Better Than Pajama Jeans

As part of my #NewYearNewYou challenge, I’ve committed to share my progress on a weekly basis. I encourage you to take the challenge. Thank you for supporting me in reaching my goals.

Our baby is just over 2 weeks old already. The last few weeks have gone by so quickly, having to adjust to less sleep and a new routine of not really having a routine just yet.

It made sense to continue to wear my maternity clothes after the baby was born since I still looked pregnant but it soon became evident that I would have to start wearing my pre-pregnancy fat pants (aka anything with elastic) since I kept having to pull them up. Pajama jeans were sounding pretty ideal but before I had a chance to pick up the phone and order a pair, I did it – I fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans!

Our son is already 8 pounds and he’s stretching beyond the newborn size clothes. We’re all very happy & healthy over here, getting caught up on sleep and taking advantage of the additional hands that are here to help  us out. My husband is about half way through his paternity leave. I can’t imagine doing this without him…

Breastfeeding has helped me lose the baby weight so quickly and taking walks every other day have also contributed to the rapid weight loss. Only a mile and a half at a time for the last few weeks, but we plan on increasing the length of our treks now that I’m ready to really start exercising and baby is sleeping for longer periods of time between feedings.

This week, I’m venturing out with baby in tow to three events, all of which revolve around food. I’ve been enjoying my husband’s cooking – as usual – but I’m excited to get out and enjoy some girl time with my fellow bloggers and friends.

I swear, the term GNO was originally coined by a mom of only boys. Now that I’m surrounded by three males, I realize how important my girl time really is. Don’t get me wrong, I love being the Queen of the house (with no princesses yet to compete with me), but I’m looking forward to sharing some laughs and sipping on drinks with my girlfriends.

Perhaps one of them has tried a pair of Pajama Jeans and can tell me if they’re better than my pre-pregnancy jeans because right now, I can’t think of anything better to slip into.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

New Designs for Hooter Hiders from Bebe au Lait

I was introduced to Bebe au Lait a few years back and have been following along these last few years, passing on the info to my pregnant friends and new moms.

Of course, now that I’m pregnant, I’m super excited to see the new Fall 2010 designs for their Hooter Hiders (breastfeeding covers) and am coveting several of them (Avignon, Royale, and Poppy Hills are currently at the top of my wish list).

Check out the new designs and let us know, in the comments, which one is your favorite. Click on each design to see a full view of what the nursing cover looks like in real life.

Don’t forget to check out the rest of their products. They have beautifully designed bibs, burp cloths, hooded towels along with unique jewelry and some awesome gift sets for the mom-to-be in your life. They also offer an entire line of nursing covers that are made with organic materials.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Happy Healthy Hip Pregnancy

I think I’ve done more research during this pregnancy than I did when I was pregnant with my son seven years ago. I relied on friends and medical professionals to see me through my pregnancy then and I was so busy with work that the nine months flew right by. Of course, I did browse the occasional website or pregnancy book to follow the progress of the baby and to make sure everything I was experiencing was normal.

This time, I’m so much more aware of the little things going on with my body that I’m constantly checking different resources (for second or third opinions) and it’s making me a little anxious. Of course, the anxiety may have something to do with the fact that my husband isn’t here to experience everything with me. As I count down the weeks we have left to go, I’m making back-up plans, just in case this baby decides to come early. I have a lot to do in order to get ready still.

The insurance company and the plan that we have through my husband’s job is amazing. We’ve enrolled in the Healthy Start program which means that a nurse is assigned to me and she calls from time to time to check in on how things are going. We also will receive a $50 Visa card when the baby comes to spend on whatever we’d like (probably diapers, or other baby essentials).

Through the program, I also received a copy of the book, “Your Pregnancy Week by Week,” which has helpful tips, realistic descriptions and explanations for both mom and dad as well as line drawings of what the baby looks like each of the 40 weeks you’re carrying him or her. There’s even exercise tips (with images) that are helpful, nutritional guidelines, what you can expect at your doctor’s visits as well as pre-pregnancy info (fertility issues, nutrition, lifestyle changes), post-pregnancy info (breastfeeding and recovery) and a full glossary and index for people like me who are curious about specific symptoms, issues or diagnoses.

I probably would have never purchased this book on my own but it’s been very helpful so far and I love that I can pick it up and share it with my son, read a few pages to my husband or look ahead to see what issues I may have to deal with in the coming weeks.

Along with this book, I’ve been encouraged to sign up for the Text4Baby text messaging program which is fun and informative. It’s also FREE which means that even if you don’t have a text messaging plan, you will not be charged for the incoming texts which are sent up to three times a week. If you’re curious about how it works, you can sign up by texting BABY to 511411 and you’ll be guided through the easy setup process which asks for your due date and zip code.

