Tuesday, January 31, 2012
FREEEEEE
Free Vase with Purchase of Sweet Rose Bouquet from OrganicBouquet.com!
Nothing says Valentine's Day and I love you like roses. OrganicBouquet.com has a great Valentine's Day offer - when you purchase our Sweet Romance Rose Bouquet, you will get a FREE Vase for only $49.95. Make a lasting impression with this sumptuous bouquet of long-stem assorted roses.
Our Sweet Romance Rose Bouquet is a beautiful expression of you love. This bouquet includes a three-color assortment of light pink, dark pink and soft white roses. Plus a FREE Vase so this bouquet comes ready to be displayed and enjoyed in a prominent place. Only the freshest and highest quality roses from the day's harvest are included in this assortment. This offer is valid though February 11th. To ensure your order, place it today!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
BumbleRide Stroller Review
Here are Happy Organic Baby we are just so thrilled to review the BumbleRide stroller featuring it's:
- Recycled exterior fabric
- Seating surfaces are made with soft woven fiber, including bamboo for temperature regulation and moisture absorption
How incredible that this stroller is completely earth friendly. It comes in a single and double stroller so can grow with your family.
Please let us know what you think of this amazing product?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Interesting Parenting Read
Every time I'm out with my kids -- this seems to happen:
An older woman stops us, puts her hand over her heart and says something like, "Oh, Enjoy every moment. This time goes by so fast."
Everywhere I go, someone is telling me to seize the moment, raise my awareness, be happy, enjoy everysecond, etc, etc, etc.
I know that this message is right and good. But, I have finally allowed myself to admit that it just doesn't work for me. It bugs me. This CARPE DIEM message makes me paranoid and panicky. Especially during this phase of my life - while I'm raising young kids. Being told, in a million different ways to CARPE DIEM makes me worry that if I'm not in a constant state of intense gratitude and ecstasy, I'm doing something wrong.
I think parenting young children (and old ones, I've heard) is a little like climbing Mount Everest. Brave, adventurous souls try it because they've heard there's magic in the climb. They try because they believe that finishing, or even attempting the climb are impressive accomplishments. They try because during the climb, if they allow themselves to pause and lift their eyes and minds from the pain and drudgery, the views are breathtaking. They try because even though it hurts and it's hard, there are moments that make it worth the hard. These moments are so intense and unique that many people who reach the top start planning, almost immediately, to climb again. Even though any climber will tell you that most of the climb is treacherous, exhausting, killer. That they literally cried most of the way up.
And so I think that if there were people stationed, say, every thirty feet along Mount Everest yelling to the climbers -- "ARE YOU ENJOYING YOURSELF!? IF NOT, YOU SHOULD BE! ONE DAY YOU'LL BE SORRY YOU DIDN'T!" TRUST US!! IT'LL BE OVER TOO SOON! CARPE DIEM!" -- those well-meaning, nostalgic cheerleaders might be physically thrown from the mountain.
Now. I'm not suggesting that the sweet old ladies who tell me to ENJOY MYSELF be thrown from a mountain. These are wonderful ladies. Monkees, probably. But last week, a woman approached me in the Target line and said the following: "Sugar, I hope you are enjoying this. I loved every single second of parenting my two girls. Every single moment. These days go by so fast."
At that particular moment, Amma had arranged one of the new bras I was buying on top of her sweater and was sucking a lollipop that she must have found on the ground. She also had three shop-lifted clip-on neon feathers stuck in her hair. She looked exactly like a contestant from Toddlers and Tiaras. I couldn't find Chase anywhere, and Tish was grabbing the pen on the credit card swiper thing WHILE the woman in front of me was trying to use it. And so I just looked at the woman, smiled and said, "Thank you. Yes. Me too. I am enjoying every single moment. Especially this one. Yes. Thank you."
At that particular moment, Amma had arranged one of the new bras I was buying on top of her sweater and was sucking a lollipop that she must have found on the ground. She also had three shop-lifted clip-on neon feathers stuck in her hair. She looked exactly like a contestant from Toddlers and Tiaras. I couldn't find Chase anywhere, and Tish was grabbing the pen on the credit card swiper thing WHILE the woman in front of me was trying to use it. And so I just looked at the woman, smiled and said, "Thank you. Yes. Me too. I am enjoying every single moment. Especially this one. Yes. Thank you."
That's not exactly what I wanted to say, though.
There was a famous writer who, when asked if he loved writing, replied, "No. but I love having written." What I wanted to say to this sweet woman was, "Are you sure? Are you sure you don't mean you love having parented?"
