I recently read that the “baby industry” is the most profitable market in the United States. New parents and grandparents are eager to spend any amount of money on the best nursery, clothes, toys, etc. It seems like there is a new study every week that professes a different ball or book is “ideal” for a baby’s development.
Eric and I live on one income and as a result have become very frugal. We have bought very little for Sam. However, Sam has FOUR sets of grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles (related and self-appointed). He has books, blocks, balls, stuffed animals, plastic animals, trucks, sorting toys, puzzles, play dishes, legos, walking toys, toys that light up, toys that move around…it is truly amazing.
One would assume Sam spends a large part of his day playing with his toys, developing all of the skills each one claims to encourage. That is most certainly not the case. The things that give Sam the most joy are the things that were never intended for a baby’s use.
If either of the TV remotes are missing, it can be assumed that Sam has squirreled them away in one of his baby hiding spots. Once he gets his hands on a remote there is no stopping him. He holds it in his right hand and crawls as fast as he can – he doesn’t know where he’s going or how long it will take to get there, but he considers it his chance to be free.
Another one of Sam’s delights is getting his hands on the plunger. I’ve heard him crawl into the bathroom and laugh when he saw it. He loves that it is tall, he loves that he can knock it over, and he loves how Mom comes running when he tries to put it in his mouth. Plungers are a blast.
Just imagine how fascinating the world is through a baby’s eyes! A treadmill is a jungle gym. A pile of shoes is six cars just waiting to be driven. Folded laundry makes a wonderful mess when thrown around. Drink coasters can be moved from the table to the floor and back again for hours.
At least Sam’s toys will make for a very profitable garage sale.
Monday, January 22, 2007
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