Dr. Jim Caviar

“$17!!  Really?! $17 for these little pieces of wood tied together” is what Dad kept on saying over and over after first seeing this little toy.  I don’t even know what “money” is, so this factor hasn’t really affected my review.  Mom tried to convince us that we should give it a chance because it was from Germany.  She said things like “C’mon German’s make amazing cars, beer, and Bauhaus furniture.  This must be a great toy.”  Sure, I can be swayed by arguments like “It makes a funny noise” or “pull my finger” but I wasn’t quite buying what Mom was selling.

As a lady who enjoys tossing toys across the room, I was skeptical about a toy that can be clipped on to me.  I’d given this toy a couple quick chews but didn’t really spend some time with it until one time that I was strapped to Dad in a carrier.  We were walking around in a mall, just waiting for Mom to finish one of her shopping sprees, so I really got a long taste of this toy.  It is well built.  It is designed so that I can’t really choke on it.  I like the different shapes and textures.  Sure I complain about it being clipped to me but it didn’t get lost so I’ll put that in the positive column.

Overall, I would definitely say that this is a good toy.  Worth $17?  I have no clue.  Dad mentioned that since it kept me busy for a while that it was priceless, so maybe $17 is a deal?  Maybe the German’s know what they are doing.

(Please note that this toy is not officially called Dr. Jim Caviar.  It was named by my cousin and I feel that it suits his demeanor.)

Off to the Gym

Mom and I have a regular routine of heading to the gym in the morning before my nap.  It’s still early in the day.  The afternoon sun isn’t quite out yet.  I just want to be comfortable…. but with a touch of glamour…..just in case we see someone we know.

Comfortable and stylish can be mixed for these type of situations.  Would I head out clubbing in this outfit?  No, but it’s perfect for that early morning trip to the coffee shop, gym, dog walk, or a crawl around the living room. 

Today I’ve matched comfortable pink striped sweats and cotton top with sparkly pink shoes and a fun jean jacket.  I find that the shoes and jacket distract from the comfortable pants.  I feel pretty, I’m comfortable, and it was easy to throw on.

Pants:  Baby Gap

Top: Vintage

Shoes:  Joe Fresh

Jacket:  Gap

Who?

So Mom (yet again) got wrangled by advertising and bought a stuffed owl that was ranked “Number 1 Toy” by somebody.  Who, you ask.  I have no idea.

Sure, it’s a good toy.  It is made very well.  It is soft and cuddly.  The wings are crinkly.  There is a little baby owl attached to it.  It has a loop out the bottom that has a leaf shaped chew toy on one side and a wooden loop on the other.  These are all the good features.

Now for the not so great features.  The wooden loop has already broken (it wasn’t me).  The loop was pretty handy because the chew toy could be fed through the loop to “tie” the owl to things.  Good for hanging on to the stroller.

The other thing that I have found confusing about this owl is its anatomy.  I’m only 7 months old so my animal kingdom knowledge is limited but I’m pretty sure that it is kangaroo’s that have a pouch to hold their babies, not owls.  I tried to look at the labels on the owl to see if they explain this freak of nature.  Kangaroo/owl breeding?  Radioactive mutation? Or is the owl wearing some type of pants with a baby pocket?

Long story short, as long as you can suspend your reality about the baby pouch, I would rank this pretty high on the toy ranking.  Number 1?  Probably not.  But I’ll give it top 20.

Info:  Skip Hop Treetop Hug & Hide Activity Owl

Available:  Fab Baby Gear

Retail:  $CAD19.99