From Talia B: This teething toy is all the rage in Canada and my nephew is obsessed with it.
Its been manufactured in France for the last 40 years and this link has a good description of it: http://www.parentingbynature
Here’s a link to buy it from Amazon - Sophie The Giraffe.
I’m sure you’ve seen the news about the huge recall of beef by the USDA. Put aside the perversion of torturing sick cows into walking the four steps required by law and then using a forklift to throw them around - let’s pretend that’s not a problem - it is unacceptable that this is what we are feeding ourselves. In addition to all the obvious health issues, its just gross.
This kind of thing (like lead in toy recalls) brings up the question for me that the media never answers. “Okay, this is terrible, but what can I do?”
One thing is to know the source of your food - EatWild.com has a map to find your local farmer who sells USDA approved beef and in conditions that you can actually see for yourself.
Any other ideas out there?
I’ve only just entered this phase, and only with one kid, but my advice so far is to wait until your kid is ready. We were shocked when our daughter asked to wear her big-girl panties and then proceeded to use the potty from then on. Basically, my husband and I didn’t have any input in the timing or the process, it was all her. Its been over a week now and only one accident. I’d like to think its my moral superiority, but clearly, it’s all her. 
So, if you can wait for them to be ready, wait!
The book My Big Girl Potty was also a huge help (and I’m sure its Big Boy equivalent). My daughter loves reading it and it has helped her understand the whole process. I’m convinced she’s not freaked out by the night-time diaper because of this book.