Hey New Moms Check Out Today's Certifikid Deal: Onesies DC

Today's Deal: $110 for Series of Mom and Baby Classes with Onesies DC (MD, DC, and N. VA locations) (50% off - $220 value)  

http://www.certifikid.com/

You Had To See This One Coming: Ban On Drop-side Cribs

By the end of 2011, drop-side cribs will be a thing of the past.  

http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2010/12/16/cpsc-bans-drop-cribs/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40678788/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/

Don't let the weather bring you down! Get out and about with baby!

It's not officially winter yet, but it certainly feels like winter outside.  If you've just had a baby or are due in the next few months, there's a good chance the short days and the weather will have an impact on you...and not in a good way.  


As if having a newborn to take care of isn't tiring enough -- the weather and the lack of sunlight can really bring you down when you are home.  I'm telling you from experience--as soon as you are physically able--get out and about with your little one or you are going to be miserable.  


How? Here are a few ideas:


Find your local MOMs Club (http://www.momsclub.org/links.html#Virginia), get exercising with your little one (Stroller Strides/ Mommy and Baby Pilates).  Sign up at one of the baby gyms in the area (Gymboree, Little Gym, My Gym, JW Tumbles -- are all located throughout the area and offer relatively similar classes for 3 month olds).  Both Arlington and Alexandria Library systems offer free baby/children's programs each week.


Finding a MOMs Club is probably the first thing I'd recommend.  The dues are usually low (about $25/year) and it gives you access to mom and baby events in your area.  The other groups/activities almost all require a membership fee + monthly tuition...so you'll want to make sure you find the one that's right for you.  


One local mom started putting together "sampler" programs for new moms.  Robin Churilla started Onesies DC to help moms learn about different programs in the area for mommy and baby.  For around $200 you get 6 weeks of classes for you and your baby.  Each week it's a different class.  For example, one week you might do Stroller Strides, another you do Baby and Me Yoga, and another you may do a music and rhythm class.  At the end of the six weeks you then have a new group of friends and a better idea of what activities you'd like to do in the future.  I just thought it was an interesting idea that new moms might want to check out...especially if you are new to the area.


OnesiesDC  (locations in MD and VA) 


Stay warm.

Cancelled - Mommy's Morning Out/Planet Jill Holiday Party - Mon Dec 13 10-12

Sick kids.  Will reschedule in new year.  If you want to order something from planet jill for the holidays contact Sheree at dinkelsheree@yahoo.com

Cancelled/Reminder Mom's Morning Get Together/Planet Jill party Mon Dec 13

Hey all,

This is just a reminder that I am hosting a Holiday Mom's Morning / Planet Jill party in Alexandria on Monday December 13th.  If you decide to order a piece of jewelry from Sheree you'll get 15% off your order.  If you are interested in attending please contact me at momblogva@gmail.com.  

New Moms: Can't make it, but interested in purchasing something from Planet Jill?  You can still get 15% off!   

Moms-to-be: Love a necklace, but preggers and (obviously) don't have a picture of little one yet?  Buy a gift card at 15% off (and when you order you can get an additional 15% off!)

But you must place your order by December 20th.  Contact Sheree at dinkelsheree@yahoo.com to order!

Check out Planet Jill's products at:

www.planetjill.com 

529 Kids Consign sale

Ok 529 Kids Consign is having a winter sale on their site.  Enter the code BRRR at checkout and receive 20% off your purchase now thru Saturday.  Remember 529 Kids Consign now carries maternity clothes!

Also 529 will have their clothes at Telegraph Station on Friday Dec 10 from 10:30-12

www.529kidsconsign.com

Need something a bit dressy for the holiday? Olian maternity sale on Totsy

Hey all,

Should you need something to spice up your maternity wardrobe for the holidays--Check out the Olian maternity sale on Totsy.com.  There are some really pretty pieces on sale for way way less than retail.  Sale ends Thursday am.

http://www.totsy.com/events/view/olian-maternity

Cancelled/Mommy's Morning Out/Planet Jill Holiday Party - Mon Dec 13 10-12

CANCELLED


Hi Ladies,


Long time, huh?  So, in case you haven't noticed by my absence, I still don't have the juggling two kid thing down.  Also, remember when I was gloating about how great it was that Sophie was in school 3 days a week?  All the free time I'd have? HAHAHAHAHA -- that's when she actually goes.  She is currently in what I call the "building up her immune system" stage.  She's pretty much been sick 1-2 weeks every month since September.  Our most recent incident was by far the worst.  The small wonder brought a wicked stomach virus home.  You think you are in poop and puke hell now new moms?  Just wait till their first real illness!  It's gut wrenching (to see your kid in pain) and at the same time truly, truly disgusting. One of the most disgusting things I've ever had to deal with.  That little bug made its way through the whole family, save for Olivia (thank God).  She even got my parents sick.  


