As a parent, when you look at your baby, you often wonder, “How will she develop?” “Who will he become?” “What’s next?”

Well, the same is true for me as I look at eebee. A few months back, I never would have imagined that our “baby” would be lovingly described by Thalia, an international celebrity (and mom of a 10 month old daughter) on el Show de Cristina, perhaps one of the most widely viewed TV shows in the Hispanic community.

Take a look at what Thalia had to say. Her comments about eebee start at about the 5:40 point in this youtube clip. And, in case you don’t speak Spanish, there’s a rough translation below:

Thalia En Cristina Julio 28, 2008 Parte 5

“WE FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS PRODUCT, MY DAUGHTER HAD SUCH AN IMPORTANT REACTION WITH THIS PRODUCT, A LINE OF TOYS WHICH TEACHES A CHILD TO LEARN WITH FUN. WATCHING MY DAUGHTER’S RESPONSE TO THESE PRODUCTS AMAZED ME, I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT IMMEDIATELY AND WE CONTACTED THE PEOPLE INVOLVED WITH THIS PRODUCT SO THAT WE COULD INTRODUCE IT TO THE LATIN MARKET. I SAW THE RESULT WITH MY OWN DAUGHTER, HOW SHE QUICKLY LEARNED AND HOW MUCH FUN IT WAS FOR HER AND MYSELF, BOTH OF US INTERACTING WITH THESE TOYS, SIMPLE ACTIVITIES TEACHING VALUABLE SKILLS. ALL OF YOU KNOW THAT THE NAME THALIA MEANS FAMILY AND I AM VERY CAREFUL ENDORSING PRODUCTS OUT THERE IN THE MARKET. WHATEVER I ENDORSE HAS TO BE TRULY FAMILY ORIENTED AND DEFINING A COMMUNITY”.

We are currently working on a Spanish language version of “las aventuras.” Stay tuned for details.

In a recent study published by the Fatherhood Institute, 95% of men and women say it is important for dads to spend time caring for children during their first two years. We agree. And we know that there’s a lot of dad, baby and eebee time happening out there, too. Here’s just a little of what we’ve heard from our dadees:

Don (eebee co-founder/co-creator), Kenly, David and Whitney’s dadee says: “Visit us at http://www.raisingwhit.com/. That’s the blog I started when Whitney, my youngest was born (she’s almost 1 now!!)”

Tom, Claire’s dadee says:
“As a pediatrician I know that while it is important to limit TV time, it is equally important to make good choices about what our kids watch. The eebee series of videos model for parents how to play and interact with their kids in stimulating ways using things found around any house. While many children’s videos seem to exist primarily as a vehicle to sell merchandise, the eebee line seems to resist that, and is enjoyable and educational for parents and children alike.”

Wade, Serenity’s dadee says:
“Not only does eebee make [my 12-month-old daughter] smile, but I have noticed since she began watching the videos at six months, that she uses the ideas and concepts in everyday life…after your pouring video she began to put stuff around the house in empty glasses/cups and pour it back out. after your paper tearing video she began taking toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, whatever and tearing it in half while she peeks through the rip.”
And, hats off to all of you Dadee’s.

P.S. Please let us know what you and your child think about eebee’s new “dadee” playmate, Jody. You can see him playing on demand in one of the new Water adventures, “Fountain of Ideas,” and Sound & Music adventures, “Kitchen Band.”

As I reflect on Mother’s Day, not only do I think about my Mom, who at the age of 81 continues to amaze me, but of all the other moms who I have met as a result of my “adventures” with eebee whose real stories, reactions and insights are a true inspiration for me. As a mother’s day tribute to all of you—here are a couple of recent “eebee mom moments”—one from a mom, the other from a grandmother—that made me think and smile.

ALL IN THE “famileebee”

Lauri is a mom of 3 kids that range from 21 months to 10, and a full time student with a full time job, working with at-risk teens. Following a conversation we had about eebee, she wrote a note to summarize her insights. Here’s an excerpt:

“One of the most important aspects, for us on a family level, is the way it engages our older children as well as our youngest…. eebee has given Emma the opportunity to explore how Jayson (21 months) learns. She is fascinated by the way he takes what he sees on eebee and applies it to things he can do. It engages her, and the rest of us, in an activity that is completely family based. She has been inspired to play with her brother on his level (she set up the whole Cheerio play time for him on her own). For 8, 12, or 20 minutes, whatever amount of time, we are all doing something as a family. Life is very fast now and it is crucial to slow down and relate to each other.”

