Goodnight, Sleep Tight!

Since becoming a mom this past April, my world has changed, especially my sleep world! In the beginning we were up every 2-3 hours, including in the middle of the night. We would hear rustlings from the Pack N’ Play and know, it was time to get up. It wasn’t too long though, before we were only up a couple times each night. At eight weeks our little Elijah started sleeping “through the night” so-to-speak from 11 pm to 5 am. At about ten weeks he started sleeping through-through the night from 9pm to 5am, and that is where we are at with his sleep schedule today. I must say that I am relieved that he is such a good sleeper, it keeps me fresh and ready for the work day ahead of me. However, every night is not always that great. There are some nights I am up two or three times trying to get Eli to fall back asleep or on occasion having to nurse him because he is going through a growth spurt.  

Elijah swaddled

Here are some suggestions to use for your baby, that may help you get the FULL night’s sleep you have been waiting for.  

• Put baby to sleep on a flat firm surface such as his crib or a Pack n Play – this really made a difference for us. We went from the bassinet to the raised Pack N Play to the crib and each time we moved him to a new “bed” he would sleep better than in the previous “bed”.
• Swaddle the baby- try to get it tight or use a Velcro swaddler (Summer and Woombie are two great brands)
• Make sure baby is not too hot, or too cold (double swaddle if necessary)
• Check baby’s diaper- there may have been some middle of the night “damage” and they need a fresh diaper
• Rub baby’s tummy- this is a great soothing tool that we use a lot
• Give baby a pacifier- Elijah’s used to fall out all the time so we invested in the Wubbanub to help keep the paci in place (PaciPlushie is also another similar product)
  

  Elijah with his pacifier and Wubbanub

• Rock or sway with baby baby for just a short time to calm them
• …And lastly, make sure baby’s tummy is full!  Night hunger is usually caused by growth spurts (once your baby has started sleeping through the night)

We would love to hear any of your suggestions for getting your baby back to sleep in the middle of the night.  Leave your suggestions in the comments section below!

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Baby Bundles: STORE SPOTLIGHT PREMIER RETAILER Q&A

Gear up, because back-to-school is around the corner, and if there is one store you can use as your “one-stop shop”…it’s Baby Bundles! They have two fabulous locations in Knoxville, Tennessee and Lexington, Kentucky – double the fashion, and double the fun. We spoke with co-owners and kids fashion gurus: Sherri, Margaret and Marie to get the low-down on children’s warm-weather fashion, upcoming deals at their stores and the “do’s” and “don’ts” in dressing the most fashionable baby and kiddo.

 Store Locations:
7600 Kingston Pike, #1460
Knoxville, TN 37919
865.690.4454

161 Lexington Green, Suite B3
Lexington, KY 40503
859.309.0459

 or go to shopbabybundles.com for more information

CHECK-IN and JOIN Baby Bundles Lexington’s Facebook page and click HERE

Baby Bundles in Knoxville

1.    What was your inspiration behind opening your two children’s clothing stores – how long have each been open and do they cater to different clientele?
Baby Bundles:  Baby Bundles was started in Knoxville, Tennessee ten years ago by Sherri. Sherri wanted a store that would offer a comprehensive one-stop shopping experience for parents looking for specialty items. In 2010, Sherri partnered with Baby Bundles Manager, Margaret and her sister Marie to open Baby Bundles in Lexington, Kentucky. Both stores offer traditional and trendy children’s apparel. While the stores are in different locations, the spirit of the clientele remains essentially the same. Our customers range from new parents to grandparents looking for a local shopping experience from a knowledgeable sales staff, whose primary goal is to assist them in selecting merchandise that reflects their child’s unique style and spirit.

2.    Tell us the inside scoop about any special events that you have planned at your two stores and e-boutique this coming summer and fun deals we can expect.
Baby Bundles:  As we wind down summer, Baby Bundles Lexington will be hosting our “One is Fun” First Birthday Party. The event will feature an Alex’s Lemonade Stand hosted by local pre-school students, a petting zoo and visit from local horse hero, Lash, who has recently been made into a plush doll. We will follow that event with a visit with silhouette artist Clay Rice in October.

