Babies Gotta Have It

Kids love music. Music turns long winter afternoons indoors into dance parties.  I’ve been lucky enough to have been sent some amazing music to preview in the last few months and I just want to share a few titles that are worth looking up this holiday season and beyond!

Mama Doni’s “Chanukah Fever” Happy Chanukah Everyone!  Okay, this CD is a hoot!  The Little Bean and I have been dancing to this upbeat, funny, and festive CD since we got it a few weeks ago.  Who is Mama Doni?  She’s a Montclair, NJ mama of two who has written and recorded the most hilarious and fun music for Chanukah!  Her music has been called “Wacky Jewish Indie-rock for kids,” and she herself compared to Weird Al Yankovic (for the hilarious and surprisingly insightful lyrics) and Sarah Silverman (but much cleaner and only the parts of her show where she innocently sings her heart out) by KIWI Magazine.  I think she’s a trip, and her music would make a wonderful Chanukah gift or addition to this year’s Chanukah party.  Watch the hilarious kids music video “Funky Gold Menorah” on the homepage of her super fun website!  Enjoy!

“Rockin’ Rollin and Ridin’” With Rebecca Frezza and Big Truck If you loved the music of the 80’s you and your kids will rock out together to “Rockin’ Rollin’ and Ridin’”.  Rebecca Frezza is another Mama from Montclair (maybe I should think  about movin’ to Jersey too!) who, with her seven piece band, Big Truck, has written and released a fun, boppin’ CD for kids that will have you and your kids dancing around the family room in no time!  The pop sound of some of the songs is mixed with Big Truck’s signature bluesy rock sound and a fun song called “Hey-O” featuring Roscoe Orman (Sesame Street’s ‘Gordon”).  “Hey-O” is a catchy song that you and your kids will be singing along with at the very first hearing!  No joke!  Though my toddler loves the music, it’s really designed for elementary-school aged kids who are too old for preschool music but too young for mainstream  adult “pop” music.  I’d say she’s totally hit that mark with this CD.  Click here to sample a few of the tunes on this CD, and here to buy it just in time for the holidays!  You’ll be glad you did.

Bari Koral “Rock and Roll Garden” Okay so this is one you won’t be able to get until January 14th.  But we got a sneak listen to “Rock and Roll Garden”, and the Little Bean absolutely loves it and frequently requests it by name (totally adorable when she does, by the way).  Bari Koral has been compared to Jewel, Nora Jones and Joan Osborne.  This kinda seals it for me.  Her voice is butter.  Oh, and she was featured in the New York Times.  That’s not uncool.  She released three albums for grown-ups before beginning an amazing and very successful journey into Family Music.  Check out her website to hear a sample of her tunes (click on the little recorder icon on the right side of the home page) and links to purchase all of her other albums on Amazon.  While you’re at it,   Preorder “Rock and Roll Garden” today!

“Trying Funny Stuff” New DVD from The Jimmies No discussion of kids music would be complete without a mention of my gal Ashley Albert and the amazing Jimmies!  I love love love this group and so will your kids.  Click here to hear a sample of their tunes and invite me over to hear my two year old sing along with them. My elementary age neices and nephews love them.  And so do the kids across the country who hear them on xm kids.  How awesome is that?  This DVD contains six hilarious music videos, a 45 minute concert performance, sing-along tracks, “Behind the Scenes” featurettes, and an audio CD of the concert.  The music videos are fantastic–beautifully done, fun, and funny.  And even better, sure you can order the DVD on their site, but you can also just walk into Barnes and Noble…and BUY IT!  I love love love this as a holiday gift for the kids in your life.  Totally unique.  Totally affordable.  Totally fun.

So do it guys!  Get your kids some new music for Chanukah and Christmas!  It’s the holidays!  Rock on!

Disclaimer, I was sent each of these CDs and DVDs to review at no cost. The opinions expressed are entirely my own and were not approved or read by any of the groups involved before posting.

People from Maine are a little crazy.  They love their state just as much as Texans love Texas. They’re just a lot quieter about it.  I lived in Texas.  I have family from Maine.  I know.  The mosquitoes were particularly horrendous in Maine this year (as they were all over the East Coast), and did a number on the little Bean when we went up in August.  But still, I have to admit to having a bit of a love affair with the Pine Tree State.  So when the cute as can be Flannery Brothers from Hampden, Maine contacted me to review their CD for kids, “Love Songs For Silly Things” I swooned at the chance.

