Warm Up Through Play This Winter Season at the Latest Addition to Philly's Hottest Tot Spots

Posted Wednesday, November 28, 2007 10:47 PM

Giggle at Kix and Giggles

Welcome to the next phase in toddler entertainment:  clean, educational, recreational, safe and stimulating fun in a brightly lit and inviting space – the type of space that’s NOT reminiscent of a play-pen-sized ‘token crawler area.’  Nestled within a 2,000 square foot indoor facility, The Toddler Play Area at Kix and Giggles is roomy and offers age-appropriate toys, books and games for 0 – 3s.  The large, indoor playground offers netting to climb, spiraled slides to explore, and padded steps to master.  A Dad of a two and a half year old commented, “I never knew that my toddler had the upper body strength to climb across netted bridges until we came to Kix and Giggles – and we’re so glad that we did.”

What about my 9-month-old?

The Toddler Play Area stocks colorful board books, comfy and eye-catching play mats for new wobblers, baby dolls, a plush rocking horse and even a rocking elephant for younger toddlers to enjoy.  Musical instruments that light up and sound upon contact can be played by Moms and tots and their colored lights combined with noises encourage learning through active play.  Walkers are available in the Toddler Play Area but just through the Toddler Play Area is a long hallway.  Protected by a sea of cushioned floor mats, this hallway makes a perfect practice spot for a new walker on the go. 

What about my 2-year-old?

Even young toddlers as well as 2 and 3-year-olds and up will enjoy the plastic, child-sized store-front with working doorbell, peep hole and mail slot.  Through the windows, Moms and tots can play peek-a-boo and Moms can even use the animal puppets to put on a personalized puppet show through the windows.  Toddlers will love the full doctor’s set that includes everything your little doc needs – even a pager!  For older toddlers, the Play Area offers a nice selection of classic titles in its library including 101 Dalmatians.    

What about balancing newborn care with toddler play?

Kix and Giggles offers an ideal space in its toddler play area for balancing the differing needs of infants, toddlers and young pre-schoolers.  Young children of all ages will enjoy the fun underwater-themed walls that include bubbles, ocean, a sail boat and a collection of sea animals such as a friendly octopus, puffer fish and dolphin bouncing above the ocean waves.  The area is enclosed to ensure the safety of younger tots and offers a semi-private space with comfortable seating for breastfeeding while enjoying and engaging older toddlers in play.

What’s available outside of the Toddler Play Area for children ages 3 and under?

Kix and Giggles offers an amazing atmosphere for this age group.  Weekdays are usually quiet – a nice opportunity for Moms’ groups to enjoy a clean and spacious atmosphere.  Tots will definitely tire out at the indoor playground and Moms will have a blast sliding through spirals onto pillow-like floor covering.  Windows built into the crawling tunnels provide additional reassurance for Moms as their children are never out of site.  For a little cool down time and for all mini Picassos-in-training, an Activity table offers an array of colored construction paper, coloring books, colored pencils and crayons.  Now, for something new – the facility encourages toddlers to proudly display their finished creations on the front door!

What’s available at Kix and Giggles for older children?

Kix and Giggles is a perfect playland for children of all ages while the separation of play areas by age group nurtures harmonious and safe play between mixed ages.  Older siblings of tots and infants will thrive physically as they enjoy the indoor textured rock wall or, when weather permits, head outside for some moon bounce madness—they have their pick of two giant sized castles in an outside play area that spans 2,000 square feet.  An outdoor complement to the moon bounces is a traditional jungle gym that also helps kids work off their after-school energy.  On colder days, the indoor play structure with its mini quick slides and spiral slides is an ideal spot for both older children and new climbers. The parental viewing area, spacious indoor play structure and general openness of the facility guarantees that toddlers and older children can co-play safely and comfortably. 

What about lunchtime?

Across the room from the play structure is a row of picnic tables – and there are plenty!  Highchairs are also in abundance. The atmosphere is welcoming for Moms’ groups and large families to come for the day, enjoy lunch, and relax as they watch the children play in a completely open area.  A gourmet snack bar is also offered at the Front Desk and includes both traditional snacks and fresh fruit kabobs and tropical smoothies—so forgetting to pack that extra juice box is no longer a concern.

