Gear

Cause-Driven Registry: UPPAbaby

Next up on our Cause-Driven Registry with Nicole Ryan, we feature UPPAbaby. UPPAbaby makes high-quality baby products that fit the needs of your new life as a parent, while appealing to the sense of style you’ve always had. UPPAbaby is committed to giving back and supporting worthy causes and organizations that align with the company’s mission and core ethos.

Nicole chose an UPPAbaby Vista stroller and Mesa car seat for her cause-driven registry. The UPPAbaby Vista truly grows with your family and includes a full size front and rear facing toddler seat with a one-handed multi-position recline plus bassinet. It also offers a new, easy one-step fold-with or without seat attached – key for when you have your hands full. The Vista’s large easy access storage basket fits everyday essentials and makes it easier to reach diaper bag and toys. The Vista’s large easy access storage basket fits everyday essentials and makes it easier to reach diaper bag and toys. This performance travel system is totally compatible with the Mesa infant car seat – meaning it’s a direct attachment and no adapters are necessary.

From easy installation to innovative safety features to one-button stroller release, the Mesa infant car seat has taken the guess work and hassle out of infant car seats.

Here’s how UPPA Gives Back:

Committed to giving back to families in need and providing safe transport for families. This includes monetary donations, product donations, and volunteerism
Created the UPPA Gives Back program to lift spirits by partnering with non-profit organizations that share the same mission of providing funds, services, and high quality and essential products to families in need.
Going in to the brand’s 5th year partnering with the TODAY Show Holiday Toy Drive – as of 2015, UPPAbaby will have donated more than a million dollars in strollers and car seats to families nationally. (The 5-year total is $1,000,000!)

Charitable partners include:

Good+ (Formerly Baby Buggy) providing education, essential items and resources to families in need
Safe Kids – dedicated to worldwide children’s safety, child passenger safety focus
National MS Society, Boston Climb to the Top- volunteerism, sponsorship and participation to
raise awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis

DIY Burp Cloth Tutorial

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Let’s get crafty! See Kate Sew partners with Gugu Guru once again to share a fantastic DIY tutorial. We’re all about nursing in this post co-sponsored by Momsense.

I’m so excited to be here sharing a burp cloth tutorial today! I’ve never really needed burp cloths before, my baby #3 is a little bit of a spitter!

We partnered with Momsense for this tutorial for Breastfeeding Awareness Month! The Momsense Smart Breastfeeding Meter is a new product that tracks how much your baby is eating! The meter has a pair of headphones equipped with a microphone that safely sticks to baby’s neck. The microphone amplifies her sucks and swallows for you to hear. It also has a little animation that goes with it and it translates the swallows to give you a good sense of how much milk your baby is getting!

My older daughter loves to listen in and it’s so fun to involve the kids and dad in the breastfeeding experience. I needed this meter about 6 years ago with my first when I was struggling with milk supply, so I’m so glad it’s on the market now!

My favorite part about the meter is how inspiring it is to a breastfeeding mama! It’s so neat to see and hear how effective your breastfeeding session is and is pushing us to get the best and longest breastfeeding experience possible. Read my full review on SeeKateSew.com to hear all about my struggle with supply and how the Momsense Smart Breastfeeding Meter has been a game changer for us!

Today we’re making burp cloths lined with absorbent towel material! I thought lemon fabric would be cute since we’re talking about eating! The back of the cloths are made from a towel. You can either use a pre-made towel or terry cloth material for the backing. The only other thing you need is the pattern (provided below) and basic sewing supplies.

Let’s get started!

Materials:
–See Kate Sew Burp Cloth Pattern
-a store-bought towel or terry cloth material
-1/4 yard cotton ( lemon fabric source)

Print out the burp cloth pattern at 100% (do not scale). Cut off the overlap and tape the 3 pages together. It will look like this:

Use the pattern piece to cut out 1 piece from cotton and 1 piece from your towel material.
Put the cotton piece on top of the towel piece with the right sides together.
Pin and sew the front and back together 3/8″ from the edges, leaving a 2-3″ opening on one side.
Turn the burp cloth right side out through the opening you left. Press. Turn the opening edges in.
Topstitch around the cloth 1/4″ from the edge. The opening will be closed as you do this.

