I guess all my talk of coloring made many of my friends want to go out and buy Cheech some sort of crayon for her birthday. They're all super cool and fun, but I especially wanted to share the Playon Crayon by Studio Skinky with you guys. They come in stellar colors, are stain free, and incredibly easy for little baby hands to hold. Unfortunately, Cheech is still really only interested in sticking them in her mouth, but considering they're certified non toxic, well, I just go ahead and let her.

Here's a quick question for you: At around what age did your little one start to show an interest in coloring? The reason I ask is because I was big-time into coloring when I was a kid. In fact, I still really enjoy pulling out a coloring book and coloring a few pages from time to time. I think it's such a fantastic activity for kids for so many reasons, and I've kind of been holding my breath waiting for Cheech to partake in all the fun. We took her out to Happy Hour a few nights ago, and when our hostess handed her some crayons and a paper menu to scribble on, I practically leaped out of my seat from excitement. If our hostess thinks Cheech is ready for some coloring, surely she must be. But, nope, not at all. As with everything else, she's still only concerned with eating crayons. C'est la vie.

Photo, davebias

Before I had Cheech, the idea of a playroom seemed incredibly wasteful and overly extravagant. My God, was I stupid. Living in Such a small space with a baby makes me really yearn for an extra fun-filled room. It really has nothing to do with the fact that ALL HER STUFF has slowly, but surely, taken over our stuff, but more that it would be so awesome if she could have a place where she isn't constantly being directed away from so many non-baby friendly things.

Realistically, when we finally do move, our new place won't be too much bigger. We enjoy small space living, and in order to stay in the area we want to live in, we're going to have to sacrifice a big home due to all the dollars bigger places tend to cost here. So, here first room will end up being a bedroom/playroom, but I have a feeling she's going to love it.

Super fun AND cute playroom found on Shja's Blog.

Right now, the extent of Cheech's *play* involves different forms of peek-a-boo and having us bounce or throw her up in the air. In other words, we kind of do the "playing" part while she observes. I had a MASSIVE imagination when I was a kid, and I'm so excited that in just a couple short years, she will develop one of her own. Don't get me wrong, playing with her now is tons of fun, but it's going to be tremendously amazing when our playtime becomes interactive. The sky's the limit when you're a kid who can pretend and act out just about anything you want.

I might have to do some early shopping in Colette Bream's Play and Pretend section of her shop. I've never come across such dreamy toys.

Happy New Year, guys! I want to make sure I'm starting this year out right for my little Cheech, so I'm looking to enroll her in some classes as a great way to help release some of her curious energy. She's big on listening to music, and I really want to get her into a music class pronto. Unfortunately, she's developed the oddest nap schedule and seems to be sleeping when most other babies are awake, and therefore, I'm having trouble finding a class that will work for her. I'm hoping things will get better once she moves down to one nap a day.

Anywho, I'd love to try a variety of different classes, but other than Gymboree, I don't really know where or what to look for. Did or have any of you tried baby classes for your little ones? What did you think? Were there any that you and your baby absolutely loved?

Photo, Hayley H Ross

Holy cow you guys, Bloesom Kids has the best gift guides. We are not doing a big spendy Christmas, but I am sorely tempted by a number of items here. So if you need help shopping for the littlest ones in your life check it out!

How bad does Henry need this ride on plane? In honor of his favorite grandpa*, of course.

*an all time favorite ADF vintage post. I link to it as often as possible.

With the rainy season right around the corner, what on earth do you guys do with your babies? Typically, I love rainy days, but now that I have Cheech, I dread them. I end up feeling so bad for her because we pretty much just wait for the rain to pass us by inside our apartment. She definitely is the type of baby that bores easily and tends to get cabin fever, so this isn't exactly the best strategy. So, what to do? She's super into walks, and if it was as easy as taking her to a mall just so that she can go for a stroll, I would do that... but, believe it or not, the closest mall to us is a 20-minute minimum car drive away (and that's on non-rainy days). Seeing as she's still on three naps a day, 20 minutes in the car eats up LOTS of time. Some of her other favorite activities include trips to the zoo and the park, but those are obviously out. Any suggestions?

Rainclouds by sparklehen

I've had some trouble keeping Cheech's toys/books organized and I realized that it probably has to do with the fact that the basket we've designated as her "toy box" is a little on the small side. I stash what I can in there, but what doesn't fit ends up thrown all over the living room floor or shoved into odd places. For the most part, it's not too much of a problem, but there are times here and there when I don't want our living space looking like a nursery, you know? Anyway, I was recently at a friend's house and noticed her 3 sprouts owl bin. It's super adorable, ultra roomy, and just the kind of thing I need to get everything out of the way on a moment's notice. Now I just have to decide between the fox and the raccoon...

