LilSugar

Do You Hammer Dates Into Your Child's Head?

LilSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:00:28 -0700

My jaw drops every time a peer tells me that their parent called to remind them that they missed their birthday or anniversary. Most people I know try to be mindful of important family dates and celebrate accordingly with a card, call, visit, or gift, but it always stuns me when moms or dads expect it. As a parent, I had my kids without anticipating any kind of payback ever. Do you care if your children keep tabs on your occasions?Source

Operation Top Knot: Cheers to Military Mamas

babysugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:30:17 -0700

Every mother needs a helping hand every now and then. As a woman with two healthy children, a doting husband, a nanny and a gaggle of girlfriends to support me, it's tough to complain about the overwhelming demands of motherhood, but still, I do. Try being an expectant military wife whose husband is deployed. While some ladies sit at home fretting about the nursery decor, she sits up at night praying for his safe return. For many, the dilemma of the day is, "Which stroller should I buy?" Somewhere on a military base, the soldier's wife debates on who will help her through labor as her beloved flies a fighter jet continents away.

Thankfully, there are groups of generous people who take the time to honor the wives of soldiers (or the enlisted ladies themselves) and their impending arrival into motherhood. A project of nonprofit Soldiers' Angels, Operation Top Knot threw a baby shower for 32 pregnant military ladies in Las Vegas. They received handmade baby gifts of blankets, hats, and booties and celebrated the special occasion with cake, chocolate, games and of course, each other. If you want to volunteer for the cause, click here.

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Keeping Children of Working Moms Fit and Healthy

babysugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:00:05 -0700

Pack your bags working moms, we're going on a guilt trip. As if there's not enough blame to push on the working mother, a new report came out giving those of us in the work force another reason to feel self-conscience for bringing home some bacon. A British study found that children of working mums spent more time watching television and had poorer eating habits than their peers with stay-at-home moms. While that may be the case, there are ways to skirt that issue. For instance, when I found out my nanny was taking my daughter to the bakery every day for a cookie, I thanked her for the kind gesture and then kindly asked her to refrain from the tasty pastry stop unless it was for a special occasion. Where there's a will, there's a way, which means parents may have to put forth the extra effort to set up guidelines for the caretaker but it is by no means a given that a working mommy's child should be less fit and healthy than its counterparts.

Do you have certain restrictions outlined for your nanny?

Vintage Clothing For Classic Children

LilSugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:00:11 -0700

Chain stores are great for providing everyday basics, but for special occasions lots of mothers prefer to outfit their offspring in frocks that make a statement. Matilda Ledger has been seen sporting vintage-inspired smocked sundresses, and Sarah Jessica Parker admitted that James Wilkie wears his uncles' and cousins' hand-me-downs. For youngsters seeking simple pieces, Belle Heir Vintage offers those from yesteryear.

Unlike garments relatives stuff into shopping bags and drop at the door, the company offers a variety of classic items featuring hand-stitching, smocking, pin tucks, pleating, embroidery, and button-work from the turn of the century through the 1960s. While the pieces come at an equally pretty price, moms in search of christening, baby naming, and wedding garb for their wee ones might be willing to empty their wallets. For those who like the vintage look, here are additional pieces to ogle.

The Most Incredible Moments of a First Pregnancy

LilSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:31:30 -0700

There's nothing like a first baby. Subsequent pregnancies are just as special, but it's the first nine months with child that make you a mother. You never forget the momentous occasions that happen during those 40 weeks, or in my case 42. Here are a few favorites . . .
Seeing the two pink lines!: Am I really pregnant? The moment was so surreal that I peed on at least half a dozen sticks, and then my husband took me to our hospital's urgent care to have it confirmed. It was official!
Dreaming about your darling: Will he or she look like me or my husband? I'd envision a baby boy eating cereal in his high chair or a little girl picking daisies and wonder who my child would be.
How big is my baby?: I consulted the week-to-week book and tracked my impending babe from the time it was the size of a pea to a pear to a cantaloupe. And, of course, updated all my friends and family members when they inquired.
To see the others, read more.
The first heartbeat: Hearing the first strong heartbeat of my lil being was amazing and a big relief.
The name game: My husband I threw names back and forth and figured out why we loved or couldn't live with certain ones.
Fluttering: The first signs of movement when you wonder if it is or isn't the baby. And then you feel the kicks and jabs and know it's real. Once overdue, I could see my daughter's fist move beneath the skin of my belly.
The ultrasound: Even though it was hard to tell its limbs from its head from my uterus on the screen, we thought our baby-to-be was magnificent.
It's a girl!: The doctor told my husband to call "it" as our baby made its debut. I've never seen him more excited than when he shouted, "It's a GIRL!".
The short long ride home: The hospital released our new babe and we headed out into the real world very cautiously. Our lives were forever changed.
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Prepping Your Child (and Yourself) For Preschool

babysugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:00:00 -0700

I dare a mom to drop her child off at preschool on the first day and not shed a tear. It is a momentous occasion for the whole family because you'll likely be paying tuition or talking education until the kiddo graduates from college! Prepare the wee one for the big day by easing him into the scene with confidence and security so he will be enthused. Parents can do a few simple things to make the transition smooth.

Tots who will be entering a "drop off" type environment for the first time may benefit from weekly extracurricular activities like an art or music class where they can get used to a teacher, other students, and a set schedule.
Trips to the local park can also help them acclimate to sharing toys and play structures with other wee ones.
Set up fair expectations. Tell the child what he can expect to happen at school so he won't be disappointed with the outcome.
Take him to visit the school before the first day of classes. He will feel more comfortable when he returns and sees familiar faces.
Come up with a routine before the first drop off. Create a special goodbye kiss or sign off and practice it in the weeks leading up to the send off.
Find out the schedule at the school and mimic it so the tot can have a few dry runs at home. During that time, mommy can practice giving directions, story, nap and snack time.

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Ecotot: Gorgeous Garments From Sarah Waldo Organics

LilSugar — Tue, 05 May 2009 04:00:00 -0700

There are enough cute organic t-shirts out there to fill a closet, but when an eco-conscience mama is looking for something a bit more stylish, the options are limited. That's what makes Sarah Waldo Organics, so refreshing and fabulous. Using organic natural fibers, such as cotton, silk and wool, and using plant based dyes, Waldo has designed a line that leaves me craving more though it costs a pretty penny. The Gabby dress ($144), shown here, has natural shell flower-shaped buttons, button cuff sleeves and a-line skirt, all begging for a tea party or special occasion this Spring.

Website lil Loves: InStyleBelly

LilSugar — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:00:51 -0700

You've spent years building a wardrobe that reflects your sense of style and complements your figure so when you find yourself pregnant, you want to maintain your prebump fashion status. What you don't want is to spend your hard-earned cash on clothes that will only fit you for a few months.

That's where InStyleBelly comes in. The online consignment shop features stylish designer maternity clothes at discount prices. Take a Diane von Furstenberg maternity wrap dress. A full-priced version of the dress is listed for $350 at A Pea in the Pod, while InStyleBelly has a gently used one for $90. For women looking for dresses for upcoming weddings, the site offers a decent selection of special-occasion pieces at prices that can't be beat for an item you will only wear once. And for those of you who invested in a few designer maternity duds throughout your nine-month journey, be sure to check out its consignor policies for selling your pieces - nothing like a little cash in your pocket during these crazy times.

Valentine's Day Treat With a Twist!

LilSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:00:15 -0800

When a special occasion calls for something sweet and savory, satisfy your youngsters with Simple Put Gourmet's decadent crispy treats! The mama made chocolate-covered pretzels come in all sorts of flavors - from white chocolate and M&Ms to dark chocolate sprinkled and toffee crunch and peanut butter versions. Whether you are looking for a unique Valentine's Day gift or a way to celebrate a new baby's birth, these goodies will set you back $10 - $12 for half a dozen and are shipped in boxes with a bow.

Do You Let Your Kids Stay Up Late on New Year's Eve?

LilSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:00:22 -0800

Though some moms stick to strict schedules regardless of circumstance, others are willing to bend the rules on special occasions. I let my children stay up late on birthdays, family gatherings, and holidays. On Wednesday night, my son and daughter are welcome to ring in 2009 with us if they can keep their eyes open.

Will your kids be staying up past their bedtime on New Year's Eve?

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