I love having written. And I love having parented. My favorite part of each day is when the kids are put to sleep (to bed) and Craig and I sink into the couch to watch some quality TV, like Celebrity Wife Swap, and congratulate each other on a job well done. Or a job done, at least.
Every time I write a post like this, I get emails suggesting that I'm being negative. I have received this particular message four or five times -- G, if you can't handle the three you have, why do you want a fourth?
That one always stings, and I don't think it's quite fair. Parenting is hard. Just like lots of important jobs are hard. Why is it that the second a mother admits that it's hard, people feel the need to suggest that maybe she's not doing it right? Or that she certainly shouldn't add more to her load. Maybe the fact that it's so hard means she IS doing it right...in her own way...and she happens to be honest.
That one always stings, and I don't think it's quite fair. Parenting is hard. Just like lots of important jobs are hard. Why is it that the second a mother admits that it's hard, people feel the need to suggest that maybe she's not doing it right? Or that she certainly shouldn't add more to her load. Maybe the fact that it's so hard means she IS doing it right...in her own way...and she happens to be honest.
Craig is a software salesman. It's a hard job in this economy. And he comes home each day and talks a little bit about how hard it is. And I don't ever feel the need to suggest that he's not doing it right, or that he's negative for noticing that it's hard, or that maybe he shouldn't even consider taking on more responsibility. And I doubt anybody comes by his office to make sure he's ENJOYING HIMSELF. I doubt his boss peeks in his office and says: "This career stuff...it goes by so fast...ARE YOU ENJOYING EVERY MOMENT IN THERE, CRAIG???? CARPE DIEM, CRAIG!"
My point is this. I used to worry that not only was I failing to do a good enough job at parenting, but that I wasn't enjoying it enough. Double failure. I felt guilty because I wasn't in parental ecstasy every hour of every day and I wasn't MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY MOMENT like the mamas in the parenting magazines seemed to be doing. I felt guilty because honestly, I was tired and cranky and ready for the day to be over quite often. And because I knew that one day, I'd wake up and the kids would be gone, and I'd be the old lady in the grocery store with my hand over my heart. Would I be able to say I enjoyed every moment? No.
My point is this. I used to worry that not only was I failing to do a good enough job at parenting, but that I wasn't enjoying it enough. Double failure. I felt guilty because I wasn't in parental ecstasy every hour of every day and I wasn't MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY MOMENT like the mamas in the parenting magazines seemed to be doing. I felt guilty because honestly, I was tired and cranky and ready for the day to be over quite often. And because I knew that one day, I'd wake up and the kids would be gone, and I'd be the old lady in the grocery store with my hand over my heart. Would I be able to say I enjoyed every moment? No.
But the fact remains that I will be that nostalgic lady. I just hope to be one with a clear memory. And here's what I hope to say to the younger mama gritting her teeth in line:
"It's helluva hard, isn't it? You're a good mom, I can tell. And I like your kids, especially that one peeing in the corner. She's my favorite. Carry on, warrior. Six hours till bedtime." And hopefully, every once in a while, I'll add -- "Let me pick up that grocery bill for ya, sister. Go put those kids in the van and pull on up -- I'll have them bring your groceries out."
Anyway. Clearly, Carpe Diem doesn't work for me. I can't even carpe fifteen minutes in a row, so a whole diem is out of the question.
Anyway. Clearly, Carpe Diem doesn't work for me. I can't even carpe fifteen minutes in a row, so a whole diem is out of the question.
Here's what does work for me:
There are two different types of time. Chronos time is what we live in. It's regular time, it's one minute at a time, it's staring down the clock till bedtime time, it's ten excruciating minutes in the Target line time, it's four screaming minutes in time out time, it's two hours till daddy gets home time. Chronos is the hard, slow passing time we parents often live in.
Then there's Kairos time. Kairos is God's time. It's time outside of time. It's metaphysical time. It's those magical moments in which time stands still. I have a few of those moments each day. And I cherish them.
Like when I actually stop what I'm doing and really look at Tish. I notice how perfectly smooth and brownish her skin is. I notice the perfect curves of her teeny elf mouth and her asianish brown eyes, and I breathe in her soft Tishy smell. In these moments, I see that her mouth is moving but I can't hear her because all I can think is -- This is the first time I've really seen Tish all day, and my God -- she is so beautiful. Kairos.
Like when I'm stuck in chronos time in the grocery line and I'm haggard and annoyed and angry at the slow check-out clerk. And then I look at my cart and I'm transported out of chronos. And suddenly I notice the piles and piles of healthy food I'll feed my children to grow their bodies and minds and I remember that most of the world's mamas would kill for this opportunity. This chance to stand in a grocery line with enough money to pay. And I just stare at my cart. At the abundance. The bounty. Thank you, God. Kairos.