You’re done! A little stack of these make a really cute shower gift (maybe paired with a Momsense meter!).

Sleek & Chic Travel Picks

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We think that having great mom style isn’t just about what you wear, but also extends to your gear – especially when it comes to traveling! Today we’re featuring two of our picks for sleek and chic travel style – the guzzie + Guss Connect Stroller and the Skip Hop Highline Diaper Backpack.

The Skip Hop Highline Convertible Diaper Backpack has reinvented the diaper bag for women who refuse to compromise personal style and much-needed function. This gorgeous bag, with leather details, is truly a statement piece that can be worn as crossbody, backpack, or carried by its handles. The Highline Backpack is the ultimate convertible diaper bag because there’s a home for everything – a hidden pocket for bottles and a handy front pocket for lipstick, keys and other mama essentials. Plus, the bag comes with a tucked-away cushioned changing pad, making diaper changes on the go super easy! Fold-back magnetic top keeps bag open so you can easily grab what you need, further, it features one-handed, adjustable and removable stroller clips for on-the-go convenience. Perfect for a busy and stylish mama! This beautiful bag could easily double as a regular handbag or even a briefcase – no one will have any clue you have diapers, wipes, and pacifiers inside!

The guzzie + Guss Connect Stroller is not only handsome in every which way, but unbelievably functional, too! From adjustable handles to a reclining seat, the Connect Stroller by guzzie + Guss was designed with you and your baby’s comfort in mind. This versatile buggy comes fully equipped with high-performance tires so your family can cover all kinds of terrain. There are so many awesome features on this stroller, it’s almost hard to name them all! It has a 3-position reclining seat and 2 ways for baby to face; with so many options, baby is bound to feel comfortable and happy while you stroll. Furthermore, it has adjustable handles for the parent, so whether it’s mom or dad pushing the stroller, their back won’t hurt; with its large lower basket, you can fill up with goodies from all over or store travel accessories for on the go. Plus, the Connect Stroller is bassinet and infant carseat compatible, so you can start getting out and about in your stroller from the get-go! It’s a perfect accompaniment for traveling, shopping, or simply getting around town with your little one.

Thank you to our friends at guzzie + Gus and Skip Hop for making this sponsored post possible.

In The Nursery Roundup!

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We love sharing innovative and creative new baby products for the nursery; have you seen any of these yet? They make fantastic baby shower gifts, and if you’re pregnant, don’t forget to add these to your registry!

Nested Bean’s Zen Swaddle: Nested Bean understands that babies tend to sleep better in your embrace or with your palm on their chest. They also understand that this is obviously not always possible! What’s the solution? Nested Bean has created a one of a kind swaddle for babies – their Zen Swaddle. The Zen Swaddle simulates the pressure from your touch with lightly weighted pads on their chest and sides.

There are two options for the Zen Swaddle – The Zen Swaddle Classic is one layer of fabric, which means it is perfect for warmer months. At a very affordable price, you can have many of them, so baby won’t miss one night of sleeping well! The Zen Swaddle Premier has a double layer construction, which makes it perfect for cooler months. The Classic Swaddle features traditional baby light baby colors, while the Premier has more of a modern touch. The Swaddle is longer than most swaddles, making it most cost affective, as it will last your baby well into 6 months. They are 100% cotton and machine washable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

But, the best part of the Zen Swaddle? Parents who’ve tried the Zen Swaddle report their babies fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer within 1 to 3 nights. Win win for everyone! (Head over to Nested Bean to purchase a Zen Swaddle and receive 15% off with the code GUGU15.)

The Baby Box Co.: Inspired by the Finnish tradition of using a box for a baby bed, The Baby Box Co. has created a simple way for babies to sleep soundly, and most importantly, safely. The Bed Box serves primarily as a safe, comfortable place for infants to sleep, similar to a bassinet. Some parents keep the box next to their bed, while others use it in all rooms of the house to keep baby in while they clean, cook, or work. Once baby outgrows the box, it can easily be repurposed for clothing or toy storage! The Baby Box Co. has teamed up with some amazing baby brands, so when you order your box, you’ll get fun samples, clothing, and goodies from all sorts of wonderful companies!

