There's a new carseat in town! It's the Maxi Cosi Mico. Which roughly translates to "Way better than the infant carseats you had with your older kids" in my household.
Maxi Cosi seats have long been popular in Europe, where the standards for car seat safety are more stringent than here in the USA. The Mico version, now available in the USA, is actually a renamed version of Maxi Cosi's Cabrio model, a best seller in the Euro market.
It's easy to see why this cushily padded carseat is so beloved by European parents, and why they have put their trust in Maxi Cosi for one of their first "big purchase" decisions as new parents.
First there is the ease of use: We found the infant seat very easy to install with both the latch base and freestanding with a seatbelt, when needed. The latch base in particular was very secure feeling compared to other models with a base that I have tested. An indicator provides peace of mind - letting you know twhen he seat has been installed properly. The taller, narrower profile and ergonomic multi-position handle makes it easier to quickly and smoothly get in and out of cars and to tote with you. Even when tested with a feisty 11 month old along for the ride. Our volunteer rider especially loved the seat's see-through peekaboo hood. It is generous and sturdy, standing up firm to attempted abuse (our tester who had previously removed and destroyed the hoods on her other carseats). I should note that the other passengers in the backseat enjoyed the seat as well - they benefitted from the narrower profile which allows for a little more seat space for them.
Ample padding and cushioning within the seat support the youngest passengers on up to the tallest. Adjustments are easily accomplished from the front of the seat. Of course it is extremely comforting to know that the seat is lined with EPA foam and side wings that adhere to the highest protection standards for both frontal and side impact accidents.
Want to use your carseat with a stroller? Several US manufacturers are working on pairing options and Bugaboo, Valco and the Micralite Toro have already made it possible to use Maxi Cosi carseats with their strollers. And of course, this carseat pairs up perfectly with the Quinny line of strollers. Click here for my review of the Quinny Buzz - which I blamed for my present pregnant state.
I could go on and on about this carseat and what a long way it has come from the carseats of the past. The safety and convenience features are plentiful - but here are a list of my favorites:
*Side Protection System offers optimal protection against side impact
* Integrated sun canopy: always on hand and easy to store
* Practical belt hooks: retain seat belt when seating your child
* Ergonomic handle for ease and comfort of carrying
* One-pull harness for easy adjusting harness length
* Push button for easy adjusting the carrying handle
* Handy storage compartment
* Cover is easy to remove and washable
* Includes beltpads and crotchpad for baby's comfort
* Easy installation and minimum chance on wrong installation in combination with Maxi-Cosi EasyFix or Maxi-Cosi EasyBase
* Lightweight seat weight
All this said, I'll go shallow on you all again and just say this. The Maxi Cosi Mico carseat is so dang cute! It comes in a great assortment of 5 mod eye-catching colors/style that highlight your baby's personality and your hip sense of style.
They say that pictures are worth a thousand words....
What better way to capture special memories than with the help of pictures and what better way to display your favorite photos than with a beautiful and unique, custom photo montage? Retrospective Designs’ custom montages allows you to combine multiple pictures to create your very own work of art.
These amazing montages are perfect for commemorating a special occasion, such as a pregnancy, birth, anniversary, wedding or for no particular reason at all! I had an incredible work of art created which included a family picture in a sepia tone and had two small circles of color photographs of each of my kids on the side. At the bottom, the montage spells out “family” in circles with a chocolate brown and blue theme. It is simply gorgeous and I was so impressed with how it turned out!
All you have to do is submit your photos either digitally or via mail, include your favorite quote, names, date, etc., and decide from a variety of materials such as prints, posters or canvas sized from 5”x7” to 16”x20”.
Josephine is the owner of Retrospective Design and is a pleasure to work with. You can submit your favorite photos and then receive a montage made especially for you. It's a great way to display photos in a new and different way!
Mention code “mommieswithstyle” to save 20% off of your order.
Our latest installment of our Holiday Picks this season is for toddlers aged 12-24 months. It's been written by Jen and she's picked out a couple of fun toys for some great gift giving ideas.