Soo how was your November?


On a happier note I wanted to invite you to a play date/ mommy morning out event I am hosting in Alexandria on Monday December 13th from 10am -12pm.  


My friend, Sheree, is a Planet Jill representative.   Planet Jill (www.planetjill.com) makes unique photo jewelry and gifts.  Their photo necklaces and accessories are gorgeous and make great mom, mom-to-be, and grandparent gifts.  Sheree will have samples of the jewelry and accessories for you to peruse.  If you see something you like and want to order - you'll receive 15% off your purchase.  


I have spoken with a number of you via e-mail or via posts on the blog, but have only met a few of you.  I wanted to have this little morning event to say thank you for humoring me and reading along.  There's no pressure to buy anything, you can just come and meet new moms and other moms to be, chat and enjoy some pasteries.


Kids are welcome-but you must rsvp! 


If I get enough responses the girls from 529KidsConsign.com will set up maternity and kids clothing rack!


Oh there will be a few giveaways -  an adorable Red Envelope baby robe, two handknit baby blankets and possibly more!

If you plan to come by please e-mail me at momblogva@gmail.com

Free Nursing Cover From Udder Covers

Hey Ladies,


In need of a nursing cover?  Check out Uddercovers.com.  For a limited time you can get one of their $32 nursing covers for free (well, for $9.95- you still have to pay shipping)


Enter "Thanksgiving" in the promo box on the checkout page.


I checked it out and it's legit and they have a number of styles in stock.  The covers are stylish and provide great coverage!


www.uddercovers.com

Amen, Sister...

The Madness of Modern Motherhood by Erica Jong

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704462704575590603553674296.html

Ok, if you're a super greenie, you may object to this article, but as you all know -- I am not.  I think there's a lot of truth to what she writes--it's just that so few are actually willing to say it out loud.

Sidebar: I don't hate on the Sears' as much as Jong.  I think the book might go a bit overboard, but I've referred to their website before and found some very useful info.

No Wakey, Need Sleepy: Ways For New Moms To Increase Their Energy

If you're a mom-to-be, you best get your z's in now -- it's going to be a while before you get a decent nights sleep again!  If you're like me and you have a newborn, you are in the pain cave and know what it's like to try and function on limited sleep.  There's really no way to sugar coat it -- it sucks.  It was definitely harder with Sophie though since it was all so new.  This time my husband and I are "embracing the suck."  We know it'll get better...there is light at the end of the tunnel.  I'll let you all know when we reach it!


If you too are currently in the pain cave and desperate to gain more energy during the day, check out this article and video from CBS news.  The editor of American Baby, Laura Kalehoff (a fellow Strath Haven alum), provides some great tips!  


http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/10/29/uttm/main7002256.shtml

Prenatal Massage Update #1: Body Mind & Sole

This summer I wrote a post on prenatal massage in the DC area.  I wanted to update that post because one of the spas I reviewed recently made some changes I thought you might want to know about.  At the time, Body, Mind & Sole in Del Ray (Alexandria) did not have a pregnancy cushion that allowed women to receive a prenatal massage while lying on their stomachs.  I received my massage while lying on my side and I just didn't find it as comfortable as the stomach massage with the cushions.  I am excited to let you know that Body, Mind & Sole now has the body cushion and can do face down prenatal massages!  They have also recently updated their decor and website.  


Haven't been there yet, and looking for a local, affordable massage?  Mention EITB when you book and get $10 off a 60 minute massage (reg price: $90).    Also, please note that their prices have increased by $5 over the prices in my original post


New prices: 


30 min. $55
60 min. $90
75 min, $110
90 min. $135


Check out their website: www.bodymindandsole.net 


Original post on prenatal massage in DC area: http://expectinginsidethebeltway.blogspot.com/2010/06/skinny-on-prenatal-massage-in-dc-area.html

I Know This Much Is True...