I fancy myself a bit picky about kids music.  I’m a snob, I must confess.  The CDs I have recommended on this site, are really really good.  And this one is no exception.  My two year old loves it.  She calls it the “new CD” or the “blue CD” and despite the fact that it’s upbeat and cheerful, enjoys listening to it during her naps.  Go figure.  These guys have their finger on the pulse of what kids like.

Let me tell you about my two favorite songs on the CD.  The first is ‘Blue Sky Moon” — about just that.  That mysterious, beautiful, puzzling moon that shows up in the blue sky in the afternoon.  I can so remember staring up at it as a child and wondering if it was the same moon that came out at night and why it was there sometimes but not always.  I’ve sort of forgotten the wonder of the Blue Sky Moon.  The Flannery Brothers haven’t.  They think like kids, it seems.

I also love “Farmer’s Market”.  People in Maine are a step ahead of the rest of us in the slow food movement.  They’ve been shopping locally for years and we city people are just catching on. But this song is catchy and super fun and I find myself singing it to the Bean every Thursday when we take our tote bags and head to the local Green Market. Want to get your kids excited about vegetables?  This is just one of the songs on this CD designed to encourage adventurous eating.

It’s not too early to start thinking stocking stuffers for the grandkids or unique gifts for the neices and nephews and godchildren.  Heck, a collection of amazing CDs is one of the most wonderful and unique baby gifts you can give.  Pair “Love Songs for Silly Things” with a soothing lullabye CD for a truly wonderful present that will keep on giving long after the 3 month onesie has been passed along to another dear baby.  This CD was created for kids ages two to six and has been recognized by The John Lennon Songwriting Conest.  Cool, huh?

So here’s your chance!  Thanks to the aforementioned super cute Flannery Brothers, one lucky Babies Gotta Have It reader will win a copy of “Love Songs for Silly Things”!  Want to enter?  Read on!

To Enter the Flannery Brothers “Love Songs For Silly Things” Giveaway

• MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Do yourself a favor.  Check out the totally fun Flannery Brothers website and enjoy their tunes.  Then come back and leave me a comment sharing the music you loved most as a child  Entering is that easy!
  

***Want extra chances to win? After you have made your first entry as described above, do anything listed below and leave me additional comments for each one letting me know what you did!  Maximum of seven entries per person.

• Follow me on twitter (click the birdy button on the left to do so easily) and Twitter this giveaway (I’ve even made it easy for you, just cut and paste):  The Flannery Brothers “Love Songs for Silly Things” CD is rocks my kids world! Enter to win one @BabiesGottaHavT http://tinyurl.com/y8az9f7
• Blog this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)
• Subscribe to my blog using the button on the left
• Grab my button and put in on your blog or website! Button code is in the right sidebar. Leave the link in your entry.
• Become a Fan of Babies Gotta Have It on Facebook–just click the link on the left sidebar!
• Email your friends about the giveaway and link to the giveaway post! cc me in the message (babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com)–I promise I will not spam you or your friends. Cross my heart

Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S.  addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Thursday November 5th and ends on Thursday November 19th at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Friday November 20th,  Random.org will select the winner I’ll email you immediately. After my daughter called Larry the Cable guy the last time she did a drawing, we have decided to take a little vacation from her choosing the winner. Random.org is in no way as cute and unpredictable as my daughter, but it is much more efficient and does not use any pieces of paper, even recycled ones. I am sure you will understand. Thanks for entering! Disclosure: The Flannery Brothers sent me their CD to review and they provided a CD for the winner of the giveaway.  I was not compensated in any way for this post. All views and opinions with regard to the product or company itself are my own and were not influenced, nor reviewed, by the company prior to posting.

Update!  We have a winner!  Random.org says “Result: 5″ !  Congralutaions Katherine Puma!!!  Thanks so much to everyone who entered!

It’s my baby girl’s second birthday.