Here are some online pregnancy resources that have helped me out so far and some that I’ll turn to when I’m looking for information after the baby comes:

Breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding Info – www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
La Leche League – www.lalecheleague.org

Car Seat Safety

Inspection Sites – www.seatcheck.org
Car Seat Safety & Product Recalls – www.nhtsa.gov
Consumer Product Safety Commission – www.cpsc.gov

Childbearing / Labor & Delivery

Lamaze – www.lamaze.org
Doulas of North America – www.dona.org
International Childbirth Education Association – www.icea.org

Healthy Pregnancy

American Pregnancy Association – www.americanpregnancy.org
Babycenter – www.babycenter.com
Healthfinder – www.healthfinder.gov
March of Dimes – www.marchofdimes.com
Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.com/health/pregnancy/PR99999
WebMD – www.webmd.com/baby/default.htm
Health 4 Mom – www.health4mom.org

Newborns

American Academy of Pediatrics – www.aap.org
SIDS – www.sids.org

Nutrition

USDA, The Pyramid – www.mypyramid.gov/mypyramidmoms
WIC – www.fns.sda.gov/wic

There seems to be so many sites out there devoted to moms and their kids but when it comes to health and accurate information, you obviously need to discuss any concerns or issues with your health care provider. What other sites have I missed that should be included in this list?

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Rock Star Moms

When I found out I was expecting a baby a few months back, one of the first things I thought was how much has changed since I was pregnant with my son seven years ago.

New and better products are available now and most maternity lines offer styles that are much more hip than the options I had back then (thank goodness).

After doing some research on hip maternity clothes, I discovered RockStarMoms – my new favorite place to peruse for maternity & baby clothing & gear because I get to pretend that I’m still able to keep up with the big boys in the mosh pit or at least look like I put up a good fight!

I am excited to partner with RockStarMoms to introduce you to their super soft Floating Baby © maternity tees and tanks along with the full RockStarMoms line of rock-n-roll inspired maternity wear for the mom-to-be who is a little more hip than most.

One lucky reader (selected at random) will win a Floating Baby © tee or tank of her very own. But, that’s not all! Next Tuesday, August 17th, from 11am – 12pm (Pacific time), I’ll be hosting a Twitter party featuring #RockStarMoms. I encourage you to start making your shopping list now.

During the 60-minute Twitter party, RockStarMoms will be offering 20% off to those participating, so stay tuned for more details, including the coupon code to take advantage of this great discount! If you’re not active on Twitter, that’s OK. We’ll be posting details on Facebook and right back here as well!

Floating Baby © tees and tanks come in several designs. It’s hard to pick my favorite (it’s a toss up between the Cowboy and Rocker), but if you would like to be eligible for a chance to win, simply leave a comment here with your favorite Floating Baby © design and at the end of the Twitter party next Tuesday, the lucky mama will be announced.

In the meantime, don’t forget to sign up for the RockStarMoms newsletter. Each month, one lucky subscriber will win some really cool stuff. You can also follow along with the RockStarMoms official Twitter account, Facebook page and MySpace profile. And if video is your thing, you’ll want to check out their YouTube channel for live footage of their maternity wear in action.

Wanna share with the world (or at least the other parents at school) that you’re a RockStarMom? Send your address to RockStarMoms to receive a cool car cling that will be the envy of all the PTA moms behind you in the drop off lane.

Rock On!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Introducing Hip Baby!

I never thought I’d see the day where I’d be thinking about diapers and breastfeeding and baby names and pink or blue clothes again, but it’s official. Mr. Right and I are expecting a baby in early 2011.

My son has been asking for a baby brother for quite some time now. He was thrilled when I told him the news. He has talked of nothing else since then and was still excited, even after we told him that the baby could be a girl! The baby’s due date is just three days after his birthday so (for now) he wants just the baby brother or sister as his birthday present!

He’s already been such a great big brother, making sure I eat growing foods only (no junk food for this healthy mama), and letting me and the baby rest since he knows how important it is for us both. I couldn’t be more proud of him and only hope his helpfulness continues. He did mention that he won’t be doing poop patrol, though.

As for me, I feel like I’m starting from scratch when it comes to this whole pregnancy thing. I didn’t even see the signs when they first appeared.

I was exhausted last month, one of the reasons why I didn’t write very much, and was extremely emotional. I would burst into tears at the cheesiest commercials, but I didn’t put all the pieces together until I started noticing my round little belly that wasn’t going away after a month of boxing classes.