1. Having the second kid (as in physically delivering/recovering from) was much easier than the first.  


2. Having  two kids (as in managing/juggling) is a bit trickier... evidently there's quite a bit of a learning curve.  


3. I love the nurses, doctors, and staff at INOVA Alexandria.  I remember being a total snob about the hospital when I first saw it a few years ago, I thought "how could this little neighborhood hospital be any good?"  (I was used to University of Pennsylvania Hospital...if you've ever been you'd know what I mean--INOVA Alexandria is the size of one floor at HUP). I digress, the point is -- I was wrong.  I loved my experience at INOVA and would totally recommend it.


CAVEAT:
That said, if you encounter a nurse whose name is very prominent in the play/novel "A Street Car Named Desire," ask for a new nurse.  She who will not be named so desperately wanted to pass me off to the next shift that she tried to send me for a walk around the hospital when my contractions were 3-4 minutes apart, 100% effaced and 5 cen dilated. That was the one and only issue and my doctor walked in the room and resolved that immediately.


4. I am blessed that my husband is a calm man with a sense of humor.  He can settle a house of fussy women in record time.  He also takes the late night feeding.  For that he is my hero.


5.  Wondering why I was able to get posts out so soon after baby, but not over the past two weeks?  My mom was here for a few weeks.  I have ceased to function since she left.  No family local and no babysitter have made things a little too real.  I am tired, not to mention, dirty.  I honestly don't know when I last washed my hair.  Seriously I went to visit my parents for a week just so I could get some free time and bathe more regularly, if only for a week!


6. I have an amazing group of friends here and in PA; they've kept me sane and even fed these first two months.  I am so grateful to them for their support.


7.  My garbage men must think I am running a daycare out of my home.  My girls seem to poop way more than any 5 kids I know.  It's embarrassing.  I never thought my life would be so consumed by poop and conversations about poop.


8. While much better than the first time around,  I still hate when it gets dark.  Both of my kids get/got fussy at night.   Nights were really bad with Sophie.  So much so, that we called her the Vietcong and a verse from Billy Joel's "Good Night Saigon" was on a loop in my head for months:


We, held the day,.. 
in the palm of our hands
They, ruled the night
And the night, seemed to last as long as six weeks 

9.  A couple of lifesavers: 1) Medela Tender Care Lanolin. Sooo much better/gentler than the Lansinoh kind--but it stains. I now have 3 tee shirts with some big ass stains on the boobies--needless to say I don't wear those outside anymore...although I answered the door in one the other day. lol!  2)Hands free pumping bra.  Yeah it looks like some f'd up KKK hood but it is glorious to be able to have your hands free when pumping.  3)FP Rock and Play Sleeper.  It's like $40 and they can sleep in it at night.  My lil darling has ear issues and needs to be on an angle--this has been a god send.

10.  I was worried that I couldn't possibly love another child as much as I loved Sophie.  It really concerned me that I felt this way.  That went away as soon as I saw Olivia.  My cold, sarcastic heart swelled with love for this lil sweetie the minute I held her.  I know it sounds cliche, but I don't say sappy crap unless I really mean it.  

I hope you all are well.  I have stuff I need to post..will get on that asap.

Best,

Cara

Sometimes Things Get Complicated: Preeclampsia

While I'd like to only talk about the fun parts of pregnancy, the reality is that sometimes things go wrong. That said, I'm occasionally going to have guest posts from women in the area that have experienced complications during pregnancy.  These aren't meant to scare you -- but to illuminate and educate you about things that could happen (regardless of how well you take care of yourself)  and give you the signs to look for.  As GI Joe used to say: "Knowing is half the battle."   



Preeclampsia

Guest entry by Allison Hyra (Alexandria, VA)



I was pregnant with our first child in the fall of 07/spring of 08. Never threw up, didn’t feel too big, was very happy with the whole experience. When we got back from Christmas with my family, the midwife said I put on 6 pounds in two weeks and need to slow down. I thought maybe I had had too many cupcakes and vowed to do better. A couple of weeks later on a Monday (32 weeks pregnant) my blood pressure at my exam was 140/90. My doctor, at Physician and Midwives in Alexandria, asked me to come back in a couple of days to recheck. That Thursday, my pressure was 170/110. The doctor told me to drive straight to the hospital. At Alexandria Inova hospital the perinatologist confirmed our fears– I had preeclampsia, my placenta was failing and our baby was suffering – he was measuring 3 weeks behind. They immediately gave me steroid shots to help mature our son’s lungs and hoped on hospital bedrest to get me to 34 weeks. That was not to be. By Saturday evening, my lungs were filling up with fluid and after several failed breathing treatments, I had an emergency c-section at 2:50 am Sunday morning, just as I became 33 weeks pregnant.

