin has painted without trying to eat the brush. A breakthrough I think

In a recent issue of Practical Parenting they had their awards for baby products, here are my favourites (in case you wanted to know?!)
Nappies

Pampers all the way. I have tried huggies and boots own brand but Pampers remain the favourite.
Nursery Item

The only one that springs to mind is Erin’s plug-in nightlight. It’s a Lindam one that was passed on to me but only costs £7.99. I like it because it’s not too bright and distracting from the activity in hand – Sleep!
Maternity Fashion
My favourite maternity item was …

Here are some more suggestions for developing fine motor skills that are all included as part of your child’s programme to get ready for school:
Cutting
Matching and pasting
Self-care Skills
Tracing and colouring
Pre-writing patterns
Dot-to-dots
Finger tracing and painting
(Nursery & School Guide Edinburgh 06/07)

Cutting
Scissorcraft has plenty of cutting activities for preschoolers, including pumpkins, snowflakes and dragons!
Matching and Pasting
Why not take some close up (head and torso) photos of family members. Cut the photos at the neck and mix them up. Get your child to match the heads with the bodies and stick onto …

Get the building blocks out and make towers and castles.
Erin being only 11 months played with the blocks in her own way…chewing them and thrusting them at my mouth shouting “Ta” (I have requested a plastic teaset for her birthday!)
Click here for more activity ideas – Activities 2007

**Help Help Help Help Help Help Help Help Help**
I’ve decided to have a traditional tea party in the house for Erin’s first birthday, which falls nicely on a Sunday (4th February).
I have decided that the theme of the party will be ‘Pink’.

So far my ‘thought shower’ (can you believe they have to call it that in schools these days??) has resulted in pink balloons, pink napkins and a pink dress code. Guys……friends…..fellow bloggers….I need HELP
I’d like you to throw some ideas and inspiration at me for Erin’s Pink Party. …