“eebee has become a very real part of our family. My older children, who will someday grow up to be parents themselves are learning now how to be good at it. They are building a base of experience to nurture my future grandchildren as well asbe better siblings to each other. I realize that all of that sounds like a lot of responsibility to lay on eebee’s little shoulders, but it is really a simple end result of all of your hard work.”

Lauri also indicated that she plans to show eebee to some of the teen moms with whom she works in her community, to help and inspire them, too.

FROM MOM TO MOM

This was not the first time I’d heard about how eebee can be a resource for teen moms. I recently received a call from a grandmother who was calling with a product question. In the course of our conversation, this GM revealed what she liked about watching eebee with her grandchild. It helped to create a special time to simply celebrate that very moment in the child’s life, she explained. They’d slow down, play, laugh, sing, or perhaps just be quiet together. She said it helped her to remember how important it is to be patient with a baby…”after all, they’re just babies.” She went on to tell me that she didn’t know that lesson when she had her daughter as a teen-age mom. Her daughter, the baby’s mom, is also a teen and also “impatient,” she said. She then went on to tell me that eebee has been a valuable tool for her to share with her daughter and grandchild. “In our house,” she added, “eebee time is together time.”

All I can say, in response to these stories and the many more like them, is that all of us at every baby company are humbled as well as privileged to be a resource and inspiration for today’s engaged, playful, thoughtful—and busy—moms.

Happy Mother’s Day.

It’s hard to believe it’s spring. I can’t tell you how often I thought to myself that I really wanted to update the blog. But, I assume, like for many of you, the past couple of months have been one of those “where did the time go?” periods. Reflecting back, January was filled with terrific news that eebee had yet another sell-out holiday season at FAO Schwarz…which in turn has led to an almost doubling of the amount of space for eebee in the New York flagship store. There was also good news from Toys R Us in Times Square where there was a small eebee DVD boutique. TRU Times Square will now be carrying more eebee products starting this summer.

NEW ADVENTURES NEW AWARD

We also launched a set of new adventures On Demand with a focus on MUSIC and SOUND and WATER PLAY. The response from members of our “famileebee” has been terrific. While your comments are truly what motivates us, we also recently received a GOLD AWARD from PARENTS CHOICE for children’s television, 2008. We’re really proud, and humbled. And as if the award weren’t enough, Parents’ Choice also selected eebee as their “poster baby” to announce the awards on their website. Check it out: http://www.parents-choice.com

A scene from “Sing the World.” vroom. vroom. beep.

ON THE SAME PAGE

Many of you have told us how much you and your child enjoy the “eebee’s book” segments in the Just You and Me adventure. We’ve heard how they’ve inspired you to not only create your own baby books, but to go beyond the page when you’re reading with your baby. Over the past few months, with what we hope you’ll agree is the same “eebee spirit,” we’ve also been getting ready to launch a line of playful and interactive books. The books will be available at Barnes & Noble stores in the very early summer! BULLSEYE We also partnered with Parents magazine to create a custom DVD that features a couple of the new SONGBOOK adventures. This new DVD, simply called “eebee’s adventures: developmental play for you and baby,” is now available at Target stores. Look for it in the Parents CD/DVD kiosk. And let us know what you think!

SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST

Despite all of the activity over the last few months, knowing that we continue to actively engage you and your baby…actively engaged parents and kids…is our proudest accomplishment. And with real thanks to you, here are few of our proudest moments:

Yesterday, in a forum posting on cafe mom (www.cafemom.com/group/eebeebaby), “Imnosupermom” said about eebee’s adventures: “I don’t know if it is making her smarter, but it does make her happy, and that is enough for me.”