And to celebrate, we are going to shower you and that sweet baby you’re dreaming about, loving from afar, or holding in your arms right now!  You’ve seen the videos. You’ve drooled over the products.  Today is the day to enter!  I’m so glad you’re here.

Talk about the best of both worlds…a baby shower with hundreds of dollars worth of wonderful products, but no silly games. I do wish I had some cake though…

I just want to say a big thank you again to all of the wonderful companies that have contributed items to the first ever Babies Gotta Have It Online Baby Shower Giveaway.

Here again, is everything that the winner of this unbelievable giveaway will receive:

Babies Gotta Bathe

• The Eco Store’s Aromatherapy Baby Moisturizer and Baby Shampoo (see my 7/6/09 post)
  
• Miessence Baby Cream Wash from Ely Organics (see my 2/9/09 post)
  
• The Entire Line of Baby Care Products from Earth Baby Organics (see my 7/6/09 post)
  
• No Slip Charlie Fingerless Baby Bathing Gloves (see my 6/10/08 post)
  
• Natural Laundry Detergent and Stain Remover from Clorox Green Works (see my 7/6/09 post)

Babies Gotta Eat

• The Portable Cutlery Set from No Plastic (see my post from 5/12/09)
  
• Minky Bib and Utensil Set from Happy Babee and Beeyond (see my post from 10/14/08)
  
• Bibs N Burps Set from Wow Baby (see  my post from 6/18/09)
  
• Baby Dipper Bowl and Spoon Set from Baby Dipper (see my post from 11/17/08 )

Beyond Your Birthday Suit

• Infant and Toddler Clothes by Hanes
• A Bamboo Onesie from Bamboo Couture (see my post from 4/18/09)
  
• A Baby Blanket of your choice from Lilitah (see my post from 7/9/09)
  
• The Handkerchief Bonnet, The Baby’s First Haircut Bag, Embroidered Burp Cloths and The Tooth Fairy Pillow from Little Journeys Baby World
• A Bamboo Fitted Crib Sheet and Bamboo Baby Washcloths from Bamboobino

Shift Into Gear

• The No Throw Baby Bottle Tether
• About Childbirth, About Breastfeeding, and About Newborn Care, the 3 DVD Set, from Laugh and Learn (see my post from 1/22/09)
  
• The Comfort Select Performance Dual Auto-Cycling Breast Pump from Evenflo (see my post from 4/28/09)
  
• The Complete Air Convertible Car Seat by Safety 1st

Playing  With My Baby

• Lubies Plush Toys
• Fruit Stained Natural Wooden Stacker by Ticki Tacki Toys (see my post from 4/18/09)
  
• That Baby CD and DVD by OyBaby (see my post from 6/30/08)

To Enter the

Giveaway

• MANDATORY ENTRY #1: First, watch all of the videos featuring the products included in the giveaway.  When you’re done, return to this post and leave a comment telling me 1. Who is this baby that you want to shower with beautiful things and why & 2. Which product you are the most excited about winning and why. This is a huge prize package, so entries that don’t provide complete answers to parts 1 and 2 will be discounted.  And it’s absolutely wonderful to want to win this for your very own baby!  One who is here or one who is on the way! Tell me a little bit about you and your babe!
  

***Want extra chances to win? After you have made your first entry as described above, do anything listed below and leave me additional comments for each one letting me know what you did!  Maximum of seven entries per person.

• Follow me on twitter (click the birdy button on the left to do so easily) and Twitter this giveaway (I’ve even made it easy for you, just cut and paste): @BabiesGottaHavT is hosting an Online Baby Shower! Enter to win today! http://tinyurl.com/mfdmwl
• Blog this giveaway (send me the url so I can enjoy your post!)
• Subscribe to my blog using the button on the left
• Grab my button and put in on your blog or website! Button code is in the right sidebar. Leave the link in your entry.
• Become a Fan of Babies Gotta Have It on Facebook–just click the link on the left sidebar!
• Email your friends about the giveaway! cc me in the message (babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com)–I promise I will not spam you or your friends. Cross my heart

Your email address will remain private and not be shared with anyone. Giveaway only open to those with U.S.  addresses. Must be 18 or older to win. Giveaway begins on Sunday August 9th and ends on Sunday August 30th at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Monday August 31st,  Random.org will select the winner I’ll email you immediately. After my baby called Larry the Cable guy the last time she did a drawing, we have decided to take a little vacation from her choosing the winner. Random.org is in no way as cute and unpredictable as my baby, but it is much more efficient and does not use any pieces of paper, even recycled ones. I am sure you will understand. Thanks for entering!