An all-day kind of place for play dates, Moms groups and plain old ‘Mommy and me time’

This is definitely the type of place that you can spend an afternoon. It doesn’t seem to get overly crowded yet still has a nice turnout for younger pre-schoolers and toddlers to meet and play alongside others and offers a variety of activities perfect for this age group.  The activities can be split up nicely: arts and crafts, music, imaginative play and more active play in the play structure broken up by a relaxing lunch.

Got wipes?

If you’re a typical Mom like me, you may remember everything in that diaper bag except that you used the last wipe.  Sanitizer stations offered throughout the facility can be an easy and better alternative – ideal for toddlers that play, grab a finger food and run back to play.  

Visiting Kix and Giggles this holiday season:

Kix and Giggles is conveniently located at 9356 Old Bustleton Pike in Northeast Philly.  An easy drive from most suburbs of Center City – including Camden and Gloucester counties in South Jersey.  Their regular hours are: Tuesday from 10 – 5, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 – 6, Friday and Saturday from 10 – 7 and Sunday from 10 – 6.  To learn more about this new hot tot spot, please visit http://www.kixandgiggles.com.  And don’t miss out – Santa will be at Kix and Giggles every Saturday from 12 – 4 during the month of December.  For more information, please call 215.677.4140.

Share your thoughts:

Have you visited Kix and Giggles and want to let every Philly Mama know about the latest hot tot spot in the area?  Visit their listing on LilaGuide.com and write a review to help others learn about the best play spaces in Philly, as rated by Moms. 

Pregant and New Mommy Must-Have This Season and Beyond

Posted Wednesday, November 28, 2007 2:09 PM

Finally, Real Answers by a Real Main Line Mom to The Burning FAQs of the Second and Third Trimester—What and When Do I Pack??

On sites like Yahoo!® Answers and WikiAnswers™ questions about when and what to pack in that labor and delivery hospital bag are being posted.  The answers given on these sites seem to vary with the “when” suggested anywhere from 5-6 months in advance (yikes) to a few weeks prior to your EDD.  If you’re a Mom like me, the hospital bag was packed haphazardly after that first regular and unbearable contraction.  Thrown into my converted duffle was a bathrobe, some massage oil and Motherlove Herbal Nipple Cream as well as the 0-3 month onesie we picked out sometime after that 17-week ultrasound that indicated DD was on her way.  Luckily, we didn’t live too far from the hospital and DH was able to head home at night to pick up everything I forgot—including a toothbrush.

If you’re like me and many of my fellow Mamas posting to boards and forums in an attempt to seek an answer to when and what to pack in that seemingly nebulous bag, a new product conceived of and developed by a fellow Main Line Mom offers some help—in the form of a pre-packed Mommy Healing Hospital Bag.  It won’t include all the necessities but instead, it offers a variety of items designed to help new Moms pamper ourselves as we receive their guests and enjoy our new baby.  The Healing Hospital Bag arrives filled to the brim with everything extra that we, as Moms, absolutely need to nurture ourselves and enhance our encounters with visitors:  Altoids, hair bands, a phone list ordered by priority level, lip balm, and more. 

Moms will also receive a special Mothers Minder® Reminder Bracelet which helps breastfeeding Moms remember when they last nursed and is divided into quarter hours.  The sterling silver bracelet can become an easy and beautiful activity log that helps keep track of feedings, medication doses, naptimes and more and, as baby matures, becomes an important keepsake along with the baby book and journals. 

The Mommy Healing Hospital Bag also provides THE essential document for Moms—a checklist of “What to Bring to the Hospital.” So, as a completely last-minute kind of girl myself, it still helps me to organize: Order this bag a few weeks before packing essentials and use the checklist as your guide. 

Out of the Hospital and Still Constantly Packing

But these totes aren’t just for TOTElly Prepared new and expectant Mamas.  Stef Rosinsky, a mother of a three-year-old and a one-year-old and TOTElly Prepared’s founder, knows what it’s like to be a busy Mom to both an infant and active tot on the go.  For Moms of infants and toddlers, the TOTElly Prepared Filled Totes to Go can be true lifesavers. 