MyKozy Car seat covers "Paparazzi Proof" your Baby
You may not have heard of MyKozy carseat covers, but as a new parent, it is inevitable you will wish you had! Picture this:
It's a new-parent moment chock full of anxiety. You are out and about when a stranger approaches. Perhaps your new little one has just finally drifted off to sleep. Or maybe the baby has just gotten over a cold.
Then along comes a finger waggling toddler, or a well meaning granny-wannabe with a little pinch she simply cannot repress. Before you know it, before you can prevent it from happening, there is stranger-flesh making contact with your innocent baby's face! Sure they mean well, but let's be honest - who knows when this stranger last washed their hands? And since (in my experience) 90% of these stranger encounters occur at preschools and supermarkets (environments rife with icky germs) being a little skittish is only natural. In fact it is enough to make you feel as paranoid as a paparazzi-spooked celeb.
This all too common issue has led many a parent to drape a blanket over the carseat. We all know that the blanket is a virtual sheild that means "hands off!" It instantly conveys the message that this baby is off limits to the general public. Unfortunately the baby kicks and the wind doesn't always cooperate and those draped blankets tend to slip and land on the dirty ground, leaving you back at square one.
This scenario is just what led mompreneur Cindy Yang Nguyen to invent the MyKozy line of carseat covers. The brilliance in this universal fit carseat cover is that it has it's own protective blanket/shield attached. So no worries about your protective baby shield failing you. It stays in place as long as you need it to, and folds away when you don't want it there anymore.
All the carseat covers from MyKozy are made from high quality designer cotton fabrics, and you get two looks for one price as they are reversible. The covers also work hard to protect your carseat from spills and unfortunate diaper incidents. They are easily removed and are machine washable. Matching toddler carseat covers (without attached blanket) are also available.
I wish that there was as easy a way to shield all my children, of all ages, from germs and prying strangers. In the meantime, I am looking forward to using a MyKozy carseat cover for my new little one. MWS members save 15% on your carseat cover when you use the code MWS15.
My husband and I are big followers of Dr. Harvey Karp, who recommends swaddling as part of his 5 S's for calming a baby (swaddling, shushing, swinging (NOT SHAKING), sucking (pacis) and side-positioning the baby). Thanks to my cousin Andi, we knew to know this before our son arrived two years ago. We had trouble swaddling Ben, due to our own inefficiency in wrapping him up. But with Solana's lightweight blankets made of muslin or gauze, we will be ready to swaddle baby #2 a little better.
According to Solana's website, "Our 100% cotton, soft and thin baby swaddle blankets are designed to comfort babies without overheating them. They are also made large enough to ensure a secure swaddle for either a small or big baby. Because our fabrics are so breathable, you can still feel the shape of your baby through the wrap. This allows you to not only get a good grip but your baby can also feel the warmth and comfort of your arms and hands as you hold them." And, of course, the prints and patterns are also cute (another plus).
Doctors recommend not to swaddle the baby with heavy blankets (risk of overheating). Since our apartment building turns up the heat way too high, especially in the winter, we will be using Solana's Swaddle Wraps to keep our baby comfortable and calm!! Celebs also love these wraps - they've been gifted to Tori Spelling, Marcia Cross and Samantha Harris.
These lightweight swaddle blankets are hand-made in Australia. The website also has detailed swaddling directions for those clueless parents like me!
Solana was started by Teresa Marcum and Sunny Willmington-Wight. They each had two children and discovered swaddling was too hot in the Arizona heat. So they tried swaddling with larger squares of lightweight cotton. They were also big fans of Dr. Karp. "They decided that using their wraps with the 'Happiest Baby' soothing techniques was something every mom should have in their book of baby tricks! And so Solana Babywear was born! As the company evolved and as they did more research, the friends were excited to discover that recent medical studies and physicians were recommending swaddling to help prevent colic, SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome; and that they also recommend swaddling in nothing thicker than a t-shirt to help prevent SIDS linked to overheating. Thrilled that they could offer a product to help moms protect their babies and to help everyone get a good nights sleep, Theresa and Sunny heartily pursued their dreams. They now proudly offer a wide range of loose-weave, breathable and over-sized swaddling wraps so moms in every climate can help to soothe and protect their babies."
