BABYOURSELF Magazine - Summer 2013

babyourself SUMMER 2013

sanity for sleepless mommies

Orlando

pampering for preggos

Splash pads! featured



DIY nursery

projects

?

Sunscreen is safe for my baby wh i c h k i n d of

Summer 2013

Dr. Gordon answers your questions

by

Subscribe online at www.babyourself.com

Theme ParkSurvival Guide

Summer

fashion must-haves

FOR THE MOST PRECIOUS ASSET OF YOUR CHILD’S CORD BLOOD

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babyourself summer 2013

CONTENTS

The Summer Issue

16

FEATURED NURSERY Light, airy and full of personal touches

Special Features 11 – Splash Pads – Central Florida’s reader favorites 12 – Theme Park Survival Guide – Bring it or leave it 14 – Fashion – Summer must haves 16 – Featured nursery – DIY projects give a personal touch

18

For the Preggos & Mommies 16 – Food – Sparkling blackberry limeade SUNSCREEN Is it safe for my baby?

20 – Reality Chic – Baby Shower Gift Guide: a new mom’s true wish list

Expert Advice 18 – Ask the Pediatrician – Suncreen: What you need to know for little ones

19 – Move of the Month – Kickball!

Great exercise for you and your kids

11

ON THE COVER With school out, it’s a great time to visit one of Central Florida’s spash pads or theme parks.

Our editors share their tips and tricks for a fun family day out at the parks!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK.COM/BABYOURSELF 4

babyourself.com • Summer 2013

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14

SUMMER FASHION MUST HAVES

REFRESHING SPARKLING BLACKBERRY LIMEADE

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @babyourself

beautifully unordinary

p: 407.739.6688 e: info@elisabethnixonphotography.com w: www.elisabethnixonphotography.com

is ad h t n o i Ment you book when ve a set of ei to rec lbums from mini a session! your

babyourself LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Summer Changes...

Summer vacation. It’s here! As a mom of three schoolaged kids, now that the kids are out of school, my daily routine is about to undergo a few changes.

I’m not a morning person. Period. My mom always said that “one day you won’t be able to sleep in so late!” Well, I’m 38 years old, and that day hasn’t come yet! I love my sleep. So the thought of not having to wake up at the crack of dawn to make school lunches, French braid some gold locks, and assist my middle-school son with his clothing and cool hair style - all because he has discovered the opposite sex actually notices his fashion choices (yes, I’ve reached that stage!) – yes, now that I don’t have to worry about those morning duties, sleeping in will be wonderful.

On the flipside, I am a work-from-home mom. The majority of my tasks can be done in the comfort of a quiet home office. Let me repeat that ... a quiet home office. Now that the kids are home on summer vacation, I find myself waking up earlier just so I can get work accomplished before they crawl out of bed. So much for sleeping in.

One change in my schedule that I’m pretty excited about is the abundant trips to the beach, outdoor activities and pool outings. I’ve started a bucket list of things to do and places to go. But how about you? If splash pads are on your list, check out our list of recommended splash pads on page 11. A popular bucket list destination for many families is a zoo or theme park. No matter if you are visiting one of Orlando’s parks or any of the other Central Florida theme parks on a vacation, be sure to read our theme park survival guide on page 12! You’ll be extra prepared for what to bring and what to leave at home. And as always with outdoor activities, be sure to lather up your little ones with sunscreen. On page 18, Dr. Gordon gives you tips on what kind of sunscreen is best to keep your little ones safe.

I’m super excited to share one final change in my schedule. You see that big announcement below? Yep! Babyourself is expanding our blog presence to the Central Florida moms in a frequent, daily way! Orlando Moms Blog will launch later this summer, so be sure to follow along on Facebook! Along with my right hand gal Elisabeth Myrick and a team of contributors, we are so excited to help make Central Florida a little smaller and to encourage you, the Orlando mom.

babyourself Volume 4, Issue 3 ~

Summer 2013

www.babyourself.com www.facebook.com/babyourself www.twitter.com/babyourself

EDITOR IN CHIEF kristi corley

MANAGING EDITOR elisabeth myrick

CREATIVE DIRECTOR elisabeth nixon

EDITORS jennifer hatcher elisabeth myrick

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS greg gordon, m.d. jennifer hatcher vickie myers elisabeth myrick jackie vega orlando mom’s guide

PHOTOGRAPHY elisabeth nixon photography

WEB AND DESIGN andy corley

Kristi Corley

editor in chief kristi@babyourself.com

You’ve asked... “Does Orlando have a go-to moms blog?”