Each TOTElly Prepared Filled Tote is crafted with a sturdy denim material and can be personalized with a child’s name.  The Baby Basics tote, my personal favorite, includes:  a cold pack pouch; a medical kit safely wrapped in plastic with nail clippers, teether, nasal aspirator and more; towel/washcloth/organic soap combo; and a soft cable-knit baby blanket by Elegant Baby offered in a variety of soothing colors.  Other totes include an Activity Tote with crafts and games, Little Diner—perfect for family-friendly restaurant outings, and Little Squirt, which offers fully organic bath products for today’s baby. 

Learn More About These Amazing New Essential Packs

These bags are a new and easy solution for the TOTElly and totally unprepared busy mother of today—they focus on the details, we focus on ourselves and baby.  For more information about how to order one of these awesome new bags and learn more about other products, please visit TOTElly prepared online at  http://www.totellyprepared.com, call 610-653-7492 or e-mail info@totellyprepared.com. 

Moms Helping Moms to Become TOTElly Prepared: Share Your Thoughts

Have you purchased a Hospital Healing Bag or TOTElly Prepared Filled Tote from TOTElly Prepared and want to provide compelling testimonials and rave about quality, service, product and more, please provide your feedback at LilaGuide.com and help other Moms learn how to become TOTElly Prepared in an often totally unprepared world of pregnancy and new parenthood.

 

 

 

 

Tuckering Out Our Tots Around Philly. Part I: South Jersey

Posted Friday, November 16, 2007 11:40 PM

Recently, I picked up where I left off several months ago and resumed my personal odyssey to find the best spots to take a two and a half year old with a short attention span and even shorter afternoon nap length.  I decided to start in South Jersey and work my way out to Center City/South Philly, the Main Line, Lower Bucks and eventually across that Commodore Barry and down to Chester County. 

My 2 and a half year old gave up her afternoon nap around at...oh, I'd say close to eighteen months!  I decided that, although it seems like hours, play dough activities can only last about fifteen minutes before I start to itch for another--any other activity--to pass the time before lunch and nap.  I needed to find more "outside of the home" activities that I would both enjoy and comfortably recommend to other Moms of toddlers.

The Camden Adventure Aquarium.  A fast and easy ride for South Jersey Moms and literally a 5 - 10 minute ride for some Center City Moms, the Aquarium will lull Mom with its colorful fish and somber lighting.  Tots will enjoy some hands on water activities, watching the penguins eat and dance and the hippos play and viewing the seals underwater.  And don't forget that during weekdays in November, NBC10 hosts Family Hours at Adventure Aquarium--two children under twelve can receive free admission with a paying adult (a savings of $14.95 per child!).  Insider tip: If possible, leave strollers in your trunk.  You may have trouble through some narrow hallways and doorways and the steps are faster than the elevators, clean and fun.  Keep the stroller nearby and in the car--you may want to stroll the beautiful Camden Waterfront after your visit.

If You Go:  The Camden Adventure Aquarium is open daily from 9:30 a – 5:00 p. The Aquarium is located, as stated on their Website, at 1 Aquarium Drive on the Waterfront and is easily accessible from I-95, I-295, I-76(Schuylkill Expressway), The New Jersey Turnpike and NJ Route 30.

Write a Review of the Camden Adventure Aquarium.

Little Sport.  Another easy ride in for Center City and Main Line Moms, Little Sport is innovative in its look and approach.  An inviting and open space for tots to explore their world through sports, Little Sport's mission is "life-long education through sports."  Have you ever seen bowling, volley ball, tee-ball and basketball all in one place and completely safe for both a 6 year old and a 2 year old with age-appropriate equipment and contained play areas?  Traditional ball sports not your tot's thing yet?  A large play area offers space for building tunnels, forts and mazes out of soft gymnastic cushions and mats.  The front of the play area is an open space for bouncy horses, tire swings and more.  A perfect place for mixed age siblings, there's even a separate crawler area.  Insider tip:  Mr. Joe works from 10 a - 2 p.  A retired father of daughters and soon to be grandfather of twins, he is a gem with the energy of a six year old and offers supportive coaching and friendly encouragement.  What's more, he seems to remember every kid's name, even if they've only visited once before!

If You Go:  Little Sport is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm and on Sundays from 1:00 p – 5:00 p.  Little Sport is located at 121 East Kings Highways in Maple Shade, NJ. 

Write a Review of Little Sport.
 