Update! We have a winner! Random.org selected number 249! Congratulations Danielle Donohue! Hope you and your baby love being showered! Thank you so much to everyone who entered!

Welcome to the 5th and final installation in the Babies Gotta Have It Online Baby Shower Video Series, “Playing With My Baby.” It’s time to have some fun with your little one!

Featuring…

• Lubies Plush Toys
• Fruit Stained Natural Wooden Stacker by Ticki Tacki Toys (see my post from 4/18/09)
• That Baby CD and DVD by OyBaby (see my post from 6/30/08)
  

The first time I played the educational music DVD (or “DBDB” as my baby calls them) “Trebellina” my daughter watched the entire thing from start to finish.  The DVD ended, and she said (and I am not making this up) “More? More music?” Except she actually said, “More mugic?” because that is the incredibly cute way she says music right now, and I can’t bear to correct it.  Or “DBDB.”

I also watched “Trebellina” in its entirety.  This video music lesson features the characters Trebellina, Rock Bassey, Rhythmo and an assortment of colorful dancing music notes.  Oh and a little “rest” character.  He scurries around like a crab and is kind of cute.  I can’t say I loved the animation. Didn’t totally appeal to me.  But I’m pretty sure I’m not the target audience for this DVD.

My daughter, however, is.  “Trebellina” is designed for kids ages 1 - 4, and the content, to me, seemed appropriate for those ages.  I am not a professional musician or music educator, but I play piano and read music and sing some, and I appreciated the attempts this video makes to familiarize children with basic musical concepts.  Without becoming too complex, the video sets out to introduce the treble staff, the notes on the staff, and the letter names of those notes.  It then goes on to show in a very clever way how those written notes correspond to notes on the piano.  In between the introduction of the notes, several instruments are introduced, accompanied by a brief sample of the sounds that they make. There is also a segment in which the little purple tornado-shaped character, Rhythmo, urges kids to get up and dance while counting 1-2-3-4 to the music.  The soundtrack is simple but effective–basic melodies (some of which I recognized) played on real instruments, not synthesizers.

Babies will enjoy the interludes in which music is played accompanied by moving toys and children dancing.  Older kids can begin to to use the note identification as an opportunity to learn the notes on the staff and how to match pitch when singing.  My daughter, when presented with five DBDBs today, all spread out on the floor, two of which feature a very beloved furry red friend, chose “Trebellina.” No kidding. And as I was making dinner in the kitchen I could hear her saying letter note names back at the TV.  So clearly, something is working here.

Printed on the DVD case are the slogans: “Discover The Language of Music” and “Great Minds Think Differently.” I can totally get behind both of these sentiments, and I think “Trebellina” endeavors to encourage both.

And the Bean keeps saying “DBDB? Mugic?”  Which is all I need to hear.

My baby got a lot of Baby Einstein DVDs as gifts. Honestly, she was never really crazy about the infant ones–the vids in which trains go in circles and sparkly things bounce around while tinkly versions of classical music play. She just didn’t dig them.  She did however, and I am so not just saying this, always like the “Baby Shakespeare” one.  It had words and puppets in addition to the music, and from the first viewing she really responded to  it. That said, my nieces and nephews were HUGE Baby Einstein fans and I have seen them sit happily in their bumbos for a nice long while watching marbles roll down chutes while their parents and I ate canapes.

Let me also say, that what I have written thus far is in no way about me being a TV snob or not liking my child to watch TV. I am a TV junkie (and if you are not watching the NBC show “Friday Night Lights” you should be).  I will go on record that I do let my baby watch some TV pretty much every day.  I am very selective about what she watches, and I did not start this until she was about nine months old. But The New York Times and Harvard recently said it’s okay for babies to watch some TV.  They claim, however, there are no particular benefits to the babies from watching “educational” TV.  They do acknowledge the benefits to moms from having babies watching a little bit of TV, and I definitely see eye to eye with them there. So I’m glad about that too.

