Retro TV Friday: Small Wonder!
7:47 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
She's fantastic.....made of plastic!
Remember Small Wonder? This is definitely one of those obscure shows that you only remember when you see it! The show chronicles the family of a robotics engineer who, after he secretly creates a robot modeled after a real human girl, tries to pass it off as their daughter. Hilarity Ensues....
Synopsis:
The story lines revolve around V.I.C.I. (an acronym for "Voice Input Child Identicant", pronounced Vicki), an android in the form of a 10-year-old girl, built by Ted Lawson, an engineer/inventor for United Robotronics, in an effort to assist handicapped children. The robot is taken home by Lawson so that it can mature within a family environment. V.I.C.I.'s features include superhuman strength and speed, an AC outlet under her right arm, a parallel port under her left arm, and an access panel in her back. Despite this, the Lawson family tries to pass the robot off as their adopted daughter.
The Lawson family tries to keep the robot's existence a secret, but their disagreeable neighbors, the Brindles, keep on popping up at the most unexpected moments — especially nosy red-headed girl-next-door Harriet and her parents, Bonnie and Brandon; the latter just happens to be Ted Lawson's co-worker. The show's humor frequently derived from V.I.C.I.'s attempts to learn human behavior, V.I.C.I's literal interpretation of speech and the family's efforts to disguise the robot's true nature. ( Wikipedia)
I just remember how nobody ever suspected that she was a robot. Strange...
Happy Friday!
Shane
PS: Be sure to enter my giveaways... Kolcraft Options 3 Wheel Stroller ( $169.99)- Enter Here...
http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/kolcraft-contours-options-3-wheeler.html
LilyMe Charms Review: Great Mothers Day Gift Idea!
8:39 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
I always like learning about new products that I think my wife Becky would enjoy! I was really pleased when I was fortunate enough to receive a beautiful charm bracelet from LilyMe to review! Wildly popular in Europe, satin and jewel personalized charm bracelets are now available in North America exclusively from LilyMe!
LilyMe offers trendy colorful satin bracelets that are graced by sterling silver and gold plated charms, engraved with the names of significant loved ones or messages of l’amour. Moms are crazy about their LilyMe bracelets, as are teenagers across the world! Each LilyMe jewel comes tied to a delightful and resistant satin cord that comes in 15 different colors! There are so many different styles of charms that there really is something for everyone. Even better, starting at $38, these trendy charms are really affordable!
I received a sterling silver bracelet with a lavender satin cord for Becky with the personalized message of "Kyrons Mom" on it. She fell in love with this bracelet and immediately put it on ( a good sign!) her wrist. She usually does not wear wrist jewellery, but she really likes the look and feel of the LilyMe charm! With Mother's Day around the corner, LilyMe Charms would make a perfect gift! As a thank you to my readers, LilyMe has offered a promo code for 10% off any product on their website! The Promotional code is "mother". Head over to http://www.lilyme.com/ and check out there cool product line!
Thanks!
Shane
This post was written as part of a program for Family Review Network and LilyMe, who provided the products for this review. The opinions are 100% Mine and Becky's!
Shane
This post was written as part of a program for Family Review Network and LilyMe, who provided the products for this review. The opinions are 100% Mine and Becky's!
Wordless Wednesday! Kyron The Baby Wrestler? WWE Bound?
7:56 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
I think he looks just like something out of the WWE! Maybe his finishing move could be the hair pull ( which he just discovered!) followed by poking you in the eye with his soother!
Now all we need is a clever name.....
Happy Wednesday!
PS: Be sure to enter my giveaways... Kolcraft Options 3 Wheel Stroller ( $169.99)- Enter Here...
http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/kolcraft-contours-options-3-wheeler.html
3 Month Old Baby Kyron Sleeping Through The Night...Time to Move Baby Into His Own Room!
10:23 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
Sigh. Last night was a milestone for our three month only son Kyron as he made the move from his bassinet over to his own crib. Becky and I had loved having Kyron sleep in our room in his own bassinet, but the little monster has passed the 15lbs weight limit and had to move out. Becky and I had been stalling this move for a few days, but finally had to give in to his expanding girth!
