Jacob & Isabella

What's in a name?  If you're looking for some inspiration, or names to avoid, you're in luck.

Today, the Social Security Administration released the top 10 boys and girls name for 2010.

Here they are!

:drumroll please:

Boys
  

1)  Jacob

 2) Ethan   

 3) Michael     

 4) Jayden     

 5) William    

 6) Alexander

 7) Noah     

 8) Daniel    

 9) Aiden     

 10) Anthony

Girls

 1) Isabella

2) Sophia

3) Emma

4) Olivia

 5) Ava

6) Emily

7) Abigail

8) Madison

9) Chloe

10) Mia

Here is the full press release from Social Security.

Tackling Toy Clutter

If you have a toddler (or in my case two toddlers) you have often wondered or said the following:

"Why does it look like Toys R Us threw up in my living room?"

"How can such a small person make such a huge mess?"

"Ugh!  I just cleaned in here! Why do I bother?"

You get the picture. 

A personal favorite quote of mine is: "Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing." ~Phyllis Diller

Unfortunately, cleaning is a necessary evil.  I know I personally can't go to sleep at night knowing that there are dirty dishes in the sink (soaking pans are okay in my book).  

I literally will not be able to fall asleep if the play room is a mess and there are toys strewn about everywhere.  So, pretty much every night, without fail, I tidy up before I go to bed.  

Wait!  Before you think I'm a complete neat-freak and obsessive, I promise you, I'm not. 

I just can't stand walking downstairs first thing in the morning (un-caffeinated) to a huge mess!  And lord help someone if I happen to *step* on a random toy -ouch! 
That's the worst - you know!

After doing this for a few years now, I do not consider myself an organizational queen by any means, but I have picked up a few tips and tricks along the way. 

I feel it is my duty as a fellow Mommy, baby planner and human being to share my toy organization with you.  It has made cleaning up easier - and most importantly, my kids can HELP with the clean up process. 

Here is how I organize our toys:

1. Categorize your toys that you need containers for ex. balls, blocks, cars, etc.
2. Go to the local dollar store and pick out some colorful buckets and baskets.
3. Find some construction paper or index cards.  (I used old holiday cards I wasn't going to use and cut them in half)
4. Pick out a few crayons, markers and sharpies.
5. Grab a hole punch and some sort of string or some scotch tape.
6. Dig deep into that elementary school part of you and draw some pictures!

The the end result of the six steps above should look something along the lines of this:

Please ignore the horrible drawings! 
Art clearly was not my strong suit.

Ball basket

This three drawer was bought at a Target, but I actually had
this before we had our kids.



Cars and Little People 



Kitchen Accessories & Food
(Um, yes, those mini M&M's were
purchased as bribery for something!)



Full view of one set of shelves



Phones, Keys & Remotes
(As we all know, they always want the REAL one anyways)

Musical Instruments
(This is the Parents brand Bee Band - super cute!)
*Sorry, I could not get this picture to be centered
for some formatting reason! Grrr!

So, as you can see, everything has a place for the most part.  This not only allows the kids to help put things away as they are labeled with words AND pictures - it also helps when you have friends over, a play date or a party and people don't have to bother you every five seconds to find out what goes where! 

Genius.

Of course, I can't take credit for inventing this system - it's not original.  However, it works for us.  And that's really the key to parenting, isn't it?  Finding what works for YOU.

Don't forget to also periodically go through all those toys and pass them along to friends, organize toy swaps, sell at tag sales or place on Freecycle.  I frequently do all the above and also pass along toys to local charities.

This "system" for lack of a better word was not expensive to create, either.  You can even use containers, Rubbermaid storage bins (I used one for the kitchen toys) or whatever you have laying around.  But I do love the dollar store!

Do you have any toy organizing tips?  If you do, I'd love to hear them.

Are you aware?

May is Pregnancy Awareness Month!

Pregnancy Awareness has some great giveaways going on all month long to celebrate! 

So head on over there and check out their educational information and enter to win some great prizes from Seventh Generation and Plum Organics!  There are contests running all month long, too.

