I do like that idea too. I hear reading to an infant/baby/young child makes a world of difference!

If I go the zoo route, is that something I should ask if they would like first?? Maybe they *hate* animals. Some people are like that. I'd hate to get them something they won't use. (I have very little clue when it comes to social things like this).

Hmm, maybe hit up the thrift store, and get a stack of baby books, and put the zoo membership on top? Lots of wrapping! Weekend project!

omnis, I was once told that an outfit of clothing -- something appropriate to a toddler, not an infant -- was a good choice.

There's also an adaptation of my mother's gift of choice for wedding showers -- a diaper pail (do such things even exist anymore?) filled with a bunch of little things that people aren't going to think of. Not having human children, I can't offer many ideas. But a baby thermometer comes to mind.

omnis, I was once told that an outfit of clothing -- something appropriate to a toddler, not an infant -- was a good choice.

This is what my mom usually does. She says that people get so many newborn-sized outfits that they barely have time to dress the baby in each one before it's outgrown.

Connie, have you ever watched 'Grand Designs'? (Also available on youtube)

I really like Time Team and was drawn to Grand Designs as a result. Some episodes feature preservation projects that include a lot of history. I especially like the follow up...one year later...episodes.

Yay for dating, smonster!

I'm putting off the OKC date potential as I have a trillion things going on, including 2 weeks of jury duty. And, I might be unsure about how much I want to jump into that pool despite how cool the guy is.

Shir, I wish I had a good idea. I have to confess that counseling in a middle school early in my career nearly did me in.

My one strategy with kids is to be interested in what their statement means. The more opportunity they have to be heard, the more chance I have to slip in an alternate view.

Beyond that, I can only support you caring enough to strategize. You are a good human.

Omnis, the membership idea is a great one, though I'm with you on checking out the zoo-like beforehand.

I couldn't use that one, but a infant/toddler activity would be super useful. Around here, we have something called Boogie Babies. People seem to lurve it a lot.

I think I may have seen Grand Designs as a I charged through all the history-based Brit shows on YouTube. I'll have to double check.

I highly recommend anything with Lucy Worsley, she who is in charge of the Historic Royal Palaces.

I will definitely check out Lucy Worsley. The fact that she is currently fed up with the Georgians just tickles me.

Yeah, her take on poor George the IV is not good.

As far as baby books go, I suggest board books as they are sturdier, as well as one of those books that are made for not-yet-readers with lots of sensory elements. They are usually made of cloth and plastic and are built to endure fingers and gumming. Something like this. I never would have thought of it myself before I had kids, but each kid had their own special book. It gets pretty chewed, I wouldn't buy a used one.

Long day. About to go collapse for the night.

I kinda kicked the boys to the curb today. Well, gave them the keys to my car and sent them and the dog away to NY. For a bunch of reasons I am not quite ready to go, but I needed them all out of my hair so I could get my list done. They will, in theory, clean a couple years of dust and grit off the surfaces and launder all the linens, and generally prep the place for me before I get there. We'll see how that works out.

They stopped tonight in GA at my niece's place. Good to see the cousins getting together. I told them to take their time and relax and enjoy themselves.

Wait a moment. I just sent my 19 and 22 year old boys 1600 miles in my car. With my dog. Huh.

eta: and only the 19 yo can drive because the other one has a suspended license

Best of luck, Laura. Enjoy the quiet while it lasts.