Kyron has been sleeping well over the past few weeks, often sleeping 8-10 hours without waking up! Even through his room is less than 10 feet away, we were nervous about not having him at the foot of our bed. We used our Graco Video Monitor to watch and listen to him sleep last night, which provided some comfort for us. Becky is a really light sleeper ( well, at least since Ky was born...) so I know she can hear every little movement but the monitor adds some extra piece of mind. This little gadget is one of the best things we bought!
Some of you are probably laughing and rolling your eyes, but I think this is a big deal, lol. I am sure it will take a few days for us to get used to our big boy Kyron sleeping in his own bedroom. He seems to have adjusted well. Mom and Dad are still trying though....
Sigh.
Shane
PS: Be sure to enter my giveaways... Kolcraft Options 3 Wheel Stroller ( $169.99)- Enter Here...
http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/kolcraft-contours-options-3-wheeler.html
Some of you are probably laughing and rolling your eyes, but I think this is a big deal, lol. I am sure it will take a few days for us to get used to our big boy Kyron sleeping in his own bedroom. He seems to have adjusted well. Mom and Dad are still trying though....
Sigh.
Shane
PS: Be sure to enter my giveaways... Kolcraft Options 3 Wheel Stroller ( $169.99)- Enter Here...
http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/kolcraft-contours-options-3-wheeler.html
Monday Mingle, April 26, 2010
7:54 PM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
Its Monday Mingle Time Again, hosted by Eighty MPH Mom!
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS (submitted by Java with Jacki!):
1. How do you pamper yourself?
2. Do you prepare your own taxes or have someone else do them for you?
3. Do you sing in the shower? Car? If so, what do you sing? Favorite sing-a-long songs?
I forgot to say what kind of songs? Usually any old classics, country and anything Elvis!
Happy Monday!
PS: Be sure to enter my giveaways... 1) Kolcraft Options 3 Wheel Stroller ( $169.99)- Enter Here...
http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/kolcraft-contours-options-3-wheeler.html
Retro TV Friday! The Littlest Hobo
9:00 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
Maybe Tomorrow, I'll want to settle down.... Until Tomorrow...I'll just keep moving on!
The Littlest Hobo is yet another old cheesy Canadian classic TV show that I absolutely loved as a kid! The show's premise was simple....
1) Smart dog wanders into a complex plot!
2) New family falls in love with the Hobo
3) Hobo Saves the day! ( usually by overhearing a sinister plot or reading a secret document.)
4) Said family wants to adopt the Hobo....but the dog never stays.
5) On to the next town and the next adventure! ( Cue sad theme song!)
The Littlest Hobo really is a good family show and I see that they are playing the old reruns on Saturday Am on CTV! Nothing like dusting off a 30 year old show for a new generation.
The theme song brings back the most memories. It is so powerful that my brother in law used to cry when the show was over because of the theme song. HA!
Happy Weekend!
Shane
PS: Be sure to enter my giveaways... 1) Kolcraft Options 3 Wheel Stroller ( $169.99)- Enter Here...
http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/kolcraft-contours-options-3-wheeler.html
Switching back to a Landline Phone! Progress?
8:13 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
We have both used our cell phones exclusively since we lived together saw no real need to have a home phone. We were both at work all day and our cell phones were free at night, so when would we ever need to use a landline? With Becky at home on Maternity leave, it finally seemed to make sense to add a home phone.
The last time I had a landline, the cost was around $35/mo. I was shocked to find that once we bundled it with our Cable/Internet service, the phone only cost $10/mo. Wow.....what a big difference! Now, Becky can chat all day long to here BFF's and not have to worry about eating her cell phone minutes during the daytime!
The worst part of getting the new landline is the constant calls from Telemarketers! We had the phone set up for about 2 hours before the calls starting coming in! I did not even know the new phone number but somehow we were getting calls! I figure that the calls are made on a computer dialer and just dial every number combination over and over. I just love it when they call during dinner!
