A Big Baby Shower - Supplement

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THE DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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THE DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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THE DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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THANK YOU journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Boy O Boy made that first step almost 6 years ago, and entered the retail market as one of Kingston’s few boutiques for children. 6 years on, we have grown with our sights now set on building a structured retail and resource base for our customers. The vision for an event such as A Big Baby Shower was realized with the valuable support of all our sponsors, participants and contributors. The execution of any successful event rests in the strength of its team, and from the bottom of my heart, I say thank you.

After months of ups and downs, ins and outs, open doors and closed doors, A Big Baby Shower, a baby & child lifestyle event, was introduced to Kingston Jamaica on Sunday August 28, 2011.

As a first time event, with no precedent, nerves were high and fears were real. A lot hard work had gone into preparing for this event, which had long been my passion to execute. Fortunately, my

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Michelle Gordon, Owner, Boy O Boy Limited

faith is bigger than my fears. During the 9 month gestation period (pun intended), my small but efficient team came together. Amoye, Naomi, Nicholas, Melanie, Cleon and Sherene...THANK YOU. And to my family who went above and beyond while I worked hard to realize my dream...May God continue to shine His A BIG BABY SHOWER TEAM light on you.

Nicholas Parsons, Naomi Garrick (Garrick Communications), On Saturday, the day before A Big Michelle Gordon, Amoye Phillpotts-Brown.

Baby Shower, we grappled with making a decision to postpone or proceed with our event, opened and God sent us a brief shower of due to expected inclement weather. I went on my blessing! With a full heart, I acknowledge God’s knees, and asked GOD (according to His will) to presence in my home, my business and my life.

The success of A Big Baby Shower is testimony reward our 9 months of hard, diligent and relentless work. When my prayer was finished, I to reaping the benefits of resilience. A Big Baby felt a peace in my heart and decided to proceed. A Shower exceeded expectations, and you, our Big Baby Shower started as planned, under sunny valued sponsors, participants, contributors and skies, and welcomed more patrons than expected! patrons, helped to make that possible.

THANK YOU !

Our event ended at 6pm and at 6:02pm, the skies

A Baby and Child Lifestyle Event THE EVENT On Sunday August 28th 2011, Boy O Boy celebrated the beauty of the maternal journey with the presentation of A BIG BABY SHOWER, [a baby & child lifestyle event featuring: A Big Baby Shower was the first of its kind in Jamaica and the English Speaking Caribbean, creating a memorable and extraordinary event with games, surprises and presentations that helped prepare expectant and new parents.

The event, hosted by Smile Jamaica host Simone ClarkeCooper, and D.J. Bambino, focused on the emotional, practical and aesthetic aspects of pregnancy and parenthood. With the aim to inform, pamper and

support mothers during their pregnancy and newborn experience, a Big Baby Shower surpassed expectations with patrons enjoying exhibits and seminars, game and prizes aplenty.

The East Lawn at Devon House was the venue for a relaxed, open and friendly place where new and parents-to-be parents received products and support information relevant to pregnancy, baby and child care.

metropolitan events.

On the heels of the launch of their new, super comfortable Baby Carrier,(held recently in Hollywood, CA.,) Britax USA rolled out their impressive line of car seats, strollers and baby carriers. Many patrons were recipients of amazing prizes such as their Chaperone infant seat and stroller. Being well aware of the high costs that are associated with welcoming a baby, A Big Baby Showers’ model of replicating a traditional baby shower, was THE CONCEPT evident in the volume of gifts given The concept for a Big Baby to patrons: Shower was born out of a strong desire to entertain and educate patron families in a holistic and captivating manner, while utilizing elements associated with chic,

Britax USA booth at A Big Baby Shower

A HappyMummy and HappyBaby at a Big Baby Shower

• A Babymoon weekend from Sandals Resorts International • A trip for 2 to an American Airlines destination • Photo shoot from Fern Elise Photography • Diapers and wipes from Huggies • Strollers and car seats from Britax New mummy Kenisha and baby Chase at the event

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THE DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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THE ULTIMIATE DREAM NURSERY GIVEAWAY ne lucky family at A Big Baby Shower was the winner of Jamaica’s first ever Ultimate Dream Nursery

couple more prepared than they could have ever dreamed!