Our son Avery was born at 3 lb 5 oz and was quickly whisked off to the NICU. I continued to have very high pressures for about 12 weeks post-birth and did not get to meet him until that afternoon. Avery received breathing help for a couple of hours, but was only on supplemental oxygen when I first saw him. He had leads all over his body, an IV in his forehead and an NG tube threaded up his nose and down to his belly. He was stripped to a diaper and a face mask, lying in an incubator under a blue billirubin light. I first held him when he was three days old. In retrospect, we were lucky. Avery never developed any of the common preemie ailments such as vision problems, cerebral palsy, brain hemorrhages, or NEC, where parts of their intestines die and become necrotic. He lived in the NICU for the first 24 days of his life, growing, getting stronger and learning how to eat by mouth.

Needless to say, those 24 days were the hardest of our lives. I pumped every 3 hours, 24 hours a day to keep my milk supply up and to provide the NICU with breastmilk that was pumped into his belly. My husband drove to the NICU every day at 5:30 to see him before catching the bus at 7 to go to work. He said he would cry in the elevator at work because it was the only time he was alone and could break down.

We are now parents to a wild, ornery, loquacious and cheerful two and a half year old. Aside from being skinny and a little short for his age, you would not know he was a preemie. We’re actually pregnant again and hoping to avoid preeclampsia this time. We have decided to stay with the same practice and hospital. I’ve learned from the preeclampsia message boards that many people’s doctors miss catching this disease early, but my practice (Physicians and Midwives) was on the ball. Also Inova Alexandria has a level III NICU (the highest level) so our son would have been able to receive all of the care he might have needed without a transfer and the NICU has less than 20 beds so we received personalized care from nurses that got to know us.

Although preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal death, most people have never heard of the disease or are familiar with its symptoms. Please call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms while pregnant or within six weeks of giving birth:
* High blood pressure, especially anything 140/90 or higher;
* Swelling in your feet that doesn’t go away, or swelling in your hands/face;
* A sudden, unexplained weight gain of more than 2 pounds a week;
* A dull, throbbing headache that won’t go away;
* Nausea or vomiting;
* Changes in vision;
* Right shoulder pain;
* Or a gut feeling that something just isn’t right.

We know very little about preeclampsia, its causes, how it works or why it happens. Currently, the only cure is delivery of the baby, and it’s unclear how effective current treatments such as bed rest are. It’s truly a very scary disease that is largely a medical mystery. Hopefully, future research will be able to provide additional insight into this disease, preventing thousands of deaths, premature births and poor child outcomes. For more information about this disease, please visit www.preeclampsia.org.

New Parents Event Tonight 10/4 in Arlington

Sorry I didn't catch this sooner.  This event is happening tonight.


“Journey to Parenting: A Resource and Information Fair for New and Expectant Parents,” 4:00-7:30 p.m.


Location: Human Services Center at Sequoia, 2100 Washington Blvd., Lower Level, Arlington, VA 22204. Free and metered street parking available surrounding the building.
Come check it out!


There will be talks with local resources like Postpartum Support Virginia, and the arl/alx chapter of Holistic Moms Network will be exhibiting.


For more info: 
http://crunchychewymama.com/index.php/arlington-county-sponsors-journey-to-parenting-event/

3 Damn Good Deals...1 for formula, 1 for Yoga & 1 for a free baby sling!

Ok, my internet is back up and my in-laws are gone.  Now if only I could get some more sleep...  


Oh and I'd put all this in the Preggiepon section--but it's all jacked right now.


3 things you might want to check out.


1. Similac Ready to Feed Formula (Sensitive) 8 bottle case on sale for $30 at BJ's


If you are planning on formula feeding your baby at some point and prefer the ready to feed liquid formula you should totally go to BJ's to get your formula.  I was there (Alexandria location) on Sunday and a case of Similac (8 32 fl oz bottles) was on sale for $30.  It usually costs $40.  It's already a decent deal at $40 since most other places BBB and BRU etc sell 6 bottle cases for around $36. However 8 bottles for $30--that's less than $4 a bottle-- I'm pretty sure that's the best unit price around.  (The lowest Target will sell a bottle for is $5 on sale I believe). The sale goes through December.  I'm guessing Similac did this to retain it's customer base after the recent recall. 