That response made me smile and reflect on how often parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles have used the words “happy,” “joy,” “smile,” and “laugh” when they describe their child’s reactions to an adventure. It occurred to me that perhaps we had somehow succeeded in tapping into that very illusive “joy of discovery” or “love of learning” that comes with those moments when you’re so engaged, intrigued or compelled by a new idea or experience that nothing else matters. And I also thought about another child I had just heard about….

ACHILLES’ STORY

Achilles and eebee sharing a hospital adventure

A couple of weeks ago, a mom e-mailed to ask about the length of the DVDs. In response to my response, this mom, Ali Philpott, let me know the adventures were a “godsend” for her son, Achilles, now about 6 months old.

Achilles has already had two open heart surgeries and had a pacemaker implanted. Achilles also has congestive heart failure. Being hospitalized and being physically distressed or in pain are ways of life for him already. The doctors have told Ali and Todd (Achilles’ dad) that when Achilles is upset, it’s essential to calm him down to avoid further stress on his heart.

One night, when Achilles was having a particularly rough time, Ali tried an eebee episode On Demand. It worked. He calmed down. After that, she said, “it’s just eebee for us.” Ali also told us how she and Achilles also play their own versions of the adventures now.

Achilles’ story made me think that this little guy is learning to fight and just maybe, he’s also fighting to learn.

the adventure continues…

GO CHAMP GO

Hearing Achilles’ story and sharing ideas about play and development with Ali ( a conservatory trained musician who has also generously offered to brainstorm some music ideas and activities with us) has truly been one of those special “eebee moments” for me.

Ali’s e-mails come from the aptly named domain: www.gochampgo.com. It’s Todd Philpott’s (Achilles’ dad’s)official website. Check it out and learn about this extraordinary athlete. Where some of Achilles’ strength comes from will not be a surprise.

COMFORT and JOY

While lifting spirits and spreading joy are this month’s theme, Achilles’ story along with all of those that you’ve shared with us, remind me that every day and every moment are rich with possibilities and promise.

And on that note…wishing you a very HAPPEEBEE HOLIDAY season and a peaceful new year filled with ADVENTURE, DISCOVERY and JOY.

‘TIS THE SEASON

Some time back in July of this year I received a phone call from a media company that produces and manages all of the images and “spots” that appear on the HUGE “GeoffreyTron” (that’s what they call the Jumbo Tron screen) that hangs over the entrance to the Toys R Us flagship store in Times Square in New York City. eebee was invited to participate during the holiday season. eebee in TIMES SQUARE! It’s unbelievable to me and pretty exciting as well. Our baby…up in lights!

We created a 15 second spot that plays 2 times per hour, 24 hours a day, and will be running through New Year’s Day.

The spot began running on November 6. I just saw it up on the GeoffreyTron for the first time this week. While I had reviewed it multiple times in a video player on my computer screen, seeing eebee “”playing” on Broadway was a real thrill…and well worth standing on a street corner in the rain for a half hour waiting for it to appear!!

WHEN IN ROME…or TIMES SQUARE

If you (or any of your eebee friends and family) plan to be in New York during the holiday season, happen to be in Times Square and happen to see eebee on the big screen, start singing the eebee song!! If you plan to watch the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve on TV, watch for eebee in the background.

Visit the new eebee shop at FAO Schwarz on Fifth Avenue at 58th Street to see the new eebee play line. And, after a ride on the ferris wheel at Toys R Us in Times Square, check out the eebee DVD display upstairs

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SMILE MILESTONE

A baby’s first smile or giggle is, without a doubt, one of those magic moments for every parent. The feeling that “my baby is happy,” or ” my baby thinks this is funny,” is pretty hard to beat…. A shared smile or laugh creates a special connection.

