10 Best Sets of Blocks

Tom's right on track with six month old benchmarks, so I decided to take a look at my toy roadmap to make sure that his playthings are developmentally appropriate. After looking at that previous post, I was pleasantly surprised that my research into the roadmap accurately predicted the toys Thomas is enjoying right now -- balls, household items, blocks, moving toys and cloth books (particularly this book). While we have a beautiful set of cloth blocks (lovingly made by Thomas's Granny based on these instructions), we don't have any wooden blocks yet (right now I'm staking the rings of a Melissa and Doug stacker to show him how to knock things over). SO naturally, I've been sleuthing the most beautiful wooden blocks available. My findings?

Blocks available from A/ B/ C/ D/ E / F/ G/ H/ I/ J/

Modern Motherhood Survival Guide

What didn't begin as a 'mommy blog' has often become one, because here on Horizontal Stripes I've enjoyed sharing my life and things I've learned with you, my dear readers, and one of those most recent developments has been becoming a mom. In case you're curious, I've packaged my recent posts on motherhood into a "Modern Motherhood Survival Guide". You can read all my posts here on topics such as entertaining at home with a baby, and preparing your closet for maternity leave and pregnancy. You can read even more posts about babies here.

I'll be adding to this Guide in the coming days, weeks and months, with posts about baby registries, fine dining with a tot, raising a foodie, traveling with baby, coming up with alternative childcare arrangements, and more. I do hope you'll check back! And as always, I'd love to hear about your experiences in parenthood through the comments. Please don't be shy to say hi! xo Image via The Sartorialist.

Ploc

As a child, I had subscriptions to Highlights, chickaDEE and Owl. I'd like to get Tom a subscription to Ploc when he's older.

Popsicle Sticks

For bigger kiddos, these DIY popsicle stick magnets look super fun to construct. This mom loves how graphic they look. Practical and abstract art that's kid friendly? I'm sold. DIY via Pure and Noble. Found via Modern Parents Messy Kids.

Placemats

Wouldn't these colouring placemats be perfect for toting to casual restaurants to keep tots occupied? Available today on the cheap via Zulily.

Canopy

Wouldn't this make the sweetest reading nook for a little one? I'm adding it to my to-do list for when we transform our lower level guest room into a playroom in a few years. Via Sew Liberated.

I also want to make this felt fishing game, and Cookie Monster cupcakes.

Alligator Pie

I just thrifted a mint condition copy of Alligator Pie for baby's library at my church's spring sale for $1. Score! Images of Alligator Pie's illustrations via Draw! Pilgrim.

MOMA

In my favourite Dwell magazine to-date, there's a quote from one of the homeowners about how children appreciate modern design. While I've repeated this sentiment back to myself (and would like to believe it so), I'm not entirely convinced. My uncertainty seems confirmed in reading childrens' reactions to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Aren't they the cutest? Found via Handmade Charlotte.

Ehlert

I adore the illustrations of Lois Ehlert (of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom fame). Do you have a favourite illustrator?

Pillows

I'm smitten with these olliegraphic pillows. Via sarah + abraham.

Mealtime

Dear friends and family with recently announced pregnancies; congratulations!

Though hectic mealtimes might be a little far off for you yet, I stumbled upon this blog this am (via Swiss Miss) and thought it offered plenty of solutions to please parents and tots. From mocktails for the whole family to roasted squash and apple soup, One Hungry Mama has it all. Image via One Hungry Mama.

Horse

Now this is what I call a glamourous rocking horse! For sale at DWR.

Dolls

This nesting dolls tutorial makes my heart melt. For all those with young children reading, wouldn't this make the perfect snow day project? Via Etsy's profile of Made by Joe.

Parenthood

This past summer, Greg and I attended one of his co-workers birthday parties. We got to chatting with a comedic couple and the wife took it upon herself to be very candid about parenthood (and marriage... but that's a story for another entry). She spoke without concern for how others would perceive her views on loving and loathing being a mother, and she had us in the fits of laughter. It was funny, because it was true and honest. This photo diary journey shares a father's similar experience. I really appreciate truth in discussions on parenthood. Image via The Year In Pictures.

Pillows

I love Ferm Living pillows and I think you (and your children) will too!

Bookshelves

Though made for little kids, I love these bookshelves! Via Dwell.

Lady

Hello there :) Just popping by to share a beautiful watercolour (via Lolita) and inspiration for our future.

Puppet

My cousin's set to have her second baby in September (a girl named Charlotte... which is also the name of my paternal grandmother though she's better known by her middle name - Viola).

While meandering about Water Street ce soir (on our two month wedding anniversary - it's all about celebrating every step, no?), we stopped by Gingersnap, Twisted Sister Boutik and Newfoundland Weavery seeking out the perfect (pink!) present for her baby shower this coming Sunday. I fell in love with Camper baby shoes and tree house mobiles. My heart melted over sailor rompers and sequined slippers. I debated purchasing a kimono dress and polka dot bloomers. We ultimately settled on something else entirely - a Cate and Levi hand puppet. I love it! I hope my cousin adores the sweet puppet as much as I do!

P.S. Coincidentally, Greg and I returned home tonight to the second message today enquiring about whether we're set to have children!

Bag

Isn't this mother-child bag ingenious? It's perfect for all those times the little one doesn't want to hold your hand. For purchase here. Via Minor Details. This lounger is also a must-have for new parents.

JFK Jr.

I wonder if Thomas will be as dapper as JFK jr? Greg and I joke that any son of ours will look identical to this little guy (who has the same haircut as Greg). Meanwhile, the style I'd most like to steal for myself is Jane Birken. Images via Cat Party.