Lovely.
Shane
PS: Be sure to enter my giveaways... 1) Kolcraft Options 3 Wheel Stroller ( $169.99)- Enter Here...
http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/kolcraft-contours-options-3-wheeler.html
Wordless Wednesday! Kyron at 3 Months
8:15 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
I love that little guy sooooo much! I really cannot get over how much he looks like his mommy! He has the funniest personality already. He always has the quirkiest smiles and often does the Elvis lip, lol! I wonder what he is thinking in this picture? Ooops... Too many words for "Wordless Wednesday".....?
Happy Wednesday!
Shane
PS: Be sure to enter my giveaways... 1) Kolcraft Options 3 Wheel Stroller ( $169.99)- Enter Here...
http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/kolcraft-contours-options-3-wheeler.html
Baby Kyron Shares His Thoughts On Important Issues
7:51 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
Kyron also loves to have conversations with me and Becky. He will go on and on once he gets talking and I often wonder if it is a sign of his future personality? I hope it is a sign that he will be outgoing and overly social, mostly because I think it will be hard for him to become Prime Minister if he is overtly shy!
Here is Kyron's thoughts on some important issues facing people today! He even adds his two "scents" (not a typo) in about pollution! I just had to share....
I love it!
Shane
PS: Be sure to enter my giveaways... 1) Kolcraft Options 3 Wheel Stroller ( $169.99)- Enter Here
http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/kolcraft-contours-options-3-wheeler.html
CalgaryDaddy.com Monday Mingle, April 19 2010
7:01 PM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
Its time for our weekly Monday Mingle Vlog, which is hosted by Eighty MPH Mom!
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS From Robyn - Robyn's Online World:
1. If you could visit 1 city anywhere in the world, what city would it be?
2. What is your favorite vacation you went on as a child?
3. What is the best museum you have ever been to?
Not sure what Kyron is staring at, lol!
Happy Monday!
Shane
PS: Be sure to enter my giveaway... 1) Kolcraft Options 3 Wheel Stroller ( $169.99)- Enter Here
http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/kolcraft-contours-options-3-wheeler.html
Retro TV Friday! Romper Room!
8:49 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
"I see Becky, I see Shane, I see Shannon, I see Tanya, I see Tamara..... Kyron had a good day! "
Remember this old classic? Before I did my post last week, Becky said I should do one on Romper Room! I laughed when a few of my comments on The Polka Dot Door show were about Romper Room instead. The shows are pretty similar and hey, after 25 years our memories all get a little fuzzy.
Synopsis:
Each program would open with a greeting from the hostess and the Pledge of Allegiance. Then the hostess and her group of children would embark on an half hour of games, exercises, songs and moral lessons, which were regularly accompanied by background music. Romper Room tried to teach its young charges to be polite. For instance, the hostesses were always addressed as "Miss." Many of the hostesses had prior experience in working with small children, as many were former kindergarten teachers.
At the end of each broadcast, the hostess would look through a "magic mirror" (actually a face-sized open hoop with a handle) and name the children she saw in "televisionland", then recite the rhyme, "Romper, bomper, stomper boo. Tell me, tell me, tell me, do. Magic Mirror, tell me today, have all my friends had fun at play?" She would then lead into, "I can see Scotty and Kimberly and Julie and Jimmy and Kelly and all of you boys and girls out there!" Kids were encouraged to mail in their names, which would be read on the air.
( Source: Wikipedia)
I also used to hang onto her every word, hoping she would call my name! What do you remember?
Happy Weekend!
Shane
PS: Be sure to enter my giveaways... 1) Kolcraft Options 3 Wheel Stroller ( $169.99)- Enter Here
http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/kolcraft-contours-options-3-wheeler.html
2) Label Daddy Customized Disney Zipper Tags: Ends Sunday- Enter here: http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/check-out-kyrons-one-of-kind-label.html
Kolcraft Contours Options 3 Wheeler Stroller Review and Giveaway!