We're loving Solana. You can get the starter two pack for $20 or the special or limited editions for $30 each. A portion of the proceeds go to Shaken Baby Syndrome Charities.
Holiday Pick for the over 5 crowd: Q-BA-MAZE (and a giveaway!)
I'm not sure what the fascination is with marbles, marble-runs and mazes but my almost 4-year-old is a little bit obsessed. Any time we're in a Learning Express, he races over to the sample marble runs and just has to send as many marbles as he can down the various paths and slides.
So the latest new toy I think will be a big hit is the Q-BA-MAZE. It's a plastic construction game with marbles and endless possibilities for runs and ways to send the marbles. As you guys can see, I've inserted another YouTube video so you can see for yourselves how it works. It's definitely an awesome product to have wrapped for the upcoming holidays so be sure to check it out. They don't sell online yet on their own site, but it's carried in-store all over the country so check out their store locator to see where you can find it near you. You can also find it online at ConstructionToys.com.
Also, in the spirit of the holiday season, Q-BA-MAZE is giving away 3 50-packs (retail value $49.95) to 3 Mommies with Style readers. We'll draw 3 names at random from the Mommies with Style newsletter database next Thursday, December 6th. If you haven't yet signed up for our newsletter, do so now so you'll be eligible.
I don't know about you guys, but labeling gifts for Christmas in our house always gets a little nutty. Growing up, my Mom used to just cut out little squares from the extra wrapping paper... sometimes the wrapping paper "card" didn't even match the wrapping paper on the present! But it seemed less wasteful than using a card on every gift.
Hubby introduced me to the whole mini sticker gift tag and we've done that the past few years. But they aren't very exciting, and they seem sort of lame - especially when I'm gifting to someone outside of my immediate family (to an in-law, or extended family member.)
So I received a press kit from Card Stix, which seems like the perfect solution and alternative to my holiday gift card woes. Card Stix are 4x5 adhesive cards. They obviously stick right on the present, but they are bigger than the usual mini-tag, plus they have some nice, festive designs so they look impressive on a present. They're more affordable than an actual greeting card and even better, they stick straight on so there's no fear of losing them in the craze of an entire pile of presents that have to be opened.
Also, I love the idea that you can use these in lieu of tape too! And they aren't just for Christmas or Hanukkah, they have an entire collection which includes Card Stix for baby showers, birthdays and more.
They have fun wine bottle cards - stick that to a bottle of wine and you have an impressive looking hostess gift.... use coupon code mommies10 for a 10% discount valid through April 1, 2008.
2 years ago, we had fantastic event occur. Santa called! It was just one of the most amazing and most memorable moments for us. I blogged about it here at MWS, and pieces of my review were picked up in the NYTimes, the San Francisco Chronicle and other publications. Yes, the fact that Santa took a few minutes from his busy schedule to call my little boy was a big deal.
Santa's Speaking can call your home, too. And they're currently offering $5 off your call, if you schedule it this Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. Please use this Secret Santa Code (gift code) for $5 off your entire order: NOV282930. There will a COLORFUL BULLSEYE with a big green arrow at checkout to click to enter your code. This offer is good ONLY until Santa is fully scheduled or booked, limited slots currently available. Discount only valid on calls booked to occur on November 28, 29, or 30th. One coupon per order only.
Out on DVD today: Land Before Time's latest movie, the "Wisdom of Friends." This one is number thirteen! We started our dinosaur obsession a few months ago so of course any Land Before Time movie is a big hit.
It's an hour and sixteen minutes long. Listen for the voices of Cuba Gooding Jr. and Sandra Oh.
As of this review, it's 25% off and on sale for $14.99. Free shipping when you spend $25 or more - blah blah blah Whitney. You guys know the drill.
And check out this little puzzle they sent over - you can print it out for your kids to color and cut out.
Just a few weeks ago, we told you about the adorable new kids shoes, Rileyroos. Through December 24, enter HOLIDAY 2007 in the comments section on the credit card information page (not the coupon code area) to receive 25% off, plus free shipping.