Or when I curl up in my cozy bed with Theo asleep at my feet and Craig asleep by my side and I listen to them both breathing. And for a moment, I think- how did a girl like me get so lucky? To go to bed each night surrounded by this breath, this love, this peace, this warmth? Kairos.
These kairos moments leave as fast as they come- but I mark them. I say the word kairos in my head each time I leave chronos. And at the end of the day, I don't remember exactly what my kairos moments were, but I remember I had them. And that makes the pain of the daily parenting climb worth it.
If I had a couple Kairos moments during the day, I call it a success.
Carpe a couple of Kairoses a day.
Good enough for me.
I'm embarrassed by my child's public tantrums. What can I do?
The best thing you can do is stay calm. Unlike that kicking, screaming child in your shopping cart, you have the ability to control your emotions and restore the peace.
You can't bring your toddler to his senses by raising your voice or making threats. Getting mad will only escalate his emotions. You don't want to cave in, either. If your child is screaming because you passed up the candy aisle, don't make a U-turn just to calm him down.
Instead, tell him firmly that he has to stop throwing a fit. If he keeps it up, it's time to use your most potent weapon: the exit door. Even if you're in the middle of a big shopping trip, you can always whisk your child out of the store. Children like to shop, and there's a good chance he'll calm down once he understands the consequences. If he continues throwing a fit, take him home, if possible. The shopping can probably wait.
Keep in mind that children are more likely to lose their tempers when they're hungry or tired. If you're about to embark on a marathon shopping trip, try to make sure your child is tanked up and well-rested. It's also a good idea to establish the ground rules before you reach the store. If he's likely to lobby for a new toy, you can explain ahead of time that you're only there to buy groceries.
Frustration is also a big tantrum-producer. If you know your child is going to insist on visiting the pet store when you go to the mall, make sure you have time to do it or think twice about the trip. Thinking through his probable reactions, the consequences, and the alternatives isn't really "giving in" to him, it's being a wise parent.
Because he's out of control, a tantrum can be scary for a child. Once it subsides, give your toddler hugs and reassurance. It's fine to acknowledge his feelings. You might try to make leaving less painful by offering to read a favorite story when you get home.
Keep in mind that your child's tantrum is nobody's business but yours. Your toddler will have tantrums, and some of them are bound to happen in public. It doesn't mean you're a bad parent, only that you're the parent of a toddler.
If you handle the situation with calm and grace, expect to see a lot of knowing glances and sympathetic smiles. Regardless of any looks you get, remember that your child doesn't understand your embarrassment. Public tantrums aren't meant to humiliate parents, so you should treat your child the same way as if the tantrum happened at home.
You can't bring your toddler to his senses by raising your voice or making threats. Getting mad will only escalate his emotions. You don't want to cave in, either. If your child is screaming because you passed up the candy aisle, don't make a U-turn just to calm him down.
Instead, tell him firmly that he has to stop throwing a fit. If he keeps it up, it's time to use your most potent weapon: the exit door. Even if you're in the middle of a big shopping trip, you can always whisk your child out of the store. Children like to shop, and there's a good chance he'll calm down once he understands the consequences. If he continues throwing a fit, take him home, if possible. The shopping can probably wait.
Keep in mind that children are more likely to lose their tempers when they're hungry or tired. If you're about to embark on a marathon shopping trip, try to make sure your child is tanked up and well-rested. It's also a good idea to establish the ground rules before you reach the store. If he's likely to lobby for a new toy, you can explain ahead of time that you're only there to buy groceries.
Frustration is also a big tantrum-producer. If you know your child is going to insist on visiting the pet store when you go to the mall, make sure you have time to do it or think twice about the trip. Thinking through his probable reactions, the consequences, and the alternatives isn't really "giving in" to him, it's being a wise parent.
Because he's out of control, a tantrum can be scary for a child. Once it subsides, give your toddler hugs and reassurance. It's fine to acknowledge his feelings. You might try to make leaving less painful by offering to read a favorite story when you get home.
Keep in mind that your child's tantrum is nobody's business but yours. Your toddler will have tantrums, and some of them are bound to happen in public. It doesn't mean you're a bad parent, only that you're the parent of a toddler.
If you handle the situation with calm and grace, expect to see a lot of knowing glances and sympathetic smiles. Regardless of any looks you get, remember that your child doesn't understand your embarrassment. Public tantrums aren't meant to humiliate parents, so you should treat your child the same way as if the tantrum happened at home.
