Personalized Mommy and Grandma Shirts

Personalized Mommy or Grandma Necklace

Personalized Daddy, Uncle or Grandpa Shirt

“I was recently informed by my mother that ‘you only get a shower for your first child’.  And while I certainly agree that we are in a much more prepared state then we were two years ago, especially since we’re having another girl, I always viewed showers as a chance to celebrate a new life with family and friends. I have personally hosted baby showers for two different friends for their second children and another shower for a friend for their third child, and have always held to the belief that each child deserves to be celebrated.”

What do you think? Should each child be celebrated?

Once all the “big items” are acquired during the first round of baby showers, it seems reasonable that a baby shower for a second child could be limited to essentials – clothing items, bottles, pacifiers, diapers, etc. Or what about a shower just for mom – an event where she is the recipient of the gifts?

[ Click here to enter our KidDictionary giveaway]

“I wrote this book after I realized that there weren’t words to describe many of the circumstances, notions and actions I was confronted with as a parent,” Ruhalter told Baby Blog Addict. ”Over time I made up words to describe them. I hoped to empower parents with a more useful vocabulary and make them laugh. I was a little surprised, and very pleasantly so, that the book also served to make parents feel a sense of unity, giving them the comfort that so many of the moments (the precious ones and the maddening ones) we share with our children are things we all share in common.”

Here are examples of some of the words in The KidDictionary:

WISHJACK: To maliciously blow out the candles on another child’s birthday cake.

KODICK: The child who refuses to cooperate in the taking of a family photograph

INVISIBOOBOO (in-VIZ-uh-boo-boo) n: – The site on a child’s body where you unnecessarily applied a Band-Aid to appease them when they got hurt, though did not bleed.

THREEMAGEDDON (three-muh-GED-in)-n.: The supposed hellfire and brimstone that would erupt should an annoyed mother reach the third digit while counting aloud to 3 to get a non-compliant child to get his act together. “ONE !….TWOOOOOOO !!!!….. “

Check out his video here to get a closer look at the book. Eric says he is currently working on the second and third volumes of the The KidDictionary.

Here’s what Fleurville says on their website. “Seconds are bags that did not make the cut during our rigorous Quality Control process. They are all functional bags with all of their components that have cosmetic blemishes which could include but are not limited to: fabric flaws, stains on the fabric, wrinkles, cloudy TPU, and lamination issues. All seconds sales are non-refundable, non-returnable.”

Their ONLINE SALE will run from 10:00 am PST on Tuesday, Nov. 18 through 5:00 pm PST Thursday Nov. 20.

Their WAREHOUSE SALE in San Rafael, CA will be open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm PST Nov 18 – 20 (Tues. – Thurs.)

Cooking with a Baby On Your Hip

Francinne Cascio Lawrence does a great job of making the book a fun, easy read that has eight quick recipes mixed in. It has adorable illustration on the cover and throughout making it a fun addition to a baby shower gift or a great “happy” for the new mom who is having a bad day. It’s just $12.95 and you can buy it through Baby On Your Hips’ online shopping cart.

Francinne says that some of her greatest pleasures have come while raising three spirited and diverse young women who grew from being on her hip to hip all on their own.

She is giving all of you a sneak peek at one of the book’s recipes:

Angel Pasta Nirvana

While your little angel is napping, sear a couple of chicken breasts and cut them into cubes. They will keep nicely in the refrigerator until you’re ready to prepare the rest of the dish. If you prefer to go vegetarian, chop up a few of your favorite fresh vegetables in place of the chicken. Some of my favorites for this recipe are zucchini, squash, and carrots.

As dinner time approaches and you have found another break from parent duty, melt the ½ cup butter in a skillet. Add the chicken or veggies and sauté them along with the mushrooms onions and garlic. When your cherub takes wing to for the night, you’ll be just minutes away from experiencing Angel Pasta Nirvana!

Ingredients
10 oz angel hair pasta
¼ c olive oil
½ c butter or margarine
4 large cloves garlic
1 medium onion
½ c sweet red bell pepper
¼ c dried parsley flakes
½ c dry white wine
8 medium mushrooms; sliced, sautéed
½ c Parmesan Cheese
8 ounces of poultry or 2 cups of fresh mixed vegetables depending on your preference.

Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Drain and toss with olive oil.
3. Melt butter in skillet.
4. Add garlic, onion, and mushrooms and sauté until onion is tender. Either fresh vegetables or chicken may be added here to make a rich medley of ingredients.
5. Add sweet pepper, parsley flakes, and white wine.
6. Pour mixture over pasta and toss until blended. Add chicken and cheese.
7. Toss and serve immediately.

Serves 4

Just take a look at their “me tees.” Most of the designs have the graphic printed both right side up and upside down. The concept came about when the creator, Melissa, had a conversation with a two year old. She realized that one of the first questions she asks a tot is, “What’s that on your shirt?” And so, the ‘me tee’ was born. When you ask a child about the graphic on his or her shirt, the child can see the graphic right side up from their perspective, when gazing down.

Modern Me’s newest creation is the “me sleeves.” Melissa says that a very important developmental milestone for baby–noticing his hands and beginning to grasp objects and clasp hands together–happens around three months of age. “Me sleeves” draw baby’s attention to his hands with graphics on the wrist, in eye catching colors.

The majority of Modern Me’s designs are unisex and are perfect for the couple who is waiting for the birth to reveal the sex of their baby. She even says, “if your heart is set on pink elephants or blue owls, simply give me a call or drop me an email, and I would be happy to meet your request.” How’s that for customer service?!

Don’t miss Modern Me’s SALE going on right now where lots of their “me tees” are almost half price. And enter to win your own “me tee” in our giveaway above.

Are baby showers for both parents or just for the new mom?
While most baby showers are traditionally “for women only”, coed showers are definitely becoming more popular. Check with the soon-to-be parents for their preference.

Where, When and What do you do at a baby shower?
Baby showers can be given anywhere from a home to a restaurant. Most are held during the day and last for about two to three hours. Activities are always fun for the attendees, including make-your-own onesie and guess the size of my bump.

Once you have decided on all of the details, when do you send the invites?
Be considerate of your guests and give them several (typically four to six) weeks notice to make arrangements to attend and purchase the perfect gift.

Alas, you can relax, the life of a pregnant friend is not that bad!

A special thanks to Lisa Friedman for contributing to “Baby Etiquette Week” on BabyBlogAddict.com. Lisa is the Co-founder of SomeoneSpoilMe.com, Beverly Hills, CA.

Should you get a gift for the new parents?
You don’t have to, but if they are close friends and you want to, it’s always VERY much appreciated. The gift can be small such as a cute picture frame or comedic parenting book; or more expensive such as a designer diaper bag or a necklace with the baby’s initials. All of these are fabulous baby gifts that the new parents (okay- MOM) will love!

Lisa Friedman
BBA Guest Contributor
SomeoneSpoilMe.com
Beverly Hills, CA

:: BBA footnote: A couple of months ago, we asked you to submit your favorite baby shower gifts. A gift for the new parents was a popular response. Someone said a maternity massage and someone else suggested food or gift cards to take-out places for after the baby arrives. For more Favorite Baby Shower Gifts according to BBA readers, check out Part 1 and Part 2.