Archive for April, 2010
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
 I love spring. I love it more than I love any other season – to me, it symbolizes renewal and the promise of a new life, of new beginnings.
I especially enjoy spring now that I have children. After several months of trying to cope with the limitations that winter places on one’s life, and trying to keep the kids happy and entertained while cooped up inside the house, I am grateful to be able to venture out again.
My favorite ways to enjoy spring with my kids:
1. Go on a treasure hunt. Spring is brimming with interesting objects, including leaves, flowers, and stones. Take a Ziploc bag with you and fill it with treasures you find along the way.
2. Clean your windows. Seriously! What seems like a loathsome chore to us moms can be tons of fun for the little ones, and what better time than spring to tackle those windows. Make sure to use an eco-friendly glass cleaner, to protect the environment and your kids’ lungs.
3. Have breakfast at the park. This will feel like a serious adventure, especially if you have early risers in the house. It’s a bit of a hassle, but is fun and different enough to be worth doing once in the season. We make it simple by stopping at the local coffee shop and picking up some pastries, coffee for the grownups and hot cocoa for the kids. We then head over to the local park and have a leisurely breakfast there. Spring mornings are cold, so remember to dress everyone in warm clothes.
Photo credit: mamchenkov
Tags: parenthood
Posted in Adventures in Motherhood | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 27th, 2010
We, the moms at Happy Mama Gifts, are avid readers of blogs – especially mom blogs. We feel that the blogging community fills a gap and provides a sense of community in an era when so many mothers lead a pretty isolated life.
We follow many different blogs, enjoying immensely the tips, the advice, and the laughs. We would like to give back, even if just a little, by acknowledging the blogs that we love – blogs where moms bravely share their lives and struggles, where they make us laugh – and sometimes cry – where they give us the best advice ever, the advice that only someone who truly gets it can give.
So, without further ado, allow us to present this month’s Happy Mama Gifts April Blogger Award to the amazing Catherine of Her Bad Mother. Catherine is a beautiful person, inside and out (and we’ll get to the issue of beauty shortly). She is a gifted writer – her posts frequently bring tears to our eyes, whether tears of sadness, of joy or simply tears of “Wow, she really gets what it’s like to be a woman/ a mother/ a human being.” Highly perceptive and extremely sensitive, Catherine’s words are a must-read for any woman, for any mom.
One of our favorite posts by Catherine is the recent post titled Some Shape Of Beauty. Has anyone ever casually told you that you are less than perfect, made a remark about something in your physique that could/ should be improved? If you are a woman, your answer is likely a resounding “Yes!” As Catherine says, many of us were victimized at some point by “a schoolmate teasing them about their hair, a friend commenting on their weight, a well-meaning relative remarking that ’she’d be so pretty if it weren’t for her nose’ – some memory of some statement that maybe wasn’t meant to hurt, but did, because it aggravated all those insecurities.”
Catherine wrote this post becuase she doesn’t want us to be victims anymore. She wants us all to know how beautiful we are, and at the end of her post, she asks us to “Go tell someone that they’re beautiful, and tell them how they are beautiful and why they are beautiful and everything that is wonderful about their beauty.”
Thank you, beautiful Catherine, for your blog, and for this post.
Tags: mom bloggers, Mommy bloggers
Posted in Blogger Award | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 20th, 2010
I am a mom of two, both under the age of 2. I know that weaning your child from a bottle is a tough job and can often be made more difficult with multiple children in the mix. Our son was born just as we were finally able to wean our daughter. Jealousy over the new baby raged and erased much of our hard work. And so the battle began, we lost and she ended up with a two (bottle) a day habit.
Out of frustration came a great idea to solve the problem. I was thrilled to think that I would have a bottle weaned toddler and a new business venture. After doing some internet research, I found a product that did just what I needed. I hadn’t heard of it because it wasn’t being marketed as a solution to my (and many other mom’s) problem. Although I am disappointed that I won’t be launching my own baby bottle line anytime soon, I am please to share a solution that works!