All that said, I was definitely excited to see the newest offering from Baby Einstein: The World Music DVD.  Thanks to the lovely folks at Mom Central, my baby and I were able to get a sneak peek of this video and I gotta say, it was a hit.

I am pretty much on board with any CD or DVD that exposes our kids to music from around the world.  I believe fully that listening to music is an important part of babies’ development, and I love the idea that my child has access to instruments, melodies, and rhythms from other cultures.  She is growing up in a new world where the internet and availability of travel will make contact with other cultures increasingly easy and necessary. The world is far bigger than our little neighborhood. I think it’s wonderful for my child to become aware of that.

So we tried the DVD out!  One of the neat features of this Baby Einstein DVD is that it has several modes of play.  You can choose to “select-a-segment” and watch 5 - 10 minute chunks of your choice.  And you can also choose one of two viewing modes: either the standard mode or “Grow With Me” mode in which spoken words, printed words and additional content more appropriate for older babies are included in the viewing.  I chose this mode since my baby is 19 months old.  And she totally dug it.

Jane the monkey guides the viewer on this trek around the world through a series of puppet show segments (which my gal thought were a hoot and a half).   Jane travels the globe in her airplane and then interacts and plays the drum with a puppet friend from each continent.  Then, we see video from each location, accompanied by music of each culture.  The video features the landscape, animals and people of the continent, and in each continent we are introduced to a traditional instrument.  In the “Grow With Me Mode” that instrument is named and demonstrated.  Honestly, it’s pretty cool.

I was less impressed with the World Music CD.  In general, I’m not a big fan of the Baby Einstein versions of classical music.  I understand that they are making the music in some ways simpler to be more accessible and palatable to an infant’s ear.  But honestly I’d rather have my kid hear the actual composition.  This world music also feels a bit watered down.  But I’m no music expert and I can see that this music would work well to soothe your little tiny infants.  I don’t, however, think I’ll reach for this CD for my toddler outside of nap and quiet time.

So, baby’s bottom line? The Baby Einstein World Music DVD was a hit in my house.  I like the message. My baby liked the content.  The CD?  Not my fave, but again, for your teeny tiny infants it might be a nice choice.  Both together make a lovely baby gift or baby shower gift.  Thanks so much Baby Einstein and Mom Central!  We had a great time checking this product out!

Okay, raise your hand if your guilty pleasure is Il Divo.  Come on…you’re at home eating Krispy Kremes and drinking last night’s coffee…no one will see you.  Admit it.  You kinda dig those young opera dudes Simon Cowell turned into a global sensation.

Now Yanni and Disney have teamed up to do the same thing, but with a coed cast of equally hot young singers called Yanni Voices.  There’s Nathan, the “Sweet-Faced Opera Boy”; Ender (yup, Ender) the “Bad Boy”; Chloe, the “Naughty Girl”; and Leslie, “the Blonde Angel.” I got a sneak preview of Yanni Voices in the amazing room at the Time Warner Center where they shoot Ellen when she’s in town.  With an unbelievable backdrop of Columbus Circle, Central Park and the mid-town skyscrapers, Katja Presnal from Skimbaco Lifestyle, Nancy Martira PR Maven, Amy from LI Parentsource, Beth from AARP, the lovely ladies from One2One Network (thank you Barbara and Amber), my sweet husband, myself, and lots of folks from Disney and Yanni got a big taste of Yanni Voices.

So how was it?

Yanni’s undergone a Michael Bolton.  He’s shorn and older but clearly very passionate about his work and these kids.  He smiled a lot.

The music was classical/contemporary crossover meets Disney, and as Disney-spectacular as the NYC skyline. Simon might have said the performance values bordered on cruise ship.  But Randy would definitely have hooted, “those kids can blow,” and Paula would have dug the passion. These singers have big personalities and big voices. The duets in particular were kinda great.

Yanni Voices album releases on March 24th and the World Tour launches in North America, April 2009.  PBS is airing a special about the whole project in March.

I’m telling you, if  you like Il Divo (and I know you’re out there) you’re gonna like this music.  And thanks to everyone at Yanni Voices I’ve got a CD Preview (12  complete tracks) and PBS DVD preview for one reader.