Soshannie Chin-Mitchell, a teacher, and her husband Andre Mitchell, a pharmacist, are the Giveaway! proud mummy and Daddy to 3 Promoted with a commissioned month old Keira. According to watercolour image by artist Soshannine: ““Winning the Rachel Wade, Boy O Boy’s nursery was a surprise and a nursery giveaway found much shock to the whole family! The favour with interested patrons. All Dream Nursery has brought joy they had to do in order to have a and happiness to us. Everything chance at winning the nursery, that was won; there is a need for was to visit each booth at the it. Before I would nurse, talk and event! sing to Baby Keira on the bed.

Boy O Boy selected over 25 Now, we have a rocking items to create a $500,000* chair where I can comfortably sit Dream Nursery. An amalgamation and bond with my baby. The of 4 local retail stores, as well as stroller allows her to sit and enjoy several baby product the scenery while being pushed manufacturers based overseas, all around. The breast pump really contributed to the event’s grand came in handy as I needed one to prize……An entire room filled express milk for Baby Keira to with premium baby products and drink while I am at work. Most of déécor that made one lucky

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The winners, flanked by Dream Nursery contributors Michelle Gordon (Boy O Boy), Shauna-Gaye Hart (Ba-bee-licious), Kerisha Cadogan (Babybop), Janelle Pantry (Spaces) and Gary Kester (Britax)

the items can be used as Keira gets older, the crib is a 4 in 1 and the furniture and lamps will be used in her room as she gets older.””

My thoughts on A Big Baby Shower are that it is a wonderful event for moms to be and new moms like myself; it was informative and interesting. I liked

Elements of the Dream Nursery

the narration of the stages of pregnancy. I enjoyed participating and watching the competitions.

The booths gave me a chance to learn about new products like Happy Baby and Britax among others. This event definitely has to be an annual one and the Mitchell family is really grateful for the prize.

Baby Keira testing out her new crib, while parents Andre and Soshannie look on.

DREAM NURSERY CONTRIBUTORS Boy O Boy, Ba-bee-licious , Babybop, Spaces , Timi & Leslie , JJ Cole Collections, Britax USA, Therapedic, LIME, HUGGIES, Beverley Jackson Painting, Skip Hop, Fern Elise Photography, Pigeon Baby Products, L’oved Baby, HappyBaby and Little Giraffe.

THE DADDY

LOUNGE A (a.k.a.) THE MAN CAVE

Soshannie and Andre Mitchell, glowing with excitement after being announced winners of Boy O Boy’s Dream Nursery Giveaway.

Big Baby Shower was designed for first-time expectant and new parents. However, with traditional rules ignored, fathers were also showered with their share of preparation and celebration as they enjoyed the comfort and excitement of our ‘Daddy Lounge.’

The Daddy Lounge was a virtual ‘man cave’ complete with choice games and sports and premium bar.

Enjoying the musical skill of DJ Bambino, fathers relaxed in the comfort and ‘home away from home’ feel of our living room-styled lounge provided by ARD2K.

Representing the ‘new Dad’ well, The Daddy Lounge, outfitted with comfy lounge furniture from ARD2K

LIME executive Stephen Price with new baby Aiden

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THE DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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Photo courtesy of Marc Evans

M O M S R A N I M E S E C R OU

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Dr Thea Davis, speaking to a captive audience about Pregnancy, Medically Speaking

Photo courtesy of Marc Evans Photo courtesy of Live Stush

ost mothers-to-be and new parents have one thing in common – a strong desire to learn all they can about their new role. Scheduled mini seminars addressed some of these topics while entertaining and educating on Babymooning, Baby Gear, Fabulous, Fit and Pregnant, Financial Planning, Returning to work, to name a few.

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Photo courtesy of Marc Evans

The Swag Bags pecially invited guests received custom-made event swag diaper bags by ILE, filled with contributions from event partners and Boy O Boy suppliers included diapers and wipes from Huggies, a bottle of Chamdor (non-alcoholic champagne) from Lascelles, sun visors from NCB, baby bottles from Pigeon Baby Products, baby body wash from Johsnon’s Baby, discount cards from Ba-bee-licious, Indigo Boutique, and Babybop Store who also gave branded chemises for baby. Overseas contributors included assorted accessories from Silly Souls, Little Giraffe, and L’oved Baby.

The Passport n order to enter to win the grand prize of The Ultimate Dream Nursery, patrons were given an event passport which had to be stamped by each exhibitor represented at the event. Each exhibitor then had direct access to patrons, and ample opportunity to promote their business.

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A view of some of the booths at A Big Baby Shower

Photo courtesy of Live Stush

Photo courtesy of Infuzion

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Photo courtesy of Marc Evans

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THE DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Photo courtesy of Marc Evans

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GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Mary’s Child ary’s Child is a place of safety for pregnant teens who find themselves wards of the state through the Children’s Services Division of the Ministry of Health. The girls range in age from 11 to 17 years.

