Guest Blog - Finding the Nanny of Your Dreams!

We're thrilled to announce our newest partnership - we'll be teaming up with Olive.You.Nanny to help our clients find the nanny or night nurse of their dreams! Check out the wonderful tips below from Sarah Davis of Olive.You.Nanny!



Who you’re looking for

It’s a good idea to make a list of specific qualities you’re looking for in a nanny; what is important to you and your family? Do you want someone who is a career nanny? Or, someone who has at least 5 years of full time nanny experience. Perhaps you are looking for someone who is younger with an educational background. Whatever it may be, make a list. You may just end up with someone you didn’t expect but it’s important to find who would be the best fit for your family.



Expectations

It’s unrealistic to think your nanny is going to do everything the way you do. Be open to the idea of your nanny bringing new ideas to the table. Chances are they have been in this industry for many years, so they may have some good suggestions! It’s a good idea to have a list of expectations for your nanny. Make sure in the interviewing process that you go through the things you want your nanny to do; in terms of your child and also around the house. (Just remember a nanny takes care of your child, and is not a housekeeper.)



A good fit

As most moms will tell you, you just know when it’s the right person. You get that feeling that the nanny will become a part of your family and you have a connection. Make sure you have the same childcare philosophies and your expectations are in line.



Screening

It’s extremely important to conduct your due diligence. You’ll want to get all of her childcare references. It’s a good idea to speak to at least 3 of the nanny’s past employers. It’s important to have a list of questions you want to ask. (If you’re working with an agency, this is their responsibility.) It’s also a good idea to do a background check on your nanny. It helps to have the piece of mind that your nanny is fully verified. If you’re nanny will be driving your child, it’s important to review driving history records.



Trial day and contract

We always recommend setting up at least a half-day trial before offering the nanny the position. Make sure you see the nanny interact with your child, show her around and where things are. You both need to feel comfortable in the situation. After the trial day, assuming all has gone well, it’s time to create a contract with your nanny. This can be as simple as hours, pay, holiday and vacation. And can get as detailed as all of your expectations, both with the child and your home (this should all be discussed in the initial interview.)



Standards

Families should offer paid holidays, sick days and vacation. You should also get an idea of what the market pay is for your situation - whether you have one or more children. You’ll want to be in the same range of what other families are paying.



Review

It’s a good idea to follow up with your nanny to see how things are going. The 3 month mark is a good time and again at 6 months and 1 year. Having a nanny is all about communication. You want to make sure you’re on the same page!

It’s Hospital Packin’ Time!

At 36 weeks (and earlier if you’re carrying multiples) you’ll want to pack your hospital bag. While most baby books will give you a good basic list of the essentials – pajamas, toiletries, a coming home outfit for baby – many of them neglect a few essentials that we at Baby Blueprint think are a MUST for any mom to be. Below is our list of must-haves for you and baby.

For Mom:

1. Extra hair elastics. Labor is a heck of a workout – and we guarantee you will want your hair up and away from your face. In the event that the one you’re wearing snaps, falls out etc., you’ll be glad to have an extra on hand!

2. Lip balm. Hospitals are dry, dry places and childbirth can be a long process. If you’re delivering at Prentice in Chicago, you likely won’t be allowed anything but ice chips after you clear triage – so a little lip balm will go a long way in helping you feel hydrated.

3. An extra empty tote bag. Your room at the hospital will be chock-full of freebies: infant diapers, swaddling blankets, tiny onesies and hats, information packets etc. An empty bag is the easiest way to make sure you’ve got room to take it all home!

4. A small amount of cash in small denominations ($1s and $5s). While you can certainly survive on a debit / credit card in today’s world, you may end up wanting small bills for vending machines and tips for valet parking.

5. A robe. Most baby books recommend a few pairs of maternity pajamas – and while there is nothing wrong with these, you may end up feeling (especially if you have a C section) most comfortable in a hospital gown. If that’s the case, a robe is a great way to look AND feel a bit more presentable and polished for photos and visitors.

6. Every baby book will recommend bringing along chargers for all the electronics you’re packing (cell phone, video camera). If you’re like us, you may not own an “extra” charger, and you’ll be using the one you should be packing right up until you leave for the hospital. To avoid having to remember these items in the throes of labor, stick a post-it note on top of your bag with the list of electronics (and chargers) you want to make sure to bring.

7. Your own Toilet Paper. Yes they have it at the hospital but it may not be the soft stuff you use to at home, and you’ll want something soft!

8. If you have a professional photography service at your hospital you may want to think about bringing along something for you and your partner to wear/coordinate if you want to get some shots of the whole family. It doesn’t have to be fancy, all black looks great.

For Baby:

1. Diaper wipes. This item specifically applies to those of you delivering at Prentice in Chicago. The hospital will provide you with tons of baby stuff over the course of your visit (see #3 above), but they will NOT provide you with wipes. For that first diaper change, you may want more than water and a gauze pad. You’ll just have to trust us on this one!

2. Two sizes of a take home outfit for baby. Depending on the weight and length of your child, they may or may not fit into the newborn size. We recommend packing an outfit in size 0-3 as well.

