Here We Are...with Luci

Gift Ideas For A New Mom

A post by Staci, The Mom Squad

Do you know a new mom? Are you trying to decide what gift to get her this holiday season? Keep in mind that she has just taken on the most important job of her life and probably has everything for baby. Gifts to make the new mom feel special, appreciated, and even a little pampered are the most appropriate. After all, she deserves it! 

Here are some nifty ideas for the new Mom in your life, ranging from the most expensive to FREE:

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee! A coffee maker that will make her happy is the Special Edition Brewing System by Keurig. It gives you three brew size choices and always brews a perfect cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. It costs $129.99 and is well worth it. Mom can even hold the baby in one arm while she makes herself an afternoon pick-me-up with the other hand. It's that easy!

If you like the coffee maker idea, but your budget doesn't, then a gift card to her favorite coffee shop will be well used. A Drive-Thru coffee shop is an extra perk since mom won't have to get the baby out of the car.

Another inexpensive coffee related idea is to take a picture of the baby and print it on a coffee mug. I got a newborn picture of each of my girls on coffee mugs and love them! The printed mugs range in price from 11.99 to 24.99 at Walgreens. A commuter mug (with a secure lid) is handy for the working mom. You can pair the mug up with a bag of coffee and breakfast bars in a reusable basket for a cute and practical gift.

Keepsake Jewelry or Keychain: A locket with the baby's picture inside is sure to touch a new mom's heart. You can never get too much of the new love in your life! Red Envelope has pretty, moderately priced lockets of all types from $19.99 and up.

For something more unique, check out the portfolio of Jenn Fenton, a jewelry designer in Orlando, FL, for amazing custom pieces. She designs chic and modern jewelry with the baby's name or photo on a pendant. Jenn will gladly work with you to get the piece you desire in your price range or visit her "about" page for a list of online retailers. Now that's nifty!

Pampering: What new mom doesn't need a little pampering? The most thoughtful gifts in this category are gift certificates to her favorite nail or hair salon. A really big treat is a certificate for a massage. Having professional treatments like these is a luxury for a busy new mom. Select a service that that caters to your price point since she will appreciate any "me" time.

The Gift of Time: Another way to make a new mom feel loved is to take a little pressure off of her by offering your time. While it may only be a few hours for you, this can make her life less hectic and stressful.

There are so many things a new mom can use a bit of help with:

• Babysitting while she is at the salon
• Cooking a meal for the family
• Running a bunch of errands
• Stopping by with lunch one afternoon
• Attaching a homemade gift certificate for FREE Babysitting to a pair of movie tickets for the new parents to enjoy.

Remember, taking a bit of the load off a new mom even for one day is a great gift!

Hope this gets your creative juices flowing to make a new mom feel special this holiday season. No doubt, the baby is the best gift she will ever receive; but when someone takes the time to make her feel appreciated as a mom, it will make her very happy. Enjoy giving!

Weleda Baby Care Products Care For Your Baby

A Product Review by Staci, The Mom Squad

 

It's been three years since I had my first child, Elle. Time has flown by! It has been a wonderful journey of ups and downs, trials and errors, but mostly, the greatest memories from the best years of my life. I have finally discovered a product line that I prefer for my children. It is Weleda Baby Care. It smells good, feels good, and leaves baby feeling soft and smelling so sweet! Plus, I trust the ingredients.

Last year, a friend sent me samples from the All Natural Product Show. The timing was perfect because I was concerned about parabens and other worrisome ingredients used in baby products. One of the samples was Weleda Baby Calendula Face Cream. It is lightweight with Sweet Almond Oil, and it is the perfect cream for baby's delicate facial skin. Impressed with this product, I knew I had to try the rest of the line.

The first product I purchased was the Calendula Shampoo & Body Wash. I put it to the test on our two baby girls. It is formulated with the mildest organic and natural plant-based cleansers, so it's gentle and tear-free. The sweet almond oil absorbs quickly to keep your baby's skin from losing precious moisture. While it costs about $11- a tube, it only takes a small amount of the body wash to cover the baby's body and wash the hair. For us, a tube lasts about 3 months. Using a product from a company that offers a holistic approach to health and beauty since 1921 makes it worth the cost to me.