I don't suspect that they are for everyone, but I have seen a number of dolls around where the dolls engaged in various activities like babywearing, nursing, and even (as in above) birthing. These ones by fridastierchen are some of my favorites. I'd like to have a few dolls in H's collection of toys, maybe I will get one of these?
PS- fox mask!

Happy Halloween, guys! Wishing you lots of fun with your kiddos, or just yourselves, on this festive holiday. Much to my surprise, Cheech is big on dressing up. I have a feeling Halloween is going to be a pretty major deal around here for the years to come.

Remember back in the day, when I was looking for the perfect mobile? I got the one I wanted and Cheech LOVES it. A friend bought us another felted elephant mobile that I hung over our bed because it works as a nice distraction every night while I'm changing her into her pajamas... for some reason, this is a ritual she is not fond of. Well, now I'm in the market for a third mobile. Cheech has this horrible habit of trying to roll onto her belly while I'm changing her diaper, and no matter how many times I tell her, she can't seem to remember how incredibly counterproductive that is. I'm hoping hanging a mobile above her changing table will give her a reason to want to stay on her back, even if it's just for a minute. I think this one's calling my name.

Like I've mentioned before, in an effort to keep all the baby stuff to a minimum, we made sure to purchase very few toys for Cheech. But now that she's *so close* to sitting, herself, I think the three rattles and Sophie we've kept in heavy rotation for the past six months are getting a little old/boring for her. I was browsing through Giggle's website and was enamored by their selection of wood toys. Perfect for a baby that is starting to gain a little independence, don't you think?

When I was a kid, I was so scared of everything. I'd avoid getting up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night to lower my chances of being attacked by monsters, and I slept with a nightlight well into my early twenties. It probably didn't help that my mom would use all things scary as a way to get me to behave and mind my manners. With L, I want things to be different. Obviously I want her to be a cautious and polite child, but the last thing I want to do is use scare tactics in order to achieve that. I guess, for me, since I was always so scared and hated being so scared, I don't want her to feel the same strong emotions over such nonsensical stuff. So I'm considering starting a monster collection for her. If I give her the impression that monsters are friendly and that a dark room can be fun and not spooky, I'm hoping she won't suffer from all the paralyzing fears I endured. I don't know. Maybe it's wishful thinking, but I definitely think it's worth a try.

Luca by morningglori

We purchased very few toys for the little man before he was born (like, one, maybe 2??). He receieved a good amount of hand-me-downs and a few gifts, plus I don't think you need many. Especially for such a little guy. But as I have been watching him learn to grab and hold things and take them to his mouth I was reminded of this teething ring that I saw (and resisted buying) when I was pregnant. It is the perfect size for him to hold, and he really likes putting fabric in his mouth. Win! It came in the mail Saturday while we were on our way to the farmer's market. The whole time we were there he kept a hold of it! So cute.

Wow! These city in a bag block sets from Muji are the *cutest*. I think I like the Paris one best. Very tempting.

One of the many things that excites me about having a child is all the fun crafts we'll get to do together. When I was a kid, I was obsessed with craft/art hours in school. Fingerprint characters, snowflake making, mobiles made out of wire hangers, you name it and I was all over it. So when I spotted this ultra sweet diorama that Teri from Giddy Giddy made with her girls, the wheels started to turn. Dioramas are so simple and SO MUCH fun. I think I'll start collecting all sorts of fun found objects for all the future miniature worlds I plan on making with my little one.

I have mentioned Joel and his super awesome crafts before on A Desert Fete. But just in case some of you have missed out, Joel is the raddest dad in town, always coming up with new clever and simple crafts to do with his adorable twins! And he has a book coming out! Pre-ordering details can be found here. In the mean time you can delve into his blog, or check out the sneak peak of his family's pad that was featured on design sponge yesterday.

Like I mentioned in my last post, I had one of my baby showers on saturday and I walked away with some serious loot. You never know with that kind of thing, but I have to give my friends and family a big pat on the back for their superb taste. I'll make sure to do a "best of" post after my Oakland shower because there are some cool products I'd like to share with you, but I wanted to give my sweet friend Krista some props for finding that awesome teether/rattle (bottom pic) for the baby. As soon as I got home, I looked up littlealouette and found that they carry all sorts of eco friendly handmade heirloom toys. I didn't register for, nor have I bought many toys because a) I really don't think babies need a ton of toys, and b) all of that mass-produced junk really freaks me out. Not to sound like a snob, and I'm sure once this baby gets into Dora the Explorer or Bob the Builder this will all change, but I'd like to keep our toy collection natural or organic for the time being. So, I think next on the list will be that Safari Block Set. Soooo cute!

Any of you looking to start a mid century doll house collection? you are welcome.

also, i might be buying this if it were not local {massachusetts} pick up only.

ok so i am also tempted by this and this.

oh my god. aviator bunnies.