3.    What are this season’s latest trends for kid’s clothing in Kentucky? Tell us the 3 “do’s” and 3 “don’ts” in kid clothing style.
Baby Bundles: 

Do’s…

1. Accessorize…a great hair bow, headband or cute tights can make the outfit. 
2. Invest in a pair of Monkey Bar Buddies to go with your Le Top dress. The underwear covers come in great colors and are perfect for back to school. 
3. Let your child have voice in which outfits to purchase…you are never too young to take pride in how you look. 

Don’ts…

1. Don’t dress your child above their age. As we tell our customers, “Children are only small for a short period time.” Celebrate childhood by selecting age appropriate clothing.
2. Don’t be afraid to purchase brother and sister matching outfits. Le Top has cute designs that our customers with siblings love.
3. Don’t forget to purchase a white sweater. This simple purchase can help your child’s wardrobe transition into different seasons.

Baby Bundles in Lexington

4.    Why did you pick the name Baby Bundles for your stores?
Baby Bundles:  The original concept was to offer a one-stop shop where parents could buy a variety of specialty store items for their children. The word bundles seemed to work with the original mission and then baby seemed to be a natural fit. 

5.    Tell us…before you “had kids or grandkids, what is one thing you swore you’d never…?” Please share!
Baby Bundles:  We can’t really think of anything. I guess all three of us just gave up hope of controlling every situation and just decided to enjoy the ride.

6.    Describe the neighborhoods of each of your store locations. Did you grow up in any of the 2 local areas?
Baby Bundles:  The Knoxville store is located in the West Town Mall, Knoxville’s premier shopping center. The Lexington store is located in the Mall at Lexington Green, which primarily caters to locally owned boutiques and businesses. Sherri grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and Margaret and Marie grew up just outside of Lexington. Marie still resides in Kentucky. 

7.    What would you say are the top 3 requested clothing and/or accessory items requested from your store this summer?
Baby Bundles:

• Texture was a primary concern of customers this summer. Soft knits from Le Top were great sellers because of they feel great and are easy to care for. 
• Le Top bathing suits with matching cover-ups
• Big Sister and Little Sister outfits that compliment without matching exactly. 

8.    Tell us about a “special” moment that made your day working at your store.
Baby Bundles:  Having to name just one is hard. Perhaps the most memorable was when a Knoxville customer who traveled regularly from Eastern Kentucky to shop learned that we were opening a store in Lexington. She was so excited that she starting jumping up and down and waving her hands like the head cheerleader on game day!

Le Top "Ship Ahoy!" swim trunk, shirt and anchor cover-up

9.    Where are the best/essential family hangouts and places to go around your store locations?
Baby Bundles:  When in Knoxville, stop by and ride the train that travels around the West Town Mall. When in Lexington, a stop by Fro Joes for fresh frozen yogurt, feed the ducks at our big pond, or visit Shilito Park that is just down the street.

10.    What Le Top or rabbitmoon Spring/Summer 2011 collection is your store’s favorite and why?
Baby Bundles: Our favorite was the Ship Ahoy! Collection. It was ideal for boys and girls from newborn through size 6. Whether land locked or beach bound just looking at it made us think of the perfect summer day!

Baby Bundles Store Locations:
7600 Kingston Pike, #1460
Knoxville, TN 37919
865.690.4454

161 Lexington Green, Suite B3
Lexington, KY 40503
859.309.0459

 or go to shopbabybundles.com for more information

 CHECK-IN and JOIN Baby Bundles Lexington’s Facebook page and click HERE

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Bathing Beauty

The first bath is always a scary one. For most new parents, this is a team event filled with caution and a lot of worry. This was true for me….however, my husband was gung-ho and super excited with no reservations about bathing his son. Being the oldest of eight kids, he is well versed in bathing, diaper changing, feeding and entertaining babies which makes for a fantastic match for this one sibling mom with some baby-sitting experience. 

I was glad to see Aaron (my husband) take charge in our first bathing experience with Elijah. We had watched all the videos, taken the classes and even YouTubed the How To’s on bathing a newborn. Now that we have given many…MANY baths to our little guy we feel like old pros, I even bathed him once by myself *wink* (of course Aaron does this all the time, as he constantly reminds me).  Here are some things that we found helpful in bathing our newborn.  Feel free to add your suggestions in our comments section below.