Color Me Mine.  There may be a ton of them around the Philly area but if you've always seen that intriguing logo at the Ritz Center Studio location and wondered if it's toddler friendly--it is!  Paint brushes come in the right sizes for little hands and festive holiday stamps are fun for little hands to press onto the paper table covers.  Sponges dipped in paint are a favorite of ours and the best part is that the paint washes off almost immediately, with just water, on both clothes and hands/arms/face/legs.  The staff is friendly and will generally assist on or complete fine detail work such as eyes and mouth on a small animal.  Your child's project is dated and his or her name is painted underneath the sculpture.  On Saturday mornings at 10 a, Color Me Mine conducts Paint Me a Story.  For 15 bucks a session (and no ongoing registration fee), you get a story, songs, a seasonal and, many times, holiday-inspired piece to paint, assistance from a fun and energetic facilitator and a snack.  Insider tip:  Try to go on a day that's relatively calm for your tot.  If they're in the mood for a craft, it's a wonderful bonding activity and memorable atmosphere.   Also, there are a ton of choices of cute and fun sculptures from which to choose to paint.  If your tot gets overwhelmed easily like mine, perhaps both decide on a theme like sports or animals and then offer two or three choices from that category.

If You Go: Color Me Mine in Voorhees is located at the Ritz Center Studio at 910 Haddonfield-Berlin Road in Voorhees.  Studio hours are as follows: 11:00 a – 9:00 p on Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a – 10:00 p on Fridays and 11:00 a – 7:00 p on Saturdays and Sundays.

Write a Review of Color Me Mine. 

Cohanzick Zoo.  Some of you may have already guessed from previous entries that I love to find the best deals in the area but for a free zoo, this place also goes on my list as an awesome place to bring a toddler to tucker them out before nap. Don't get me wrong, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the Philadelphia Zoo but I'm focused on activities that I can reasonably do with a temperamental toddler sans the help of a husband to carry additional bags, pass off a whiny tot to and navigate a large and unwieldy map.  Cohanzick Zoo passes the test!  Right here in Bridgeton, a short drive down 55 for those coming from Burlington, Camden and Gloucester, this zoo offers a microcosm of the large-scale zoo experience packaged more simply to be absorbed by a toddler and maneuvered through by a tired Mommy.  Insider tip: A map of the zoo can be downloaded from their Website and the beauty of the selection of animals yet smaller size lends itself towards a fun and educational discussion of animal types and sounds.  Tots may see white tigers and lemurs for the first time right here.

If You Go: The Cohanzick Zoo is located at 181 East Commerce Street in downtown historic Bridgetown.  During this brisk Autumn and throughout winter, daily hours are from 9:00 a – 4:00 p.

Write a Review of The Conhanzick Zoo. 

Get Up and Wiggle.  Once a month at the Camden County Library in Voorhees, an evening program offers children the chance to truly "shake those sillies out" in their pajamas before bed.  Dressed in pajamas and often toting their favorite blankie or stuffed animals, children enjoy games that teach them to follow instructions such as marching in a circle or following hand movements.  The program is appropriate for ages 2 - 6 and all children are encouraged to use their creativity and do not feel compelled to follow every movement within a story or song.   Another great activity for Moms with mixed-age siblings, all stories, songs and finger plays engage multiple age groups.  Often props such as musical instruments and a parachute are infused as fun transitions within the program.  Insider tips:  Advance registration/Library card possession is not required to attend this fun, evening activity but check with the Camden County Branch at 856-772-1636 to confirm that this flexible program did not change its requirements.  The librarian is very involved in the dancing and singing and will often re-read a story at the children's request. 

If You Go:  The next Get Up and Wiggle program will be on December 6^th at 6:30 p.  The program will be held at the Camden County Library System’s M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch Library at 203 Laurel Road in Voorhees. 

Do you have another suggestion of a great South Jersey event or program to tucker out an active toddler before naptime or bedtime? 
LilaGuide.com/philly is always looking to increase its vast and evolving listings of the best of the best places and programs to bring tots, as suggested and rated by other Moms.  Please recommend a listing to your local editor or add an event to the events calendar to help other Moms learn about the highest quality places, programs and special events to actively engage, educate and energize their tots before nap or bedtime.  