3. A colorful hat or receiving blanket. You’ll be taking tons of photos in those first days – and emailing them, tweeting them, and posting them to Facebook. A bright color will show up best against the fluorescent lights of the hospital – and lend a professional look to your amateur photography!

Guest Blog - The Organized Diaper

We are thrilled to announce our newest partner - Sarah Nelson of Less Is More. Less is More is a Chicago home organizing service driven by a passion for order and beauty. Check out Sarah's website at http://lessismoreorganizers.com for a full description of her services (we're crazy about "Make Room for Baby") and rates.

To kick off our partnership, Sarah has shared some of her favorite tips for what she calls, "The Organized Diaper." Her tips are below.


The Organized Diaper

One of the items that is always included on a new parent’s must have list is a diaper bag. Keeping it organized will help you get out of the door faster and ensure that you have what you need when you need it. Here are some tips to help:

-Use pouches or even gallon-sized Ziploc bags to keep the items in the bag organized. I like the International Arrivals Nylon Barcelona Pencil Pouches, http://www.amazon.com/International-Arrivals-Barcelona-Zippered-113-27a/dp/B002SQEWQC/ref=pd_sbs_op2/190-7855539-9488462


-Group items in each bag based on use: one bag for changing supplies, another for feeding supplies, another for toys, etc. That way, when you need to change a diaper in, say, a tiny airplane bathroom you only have to take 1 small pouch with you.

-Find supplies quickly by using different colored bags for different groups of items.

-Get in the habit of refilling supplies immediately when you get home.

-Save time by packing the bag the night before.

-Create a mini baby supply bag with diapering supplies, a change of clothes, and if applicable, snacks, to keep in your car, just in case.

What about when you are at home, comfortably playing in the living room, and suddenly a diaper change is in order? Although you might have spent lots of time and energy searching for the perfect changing table, there is no hard-fast rule saying you have to use it every time, especially if the nursery is in a less-than-convenient part of the house. Create portable changing stations that can be neatly kept in the areas of your home you use most. A small supply of diapering items, including diapers, wipes, a leak-proof changing mat, diaper cream, and plastic bags can easily fit in a lidded basket or bin. The Hang-10 Storage Bin by Scout by Bungalow, www.bungalowco.com, would hold all of these items perfectly and comes in a wonderful range of chic colors and patterns. As with the diaper bag, remember to refill the bin when supplies run low.

Our New Partner - KickSprout!

Happy Sunday! We're thrilled to announce a new partnership with KickSprout! Stay tuned for upcoming events...


KickSprout creates local events and online communities for expectant & new parents to connect. We’re a place where parents connect to meet, learn and grow with other parents who are going through the same joys and challenges in an effort to educate, foster and build a strong local community.
Despite all of the planning, reading what seemed like hundreds of books and attending the usual classes, real life with a new baby became a crazy adventure. We realized that having a support group near by with parents juggling the same life changes and emotions was going to be essential to our new family. Since most of our friends & family with kids didn’t live near by, we felt somewhat lost. As we began to find many parents with the same concern and fears, we envisioned a community to help us connect in a place of support, learning and growth - and so KickSprout was born. We exist to be a resource for parents to help them navigate their way through this crazy adventure called parenthood.

How to Go About Finding a Daycare

During your second trimester, you will want to research your child care options. If you are undecided, take the time to research nannies, au pairs, and day cares. For those of you who have decided to go with a day care, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Start your search early. Many day cares can have waiting lists for several months. Make sure you get on their list before you go on maternity leave! You will also want to look at a lot of facilities to see what fits with your family. Take a look at the DCFS website for a list of facilities near you (www.state.il.us/dcfs/daycare/index.shtml).

2. Bring a list of questions to ask the director. You will be given a tour of the facility. Be sure to use this time to ask a lot of questions. No question you have should go un-asked! After the tour, take the time to sit down with the director and understand the facility's culture. Each day care will have their own policies and company culture. Make sure you chose one that is in line with your parenting philosophy. Feel free to contact us for a list of questions that you can bring to each interview.

3. Don't under estimate the importance of location. You will be going to the day care every morning and afternoon. Don't discount the convenience of a facility located either close to home or close to work. If you are going to be the primary parent to drop off and pick up, you may want to chose a location near your office. This will give you the ability to visit baby during lunch. If you will be splitting the duties with your significant other, it may be wise to stick to a place close to home.

4. Budget! All child care options are pricey but be sure to completely understand the cost associated with each location you visit. Does the facility provide diapers and food? Is there an annual tuition increase? If so, what time of the year does it take affect? Will you be required to purchase uniforms for your child?

Whether you chose an accredited facility or go with an "at home" day care, the most important aspect is that you are comfortable. Every time I've had to chose a day care, I've done a lot of research and then gone with my gut. I've felt comfortable that the teachers and staff have similar parenting styles, have a good feel for schedules but are flexible enough to accommodate my particular needs, and is convenient for my family. I have yet to be disappointed!

Newest Member of the Blueprint Family

I am very excited to introduce my daughter Anja to the Baby Blueprint community! She was born on August 4th and is perfect in every way.

