This Saturday will mark the first time the three (4 including child) will meet up. It's so funny...when we first tried to set up time to meet with the baby, she was adamant about being right their in our face just in case the child became irritable and uncomfortable with people she didn't know (hard to imagine with a 1 month old baby that wants to eat, sleep and poop). Now, the baby is about 10 months. She 'agrees' to allowing us time while she remains outside of our immediate surroundings. She wants to be in listening distance. THis is all we wanted from the get go...now she wants to comply. IDIOT!!!!<P>Anyway, any tips on how to entertain a ten month old little girl for 1 hour? I think toys are good, but not sure what else. I'd love to be able to experience this time without a bunch of drama....I'd also love it if her mom had to stand by and watch as her daughter's other family welcomed her with open and loving arms! Please say a prayer that we handle whatever happens on Saturday with warmth and dignity.<BR>Oh yeah.....helpful hints and tips are welcome!

My littlest guy is almost 10 months. His affection can be bought with Fruit Loops! Also, this is an age where everything is going into the mouth, so make sure if you bring toys that they are safe to chew on. Aside from that, I would suggest games like "itsy bitsy spider" and so forth because at this age they really seem to like sing-song rythmic kind of stuff.<P>Good luck. I hope it goes well for you, and that ow shrivels up from envy.<BR>-cd

Hey There...I also ditto what CD said. My son is now 8 months(!!!) and he loves all the things that she recommended. I also wanted to add that he loves anything that makes sounds and lights up (wind up music toys, some are even hand held...can be all found at walmart) and even at 8 months, he eats the cheerios. I thought it was too soon, but even after having the other 2 I forgot how early they started things and I was alot more neurotic about things with them. Up in NJ my girlfriend who had her baby 3 days before me was giving them to hers at our final visit with them before we moved and I gave them to him and he loves them!<BR>I want to warn you that about 9 months is when "separation anxiety" sets in so don't be discouraged. My son cries if I pass him off, but usually stops pretty quickly if he has a toy to hold his interest, goes to a window to have a different focal point, and if I am out of eye sight. This is normal so don't lose hope.<BR>Hope all goes well with the visit, e-mail when you can. I'll keep you in my prayers on Sat.<BR>NGU<P>Ps. BTW he also likes to bangs things especially if it produces a noise or reaction.<P>[This message has been edited by Not Giving Up (edited July 18, 2001).]<p>[This message has been edited by Not Giving Up (edited July 18, 2001).]

Good luck with your first visit!<P>Let's see, my youngest is 14 mos and he loves the <BR>boxes that gifts come in more than the gifts!<BR>He also gets weepy when he's first held by someone<BR>else but if allowed to hold something he's never seen<BR>before, he quickly forgets about me!<BR>Even let her look thru your purse, anything to get<BR>her mind off mom. She'll warm up to you,<BR>as long as mom stays out of sight. <P>Best to you, fluke<p>[This message has been edited by fluke (edited July 18, 2001).]

You guys are so smart!! Thanks for the advice. I think I'll go and scope out the park on Friday and figure out where in the park this should take place. Maybe even pack a small picnic lunch, blanket etc...to create the right 'relaxed' setting.<BR>Thanks so much for the advice...we'll be at Walmart early Saturday morning.Thanks for the prayers!<BR>MM

Hey there you have mail..wasn't sure if you knew...no hurry!

That age loves "peek-a-boo", and "patty-cake". Entertain, the child, with one on one for the hour you have to visit. ember