Did you visit any of the places or programs listed in this blog entry?  Share your opinion.  Whether you know of a special such as a date with free sitting fee at Color Me Mine or have visited these places and programs and wish to share your thoughts on their quality to provide guidance to other Moms, visit each listing directly at LilaGuide.com/philly.  We welcome your reviews!

 

 

Play and Learn for Both Mama and Baby

Posted Thursday, October 25, 2007 2:09 PM

Are you a new Mom in Chester County?  Do you live close enough to Exton to easily take a fun and fulfilling class with your infant, toddler or pre-schooler?  If you are nodding your head with a resounding YES, as the local editor for LilaGuide, I'd like to suggest two great programs by one qualified trainer:

1.  KinderMusik® with Carol Anne Friesen

Carol Anne Friesen is a licensed KinderMusik® Educator, Moxie-Moms partner, mother and grandmother with over 25 years experience as an Early Child Educator.  As a licensed Kindermusik Educator, she uses the Kindermusik curricula to provide a safe, nurturing environment that encourages dance, imagination and exploration.   In each Kindermusik session, "educators lead a group of parents and their children through joyful activities, using music and movement."  For more information, please visit www.kindermusik.com.  For more information about Carol Anne Friesen's unique program in Glenmoore, please visit www.welcomelittleones.com.

The current class schedule is as follows:

Newborn to 18 months -- Village Class -- Wednesday at 10:45

Newborn to 7 years -- Family Time Class -- Wednesdays at 9:30

Age 4 to 6 years -- ABC Music & Me Pre-Keyboarding Class -- Thursdays at 4:00

All classes are held at 23 Pheasant Cove in Glenmoore.  Call licensed Kindermusik Educator, Carol Anne Friesen today at 610-942-4589 and schedule a FREE preview class or visit her online location at www.welcomelittleones.com to send an e-mail.  Better yet, mention the LilaGuide when you attend and receive a FREE gift!  

2.  Baby Signs® with Carol Anne Friesen

The Baby Signs® program is based on breakthrough research by Dr. Linda Acredolo and Dr. Susan Goodwyn, authors of Baby Signs: How to Talk with Your Baby Before Your Baby Can Talk. Results from their study indicated that signing with infants developed and increased their verbal and cognitive skills ahead of the curve.  However, these are not the only benefits.  For more benefits, please visit the Baby Signs Website.

By participating in this conveniently located Baby Signs program, you'll receive everything you need to start communicating with your pre-verbal infant and includes a Parent Starter Kid (a $39.99 value).

Upcoming workshops are scheduled for Saturday, November 17th and Saturday, December 8th from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.  A FREE Musical Sign and Sign Storytime follows -- a perfect setting to connect and share with other Moms.  Call now to reserve your spot!  Call Certified Baby Signs Instructor Carol Anne Friesen at 610-942-4589 for more information or e-mail her directly from her Website at www.welcomelittleones.com.  Mention the LilaGuide when you attend and receive a FREE gift! 

Moms Helping Moms

Have you taken a KinderMusik® training with Carol Anne Friesen? Would you like to share you experience in the form of a review to help other Moms learn about quality music classes in the Chester County area?  Please visit her
KinderMusik listing on LilaGuide.com/philly and share your thoughts.

Have you taken a Baby Signs® course with Carol Anne Friesen? Would you like to share you experience in the form of a review to help other Moms learn about quality infant sign language classes in the Chester County area?  Please visit her Baby Signs listing on LilaGuide.com/philly to share your thoughts.

 

A Woman’s Work Can Be More Fulfilling

Posted Friday, October 05, 2007 1:29 PM

A Woman’s Work Can Be More Fulfilling

I had, what I would call, a completely antiseptic and aided birth that involved a combination of:  Nubain, an epidural, Pitocin to enhance the intensity of the contractions, an attempted vacuum extraction and finally, a c-section with epidural morphine to round out the experience.  In hindsight, I felt completely disempowered throughout the childbirth process and I, like many first-time Moms, did not know all the options available to me.

During my first pregnancy, I looked into doula services but that idea was quickly discouraged when I felt that it was discouraged or disregarded as important by my OBGYN practice.  Sans birth plan, full understanding of the labor and delivery process and the essential education and emotional support for myself and my birth partner, I felt determined that, second-time-around, I would be at the center of the decision-making process—and fully understand how a qualified and trained doula could enhance labor and ease tension.

