I’m linking up with Darci and friends from the good life blog for another version of 5 on Friday! This week’s theme is McKenzie’z Favorite Things! These aren’t necessarily things that she’s wishing for from Santa, but items that we have and love and think you should too!
One.
Fisher Price Little People Christmas Story! This was actually an early Christmas present to McKenzie this year from her grandmother. We wanted her to be able to play with the set and really enjoy it. It was also a great time to incorporate the Christmas story in to her play-time. She loves the set and little animals and even says Jesus…well, more like Cheeze-us, but we know what she means! If we ask her to find Jesus, she runs and gets the little baby in the manger! So sweet!
Two.
Mr. Christmas Red Lighted Goodnight Lights Ornament! Kenzie received this little ornament as an early Christmas present, as well. I had never seen something like this before, but thought that it was a novel idea. The ornament is Santa holding a candle. It has wires running down the back of the ornament that you run through your tree. These wires are attached to a box that you plug-in to the electrical outlet. One you hang the ornament and run the green wires down through the tree (just as you would your light wires), you plug your lights into the box and the box into the electrical outlet. That’s when the magic happens. The candle has a small pin-sized hole in the front of it. If you want to turn the lights the Christmas tree lights on, you blow on Santa’s candle. If you want to turn them off, you blow the candle out. It’s adorable and McKenzie loves it. She can’t walk by the tree without pretending to blow out the candle. She doesn’t have the height or enough power, but it’s fun all the same! Plus, Brian and I love it, because it means that we don’t have to maneuver around/under the tree to get the lights plugged in. It’s adorable! Check it out!
Three.
Highlights! For those of you who grew up in the 80’s, you probably already remember this magazine. I know I loved it! There were stories, crafts and hidden picture puzzles. My mom mentioned that there was a new version out for toddlers – Highlights Hello. I was so excited! We signed McKenzie up and she now she receives her own mail and magazine each month. The books are amazing. Toddler sized and printed on durable paper that can’t be torn and can be cleaned!
Amazing! Printed with non-toxic ink, the magazine’s durability was even tested by being placed in a washing machine! As good as new!
McKenzie loves the short stories, the songs and the hidden picture puzzles. There are even tips throughout the book for parents on how to incorporate the themes, stories and songs into learning each day. Plus, it’s one of those books that’s small enough to throw in to the diaper bag or purse and will keep her occupied forever! Love!
Four.
Rileyroos! These have been our go-to shoes since McKenzie started wearing shoes. Sadly, her big feet no longer fit in them, so we’ve had to move on.
These shoes are developmentally friendly, with flexible soles and curled toes to provide leverage as your little one learns to crawl. They are lightweight and perfect for providing the protection and traction that little ones need…all while imitating barefoot walking. Plus, Rileyroos is a local company from Baltimore – a win-win! Kenzie literally had shoes to match each of her outfits. I know…it’s an obsession!
If you’re looking for adorable shoes, that both you and your baby/toddler will love, check out Rileyroos!
Five.
Crochet Creations by Bibi! Need a small gift that’s affordable, yet personalized for babies, toddler’s, tween’s or even adults? Then check out my mother-in-law’s page! She’s working on getting her Etsy page up, but for now, Facebook is it! She has created some adorable hats and will work to create a personalized piece just for you! Don’t see what you want? Send her a picture with your request and she’ll create it for you! What talent! Hats range from $7 to $18 (plus shipping) and are completed within a few days! Check out her page and let her know that you heard about her from Heartbeats and Little Feet. There may just be a surprise in it for you!
Side note: Bibi is what Kenzie calls her grandmother. Both my mother-in-law and father-in-law refused to pick their Grandparent names, so we chose for them. It was a very scientific choosing. Brian typed Grandmother and Grandfather in to Google translate. And there you have it…Bibi and Babu – Grandmother and Grandfather in Swahili. I bet they wish they had thought that decision through! 🙂
Have a great weekend everyone!