So we answered!

orlando

. .coming Summer '13!

To advertise in

babyourself

(both magazine and online)

call 321-696-3962 or email advertising@babyourself.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE @ babyourself.com 6

babyourself.com • Summer 2013

YOU CAN FIND babyourself sanity for sleepless mommies

4G

www.babyourself.com/summer-2013

babyourself SUMMER 2013

pampering for preggos

on your tablet or smar tphone

Orl an do

pampering for preggos

Splash pads! featured



DIY nursery

projects

?

Sunscreen is safe for my baby wh i ch ki nd of

Dr. Gordon answers your questions

Summer 2013

babyourself.com/summer -2013

sanity for sleepless mommies

Theme ParkSurvival Guide

Summer

fashion must-haves

by

Subscribe online at www.babyourself.com

Hard copies are distributed in various locations around Central Florida and from advertisers in this issue. Best locations for availability can be found at Whole Foods on Sand Lake Road, YMCA in Winter Park, Amaya Papaya in Casselberry, Gymboree in Winter Park, My Gym Lake Mary, My Gym Orlando and My Gym Maitland! babyourself.com • Summer 2013

7

You focus on the moment.

Having a baby is a cherished journey.

At The Baby Place, our obstetricians, neonatologists and experienced nurses are your partners beside you every step of the way. Should the need arise, our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is here to care for babies who require a helping hand. From labor and pain management decisions to your favorite food and even a special relaxation lounge— our Birth Experience Team will take care of every detail of your birth wishes, so you can enjoy the moment .

We’ll focus on everything else.

Amy Smith Photography

8

babyourself.com • Summer 2013

Amy Smith Photography

The Baby Place at Winter Park Memorial Hospital: Central Florida’s Only Boutique Hospital for Women and Babies Expectant mothers in Winter Park and the surrounding area have an ultra-exclusive choice when deciding where to deliver – The Baby Place at Winter Park Memorial Hospital.

It’s a place where every moment of every day centers around making Mom feel comfortable and pampered as she embarks on life’s greatest milestone.

Tailored Amenities A carefully crafted concierge list ensures Mom’s moment is unforgettable. Many services are complimentary and include: • All concierge-level suites

Online Resources for Mommy Here for You Every Stage of Your Journey

Birth Steps eNewsletter: Birth Steps is a FREE eNewsletter that provides Mommy with useful

• Personal Birth Experience Team (registered nurses)

information for every stage of pregnancy and two years beyond.

• The Baby Place Academy Parent Education Program

Learn how your baby is developing, Mommy’s body after baby,

• Relaxation lounge

resources available through The Baby Place and more! Subscribe

• High-thread-count sheets

today at WinterParkHospital.com on The Baby Place page.

• Gourmet candlelight dinner • Refreshing smoothie of the day

40weekswithme.com: Pregnancy is a 40-week adventure with highs, lows, cravings and crib shopping.

• High-end bath products

And no matter what you need, nothing compares to the real

• iPod docking stations

story told by a real Mommy-to-be. That’s why The Baby Place

• Valet parking

launched a blog – a daily journal of one woman’s exhilarating trek from baby bump to bringing baby home.

For a personalized tour or to learn more about the Baby Place difference, call the Birth Experience Team at (407) 646-7200 or visit BabyPlaceWinterPark.com.

Visit 40WeeksWithMe.com to follow our blogger.

Baby Place App: A new Mom’s app for tracking baby’s sleeping schedules, diaper changes, bottle feeding, pumping and more. Download by visiting BabyPlaceApp.com.

Find us on Facebook at Winter Park Memorial Hospital Baby Place WPMH-13-12405

Did You Know Chiropractic Care Can Help You Have

A More Comfortable Pregnancy?

Chiropractic care helps...

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Establish pelvic balance & alignment

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Increase the room for the developing baby

•

Increase your ability to have a natural birth

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•

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•

Reduce the time you’re in labor & delivery

Rivera Family Chiropractic Center Dr. Ali Rivera 821 Debary Avenue Deltona, Fl 32725 (386)860-5448

804 French Ave Sanford, fl 32771 (407)878-5848

www.RiveraChiro.com

3950 US HWY 17-92 Casselberry, Fl 32707 (407)767-HURT

h s a l are worth the trip? p s S pad

Which area

by Orlando Moms Guide

Splash pads are a great way to beat the heat with little ones, especially the not-yet-swimming set. Many splash pads offer adequate shade, comfortable seating, and nearby parks or picnic areas, making them an ideal choice for summertime play dates.

