Handmade gifts and natural toys.

When I was pregnant, I made sure to tell everyone who asked that if they wanted to get the baby toys, that we preferred toys made from natural materials. Wood, fabric, handmade, etc. I wanted to avoid the loud noisy obnoxious plastic toys that so many kids are inundated with today. I want my baby to experience play, not push a button and have things happen for her to stare and daze out to.

And for the most part, we've been able to keep our toys to a minimum. Yes, we have a few plastic toys. And yes, we have two toys that light up and play music and are generally kind of annoying. But they were gifts from well-meaning people, and also hand-me-downs. And Adelaide does really seem to enjoy them, when we let her play with them. We keep them to a minimum so she's not overwhelmed by the fast flashing lights or the constant stream of nursery rhymes.

Other than that, we have a lot of what I did want. Fabric toys, wooden toys, and books. Lots and lots and lots of books!








My stepmom recently sent us a package of handmade toys that she took the time to create for Adelaide. A set of 3 blocks with crinkly sides and tags, an amish puzzle ball, a fabric alphabet book, and my favorite, a cute simple doll using this pattern.






I laid out a quilt (also a thrifted gift from my stepmom) on the porch on a cool morning (where did those go???) and gave Adelaide the gifts. She seemed most intrigued by the crinkly blocks, and even still she loves to hit them and hear the self-made noise. It's nice to sit out on the porch with a book or a to-do list (ha.) while the baby plays. It's nice and quiet, peaceful, calm. I can't wait until this scorching heat passes so that we can enjoy it again!