Personalized Birth Announcement Pillow from Finch and Cotter: Looking for the perfect, unique gift to celebrate a new baby? We’re loving this personalized pillow from Finch and Cotter. Pick either 16×20 or 12×18, in natural or white canvas. This pillow is totally customizable – from picking the fabric you want, to the color of the text, and obviously all the information. The pillow cover comes with a faux down insert, making this the ultimate personalized baby gift.

Thank you to our friends at Nested Bean, The Baby Box Co., and Finch & Cotter for making this sponsored post possible.

Daycare Must Haves Roundup!

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The transition from baby being home to daycare can be perplexing: what are you supposed to bring? What does your baby need for the day? Gugu Guru interviewed many moms and daycare experts to find out exactly what your baby will need, and today we’re sharing our roundup of the must have products for daycare as well as sharing some tips to make the transition smoother.

Before you go back to work full time, we recommend that you do a test run for at least a couple weeks so you can get comfortable putting your baby in daycare. Dropping your baby off for a day or two in the weeks leading up to returning to work will help you establish a routine and feel more prepared mentally and emotionally.

Product Suggestions

A “Safe” Lovie: Often times daycares don’t allow for lovies or blankies during naptime, as they can be a sleeping hazard; which is why we’re big fans of the BittaSack from Bitta Kidda! This 100% natural cotton sleepsack has two cotton velour lovies sewn onto the sleep sack, so baby can hold something soft while they are sleeping. These lovies will never get close to baby’s face, which means they are safe for even the smallest of babies to self-soothe with. If your baby loves to hold on to something while they sleep (which most do!), this is the perfect daycare accompaniment because it will help them get a great nap!

Sunscreen: Lots of daycares are wonderful about taking the babies and kids outside as much as possible! However, we got this great tip from mom Nicole F., “Don’t forget to bring sunscreen. Kids aren’t supposed to share!” Furthermore, as mom Beth K. said, “some of these daycares simply won’t apply the sunscreen,” and prefer the parents apply the sunscreen before the day begins. We’re big fans of Babo Botanicals sunscreen which is safe for baby’s skin and made without dairy, soy, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, SLS, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, fragrances, dyes, sodium chloride, formaldehyde, MEA, DEA, TEA, or most common allergens.

Close-toed shoes: While less of an infant consideration, mama Emalee G. reminded us that “The kids need to have close-toed shoes and sandals, as well as sandals with backs on them!” With all the toddling and running around at daycare, often the daycares recommend close-toed shoes and sandals, and almost certainly no flip-flops! Lori M. added, “No slip-on shoes. The shoes must have laces or Velcro; slip-ons fall off too easily.” Looking for the perfect baby and toddler shoe for daycare? We recommend pediped shoes, which have a ton of styles to chose from, all with closed toes, safe straps, and are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development.

Diapers: While cloth diapering is becoming very popular for many parents, many daycares don’t allow for cloth diapers. Here’s a hint: remind them about a reduction in trash with cloth and that could make them reconsider. If you’re unable to talk the facility into cloth diapering and looking for an eco-friendly, allergen-free, safe alternative to cloth diapers, we love Bambo Nature diapers. Made to fit your baby’s growing body, these diapers are free from chlorine, perfumes, optical brighteners and lotions, as well as phthalates, latex, and gluten. Bambo Nature diapers feature a breathable back-sheet, which ensures that the skin can breathe, keeping the skin drier and less prone to rash or infection. Bambo Nature also features hypoallergenic baby wipes and training pants for older toddlers.

Labels: How are you going to label all of these items for your baby? We are huge fans of Inchbug labels – which happened to be one of the most common brands named as a “must-have” by daycare moms! Their 3D custom Orbit labels are engraved with your baby’s name on them (in braille too!) and can fit on any sippy-cup, bottle, or cup – they are colorful and will ensure that your baby is drinking from the right container. Inchbug also sells adhesive labels, clothing labels, allergy labels and alerts, and even labels which can go in shoes! Put your baby’s name on everything with Inchbug labels.