We recently polled Orlando Mom's Guide readers to learn which area splash pads are worth the trip. Below are seven local options to keep your crew cool as the summer temperatures start to climb.

Capehart Park (No charge.)

715 Capehart Drive, Orlando, 32822 Gated splash pad is adjacent to two new playground areas that feature rubber flooring. Readers noted that Capehart Park is especially clean.

Wharton-Smith Splash Ground at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens (See website for admission costs. Splash pad entry is included in zoo admission.)

3755 NW Hwy 17-92, Sanford, 32771 Large splash pad appropriate for kids of all ages. Ample seating and shade.

ON THE COVER

A special THANKS to Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens for extending your hospitality during this photoshoot! And the parents of Kendall, Leila, Nicholas, Aaron, and Andrew for allowing us to have fun with your kiddos!

Dr. P. Phillips Community Park ($1 per person on weekends and during the summer.)

8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd, Orlando, 32836 Large splash pad with two separate areas depending on how much splishing and splashing your child wants. Nearby playground that's well suited for older children.

Hannibal Square Splash Pad (No charge.)

New England Avenue, Winter Park, 32789 Small splash pad with good morning shade. Well suited for younger children.

Oviedo Aquatic Facility ($4 - $9 per person.)

148 Oviedo Boulevard, Oviedo, 32765 Features a zero-entry playground/splashground in the middle of a very shallow pool. Plenty of shade-covered seating.

Tavares Children's Splash Park ($2 per person.)

201 E. Main Street, Tavares, 32778 Water cannons, slides, and climbing towers. Ample shade.

Completely fenced with expansive playground adjacent.

Winter Garden Splash Park (No charge.)

Downtown Winter Garden on the corner of Plant Street and South Lakeview Avenue Open 7 days a week, but especially popular on Saturday mornings during their Farmers Market when vendors, musicians, and families gather in the town square.

The Orlando Mom's Guide has been a reliable resource since 2008. A Facebook-based tool, the Mom's Guide is written by a local mom of 4, and exists to take some of the guesswork out of raising children by providing unbiased reviews of local businesses, timely information about family-friendly events, and helpful encouragement for hard-working moms like you.

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/orlandomomsguide babyourself.com • Summer 2013

11

babyourself ’s guide to

theme park survival PHOTOS COURTESY ELISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

by Elisabeth Myrick and Elisabeth Nixon

$Savers

Bring your own stroller. Your kiddos will be more comfortable and you’ll always be able to find the right one, plus you save the ridiculous stroller rental fee. (Hint: Add a ribbon or button to easily identify in stroller parking.

Strollers do sometimes get moved while you are in line.), plus you save the rediculous stroller rental fee.

Bring a water bottle and pack your own snacks (maybe even your meals!). Many parks will now allow you to bring in your own food, but double check the guidelines of the specific park you are visitng. The rules are often more strict if animals are involved (think Sea World, Animal Kingdom or Central Florida Zoo).

Ask the professional photographers to use your camera too. Yes, theirs will be SO much better than your iPhone’s but you can choose to purchase the best pictures of the day from them and keep the memories of the others.

Make your own “family” shirts. Search ideas on Pinterest and make them ahead of time.

You won’t lose each other and you won’t be as tempted to purchase pricey theme park shirts.

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babyourself.com • Summer 2013

bring it Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses and maybe even a hat.

Extra clothes. Especially for the newly potty trained or newborns.

Children’s pain reliever. After a full day on the go, little legs and muscles can be sore. Plus you never know when a fever may rear its ugly head. (And a bottle of pain reliever can break the bank at a theme park!)

Healthy drinks and snacks that your little one will eat.

Weather-appropriate clothing. Jackets for chilly nights and quick-drying clothing for water rides and activites.

The ALL-IMPORTANT lovey. Smaller is better and plan to give them a “bath” when you get home to wash off the day’s activities.

leave it Huge camera. Newer cell phones have some awesome cameras.