Go ahead and celebrate moms everywhere - new moms, expecting moms and all the future moms out there!  Pregnancy Awareness will feature this month-long campaign by focusing on their key initiatives of: 

1. Education
2. Exercise
3. Nutrition & Wellness
4. Nurture

Know someone who would enjoy this information?  Please feel free to share.

P.S. Mother's Day is May 8th!

A "Onederful" Idea

When I see products, I sometimes wish "Damn, I wish I thought of that!"  Well, this product is one of them.

Just as you find favorite outfits in a certain size, your baby starts growing out of it and into the next biggest size...seemingly overnight!  As you've quickly come to realize - baby stuff can be expensive!  So, I'm always happy to find some money-saving products to get any extra use or get more longevity out of the items I purchase for baby. 

Add A Size Onesie extenders
from One Step Ahead web site

And that's why I love these extenders because they allow you to continue to get the most wear out of those cute little onesies.  Well, that is until the diaper and clothes changing begins to become a battle royale - then I recommend separates rather than onesies.

It just so happens that I was able to keep both my kids in their size 3-12 month clothes for a little extra time by using these little miracle snappy contraptions. 

They are compatible with just about any brand, including my faves, Carter's, and also Gap, Old Navy, etc. 

And not having to run out and buy new, bigger clothes each time your child gains an ounce is a wonderful thing. 

So, why not get more use out of the clothes you already have?

If you are interested in buying them or giving them as a gift, go here.

Eight Sleep Tips for Every Child

A few months ago, Elizabeth Pantley contacted me to offer a great deal of information and articles for use with my clients (and for you!).

I was very pleased to have been chosen by Elizabeth as an outlet to further spread her message, advice and techniques to parents that are struggling with sleep, discipline and separation anxiety.  All of her wisdom and guidance are combined with a gentle approach you'll find throughout her popular series of No Cry solution books. 

As she states on her web site, Elizabeth's books offers parents "Advice, solutions, links and books about parenting. Raise children with love, compassion, respect and consistency and learn to be a confident and joyful parent."

Here is an excerpt from the book that I found very helpful and I'd like to share it with you today:


Eight Sleep Tips for Every Child
Written by Elizabeth Pantley


Up to 70% of children under age five have sleep problems. Sleep issues are complicated and have many causes. They’re hard to deal with because when children aren’t sleeping, parents aren’t sleeping, and that lack of sleep affects every minute of every day for every person in the family because lack of sleep isn’t just about being tired. Sleep has a role in everything -- dawdling, temper tantrums, hyperactivity, growth, health, and even learning to tie his shoes and recite the ABCs. Sleep affects everything. 

The following ideas are of value to almost any sleeper, of any age. These tips can bring improvement not only in your child’s sleep, but also in her daytime mood and last, but not least – improvements in your own sleep and outlook as well.


# 1 Maintain a consistent bedtime and awaking time.


Your child’s biological clock has a strong influence on her wakefulness and sleepiness. When you establish a set time for bedtime and wake up time you “set” your child’s clock so that it functions smoothly.  Aim for an early bedtime. Young children respond best with a bedtime between 6:30 and 7:30 P.M. Most children will sleep better and longer when they go to bed early.


# 2 Encourage regular daily naps.


Daily naps are important. An energetic child can find it difficult to go through the day without a rest break. A nap-less child will often wake up cheerful and become progressively fussier or hyper-alert as the day goes on. Also, the length and quality of naps affects night sleep – good naps equal better night sleep.


# 3 Set your child’s biological clock.


Take advantage of your child’s biology so that he’s actually tired when bedtime arrives. Darkness causes an increase in the release of the body’s sleep hormone -- the biological “stop” button. You can align your child’s sleepiness with bedtime by dimming the lights during the hour before bedtime.  Exposing your child to morning light is pushing the “go” button in her brain — one that says, “Time to wake up and be active.” So keep your mornings bright!


# 4 Develop a consistent bedtime routine.


Routines create security. A consistent, peaceful bedtime routine allows your child to transition from the motion of the day to the tranquil state of sleep. An organized routine helps you coordinate the specifics: bath, pajamas, tooth-brushing. It helps you to function on auto-pilot at the time when you are most tired and least creative.


