oh, the humidity

Lucy certainly has inherited her Daddy's Italian afro.

never too young

Lucy is a big fan of music — most types really. I thought at 7 months she was ready for her own iPod. [Not really, she is just borrowing Mommy's.]

I feel that Lucy needs to be exposed to more types of music than just children's songs [though she does have the Sesame Street boxed set, Songs From The Street: 35 Years Of Music — and, I must say, it's very enjoyable! Takes me right back . . . ]

For those of you nosey pants who like all the details, [Auntie Linda] and need to know what song she is listening to, it's Soul Coughing's "Soft Serve" off the Irresistible Bliss album.

Don't worry, it is not too loud nor are the ear pieces even in her ears — no damage to her ear drums.

back to the playground

Lucy and I went back to the playground today. She really loves the swings — this time she lasted on the swing [fighting its sleepy power] a good half-hour before I had to take her off — another baby was waiting to have her turn. Lucy, however, was not pleased by this, and let me know in no uncertain terms that she was not yet finished with her turn on the swing.

No worries Lucy, we'll go back another day.

a walk in the park

Yesterday was such a beautiful day that we took Lucy to the park to see one of her friends, Astrid. Lucy rode the swings for the first time and loved it. Her Daddy pushed her for about 5 minutes before the power of the swing took over and Lucy started to fade. We put her in her stroller where she spent the rest of the visit [a good 2 hours or so] napping while Astrid, and a bunch of other kids, ran around squealing and enjoying all the fun things the playground has to offer.

Soon enough Lucy will be running around with Astrid — should be a little more fun than just watching her sleep.

the new toy has arrived

Just as promised, the replacement toy has arrived. Lucy has a brand new Busy Bee High Chair Toy. Lucy seems to be very happy with her new toy and gets excited when she sees it. Unfortunately, we have an old-school, wooden highchair and the suction cup bottom does not stick very well to it. It does, however, stick very nicely to plastic surfaces like her swing and exersaucer — all is not lost.

Lucy is perfectly happy playing with her new toy — chewing on its antenna and wings.

good customer service is not lost

I had thought that good customer service was a thing of the past, until recently when I was pleasantly proven wrong.

I had purchased a wooden bee toy for Lucy. We loved the toy we named click-clack bee. After just a very short time, click-clack bee suffered a serious fall from the highchair. Unfortunately, click-clack bee was damaged as a result — a small chip broke off from the bottom of the toy. Devastated, I immediately contacted the company, Melissa and Doug, to tell them of this.

Melissa and Doug —

I recently purchased a wooden bee toy, the "Bumbling Bee Grasping Toy" [see reference photo attached].

My daughter, Lucy Bee [6 mos.], loved playing w/it and chewing on the antenna and wings. She was riveted by it, especially when I click-clacked it for her.

Unfortunately, the bee suffered a throw from the highchair a week after I purchased it, and the bottom rounded wooden piece chipped at its thin top edge. I was devastated - we both really enjoyed that toy. I am now afraid to let her play with it for fear of splinters. And, gluing it back could be a choking hazard.

I don't know if it chipped as a result of a small stress fracture, or if it hit the ground "just right" but I am sad to lose such a fun/cute toy.

I thought you should be made aware of this, as it may be a design flaw [maybe make that bottom edge a little thicker??] or perhaps, mine was just a weak piece of wood — who knows?? None-the-less, I would hate to have it chip on another baby.

I do enjoy your toys and will continue to purchase them in the future.

Sincerely,
Kristin

Within days I had a response!

Hi Kristin,

First, I'd like to apologize for the problem you experienced with the "Bumble Bee Grasping Toy". We really appreciate you taking the time to make us aware of this problem. Please know we will definitely look into this. In addition I'd like to have an opportunity to speak with you by phone to obtain the product date code and discuss sending a replacement . . .

Thanks again and Best Regards
Valencia
Melissa & Doug®

I did speak with Valencia, and she is sending out a replacement. Unfortunately, not a new click-clack bee, but another bee toy that will hopefully be just as fun.

I am happy to know there are still companies out there that actually want to keep you happy and a loyal customer.

here kitty kitty.

Lucy has noticed the cats. She'll watch them no matter what they do — as they sit, or jump, move around and play. She especially enjoys when they eat at the same time as her. [Red's bowl is right next to Lucy's highchair, and she can watch him from her above perch. Cleo eats on the counter, next to the highchair, so Lucy is just about eye-level with her — that's especially fun!] Lucy can actually see Cleo dip her head into the bowl and come up chewing. Who knew that cats are so facinating when they eat? [I think part of the draw is that Lucy likes to hear the crunch crunch.]

Lucy really gets all excited when they jump up on the bed/couch near her. Red will immediately jump down as soon as he notices her. Cleo, however, will sit and tolerate the bouncing, banging, and squeals until, Lucy gets too close and kicks her. [Lucy has always been Cleo's baby — Cleo will keep a watchful eye on her at all times, and has even alerted me when Lucy needed my attention.]

The cats are in for a real treat once Lucy is mobile.