Franklin Goose

Alphabet Blocks

Wood alphabet blocks are a beautiful toy for children of all ages. Because they are made with wood, they are safe for children to chew on, and children can learn not just their alphabet and colors, but also how to stack and build.

Alphabet blocks are a traditional toy for children. They are also heirloom toys: they can be passed down to other children for generations to come. 

Employee Review

“When my sister decided to dedicate her daughter at church, I knew exactly what I wanted to get my niece: a wooden alphabet block set by Uncle Goose. They were so bright and cheerful. Plus, Uncle Goose has alphabet block sets in different languages, not just English. My niece is growing up in an English-Russian language home, and I wanted her gift to be unique.

The Russian Alphabet Blocks were a hit! My niece immediately began chewing on them, and we have since progressed to building towers to knock over. The blocks have different letters on their sides, so we can’t run out of letters when it’s time to spell. I also liked that the blocks came with a small card that allowed me to write who the blocks were from and who they were for. Plus, there were spaces for future owners, too.”

Emily, Social Media Manager

Available at FranklinGoose.com

Uncle Goose Classic Alphabet Blocks

Uncle Goose Classic Alphabet Blocks with Canvas Tote

Uncle Goose Classic Alphabet Blocks with Pull Wagon

Uncle Goose Classic Lowercase Blocks

Uncle Goose Upper/Lowercase ABC Set

Uncle Goose’s Count & Stack Blocks

Uncle Goose Portuguese ABC Blocks

Uncle Goose Russian ABC Blocks

Uncle Goose Spanish ABC Blocks

Uncle Goose Braille ABC Blocks with Sign Language

Uncle Goose Nursery Rhyme Blocks

Uncle Goose Groovie Block Set

 

Don't see the language you're looking for? Call Franklin Goose at 804-355-0595 or email us at [email protected]. 

New Mommy Meet-Up!

(emily)

Hey Mommies! Have you heard? This Thursday Franklin Goose will be hosting a New Mommy Meet-Up! This is a chance for new mothers and their babies (ages 0-12 months) to make new friends.

The idea for the New Mommy Meet-Up was Stefanie’s, a member of the Franklin Goose team. When I asked her why she wanted to start this for the RVA community, she said, “When you become a new mom, you need to make friends with other moms. A lot of times your relationships with women who are not moms change, and you need a new support system.”

Stefanie also mentioned that meeting other moms with children the same age as your child is great because it gives you and your child the chance for lifelong friendships. Plus, it is really easy for new mothers to find themselves isolated as they adjust to their new routine and lifestyle, so having a community of mothers and friends is a great way to socialize. 

“The meet-up is an easy, non-committal, low-pressure way to socialize,” says Stefanie. Expect to have a relaxed and fun time with other women just like you.

 

The Details:

When: This Thursday, June 27, at 9 a.m.

Where: Meet at Franklin Goose in Carytown (3401 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA). Once everyone’s there, the group will head over to a Carytown coffee shop.

Who: Moms of children 12 months and younger.

 

If your child is older than 12 months and you would like to be a part of a Mommy Meet-Up, too, don't worry! We hope to start one for mothers of older children in the future.

Interview with Viktor Khoma

(emily)

Viktor Khoma is the Operation Supervisor at Rockin’ Baby in Richmond, VA, one of our favorite babywearing companies. Originally from Almaty, Kazakhstan, Viktor lives in Richmond with his American wife Grace and his 8-month-old daughter Jolie. We asked Viktor to tell us a little about his life as a new dad, and what it was like celebrating Fathers Day for the first time, a day not observed in Kazakhstan.

Jolie and Viktor. Photo Credit: Grace Khoma

Were you excited when you learned you were going to be a dad?

I always wanted to be a young dad so that my child and I could share common interests and a common understanding of relationships, music, and current styles of clothing.  I want to understand what my child likes. But when my wife, Grace, became pregnant, my first feeling was fear. In that moment I realized the responsibility that I would take on for the rest of my life.