I'm embarrassed by my child's public tantrums. What can I do?
The best thing you can do is stay calm. Unlike that kicking, screaming child in your shopping cart, you have the ability to control your emotions and restore the peace.
You can't bring your toddler to his senses by raising your voice or making threats. Getting mad will only escalate his emotions. You don't want to cave in, either. If your child is screaming because you passed up the candy aisle, don't make a U-turn just to calm him down.
Instead, tell him firmly that he has to stop throwing a fit. If he keeps it up, it's time to use your most potent weapon: the exit door. Even if you're in the middle of a big shopping trip, you can always whisk your child out of the store. Children like to shop, and there's a good chance he'll calm down once he understands the consequences. If he continues throwing a fit, take him home, if possible. The shopping can probably wait.
Keep in mind that children are more likely to lose their tempers when they're hungry or tired. If you're about to embark on a marathon shopping trip, try to make sure your child is tanked up and well-rested. It's also a good idea to establish the ground rules before you reach the store. If he's likely to lobby for a new toy, you can explain ahead of time that you're only there to buy groceries.
Frustration is also a big tantrum-producer. If you know your child is going to insist on visiting the pet store when you go to the mall, make sure you have time to do it or think twice about the trip. Thinking through his probable reactions, the consequences, and the alternatives isn't really "giving in" to him, it's being a wise parent.
Because he's out of control, a tantrum can be scary for a child. Once it subsides, give your toddler hugs and reassurance. It's fine to acknowledge his feelings. You might try to make leaving less painful by offering to read a favorite story when you get home.
Keep in mind that your child's tantrum is nobody's business but yours. Your toddler will have tantrums, and some of them are bound to happen in public. It doesn't mean you're a bad parent, only that you're the parent of a toddler.
If you handle the situation with calm and grace, expect to see a lot of knowing glances and sympathetic smiles. Regardless of any looks you get, remember that your child doesn't understand your embarrassment. Public tantrums aren't meant to humiliate parents, so you should treat your child the same way as if the tantrum happened at home.
You can't bring your toddler to his senses by raising your voice or making threats. Getting mad will only escalate his emotions. You don't want to cave in, either. If your child is screaming because you passed up the candy aisle, don't make a U-turn just to calm him down.
Instead, tell him firmly that he has to stop throwing a fit. If he keeps it up, it's time to use your most potent weapon: the exit door. Even if you're in the middle of a big shopping trip, you can always whisk your child out of the store. Children like to shop, and there's a good chance he'll calm down once he understands the consequences. If he continues throwing a fit, take him home, if possible. The shopping can probably wait.
Keep in mind that children are more likely to lose their tempers when they're hungry or tired. If you're about to embark on a marathon shopping trip, try to make sure your child is tanked up and well-rested. It's also a good idea to establish the ground rules before you reach the store. If he's likely to lobby for a new toy, you can explain ahead of time that you're only there to buy groceries.
Frustration is also a big tantrum-producer. If you know your child is going to insist on visiting the pet store when you go to the mall, make sure you have time to do it or think twice about the trip. Thinking through his probable reactions, the consequences, and the alternatives isn't really "giving in" to him, it's being a wise parent.
Because he's out of control, a tantrum can be scary for a child. Once it subsides, give your toddler hugs and reassurance. It's fine to acknowledge his feelings. You might try to make leaving less painful by offering to read a favorite story when you get home.
Keep in mind that your child's tantrum is nobody's business but yours. Your toddler will have tantrums, and some of them are bound to happen in public. It doesn't mean you're a bad parent, only that you're the parent of a toddler.
If you handle the situation with calm and grace, expect to see a lot of knowing glances and sympathetic smiles. Regardless of any looks you get, remember that your child doesn't understand your embarrassment. Public tantrums aren't meant to humiliate parents, so you should treat your child the same way as if the tantrum happened at home.
How do I deal with a spirited toddler who simply won't sit still?
My spirited toddler simply doesn't stop moving all day long. I can't take him to the market because he refuses to sit in the cart and won't walk around with me in the store. He keeps darting off on his own. What do I do?
Safety is your first priority when it comes to your children. That need is further amplified when you have a high-energy kid. So the truth is, when you're juggling tasks and can't keep an eye on him the whole time, you'll need help. If you have to take your toddler shopping, the best strategy is to take your partner or a friend with you so you can take turns keeping watch over your toddler. Alternatively, if you aren't able to find someone to go with you, you'll need to plan your shopping errand so it's quick.