All the toys and “stuff ” to keep them busy. If the theme park doesn’t do that, what’s the purpose in going?

plan ahead Check for apps! Many parks have apps you can download to help you get the most from your visit.

Plan your day ahead of time. If you know which shows you want to see, check the times the night before. Then you can make a plan for your day to know where you need to be and when. (Rather than figuring this out in a crowd of hundreds of people, looking at a large map.)

Look for “Park Opening” ceremonies.

Several parks in Orlando have a special opening ceremony that many people don’t know about.

PHOTOS COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

Check the weather and pack accordingly.

You don’t need a raincoat if the chance of rain is 20 percent, but remember that sometimes 70° feels cold, especially after the sun goes down and everyone is in summer clothing.

General info Every bag, even the smallest, will be searched when you enter the park. If, for some reason, you can manage to go with no bags, look for the special “no bags” lane to get into the park quicker. If not, having your bag unzipped and open will make this process faster.

Consider bringing two bags: One for your valuables (money, ID, tickets) that is smaller and can be worn all the time, such as a cross-body purse, and a larger one filled with all the incidental items like clothes and snacks to leave on your stroller.

ENJOY your day! Try not to plan out every second (and be flexible with your plan!) and spend the day playing instead of looking through your camera’s viewfinder.

Remember your children’s faces the first time they see Mickey or watch a sea otter flipping through the water and celebrate it WITH them in the moment.

Summer musthaves!

by Sherry Morgan, regional artist for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Clothing by Destination Maternity Shoes by Lindsay Phillips

Did you know?

Winter Park Baby Place has weekly classes at Destination Maternity?

Mondays 5:30-6:30pm Prenatal Yoga Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 6:00-7:00pm Prenatal Yoga Prenatal Yoga. All levels, anytime from conception to due date! ($10/class) Saturdays 11:00am-2:00pm Boot Camp for New Dads (Once a month) FREE More classes coming soon!

Visit their Facebook page for more info!

ect A per f add a way to lor! co pop of

A foot-fitting foam bed, sporty tribal graphics, and a pukashell posie. Sport shoe featuring memory foam material for added comfort. MSRP: $35.95 Comfy as a pair of cut-offs, Devon’s in denim and a jute flower tops off the 3” platform wedge with jute trim. MSRP: $59.95 Ashley SwitchFlop sports a 2” stacked heel for lift, a sassy strap for looks, and a switchable style to keep things lively. heel. MSRP: $49.95

Short Sleeve Tie Front Maternity Dress - $ 24.98, Destination Maternity.

Sleeveless Belted Maternity Maxi Dress - $38.98, Destination Maternity.

Gingham Halter Maternity One Piece Swimsuit - $38.98, Destination Maternity.

Cherries Halter Maternity One Piece Swimsuit - $38.98, Destination Maternity.

Pink Tie Dye Sleeveless Belted Maternity Maxi Dress - $38.98 Destination Maternity.

Look like you ate summer’s berries with

Fresh spf15 lip sheer. $22.50 at Sephora.

Lightweight lotion you spray on.

Don’t leave home without it! Vaseline Spray and Go. $5.99 at Wal-mart.

One of the best hidden secrets to

a quick tan!

Wipe and go. $27 at Ulta.

If your skin needs a reboot try Smashbox’s CC cream. It color corrects and helps dark spots.

Wear alone or wardrobe with a fuller coverage foundation.

Shor t on time? Grab

this two-inone cleansing, exfoliating wash to polish and clean skin. One of my favorite products, I never leave home without it! $24 at Bloomingdales.

One of the best under eye creams on the market. Hydrates with

aloe, leaves eye feeling as if it had a drink of water.

Works amazing under concealer. $49 at Saks.

babyourself.com • Summer 2013

15

Sparkling Blackberry Limeade

babyourself

Peyton

by Elisabeth Myrick

W

By Vickie Myers

Blackberries •Limes •Rosemary •Sugar •Seltzer water Blend the blackberries. You will need to add just a little water (about a ¼ cup) to the berries to be able to separate the seeds. Pour through a sieve to remove all the seeds.

Pour blackberry juice into a jar. Add a sprig of rosemary put lid on and place in refrigerator. Let the rosemary infuse its flavor overnight. The longer you leave rosemary in the juice the stronger the flavor. You can leave in fridge for up to 3 days. Squeeze limes, for every cup of juice add 2 cups of sugar. This mixture will be very syrupy.

