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Toy Explosion

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by: Michele

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From the featured blog, Mamma Talk

 
“This is for the baby!” My mom squeaked.
 
 I was newly pregnant with my first baby. And my mom had been shopping. Naturally.
 
That lamb must have been frisky because she quickly coupled off with a stuffed bear that I received at my baby shower. Soon, we were the proud parents of a stuffed pig, a Raggedy Ann doll and a quirky Mr. Potato head. Something must have been in that water because before we knew it, triplet Winnie the Pooh bears were added to our brood.  The toy stork continued her visits. Soon we were joined by a litter of Legos, an array of blocks and a zoo of plastic animals. Our nest was filled to the brim, before baby’s first birthday.
 
Today, just a few years later, the toy invasion has accelerated. And, yes, we have acclimated. We have accepted it as part of parenthood, a sign that our hands and nest are full. Happily full. And, sometimes, they’re-coming-after-me-with-a-big-net full.
 
These days, we always look before we step, swipe before we sit and give a wide berth as we turn corners. We understand that midnight journeys to the bathroom are treacherous to toes. Runs to the phone are murder on shins. And, of course, quick showers are followed only after careful evacuation of Ducky, Nemo and crew.
 
Luckily, we have found other similarly afflicted families to befriend. We enjoy dinners together in each other’s toy infested homes, swapping tales about toy inflicted injuries…showing off Thomas the train scars and scoot toy bruises. We attend kids’ birthday parties and we gift each other with …well, more toys. We share advice on where to buy more toys…..which toys are easily broken….which are toxic…which are educational…which are not. As such, we support each other in a toy co-dependent kinda way. Is this weird?
 
Hubby and I have come to terms with these toys that once plagued us.
 
We now embrace the Mattel Madness.
 
We accept the Leapfrog Loopiness.
 
We encourage the Playskool Pandemonium.
 
After all, as is commonly said by blue haired little old ladies everywhere, those sticky, little fingerprints travel up the wall and then out the door…
Anyone know if they take those toys with ‘em?
                                                                                                                                            
Well, Ok Winnie can stay, but that Mr. Potato Head is getting the boot as soon as he turns 18.

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For years, I peered over my teacher's glasses at those Stay at Home Mommies and wondered about their elusive world. What do they do all day? Where do they go? Do they travel together in flocks? Well, I finally met my prince (at a slightly panicky 32) and turned in my chalkboard. Watch me as I infiltrate their ranks.... Click here to read my blog, Mama Talk, See All Posts by This Author »

There Are 8 Responses So Far »

1. Comment by Vicki on Mar 24 2010 11:24:04:

   I love this, just as much as I love all your witty writing! Perfect day for me to read this as I pulled the doors off the kids closets and rearranged until my arms fell off to try and accomodate all those oddly shaped toys. Why do they have to be so funny in shape? I live in a toy store I tell ya!

2. Comment by Mary RC on Mar 25 2010 12:07:13:

   I’m past the toy daze, now were engulfed in electronics.

3. Comment by BigMamaCass on Mar 25 2010 08:25:07:

   This is why I love reading you so much! You are so amazing with words! Who else could have taken a story about toys and made it so… well. GOOD! Not I sister, not I.

   You rock!

4. Comment by mrsblogalot on Mar 25 2010 08:52:36:

   Nobody does toy invasion like you! Great post Mamma!!!

5. Comment by Annie Ruiz on Mar 26 2010 01:52:58:

   I’m glad I’m not the only one with the toy problem. I even stored some furniture so that my son could have room for his toys. Yikes!

6. Comment by Hear Mum Roar on Mar 27 2010 07:00:56:

   We just moved house a few months ago, and turfed what we thought was a sizeable number of toys (three kids’ worth). Now we’ve been here for two months, and it feels like they’ve bred again. I can totally relate

7. Comment by Maegan on Mar 30 2010 02:04:22:

   I am a purger! I go through my kids toys every few weeks & toss broken things & things with missing parts. SOMETIMES if it was very expensive or desired, I will put it in a little box and wait another month to see if the pieces turn up. If they don’t…INTO THE GARBAGE.

   This also makes me feel less guilty when I buy NEW stuff.

8. Comment by Kat on Mar 30 2010 11:49:47:

   Love the sence of humor in dealing with Toy Overload.
   Before my daughter started Kindergarden I checked with the preschool she attened about donations. In the end I had donated toys, clothes and blankets. Sure helped reduce the flood.

   So every 6 months or so I sourt thru her stuff and make room for the next flood of gifts. Out with the old, in with the new.

   I have no problem with saving a few “special” toys from younger days, just don’t save everything. LOL