Don't be shy... I want you to be honest here. Raise your hand if you still haven't ordered your holiday cards. Go ahead... we won't tell. Don't worry, usually, I'm in the same boat as you, scurrying to pick a photo, coming up with the perfect wording, finding a spot to order and getting it all here, and then out, in time. And I'll admit to throwing my hands up and just printing one out at SAMs and Walmart in the past (not that there's anything wrong with that... but...)
We have VERY good news for you... there's still time for a professional, personalized photo card. I have a fantastic new site for modern cards with so much style. This season, my cards were created by Jennifer at Apple Blossom Prints, who is amazing to work with. Of course, being as indecisive as I usually am, AND having a major issue of getting my 2 year old and 4 year old boys to smile, nicely, simutaneously for a photo, made my search for a great image a little difficult. Jennifer started helping me right there. I sent her a few photos and asked her advice. Her communication was fantastic, we chatted, about which images work and how they'd appear with the different layouts... she even designed several cards for me using her templates as models and different images as they fit best. Of course, the selection was too big for me, so I shared it with a few friends who helped me narrow it down, and then Jennifer worked to make them just right for my taste, and my needs, as we like to send holiday-neutral cards. Any changes to wording, colors, fonts and photo styles are included, and Jennifer will send you proof after proof until you are 100% satisfied (Jennifer is extremely talented, so it won't take long!) After narrowing it down and deciding on my favorite, I thought I was finished, but then Jennifer explained the differences as they would appear on different paper (available are cardstock, photopaper and pearl paper) and recommended which would look best for the image I selected (shown here).
Then, when I thought we had finally completed the process, she sent me not only a beautiful proof, but choices for the back of the card--because the back of her cards are printed to match the front.
And if you love the creative style at Apple Blossom Prints but want an Apple Blossom Prints original, Jennifer will work with you to create custom cards--just for your family.
Use code MOM15 for 15% off your order, with no expiration date. (yes... you can use this code next year, too... so you can order earlier! )
Of course, you still have time now, but orders must be received by December 10 for Christmas 2007 delivery. So, if you haven't yet, now might be a good time select your image.
This is right around the point of a pregnancy when the nights get longer, the trips to the bathroom get more frequent and my regular clothing no longer cuts it. I've been looking for some humorous tees to get me "over the bump" as it were, and the ones from baby&momma fit the bill.
My personal favorite is the "I'm With My Inner Child" tee. It's super soft and stretchy in a lightweight cotton/spandex blend. Other humorous phrases include "SugarMomma" and "Who's Your Mommy?".
After the baby arrives (and inevitably looks like his siblings did) I am going to enjoy dressing him in a onesie that says "Clone". Other clever tees in the line proclaim "Patent Pending" and "Are You Really My Relatives?".
I can't remember the exact year for this story. I had to have been around twelve or thirteen. Those of you who are Children of the '80s may remember this product. It was the hot toy of the year - a robot. It was about a foot and a half high and it did all sorts of various tasks by command. (I know, I know - my description is so generic, it could be just about any old robot.)
The point is, I wanted it so badly. They sucked me in during commercial breaks on Family Ties and Kate & Allie. It's probably needless to say, but I didn't get the robot. My best friend Anna did and I think I still may be green with envy. It's one of those childhood memories that stays with you for life.
This entire story came about again in my memory when I recently saw the Robopanda for sale from Wowwee. This is one of the hot top picks for the season. And what's funny is that I remember the robot I wanted did like 4 things by remote - and I have to laugh when I now check out what's on today's market.
Because the Robopanda is like my 80s robot on steroids. It doesn't require a remote - it's voice activated. It has motion sensors and ten different touch sensors. It tells stories, sing songs and bases its actions on the actions of your child. It has different modes, and moods. It encourages interaction and actually teaches via memory games and more. It's really truly amazing to see how far technology has come in our lifespan - it makes me wonder what our grandchildren will be playing with.