Next on my list was the Calendula Baby Cream for the whole body. Again, another great smelling and performing product for baby's tender or dry skin. I even use it on my hands to keep them from drying out, it keeps them looking and feeling smooth -- just like baby skin. According to their website, the "gentle organic chamomile flower extract soothes skin with its calming anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties." This cream definitely helped little baby, Cami, with some dry spots on her back and arms. By the way, that's Cami is in the picture trying to eat the tube -- you can see how much she likes Weleda!

The name Weleda comes from the Celtic goddess of wisdom and healing. This totally makes sense once you experience their products. Well, I am off to buy the Calendula Diaper Care. At this point, I doubt I will be disappointed.

My babies trust me to make smart choices for them and I trust Weleda's standards of relying on nature to provide its benefits instead of using synthetic ingredients. If you try this product line, you will find that Weleda Baby Care products care for your baby, too.

Let us know if you have any other Weleda product recommendations, we'd love to hear from you!

Aubrey Organics Sunscreen: Protecting Your Kids As They Play In The Sunshine

A Review by Staci, The "Mom" Squad

Is it that time again? Summertime! While the livin' can be easy, the sun's rays can be harmful. Are you prepared to be out in the sun with your children? Like so many Moms, I am concerned about what I should or should not put on my babies' skin. I worry about putting chemicals on their skin but I want them to be protected while they play in the sunshine. Thankfully, I can stop worrying since I discovered Aubrey Organics at my local Whole Foods store.

After trying many brands of sunscreen, the one I like best is Aubrey Organics. The label states that the ingredients are all natural and it costs $8.50 for a handy 4 ounce recyclable tube. According to the website, Aubrey Organics' Mission is to, "provide all-natural, safe, and effective personal care and lifestyle products to the consumer."

There are seven options in the Aubrey Organics SPF product line but the one I like best is the Natural Sun SPF 25 Green Tea Protective Sunscreen. My kids have not gotten a sunburn when wearing it. After seeing the great results on my kids, I now use it, too. BONUS: Because it is tinted green, you can see where you are applying it and any spots you missed!

One thing you might notice about this product is that it stays light on the skin until it is absorbed. So if you are heavy handed with the product you will see it for a while. Plus, it has to be shaken before each use or it can be a bit watery. Two issues I am happy to deal with for the benefits this product offers me as a Mom.

TIP: For better protection, always apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.

Have fun in the sun this summer with your kids! Tell us if there's a sunscreen product you love for your kids or for yourself? Share your product discoveries with us!

[The claims made about specific products on or through this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. The reviews and opinions provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. Please consult with your health-care professional before taking or administering any new product to yourself or anyone else.]

5 Helpful "Busy Morning" Tips To Get Mom Out The Door With Ease

A Post By Staci - The Mom Squad

Are your mornings hectic? Have you ever run out the door half-dressed, breakfast in one hand, and the home phone in the other? Maybe you work at home attempting to stay organized AND one step ahead of the little ones so no one becomes "unhappy?" LOL, we've all been there!

Here are five helpful "busy morning" tips to get you and the family out the door with ease. While each may seem obviously simple, when combined into a daily routine, they become powerful assets for organization and saving time (+ your morning sanity!):

1. Put up a cork board in an easy-to-see area. Attach a big calendar to it. Fill it in with activities, play dates, and events as they come up for all of your family members. Use a different color highlighter pen for each family member. My husband, for example, checks the board for his orange highlights each night so he is prepared for his assigned activities or appointments. With one glance, we can see where each of us will be the next day and when we have to be there!

Attach all invitations, notices, or other paperwork to the cork board. Pin it up as soon as it arrives. This keeps it all in one place and you can see it next to the calendar listings. Double BONUS: (1) It helps with clutter because it isn't piling up on a desk somewhere. (2) It saves you time because it allows you to easily find the information weeks later without searching for it.

2. Check the calendar every night so you can prepare the clothes you or your children need for the next day. If the kids are old enough, this is a good habit to get them into so they learn to plan ahead. Getting an outfit ready the night before can go a long way to making the morning more pleasant.

This is also the best time to gather backpacks, homework, weather related items like snow boots, gloves, flip flops, sun hats, etc. Place them near the door in an organized line up so each person can "grab and go."

3.  Prepare lunches after dinner when the kitchen is still messy. Get your morning coffee measured out; if possible, preset the coffee machine timer. The smell of fresh brewed coffee can be a wonderful eye-opener. It helps me wake up on the right side of the bed...and we all know that when Mama is happy, everyone is happy!

