LilSugar

Is Mom's Birthday a Cause For Celebration?

babysugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:00:00 -0700

B.C. (before children), birthdays are an occasion to celebrate. While they always remain so, many women are less inclined to make a big to do about the date once they have children. It's not that moms are less important or undeserving, it's often that they look forward to planning and celebrating their baby's birthday more. Not only did I forget it was my birthday last year, I forgot how old I was. Many mothers agree that the best day of their life came when they gave birth so it's no surprise that they identify with that date. Besides, most every mum I know would choose sleeping in over cake anyway.

Lil Find: Playdate NYC Birthday Shirts

LilSugar — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 05:00:00 -0800

New Year's Day gets mamas thinking about upcoming events and that inevitably includes their children's birthdays. Lots of moms spend a good deal of time searching for the perfect outfit for their tots to wear on their special days. These adorable, handmade number shirts from Playdate NYC may make them the easy answer to this year's attire dilemma. Founded by two working moms who met during a playdate in NYC's Central Park, the company hand-sews felt numbers and designs onto various cotton-shirt options like three-quarter-sleeve jerseys, long-sleeve thermals or short-sleeve tees, offering enough customization options to allow you to create the number shirt of your darling's dreams.

How Would You Pick a Birthday?

babysugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 06:00:13 -0700

As the old Mother Goose rhyme goes,
Monday's child is fair of face.
Tuesday's child is full of grace.
Wednesday's child is full of woe.
Thursday's child has far to go.
Friday's child is loving and giving.
Saturday's child works hard for a living,
But the child who is born on the Sabbath Day
Is bonny and blithe and good and gay.

Half expecting a c–section delivery, I was worried about having to pick my child's due date. Would I want a child born "loving and giving" or "full of grace"? Luckily, she made the choice and came on her own. Parents scheduling a c–section or undergoing inducement have to choose a due date. How would you pick a date?
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Kiddie Soiree: Birthday Toppers Just For You

babysugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:00:59 -0800

I have been dying to tell you about these adorable custom made birthday hats, but thought I'd wait until Hat Day to showcase the special lil personalized party toppers ($34).

Perfect for your tot's first birthday, these wildly cute hats are custom embroidered with your child's name and decorated on canvas using fabric, pompoms and ribbon.

Available in lime green and baby blue, ducky yellow and pretty pink, one is sure to suit the guest of honor's birthday suit. And, when it gets worn out after wearing it from year to year, you can put it away as a keepsake for baby's lil treasures.

What a Difference a Year Makes

babysugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:00:53 -0800

A year ago, I was laid up in a hospital bed in the maternity ward ogling my little newborn. She was born exactly one year ago today and what a year it has been. From pushing to posting, my life has been forever changed. Here are some of the ways that motherhood has revealed herself:

An unconditional love and worry for a little being has overwhelmed me.
I can no longer sleep peacefully, unless I'm on vacation.
I know I have a little partner in crime (until she can speak at least).
I never eat alone.
My body will never be the same as it was when I was 18.
I prefer the smell of baby detergent over my own scented lotions.
I like to spend the night cuddling with my hubby on the couch instead of out on the town (most times).
Our friends and family don't care so much about us - just about her.

The thing is, I love and accept it 100 percent. I know there are times when it's hard, especially at the beginning. But it grows on you as your baby grows. I can't imagine life without her.

Birthday Girl Gear: Plain, But Pretty Party Tees

LilSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:30:33 -0800

There's nothing sweeter than being the birthday girl! If your lil darling shuns the tutu and crown look on her big day wrap her up in a tee that evokes visions of cupcakes, candles and presents, but is still subtle enough for a soiree at the park or a classroom fete.

The 1st Birthday Cupcake Tee ($20) presents a delightful package for a 365-day-old celebration, without the sugar overload.

Little Cupcake Tee ($24)	Moe & Madi Birthday Tee ($18)
Birthday Girl Tee ($18)	Lavender Birthday Cupcake Tee ($24)
Custom Happy Birthday Tee ($24)	Custom Birthday Girl Tee ($24)

Mommy Dearest: Birthday Parties

babysugar — Tue, 26 May 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

My son's fourth birthday is coming up in six weeks, and I would like to have a small get-together for him here at our house with just a few of his closest friends. Another boy from his preschool class shares the same birthday and his mom has mentioned throwing a joint party for the boys. Unfortunately, her idea includes a petting zoo, inviting the entire class, a buffet, and swag bags for party favors. How can I decline the offer to cohost a party politely so I won't hurt her feelings or damage the friendship between us and our sons?

- Party Pooper

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Dear Party Pooper,

Cohosting a party can be stressful no matter what the circumstances are, but when it involves someone with completely opposite ideas, step out of the equation and save your mental and financial states. Tell the other mother that you are thankful for the opportunity, but already made other plans for a low-key celebration. To lighten the blow, you may offer to help her set up for her son's party or bring ice cream for the fete. And, of course, I would invite her son to your small shindig and acknowledge his birthday by giving him a special cupcake or party favor.

- Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.
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Lil Find: Birthday Candle You Won't Want to Blow Out

LilSugar — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 04:00:56 -0700

Singing "Happy Birthday" and blowing out candles is a welcomed (and anticipated!) tradition in houses with children, which means it's always a little sad when that flame goes out. You can bring hours of celebratory glow to your birthday table with this modeled porcelain Birthday Cake Candle ($10). It ships with a coordinated box of matches and two candles so you can use it on mom and dad's special days too.

Mommy Dearest: Don't Want to Invite Troublemaker to Party

LilSugar — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 06:00:55 -0700

Mommy Dearest,

There is a child in my daughter's pre-K class who is a bit of a troublemaker. When the session started, her mother and I arranged a few playdates for the kids, but I quickly discovered that we had different views on the type of behavior that was appropriate. Her daughter spent most of the get togethers hitting and scratching mine. I put an end to the playdates and tried to avoid engaging in conversation with the mom during drop-off and pick-up at school. My daughter's birthday party is coming up and I want to invite her entire class except the girl who will upset the other children. What would you do?

– Birthday Bash Mommy

To see the response from Mommy Dearest, read more.

Birthday Bash Mommy,

While it was one thing to end the playdates due to behavioral issues and differences in parenting, it's another to single out a young child. It seems mean spirited to invite everyone in the class except this one little girl. It teaches your daughter that hurting someone's feelings is all right. I would extend the offer to the child and hope she takes a cue from the way the other kids are acting at the birthday party. Or, speak to her mother ahead of time and let her know what type of behavior is expected in your home.

-Mommy Dearest

Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

Kiddie Soiree: Regal Cake Molds For a Princess

babysugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:00:37 -0700

Now that the theme has been set and the invitations have been sent out, it's time to start stocking up on the necessary items for my 3-year-old princess's royal affair. First on the list is a regal style cake pan. In the past I've ordered the dessert from our grocer but this year I'm thinking of making it so she can help me with the decoration. It may turn out looking like a mess but at least we'll have fun doing it. Now I just have to decide which mold to go with: tiara, carriage, castle, or cupcakes with crowns on top.

Which one wins your vote?

Nordic Ware® Castle Bundt® Pan - $36.00	Nonstick Castle Bundt Pan (10-c.) by Nordic Ware - $31.95
Castle Cake Pan by Wilton - $12.95	Fairytale Cottage Pan (9.75-in.) by Nordic Ware - $29.95