According to the DONA International Website, the world’s premier doula organization, a birth doula offers “emotional support, encouragement and wisdom throughout labor and birth” whereas “postpartum doulas support women and families through the transformation that a new baby brings to a family.” 

I felt that the DONA Website was a good starting place to learn about doula services but absolutely nothing can replace the perspective of a practicing doula.  Last Wednesday, I had the privilege to speak with Nicole Nordberg, a DONA-trained doula and owner of A Woman’s Work, prenatal, birth and postpartum doula services based in Plymouth Meeting, PA. 

Nicole openly discussed the scope of doula services for prenatal and postpartum women with the type of understanding of the field, compassion for partners embarking on labor and delivery and genuine excitement of the process that is fundamental.  

What is a doula?

Doula comes from the ancient Greek and means ‘servant to women.’  Today, the term refers to a person who assists women in the birthing process from prenatal all the way through postpartum. 

What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

A doula does not provide medical support but many doulas have been trained as nurses or certified midwives.  Some doulas that have a nursing background or have been certified as midwives have found that they rather take on a role that is less medically based in favor of one that provides more emotional support to the laborer and her birth partner. 

Why do you feel that most people come to choose a doula?

Basically, it’s word-of-mouth—Moms hear through others about the positive experience they’ve had with doula support Many expectant Moms may hear through a friend that they had a wonderful birth experience or a more natural birth experience that they attribute to the support of their doula.  Some of VBAC Moms that need the emotional support and encouragement through this type of labor.  

What is the training process to become a doula?

A doula does not need to be trained.  Doulas can receive formal training through DONA, Doulas of North America.  The curriculum is independently-based and includes a combination of childbirth preparation classes and position papers.  The position papers document an individual trainee’s comprehension of the role of a doula in the childbirth process. DONA wants each doula trained through their program to fully understand that this is not a medical field but rather one of more emotional support and encouragement for the birth partners.  That being said, doulas are trained to know a lot about the prenatal, labor and postpartum process through a medical and physiological standpoint but any thoughts about medical issues during the process should be communicated to the birth partners who can be prompted to address these types of issues with their medical care providers.  A doula does not engage in direct conversation with medical staff, which must be clearly understood and expressed by each doula who seeks to receive DONA training and certification.  In addition, DONA-trained and certified doulas are required to take continuing education units (CEUs) every couple of years for recertification purposes.

What do you, as a doula, do for the birth partners during the prenatal time?

The prenatal preparation involves an initial consultation, two (2) face-to-face prenatal visits and regular phone and e-mail contact.  The birth partners also receive help as they write their birthplan.  A Fear Assessment Profile is also given separate to each partner.  Fear Assessment Profile is a phenomenal tool to help partners communicate individual fears about labor and delivery with each other—some of these fears are realized during the assessment. The overall goal of the assessment is to aid in the bonding process between partners.

What do you, as a doula, do for the birth process during labor and delivery?

Doula services during labor and delivery involve consistent emotional support for both birth partners.  This can vary from massage, encouragement, delivery of food and coffee and offerings of general breaks to the birth partner, as needed, to reenergize.  The most important piece is the objective emotional support, pampering and encouragement that aids and intensifies the birth experience shared by both partners. 

What do you, as a doula, do for the birth partners during the postpartum period?

Services include one (1) postpartum visit.  Doulas help with the emotional aspect of the transition to life with a baby, which can be especially powerful for first-time mothers. 

In your experience, are there more first-time or second or more-time around Moms going for doula services?

Definitely second or more-time around Moms.  A commonly heard statement is that these Moms didn’t have a great birth experience the first time around and they are looking for a more fulfilling experience. 

Freedom of More Choices 

As we closed the interview, Nicole candidly said to me, “every woman should have a doula and services are available to every woman regardless of socio-economic situation.  The services are out there and you definitely don’t need to have financial resources to have support.” Nicole herself does up to four (4) pro bono births a year and she noted that many doulas in the Greater Philadelphia Area offer similar services.

