"Todby was beginning to get very tired of sitting by his sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice he had peeped into the book his sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, 'and what is the use of a book,' thought Todby 'without pictures or conversation?'

There is nothing cuter than a little dude scrambling to his book stash, picking up (and dropping, but then picking up again) his favorite book and waving it in your general direction. Translation: Come’on ma, lets read! Encourage your Todby’s vocabulary by making storytime the most fun this side of the playroom.

Equipment: A good book (or two… or three)

Duration: 2 minutes – 20 minutes

Procedure: Select a book that has previously not garnered any interest, but has lots of VERBS. We like “Are you my mother?” and “Horns to Toes and in-between.” Goofy voices are great and pretty pictures are lovely, but what is key for maximum enjoyment are actions and predictable repetition of those actions. Take Todby in your lap and play along. When the egg in the nest JUMPS, you jump (as best as a seated mommy is able), when the baby bird WALKS, pantomime walking with Todby’s feet. When the characters dance, shake what grand’mamma gave ya. Simple, easy, fun!

Result: Once Todby catches on he will come to expect certain actions…and will giggle uncontrollably when you goof or change it up. Zommy not liable for increased storytime demands!

Play on!

The following recipes will be lovingly prepared to feed the friends and family!
- Cheerios “Chex Mix”

- Savory Cottage Cheese Muffins

- Carrot Salad

- Sweet Potato Salad

- Baby Cake for grown-ups

-Baby Cake for Baby

And of course, our fave burger recipe (veg option too) with fixins!

"All sorts of toys were to be found in that toy-shop. It was truly a place to please any Todby! A little boy, who had come to stay there with his aunt--the owner of the shop--and his little cousin, was always to be found amongst the toys; he was forever picking up and admiring this one, stroking that one, nursing another. All his spare moments were spent in the shop..."

Equipment: None.

Duration: How long have you got?

Procedure: In the greater Saint Louis Area you are best served by going to either Mid Rivers Mall or West County Mall when the mall walkers have begun their march. This is specifically recommended for your first visit so your Todby can explore the lay of the land (soft tunnels, slide, puzzles, mirrors, racing cars, & more) alone. Then if you arrive during normal shopping hours (and into the crush of kids bouncing around the play area) you can both be confident enough to jump right in!

Results: Joy! Socialization! Mastery of cruising, sliding, tunneling! In all sincerity, in terms of Todby happiness to cost ratio the mall play area can not be beat! Gymboree, kindermusic, children’s museums are all great…but Todby has just as much fun, if not more, in the kids play area!

Zommy General Warning: If you do dare to play when the crowd of kiddos is at its peak be sure to keep a close watch on little Todby hands and feet. Crawlers and new walkers are especially vulnerable to the jumping toddlers, kids, and pre-teens who go largely unwatched by their mommies!

"There was a good reason for his high spirits and his haste. His father had just told him he might have a lamb for a pet..."

BLEET! BAAA! Hep me, Hep me, I’ve fallen overboard!

Equipment: Lamby (or your Todby’s preferred soft, fuzzy lovey), baby gate, and a soft, thick rope of some kind, approx. 6 ft (We used the belt of a plushy robe.)

Zommy General Warning: This is a co-play only. Seen all those hoodie recalls lately? Well long ropes + Todbys don’t mix. Never leave string or rope in your little ones possession or near his domain. Zommy means it. Don’t ruin good fun!

Duration: 10+ minutes

Procedure: Tie fuzzy belt firmly around Lamby’s waist. A good knot is essential. Todby’s lovey is in you hands people, don’t jeopardize it with shoddy knottery! Sit in front of a baby gate with your little one on your lap. Show your yiny squeeze the set-up then commence play thusly: “Say bye-bye to Lamby. He is going to climb the gate.” Have Lamby climb the gate, turn at the summit to say, “See you soon”, and jump to the other side. If your belt is long enough, Lamby will thump to the other side and some belt should be at hand for Todby. “How do we get Lamby back? I know, lets pull!” Pull, and pull, and pull until Lamby flops back over and lands in your laps. This should cause giggles. Show Todby how to rescue Lamby by putting his hands on the belt while you pull.

Result: Pretty soon Todby will be throwing Lamby overboard and pulling back mostly on his own, with lots of giggles floating in the air. Once you both fall into a rhythm the game can go on and on and on… Remember to untie Lamby when finished and remove the belt to a safe and secure location.

Play on!