1:09 PM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
Kolcraft Contours Options 3 Wheeler Stroller Review and Giveaway!
As a dad to a 3 Month old baby, I am shocked by the wide range of stroller options available to new parents. Becky and I purchased our existing Graco stroller months before Kyron was born and we were really only looking at travel system strollers at that time. Now that spring has finally arrived, we found ourselves researching the different types of strollers that were on the market! We were looking for a walking stroller that was easy to use, relatively lightweight and looked good! I was pleased when I met Michelle at Kolcraft online and she asked me to do a review of their Contours Options 3 Wheel Stroller, as it fit our criteria exactly.
Features:
•Reversible seat
•Infant car seat attachment (included) fits most brands on the market
•Seat reclines in both directions for infant's comfort
•Unique floating seat designed with suspension to give baby a comfortable ride
•8" front single swivel & 12" rear never flat wheels
•Easy trigger allows for quick fold & upright stand
•Child front bar removes quickly for child access
•Infant head rest protects newborn's head
•Sunrider canopy adjusts in all directions to block the sun
•Large storage basket
•Height adjustable 5-point harness for safety and padded sleeves for comfort
Here are some shots of Kyron and Me with our Contours Options 3 Wheel Stroller!
Kyron actually fell asleep very quickly, thanks to the smooth ride offered by the floating seat design feature!
What do I love about the Kolcraft Contours Options 3 Wheeler?
While the stroller appears large, it is actually quite easy to handle. I can literally stand in one spot and spin the stroller in a 360 degree turn with one hand. The handles are made of a soft foam material which also make pushing the Contours 3 Wheeler a breeze! Taking a shortcut on a recent walk,we found ourselves going over parking lot curbs at the local shopping mall. This stroller is so easy to use that Becky was able to negotiate the curb with one hand! Becky and I also love the fact that the stroller comes equipped with a dual coffee cup holders, as we are huge coffee drinkers and find a lot of strollers only have a spot for one cup!
The best feature in my opinion is the reversible seat! I love the fact that with a simple manoeuvre, you can quickly change which way the baby is facing. Not many strollers offer this amazing feature! Becky and I prefer to look at Kyron when we are walking and this option makes this possible! Here are some pictures of the stroller facing both ways...
Now is that cool or what? While it is an extra step, I also love the fact that you can also use the infant car seat attachment to turn this stroller into a true "travel" system stroller!
These three options really make this stroller truly unique!
What would I change about the Contours Options 3 Wheeler Stroller?
Not much! Believe it or not, the biggest challenge I had was trying to interpret the instructions! I had a difficult time trying to figure out the manual, even with their handy illustrations. While it was a bit frustrating at first, once you figure it out the stroller is not hard to set up/fold away. I also wish that it was a little bit lighter and folded down a little more compact, but it is still a really convenient stroller.
After using this stroller for a few weeks, I must confess that I really have fallen in love with it. I would recommend it to any family that wants a stroller that is fun to push, looks great and easy to use! At $169.99 retail price, this stroller offers an amazing value!
Want to Win a Contours Options 3 Wheeler Stroller?
The amazing people at Kolcraft have generously offered to give a Contours Options 3 Wheeler Stroller to one of our lucky readers! The contest will be open until May 12, 2010 and open to USA Residents only.
How can you enter?
To win, head over to Kolcraft site and let me know what other Kolcraft Products you would love to have! Here is the link!
Bonus Entries:
1. Follow Calgarydaddy.com with Google Friend Connect
2. Follow Me on Twitter and Re-Tweet this contest. You can Tweet once/day! ( @calgarydaddy)
Feel free to use this tweet...
Win a Kolcraft Contours Options 3 Wheeler Stroller ( $169 Value) Enter to win on my blog here http://goo.gl/fb/n2I0D #giveaway #parenting
3. Follow Me on Facebook! ( Link on my sidebar)
4. Subscribe to Calgarydaddy.com via email! ( see sidebar also)
5. Follow Kolcraft on Twitter! www.twitter.com/kolcraft
6. Become a fan of Kolcraft on Facebook! www.facebook.com/kolcraft
7. Head over to Kolcrafts Blog and leave a comment on their site! http://www.kolcraft.com/parent-center/blog/
8. Add my Kolcraft Contest Button on your site!
Be sure to leave a comment confirming each of your entries!