About Nicole Nordberg, DONA-Trained Doula

Nicole has received her doula training formally through DONA.  To learn more about Nicole Nordberg’s doula services through A Woman’s Work, please visit http://www.lilaguide.com/ListingView.aspx?lid=521367&scid=7021888.  To receive a listing of doula services within the Greater Philadelphia Area, please visit http://lilaguide.com/philly and click on the category for Doulas. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Perfect Reason to Celebrate Each Trimester -- Selection and Service Has Returned!

Posted Friday, September 21, 2007 2:13 PM

A Perfect Reason to Celebrate Each Trimester  -- Selection and Service Has Returned!

Little Boxes

When I was pregnant, I falsely concluded that a maternity wardrobe was synonymous with a relinquishment of all individuality and style. When I reached about four months, I boxed up my vintage Levis and Pete Townshend baby tees and acquiesced to the world of McMaternity stores. I slinked past the size 2 teenagers who watched the clock incessantly and probably saw me as “just another pregnant woman” in need of larger clothes. 

And – for a cheap fix – Target’s scant maternity rack always proved essential. 

During my pregnancy, I desperately wanted to look and feel better about myself but I succumbed to baggy overalls and bland, cotton long-sleeve tees because I didn’t know there were other options.

Beyond Little Boxes

As my daughter looks towards her fourth year of life, I look back on my maternity wardrobe with a more discerning eye and with more experience and education.  There are stores that cater to the mind, body and spirit of each individual pregnant woman.  Recently, I visited Trimesters Boutique in Amber, PA.  One can walk into this prenatal retreat and easily forget the bright lights and streamlined, efficient designs of the larger maternity store chains.  The front of the store is serene and comforting where Meg English, Trimesters’ Proprietor, features the largest selection of uniquely designed maternity wear for trendy and informed Philly Moms.  She offers knowledgeable support and encouragement for each individual Mom.  Walk further back past the brand new maternity selection and a consignment area is discovered.  This consignment area is no ‘run of the mill’ consignment nook.  It features cute, stylish and barely worn clothes with redlines up to 70% off.  Better yet – English hand selects each consignment item.  And only selects the finest “barely worn” designer maternity clothes that are not longer than 2 years old.  She says, “ trends change so quickly, after 3 years you can tell they are out of style or have gone through more than one pregnancy and are too worn”

Because Expectant Moms Need More

As mothers-to-be, we are truly breathing, eating and shopped – for two.  Why not find the coolest maternity outfits, personalized baby gifts and shower registry in one place?!  A room, hand-painted with brightly colored animals engages and stimulates infants and toddlers.  A play area offers Trimesters’ visitors’ children the opportunity to place safely while Moms register for their baby shower, browse a large selection of rocking chairs, stools, bookshelves and other furniture that can all be personalized to specific requirements.  Stuffed animals, personalized birth announcements, diaper bags and caddies and one-of-a-kind printed onesies round off a varied but focused collection. 

Mind, Body and Baby

Wrap your body in the latest and hottest trends in maternity wear, indulge your baby with personalized accessories, furniture and onesies and, most importantly, pamper your mind and body with aromatherapy oils, a therapeutic massage by a certified prenatal and postpartum massage therapist and learn about the care offered by post-partum Doula services.  And for a rare additional service in 2007 -- Meg English always provides a plethora of information on how each Mom can find more information about essential childbirth resources in our area.  As one Mom describes the Trimesters experience on LilaGuide.com/philly, “a great place for all your pregnancy needs!!”

Truly Satiate Your Desire for a More Revitalizing Maternity Shopping Experience Today

In addition to maternity styles and gifts for baby, Trimesters hosts FREE seminars on topics to include: Breastfeeding and Babywearing as well as Moms’ Night Out events and workshops.  The next upcoming event at Trimesters’ is Celebrate Your Belly Night, on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 from 6:30 - 9:00. For more information about Trimesters Boutique, please visit them online at http://www.trimestersboutique.com/.   Sans connectivity but still interested?  Call Meg English at 215-643-4883 or stop in at 129 East Butler Avenue in Ambler, a short ride from the Northeast Suburbs.  Please call or visit Trimesters’ online location for hours.

Got Another Suggestion for THE Maternity Store of the Greater Philly Area or Love This One?  Review. Review. Review!!!!

LilaGuide.com/philly has an entire category for the best of the best maternity stores in the Greater Philadelphia Area, as rated by local Moms.  Click and connect with the listings today and review your favorites here.