The other day I received an e-mail from an eebee mom (who’s baby just celebrated her 1st happeebee birthday!!) who is also an occupational therapist who specializes in working with infants. Without compromising the privacy of her client family, she shared an incredible eebee moment with us. One 7-month old baby she works with has downs syndrome. The child’s parents shared their concern that their child does not smile in response to toys or familiar faces. Following the therapy session, the OT asked the parents if they had heard about eebee. They said, “no.” The OT proceeded to put an adventure on the TV. The baby’s response: a big smile. The parents’ response: teary eyes, and according to the OT, the smiling baby was “into” watching the episode.

eebee SMILE

Many of you have written to describe your child’s reaction when they first see the eebee doll come out of the box. We’ve heard about the “double take” response…looking at the doll, then the TV set and then back as the child tries to figure out the relationship between eebee on screen and eebee at home; we’ve heard about the big smile and immediate hug (sometimes before the doll is even out of the plastic bag); and we’ve also heard about the big verbal welcome “eeeeebeeeee.” We’ve also received a number of pictures of kids (and even 1 pet!!) for whom eebee appears to bring a smile.

And check out this video…

and THANKS for MAKING US SMILE

In this season of thanksgiving, I also wanted to say THANK YOU to all of you who have so generously shared your thoughts, pictures, videos, time and memories with us. Knowing that with your help, we have created a “famileebee” is both an inspiration and a humbling experience. As I think about what’s next for eebee, your insights, stories, collective enthusiasm and support together with the smiles on your children’s faces are what makes me very thankful.

Please continue to send your pictures, videos, and ideas. Let us know what you think, and keep us posted on your own “adventures.” Check out eebee on youtube, too: www.youtube.com/eebeesadventures. And join the “We love eebee baby” group on Cafe Mom: www.cafemom.com/group/eebeebaby.

eebee OFFICIAL SUPERNANNY EXPERT

I got a call the other day from Supernanny.com. The editor, Rhianon, asked if we’d be interested in sharing some “eebee play ideas” with the Supernanny community. Before I said, “sure,” I asked…as I always ask, “how did you hear about eebee?” Rhianon responded, “We heard about it from our moms. We checked it out and we liked the approach.” As I thought about it, the call made a lot of sense to me…eebee and Supernanny are both practical resources for real parents with real kids living in today’s world. We chatted a bit more and I agreed to write an article for the Supernanny website.

Here’s the link: Play-builds-your-baby’s-skills. Check it out. Let me (and the Supernanny folks) know what you think. Send your everyday play ideas, too. Thanks!

WIN A SET OF eebee DVDS!

In addition to running the play ideas article, Supernanny.com is also hosting a contest in which they are giving away a set of 3 eebee DVDs.

Here’s the link: Eebee’s-adventures-promotion.. Good luck!

eebee’s been a busy puppet!

BETTER PLAY TIPS on BETTER CONNECTICUT TV SHOW

Back in August, I got a voice mail from Kara Sundlun, the co-anchor of a new morning talk show, Better Connecticut that airs on the CBS affiliate station, WFSB, Channel 3 in Connecticut. Kara’s a new mom and, as it happens, she and her daughter are eebee fans. She asked if I’d be willing to come on to talk about eebee and our approach to play and development. Here it is…eebee’s first LIVE TV event: http://www.wfsb.com/video/14270913/index.html.

The response was so positive that Kara asked me to return as a “regular” to talk about play and development and to share some of the play ideas we showcase in the “adventures.” I start on October 22 and will appear every two weeks! eebee and I are pretty excited. If you live in the CT area and get WFSB, please tune in.

Better Connecticut is a TV counterpart to Meredith Corporation’s www.Better.TV video-based web site. Meredith is the publisher of magazines including Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies’ Home Journal, Family Circle, American Baby, Parents and Fitness, Better (state name goes here) shows are also now airing in a number of other Meredith owned stations across the country.

INTO THE MINDS OF BABES

A while back, I also received a phone call from Lisa Guernsey, a former New York Times journalist and young mom who was doing research for a book about electronic media and very young children. I spoke with Lisa about our approach and how critically important developmental research was in eebee’s creation. The book, titled Into the Minds of Babes, was just published. In addition to saying “the eebee videos look and feel different from the Baby Einstein model,” she notes that we have the support of one of the leading experts on the importance of play for early development, Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, and then goes on to describe our approach to play and language. If you’re even the slightest bit interested in better understanding the how, when and what about using tv and computers around your kids under the age of five, I highly recommend your reading this book (and it’s not because eebee was described positively!!!). The book is thoughtful, balanced (Lisa presents both sides of the argument and dispels a few myths, too), well -documented, and practical. Here’s a link to Lisa’s site to find out more: http://www.lisaguernsey.com/books/booksIntoTheMindsOfBabes.htm

HOT MOMS CLUB

The topic of TV for children under the age of two, clearly, is a hot one. Given my POV that what your baby watches can and does matter, I was also recently asked to write an article for the very cool hotmomsclub.com website. The article is running this month. Let me know what you think. You can also post a comment on the hotmomsclub site. Here’s a link to the article, Baby TV: Not so Black and White: http://hotmomsclub.com/showthread.php?t=2377.