This will be Mr. Right’s first child and already I know he’s going to make an amazing father. He has created such a great bond with my son that he’s already a part of our family and once he finally moves out here to be with us, it’ll all be complete. I couldn’t have gotten more lucky.

Our families are excited too and were eager to see the first ultrasound photo that we were able to share with them last week.

Technology, and everything else baby-related has changed since I first became a mom nearly seven years ago, so I am studying up on new products, maternity brands and would love some suggestions along the way.

We’re excited for this new adventure!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

As seen in Baby Couture

The summer issue of Baby Couture arrived the other day. Tori & Dean along with their adorable tots appear on the cover. An article – and photos – of Scott Baio’s family can be found inside, along with many hip and haute fashions for infants and toddlers. Here’s just a small sample of the clothing lines found in this Special Anniversary Issue (for kids and adults):

• Agatha Ruiz de la Prada
• Bambino Mio
  
• Kelty
  
• Micro Me
  
• L’ovedbaby
• Cutie and Patootie
• Go Green Lunchbox
• Scout Baby
• Heidi Merrick
• Kate Quinn Organics
• Baby Eggi
• Bonafide Craftworks
• Creative Recreation
• Sand Cassel Kids by Goorin
• Right Bank Babies
• Designer’s Touch by Baby Deer
• The Big Citizen
• Girlfriends by Anita G.
• Ports 1961
• Auriella Maternity
• James Perse (creator of my favorite cotton clothing)
• Sanuk (my favorite shoes/sandals)
• Da Lil Guys
• Baby Nay
• Childish
• Lola et Moi

Of course, the cutest clothes in the Tori Spelling article were from her own line of baby clothes, Little Maven, available in department stores and boutiques this fall!

You or your child can upload a photo to the Baby Couture editors for a chance at modeling in an upcoming issue! Head over to their website to register.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Proud Body

I wish I had known about this belly-casting kit when I was pregnant with my son. I loved being pregnant and was even brave enough to wear a bikini on the beach when I was nearly six months pregnant (and unable to see my feet).

Proud Body is the original creator of these pregnancy art kits which are keepsake works of art which capture that precious time when baby was lovingly carried inside mommy’s belly.

The Belly Cast Kit comes with everything you need including detailed instructions. It takes just 30 – 40 minutes and, after its dry, you can decorate it in any way imaginable!

You can also purchase the Belly Painting Kit to turn your pregnant belly into a work of art by painting right on your belly. Or you can easily apply one of the Tummy Tatts, and show off that expecting belly!

Visit the online gallery to find inspirational ideas for your own creation.

Purchase your belly cast, painting kit, or temporary tattoos today!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

The Baby Planners™ Seal of Approval

I received an official Seal of Approval today from The Baby Planners™ | a Consulting Service for Expecting Parents!

In case you’ve missed it, they’ve had some wonderful press these past few months, from Daily Candy to The Washington Post to People Magazine! Check out their press page to read all about it!

They’re also going to be working again with Babies R Us. They’ll be featuring items from their stores when they showcase The Baby Planners’ Five Essential Items for Bringing Home Baby tomorrow, Wednesday, June 25th on the KTLA Morning Show. Of course if you don’t live in the Los Angeles area, please check out the link on their site in the coming days to view the segment.

They’ve also announced that they are now featured columnists on one of the most comprehensive social networking sites for new and expectant parents, The Cradle. Their monthly column “An Inside Look with The Baby Planners” started this month – visit them for the inside scoop on all things fabulous in babydom!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Pregnancy Pact

This saddens me:

Teen Girls Make Pact to Get Pregnant

I can’t even begin to comment. But, The Blogess did a great job and pretty much covers everything I would’ve said, were I not drinking decaf espresso (I’ll save that story for another day).

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Baby Cravings

Are you looking for chic maternity style, quality & individuality? Look no further than UK based Crave Maternity - now available in the US!

With an impressive feel for fashion and quality, the collection offers the best in wearable maternity apparel helping moms-to-be to look fabulous seven days a week with key pieces that work for any day, any occasion.

Its flagship boutique is located in the heart of London’s Chelsea and is the best place to find the latest maternity style on the high street.

New styles designed to grow with you during each stage of your pregnancy will be arriving throughout the year both online and in-store to keep your maternity wardrobe as fresh as the season.

To help celebrate its U.S. launch, Crave Maternity invites all readers to take advantage of the 25% online discount code which also provides free shipping from the U.K.! All orders are taken in U.S. dollars. Shoppers should use code USA25 at checkout to receive this special offer.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home