2. Free Baby Sling from Sevenslings.com


Go to www.sevenslings.com , click on “Shop Now”, and select the correct size sling or gift set you would like (be sure to visit the sizing page for instructions on how to select the right size sling for you). Once you have selected the sling or gift set you would like, enter "onefree" into the promo code box and click “Apply Code”. This will bring your product total from $39.00 to $0 for one of the pouch slings or from $44.00 to only $5 for our gift sets - all you are required to pay is the shipping & processing!
*I checked this out and it's real, but many of the slings are on backorder--but if you have a little patience or aren't due for a few months this shouldn't be a deal breaker!

From SevenSlings.com : You may have heard about the Infantino™ “bag sling” recall. The recalled Infantino™ slings are not the same type of baby sling found at sevenslings.com. The recalled slings were “bag slings” and were similar to an elastic closure purse where the baby sits closer to your thighs than your chest. Our slings are fitted, non-adjustable “pouch slings” and hold your baby right up close to you on your chest where you can see and kiss your child. There has not been a recall associated with “pouch style slings”.


3. Certifikids Deal of the Day - Mindfulness Center (Bethesda) 

$80 for Fall Session of Prenatal, Mommy & Me, Kids & Adult Yoga and Meditation (8 Classes) at Mindfulness Center (50% off - $160 value)

http://certifikid.com/area/washington-dc

25% off at Carters through Sept 29th

Hey All,

Carter's sent out a 25% off coupon valid through Sept 29th.  No minimum purchase.




Here is a link to the in store coupon: http://image.e.carters.com/lib/fefe1671706100/m/1/Carters_092710_email_12.jpg?cm_mmc=ETCarters-_-Retail%20Weekly-_-Retail+Weekly+Two+Active+Engaged+2010+09+25-_-Shop+Twenty+Five+Percent+Off+Your+Entire+Purchase


If you are purchasing online the online promo code is: Friends

And the winner of the $60 gift certificate to DC Baby Love is...

...A Blazey Daisy! Congrats


Please shoot me an e-mail at momblogva@gmail.com to discuss details.


Thanks to the whopping 4 of you that played. Man, 300 site visits this week so far and only 4 entries?  You're a tough crowd to please!  Anyhoo, remember that EITB fans and subscribers get 25% off diapers cakes at DC Baby Love through October 31!  http://dcbabylove.com/

Similac Recall - Powdered Formula

So evidently beetles and beetle larvae were found in an area of the Abbott plant in Michigan where Similac powdered formulas are produced.  Um, yuck.  Abbott labs imediately shut down that area of the plant and issued a voluntary recall of 5 million containers of  Similac powdered formula.  However not all Similac formula is being recalled. Ready to feed formula iand specialty formulas are not impacted.

Here's what included in the recall:

Similac powdered product lines in plastic containers

Similac powdered formula in plastic containers: 8 oz.,12.4 oz. and 12.9 oz can


What to do if you think your formula is included in the recall:

Well you can try to check the website www.similac.com/recall but you mightnot be able to get on--it crashed earlier today from all the traffic.  Try this link too http://abbott.vo.llnwd.net/o18/similac/recall/default.htm

Anyhoo, try it at an off time during the day or maybe in the middle of the night and you might have better luck.  Or call Abbott labs at (800) 986-8850.  Abbott is giving full refunds if you have a container that is a part of the recall. 

If you can't get through today  -- don't freak out.  Improvise, adapt and overcome.  Stop using the formula for today -- buy another brand or ready to feed to use for the next few days until the dust settles and then try to get through to Abbott.

National Child Passenger Safety Week - A Post Relevant To All Moms

Ok, I'm a little late posting this but, better late than never, eh?

This week is National Child Passenger Safety Week.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 3 out of 4 parents don't properly restrain their child in the car.  

Does your child fight you when you try to put him in his car seat or ask you why he has to be in it?  Read this post...it might help put it all into perspective.

http://blogs.cdc.gov/ncipc/2010/09/21/mom-why-do-i-still-have-to-sit-in-this-baby-car-seat/

The NHTSA is sponsoring a free car seat inspection day this Saturday Sept 25.  to find a location near you click here: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm

Can't go this weekend? Click here for a list of car seat inspection locations available year round (look on the right hand side for the inspection location finder): http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS

Oh and one last thing...if you are buying a car seat second hand inspect it well and look on the back for its expiration date! Yes, car seats expire!

