Amy Westman's Profile

I think that the main thing is to never blame not being able to do something on the new baby ("I can't play now, I'm feeding/changing/etc. the baby"). Telling them ahead of time what to expect from you ("Mommy might be tired in bed for a while, but you can always visit me." "Mommy will sometimes be very busy and you may need to be patient, but I'll always have time for you." etc.) Preparing the toddler for what the baby will and will not be able to do and helping them brainstorm activities that the baby might enjoy (playing peek-a-boo, making faces, gentle tickling) seem to be some pretty sibling-building activities. Telling the baby all about their wonderful big brother or sister in his or her presence seems to be a ego boost when they need it, too. Good luck!

We've got a similar one that my dad built for my brother and I. My mom decoupaged on some kitschy late 70s owl and woodland creatures she x-acto-ed from a book. Maybe you could do the same with a book from the era your Grandpa would have made the piece if you can't get off the stickers? I've found that soaking the sticker in a little vegetable oil usually works pretty well to get the sticker off. Good luck!

I wonder if the Martha Stewart staff sometimes wonder if they might be a little too awesome. This looks doable even for the craft-challanged.