For every 12 oz glass, add 3 tablespoons of blackberry juice, and a ½ cup lime juice mixture. Fill the rest of glass with seltzer water. You can play with the amounts of the ingredients to make it just how you like it (I tend to like it a bit tart.)

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babyourself.com • Summer 2013

hen Merrick begain to design her daughter’s nursery she knew she wanted to keep it as light, airy and full of personal touches as possible.

Drawing inspiration from magazines and Pinterest, as well as her own background in interior design, Merrick used everyday items to put together a one-of-a-kind space for Peyton. Her advice? Look for great finds at yard sales and on Craigslist and creatively update them to suit your style. Peyton’s sweet nursery is chock full of inexpensive DIY elements that anyone can duplicate. However, if DIY isn’t your thing (or time isn’t on your side!), Merrick is available for design consultations and you can contact her at merrickdesigns@ gmail.com or visit her website at www.merrickdesigns. com. Also, look for a tutorial from Merrick on Orlando Moms Blog soon!

FEATURED NURSERY

Side table made by Merrick’s father out of a vintage bookshelf and wooden ABC blocks found at a yard sale.

Same blocks also used in a shadow box on Peyton’s bookshelf.

{ DIY } Merrick’s

Framed “P” is made from scrapbook paper and a refinished garage sale frame.

PHOTOS COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

Projects

Butterfly mobile created by Merrick from scrapbook paper and fishing line.

Merrick repurposed a painted frame with scrap fabric and ribbons to make Peyton’s hairbow holder.

These sweet fabric blocks (with noise-makers inside!) and happy bird were made by Merrick with scrap fabric that she used elsewhere in the nursery.

Peyton’s toy box was customized by adding crown moulding and chalkfboard paint. She also made the top into a padded seat. babyourself.com • Summer 2013

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Sunscreen:

What you need to know for little ones

In 2011, the FDA updated its laws regulating sunscreen products. These rules are largely in effect now, but small companies have until December 2013 to be fully compliant. Basically, these changes require uniform testing standards and more accurate labeling.

The updated sunscreen requirements: Dr. Gregory Gordon grew up in Gainesville, Florida. He attended the University of Florida for both his undergraduate and medical degrees.

After he completed his pediatric residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he joined Pediatric Associates of Orlando. Dr. Gordon is the proud father of eight children. He is the Vice President of “The Gift of Swimming” (a local charity that provides swim lessons to Orlando’s needy children). In early 2010, encouraged by his patients, he started gregorygordonmd.com to share his pediatric and parenting experience.

• Limit the maximum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to “50+”.

• Restrict the use of the term “broad spectrum” to only those products that protect against both ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) and ultraviolet B radiation (UVB).

• Limit claims for “reduce risk of cancer and early skin aging” to only products of SPF 15 or higher.

• Prohibit the use of claims not scientifically supported including “sunblock,” “waterproof,” “sweatproof,” “instant protection” or protects longer than two hours without reapplication.

• Restrict water resistance claims to either 40 or 80 minutes.

Is sunscreen safe for babies?

Sunscreen remains approved for use on children 6 months and up. I would rather my infants had sunscreen than a sunburn. On this issue, I agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) which states on their website: “The two main recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn are to avoid sun exposure, and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts,

and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands.”

While there are no medical studies detailing the horrors of sunscreen use in babies there are theoretic concerns, there are two main concerns with sunscreen use on babies: 1. Chemical absorption: Young skin may absorb increased amount of sunscreen.

2. Heat regulation impairment: Coating children in sunscreen may impair their ability to dissipate heat.

If you are taking a young one to the beach or soccer field, I would recommend sunscreen. When in the sun, children under 6 months should wear breathable clothing like a surf shirt. These non-sunscreened areas should allow for sweating and therefore heat loss. The exposed areas should be covered with sunscreen. At this age, I recommend a zinc oxide based sunscreen.

Zinc oxide is the white stuff lifeguards use on their noses. It is also the major ingredient in many tested baby products like Desitin and Balmex. Zinc oxide is available in a variety of colors, or clear.

What types of sunscreen do you recommend?

I do not recommend a specific brand of sunscreen.

