Mom Potluck Lunch on July 15th. So many moms come into the store hoping to meet other moms. We know, this is like going back to dating. Sometimes you hear us say, “you should meet…” this is your chance. Next time you are in the store sign up to bring a treat and then come and enjoy meeting others This is a lunch for moms of 0-6 month olds. and will give you an opportunity to meet other moms, and have lunch too! We hope to do this more in the future with older age groups, let’s start with those who can’t walk 
Archive for June, 2008
It’s like dating again…
I’m thinking of you Elizabeth
At the ripe old age of 15 (soon to be 16), Elizabeth Beisel from Saunderstown is in Omaha at the 2008 Olympic Swimming Trials. She is a native Rhode Islander who has been swimming since before she can remember. When she was two years old she went running out the back deck of her home and jumped into the deep end of her in-ground pool, and swam to the low end, got out, and repeated. Over the years she has proven just how extraordinary her talents are, but in the meantime as stayed entirely normal to her peers. She attends school five days each week and hangs out with friends. My family and I are thinking of her this week, she swam last night and came in second in the Women’s 400M Individual Medley. Eight more trials to go before we find out if she is off to Beijing. How do I know Elizabeth? I was her babysitter, my they grow up fast. Good luck Elizabeth!
update: She made it! Elizabeth will be in Beijing in August!!! Congratulations.
School is out, Selecta is in
“Selecta began to produce wooden toys for nursery schools over 40 years ago. Names such as Fröbel and Maria Montessori have been our role-models.
From the first idea until their realization, Selecta toys are subjected to many tests. These tests are carried out together with the assistance and advice of experienced teachers, in families, nursery schools and playgroups. The focus during the development of Selecta toys and games is placed on high value playtime. Our products have very high expectations in order to animate the children into playing independently.
There is very much, especially for babies, to learn and discover, First grasping toys promote the development of the senses.”
These amazing toys are made in Germany
They arrived today here at Bellani, someone has already made googly eyes at them!
he did it, he did it
My son is six and a half years old, and yes, he just learned how to do this. From this evening:
applause please
Moms of three or more will either just laugh at me or nod in agreement at this entry. Yesterday, I went out with my three children, by myself. I clearly remember stroller shopping when I was pregnant with our second. I told my husband that the weight of the stroller was unimportant to me, because clearly I would never leave the house with the two children by myself. When I was a new mom I didn’t have the overwhelming desire to leave the house on adventures everyday because all of my needs were met on my block. I have friends that are neighbors and my elderly grandparents lived next door to me. I had socialization and a babysitter for a quick run to the grocery store. Of course, within two weeks I had the baby in the moby and was off gallivanting (that is the word my grandfather always used). This time the thought never crossed my mind to stay home. I go to work, swim lessons, baseball games, meetings, errands daily. I always have help though. I’m very fortunate to have a husband who loves baseball at night (with the bugs!). He never complains when I ask him to make dinner (albeit Macaroni & Cheese) because I’m running late. But sometimes he isn’t around…
Which brings me to yesterday, my husband is out of town, baby sitter is off. I woke up 1 1/2 hours before my normal alarm tone and got moving. I made snacks, packed bags, filled rubbermaid containers full of toys, games, and dvds, got the children ready and set off for the day. We tackled an 8 hour work day at Bellani, went to my son’s last baseball game of the season (totally used my Beco for holding Em during that trip), and then stopped by the neighbors picked up our friend Steve and his two children (the adorable Preston and Luca) and off for ice cream. On our walk home from the ice cream parlor (I love that word) we got caught in the rain, but no one cared. What a fabulous evening. I never want to forget this being my first day with all three children by myself. It reminds me that I can do this, and that maybe, one day, I’ll tackle the grocery store.
take the china out
When I have many things to write I’m often paralyzed with the amount of it. This is me today. So I have to write the simplest of thoughts that keeps striking me. As a new mom (and a mom to two others) I eat out of containers, bowls, Star Wars plates, whatever I can find. I have a beautiful set of square-shaped stone salad plates. I never use them anymore. Last night I put my plain old sandwich on one, as silly as it may sound, the plate made my sandwich taste better. I felt more like me.
I’m yet to purchase a Stroller…
but wow do I have a slew of baby carriers! I’ve been using them since before they were trendy. I used to make voyages out for fabric and cut yards of my favorite designs and strap the little ones on. I upgraded (an incredibly thoughtful gift from a dear old friend) to a NoJo Ring Sling in 2004. I used it everyday when our second child was born. Now I’m a Beco-loving, Moby-carrying, Hotsling-Nursing, Zolowear-abusing Momma.
Week 1: Hotsling 
Week 2: Moby Wrap 
this was the only way to grocery shop, go to the mall (why was I even there!) or run any errands. Baby slept through entire process, no matter what.
Week 3: Beco baby carrier, off to work we go, we go, we go. As we returned to Bellani Maternity we required a carrier that could keep baby upright, as she enjoys being, but sleeping, and adult must remain mobile. Shannon and I can successfully switch who is holding Babe without taking her out of the Beco. I also assembled a Phil & Teds Sport for a customer with her on my back! Yes, asleep, on my back, at just three weeks old. What a great carrier! 
Oh, and let’s not forget Zolowear, because my lovely ring sling gets use nearly everyday while doing the dishes, doing laundry, and helping customers in the store while nursing. I’m sure at some point I will purchase a stroller(!?), but right now I’d rather have the baby closer, happier, and attached.
She smiles!
Can you believe it has been four weeks since the little one’s birth? I certainly can’t! I haven’t even finished thank you cards and she is reminding me that I need to pay attention. She began smiling on June 1st. I’m yet to locate a Baby Book for her, so I have no place to write this down. Thank you blog for fulfilling this need.