As promised, here are the three easy steps to getting your toddler weaned from the bottle:
 ThinkBaby bottles are designed as an eco-friendly bottle that will last through the toddler years. You can easily turn your baby bottle into a sippy cup with a simple conversion kit that contains a spout and handles. More importantly, you can painlessly wean your child.
Step One:Use the ThinkBaby bottles. I recommend the cross-cut nipples (included in the gift set pictured). Make sure that every baby in the house is using the same bottle and all other bottles have been put away. This is an easy step, because the bottles are so great; they are BPA free, anti-colic and truly non-drip. Plus, if you already use the bottles, you have a head start on this bottle weaning plan.
Step Two:Start using the soft spout instead of the nipple (without the handles) when you feel that the bottles have been successfully integrated. It looks like the same bottle they are used to, and in the case of younger babies in the house, feels like the same bottle the baby is using. Nothing to be jealous of! The only thing you are asking of your toddler at this point is to get used to a new “nipple”. Also, you are already taking advantage of the orthodontic benefit of moving to a sippy cup and can feel free to take your time moving to the next step.
Step Three:Simply add the handles when you and your toddler are ready. You might even start by adding the handles only during the day and removing them at night. Your child will soon be ready to interchangeably use any sippy cup you offer him/her.
The key to this plan is to take a lesson from Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction and “Stay Cool”. Don’t rush and don’t stress. It will happen effortlessly and your friends will all envy your pain free success. Happy weaning!
Tags: bottle feeding, bottle weaning
Posted in Tips & Tricks | 2 Comments »
Sunday, April 18th, 2010
 I often look back at my pre-kids life and think in amazement about how much time I used to spend on beauty rituals. It’s amazing to realize that I used to spend at least an hour (probably two if I’m honest) each day on things like shower, makeup, drying my hair and getting dressed.
When you become a mom, and especially while your kids are still little, you just don’t have that luxury anymore – you can’t just disappear into the bathroom and pamper yourself for an hour. Your kids need you, and you need to be there and supervise them.
So you have to settle for quick, five-minute showers, often taking your kids with you into the shower. Your hair and makeup routine changes too – everything has to be done quickly and efficiently.
More than anything in my past life, I miss luxurious hot showers, surrounding myself with wonderful fragrances, trying new products, shampooing twice, conditioning, deep conditioning, exfoliating… getting out of the shower and actually taking the time to apply a wonderfully fragrant body lotion. These days, shower is a quick five-minute affair and I actually keep the water temperature fairly cool so that it will be easier to get out quickly!
On the flip side, my ultra-short mom showers are so much more environmentally sound than my pre-kids long showers. So in a way, my kids have helped me to become greener!
Photo credit: maessive
Tags: life before kids, parenthood
Posted in Adventures in Motherhood | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
 We’ve decided to start a series of “things I love about being a mom.” The list is endless, of course, so to keep these blog posts short and sweet, we will discuss just one aspect of motherhood that we love in each post.
To keep things balanced, we will also publish regular posts about things we miss about our pre-kids days. Let’s face it: as much as we enjoy motherhood, there ARE aspects of our pre-kids days that we really do miss!
When I try to think about what is it that I love about being a mom, the first thing that comes to mind is getting to be a kid all over again. As an adult, life becomes so busy and hectic, you just forget to enjoy the little things. You rush through your errands, rarely taking a moment to stop and look around you.
When the kids arrive, they have a way of teaching you to slow down. You don’t just rush to the post office anymore: you stop on the way to look at an interesting cloud, to smell a pretty slower, to count the number of red cars you spot on the way… I am just so grateful to my kids for teaching me to notice the little things again.
Photo credit: mrhayata
Tags: motherhood
Posted in Adventures in Motherhood | No Comments »
Friday, April 9th, 2010
I was newly pregnant with my first child and finishing up my first book on the experience of pregnancy. The final chapter read “That Old Gray Mare..She Ain’t What She Used To Be.” I burst into tears immediately.
Pregnancy is hard. The right gift can brighten her day, comfort and protect her body, calm her fears and prepare her for the journey ahead. I polled the girls and thought back to my own pregnancies. We have compiled a list perfect for “Congratulations!” (Or getting back in her good graces!).