3 Fun Upcoming Events & 1 Serious One You Might Be Interested In

Wednesday, September 22nd 

Certifikid Deal of the Day -- Stroller Strides 50% off

(Certifikid is like Groupon for Family and Kid stuff)

50% off Stroller Strides 10 class pass.
Get 10 classes for $55. (save $55)
THIS IS FOR FIRST TIME STROLLER STRIDES CLIENTS ONLY and will ONLY BE OFFERED ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd!

http://certifikid.com/area/washington-dc

Saturday, September 25th 

National Child Passenger Safety - Car Seat Inspection Day

According to the NHTSA 3 out of 4 parents do not properly use child restraints!!

Free car seat inspections sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration!

Click here to find out where you can get your car seat inspected this Saturday

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm

The Baby Bargain Celebration Event at Great Beginnings

10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

*Great Beginnings will be giving away the first 400 Baby Bargain Books FREE!* 

Sponsored By: Great Beginnings, Britax, & DC Baby Planners

Great Beginnings  (a much cooler version of BRU or BBB- worth the drive)

18501 N. Frederick Rd. 

Gaithersburg, MD 20879 

(301) 417-9702  

*Prizes, Raffles, over $10,000 in Giveaways and much more. 

*Meet & Greet with Reps from many Top Companies Featured in the Baby Bargains Book.  

*Huge One‐Day Only Exclusive In‐Store Sales Event 20% off!!!!!!!

*Book Signing ‐ Alan Fields, Author of the Baby Bargains Book, 10:30 a.m. ‐ 1:30 p.m. 

*Britax Introduces New Car Seat Technology & New, Innovative Stroller Line 

*Up To 30% Off All Britax Products 

*Over 30 Local Vendor Tables, Groups & Booths 

Wednesday September 29th

529 Kids Consign -- Consignment Sale & Moms Night Out

5:30-9:30  at Food Matters

4906 Brenman Park Drive

Alexandria, VA  22304

www.529kidsconsign.com

September Giveaway & Discount -- Diaper Cakes by DC Baby Love

Haven't had your baby shower yet or have a friend with a baby shower coming up and want to get a creative and practical centerpiece for the party?  Consider getting a diaper cake!  I didn't quite understand the whole diaper cake thing when I was pregnant with Sophie -- mainly because I'd never seen one and didn't get what it entailed.  When I finally saw one last year I was disappointed I never got one :(

When done right, it's a really cute and useful gift.  Diaper cakes are made up of diapers, onesies, burpcloths and sometimes, sleepers, wash cloths, blankets and other baby goodies.  Let me just say -- now that I am in the thick of it again -- I'm thrilled to bits any time someone gives me diapers!  


Like the other businesses that have sponsored giveaways on this site, DC Baby Love is local, female owned, company.  Check out their site for more info and more "cake" options!
http://dcbabylove.com/

So, here's this month's giveaway:


A $60 gift certificate to DC Baby Love.  You can use it toward 2 small cakes, one medium ($60) cake or use it as credit towards a larger custom cake. It's up to you! However, the larger the cake, the more diapers and other goodies!


How can you win it?  


Rules:
As usual you have to be a EITB e-mail subscriber or FB fan.  This time you do actually have to be pregnant to win and you must live in DC, MD or VA.


To enter let me know what your cake would look like in the comment section of this post.  I know somewhere deep (or not so deep) down you have your baby's room planned so you have a theme or color scheme in mind.  So tell us how you'd design your cake.  Doesn't have to be long.  Unless Katie thinks one is truly over the top, we'll just do a random drawing on Friday Sept 24. So you need to enter by the time I get up on the 24th...which is at like 5 these days!




This month's discount for all EITB subscribers/followers:
25% off diaper cakes at DC Baby Love through October 31.  Just mention EITB when you order.  Oh and since they are non-perishable you can order one for a friend (or yourself) even if their shower or due date is months away!

Thanks to Katie at DC Baby Love for this month's giveaway!
DC BABY LOVE
Email: dcbabylove@gmail.com
Website: http://dcbabylove.com
Phone: 202.210.0697

Local Options for Natural Birth Meeting Thursday 9/16

Local Options for Natural Birth Meeting 9/16
(Reposting on behalf of Arlington/Alexandria Chapters of Holistic Moms Network)


Thanks CrunchyChewyMama for passing along!
Are you curious about the landscape of birth options in the greater DC area?
Where are the birth centers? What are local midwife options? How do OBs and hospitals support natural birth, VBAC,  etc.?
Which childbirth classes are right for you?

Come to the Arlington/Alexandria chapter of Holistic Moms Network to learn about local birth options and to meet  birth care providers including midwives, OBs, doulas, childbirth educators and other practitioners who support women  in preparing to birth.