1. Use an infant tub with a sling – they may be an eyesore but they make bath-life a whole lot easier.
2. Always check the water to make sure it is tepid. The optimal temperature is 75 degrees F. If the bath is too cold, baby is not going to be happy. 🙂
3. Be Prepared:
   • Have a hooded towel and fresh diaper ready near by
   • Two-three wash cloths (one for the body wash, one for the private’s wash, and we use one to cover his private area)
   • Tear-Free shampoo
   • Baby cotton swabs for cleaning the ears (don’t use adult cotton swabs!)
   • I even like to have his outfit ready, for a quick change so he doesn’t get cold
   • Take a few minutes to sprinkle water over baby to get him used to the bath water – we get LOTS of smiles at this point!
   • Start washing from the top of the head down to the feet. Cleaning the front and back private areas last. We even use a separate wash cloth – okay, we may be a little anal
   • Rinse with a clean wash cloth
   • Pick baby up CAREFULLY and wrap him in a hooded towel. I prefer to have a helper here – one to lift baby out and one to wrap baby in the towel
   • Diaper and clothe baby – in Le Top  and rabbitmoon clothing of course!!

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Le Top Darling of the Day: Tara

This ray of sunshine, Tara (11-months-old), is a sweet little Jersey Girl. She is very inquisitive and when she hears a sound – abandons any previous activity! She is intrigued by and regularly monitors her mommy and daddy – no matter how mundane their activity. Water sports bring her the utmost joy – whether it’s a bowl of water or sitting in the little pool in her backyard!

It’s not hard to believe that this little one is always on the move (shown here in her Rabbitmoon “neapolitan” collection velour jumper, brown dot bodysuit and strawberry pink leggings) and is walking everywhere! A favorite pastime is cruising the house with a rattle making lots of noise! I think she’s just celebrating being crowned the Le Top Darling of the Day!

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It’s a boy for Selma Blair!

Photo: FAME

Actress Selma Blair and her fashion designer boyfriend, Jason Bleick, welcomed a son on Monday, July 25. Finally! Their son, Arthur Saint Bleick, weighed in at 7 lbs., 12 oz and was overdue by 2 weeks.

Selma, 39, met Jason when they worked together on his Los Angeles-based fashion company, Ever, and started dating in early 2010.

We’d expect the baby of such a fashionable couple to wear only the best. The Rabbitmoon “city” collection long sleeve coverall would be a perfect choice.

Rabbitmoon's "city" collection long sleeve coverall

Blair will be starring opposite Christopher Walken in the drama “Dark Horse.”

Congratulations to the happy couple!

For a laid back and boyish look, this soft espresso, navy and green multi-stripe long sleeve coverall features contrast espresso shoulders, pieced sleeves and green paneled cuffs with embroidered faux rivets. Crafted from the softest combed cotton for supreme comfort. Contrast navy button down front and diaper snaps for easy dressing.

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Le Top Takes: Out of the Mouths of Babes!

No, I did not say that!

Miranda and Paulo were playing outside in the sandbox with friends when I overheard this dialogue:

Paulo: Dee-dah.

Miranda: He said “dirty.”

Ariel: How do you know?

I speak part Baby.”

– Miranda, age 6

Editor’s Note:
Please spread the giggles by sharing your funny quotes with us!

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How to Help your Child Cope with Friends Leaving

This morning, while I was dropping my 4 1/2 year old off at school she told me that one of her very best friends was mad and was not talking to her. She didn’t know why and was sad. I talked with her about asking him why so that if she had done something wrong she could apologize. She agreed but when I turned to leave he was right in front of me. He was not his normal smiling self – something was weighing on him. I bent down and asked him what was wrong. To summarize, he told me he could no longer be friends with Lilah because he had new friends at his new school (he is leaving in August to go to a different Kindergarten). I was CRUSHED and so was Lilah. He seemed so unhappy about it too. I thought this is not the way to spend the last couple weeks together. 

At this point, we were drawing a crowd of preschoolers and I tried to explain that you can have many friends. I told him how Lilah still has friends from her old school. He didn’t believe me. The teacher came over to gather all the children and it was time for me to leave.