So the Robopanda's not cheap, it retails for $149.99 but it's a monster of a toy with hours of play possibilities. You can find it on Amazon, at Target, Best Buy or Hammacher.com. It's listed as being age-appropriate for 8+, but I certainly think the younger crowd would appreciate it as well. There's something about being a kid and controlling something to move around.
Check out the YouTube video to see a demo of it from a tradeshow.
Some of the sales here are unbelievable, 30...40... 50% off and more on some gorgeous bags and accessories. What's with the great prices? Well, some are discontinued patterns, others are "certified seconds" (which means they are "almost perfect" but that there may be some minor flaw with the item).
Shop today to take advantage. A little tip too - if you click on "check all stock," it'll give you an idea of how many items of each product is left.
Just in time for the holidays, Fat Brain Toys has released Dado Squares. These semi-architechtural building toys, like their cousins Dado Cubes, are addictively playable for kids aged 3 to 103. My son had to wrassle my husband to the ground for a shot at building his own spaceship. They collaborated on the matching space station.
What I like almost as much as the freeform fun of building with Dado Squares, is the ease of which they stack so nicely into a neat little cube shaped case. This means that they are very easy for your kids to put away by themselves. And they are delightfully portable. We've brought our Dado Squares to restaurants, doctor's appointments, and friends houses.
Each set contains 35 multi-colored 3 inch squares and retail for $19.95.
If you or your child's grandparents are looking for a place to buy building toys for your kids, Fat Brain toys is the perfect destination. In addition to Dado Squares and Dado Cubes, check out their selection of Wedgits, Erector Sets, Original ABC Nursery Blocks, and Lincoln Logs.
This one may be my favorite of the season. In the least, I sure had a lot of fun with this since it was like I was pretty much virtually shopping for myself and my friends.
Our Holiday Picks: Moms page has launched and we have several gift ideas for you. Send this page to your hubby, your parents, your neighbor Sue. Make it easy on them and you'll be happy!
Debbie has written another great report for this holiday season - this one is for Babies 0-12 months old. Toys and gadets that are fun for baby - these items are sure to be a hit this year.
A friend of mine just sent me this link, telling me she had found the perfect gift for a future mom of four. It really cracked me up so I had to share it with you all. It's a set of French Fries car floor mats, for $29. Just think of it as couture car floor camo.
You'll be the belle of the drive-thru when you outfit your minivan, SUV or car with these. And your floor will thank you for the added protection from spills. Just remember, a sense of humor is a mom essential!
Today and tomorrow only, Lauren Kiyomi is offering Mommies with Style Readers a whopping 50% off your order. You will need to register with the site and enter the coupon code MWSCYBERM to take advantage of this deal.
Lauren Kiyomi fashions are popular with celebs like Nancy O'Dell and have been worn on the show "Notes From the Underbelly". Their items are well made, comfortable and versatile - sure to get you through the whole nine months in style. I love their Lacy Mommy Top for a totally pulled together look at all those last minute holiday parties.
The following is a paid Advertorial from Groovy Paper - Modern Stylish Stationery for Cool Kids and Hip Adults:
Groovy Paper is thrilled to offer Holiday!, Robyn Miller Design's newest collection which features digital photo cards and matching gift tags for Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's. In addition Groovy Paper has new holiday photo card designs from PiPo Press, Blue Starr Design and Bumpercards and oodles of holiday gift stickers and address labels from which to choose.
Enjoy shopping for everyday and holiday at www.groovypaper.com – where hip stationery hangs out.
HIP TIP: Printing photos on paper is a slightly different process. For the best results from your digital camera, select the highest image quality and image size settings for your holiday photos.
OFFER: Take advantage of our everyday savings - FREE proof & FREE shipping with a purchase* of $100 or more. *Applies to one stationery order from one designer.
Mommies with Style, you are invited to Baby Candy's virtual holiday party! Baby Candy makes adorable signature baby onesies and toddler tees in a variety of candy colored designs. You can customize your own "Candy" too. The onesies and tees even come wrapped like candy! Make sure you check out their seasonal onesies for the holidays, with such cute sayings as “Santa Baby.”