To Enter The Yanni Voices Giveaway:

• Just leave a comment on this post.  You don’t have to say who the CD is for…we all know it’s for your Mom in Des Moines.  Or your teenage daughter who’s got the hots for Ender. Just leave a comment.  Entering is that easy!

***Want an extra chance to win? Blog or twitter about this giveaway, leave me an additional comment letting me know you did (please include the url), and I’ll put your name in the hat twice! Not a blogger? Subscribe to my blog using the button to the right, leave me an additional comment, and you’re entered twice. Or, email a friend about the giveaway, cc me in the message at babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com (I promise I will not spam you or your friends - cross my heart) and you’ll have two entries. Make sure you include your email address with your entry.***

Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses. Giveaway begins on Friday February 20th and ends on Sunday March 1st  at 11:59 Eastern Standard Time. On Tuesday March 2nd, my baby girl will draw the winning name and I’ll email you and announce it immediately. It’s not a terribly scientific drawing, but I assure you it could not be more random. Thanks for entering!

AND THE WINNER IS….

• Congratulations Maria! Check out Maria’s terrific site Parents Gear!
  

We are very fond of rocking out to The Jimmies’ awesome indie rock CD for kids, “Make Your Own Someday” at our house.  We profiled this great group in October, and we have discovered that while we may not have left the apartment for a week (dang it’s cold out there) we are seriously on the cusp of what’s hot.  Congrats to The Jimmies!  Their CD recently won both an Oppenheim Best Toys of 2009 Award and a Parents Choice Award.

So if you want to giggle while you jiggle (which is what dancing basically is in this house), get out there on the dance floor, make your own sundae, and get a copy of “Make Your Own Someday.”  You’ll be so glad you did.

When I first met Ashley, the lead singer/songwriter for the faboo kids rock band, The Jimmies, she was talking about my home state of Pennsylvania.  And even better, Pennsylvania Dutch whoopie pies. Which, and my apologies to all you Mainiacs, are the best whoopie pies on the planet.

The Jimmies, despite the seemingly unavoidable ice cream sundae analogies, are everything a Pennsylvania Dutch whoopie pie should be: they are delicious, they make you smile, they come in lots of flavors, and they are filled with frosting.  Okay everything except that last one.

The Jimmies CD, “Make Your Own Someday” (and yes I did just type “Make Your Own Sundae” and then I had to go back and fix it) is totally delicious.  Literally and figuratively.  There is one song entirely about food (”The Peanut Butter Polka”), as well as lots of references to food throughout.  And all of the songs are deliciously hummable.  The CD is targeted to kids ages 4 - 8 but my 14 month old dances when I play it and I know yours will too.

Which brings me to how this CD makes me smile.  It’s got a clever, quick wit that will appeal to Moms and Dads as well as kiddos.  In the song “Cool to Be Uncool” you kids will rock out to lyrics urging them to wear appropriate winter gear: “Mr Weatherman, Mr Weatherman, what should we wear to wear to school? Mr. Weatherman, Mr. Weatherman. It’s cool to be uncool.”

Did you know that whoopie pies come in many flavors?  Kind of like ice cream. Of course there’s the traditional chocolate with white cream, but go to the farmers’ market in my hometown and you’ll find Banana, Pumpkin, Peanut Butter and more! The songs on this CD are just as varied.  Yeah the Jimmies rock, but they also do Swingin’ Salsa, Reggae, Country, Ballads…by the end of this CD your little music lover will have been exposed to a wide variety of musical genres and sounds, all with kid-appropriate themes and lyrics.

I do love so many of the stories these songs tell.  For germaphobic moms like me (you know you’re out there…put down the purell and raise your clean clean hands) there’s a fantastic song called “Do The Elephant” about learning how to sneeze into your elbows rather than all over the dinner table (”When you’re feeling funky, use your arm like a trunky”).   If the story of Taddy the tadpole and his return to the pond doesn’t make a sweet little tear come to your eye (”Livin’ in my room wasn’t really fair to Taddy. He had a froggy for a Mom, he had a froggy for a Daddy.”)…well then nothing will.