Tell us a little bit about Grace’s pregnancy and your transition to fatherhood? How did you prepare?

During her pregnancy, my wife changed exactly how most pregnant women do: She spent a lot of time worrying, searching the internet, and finding a thousand suggestions on how to have the perfect pregnancy, birth, and child. What did I do? I didn’t prepare as much as Grace did. Not because I was irresponsible, but I knew that I couldn’t be prepared for something like this.

Jolie visiting Viktor at Rockin Baby

What was it like when you first saw Jolie?

After a long and difficult labor, the first thing I felt was relief that we did it, then thankful that she was healthy [and] beautiful. She looked just like me.

Do you find that your values and parenting decisions differ from those of American fathers? How do you and Grace handle differences in parenting that are possible the result of having different cultural backgrounds?

I can’t judge the values of fathers in America. For myself and Grace, even though we are from different cultures and world views, we value Christian principles in our family and invest these in her life so that she will grow up to be someone who loves others, appreciates life and what is in her heart. When it comes to parenting, we have different views ,but we try to talk to each other and make decisions together that are right for our daughter.

How do you and Grace plan to teach Jolie about both your nations, Kazakhstan and America, and their cultures?

Of course our daughter will never be able to understand the life I had in Kazakhstan, but the cultural habits are in her blood. Our plan is to speak Russian at home so that she can know two languages from the start. Through that I can surround her with the peculiarities of my culture.

Jolie tries on a Kazakh traditional hat and vest. Photo Credit: Grace Khoma

What’s your favorite thing about being a dad so far? 

I have two favorite things: When Jolie wakes up around midnight and stands in her crib (usually saying “ ma- ma- ma”), waiting and knowing that one of us will come get her; and when I come home from work, walk through the doorway and see a little miracle crawling straight towards me.

Did you enjoy your first Fathers Day this year? I know it’s not a holiday you’ve celebrated before.

In Kazakhstan we don’t celebrate Father’s Day. I’m not sure there needs to be a day to show that we love and value our loved ones. My first Father’s day was unusual, but it was nice to be congratulated by my two favorite ladies, and know that they love and appreciate what I do for them.

 

What advice would you give to parents like you who are part of multicultural families?

Never try to prove that your cultural values are better or more important than those of your spouse. Marriage is first about understanding and supporting each other. Therefore you must talk through every decision, respect, love and have patience for each other.

 

Thank you, Viktor, for sharing with us! 

Wood Peg Puzzles

Wood peg puzzles are a traditional toy for young children ages 12-24 months. They usually consist of a large board in which the puzzle pieces fit. Each puzzle piece is a picture

Wood peg puzzles encourage motor skills so that children develop dexterity, hand/eye coordination, and manipulation. They also introduce children to problem solving skills. They learn matching and logic, as well as spatial relationships, critical thinking, and an understanding of cause and effect.  

Plus, they’re fun and have bright and beautiful pictures.

Staff Review

I love wood peg puzzles not only for the tradition but for the learning opportunities. Peg puzzles are a great toy for younger children, ages 12 months and up. They offer a child a simple way to start to learn shapes, sizes, colors, objects and things. The peg piece gives them the ability to start achieving things on their own, without continuous help from an adult or older child.  When you choose wood puzzles you also choose durability. They can be chewed on, stepped on, left in the car, or thrown in a bag and still look great.

For me wood toys always represent something you can pass down to the next generation. My favorite thing, still to this day, about visiting my Grandmother's house is when she opens her toy closet and pulls out the toys her children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren have played with. It is never plastic, it is always well loved, and full of stories, history and connection. For her, it is full of memories. She pulls out old puzzles her children did as babies and she is full of memories and warmth.

The wood puzzles and wood peg puzzles we sell are great to travel with, play with and teach with!