The home is exactly that for its 12 residents – a home. While not all the girls are victims of crimes, they are all in need of care love and attention, which Mary’s Child provides. The girls are taught how to care themselves while pregnant and then to care for their children, with emphasis being on providing a clean, healthy and stable environment for the babies.

Boy o Boy’s decision to become involved at Mary’s Child is in keeping with our mantra to give back to our community in a real and tangible way. Since its inception in December 2005, Boy O Boy has embarked on several charitable initiatives including Hope For Hope, BOB’s Children and working with RJR’s Christmas Cuddles Programme. According to Michelle Gordon, “As an SME, we try to make our contribution in a way that is representative of what we do.

It was only natural to reach out to our partners who are like-minded and eager to make a difference.”

On learning more about the girls, their habits and routines, we took the decision to give the girls strollers to ease the burden of walking with their babies for their daily activities. Doctors visits, follow up appointments, going to school and other off property tasks, will now be easier with their brand new strollers and baby carriers from Britax.

According to Gordon: “When I approached Kate [Clark] from Britax, it was a no-brainer! She was very excited and pulled out all the stops to get their donations here to Jamaica.”

The girls also received newborn and stage 1-2 diapers from Huggies, clothing from L’oved Baby in California, and also from Ziggy and Orly Marley representing their children’s clothing line at Roots Zionwear, also from California. We received support to tie it all together with shipping sponsorship from Mail Pac Services.

We were very pleased with the support received, and proud to donate the new items. Very often these homes receive second hand items, and although these are appreciated by the recipients, getting a gift that you take out of the box for yourself, is a wonderful feeling.

Boy O Boy will continue to offer support to Mary’s Child through planned mentorship and training programmes.

Photo courtesy of Live Stush

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Photo courtesy of Live Stush

Kate Clark and Gary Kester telling Ms. Collins all about her new Britax strollers.

Photo courtesy of Marc Evans

Gary Kester, International Sales Director Britax; Jennifer Collins, Manager Mary’s Child; Amoye Phillpotts-Brown, Events Assistant, Boy O Boy; and Kate Clark, Events and PR Manager Britax

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THE DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, September 14, 2011

TESTIMONIALS Britax USA: BRITAX USA would like to take this opportunity to thank Boy O Boy for giving us the opportunity to be part of such a ground-breaking event! We really enjoyed speaking with all the expecting and new parents who braved the heat during our wonderful celebration. Not only did the event display all the different products and services offered on your beautiful island, but the message to consumers was so important. BRITAX is very proud to offer Jamaican residents car seats to keep the kiddos safe on the road, strollers to make it easier for caregivers to get around more freely and baby carriers to take away the back and shoulder strain of having to hand-carry babies 832lbs. Again, a BIG THANKS goes to Michelle and her TEAM for including us in such a special day. Jamaican residents can find BRITAX products at Boy O Boy (12 Merrick Avenue, Kingston, Jamaica).

Kate Clark, Britax Huggies: Kimberly-Clark, owners of the HUGGIES brand of diapers, baby wipes and child care products, would like to congratulate BOY O BOY on the successful staging of A BIG BABY SHOWER. A perfect complement to the HUGGIES brand for which the tagline is “Parenthood, Chaotically Beautiful”, the event offered moms to be, dads to be, and new moms and dads a wealth of resources which will help them to navigate through the chaotically beautiful journey called parenthood.

A BIG BABY SHOWER, the first of its kind in Jamaica, is an event which we are pleased to endorse with the HUGGIES brand and it is our

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hope that it will become an annual event. The seminars, games, numerous giveaways, and the implementation of a ‘passport’ system to maximize interaction between exhibitors and patrons all lent to a well-executed event which kept patrons engaged and excited.

The HUGGIES team would also like to congratulate the team of A BIG BABY SHOWER and other contributors on blessing a lucky couple with the amazing gift of a Dream Nursery equipped with everything including HUGGIES diapers and baby wipes.

We extend a big thank you to Boy O Boy for inviting HUGGIES to be the exclusive diaper sponsor of this event and we look forward to a lasting partnership.

Lascelles: Chamdor was delighted to support Jamaica’s first Baby lifestyle event. Its success is testament to the fact that it was a well-needed event whose time had come and we look forward to working with the team next year.

Ensure: Congratulations on the successful inaugural staging of the Boy o Boy – A Big Baby Shower.