You can't be expected never to run to the market, so if you are on your own with your son, try this: Before you go, make sure he's had the opportunity to run, climb, jump, and use his big muscles. Let him run around the house, or stop off at a playground first. Then he's more likely to stay in a stroller or cart. If he's been in the car for 30 minutes en route to the store, he probably won't be able to sit still for more than a few minutes — it's just not possible. The reason is purely developmental: His brain is telling him to try things, and the way he does this is through his body, so he runs around. Another trick that might work for an older toddler is involving him in the shopping, so that you wheel him close to the shelves and ask him to grab something down for you. Then he's at least using his arms, and he won't get bored as fast.
As a more long-term plan, help your toddler channel his energy in a positive way by enrolling him in fun activities such as swimming, gymnastics, karate, and dance. And rejoice in the fact that you have a child with lots of verve. He's a future dancer, percussionist, or athlete. He just doesn't like to shop.
You can't be expected never to run to the market, so if you are on your own with your son, try this: Before you go, make sure he's had the opportunity to run, climb, jump, and use his big muscles. Let him run around the house, or stop off at a playground first. Then he's more likely to stay in a stroller or cart. If he's been in the car for 30 minutes en route to the store, he probably won't be able to sit still for more than a few minutes — it's just not possible. The reason is purely developmental: His brain is telling him to try things, and the way he does this is through his body, so he runs around. Another trick that might work for an older toddler is involving him in the shopping, so that you wheel him close to the shelves and ask him to grab something down for you. Then he's at least using his arms, and he won't get bored as fast.
As a more long-term plan, help your toddler channel his energy in a positive way by enrolling him in fun activities such as swimming, gymnastics, karate, and dance. And rejoice in the fact that you have a child with lots of verve. He's a future dancer, percussionist, or athlete. He just doesn't like to shop.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Monday Coupons
Monday brings a whole lot of new coupons and deals. Check them out ...
Naartjie Kids 60% off
Melissa and Doug 15% off
Little Tikes Winter Sale still going
US Toys free shipping
Many deals at Claire's
Veggie Tales 20% off
Crayola has a huge selection of sale items today
New markdowns at Hartstring 25%-75% off
Discovery Store has items starting at $9.99
Free shipping and no sales tax at Just Baby Strollers
Free Stuff from Babies online
Naartjie Kids 60% off
Melissa and Doug 15% off
Little Tikes Winter Sale still going
US Toys free shipping
Many deals at Claire's
Veggie Tales 20% off
Crayola has a huge selection of sale items today
New markdowns at Hartstring 25%-75% off
Discovery Store has items starting at $9.99
Free shipping and no sales tax at Just Baby Strollers
Free Stuff from Babies online
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Happiest Baby on the Block
DVD has been released. Have you seen this? Would love to hear your feedback. Cant wait to get my copy!!
Hand-me-downs
In this months Parents magazine the argument was made that most baby gear should not be used when handed down. In this economy it is hard to have the best and newest gear for your little ones. Happy Organic Baby has so much gear featured at lowest prices possible. Take a look and let us know what you think.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Gift Set Sale
This adorable organic gift set is on discount! Usually $55
http://www.ababy.com/itempage.asp?CategoryID=236&itemid=19477&refs=24&AID=10274047&PID=4766890
http://www.ababy.com/itempage.asp?CategoryID=236&itemid=19477&refs=24&AID=10274047&PID=4766890
Monday, January 9, 2012
Nestle Launches High-Tech Baby Formula Machine
We absolutely can not wait until this reaches the USA!
http://www.parenting.com/blogs/show-and-tell/melanie-parentingcom/nestle-launches-high-tech-baby-formula-machine
http://www.parenting.com/blogs/show-and-tell/melanie-parentingcom/nestle-launches-high-tech-baby-formula-machine
UPPAbaby Sale
UPPAbaby stroller usually retails for $679 but on sale for $499 for a limited time.
http://happyorganicbaby.com/brand/134
http://happyorganicbaby.com/brand/134
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Website Live
Today is a very exciting day for us as our hard work has paid off and Happy Organic Baby is now live. Please give us your feedback! We still have lots of work to do so please visit us often to see site additions, updates etc. Happy Shopping!!
Name Necklaces
Every little girl needs one of these adorable Name Necklaces. Currently if you buy 2 name necklaces and have the 3 for free:
Club Penguin
Cold weather outside? This is a perfect time to help your child join Club Penguin. Follow this link to join today
Reading to your Children
Reading to your Children at an early age has show significant development advantages later on in their life. Why pay full price for your children books when you get get them at wholesales prices? Check out these great deals
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