Some final tips…

Besides the actual items which your baby will need, finding a daycare which fits all of your family’s needs can sometimes be overwhelming. We asked Lindsay Bliss, the owner of Kidspiration for some questions parents can ask when they tour a daycare. Her top five questions she said parents should ask as they tour a daycare, 1. What are the ratios of children to teachers? 2. What’s your sick policy? 3. What are the fees? Late fees? Early hour fees? 4. How can I communicate with you? 5. What materials do I need to bring and what do you provide?

Although the transition can be hard, here are some testimonials from other mamas: Vicki M. said, “My daughter is in kindergarten this year and I truly believe the curriculum she learned in daycare over the past three years has made her so bright and ready to be in the school setting! She knows how to sit, listen, pay attention, take turns, share. All things she learned by going to daycare!” As Trish N. exclaimed, “I am a full time working mom and both my kids have been in full time day care since three months old. It has been a great experience for me. They’re both very smart, they can sit still, listen to directions, use good manners. They are outgoing and are kind to other children.” Even though it’s a tough change for some parents, daycare can a wonderful place your baby can thrive, make friends, and learn social skills – as long as you’re prepared with all the necessary items, the transition can be smoother for both mama and baby!

Like what you see here? Enter to win a Daycare Bundle featuring all of these brands!
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Cause-Driven Registry: DockATot (+giveaway)

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

Continuing our Cause-Driven Registry with Nicole Ryan, today we feature DockATot, the portable infant lounger designed with baby’s safety and comfort in mind.

Originally created in Europe, the DockATot is a completely unique, versatile and chicly designed product for babies to lounge, snuggle, or play in. What makes DockATot stand out from the crowd is the careful consideration the founder (a mom of two young boys) has given to the overall design, functionality and safety of the dock. The unique shape and design allow babies to comfortably lounge, play, snuggle and log in some tummy time. The idea is that your little one feels snuggled in a safe haven that feels a lot like the womb. The bumpers are made with a special air-permeable fabric that makes DockATot particularly worry-free. The DockATot is very lightweight and perfect for families who travel!

For the duration of June and July, DockATot has donated $1 for each DockATot sold to Project Night Night, an organization that helps homeless children (ages 0-12). Project Night Night donates over 25,000 Night Night Packages each year to homeless children 12 and under who need our childhood essentials to have a concrete and predictable source of security and an increased exposure to high-quality literacy materials during their time of upheaval.

Like what you see here? Enter to win a DockATot below!
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Newborn Lockdown!

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One of the reasons pregnant mamas love registering on Gugu Guru is that we simplify every product into a very real life scenario and category. We know that registering can be overwhelming, which is why we are here to hold your (possibly swollen) hand and walk you through all the different categories when it comes to new-parenthood. The first stop in newborn land is what we like to call “Newborn Lockdown” – Newborn Lockdown describes those very early few weeks when you literally don’t leave the house, whether it’s because you’re healing, breastfeeding, exhausted, or simply too nervous to take that tiny baby into the giant world! We’ve gathered together some of our favorite products for surviving those first few weeks on lockdown – and if you’re not registering or pregnant, we highly recommend buying some of these items for your new mama friend (you can thank us later!).

For Mama –

Nesting Days Carrier: In those very early days of newborn-hood, it seems like baby never wants to be put down! The Nesting Days Carrier is unique in that it can be worn two ways – wear it at home (and get a chance to use your hands again!) for skin-to-skin time with baby; it also helps pull in your stomach muscles and provide tummy support. Or, use it out and about over your clothing for a hands-free way to carry baby close to you.

Victoria’s Secret Hoodie and Sweats: We know all you want to do is lie around with the baby, so why not look adorable doing it? We are loving these super soft “Boyfriend Pants” and hoodie from Victoria’s Secret – plus, the hoodie makes whipping your boobs out for breastfeeding all day long so much easier!

Netflix: Don’t have a Netflix account? You need one now – you’ll be spending many, many long hours rocking, feeding, and shushing a baby, the least you can do is binge watch The Gilmore Girls while you do it! (We highly recommend Dawson’s Creek and Felicity, too!). A Netflix account makes a wonderful baby shower gift, as well – mama can even watch on her phone late at night!