Look for sunscreen products that are SPF 50+ and “broad spectrum”. For our children, we use “sunscreen sticks” for their faces. These are thick, non-irritating, easy to apply and do not run into their eyes. On their bodies, we use either a “continuous spray” or lotion as they cover large areas quickly. Our children often wear surf shirts to the beach. With this type of clothing there is no need for sunscreen in the covered areas, and they (unlike sunscreens) are truly “water proof ”.

Always remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours when in the sun.

Source: The AAP website, www. healthychildren.org/English/news/ Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips-Sunand-Water-Safety.aspx, and the FDA website, http://www.fda.gov/ forconsumers/consumerupdates/ ucm258416.htm

PHOTO COURTESY EL ISABE TH NIXON PHOTOGR APHY

What are the new sunscreen laws?

babyourself MOVE OF THE MONTH

BABY GUARD™

“We Never Let Our Guard Down” ™

Kickin’ it in Summer!

by Jackie Vega

Summer is a great time to add more fitness into your already busy life.

(Really, it is!) With the kids out of school, your rigid schedule can relax and you can take part in all of their fun, too. Whether you are at the beach, by the pool, at the playground or even in your backyard, there are many opportunities to enjoy the summer with your children while keeping a fit and fabulous physique at the forefront.

     

All Poles Reinforced See Through Mesh Colors Available Removable in Minutes Lifetime Warranty 4ft. & 5ft. Heights

Look for us on Angie’s List!

One of my personal favorite games growing up was kickball. Not only is it a great cardio workout (that’s for you moms!), but you will also be able to teach your children some easy rules of the game, coordination through kicking the ball and just how much fun physical activity can be. So grab your kiddos, some friends and enjoy the sunshine while keeping fit!

Trainer Tips: • • • • •

Drink plenty of water.

Take time to stretch afterward.

Add abdominal exercises after the game for a more complete work out. (Your kiddos can do these too!)

Enjoy a healthy post-game snack, such as a homemade PB&J ice pop.

And of course, don’t forget the sunscreen!

Jackie Vega is a registered dietitian and ACE certified personal trainer at Your Personal Wellness. She is married with two children, ages five and seven, and her busy family and entrepreneurial life has drawn her specialties towards pre/postnatal, children and families, and mentoring mommy's and mommies-to-be toward fit pregnancies and achieving that pre-baby physique! You can follow her advice on Twitter (FitFab2bRD) and read her blog at www.fitandfabulousmommas.blogspot.com.

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babyourself.com • Summer 2013

(407) 522-8555 (888) 448-2229

REALITY

a real mom with real kids & a really noisy home

2013 Reality Chic Baby Shower Gift Guide I love baby showers. All the women in cute dresses, the adorable decorations, the yummy food, the glowing pregnant momma, the door prizes, even the games – I love it all! It’s like a giant estrogen festival! And the girly-girl in me eats it up.

After nearly 15 years of motherhood, there is a little something I have to say about baby showers, though. A little something I need to get off my chest.

It’s about the gifts. Maybe it’s time we rethink some of the more common baby shower gifts.

Cute shoes. Baby shoes are adorable. But

really, this is completely impractical. You’re buying shoes for feet that don’t walk. You’re buying shoes that babies will rip off as soon as they can get their little fingers and thumbs to work together. Because, let’s face it, babies really just want to suck on their toes. And your designer shoes, no matter how soft and comfy, are preventing the toes from getting in the mouth.

Scrapbook/Memory Book. This is the gift that keeps on giving. Guilt, that is. The little momma finally gets her new baby to fall asleep and begins the fifth attempt to transfer him from her arms to the crib in super slow motion. She holds her breath, hoping he won’t startle himself awake again. And then her bloodshot eyes notice the empty memory book on the dresser. Now, New Momma has a choice to make – should she use nap-time to journal about how Baby Genius rolled over for the first time that morning? Or should she collapse onto the couch for a nap amidst the unfolded laundry?

Things To Put The Kid In. Play pen.

Play yard. Door-frame jumper. Exersaucer.

Walker. Stationary jumper. Cradle swing.

Regular baby swing. Bouncer seat. Bumbo seat. Vibrating mini-papasan chair. These things can be helpful. But they take up a LOT of room and make it look like Sir Fisher Price spearheaded the interior decorating. Then the sweet baby becomes addicted to the vibrating, lullaby-playing papasan chair and cannot fall asleep without it. So when the family travels 20

babyourself.com • Summer 2013

hc ic

By Jennifer Hatcher

to Grandma’s for the weekend, they have to rent a U-Haul trailer to tow all the baby gear!

eliminating the need for an exersaucer!