We at ENSURE, understand the importance of proper nutrition for all, especially for our new moms and “moms to be” and were happy to be associated with this event. We look forward to partnering with you on your next venture – see you in 2012!

Ensure – Nutrition in Charge! drennaLUNA maternity “ABBS was an excellent event. As a unique event it offered a very targeted market channel for the products aimed at this niche segment.

The quality of the event resulted in high satisfaction from patrons as well as sponsors and the satisfaction of patrons enhanced the responses received by sponsors. drennaLUNA Maternity was launched at the

ideal event: not only in terms of the access to expectant mothers but based on the alignment of the event quality with the essence of the drennaLUNA label. drennaLUNA maternity like the womenswear collections, offers sophisticated and elegant styles so that during pregnancy the mom-to-be feels and looks just as beautiful. I look forward to participating each year.”

www.jamaicaobserver.com twitter.com/jamaicaobserver and new baby additions to the family and from all accounts the patrons had lots of fun. Therapedic was very happy to be associated with BBS , it was, innovative, high quality, impacting, family oriented and above all masterfully executed.

Congrats BBS and Boy O Boy Aswad Morgan Director- Therapedic Caribbean (Member of the Morgan Group)

– Arlene Martin, drennaLUNA Babybop Store: HappyBaby HappyBaby could not have imagined a better event to catapult HappyBaby into the homes and lives of our island’s mummies and daddies than at this year’s Big Baby Shower. It was a perfect Sunday afternoon...filled with fun, freebies and families! We applaud Michelle and Boy O Boy for having the foresight and the initiative for seeing that we really do lack events for new parents in Jamaica and for doing something about it! HappyBaby eagerly looks forward to BBS 2012!

Jaime McConnell, Director, HappyBaby Jamaica Calling The Shots: Calling The Shots wishes to thank Boy O Boy, and all the sponsors for a successful event. It was well planned, and perfectly executed. The event passport was a wonderful idea as it really directed prospective clients to our booth. Our business specializes in maternity photography and this event brought our target market of expectant mothers right to us. It really was a successful venture for us and we look forward to participating in this event in the future.

Janette Meggs, Director Therapedic Caribbean The “Big Baby Shower” event was for us a “no brainer” as a participating sponsor. This breakthrough event covered all aspects of family

We at Babybop want to thank Boy O Boy for hosting such a wonderful event. We loved the concept and thought it was well executed. The event gave us a chance to meet new clients and reconnect with old ones. We look forward to working with you again next year.

Kerisha Cadogan, owner Babybop Patron comments: I had no idea what to expect at A Big Baby Shower, but was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the event. It was unlike anything I’ve been to before in Jamaica, and on par with similar events that I’ve seen in the US. Kudos to the organizers! Hope to see this event again next year.

Natalie Murphy, mother of 2, expecting #3 As a newlywed couple, my wife and I went to A Big Baby Shower to get a feel for what’s available to us when we decide to venture into parenthood.

Impressive! Looks like we don’t have to go to ‘forin’ at all! It was great. A nice day out for the family, and a cool hangout for us guys in a really wholesome environment.

Sean Mullings, father-to-be (one day)

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SPONSORS Britax USA, Huggies, LIME, NCB Capital Markets, Chamdor, Rainforest Seafood, ATL Automotive, The Spanish Court Hotel, American Airlines, Mailpac, I Print Digital, AmbuCare, Ensure, YourStyle Ezine, Live Stush, RJR and The Jamaica Observer

EXHIBITORS Britax, Boy O Boy, Ba-bee-licious, Baby Bop, Spaces, Calling the Shots, Johnsons Baby, Happy Baby, Fern Elise Photography, Kid N Play Ja, Pigeon (Qualcare), Drenna Luna Maternity, Mothers Choice Maternity, Sugabuzz, Lime, Revamp, Ministry of Health, National Health Fund, Gerber (Chas E Ramson), Rainbow Land Nursery School, Chubby Cheeks Diaper Cakes, If Walls Could Talk Décor.

CONTRIBUTORS The Moveable Feast, Truly Fruitrageous, Cinderella Hats, Tai Flora Luxe, ARD2K, BASE Manor Park, Male Ego, Indigo Boutique, Kre8it Solutions, Norma Webster Salon, Cannonball Café and Sandals Resort International.

Kirk Distributors… ringing home a new baby is a dream come true.

The first year especially is a magical time, filled with that first smile, first giggle, first word and first bubble bath – lots of memorable moments you’ll want to capture. And with so much excitement comes an awful lot to learn and remember too.

