Of Course, Mini-Vacuums Are Another Story

Despite yesterday's attack on the world of toys, I will now express my joy and adoration for the newest addition to our household, courtesy of Libby.

Matthew's very own vacuum.

He had one he LOVED at his playgroup. In its absence at home, he's taken to pushing any toy out in front of him along the floor in a vacuum-esque stance ... a bat, a toy piano, one of my plastic mixing spoons.

Now, he can feel useful. AND train for his future as the world's greatest husband.

There's nothing quite like a man with a vacuum. Next up: a toy iron, cappuccino maker, and manicure/pedicure station to practice on his mommy. THEN I'll think we'll be even for the 50 plus pounds I gained to have him.

What's Wrong with this Picture? At Home, Vol. 1

Anyone else live like this?

Anyone up for a toy swap?

I feel confident that if even just the few loyal readers of this blog joined with me in a round-robin with our kids' toys, we could put Fischer-Price and Baby Einstein out of business. Not that this is my goal ... love you guys!!! ... and your plastic crap, so attractively priced at the $17 or less price point so that I don't think twice about buying it. And NO one named Grama or Aunt thinks twice about gifting it.

But if we stopped buying and started trading, I'm pretty sure there'd be no need to buy more books, toys or stuffed animals, especially for our number two's or three's.

I am thinking some type of library-card type check out system. We could meet at Starbuck's for a latte for the handoff. I'll take a Venti Skim Vanilla and that stack of Curious George books in exchange for this Sandra Boynton collection. Or this giant toddler-height Easter bunny for your Baby Einstein piano.

Because, and I think I speak for everyone at least in my household ... there is no need for 68 toys to be pulled out and picked out 129 times a day. And there's probably no need for one two-foot short stuff to have 68 toys anyway.

When all he really needs is one $2 wiffle ball bat and some space to roam.