4. Love your TO-DO List!! Prepare it the night before when the kids are in bed. You will have a more productive day as you narrow down and focus on the important things that must get done. Only include realistic To-Do's for the next day. This helps you end each day knowing you accomplished something...Be grateful for any To-Do items you check off the list - it was a good day!

TIP: Do NOT list big projects like "paint the bathroom" or "measure for carpeting." Include these items on a "home repair" list  - you don't need to remind yourself about tasks that you will not complete on an average day.

5. The iRobot Roomba is my new best friend!! This vacuuming robot moves in small circular patterns as it makes its way around the room doing the work for you. I put it into the family room while we are in the kitchen having breakfast so the room is vacuumed when the kids move in there to play. It does a good job between big vacuuming days, makes me feel like I am cleaning up without having to put out much effort, and is a very helpful gadget for those of us that have a hard time keeping up with housework with so much else going on!

At first, some of these tips may take away from your nighttime relaxation, but the extra effort will alleviate hectic activity, rushing, and stress as you get everyone out the door. Plus, a deserving Mom like you could indulge in an afternoon nap to make up for that lost time, right? Riiiiight!!!

Help other busy Moms and share your "busy morning" tips with us!

The Scheduled C-Section "Must Bring" List

A Post by Staci -- The Mom Squad

Don't leave home for your scheduled C-Section without the following items from this list. Even if you aren't planning on a C-Section, you might want to consider assembling these items...just in case! When you are in the hospital, you will be glad you arrived prepared for your new arrival.

Good luck and start packing!

1. Electronics: Remember your camera, video camera, and cell phone, along with their chargers and batteries. Check with your hospital, many don't allow videotaping of the surgery. Either way, since you and your husband will be preoccupied, put someone in charge of the videotaping and camera to capture the family in the waiting room, then again later in recovery. We were allowed a regular camera in the O.R. and a nurse took some pictures for us. It is great to look back at the video and pictures to see the first hours of your baby's life, which might be hard for you to remember.

2. The Baby Book: Again, you may want to assign this task to someone. In my case, they did the ink prints of the baby's feet when I wasn't in the room because I was still in recovery. My sister asked the nurse to also put the baby's foot prints into our baby book.

3. Mom's Clothing: Think comfy, comfy, comfy! If, on the second day, you can take a shower and change your clothes, you may want to wear something other than that glamorous hospital gown. But think: sore belly! Expandable waists, drawstring or very loose elastic pants are best. Whether it is a new pair of PJ's, a robe, or your favorite maternity outfit, you don't want any pressure on your belly area or below. Plus, the doctor will be visiting frequently to check your incision; the looser the clothing, the easier it is to be examined. 

Remember your feet, too. I wore socks with rubber grippers on the bottom so I could get in and out of bed slowly without bending for slippers or shoes. They also kept my feet warm under the sheets.

4. Massage Ball: Unless you have a massage therapist in the family, this ball will give you lots of relief. I know this may sound crazy, but get this...When you have a C-Section, air can get trapped inside your body and travel to odd places, like your shoulder. When this happens, it causes a lot of pain.

My mother discovered a blue massage ball called, True Blue Spa - Rollerball Massager. I really liked it because I could use it on myself. Plus, your husband won't complain that his thumbs are getting tired since he just has to rub this ball over the area that is bothering you!

5. Cord Blood Storage: If you have decided to store your baby's cord blood, then remember to bring your completed paperwork and the provided storage box. We used Cord Blood Registry. They provided colored bands for us to wear in the O.R. as a reminder to tell the doctor we made this decision. After the surgery, the doctor will return the box to a designated family member who then calls the courier to pick up the sample. The whole process was quite easy.

6. Pillows: Do you have a favorite pillow or blanket? How about a pillow for your husband or loved one who may stay with you but have to sit in a chair for hours? Bring whatever will help you sleep, you could be in the hospital for several nights.

7. The Must Call List: Pack a list of the names and phone numbers of the people you need to call. (My sister called friends while my mother called family members.) Also, think about an email address list for the Blackberry and iPhone users to keep busy updating everyone with your big news.