# 5 Create a cozy sleep environment.


Where your child sleeps can be a key to quality sleep. Make certain the mattress is comfortable, the blankets are warm, the room temperature is right, pajamas are comfy, and the bedroom is welcoming.


# 6 Provide the right nutrition.


Foods can affect energy level and sleepiness. Carbohydrates can have a calming effect on the body, while foods high in protein or sugar generate alertness, particularly when eaten alone. A few ideas for pre-bed snacks are: whole wheat toast and cheese, bagel and peanut butter, oatmeal with bananas, or yogurt and low-sugar granola.  Vitamin deficiencies due to unhealthy food choices can affect a child’s sleep. Provide your child with a daily assortment of healthy foods.


# 7 Help your child to be healthy and fit.


Many children don’t get enough daily physical activity. Too much TV watching and a lack of activity prevents good sleep. Children who get ample daily exercise fall asleep more quickly, sleep better, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed.  Avoid activity in the hour before bedtime though, since exercise is stimulating – they’ll be jumping on the bed instead of sleeping in it!


# 8 Teach your child how to relax.


Many children get in bed but aren’t sure what to do when they get there! It can help to follow a soothing pre-bed routine that creates sleepiness. A good pre-bed ritual is story time. A child who is listening to a parent read a book or tell a tale will tend to lie still and listen. This quiet stillness allows him to become sleepy.


Work with these eight ideas and you’ll see improvements in your child’s sleep, and yours too.


Excerpted with permission by McGraw-Hill Publishing from The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers (McGraw-Hill 2005) http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth

Got Mommy Friends?

After settling back into my life shortly after having my first child, I strongly began to feel the need again to socialize.  Like most people B.C. (Before Children), I had an active social calendar - dinners with other couples, coffee with friends, shopping, last minute pedicures, long, leisurely lunches, etc.

Eager to resume these social activities, of course, I picked up the phone to call my friends. 

However, after numerous conversations with my now categorized as child-less** friends, both on the phone and in person - I found a huge issue had arose.  In a lot of ways, it now felt to me as if we had nothing in common on the surface. 

While they still spoke of long nights out, shopping sprees and other "fun" things - I was consumed with thoughts of poopy diapers, laundry and just figuring out this whole new "mom" thing I had going on. 

Don't get me wrong or misunderstand - my friends are still wonderful, fabulous people and I am still friends with them today - however; I now had a baby and they did not.  And anyone who has kids knows what I'm sayin'.  It's not a bad thing, per se...it's just different. 

Oh, just let me explain.

Since I didn't have many friends who had children, I asked myself:  "Where can I find me some mommy friends?"

To the Internet I went and discovered a web site called Meetup.com.  I joined a lovely group of moms - some of whom I immediately connected with.  We went to parks, the local zoo, had play dates and I got a chance to socialize myself and my daughter while I still worked from home part-time.

However, I found that even in that large group, it was still hard to connect with another mom "just because" you both have kids.  I mean, you don't just randomly approach strangers in the store or in public and say - "Hey, I see you have a kid.  Well, I have a kid, too, so let's be friends!" 

Yeah...it doesn't work like that.  That would be weird. 

For a few months, I continued to be an active member of the group.  Then, after a short 8 months of having figured out be a mom to one baby, I became pregnant with my second child. 

At the same time, within the larger group of moms - a smaller group had inadvertently emerged with moms who had younger children.  We all started getting closer finding we had a lot more in common and became our own little network.  It was, and is to this day, VERY nice. 

Life went swimmingly along....until about a month prior to having my second child, I was faced with a career change.  This left me (yet again) in new waters which I had never swam before....and I almost sank.  In addition to the rough economy - finding a new career path in the marketing field in addition to being 9 months pregnant just was NOT going to happen! 

(Enter my current career of Newly Nested)

Thank goodness I had my wonderful husband, my supportive parents, friends and family... 

And, yes, you guessed it.

My group of mommy friends! 

So, what is the point of me sharing all this? 

First and foremost as a stay/work-at-home mom, and secondly, as a baby planner and advisor to new and expecting parents, it is important to address concerns and issues that may (or may not) arise as the result of decisions we make - i.e. staying at home versus going back to work*. 