MOTHERHOOD LATER

I also received an e-mail from Robin Gorman Newman, one of the founders of Motherhood Later, an organization for first-time moms over the age of 35 that describes itself for “moms with more life experience than baby experience.” (www.motherhoodlater.com). (Robin had her first child at age 42.) Robin and I spoke on the phone and discussed ways in which we might work together. I suggested that I would be happy to come to speak about play, development, TV for toddlers and eebee at one of Motherhood Later’s moms night out gatherings. I had the pleasure of meeting Robin in person and joining her group a couple of weeks ago. The moms, ranging in age from 35 to 52, were a very engaging group. Our conversation ranged from a discussion of the cultural pressures for early academics to ways to evaluate TV/video for very young viewers. Check out this group’s website.

September 9 was, officially, Grandparent’s Day.

The very first e-mail we received about eebee was from a grandmother who read about eebee in an article (also the very first article written about eebee) that ran in the Litchfield County Times. She was intrigued by what she read and was writing to learn more.

Turning the clock forward, we’ve now heard from a number of grandparents who, like our very first “fan,” are actively involved in their very young grandchild’s lives. They (you) are down on the floor, engaged, playful and deeply committed to providing that essential human interaction that is critical for the healthy growth and development of every child. Some write to just say “thanks” for providing the resource and ideas; others are looking for a favorite “adventure” that they saw on demand, and others are looking for products, birthday decorations, or new adventures.

Grandparents…a real inspiration

If it isn’t already clear, I love to talk with the real folks in whose households eebee has become (sort of) a family member. A few months ago, an eebee grandmother called to ask about the doll. I had her on the phone, so I figured I’d do a little market research. “So,” I asked, “what do you like about the eebee approach?” She responded quickly, saying “It’s portable.”

“Portable?” I responded. “What do you mean?” She then went on to explain in her words that an “adventure” can happen anywhere and, in particular, wherever she is with her grandson, she can sing the eebee song. She continued by telling me that sometimes she sings the eebee song country-western, sometimes “opera” style. I immediately flashed on the idea of an eebee theme song music video contest in which families (from babies to grandparents) would create their own eebee music video. We haven’t launched this contest yet. Let us know if this is something that sounds like fun (an “adventure”) to you: info@eebee.com.

Grandparents on the frontline

Recently, I also heard from Steve (in the picture above with granddaughter, Lilly; at left, Lilly, with Steve’s support, testing the water). Steve (along with his former wife) is now raising Lilly. About six months ago, he and Lilly stumbled upon an adventure on cable on demand. Lilly’s response to eebee and Steve’s response to Lilly’s response was immediate. eebee provided them with some new ways to interact and things to do together. Steve, a real estate professional with a degree in education, let us know that he thinks our approach makes sense. He describes Lilly’s delight with seeing eebee, her play-along behavior and the joy eebee brings to both of them.

Steve, like so many of you, thanked us for creating eebee as well as agreed to tell folks in his community about it. But that thanks really goes to Steve. He’s the one doing the really critical work. He’s raising his granddaughter. He realizes that he’s one of Lilly’s first teachers, coaches and play partners. And we realize that every child’s learning career requires people to shape it. Objects, toys, books, videos, in and of themselves, will not do the trick. Humor, warmth, interaction and love go a long way, too.

Happy Grandparent’s Day (week, month, year).

Please share your “grand eebee” stories with us. To further celebrate the importance of grandparents in a baby’s and young family’s life, here’s a 10% off discount code: GRAND you can use–and pass along–through the month of September for an additional 10% off any products at www.eebee.com/shop.html.