Silverette Nursing Cups: Are you breastfeeding your newborn? Check out Silverette Nursing Cups, which are small nursing cups made out of 925 silver to help protect the nipples while breastfeeding. Silver is a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory element and it heals and prevents cuts, wounds, cracks, soreness and infections. These cups are essential for anyone who is having problems with painful nipples or want to use them as a precautionary measure. They are completely easy to use and no creams or lotion are needed.

For Baby –

Owlet Baby Monitor: It’s nerve-wracking to bring home a newborn baby, especially for first time parents! It seems as though many parents are even too nervous to fall asleep because the baby seems so tiny and new – but, Owlet Smart Sock is here to help. The Owlet Smart Sock is a bootie which your infant wears, and uses hospital technology called “pulse oximetry” to monitor your baby’s breathing. The Owlet monitor relays the information and connects to your smartphone, so even if you’re cooking dinner downstairs, you can check on your baby’s breathing.

DockATot: The DockATot is a completely unique and versatile product for babies to lounge, relax, or play in. The unique shape and design allow babies to comfortably rest, play, snuggle and log in some tummy time. The idea is that your little one feels snuggled in a safe haven that feels a lot like the womb. The bumpers are made with a special air-permeable fabric that makes DockATot particularly worry-free. The DockATot is very lightweight and perfect for families who travel!

To register for these items, head over to our registry page and add them (and many, many other must-have items) to your personalized registry!

Nursing Essentials Roundup!

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The first week of August is World Breastfeeding Week, so we wanted to share some helpful nursing essentials which you could add to your registry or gift to a new mama friend!

Sponsored Post

Bamboobies Nursing Pads: Bamboobies Nursing Pads are made of ultra-soft and soothing bamboo rayon velour, an absorbent inner layer of hemp and cotton with an outer milk-proof liner to help prevent embarrassing leaks! These nursing pads are super absorbent and eco-friendly. Bamboobies washable nursing pads come in two varieties. The ultra-thin, heart-shaped regular nursing pads are made for light leaking and are designed to be less visible through clothing. The round shaped overnight nursing pads are not only ultra-soft, but larger, thicker and super absorbent for heavy leaking and newborn nursing.

Milkies Milk-Savers: Any breastfeeding mom will tell you that they absolutely hate wasting even one drop of breast milk! Luckily, Milk-Savers by Milkies save the day! Easy to use, simply slip the Milk-Saver into your bra-cup on the non-nursing side before you breastfeed. The Milk-Saver collects the milk that is leaked when your breast milk lets down. Once you’ve finished your breastfeeding session, simply transfer the collected milk into storage containers and keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to feed your baby at a later time. Slim, durable, and portable, the patented Milk-Saver is comfortable to wear, holds a little more than 2 ounces of breast milk, and includes a protective lid to prevent milk from spilling out of the Milk-Saver during normal use. And with its stylish, durable case, your Milk-Saver will stay safe and clean when you’re on the go.

Bamboobies Nursing BRAHHH!: Bamboobies Nursing Brahhh combines the popular seamless nursing bra style with super-soft rayon from bamboo fabric. Wire-free comfort and soft support will make this bra your everyday favorite. Bamboo rayon is more breathable, softer and eco-friendly than cotton or nylon. Bamboobies Nursing Brahhh now has clasps for easy access nursing.

Beaugen Breast Pump Nipple Cushion: These breast pump nipple cushions are a universal fit, soft and stretchy which add comfort to your breast pump. Each package includes 2 nipple cushions which fit breast shield sizes 19mm-36mm. Make your time pumping more comfortable with these soft and helpful cushions!

Something Unique: Roundup!

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Looking for a unique baby gift, or something different to add to your own baby registry? Look no further, we have some great ideas for you!

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Personalized Birth Announcement Pillow from Finch and Cotter: Looking for the perfect, unique gift to celebrate a new baby? We’re loving this personalized pillow from Finch and Cotter. This pillow is totally customizable – from picking the fabric you want, to the color of the text, and obviously all the information. The pillow cover comes with a faux down insert, making this the ultimate personalized baby gift.