Date/Time: Thursday, September 16, 6:30-9:00 p.m
Location: George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Virginia
(note this is a different location than our usual chapter meetings)

Children are welcome to attend, but this meeting might be crowded and busy, so plan accordingly.
HMN meetings are open to members and first-time visitors. This meeting is open to anyone regardless of whether  you've attended a meeting before or not. No RSVP required.

Format:
Introductory presentation on DC-area options and general considerations for natural birth by Karen Klauss, CNM, and  former board member of Birth Options Alliance --  http://www.birthoptionsalliance.org
Q&A with practitioners
Open house meet & greet with practitioners

For more information about the Arlington/Alexandria chapter of Holistic Moms Network, please:
visit our blog at  http://holisticmomsarlalex.blogspot.com/
email HolisticMomsArlAlex (at) gmail (dot) com
or call Leigha at 703-785-1099

Ok, I'm back...

...kind of.  I'm finding it pretty difficult to put a coherent thought together these days.  However, Sophie, the great tornado, has (sniffle, sniffle) gone off to preschool a few mornings a week so I now have a few hours of quiet during the week. 


So, you want the devastated mom line about how hard it was to send her to school or do you want the truth?   Truth is, it wasn't that hard and I didn't cry.  I know my kid.  She is very social and thrives on being around other kids.  A tiny part of me feared she'd hate it, but I was pretty confident she was going to love it.  That said she surprised me by bolting to the door and screaming during the open house--but that had more to do with the fact that she HATES to be contained.  She didn't see all the toys--only the closed door.  Day one of school she was fine, she held onto my legs for 5 minutes and then forgot I was there.  My heart was in my throat for about five minutes as I left the room and then...I was all good.  


Truth be told, the silence is amazing!!! Not to mention the ability to give Olivia more me time--something that is very hard to do with an active toddler around, especially one whose favorite things to do include: running, jumping, swinging, coloring, and destroying anything that belongs to mommy.  Also, did I mention that Mommy's participation is required in all of the aforementioned activities?  Can't lie though...the non-stop running around and constant nursing has melted away baby weight at record speed.  So I've got that going for me...which is nice.  However, I really do need to curtail my eating.  My friend Heather sent over a whole tray of cornbread with her chili the other night and I have polished off more than 1/2 of it already.  he, he.  


So today Oli and I ventured out to Panera in Alexandria.  She is comfortably asleep (ok, was asleep) in her car seat and I am enjoying a spinach and bacon souffle and a caramel latte.  I'm giddy like a school girl right now.  I'm also stalling because I can't quite remember what I was going to write about today. Right, that said let it be known that baby brain DOES NOT go away when the baby is born.  In fact, if it's possible, I'm more loopy now than when I was preggers.  


Focus, Cara, focus.


Ok, so I am going to start posting some random thoughts under the title, "I Know This Much Is True".   Basically reflections on the past few weeks, comparisons between Sophie and Oli's first weeks and mullings on two kids.  Also, going to get back to relevant articles for pregnant women in the area.  One long over due post will be on pre-natal/post partum exercise options in the area.


For Friday, something fun... a new giveaway and discount.  
  

If you are in the market for newborn photos...

..I highly recommend Kelly Smith Photography.  I broke down and had her do Olivia's newborn pics since I have only taken four pictures since she was born. I didn't do these for Sophie and now I feel guilty.  Great, now I'll have to find the fanciest pic of Soph I can as a newborn and blow it up so I can avoid the "why don't I have one of these pictures" in a few years.  Great, lying to my kids already.  lol.

Kelly brings props, fabrics, blankets and even a basket to the newborn session.  She is incredibly patient and takes her time with every shot.  It was actually a fun experience.

Here are some samples from Oli's session:

http://kellysmithphotography.net/blog/?p=152

Maternity Leave

I'll be back, just taking some time to get to know Oli and figure out the whole two kid thing.

Only 1 more day to save 20% on My Three Cuties Gifts!

Hey Ladies,


My Three Cuties special discount (20% off) for EITB fans/subscribers ends tomorrow!  


Get your baby gifts now!  


Here's the link: www.mythreecuties.com


Enter EITB at checkout!

Introducing Oli G.

Sorry I've been incommunicado...been a little busy over the last week.  Olivia Grace (aka Oli G) came into the world on Monday August 23rd at 9:07 am.  7lbs 4oz.  20 inches long.  She's amazing, but her hunger is insatiable.  She was back up to her birth weight by her two day appointment!  