 

 

Available At FranklinGoose.com

Educo Construction Site Peg Puzzle

Educo Farm Animals Peg Puzzle

Goki Peg Puzzle Sun and Moon

Hape Zoo Puzzle

[OTHER HAPE PUZZLES]

Superdad Stories & Secrets!

This month we asked you to share about dads and fatherhood. Here are your answers! Thanks for sharing, and we hope the fathers out there had a wonderful Fathers Day!

 

Why do you love being a dad?

It's a pretty cool feeling to have someone who depends on you the way a child does. I have a real sense of purpose now. There is a lot of pressure to raise my daughter the right way (whatever that is) but it is a challenge that I relish. Being a dad is awesome!

 Aaron C.

 

What did your father teach you about being a parent?

Unfortunately, my father taught me more about what not to do...valuable lessons nonetheless I guess. Put your child first, no matter what. Their future hinges on the decisions that you make for them now.

Aaron C.

 

What is something no one told you about fatherhood?

How much perspective you gain. My outlook on things has changed drastically.

Aaron C.

 

What’s the best advice another father gave you?

Everyone is going to raise their kids differently. You do what's best for your family. You will know what to do. -- paraphrase from my good buddy Evan.

 Aaron C.

 

What advice do you have for a first-time father?

You can never be too informed. It's important to balance your instincts with as much reliable, trustworthy information as possible.

Everything is a stage, likely to be outgrown, but how you deal with it and how you teach your child to handle it will last. 

One of my favorite quotes:

"Be the change you want to see in your child."

Chris F.

 

What is something all dads should do with their kids?

Laugh. Definitely laugh with their kids!

Katja W.L

 

Skydiving!!

Randal F.

 

What’s your favorite memory of your dad from your childhood?

I remember the day that my Dad came home from work to surprise me with a purchase of a new bike. It made an impression on me that he stopped work on a beautiful Saturday to take me. We drove to Western Auto, in our small little town, and let me pick it out. He even let me upgrade to the lime green, pink & orange Shasta Daisy floral banana seat! I felt like my Dad owned the town that day. I felt so privileged & rich that we could buy that snazzy, brand new bike with the beautiful banana seat! Afterwards, he took me to Tastee-Freez for ice cream. I think what stuck out in my mind was that he made a point just to take me... not Momma, not my brother. It was a special trip & gift just for me!

Juli M.

 

What’s your favorite memory of your dad from your adulthood?

I have two favorite dad memories. Obviously the first is when he walked me down the aisle. He looked proud, scared and wistful all at once. My second fondest memory is seeing my Dad with all his grandkids when they were infants. Seeing him cuddle and coo to these babies made me think "this is what he was like when we were babies!"

 Caley C.

My favorite memory is when I stayed with my parents for about a month while my husband was overseas. We lived out in the country and had a big vineyard and other fields by our house. Every morning I would go walking/running with my dad. We had great discussions and I got so close to him on those walks. Being in the middle of nowhere without cell phone service or Internet is such a blessing!

Grace K.

 

Thanks to everyone who shared!

Pin To Win Winner!

Last week Franklin Goose had a Pin To Win giveaway on Pinterest. We're pleased to announce that pinner Kate Collins has won the Joy Organic Hooded Towel and the Boon Odd Duck.

Congratulations to Kate, and a special thanks to everyone who pinned!

Personalized GroVia Kiwi Pie Covers

(emily)

Our GroVia Kiwi Pie dyed orange.

One of the cool things about cloth diapering is that cloth diapers come in so many colors and patterns. Cloth diapers can add a little extra style and flair to your baby’s wardrobe, and recently we found a cool way to personalize your cloth diapers even more.

A few months ago GroVia shared how to dye their Kiwi Pie wool diaper covers, and we thought that sounded like so much fun, we decided to do our own! It was really easy (not to mention inexpensive), and gave us a beautiful and bright wool diaper cover!

We love orange, and so does Franklin, so we headed to the grocery store to pick up 4 packets of orange Kool Aid and a few other items. Using 4 Kool Aid packets help bring out that vibrant orange. 