I love this CD.  And I know your kids will love it too.  And you know what I love even more?  The fact that The Jimmies are giving one of these fantastic CDs to a lucky Babies Gotta Have It Reader!  Music is a baby and kids must-have!  So enter for Pete’s sake!  Woo Hoo!

To Enter the Giveaway:

1. Go to The Jimmies Website and check it out.  I especially urge you to watch one of their videos (look for a Jimmies DVD soon).  Come back and tell me your favorite thing about the site!  It’s that easy! 

***Want an extra chance to win? Blog or twitter about this giveaway, leave me an additional comment letting me know you did (please include the url), and I’ll put your name in the hat twice! Not a blogger? Email a friend about the giveaway, cc me in the message at babiesgottahaveit@gmail.com (I promise I will not spam you or your friends - cross my heart) and you’ll have two entries. Make sure you include your email address with your entry.***

Giveaway open to those with U.S. addresses.  Giveaway begins on Thursday October 30th and ends on Thursday November 6th at midnight Eastern Standard Time. On Friday November 7th, my baby girl will draw the winning name and I’ll email you immediately.  It’s not a terribly scientific drawing, but I assure you it could not be more random.  Thanks for entering!

So if you read or watch this vlog, you know I’m into music for babies. I can’t say for sure that “The Mozart Effect” will turn your kid into Einstein, but it’s a heck of a lot easier to pop in a really good CD than it is to give your ten-month-old flash cards. And frankly, it’s much more enjoyable.

As I said in my first vlog post about music If Music Be The Food of Love…Rock On music for babies is supposed to be complex, involving many instruments and/or a clear melody and harmonies. It should also be rhythmic without being overwhelming (might want to save the AC/DC for her sweet sixteen), and well structured. The songs on That Baby CD and DVD are all that and more.

Thanks to Rob at OyBaby, my baby girl and I have been listening to and watching That Baby CD and DVD all morning, and I gotta say, I’m loving them. Here are eight reasons why:

1. The music is awesome. This is one cd that you won’t pop out of the car stereo even if you’re driving without your baby. The songs are kid-friendly covers of music by Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Natalie Merchant, The Beatles, The Pretenders, and more. If you’re over 30, you probably know most of them. If you don’t, you should. I especially love “Happiness Runs”, “Pony Boy”, and “St. Judy’s Comet.” (Two of which, in all honesty, are new songs to me) Listen to samples here.
2. The music is kid-friendly, kid-themed, kid-appropriate but not about meatballs, funny hats, elephants, or fruit. These are grown-up songs for kids.
3. My baby loves the DVD. No joke. And she’s a bit of a DVD snob, actually. Not a big fan of lots of them. But she was rapt from the get-go and watched attentively for quite a while before returning to her toys. She’s ten months old. Granted she’s a genius so take that into consideration. But she really did enjoy it.
4. The videos themselves. Again, “Happiness Runs.” So beautiful. The whole DVD is a combination of animation and live action film, and the animation is really varied in style and content. The video for each song is designed to tell a simple story, really. “Sunday Sun” by Neil Diamond becomes a story of a day in the park with your family. “When We Grow Up” (Yup, the one from “Free to Be You and Me”) is about going to work with Mommy and Daddy. “Inch by Inch” by Peter, Paul and Mary is all about gardening. You can see samples of the videos here.
5. OyBaby, makers of That Baby CD and DVD, is a parent-run company.
6. That Baby CD and DVD are manufactured in the good old U.S. of A. using recyclable materials.
7. They have a “no questions asked” return policy and offer free replacement of discs that get scratched, fingerprinted, or smeared with peanut butter.
8. The CD actually looks like a little record. Way cool.

The DVD is designed for kids ages 0 - 5 and runs 35 minutes. The CD is great for all ages and runs 42 minutes. Put both together and you have a kickin’ and crazy-unique shower or baby gift.

Baby’s Bottom Line: That Baby CD and DVD totally rock. Need I say more?

Special Offer for Babies Gotta Have It Readers! Use promotional code “gottahaveit” when you buy That Baby CD or DVD and get 20% off your purchase. No kidding, 20%! Did I mention that Rob rocks too? He totally does. Thanks to Rob and everyone at Oybaby!