I spoke with the head of the school before I left and he assured me he would talk to ALL the children about it.  As much as I want to protect her, I know this is only the beginning of the misunderstandings, harsh words, and miscommunications that are part of a child’s life.

Here are a few tips to help your child through leaving or being left by their friends.

• Talk About It: Explain to your child that though they no longer attend school together, aren’t on the same team, or don’t live in the same area, they can still remain friends. We can’t have too many friends.
• Stay Connected: Set up play dates shortly after they are no longer together to assure them that they are still friends. If they are far away have them write a letter or call each other regularly. Depending on the age of your child, they can also email or be friends on Facebook.
• Try to make them understand that they will have many friends in their life and some see each other daily and others sporadically, but that doesn’t change their friendship.
• Put photos of your child’s friends in their rooms and talk about them often.

Obviously not all children will be able to maintain ALL their friendships (especially the young ones). But remember, if it’s a close friendship those kids are part of what has shaped them and are worth the effort it takes to stay connected.

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Glenn Howerton and Jill Latiano Baby on the Way!

Credit: Chelsea Lauren/WireImage.com

Is there something in the water on the It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia set?

Now, actor Glenn Howerton, AKA Dennis Reynold, is also going to be a father. He and his wife, actress Jill Latiano, are expecting their first child later this year. The couple married in September 2009.

“Check out my beautiful preggers wife, y’all,” Howerton Tweeted Sunday from Comic-Con with a link to a photo.

Something from our new pre-fall “Baby Love” collection just might fit the bill for their upcoming arrival. The soft pima cotton footed coverall or pull on cap would keep baby warm and cozy.

Howerton’s fellow cast members Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis (due in December), Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney (10 month-old Axel) and David Hornsby (Rickety Cricket) with Emily Deschanel (due this fall) are all adding a first child to their families. I think there may be a daycare on set shortly. 🙂

Le Top "Baby Love" Collection

Enjoy opulent comfort in the white long sleeve footed coverall. You will adore the soft pima cotton one-piece, patterned with gray baby love script and white satin piping. Bib front baby script appliqué with button accents add classic style. Designed with functional rear panel and underneath snaps for asymmetrical dressing.

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Happy Birthday Sasha Schreiber!

There’s a birthday boy today – Sasha Schreiber! The son of actor Liev Schreiber and actress Naomi Watts turns 4-years-old today and will be celebrating with siblings Alexander Pete, 3 1/2, and Samuel Kai, 2!

He would look awesome in our new pre-fall Le Top “Ready for Takeoff” Collection super cool faux leather aviator jacket – he’s sure to be flying high today!

Le Top "Ready for Takeoff" faux leather aviator jacket

A casual and cozy outerwear piece flies with authentic appeal, this espresso faux leather bomber jacket features elbow patches, a sherpa collar and silver quilted lining for added comfort and warmth. Flight wings and heroic flight patch on sleeve, snap front pockets and soft rib cuff and waistline lend a stylish feel.

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Charlie Day to be a Father

Cattermole/Getty

Actor/comedian Charlie Day, 35, from this summer’s Horrible Bosses is going to be a daddy. Day and his wife Mary Elizabeth Ellis, 32, who stars alongside Day as “The Waitress” on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, are expecting their first child in December.

Our “Petite Duckling” reversible double layer blanket would be perfect for baby on those cool winter nights.

“We’re five months along, and she’s feeling great. We’re excited.” he told PEOPLE Friday night at a party during San Diego’s Comic-Con. “We decided now is the time, and we were fortunate that it happened.”

Co-stars Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney, who became first-time parents to son Axel last September, have been generous with their parenting tips and “honestly, we’re gonna need it!” says Day with a laugh.

Le Top "Petite Duckling" reversible double layer blanket

Shooting will be on hiatus at the due date. “It’s going to time out perfectly,” Day explains. “We live in L.A., [so] my East Coast family and her Southern family may have to come see us this Christmas.”

Take a walk to the pond with your baby swaddled in this cozy and generous reversible double layer 30×36 size carriage blanket. This blanket features ultra-soft white patterned baby print and solid tea green on reverse side for versatility. It’s finished with sweet ducky embroidery and white baby patterned border. A newborn’s favorite gift.

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