Contest closes Wednesday May 12, 2010 at 11pm Mountain Time. I will pick the winner at random using random.org.
Good Luck!
Shane
UPDATE: May 13, 2010! Winner!!!!
The winner is # 378- Sherrie! Congratulations!!
UPDATE: May 13, 2010! Winner!!!!
The winner is # 378- Sherrie! Congratulations!!
Congratulations! Thanks to everyone that entered and to Kolcraft for allowing me to host this review and giveaway!
Monday Mingle April 12, 2010!
6:38 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
Its Monday Mingle Time again! Monday Mingle is hosted by Jen at Eighty MPH Mom, so be sure to head over to her site to join in next week!
THIS WEEK'S QUESTIONS (submitted by DEE @ REDHEADED STEPCHILD and SAY ANYTHING:
1. Do you remember the first blog you started following? If so, who & why did you keep going back for more?
2. Pretend you are 16. Being able to look ahead at your life now, what would you, at 16, have found most shocking or unexpected about the life you ended up having?
3. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? What would you be now if you could do it all over again?
And there you go!
Happy Monday! I have a huge new giveaway to announce this week! Stay tuned!
PS: Be sure to enter my Label Daddy Disney Customized Zipper Tag Contest! It ends 4/18/10. The link is here: http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/check-out-kyrons-one-of-kind-label.html
Retro TV Friday! The Polka Dot Door
9:27 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
Another Friday, another Retro TV Themed post! Does anyone remember The Polka Dot Door? I can still sing the theme song word for word and I have not seen this show in over 25 years! ( Advertisers know that jingles work people!) This was another Canadian classic from the 1970's & 80's and I am not sure if it was shown in the USA?
The fact that the puppets never spoke is kind of freaky to me now that you think about it. How do you know if the hosts were interpreting their thoughts accurately? What if we had it wrong all these years? Maybe its just me?...
The creepiest character ( and the most famous) was Polkaroo! He never said anything except "Polkaroo...Polkaroo..!!" while dancing around. He was also the hardest to see as he only appeared to the female host and was never seen by the male! Imagine the fun times watching as a kid when the male host asked the camera ( and you at home) " Do you see Polkaroo?"... when he is right behind him. He was as elusive as the Sasquatch or the Ogopogo! The man host then turned around to find Polkaroo gone into thin air! He would always say... " Ahhhh, I must have missed him again!" (This was repeated each and every show) . Hilarity Ensued!
This was another good educational show that I wish was back on re-runs.
Any memories of this classic?
Shane
PS: Be sure to enter my Label Daddy Disney Customized Zipper Tag Contest! It ends 4/18/10. The link is here: http://www.calgarydaddy.com/2010/04/check-out-kyrons-one-of-kind-label.html
Check Out Kyron's One of A Kind Label Daddy Zipper Tags! Review and Giveaway!
10:13 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
With a unique name like Kyron, Becky and I doubt we will ever be able to find "off the shelf" retail products that contain our sons name! ( I guess this is the peril of not naming your son Bill or Bob!) I was pleased when I came across the Label Daddy website and found the huge range of cool customized label products that they offer. Tenille at Label Daddy were kind enough to send me a set of custom Zipper Tags for my son Kyron to review and share with my readers!
These zipper tags can be customized with numerous designs and they recently added a wide range of Disney Characters to their already impressive design line-up! Imagine being able to choose your child's favorite Disney character ( including Toy Story and Cars!) alongside their own name! There really are not many companies that offer this type of product! Check out the picture of Kyron's one of a kind Tigger Zipper Tags! Are they cool or what? These zipper tags come laminated with the design logo showing on both sides. The fact that Label Daddy laminated these is a testament to their quality. Most other label sites I researched did not offer this additional quality, which is amazing! The tags are strong and durable and I imagine that they will last a long time! They also came in a package of ten zipper tags, which is a good quantity in my opinion. All in all, I think that these zipper tags are a wonderful product and promote the uniqueness of the child!
