Sophie is a big hit

Can I just share that Emilia loves her new Sophie the Giraffe. My mom wasn’t so sure about my gift idea, but I think she is now a believer. Emilia chews on her, squeaks the giraffe, and flaps her arm an smiles whenever I bring it near.

Soft, light and easy to grasp, Sophie La Giraffe is perfect for little hands and makes a happy sound when squeezed. Babies especially love her bumpy head to sooth their teething gums.

In today’s fast paced world it is unusual to see a high production toy still made by hand. Proudly handmade in the French Alps with the finest rubber (phthalate-free) and food quality paints. She is hardly new, Sophie was born in 1961, and is certainly a Bellani baby favorite.

A “scentsational” article

We’ve all given the adorable Lavender Lab from Cloud B (here at Bellani) a whiff at some point! The relaxing aroma of lavender claims to be able to help everyone, baby to adult, fall asleep. But does it really work? Today during my daily Yahoo visit (I am addicted to the featured articles that show up on the homepage) I noticed an interesting article all about how certain scents can help us fall asleep, relax, even perk us up! They even have examples of numerous studies defending their findings! It’s pretty interesting! I know I am definitely going to give some of their suggestions a try! Here is the link!

Life Can Be Messy

Caught your interest – didn’t I? We all know this statement is true – especially having children. Nothing ever stays in the same place. The floor you just cleaned is sticky with juice. The books you just stacked have fallen on the ground. The laundry basket you just emptied is part way full again. It just goes on and on. But you know what? The messes are really a great thing! It is so important as parents that we remind ourselves of that. While our children are “rearranging” there are a lot of good things happening. I do believe it is more us than them. If our home is in order or clean – then some how our lives feel in order. If you need some help in letting go and letting the messes happen – (well the messes will happen anyway but that your blood pressure will remain in a healthy state) you should try reading a few of these books:
MomfiDence by Paula Spencer
Favorite quote from that book: “Momfidence is using perfect only To describe such wonders as a ripe peach, a cloudless day at the beach, a husband who does diapers and dinner and has no application whatsoever in describing motherhood”
The MomsTown Guide to Getting It All by Mary Goulet & Heather Reider – they were on Oprah!

AND MY FAVORITE…I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids by Trisha Ashworth & Amy Nobile
Honestly, you must read this. It will make you laugh and remind you that perfection and tidiness is not what mothering is!
So I know they are not technically my kids and this is not technically my home BUT it is my mess…we made one in Busy Bees today – water everywhere. The kids looked like they just took baths. The Moms were awesome at letting it be and enjoying the moment. There were smiles galore…now that I think about it…the Moms were really happy too…they got to leave a pretty big mess behind!

My stroller love triangle…

So this morning when I walked into Bellani I was acquainted with Bob…(the Bob stroller not an actual man named Bob) and I fell in love!!! I loved the way it moves, I love the shock absorption, I love the sporty style…I just plain love. By about 3pm The Bugaboo stroller came into my life and then I fell in love with the bugaboo (I like to call the bugaboo the Mercedes of strollers). The bugaboo is super versatile, can turn into a bassinet and can have your little one facing toward you or facing forward (traditional stroller style) and once again this one has unbelievable range of motion. So as I stood torn between which one I liked better (and can you believe we still have MORE strollers coming!!) Shannon reassured me that I don’t have to play favorites because the choice really depends on lifestyle. Whether you love to jog with your little one, or if shopping is your cardio,or whatever lifestyle you may lead chances are one of these strollers is going to fit your lifestyle perfectly! So I can relax because now I don’t have to pick a favorite all I have to do is show all of you what each one has to offer and you can pick your favorite!!

~*Maryann*~

This just in…we’re a Lilaguide.com 2008 “lilapick”

Lilaguide.com parents have chosen Bellani Maternity as a 2008 “lilapick” – one of the best businesses or products in the baby industry

So what are people saying about Bellani:
Bellani is great- the staff are friendly and helpful and will answer any questions. We took a great “intro to baby” class and are currently in the Itsy-Bitsy Yoga- both great!

I was pregnant with my second child when I discovered Bellani Maternity. It has been wonderful having them here in RI! They have a wealth of information for expecting mothers and moms in general. Being a member they include a vast amount of member benefits! I have taken my breastfeeding class there, which I learned an amazing amount even after already having one child. I take prenatal yoga there which has been unbelievably beneficial during this pregnancy and I’ve been able to demo products that are durable and “worth while” as a parent. They are also a great support group, having lactation consultants, will answer any questions you bring to the forefront, having mom/child support groups, a library for members, scale for weighing newborns (invaluable, especially breastfeeding)and many classes for mothers and children of all different ages. I don’t know how I survived without them! Thank you Kelly and Shanon and all the staff at Bellani!

R.I. was long overdue for a business that is dedicated to providing education and support for couples who are pregnant and for new parents. There are many fabulous classes that allow you to connect with others in your community. The retail aspect is very unique as well with many products you just don’t see anywhere else.

Read these and more reviews at lilaguide. While your there join our group at lilaguide/Bellanimaternity.

Lilaguide is a pretty new concept to our little state. Not that many RI moms know what the lilaguide is when you ask them. But now you’ll be able to find out what the “big” cities are doing. We may be small, but we have some good stuff in this state. By the way, while your there feel free to write your own review.