We had a wonderful Christmas. I’ve already posted about how important family time is to us. I wanted to share a couple of fun new things Norah received. And bonus…she didn’t receive any plastic toys this year!
Norah’s playhouse grew.
I love that Plan Toys designed their houses to grow by adding a basement floor. Or really, adding as many as you wish. Her dollhouse also now has a gazebo and some pets.
To reach the top floor now, she has to stand on the table. Which, of course, she loves to do.
You might also see in the bottom left corner of the picture the Plan Toys bug balance game. The object of the game is to alternately place a ladybug on the color circle rolled by the die. Don’t let the ladybugs fall.
Not pictured–she received a clever Haba stacking game. She loves to stack the animals (and also to change their diapers, put them to bed, take them to the zoo, etc).
The spotted dinosaur is a bank. Norah is notorious for stashing our spare change in odd cubbies around the house. Little packrat. The colorful geometric shapes are really neat shape-builders. Like wooden legos.
I made a terrarium for her with moss and ferns. Norah loves moss. I hid a few wooden turtles and frogs inside. She loves to mist her terrarium everyday.
“Norah’s Magic Medicine” is a salve made with calendula, local beeswax, essential oils, and more. It smells so yummy.
These gifts are resting on a beautiful earthy blanket that Norah’s great grandfather crocheted for her.
Not pictured is Ribbit the Rice Sock. What can I say? She’s the daughter of a doula so she adores rice socks and asks for a heated sock for every woe. I sewed a corduroy frog and stuffed him with lavender scented rice. I think she has requested Ribbit the Rice Sock at least 8 times since Christmas. And I’ve used him once! Between the magic medicine and the rice sock, our first aid kit is set!
Inexplicable Ways 
Beautiful toys! What are your thoughts on the CPSIA going into effect this February? I keep hoping they will amend it at the last second, as politicians are so fond of doing.
I’m very troubled by the CPSIA plan. They are throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I’m hopeful that they will see the light (since so many smart parents have worked to enlighten them)!
What can we do to aid in stopping that? Any petitions to sign? People to call? What did you two do?
I think the deadline just passed for contacting the CPSC. I read in the LA times today that several small retailers are selling out their clothing at deep discounts and planning to close the doors on Feb. 10 (the day the plan goes into effect). The CPSC may exempt products made of wood or wool (as long as they are not dyed). Bye-bye etsy. Bye-bye thrift store. Oh, I hope not!!
Maybe I was wrong. The Handmade Toy Alliance still has their petition up. http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/how-you-can-help