Label Daddy also has a huge assortment of household/personal labels on their website! Parents of school age kids will find the Camp Package a lifesaver as they head into the summer camp season! Check out their main site here http://www.labeldaddy.com/
Want to Win A Customized Set of Zipper Tags?
The good people at Label Daddy will be giving away a set of Zipper Tags to one of my readers!
How can you enter?
To win, head over to Label Daddy's site and let me know which character you would choose for your zipper tags and who you would like to give this to! Here is the link!
Bonus Entries:
1. Follow Calgarydaddy.com with Google Friend Connect
2. Follow Me on Twitter and Re-Tweet this contest. You can Tweet once/day! ( @calgarydaddy)
Feel free to use this tweet...
Win a set of Customized Zipper Tags for your child from @labeldaddy! Enter on my blog here http://goo.gl/0rgf @calgarydaddy
3. Follow Me on Facebook! ( Link on my sidebar)
4. Subscribe to Calgarydaddy.com via email! ( see sidebar also)
5. Follow Label Daddy on twitter www.twitter.com/labeldaddy
6. Become a fan of Label Daddy on Facebook! The link is below.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Label-Daddy/366035050776?ref=ts&v=info#!/pages/Label-Daddy/366035050776
Be sure to leave a comment confirming each of your entries!
Contest closes Sunday April 18, 2010 at 9pm. I will pick the winner at random using random.org. Open to USA/Canada readers!
Good Luck!
Shane
4/20/10 UPDATE!!! The Winner is lucky # 9... ( Juliana) Thanks to everyone that entered!
Wordless Wednesday: Kyron + Baby Banz= One Cool Baby!
8:30 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
Cool or what?
Happy Wednesday!
Shane
Monthly Photo Project- Kyron and His Monkey- Month 3!
8:10 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
Our little Mon-ky is 12 weeks old today. He is getting so big and changing every day, it is simply amazing. Keeping with our monthly tradition of taking a shot of Kyron with his stuffed monkey, I thought I would share the latest photo!
Here is 1 month old: Original Post Here
Two Months Old: ( Original Post Here)
And.... Three Months Old!
As you can see, he is still rocking that "fauxhawk" on his head. He is getting weighed today and we are taking bets on his weight! I say he has cracked the 14lbs mark...
Happy Tuesday!
Shane
Monday Mingle, April 5, 2010
8:04 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
1. So you must be a little on the wild side somewhere...how about any tattoos? Piercings? Show us your wild side. If you are free of any taintings do you want any? Piercings or tattoos?
2. Considering the state of our world today what is one thing you might change, suggest, or push for or against if you were to be elected to office?
3. Reminiscing about my impending 10 yr anniversary, can any of you recall your wedding day? Vows? Any funny or memorable moments from your special day?
Check out Eighty MPH Mom's site here and join in next week!
Shane
Memories of Easter's Past ( Embarrassing Pic Alert)
11:59 AM Posted by CalgaryDaddy
( You can't really tell, but my face is covered in Chocolate! Fast forward 30 years and not much has changed! )
Seeing this old picture reminded me of another classic Easter! When I was about 4 years old, we spent Easter at my Aunt Iris's home in Edmonton ( Auntie Iris is my favorite Auntie in the whole world, FYI) and she used to spoil me rotten! Imagine my surprise when I woke up on Easter morning to find a real live BABY CHICK in my Easter basket....nestled in with my chocolate goodies! ( Yes....you read that correctly. A real live BABY CHICK!) Apparently, you could buy them at the pet stores in 1981 for such occasions. I did not take the Chick back with me to Calgary, so I really do not know what happened to that little birdy! ( I hear that she went on to produce many eggs for families in the Edmonton area before retiring to KFC in Millwoods.) I wish I had a picture of that Easter classic! Happy Easter Everyone!
Shane