 Pampering Gifts: A pregnant body undergoes tremendous changes. There is no time in a woman’s life that is more in need of a little help and relaxation. For do-it-yourselfers, a book and a bath set can really wash away those aches and pains. Spa days are an oldie but a goodie. Pedicures, facials or a cut and color can make her feel like a star again. Our favorite gifts were body care gifts that would help us preserve our pre-pregnancy forms. Mama Mio Skincare makes an award winning line that really delivers!
 Books/Magazines/DVDs: Especially true during her first pregnancy, she will want to learn as much as possible about the baby, her body and the events of D-Day (birth). Subscriptions to pregnancy and parenting magazines are great. Books that didn’t insult our intelligence or terrify us with only the down-sides of pregnancy are the best (try From the Hips). Another great option is a childbirth class on DVD. She can learn at her own pace and save money on those time-challenging group classes.
Journals/Scrapbooks: There are so many emotions and life-altering moments/changes associated with a pregnancy. Yet, many people don’t even think to chronicle it until it is too late. Buying her a journal or a scrapbook will allow her to record moments and pictures that she can share with her future children or look back in a few months when she can truly “appreciate” her experience (with a margarita in her hand!).
Clothes/Accessories: An arsenal of clothing is required during pregnancy. This is because a pregnant woman’s body changes on a sometimes daily basis. She needs different sizes and different fits to get her through the nine months. Accessories are also a great option. They will last past the end of the pregnancy and a great accessory can help her focus on the areas of her body that aren’t spreading (like her neck!).
Cravings: That little pink line is usually closely followed with a set of cravings that must be addressed! Pick up dinner from that Mexican restaurant she has been dreaming about or offer to make a midnight run to the ice cream shop. Gift cards are nice, because they allow her to use them when the craving hits high-gear!
Coupons: I hate giving personalized coupon books, but I love getting them. If you can put in the effort to perform the given task at a moments notice, she will love the thoughtfulness.
 Gifts of Comfort: A pregnancy body pillow is a must. Pajamas made for her growing body and plush slippers can be a great end-of-day reward. If she is experiencing morning sickness, drug-free remedies can be a life saver!
Meals: Many pregnant women simply run out of batteries by the time dinner rolls around. Give her a night off with meal delivery or one of those great workshops that help you make a week of dinners in an afternoon.
Birth Gifts: Pregnancy almost always produces anxiety about the upcoming D-Day. Helping her feel prepared with a pre-packed hospital bag, a birth ball (maybe with a DVD on how to use it?) or a calming CD of her favorite music are all great ideas. Find out if her hospital allows champagne. They often will allow you to use their refrigerator and could help you create a celebration kit with strawberries and chocolate cigars.
 Post Pregnancy Gifts: Another area where mom-to-be wants to feel prepared. Think about items that are for mom as much as baby. Examples include a baby sling or a nursing pillow, because they will make her new life easier. Also, try keepsake gifts, teething jewelry or a great diaper bag that looks like a purse. The key is, unless it is time for the baby shower, think of things that are geared towards mom. This is how you are going to brighten her day and make her feel like a star.
That’s it. If you have an idea that you think we should include in our next list, email me. Happy Gifting!
Tags: Pregnancy Gift Ideas
Posted in Gift Ideas | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, April 7th, 2010
 Pregnancy takes a toll on our bodies. Regardless of how much weight you gain during pregnancy, after giving birth, you will almost always have to deal with a few (or with many) extra pounds and with natural changes to your body.
The most important thing, in my opinion, is that you take your time. It took you nine months to gain the weight, and it will take you about nine months to take it off – if you do it right. You should also accept that some changes in your body will likely be permanent – and that’s OK.
You will eat well and work out and take care of yourself, and nine months from now you will look amazing – but your body won’t look exactly like it looked before you became pregnant. You will likely have a few stretch marks, the skin on your belly will be a little lax, your hips might always stay a bit wider than they used to be, and your boobs – well, let’s just say they won’t ever be perky again. Try not to worry about it though: your body did an amazing thing – growing and nurturing a new life. Try to be proud of what your body is capable of instead of worrying about how it looks.
