I had decided not to post a list, but then again I LOVE lists and people began asking what L would like for her birthday. So – rather than try to remember each time and spout off a list as their eyes glaze over, I thought I’d post some pretty photographs and links – you know, just in case anyone cares that much. This year, I’m going with a “no (small/indoor) toys” theme. We’re busting at the seams with toys and she has tons of great age appropriate things from Christmas. As it is, we have over 15 baby dolls and probably just as many stuffed animals, and that’s not even beginning to consider what’s going to be added when Aurora shares that teeny tiny room. ***This “no toy” theme won’t necessarily be in effect for future occasions once she no longer has age-appropriate toys and the others can be put in storage or given away.

Lorelei’s 2nd Birthday “Wish” List

$99.99 Delta San Tropez dark cherry toddler bed from Toys R Us.com (click photo to go to page – online only). It’s a toddler bed (not a twin bed). We were going to just have her sleep on a twin bed we had, but then we got real and realized that she’s most likely to break her neck on the thing than sleep at night. What she needs is a short bed made especially for toddlers. And, since Aurora will be here soon and will need a crib – Lorelei’s crib – it’s pretty high on the list.  UPDATE!:  It’s been ordered!  We ran into some problems because the Cherry was out of stock everywhere, but we found it NEW on ebay, so woot!  Thanks Mimi and Pa!  Can’t wait to get this set up, Lorelei has been asking to sleep in a big kid bed for a week or two, now!

$48.88 Kid Tough Waterproof Digital Camera for toddlers. This is on the verge of “toys,” but the kid would love this and has nothing like it. It’s built especially for toddlers, so it’s ready for all of the rough handling she can dish out. (Click photo to go to Walmart.com product page)

$114.98 from Toys R Us.com (click on photo). It’s a swing set. Obviously. And, since the ice storm did some damage to our trees, we can no longer use a tree to hold the baby swing – which she’s mostly outgrown, anyhow. Unlike most of the other things on this list, this swing set isn’t one that I’m just IN LOVE with, but it’s as close as I could find for the money. We like the swings and the little 4 person and 2 person swings for her. I had a set similar to this growing up and it was awesome. Of course, wood would be way better but I also saw those price tags.

$135.05 from Amazon.com (click photo for more details or to buy). We live up by the lakes and are super active outdoors during the spring and summer months, so this would be huge. There’s no way I’d put a baby seat on the back of a bike, just in case the bike were to fall. This thing also converts to a quick stroller and is supposedly pretty light. And, it’s orange. A good, bright color for people to see us better with

$129.99 from Walmart. (click photo)

And, that’s about all I’ve got for ideas. Of course, presents aren’t really necessary but this is the list for anyone who wanted to know. The prices are a little higher than your standard “kid toy,” so we’re expecting (and hoping) for less gifts overall – Lorelei would be ecstatic if everyone went in together to get her a few larger toys from this list rather than a bunch of smaller stuff that we’ll have to move out when Aurora gets here due to room issues inside.

Welcome back!