Just say no to these common baby shower gifts. I’ll tell you exactly what new moms really need! I present to you the 2013 Reality Chic Baby Shower Gift Guide.

Can I get an amen?

A Personal Laundry Volunteer.

First, New Momma needs someone to come wash and fold all the teensy-weensy new baby clothes in special baby detergent. Then, New Momma needs someone to stop by for the first few weeks to do all the laundry for her – including folding it and putting it away. (Yes, putting it away. Some people do that! When my kids read this, I’ll have to explain to them that some people prefer to fold and put away laundry rather than dig through wrinkled, clean clothes in the hamper. Some people are just weird that way.)

Meals in DISPOSABLE Containers.

Seriously, it should be against the law to give new moms food in containers they have to wash and return. If you do this, STOP IT! Moms need meals in disposable containers.

And if this is not a first child, moms need meals their other children will actually eat.

So no casseroles with lots of different kinds of food touching. Think macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, spaghetti with the sauce and noodles separate. After one of my sons was born, a busy friend ordered pizza for us. That was a good call.

Sleep. Every new mom dreams of a magical fairy godmother coming to hold and rock her baby while she takes a nap. You can be this fairy godmother.

Earplugs. So New Momma won’t hear her

baby crying when you don’t smell like her and hold him exactly like she does.

A Cleaning Service. For six months or a year. Because 18 years of a cleaning service might be too expensive for a baby shower gift.

But really, I would MUCH rather have gotten a cleaning service than an exersaucer! Besides, if the floor had been clean, I could have put the baby right on the floor to play – thus

A Ginormous Box of Magic Erasers.

LOTS of Boxes of Bandaids.

Preferably in bright colors or with PBS or Disney characters on them. Even if the child isn’t accident-prone, at some point she will become obsessed with bandaids. And she will attempt to set a world record in how many bandaids she can stick on her body at one time.

A Plunger. For real. New moms cannot possibly understand that once the children start being independent in the bathroom, the plunger will be in near-daily use. I should start a business making plungers in cute colors and patterns to match a variety of bathroom décor. Seriously, don’t steal this idea. This may be the key to my children’s college funds – stylish Gift Plungers.

So the next time you go to a baby shower, I challenge you to purchase a practical gift from my everso-helpful Baby Shower Gift Guide.

New moms everywhere will thank you.

babyourself.com • Summer 2013

21

Wild Summer

b Camp adventureS

NEW PARENT NIGHT

Hurry ...

Classes fill quickly!

Every 1st and 3rd Monday 5:30 PM

Meet us & check us out!

Register to attend on our website or call to register

210 Lookout Place, Maitland FL 32751 p. 407-215-0400 f. 407-215-0402

www.mysunshinepediatrics.com • Board Certified Pediatrician • Board Certified Lactation Consultant in Office

Ja h i

SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS:

Dr. Richard Rodriguez

• Newborn to Adolescent Care • Lab in House • Sports Physicals • Vaccines • Flu Shots

Half & Full Day Camps (Ages 6 to 12) Cub Club Classes (Ages 2 to 5) To register call 407.323.4450 x 123, email education@centralfloridazoo.org, or go online at www.centralfloridazoo.org 3755 NW HWY 17-92 (I-4 Exit 104), Sanford

“The doctor kids love and parents trust.”

{ thank you, central florida }

we’ve almost reached our goal!

Your generosity helped open the new Morgan & Morgan, P.A. Hunger Relief Center – vastly expanding our ability to feed more needy kids, seniors and families. But while construction is complete, we’re still 14% away from meeting our capital campaign goal.

GOAL

15M

$

RAISED

12.9M

$

NEEDED

2.1M

$

We still need your help.

Your gift will help secure Second Harvest’s future and build a sustainable solution to hunger in our community … so we can feed hope for generations to come.

To donate or learn more, call 407.295.1066, ext. 1021 or visit www.ShowMercyNow.org to view campaign donors and dedication opportunities.

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babyourself.com • Summer 2013

KIDS ARE AMAZING. no one’s better at keeping them that way.

From stitches to brain surgery, moms prefer us 4 to 1. arnoldpalmerhospital.com

Healthier Kids, Stronger Families.