Accepting that your body has changed and taking it easy does not mean that you don’t want to be fit, though. Being fit and strong is healthy and feels wonderful. While having a new baby may change your fitness routine, it need not eliminate it. Here are a few simple ways to get back in shape after having a baby:
1. Exercise with your baby. If you can get an hour each day to work out at the gym that’s great, but for most new moms this is impossible. Instead, work out WITH your baby: you can jog while pushing her in a jogging stroller; you can lie down on your back and lift her little body up in the air repeatedly – a great workout for your upper arms AND lots of fun for the baby; and you can strap her in the baby carrier and dance around the house. Whatever you do, get moving and be active every day.
2. Work out with a friend. A friend can help you stay motivated and accountable. If you have a weekly fitness date with a friend, you will probably tend to keep it. A fitness date with yourself is so much easier to break.
3. Try to get enough sleep. Easier said than done, for sure, but there ARE ways to maximize your sleep even when you have a baby, including napping with her, going to bed early at night, splitting the night into shifts and sharing diaper duty with your partner, and training yourself to go back to sleep immediately after taking care of your baby at night. The more well rested you are, the more energy you will have for working out. In addition, sleep deprivation leads to overeating, so that’s another good reason to get as much sleep as you can.
4. Don’t starve yourself! Eat five small meals a day and focus on health instead of on calories. If you eat moderate portions of healthy foods, drink plenty of water, avoid processed foods (except for an occasional treat) and stop eating when you’re not hungry anymore, you will slowly reach the ideal weight for your body.
5. Ignore the tabloids. Those “post baby body” spreads in the tabloids? Ignore them. They’re heavily retouched. Those “I gave birth two days ago and am back on the catwalk looking as fabulous as ever” articles? Throw them in the trash. Those messages that we get from the media about the “need” to look amazing right after giving birth are insane. Take your time, focus on your baby and on your health, and in a few months, you WILL look fabulous.
Photo credit: Ed Yourdon
Tags: mom exercise tips
Posted in Tips & Tricks | No Comments »
Monday, April 5th, 2010
I love bedtime. Sure, it’s a time of struggle in many households – most kids are quite intent on not going to bed and on trying to prolong the day for as long as they can. Most parents, on the other hand, are very tired by the end of the day, are looking forward to some quiet adult time, and so are quite intent on getting the kids off to sleep as quickly as possible!
But if you step back for a second, you can see that bedtime is a wonderful opportunity for you and for your child to bond and to spend some quiet, uninterrupted time together. That’s why I make it a point not to rush bedtime, and to plan my days – especially my afternoons – so that I have plenty of time left after dinner to spend as much time with my daughter as she needs before she drifts off to sleep.
Now that my daughter is 20 months old and is very much into exploring her surroundings, the issue around bedtime is not so much that she’s trying to get me to stay with her for as long as possible, but rather her sometimes very funny attempts at trying to get rid of me so that she can go back to playing and exploring.
So last night, I lay down with my daughter in our bed as I always do, waiting for her to fall asleep. Now, to some, this may seem like a terrible thing to do – spoiling the kid, creating lifelong sleep and separation issues – I know that not all parents are in agreement when it comes to bedtime and to sleeping arrangements, but this is our family’s choice and it works for us. So do bear with me, there’s a funny story here!
So I am lying with her as she’s crawling all around the bed and playing instead of going to sleep. I keep picking her up, placing her back at the head of the bed, and telling her it is time for sleep. She gets back up, completely awake, and resumes her crawling. This goes on for about 30 minutes. (Parenting does teach you patience, doesn’t it?)
Then suddenly something changes. I can almost see the light bulb going off in her head. She has an idea! She stops moving, lies down quietly and closes her eyes tight. She’s pretending to be fast asleep, and to assist in convincing me that she has indeed fallen asleep, she begins a hilarious fake snore, then carefully peeks at me to see if I am buying it.
Her plan? “Make mommy think I am asleep until she leaves or falls asleep herself. Then I can go about the exciting business of exploring the contents of the nightstand drawer”!
I just couldn’t stop laughing! My daughter is, hands down, the funniest person I know.
Tags: bedtime
Posted in Adventures in Motherhood | No Comments »
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