Lalu Wovens: If you’re a fan of baby wearing, you’re going to want to check out Lalu Wovens. These 100% cotton, breathable wraps are heirloom quality and provide the perfect amount of stretch, bounce, and support. Coming in gorgeous patterns and textures, Lalu Wovens are dedicated to giving back to the babywearing community; for every wrap purchased, they donate a portion of the proceeds to Lift Me Up, a non-profit program dedicated to providing ergonomic babywearing carriers to families who have children with special needs.

QuickZip Crib Sheets: What’s worse than having to change crib sheets? Not much! Now, with QuickZip, all of your sheet-changing problems are gone for good! Simply drop the mattress in the base one time and never lift the mattress again. QuickZip is a patented two-piece fitted sheet with a base that stays on the mattress and a sheet that zips off and on in seconds. It is safer than traditional crib sheets because it always stays in place – no need to worry about it coming off while baby is sleeping! These would make a perfect baby shower gift for a new mama!

DIY Crinkle Toy

by Gugu Guru 3 Comments

See Kate Sew partners with Gugu Guru again to share a fantastic DIY tutorial. This time? A DIY crinkle toy to match up with her TWELVElittle diaper bag. Read on to get the details…

I’m thrilled about this post, I love the project and I love the bag that goes with it! Today’s DIY project is a Knotted Crinkle Toy for baby! It’s a fun, sensory toy with a wooden ring. Lots of things for baby to touch and hear. This is a type of sewing I’ve never done before (with crinkle material!) but it was super easy and fun! Even if you’re new to sewing, you’ll be able to tackle this project.

TWELVElittle is a modern diaper bag company, but you might not even know it by looking at their bags. I fell in love with this 3-in-1 Foldover Tote. Having a big diaper bag has been so nice! One baby alone is a good enough reason to have a diaper bag that can hold a whole bunch, but since I have 2 other kids, too, the space is extra useful.

A few other things I love about this bag:

The color is so nice and dimensional, plus the fabric is wipeable and just nice!
It can be a tote, backpack or sling bag, depending on how you clip the strap! A hands-free option is a must with kids!
The color and style won’t be embarrassing for my husband, he carries the diaper bag often, and he likes it, too.
The interior is wipeable and has lots of pockets and they’re big – for bottles, sippys, diapers, wipes, etc. Plus a few zippered pockets (on the inside and out) for my stuff.
The style is classy enough for date night!

I couldn’t quite decide which pocket was best for my wooden ring crinkle toy, but let’s make one anyways!

DIY Baby Crinkle Toy

Materials:
-6 Fat Quarters of solid colored fabric (I’m using Cotton + Steel solids)
-1/2 yard crinkle material* OR an old, clean chip bag
-3″ unfinished wooden ring
-Free Pattern Download

*I used a clear CPSIA and EN71 compliant crinkle material which you can find with a quick google search. A chip or similar food product bag will give you a similar sound, so it’s up to you what you want to use.

Instructions:

Use the pattern piece to cut SIX layers of fabric. Align the Fold Arrow on a fold of the fabric and cut out with fabric scissors. Use the same pattern piece to cut THREE layers of crinkle material.

Decide which colors/patterns you want to pair together and stack them up. You’ll put the two fabric layers together with the right sides of the fabric together. Then pin the crinkle material to the backside of one fabric.

Sew around the edges of the stack, 1/4″ from the edge of the fabric. Leave a 1-2″ opening on one side, right in the middle of the toy.

Clip the points of the fabric and turn through the opening. Push the edges out and press with low heat.

Make 2 more fabric pieces with remaining materials.

There is no need to finish the opening, since we’ll be knotting it onto the wooden ring.

To wrap up this project, grab your wooden ring and tie the fabric piece around it. Make a knot and then make a second knot and pull the ends so the knot is really tight. Repeat with all 3 fabric pieces until you have 3 fabric knot pieces with extra ears sticking out.

All done! The fabric is crinkly and makes a fun sound, and the wood is also great to grab. Hopefully this toy will be a hit!

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