Finding Child Care That Really Cares

Posted Friday, September 07, 2007 12:04 PM

Since I was about 4 months along, I have been on a never-ending quest to find quality and affordable child care.  My daughter is now coming upon the second half of her second year of life and we have finally found an amazing care provider -- one that I would recommend without question or hesitation.  We found this care provider in May of 2007. I had been searching for child care since December of 2004!

Sugar coating 

Finding child care that you can trust is one of the most emotional aspects of new motherhood.   I don't want to pour sugar and caramel over a bowl of Grape Nuts to force it to taste mildly digestible.  (I apologize to those who can't get enough of Grape Nuts' crunchy nourishment).  Though I feel that some commercial daycares do just that.  My intention is not write an inflammatory post -- just one that outlines my findings to help out Moms along this road.

How do some commercial daycares sugar coat? 

Simple. They know that Mommy and her belly or new baby will be visiting at an exact day/time.  The infant room is tidy, there is a higher caregiver to infant ratio that day and each adult (and seemingly baby) is on their best behavior.

How do I avoid the sugar coat trap?

Simple.  Pleasantly meet the needs of the Center Director and visit on a day and time that is most convenient.  Then drop in unexpectedly and request to view the infant room as a potential client.  You should be able to reach the front desk before the locked facility.  There may be policies but as a potential parent, I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to see the infant room without a strict appointment when accompanied by a staff member.  If this cannot be done, find out why and alternately ask for a list of references and ask pointed questions.

Why I pulled my daughter out of commercial day care

Not all commercial daycares are poor.  I tried two of the most respected day cares in a larger area.  I paid close to $900.00 a month, which was almost half my bi-weekly net pay at the time.  But it wasn't about the money -- I expected that my infant would be cared for as I expected -- exactly as I expected.  My expectations were not met.  I definitely fell into the sugar coating trap.  I visited each facility just once or twice before making the leap towards enrollment.  I didn't really look before I leaped.

Results

Expensive commercial daycare #1

1. My daughter was turned towards the wall in a swing with a really stinky diaper when I returned from work.  That was her last day with the center!
2. Not much holding -- I would bring my daughter in and the care provider would look around for an open swing, bouncy seat, anything and I always felt like the overworked care provider(s) were waiting for nap time.

Expensive commercial daycare #2

1. Every day I would walk in, a new person (some in their teens) would be holding my daughter or monitoring the room.  The ratio always seemed off to me as well and these girls never introduced themselves.
2. A young girl who helped out after school warmed the bottle too much. I caught her before she gave it to my daughter. It was scalding!
3. I went in unannounced on my work break and my 4 month old was sleeping soundly -- on her stomach!  This would be fine if it was my request but I specifically said to always put her on her back.  The care provider told me that she did not sleep well that way.
   
4. A almost direct quote from a care provider to another infant, "you can go into a container or go down for your nap."

More facts, less coating can lead to pure sugar

The reason I provided this information is not to scare any working Moms.  Exactly the opposite. There ARE great commercial daycares out there and in-home, licensed daycares.  Don't be fooled, like I was, with up-to-date State Licenses and fancy infant swings and jumpers.  I TRUSTED the providers instead of trusting my instincts.

A neighbor of mind with a 7 week old daughter is looking for child care.  I have an unbelievable child care provider who, unfortunately, is at capacity. She is an in-home, licensed provider.  My neighbor asked for my recommendation on Expensive commercial daycare #2.  My ethics tell me to provide an honest, unbiased narrative of my daughter's experience.  My experience will help a new Mom evaluate.

A great recommendation that I received was The Goddard School.  A friend with a 19 month old is thrilled at the care and attention as well as social interaction her daughter has received.  She also likes the structure provided by a commercial facility with strict curriculum and certified teachers.   

What you can do to help other Moms find quality child care

LilaGuide.com/philly helps new and expectant Moms find the best of the best child care providers throughout each city based on recommendations and reviews by real local Moms.  I encourage Philly Moms to visit the Child Care page with the city directory's site and write a review of any of the providers currently listed or Make a Recommendation to either support or warn other Moms of your experience with a daycare facility. And remember, you WILL find one that works best for your unique situation!