As wonderful an opportunity as it is, at times, staying home can also be isolating.  If anyone would had ever said to me that being with my children all day was lonely, I would have called them crazy.  Even though I considered myself to be a very social person - this happened to me and I decided to DO something about it.

So, the point of all this is to not let it get to that point.  If you find yourself in a position like I was in - a new mom looking to connect with others - here are some ideas that will get you started. 

1. Go to Meet Up.  Like I said earlier, I found my mommy-saviors there. It's fast to sign up, free and will save your sanity!  There are new groups starting everyday. 

2.  Go to the park.  There's always some friendly moms there. (And some not so friendly ones) You'll quickly find who is willing to chat and those who are not.   

3.  The library.  Another great place to meet other moms is in the children's section.  

4.  If you're breastfeeding - visit La Leche Leauge to find a chapter near you. 

5.  Visit your local town or city's web site for classes for your kids.  I found another great friend from our local Toddler Gym Class at the Park and Recreation Department.  There's also Gymboree's and other kid-gyms or music programs to check out for finding other moms. 

Who knows - you may find a new "mom" friend in the least expected places. 

So, get out there and make some mom-friends! 

Note: This post was from my original blog I started in early 2010 and switched over to this site as my main outlet for information.  I felt it was worth updating and sharing.

**Since this post was originally written, one of my very best friends who was child-less at the time has since had her first baby!

*This post and the suggestions apply to working mothers also. I am speaking from my own experiences and am not looking to start the work at home versus stay at home debate.  I support motherhood. Period.

Product Review & Special Offer: Bamboobies!

Image found though Google image search

Within the past year, I have really gotten into Twitter.  I have to tell you that honestly, I'm glad I did! 

For a few reasons, actually.  First, I've been able to connect, follow and be followed by some really great people and companies - including a company called Bamboobies. 

A personal choice that I'd like to quickly share with you is that for me, it was important to first try breastfeeding before using formula when I had my children.  Fortunately, I was successful in doing so with both my children. 

At times, with success also comes struggle. 

And, like everything else in the world, there are a few things that can be annoying about logistics.  The same goes for breastfeeding. 

In the grand scheme of things, these annoyances aren't such a big deal - there are bigger issues in life.  But, while you're going through them with a newborn and you're sleep-deprived...it can be the worst thing in the world at that time. 

Okay, okay.  Back to the point! (And the $ saving offer below!!!!)

This is where this product, Bamboobies, comes into the picture.  I am officially going to file this product under my "wish I had this when my kids were babies" category. 

As I began to say above, one of my logistical annoyances was having to wear breast pads in the early months of breastfeeding.  I knew of other products that were re-usable or had other features to soothe sore nipples.  There's even a brand that collects the milk you leak to collect and save. 

And disposable pads I had used most certainly served their purpose.  However, if I didn't change them in a timely manner, they became, at times, uncomfortable.  Since I had an active toddler and a newborn, I was often busy and would always notice I became uncomfortable around feeding time or shortly after.  And the days I would go out to run errands, the breast pads, even underneath a shirt, showed their outline which just screamed "I'm nursing!" to the world.     

Now, I'm happy to learn and share, there is a better way for nursing moms to stay dry and comfortable.  All while staying eco-friendly, too!

Bamboobies are these amazingly soft, re-usable breast pads with a really cool name.  Made from sustainable, organic bamboo and being for your boobies - they're Bamboobies. 

Adorable.

They come in two styles - daytime (thin) and overnight (thick).  Both incredibly soft and absorbent.

Pretty sure this says it all:



Taken from the Bamboobies web site



I'm so thrilled to learn about these wonderful pads.  I'm very impressed with their functionality and their overall feel. 

I've already recommended them to my friends and now I have the opportunity to share with you and your friends! 

Now for the best part!  If you need some Bamboobies or know someone who does, I have a lovely offer for you!

Save 20% on your order using the code

Nested20

at the checkout.

I promise you that these are awesome and should you purchase a pair for yourself or someone you know - your friend and her boobies will thank you ;p  They also make great baby shower gift or just a small gift for any new mom! 

Note:  I was offered two pairs of Bamboobies free of charge by the owner.   However, my opinions are entirely my own and I agreed to review this product on my own time.  I have not been paid to publish positive comments.