These are a few of my favorite things - 4 Months

As Carina grows we're finding that there are so many more things she is enjoying.  Her favorite right now seems to be toys that light up and/or play music.  Here's our 4 month run down:

1. Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes

In last month's edition of my Favorite Things (3 Months) I mentioned that M is a bit of a classical music snob.  I guess 'snob' isn't the right word; he would just rather have Carina listen to classical music than songs like "Mary Had a Little Lamb" over and over again.  I certainly don't mind this, because I have a feeling that after hearing "If You're Happy and You Know It" twenty times I might want to hurt myself someone.  This little toy plays four different classical music songs including Vivaldi's Four Seasons - Spring (one of my faves).  Carina likes to watch the blinking lights while it plays.

2. Learning Curve Star Teething Blanket

One of the January Mommas recommended this little blanket.  For only $7, I am really happy with it.  The star in the center is crinkly, and Carina loves manipulating it.  Each of the points of the star has a different material/texture, and one has a squeaky.  Carina likes to put the blue one in her mouth.  When I just hold the star up in the arm and move it around she flails her arms in response.  So cute.

3. Ergo Baby Carrier Black with Camel Lining

I talked about the Ergo a couple months ago when we were having trouble getting Carina to nap, but never referred to it as one of my favorite things.  It deserves to be listed here.  Carina was in a funny developmental stage last month where she was very uncomfortable with the Infant Insert, but she was a bit too small to go without it.  A few weeks ago we tried again and now it is perfect.  M and I go for walks together with her in the Ergo, and I can put her in it when I need to get things done around the house.  I may start bringing it everywhere I go with her and putting her in it instead of carrying her around in the car seat.  It is much easier to get on and off without having to worry about the insert anymore.

4. LeapFrog My Pal Violet / LeapFrog My Pal Scout

We received My Pal Violet as a gift from one of the January Mommas (we love to do gift exchanges) and it completely mesmerizes Carina.  Violet comes with a USB cord that you plug into your computer, which allows you to programyour choice of songs, your baby's name, and a few other things.  Violet says "Carina" and plays upbeat songs, lullabyes, and says various things to interact with her.  I can only imagine that this will get more and more fun as Carina grows.  Sometimes when she is fussy I turn Violet on and Carina is instantly happy.  Win.

5. Baby Einstein Bendy Ball

I don't even really know how to classify this, maybe a rattle?  I just shake it around in front of Carina and she loves it.  It is one of the first toys she really has made an effort to grasp and hold.  All of the little shapes make it a perfect toy to practice holding.  She sticks her little fingers in and shakes it around a bit.  Another cheap toy; definitely worth $6.

6. Taggies Big Security Blanket

Taggies had a big sale on Zulily.com recently and I had heard a lot about this brand, so I bought a couple things including the blanket above.  First, it is adorable.  It is a little smaller than I had expected, but definitely big enough for a baby.  Second, Carina loves to hold the little tags around the perimeter.  They are all made of different kinds of ribbons in varying widths.  Perfect for little hands to feel and grasp.  I plan on looking for more things by this company for Carina.

7. Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

This is akin to baby crack; Carina has so much fun in it.  She jumps and kicks and plays with the toys.  M discovered that setting the music to the motion sensor setting (instead of playing continuously) really gets Carina excited.  She jumps, and then the animal sounds play.  What a great positive feedback mechanism.  I am particularly impressed with the number and variety of toys surrounding the seat.  There is a little spinny thing that Carina has figured out how to work, and she likes watching all of the others at this point.  We bought this on Amazon for $66!  Can't beat that price.

8. Sleepy Kittens Book

Have you seen the movie Despicable Me?  If not, I highly suggest you watch it.  If you have, I'm sure you'll recognize this book as the bedtime story that he reads to the little girls.  Even if you haven't seen the movie, this book is still absolutely adorable.  The three kittens at the top there are actually little finger puppets.  So while you read the cute story you can put your fingers in the kitties and wiggle them around.  I am pretty sure this is Carina's favorite book.  I read it to her almost every night before she goes to sleep.

9. Munchkin Dishwasher Basket

I don't know how I would clean all of my pump parts and Carina's bottles as efficiently if it weren't for this basket.  I just throw everything in there; no hand washing necessary.  Saves me so much time. 

10. Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether

I gave in and bought a Sophie after hearing so many rave reviews.  Honestly, when it first came I was a little disappointed.  The quality seems no better than a dog toy.  Why is it in my list of favorite things, then?  Carina absolutely LOVES it.  She wants to shove it in her mouth and gnaw on it all the time.  Teething has just begun, and anything that helps this much is definitely worth it.  Sophie is made of all natural rubber and food grade paint, so you don't have to worry about baby sucking on chemicals.

Share with me!  What things did/do you like for your 4 month old?  Have you tried any of these products?  If so, what do you think of them?