At Baby Candy’s virtual holiday party you can enjoy cocktails and appetizers (delicious recipes), holiday music, door prizes and free shipping on all orders Monday 11/26 – Tuesday 11/27. All of Baby Candy’s holiday onesies and tees, and the entire Candy Collection will be on sale (15% off). Additionally new fancy styles (including a monogram necklace tee and monogram necktie tee) will be making their debut.
The Design Room Group has some new products available from BUD this holiday season. Previously, I only knew of BUD as the makers of these luxury ducks that take the whole Rubber Ducky in the bathtub thing to a whole new level. (Our Superstar Duck has logged many hours with both kids in the tub.)
For something fun and different, check out their entire line. What kind of ducky are you? Maybe Grandma came from the Scottish Highlands and you're a McDuck. Or you're a Funkee Duck. Me, I just want to be a Lucky Duck. Okay, that was bad. But don't hold them accountable for my poor blogging - visit the folks over at the Design Room Group and check out the array of products.
You probably think of Best Buy for electronics and appliances, but you might be surprised to learn that they have joined forces with Liz Claiborne to sell a line of computer bags/totes and small electronic cases that are fashionable, affordable and perfect for moms on the run.
I particularly like this handsome red faux patent tote this holiday season. It's low maintenance and cheerful no matter what the weather outside. There is a removable computer sleeve that protects my oversized 15 inch laptop (not always easy to find something that will fit her!) and the bag is spacious and organized enough to also carry all my other mommy essentials. Plus it is so polished looking. Matching cell and ipod cases in leopard with patent trim round out the tech ensemble.
Just one more reason to stop by a Best Buy store or shop online this season. See the whole collection here.
Ok, so we all know that I am a shop-a-holic! But did you know I am a shoe-a-holic as well? When my son was born, I started realizing there were way less cute things to purchase for him than I did when my daughter was born. She has so many pairs of shoes! So when we had a boy six months ago, my husband was thrilled that I wouldn’t be buying nearly as many shoes for my son or so he thought! After all, my son isn’t even near walking yet, so why buy any type of shoe for him? Well, first of all, here in the Northeast, it is starting to get cold and I don’t want my son’s piggies to get cold, hence the shoes. Second of all, I like matching shoes to different outfits. Call me crazy, but my son already has four pairs (all soft-soled of course)! So when I recently came across Heather’s Treasure Box, it was the perfect reason to get a fifth pair!
These adorable, cute, stylish hand-knit booties are available for baby boys and girls. My favorites are the Hockey Skates and Black High Tops for boys and the Ballet Slippers and Cowgirl Boots for girls, but there are many to choose from. I recently had my son in the Hockey Skates at an ice skating party for my niece and they were the hit of the party! Everyone wanted to know where I had gotten them and kept commenting how cute they were. I even had to put my son standing on the ice in them just so I could take a picture!
The booties have soles approximately 4-4 ½ inches from heel to toe, which will usually fit a baby from birth to 9 months. Interested in one of their booties but would prefer a different color? Contact them to let them know what you had in mind and they’ll let you know the availability! They welcome custom orders. Best of all the booties are machine washable!
To save 10% off of your order total, enter code MWS10 in the comment box at checkout and after your purchase you will then be refunded the 10% back. Offer valid through December 31, 2007.
I must be insane. It's before 6 am on Friday and I'm getting ready to go pick Zareen up to do some shopping. I've never done Black Friday before and I hate crowds, so we'll see how this one goes.
For the slightly less crazy (and smarter) of you Moms out there, you can do all your shopping from your home and the comfort of your chair and PC.
Did we really need to give you guys more reasons to shop and spend money? Probably not, but we're going to give them to you anyway! Our latest holiday picks were selected by Ciaran -- toys and gifts for children over age 6. Check it out - Holiday Picks for ages 5+.
These holiday picks are sponsored by Izzy and Ash, original style original kids (gorgeous clothes and more). Use coupon code holidaystyle for 15% off everything on the site.
Before you buy your holiday toys this year, here's one site you may want to check out. Toyinfo.org is a parent resource site which provides information on toy safety.