Sophie is loving the new addition but wants to be a little too helpful at times (Thus far she's tried to pick her up by her sleep blanket, put a hat on over her hat, feed her a bottle of whole milk, and share her heavy Thomas the train with her.)  

More to come once I get a routine going.  I can tell you right now though -- it's a totally different experience having #2 -- in a good way.  I'll explain later.

C

P.S. Sorry for any confusion with the Cleverly Candid Mini Session post.  I forgot to say contact Stephanie directly.  I've edited it!

Check out this deal with Cleverly Candid Photography

One day only... September 25th CCP is going to do mini sessions! AMAZING location, beautiful hints of fall and some special "extras" to make these sittings incredible! Email Stephanie for details and to sign up for one of only 8 slots!  Contact Stephanie at stephanie@cleverlycandid.com


http://www.cleverlycandid.com


Check out what people had to say about Cleverly Candid Photography in my post on Maternity Photography in the DC area!
http://expectinginsidethebeltway.blogspot.com/2010/05/maternity-newborn-photography.html

529 Kids Consign Fall Sale -- Wednesday August 25

Ok ladies I just picked up the cutest Gap jacket and Tea Collection dress for Sophie from 529 Kids Consign.  Going back soon for a winter coat and another dress I saw! At present they have a great selection of clothes and outerwear (so much they can't fit all the items on their website!) from Carters, Gap, Tea Collection, Hanna Anderson, Jacadi, Columbia, Mini Boden and many more!


Check out their gently used and new designer children’s and maternity clothing and 

accessories in person on: 

Wednesday, August 25th
 at Food Matters

Located in Cameron Station at: 

4906 Brenman Park Drive 

Alexandria, VA 22304 

5:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. 

www.529kidsconsign.com

And The Winner Of The My Three Cuties Gift Basket Is...

...Lisa Scanlon of Alexandria, VA!


Congrats Lisa! And thanks for the entertaining entries! 


Remember that all EITB fans and subscribers get 20% off My Three Cuties products through September 1.  Just enter EITB when you check out! 


http://www.mythreecuties.com


Oh and if you want to take a guess at when I will finally pop, go to the August 18th post and enter your guess.  I've got a handmade baby blanket for the closest guess!

Still here.

Yup.  Still here. Annoyed and done thinking the event is imminent.  Evidently she likes it in there and isn't ready to come out.  I don't blame her.  


I'll be back later with the winner of the My Three Cuties Giveaway.  

UPDATE

12 hours later and I'm still home.  Nothing.  Nada.  Bubkis. 

I Don't Think It's Going To Be Long Now

So, I'm 3 centimeters dilated and 80% effaced.  I'm pretty sure that if I sneeze too hard I'm going to have the baby.  That was at like 3 today.  I am desperately trying to hold out till after midnight so my favorite Ob can deliver my little one.  I know, ridiculous.  But who knows -- I might hold out for a few more days.  Doubtful, but possible.  My Ob told me to call the office when the contractions were about 8-10 minutes apart regardless of whether my water's broken.  She told me to tell them that I "give birth really fast"  when I talk to them.  I found that pretty funny.  But I guess they try to keep people at home as long as possible.  


So since I received this news three hours ago, I've dropped off/picked up dry cleaning, packed the rest of my bag, packed Sophie's bag, cleaned the wire hangers out of my closet (I had a mommy dearest moment-they were driving me crazy), played with Sophie, bathed and fed her and made arrangements with a friend and a sitter to watch her if I go before my mother can get here on Friday.  And now, I'm writing this while timing contractions (12-15 min part now).  Yesterday, I finished my marathon nesting by picking up diapers, wipes and juice boxes at BJs before my coupons expired and...weeded.  Man, this is very different from when I went into labor with Sophie.  All I had to do then was take a shower and get dressed! 


Doing this random stuff got me thinking about where I get my weird habits.  I can conclude without any doubt that I get them from my mom.  How do I know this?  I was just thinking about what my mother was doing before she gave birth to me.  She was gardening...even after her water broke and...wait for it...even stopped at the supermarket on her way to the hospital to pick up the ham for my baptism because it wasn't going to be on sale when she got out of the hospital.   Yup, the apple don't fall far from the tree.  


So if any of you are the gamblin sort, feel free to guess when I'm gonna pop.  I've got a handmade blanket for anyone that guesses the day and approximate time.  I'm 38 weeks now.


Ok, talk to you soon (fyi contractions have subsided)


C