Moms & Babies

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May 19 2009 02:30 PM ET
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Cardboardesigns' Rocket and Airplane Toys

Everyone knows that a kid’s favorite toy is a big, cardboard box. Our trip to Toy Fair showed that several companies are taking the concept farther and designing elaborate, chic and cool cardboard toys. They ship flat (in more cardboard!), they’re made from recycled materials and the prices range from $7-77. We know that any parent with a refrigerator box and a pair of scissors can become a hero in four minutes flat, but when we see a trend we have to tell you about it!

We’ve found each of these to be surprisingly durable. My two energetic boys have been playing with them for months and they’re all still going strong. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be telling you about some of our favorite items we saw: today, a Rocket and Airplane, and later, a Country Cottage, Palace, Chair and Dinosaur.

Toys are only a small portion of Cardboardesignsofferings. They make everything from adult-sized cardboard tables and chairs to a large selection toys including their great Rocket and Airplane models. The Rocket ($77) is taller than I am and my 3 ½-year-old son Finn loves it.

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May 19 2009 02:00 PM ET
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Ben Stiller Looks Forward to the 'Official' Father's Day Gift

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

With Father’s Day fast approaching, Ben Stiller already has his eye on the prize! In a new interview for the June issue of Parents magazine, the father-of-two explains that while “sleeping late and hanging out with the family” is a perfect plan for the big day, he is also hoping to score the customary gift that will crown him an honorary member of the fatherhood club. “My kids are just getting to the tie age,” Ben laughs.

“That’s when you feel like you’ve actually become a dad — when you get that official Father’s Day tie.”

When it comes to laughter, the Stillers keep it all in the family. With Ben having passed on the funny gene to his children, he explains that he himself seems to have inherited the trait from his two comedic parents. Calling the bond that Ella Olivia, 7, and Quinlin Dempsey, 3 ½, share with their grandparents a “wonderful back-and-forth,” the proud papa says the foursome are always in a fit of giggles. Case in point? The children call their grandfather Mr. Kineeche!

“I don’t know why — they make up silly names and they stick. So when he comes over, he announces himself: ‘Mr. Kineecheee is heeeeeere!’ in some weird accent.”

Both kids can count on their dad for a quick laugh as well; The 43-year-old actor will stop at nothing to keep his brood smiling and that, he says, has little to do with his career choice. “As a parent you do anything to make your kids laugh,” he explains. “And I don’t think that has to do with being professionally funny. It’s just being a dad.”

Ella and Quinlin are Ben’s children with his wife, actress Christine Taylor.

Source: Parents; June issue

– Anya

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May 19 2009 01:30 PM ET
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Gwen Stefani and Her Little Mohawked Man

Greg Tidwell/Pacific Coast News

Balancing being a mom with fronting a band, Gwen Stefani stopped to sign autographs for fans — with Kingston James McGregor, almost 3, perched on her hip! — outside of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday afternoon.

The No Doubt singer/songwriter, 39, gave Kingston a new ‘do over the weekend — weigh in with your thoughts by taking our poll.

Catch the performance the band taped on Wednesday on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

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May 19 2009 01:00 PM ET
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Mary Louise Parker's Priorities: Kids, Job, and Family

Courtesy More

In 2003, what should have been a joyous time for Mary Louise Parker and actor Billy Crudup devolved into a tabloid frenzy when the pair split during the actress’ seventh month of pregnancy. Now, with the past behind her, Mary Louise is focusing strictly on the present. During an interview for the June issue of More magazine, Mary Louise is quick to note that commenting on her personal relationships would not benefit her son in the least. “I’ve never commented on the situation and I won’t because it’s not fair to my son,” she says of the breakup.

Reluctant to divulge any details of the family dynamics, Mary Louise does admit that she shares a civil relationship with Billy in order to allow their 5-year-old son William Atticus the opportunity to blossom in a healthy environment.

“Who wins? No child can benefit [from their parents fighting]. Your love for your child should eclipse any other feelings you have for another person.”

After welcoming her son Mary Louise felt a pull towards more children, but newly single, she instead decided to look into her life-long dream: adoption. Despite experiencing initial wariness toward the prospect of adopting a child by herself, her determination to live life sans regrets had her making the phone call. “I thought, I’m single, it’s too hard. But then I thought, I don’t want to be on my deathbed not having done something because it was too hard,” she reveals.

Fortunately for the excited mama, whose demands were simple — “I just wanted a child who needed a mother and a home and food and love” — the pieces to the puzzle quickly arranged themselves. Now mom to 2 ½-year-old Caroline ‘Ash’ Aberash, Mary Louise has no second thoughts about her decision to expand her family. “I’m so glad I did — she is magical,” the Weeds star gushes.

With two young children, Mary Louise admits that the dating scene has been complicated ten-fold. However, the busy actress makes it quite clear to her potential partners: the kids come first. For now, she says, she has notched out a spot for any suitors as number four on her list of priorities. “Some men are really daunted by it, some are really attracted,” she explains.

“I had someone ask, ‘Does this mean we can’t go out anytime we want?’ And I said, ‘Yes, that’s exactly what it means. It means you come fourth, ’cause it’s my kids, my job, my family.’”

Source: More; June issue

– Anya

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May 19 2009 12:30 PM ET
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Michelle Williams Runs After Her Rascal

Flynet

And they’re off! Michelle Williams stays close behind 3 ½-year-old daughter Matilda Rose — who got some air! — as they ran through their Brooklyn neighborhood on Sunday.

Matilda is Michelle’s daughter with late actor Heath Ledger.

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May 19 2009 12:00 PM ET
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Around the Web…

Some links for your Tuesday:

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May 19 2009 11:30 AM ET
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Cindy Crawford Poses With Her Princess

RAZM/GSI

Is Kaia Jordan Gerber a model in the making? The 7 ½-year-old was more than happy to pose for a quick picture on the way into Nobu with mom Cindy Crawford on Saturday night. We love her confidence, but Cindy, 43, recently shared that it can sometimes come with an attitude!

“I’m sorry, I love Hannah Montana for Kaia but she learns how to be sassy from that show!” Cindy laments. “And this is a 7-year-old! I’ll say to her, ‘Look, I don’t let anyone in my life talk to me like that, I’m certainly not going to take it from a 7-year-old in my house.’”

Dad is Cindy’s husband Rande Gerber, with whom she also has son Presley Walker, 9 ½.

See Cindy and other catwalkin’ mamas in our Model Moms gallery.

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