Of particular interest is the page on toy recalls, check it out to make sure you don't have one of these ready to be wrapped.
33 Weeks Pregnant: Belly Beats - Grooving to the (heart)beat
I have to go to my OB's appointments by myself - my husband works during the day (they don't have night or weekend hours) and my two year old can't handle staying quiet and calm during my doctor's appointments - but what 2 year old could? So my mother meets us at the office and takes care of him. But I wanted to share the experience of hearing our baby's heartbeat with my family. Belly Beats came to my rescue. It's a service that will rent or sell you a fetal digital doppler device (very similar to the one your doctor uses) to hear your baby's heartbeat - while in the comfort of your own home. So, my son and husband are able to share in this experience with me, while in our own home.
We checked out the digital fetal heartbeat monitor. It will cost you about $45 a month to rent. Or you could buy it for $599. The unit comes with a manual, a recording of the maternal and fetal heartbeat sounds, a 9 volt battery and a 2 oz tube of ultrasound lotion. You can buy more ultrasound lotion (8.5 oz for $7.95).
According to their website, "The Fetal Doppler Baby Heartbeat Monitor listens to reflections of small, high frequency sound waves that are reflected off of the baby's heart. Since high frequency sound waves do not travel readily through air, a liquid such as water, oil, or Fetal Doppler Ultrasound Lotion is applied to the mother's belly in order for the Fetal Doppler- Baby Heartbeat Monitors probe to detect these sound waves. These signals are picked up by the
There's a new carseat in town! It's the Maxi Cosi Mico. Which roughly translates to "Way better than the infant carseats you had with your older kids" in my household. 
What better way to capture special memories than with the help of pictures and what better way to display your favorite photos than with a beautiful and unique, custom photo montage? 
These amazing 
Then along comes a finger waggling toddler, or a well meaning granny-wannabe with a little pinch she simply cannot repress. Before you know it, before you can prevent it from happening, there is stranger-flesh making contact with your innocent baby's face! Sure they mean well, but let's be honest - who knows when this stranger last washed their hands? And since (in my experience) 90% of these stranger encounters occur at preschools and supermarkets (environments rife with icky germs) being a little skittish is only natural. In fact it is enough to make you feel as paranoid as a paparazzi-spooked celeb. 
This scenario is just what led mompreneur Cindy Yang Nguyen to invent the 
My husband and I are big followers of Dr. Harvey Karp, who recommends swaddling as part of his 
Don't be shy... I want you to be honest here. Raise your hand if you still haven't ordered your holiday cards. Go ahead... we won't tell. Don't worry, usually, I'm in the same boat as you, scurrying to pick a photo, coming up with the perfect wording, finding a spot to order and getting it all here, and then out, in time. And I'll admit to throwing my hands up and just printing one out at SAMs and Walmart in the past (not that there's anything wrong with that... but...)
This is right around the point of a pregnancy when the nights get longer, the trips to the bathroom get more frequent and my regular clothing no longer cuts it. I've been looking for some humorous tees to get me "over the bump" as it were, and the ones from 
A friend of mine just sent me this link, telling me she had found the perfect gift for a future mom of four. It really cracked me up so I had to share it with you all. It's a set of 
Today and tomorrow only, 
You probably think of Best Buy for electronics and appliances, but you might be surprised to learn that they have joined forces with Liz Claiborne to sell a line of 
Ok, so we all know that I am a shop-a-holic! But did you know I am a shoe-a-holic as well? When my son was born, I started realizing there were way less cute things to purchase for him than I did when my daughter was born. She has so many pairs of shoes! So when we had a boy six months ago, my husband was thrilled that I wouldn’t be buying nearly as many shoes for my son or so he thought! After all, my son isn’t even near walking yet, so why buy any type of shoe for him? Well, first of all, here in the Northeast, it is starting to get cold and I don’t want my son’s piggies to get cold, hence the shoes. Second of all, I like matching shoes to different outfits. Call me crazy, but my son already has four pairs (all soft-soled of course)! So when I recently came across 
These adorable, cute, stylish hand-knit 
