Jack and the ebeanstalk

I came across this cool site today called ebeanstalk.com and you who have children should really check it out. It's got a lot of age appropriate developmental toys on it and they come in series which is pretty cool. Some of it seems a little pricey, but if you have some doting grandparents who are always looking to get the munchkins "something" and if you're like me and you'd rather the toys be "purposeful" then you might want to direct them to this site. That way you can get something that's the right age for your kids and something that will be somewhat "educational." Personally after having been in child care for awhile now I like toys that have a purpose. It's not that I think play time should be "school time" but I think that toys that help them with muscle coordination and hand/eye coordination and manipulatives and things that will help them develop their imaginations are good, and they make playtime more fun and interesting anyway.

Wet Ones to the Rescue!

Since I've been a parent I've grown to love these handy dandy, easy sanitizers! I've never been a "germ freak" but once that little bundle came home, I started seeing germs and bacteria EVERYWHERE!! Once he became mobile it was even worse! I have become more balanced since my son has no immune issues and has been a very healthy baby. Still, I don't like to expose him to icky stuff if I can help it. I've seen moms with these great inventions that look like a heap of fabric piled on shopping carts and high chair seats to keep a cushy barrier between their munchkins and the germys. It's a great idea if you like toting around an extra piece of baby gear everywhere, AND doing more laundry because, as I'm sure you know, fabric picks up and holds germs more than hard surfaces. I am the type that wants as little "gear" as possible. Half the time I can hardly remember to bring my wallet let alone something else to tote. That's why I've opted to use these wonderful wipes. They are anti-bacterial, small, cheap, and they fit anywhere! I keep a package of them in the diaper bag, my son's insulated sippy cup carrier, in the dash of the car, etc. so that they are always available when I need one. I wipe down shopping cart handles, restaurant table tops and high chairs, sticky fingers and face, you just about name it. If it has to come into extended contact with the bubby then it gets wiped down with a wet wipe. This has worked so well for me, give it a try, the peace of mind is wonderful, and the ease of use is unbeatable!

Changing Mat Update

Just so you know if you use a standard pillowcase it will work fine, but won't totally cover the mat. I got King sized cases in a color to match the boy's room and it is perfect! Plus it came in a pack of 2 so when one needs to go in the wash there's another ready!

C-c-cold Changing Mat

I always feel somewhat terrible when I have to change my tiny ones and the changing table mat is soooo cold! I think it's worst in the mornings. Those poor sleepy babies wake up all warm and snug in their beds and then the stark reality of cold plastic covered foam REALLY wakes them up. It doesn't make for a fun experience though. Recently though, I came across a solution. No, this is NOT original with me, but for the life of me, I can't remember where I got it, so as far as credit goes, just know I didn't come up with it. BUT it's a great tip, and if you have one of those flat changing table pads it'll work for you. USE A PILLOW CASE! What a great tip! I don't know why I didn't think of it myself. They are just about the perfect size. Just slip it on, and no more chilly baby! Plus they come in so many colors and styles that you can easily find one to match your baby room theme. Also clean up is super easy, just slip it off and toss in the wash! If you, like me, don't want to torture your tyke during diaper changes, just slip on a pillow case and problem solved!

Organize your life with baby

You can immediately tell if you are stepping into a house where there are “little people.” Seemingly gone are the days when peace and order reigned in any room in the house. Now there are toys to step over, half eaten crackers and Cheerios crunching under your shoes. Dishes are piled so high they rival the leaning tower of Pizza! You realize that this is just the beginning too! Don’t even think about what the laundry situation is, or what the bedrooms look like. We’re just thankful those rooms have doors, right? We all knew our lifestyle would change when that new wonderful person came to live with us, but you do NOT have to sacrifice ever having someone over to your house again. I've dedicated a series of post to helping you, and reminding me, how to get and stay organized when your life with baby seems to be in piles all around you. These are ways to prompt you to be able to have that clutter free house you’re longing for, without sacrificing precious play time.
First, remember that Rome wasn't built in a day, and once it was built, the houses were much smaller and easier to manage. Take the motto "Less is more" for your mantra. My hubby and I like to refer to it a "zen" thinking. :-) You want things around you to be as simple as possible. This does NOT mean you must sacrifice style or comfort, but you should make clutter extinct! It's amazing what a clutter free home can do for your mentality. It's like taking a big gulp of clean, crisp mountain air for your soul. Ahhhh...
So your project for this post is to get a BIG box, put it in the garage or some out of the way space. Begin to get rid of anything that is cluttering any space ONE ROOM AT A TIME by depositing things in the box. This box is your friend, and if after 2 months you've not used/needed anything that you put in the box, it needs to go on to find a new life with someone else. Goodwill and Salvation Army are great places to donate things that are no longer contributing to your life. Go ahead, get started, you CAN do it! Next time I'll have some very specific tips on how to organize the baby's stuff. It's pretty amazing how quickly all those "little things" can pile up!

Chocolate for the Mommies

This tip is just a "bonus" for all of you who can use an excuse for having a bit of chocolate!
I worked for a lady who is a pediatrician and one day she came home and we were chatting and she told me about a new study that she read. Of course, I don't usually need an excuse for eating chocolate, BUT if there's a good reason for it, then I don't have to feel so guilty about the sugar/fat/excess calories and all that. Anyway apparently this new study said that statistically women who have eaten chocolate while pregnant have happier babies than those who don't eat chocolate. Wooo- hooooo!! That's a reason to break out the truffles let me tell ya! I mean, it makes perfect sense to me. I'm happy when I eat chocolate, so it should make my baby happy too! Honestly I wasn't the world's worst choco-hollic before I was pregnant, but I like the stuff a lot more now that I am preggy, so I should have a very happy baby, right? Here's hoping!