Spoons and Such

Forget about Toys R Us and go to Bed Bath and Beyond for your next baby shower gift! Alex is proving the age-old tale that common household items can be just as exciting – if not more – than all those focus-group designed and motor-skill developing toys that are marketed to us from the day the Target Toy Department Gods found out we were pregnant.

Alex’s item du jour: an extra large plastic spoon. I have to admit, I don't know what the spoon is suppose to be used for in the kitchen (it is really big, somewhat flat and has slots), but Alex seems to have discovered an alternative purpose. According to this 11 month old, the spoon should be waved, chewed on and banged against the floor. In addition, it is good for poking the dog and scooping up left over cheerios. Over the past week, his liking of the spoon has grown into an attachment, as it now accompanies him in the high chair, in the bath and in his Cozy Coupe II. The spoon is also in hand while Alex is doing laps around the house and while sitting on the foyer throw rug for some quiet time. And like any security item, when it can’t be found or is taken away (for a good cleaning), we hear all about it.

Who would have thought this simple, non-musical and colorless piece of plastic could stir such emotions in a boy?