What You’ll Need:

• Dawn dish soap
• Kosher salt
• White vinegar
• 4 Kool Aid packets of whichever color you’d like (Tip: Double-check the flavor of the Kool Aid packet to ensure you got the right color instead of going by the color of the packet.)
• Rubber gloves
• Metal pot, large

 

To Prepare Your Kiwi Pie:

1)   In your sink or a large bowl, immerse  the wool Kiwi Pie cover in water with a drop of Dawn dish soap. In order for the dye to take, the Kiwi Pie must be stripped of its lanolin.

2)   Rinse well. Roll in a towel to help remove the excess water, but leave damp.

 

To Dye Your Kiwi Pie:

1)   Fill a large metal pot 2/3 with tepid water. Add 2 tsp of kosher salt. The salt will soften the water and allow the dye to disperse.

2)   Add 1 cup white vinegar, and your 4 packets of Kool Aid. Stir with a metal spoon until all of the mixture has dissolved.

3)   Take your damp, lanolin-free Kiwi Pie wool cover and immerse it completely in the dye mixture.  While wearing your gloves, work the dye into the seams of the Kiwi Pie.

4)   Place your pot on the stove and turn the burner to medium heat. Slowly turn it up to high to achieve a light boil. Stir the cover every 5-10 minutes. Once your dye mixture begins to boil, turn off the burner. 

Note: The Grovia Kiwi Pie wool diaper cover includes Spandex. The Spandex keeps the wool from felting and shrinking, but an item made of 100% wool could experience felting and shrinking if the heat is raised too quickly.

 

5)   Continue to stir every 5-10 minutes until the mixture has cooled. The water will begin to look lighter and the wool darker.

6)   Once the water has cooled and you can touch it without risking a burn, remove the pot from the stove and pour off the residual dye liquid into your sink. Run cool water over the diaper cover to thoroughly rinse it. Keep doing this until the water running off the diaper cover no longer retains color. Squeezing the diaper cover gently is fine, but don’t ring it out.

7)   Finally, give your wool diaper cover a vinegar bath. Fill your sink or a large bowl with a few inches of water. Add 2 cups of white vinegar and let your freshly rinsed wool cover to soak for 15 minutes.  Rinse it well once more, and roll it into a towel to remove any excess water.

Note: Having removed the lanolin, you will need to lanolize your wool cover once more after the dyeing process is complete. Otherwise your wool cover will leak.

I rolled the diaper in a towel to dry it, and as you can see the dye didn't rub off.

Once your diaper cover has been lanolized and is dry, it can be put to use! 

 

Our GroVia Kiwi Pie wool diaper cover is available to buy at our Richmond, VA store and online. 

OXO Tot Snap Shots Contest!

Enter in the OXO Tot Snap Shots contest, and you could win $50 worth of Oxo Tot products from Franklin Goose! And our winner will be entered into a larger lottery for the chance to win an Oxo Tot Sprout Chair or $250 worth of Oxo Tot products. 

To enter, all you need to do is send in the funniest picture you have of your tot enjoying Oxo Tot! Email your pictures to [email protected]. 

 

Hurry, because this contest ends June 23!

 

No purchase necessary. The winner will be notified by email after June 23rd. The winner will be entered into the Oxo Tot Sprout Chair drawing by Franklin Goose. 

Nature Inspired Baby Shower

(sheri)

A few weeks ago we threw a baby shower for pregnant moms in Richmond. This is our favorite event in the store so far and this year was no different. Stefanie came up with doing a nature theme based on some amazing pins we found on pinterest. We had so much fun planning how to decorate the food table:

 

 

Herbs and greenery from our backyard

 

 

 

Our drinking glasses

 

 

 

One of our birdie rattles does double duty as decoration

 

 

 

The Plan Toys Snail Measuring tape hides out on the wood slabs

 

 

 

An Under the Nile Mushroom hides out next to the pastries

 

We were so lucky that the local Panera Bread donated pastries, hot tea and cold tea for our guests! We also served fresh organic fruit as well.