8. Underwear: Moms-to-be...there is no need to pack underwear. This sounds kooky, but the hospital will give you some very unique underpants to wear after your C-Section. Believe me when I tell you, they are not the sassiest of under garments, but they are designed to avoid sticking to your incision. Very chic!

9. Dad's Clothing: As you pack for yourself, don't forget your husband's wardrobe. Since he will be posing in once-in-a-lifetime pictures, be sure to set aside a specific shirt for him. I bought my husband a new one to wear on delivery day. No matter how terrific a dad or husband he is...Better to take care of this one yourself!

10. Baby's Clothing: Finally, pack a few newborn clothing items and a baby blanket for the trip home to bundle up your new bundle of joy.

Try not to worry, the hospital will take good care of you and your baby. Hint: Do yourself a favor and stay as long as they will let you.

If you are not expecting, send this list to a pregnant friend so she can pack her "must bring" list and greet her new baby a bit more prepared for this wonderful experience.

Crafts For Valentine's Day...Sweets Served Up Without The Sugar

Kid Friendly, Fun Valentine's Day Craft Ideas --

A Post From Staci, The Mom Squad

Here are a few easy gift projects to make this Valentine's Day. If you try to keep your little ones away from too much candy and sweets, then these ideas are for you! All are fun and sugar free!

1. Bookmarks: You can take your favorite photo, quote, drawing or any image your child likes. Line up your photos or sayings vertically to print, then laminate. If you don't have any laminating paper at home, an office supply store can do it for you. I go to the local UPS store to use their laminating machine. Just punch a hole in the top and slip a ribbon though it, tie a bow and you are done. Great gift for older kids or relatives who like to read. 

2. Coupons: Homemade, handdrawn coupons are a cute, thoughtful idea; even for the kids to exchange with each other. It can read, "Dear Billy, This coupon is good for a fun play date at the park with me, Jack!" Or for Dad, "Exchange this coupon for a bear hug throughout the month of February!"

3. Friendship Box: Kids can go wild with imagination on this one...It all starts with a small craft box covered in Valentine's paper. Decorate the box by gluing on ribbons, buttons, marbles, etc. Put fun stuff inside like a sweet poem from the child, stickers, crayons, small bottles of bubbles, or costume jewelry. My two year old, Elle, is into necklaces, bracelets, and rings of all colors.

4. Valentine Card: Homemade cards are the best. I like to include a photo of the person in the picture with my child. Use a folded piece of construction paper, cut the picture into a heart and past it on the front flap, then use puff paint to line around the picture. No puff paint? Then try Elmer's Glue and sprinkle on sparkles, let dry and shake off excess. Next, add Valentine stickers to decorate the inside and markers to brightly write your message. These are the cards that are kept forever.

5. Hand Print Hanging: Put some water based paint (craft paints are good for this project) onto a paper plate. Gently dip your child's hand into the paint and transfer his or her palm print onto a piece of construction paper. Let dry. Write their name and age under each hand print, decorate around the handprint, add your message or saying, trim down to size if necessary, add a hole punch at the top and loop some yarn or a ribbon to hang. Voila! A moment in time saved forever.

6. Salt Dough Trinket: This lets your little one become a sculptor! There are numerous recipes available online for salt dough. Shape the dough into a heart, after baking, let cool, glue a magnet to the back for use on the fridge. Maybe write, "love," or grandma's name by rolling out letters with the dough and connecting them to each other, make a loop at the end for a ribbon. Give it as a key chain for that sidedoor key that is always getting misplaced! How thoughtful!

I hope these sweet craft ideas for Valentine's Day help you and your kids enjoy making fun treats for the people they love...no one who makes or gets them will ever miss the sugar!

The PiddlePad...A Potty Training Product for Mom and Toddler

A Product Tip from Staci, The Mom Squad

When potty training your toddler, the decision to let your little one go out of the house without wearing a diaper or pull-up is a tricky one. You want to start giving them chances, but you don't want to have messy accidents to clean up. Moms, if you are dealing with this dilemma, I have a potty training product for you!

My two year old, Elle, and I have learned that quick trips around town are the best way to teach her to hold it. When we took our first trip out without a Pull-Ups on, I told her while we were in the drugstore to let me know if she needed to use the potty. So, of course, as soon as we got into the store she said, "Mommy, I need to use the potty." I was happy she told me, but this did not mean we were home free. Later, she had an accident in her car seat. Afterward, I realized that this was a difficult accident to properly clean. I ended up taking the whole car seat cover off to wash it. A chore that was not a quick and easy fix.

