A Mother's Haven

I’m not a very good dancer. I never really learned how to dance and I’m a little uncomfortable dancing when other people are around. I also can’t sing. My mean, terrible, horrible sister told me I had a lousy voice when we were little and I just stopped singing all together. I love my sister and she’s not really mean, terrible or horrible, but she’s my sister so also she is. I can’t play any musical instruments. I wanted to be good at playing an instrument and in elementary school, I played the flute for two years, but I really wanted to play the drums. After those two years I lost interest in playing an instrument and never went back to try anything else. I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY hope my kids dance in public like there is no one around, sing loud & proud and find an instrument that they love and feel in their heart. The benefits for children of dancing, singing, playing and listening to music are profound. Dancing helps toddlers develop their gross motor skills, pr...

The birth of your new baby is a very rewarding experience, but it can also be a challenge.  New parents often report extreme emotions; high highs, low lows and inevitable anxieties.  Life changes drastically and you are suddenly responsible for a new little person who depends on your physical, emotional and cognitive stability.  This change can be difficult.  Before baby arrived, your attention was focused on yourself and your partner.  Now you must focus a significant amount of time and attention on your baby, leaving less time for you and others. A Good Mommy and Me Class can help smooth the transition into parenthood.  The benefits can be significant for both Mom and Baby. Mommy and Me benefits for Mom and Baby . Just Get Out! Taking a class and participating in activities together outside the home will help strengthen the bond between you and your baby.  Inside the home the mundane tasks required for daily life can make focused bonding time a...

The BEST Baby Shower Gifts! When helping someone pick out a baby shower gift we like to suggest useful and fun items that might not be on a new parent’s registry. The products we pick are must-have baby items and are sure to be used and appreciated by baby and parent, but most likely won’t be found at the mass-market retailers. Below are just a few of the great items we suggest. Visit us in store for more ideas and beautifully wrapped shower baskets and gift bags!   Mia the Lamb by CaaOcho Friends Mia is made of 100% natural rubber and is certified Non-Toxic.  Mia has slightly ridged ears to sooth sore teething gums and she promotes sensory development with different textures for tactile exploration. Mia is sure to be one of your baby’s favorite toys.  Mia is produced sustainably and is completely biodegradable.  Price :  $19.99   The Skwish Toy is the perfect first toy for any baby.  This cognitive toy can be rolled like a ball an...

Happy 4 th of July! I love celebrating Independence Day!   For me it’s always represented the kickoff of summer.   Having the day fall on a Monday is a nice bonus as the three-day weekend is a welcome and needed break from work, obligations and general stress!   I try to remember to reflect for a moment that we are celebrating our Independence and the birth of our great country, but for most of the weekend I’m focused on my family, barbecues and fireworks! Every year since the birth of our first, we’ve made an effort to spend the 4 th with families we’ve grown close to with children of the same age.    We spend the day swimming, barbecuing and enjoying a little adult company while the kids run, jump, play and have a ball with their friends.   This year, we are going to make our way over to a local park to watch the annual firework show.   The kids are already super excited and I’m told that the show we’re planning to watch never disappoints....

Tr aveling with young children can be a challenge, to say the least. I like to say that traveling with children is not a vacation, but a relocation. Those of you that have traveled with babies or toddlers probably know what I'm talking about. It is important to note that the better your child sleeps at home, the better he/she will likely sleep when you are away.  However, traveling can throw anyone off schedule, so trying to help your little one get the best daytime and nighttime sleep possible while away from home is key, since a well-rested child = a happier child.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind when traveling with your young family: - Make sure you pack bottles or sippy cups, extra diapers, plenty of wipes, low-mess snacks (for both parents & children), new toys for the car or plane ride, and a change of clothes for your little one (and a clean shirt for you).   - Invest in a good travel crib (or borrow one) and bring along properly fitting crib sheets....