 

Moss, birds nexts, wood slabs and natural toys set the theme for the shower

 

 

We played a lot of games! OXO Tot donated a Sprout high chair as a gift! Nook donated an amazing body pillow (which the mommy to be has reported back she is now fighting her dogs for every night because it is so comfy!), Bamboobies donated breast pads, Bumkins donated an All In One diaper, & Ergo donated a carrier! What lucky mommies we had!  The SWAG bags were filled with great stuff, too: Boon odd ducks, Kushies skull caps, Sage Creek washcloths (and awesome tote bags), Bumkins diaper inserts, and more!

A local auther, Caley Cantrell came to talk about her book, "You're Bringing Me A Baby?" This book is a great gift for parents who have a dog and need help introducing the new baby. (It's also a great way to introduce older siblings to your new additions!) Jennifer Kyzer talked about how to ready your dog for a new baby:

1. If your dog has a fear of strollers, put your stroller in the room you are in the most in your house with the brake on. Just leave it there until you can see that your dog is comfortable with it in the room. Then let the brake off, and move it slightly in the room. Leave it this way until the dog is comfortable. Once he/she is comfortable, try pushing the stroller a little several times a day/night. Do this again until your dog is comfortable. Once they are then you can have them next to you and try to move around the room with the stroller, or take them for a walk once you see they are comfortable being next to the stroller.

2. Jennifer suggested getting your dog on a routine before you deliver. It will help them with adjusting to the new addition.

3. Bring something of the babies home from the hospital before the baby comes home so the dog can get used to the way your baby smells.

4. When you bring baby home you should enter the house first without the baby, then go outside and come back in with the baby. (This often works great if you have an older child at home as well )

Linda Churmside, a local lactation consultant, talked about breast feeding, giving great tips, advice, and ideas: 

1. Linda suggested using a bed pillow or sofa pillow for breast feeding rather than a breast-feeding pillow. She stated that many people find these standard pillows allow the baby to be in the perfect position while feeding. Also, some of the breast-feeding pilllows do not put the baby in the right position for feeding and are highly toxic.

2. Linda says if you are having trouble breastfeeding pumping can often help your milk come in.

3. Also, we learned if you had problems breastfeeding your first child you may not necessarily have those same problems with your second. Each child and each pregnancy is different.

Lastly, we learned alot about choosing an organic crib mattress. We have written about this before, you can read about it here, here and here. We would also be happy to talk to you in person or on the phone (804-355-0595) about how to choose the right mattress for your new little one.

We wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU! to everyone who donated gifts, time, food, and advice! It was a great event!

 

 

 

Giveaway!

Franklin Goose is hosting a giveaway! We here in Richmond, VA, are having a very rainy day thanks to Tropical Storm Andrea, so we thought we’d brighten up our day and yours with some fun.

Excited? We are, too!

The Prize:

A hooded bath towel by Joy Organic and a yellow Squish Odd Duck by Boon.

Boon Odd Ducks are PVC-free and do not retain water, making them risk-free of growing black mold.

The oversized hooded towel is made with two layers of naturally hypo-allergenic organic cotton terry and measures at 35” x 75”.

How To Enter:

Between June 9 to June 15, head on over to our Bath & Potty products at FranklinGoose.com and pin your favorite product or bath toy to your Pinterest page. Tell us why you love it, and be sure to include the hashtag #pintowin and tag us @franklin goose.

And you’re done! The winner will be selected at random, and we will be notifying the winner through Pinterest.

 

Rules: 

No purchase necessary to participate. Purchasing will not enhance your chances of winning.

To participate, pins must be tagged with @franklin goose and #pintowin, and must be pinned June 9-15.

Participants will need to be members of Pinterest in order to compete in this contest.

The winner will be selected at random. The winner will be announced on the Franklin Goose Pinterest page. The winner will be notified of how to collect the prize.