Since then we have discovered the PiddlePad. It is a waterproof seat liner you can easily move from the car seat to a stroller. It has a non-slip backing, but a soft terrycloth top. Made by Kiddopotamus, it is available in retail stores and online. We got ours at Toys R Us for $7.99. It is an inexpensive fix to a very messy problem.

I highly recommend this to any parent whose child often has blow outs or is starting to potty train. The PiddlePad helps alleviate time consuming cleanups for busy, on-the-go moms while expanding the "diaper free" time for your toddler!

Li’l Playzone…A Gift That Gives Busy Moms a Chance to Get Stuff Done

A Post by Staci ~ The Mom Squad

For baby Elle's first birthday, her grandparents bought her the Li'l Playzone with Lights & Sounds by One Step Ahead. You can find it at www.onestepahead.com under Travel & Gear, then under Playyards. The cost is $119.95 (plus shipping). It has been well worth the money. We actually set it up before her first birthday, when she was 10 months old. This was a perfect time since she was becoming more mobile.

I can put her in there and not have to worry about where she is or what she is getting into. She likes it so much that it actually gives me the chance to get stuff done around the house. It also provides a play space for her since we do not have a playroom in our house. Now that she is two, she goes in there on her own to read books or play with her toys.

Some say that it is not sturdy enough for those babies who like to pull on the walls of the playyard, but we haven't had that problem. It's easy to put together and you can enlarge the standard 13 sq. ft. of space by buying extensions. They even offer another option that travels more easily outside.

I am very pleased that we have established this space for Elle to call her own, now I just hope she shares it with her new baby sister, Cami!

Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water…Blissful Belly in a Bottle

Hi Fellow Moms…Have you heard of Gripe Water? I was happy that it was recommended to me when my daughter, Elle, was one month old. One day I wasn't sure why she was crying and seemed uncomfortable. A clerk at a local nutrition store told me about Baby's Bliss Gripe Water and all of its benefits. 

Well, sure enough it helped and has been helping us for two years now. I thought of it today because Elle is getting her two-year molars and I went to buy a new bottle; which should be easy to find at your local pharmacy or nutrition store. Some of the reasons for using it are: to ease gas and stomach discomfort often associated with colic, hiccups, and teething. I like it because it is all-natural. It contains organic ginger and fennel, which are known for comforting the stomach.  It starts working in about 5 - 20 minutes. 

The only drawback is that if you buy the 4 oz. bottle, you probably won’t use it all up after opening it. I have never used a whole bottle and feel bad throwing it out after a few weeks, especially, after paying about $12.00 for it. I have often thought I should share it with another Mom when I open it for the first time. The good news is that they recently introduced a travel size package that is the same price, but one ounce less. You can find Gripe Water at www.babysbliss.com. The company was founded by Roshan Kaderali, a registered nurse, midwife, and lactation specialist, and offers a full line of related products, including one for morning sickness. I would love to hear if that has worked for any Moms out there.  –  Staci, The Mom Squad

[The claims made about specific products on or through this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The reviews and opinions provided on this site are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. Please consult with your healthcare professional before taking or administering any new product to yourself or a child.]

A Bulletin From Staci...Calling All Busy Moms To Be On The Lookout For THE MOM SQUAD

Hi, I'm Staci,  the lead contributor for The "Mom" Squad section on Here We Are.  I am a mother of a 2-year-old girl, Elle, and we are expecting our second daughter in November.  Between work, home and raising Elle, I understand the daily work and the amount of energy it takes to keep it all running smoothly.  Some days, as you probably know, things can become completely hectic when you least expect it!  I continue to learn new things everyday to minimize those nerve-wrecking times and I am anxious to share them with you. 

I invite you to watch for my upcoming "Mom" Squad product reviews and sanity saving tips!  My goal is to save you time and money so you can enjoy more quality time with your kids. You can be confident that any reviews you read on Here We Are will be brutally honest; whether I am reporting on a new organic juice that Elle loves or Luci is testing a new mineral based cosmetic.  If we like it, we will tell you, if we hate it, we will warn you. 

So welcome aboard this journey because Here We Are altogether...Won't you join us?