That’s why the JOHNSON’S® and DESITIN® brands, two of the most trusted and reliable baby care sources, have teamed up to bring you practical information and helpful tips you’ll need to be ready for some of your baby’s most important firsts, from the first bath to the first haircut and all of the wonderful moments in between.

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BABY’S FIRST BATH

STEP 4: WRAP IT UP When you lift your baby out of the tub, hold from under both the arms, supporting the head and neck, and wrap STEP 1: FILL IT UP Gather all of the essential items you’ll need before you start baby up in a soft, hooded towel to dry off. the bath. Fill your baby tub with a couple inches of warm water, testing the temperature with the inside of your wrist STEP 5: THE FINISHING TOUCH or with a baby bathtub thermometer. The water should be A gentle massage with JOHNSONS’ Baby Lotion will replenish the moisture her skin needs and help her relax between 90°F and 100°F. after the bath. Warming the lotion in your hands first, start at the head and with small, circular motions, slowly work STEP 2: IN WE GO Supporting the head, neck and back, place baby in the your way down your baby’s body, finishing up with the feet and toes. shallow bathwater bottom first.

Rainbow Land Nursery School ainbow Land Nursery School wishes to congratulate and acknowledge with gratitude its past parent, Michelle Gordon of Boy O Boy - Your baby lifestyle boutique for the opportunity to display our school at their successful Baby and Child Lifestyle event. We feel honoured that Rainbow Land was given the opportunity to participate in this delightful event and that our school was her choice for both her children’s first school experiences.

For further information, call(876)905-0276 or visit our website at www.RainbowLandJamaica.com We would be delighted to have you come in, observe our learning sessions and register your bundle of joy at Rainbow Land Nursery School.

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STEP 3: BATHTIME Start with your baby’s face. Use a damp cotton round to clean around each eye. Then, apply JOHNSON’S® Head To Toe to a washcloth and gently clean the rest of the face, hair and body, washing the diaper area last.

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he choices that mothers are faced with can be quite complicated. That’s why the nutrition and feeding experts behind Gerber products have created an innovative approach to help you make healthy and age-appropriate nutrition decisions.

Complementary foods should not be introduced to babies below the age of 6 months. Sustained breastfeeding is recommended after the introduction of complementary foods and Gerber is fully committed to this. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding is best for your baby up to six months, thereafter; it is advised that mothers should follow the START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY Nutrition Guide for the best nurturing.Nestlé Start Healthy is an educational initiative that underlines the importance of balanced nutrition. Every child develops differently and this colour coded guide is designed to assist mothers in understanding their baby’s hunger and fullness cues to learn which healthy food choices are best suited for each stage of the child’s development, as well as the importance of consulting with their health professional before the introduction of complementary food.

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Supported Sitter Hunger cues:Cries or fusses to show hunger, opens mouth and leans toward spoon Fullness cues:Slows down speed of sucking, releases nipple or stops Physical signs:Lies on tummyand pushes up on arms with straight elbows Product choices:Gerber Single Grain Cereal, Gerber 1st Foods purees Sitter Hunger cues:Opens mouth leans toward spoon, shows excitement when foods ispresented Fullness cues:Turns head away from spoon, becomes easily distracted Physical signs: Sits independently, picks up and holds small object in hand Product choices:Gerber Mixed Grain Cereals, 2nd Foods Purees, 100% Fruit Juice Crawler Hunger cues:Reaches for food when hungry,shows excitement when food is presented Fullness cues:Turns head away from spoon, spits out familiar food or pushes it away

SPECIAL ADVERTISING Physical signs: Crawls with stomach off floor, may pull self to stand Product choices: Gerber 3rd Foods Purees, Graduates snacks Toddler Hunger cues:Expresses desire for specific foods with words, sounds or gestures Fullness cues:Shakes head to say “no more’’ Physical signs:Stands alone and begins to walk alone Product choices: Graduates meals, snacks and beverages The Big Baby Shower was an exceptionally wellorganised event.

The East Lawn of Devon House never looked better. A great time

was had by all, especially at the GERBER booth. The Gerber booth was equipped with a beautifully decorated tent, numerous Gerber products on display, play area for the kids, sampling of juices and lots of giveaways, so that patrons just could not resist stopping by.

Most individuals were eager for details on Gerber’s products and which foods were appropriate for their children, which of course was provided by our staff.

THE DAILY OBSERVER Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Gerber has been distributed locally by Chas. E. Ramson Ltd for over 20 years. For further

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details on Gerber products please visit our website at www.chaseramson.com.

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