Right before I had Anja, I purchased an iPhone (I know, welcome to technology, Gina!). I have discovered a world of apps for the new mom. My favorite is the nursing tracker/timer (iBaby Feed Timer - Breastfeeding, Nursing, and Bottle Feeding). With my first daughter, I was always forgetting when I last nursed and what side I finished on. It was especially difficult to keep track during those late night/early morning nursing sessions. Regardless of whether you are nursing or bottle feeding, the app will keep track of your last feeding session's time and duration. It will also send a reminder when you are 10 minutes from the next feeding.

There are also apps that keep track of multiple babies (Baby Tracker: Nursing) and ones where you can track every activity of your baby from diapers to sleep to baths (Baby Hub). Take a stroll through your app store before your baby arrives and see what would assist you in those early months of caring for your newborn.

Happy Shopping!

Gina

Guest Blog - Jackie Dorris, owner of Stroller Strides Chicago!

I am always looking for great ways to stay in shape while pregnant. I've taken the Fit4Baby class and LOVE it - what a wonderful way to stay in shape AND make pregnant friends!! Below are 5 great tips from Jackie Dorris, owner of Stroller Strides Chicago.


Jackie Dorris is the owner of Stroller Strides Chicago. Stroller Strides is the nation’s most popular fitness program for new moms. Jackie and her team of certified fitness professionals offer a variety of fitness programs to suit your needs. From prenatal Fit4Baby classes, to Stroller Strides mom and baby workouts, to Body Back mom only boot camp classes, the knowledgeable instructors will guide you through a safe and effective workout, appropriate for any level exerciser. As mom’s themselves, they understand that life is about finding balance, while nurturing our mind’s, bodies and spirits. For more information about Stroller Strides Chicago or Fit4Baby classes, please visit www.strollerstrides.net/chicago. The next session if Fit4Baby will begin on September 13th!

1- Get moving. ACOG recommends 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most if not all days of the week for pregnant women. Exercise can help ease many of the aches and pains associated with pregnancy- from bloating and constipation (lovely, right?) to low back pain. Exercise can also help improve your energy and mood. And, extra bonus- women who exercise during their pregnancy tend to have easier, shorter and less complicated deliveries! Score one for team mama! Not sure what is ok to do while you are pregnant? Join a prenatal fitness class- like Fit4Baby- with knowledgeable instructors who can help guide you. Not only will it help you have a safe effective workout, it’s also a great way to meet other expectant mom’s.

2- You and your baby are what you eat. Eat to fuel your body and baby; don’t let pregnancy be an excuse to turn your mouth in to a garbage can. Yes, it’s ok to have an occasional ice cream- but remember that pregnant women only need about 300 extra calories per day. That’s about a banana and yogurt or a small fry with ketchup at a fast food place- which one is fuel? You know the right answer.

3- Don’t forget your abs. If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say “I’m pregnant, I don’t need my abs anymore” I’d be retired on a beach. Your core is so important. An easy abdominal exercise that you can do anytime during the day, baby hugs. Sitting in a chair or on the couch, sit up straight and think about hugging your baby with your abdominal muscles. Pull your belly button in, imagine kissing your baby on the head with your belly button, and wrap your oblique muscles around your baby to hug them. Hug in as your breathe in, and release as you breathe out. Make sure you aren’t just sucking in and holding your breath, actively use your muscles. Do 3 sets of 10 throughout the day.

4- Listen to your body. When exercising listen to what your body is saying. Pregnancy is not the time to push through the pain. If your body is saying slow down, respect that and know that it is ok to take a day off. Just try to get back to it tomorrow.

5- SMILE! Take a few moments each day to enjoy your pregnancy. While it may not feel like it at the time, 9 months over an entire lifetime is a short period of time. Try to find 2-3 minutes a day that you can carve out for yourself and your baby. Close your eyes, sit silently and place one hand on top of your belly, one below- cradling your belly. Watch your breath, and image you can see your breath bringing life to your baby. Enjoy the peace and quiet and maybe the small movements that you may feel from your baby. Be present in the moment, and enjoy.

Tips from a Baby Photographer!

Our second guest post for August is from family photographer Naja Lerus. Naja is a lifestyle and on-location photographer. She comes TO her clients, making it as convenient and easy as possible. She loves getting to know her families, capturing those special moments in their lives, and creating beautiful heirloom quality products. As one of our partners, Naja offers a 20% discount for all Blueprint clients! Click on her logo on our partners page to learn more about her! Naja’s 3 top tips on capturing a great newborn shot are below.
1. You must have PATIENCE, and a lot of it! Bring a calm energy as babies can sense stress, and will react accordingly.

2. Photograph the newborn within his/her first 14 days of life. Babies are naturally very sleepy to begin with, but you will notice that after 2 weeks, once they really start gaining weight, they are more alert and more difficult to photograph. Another bonus of shooting within the 14 days of life is that new babies are still very “moldable” – they still have the natural curl from being in the womb!

3. Great Props. A variety of newborn hats, headbands and blankets are great additions to any photo shoot. Combining these with different backgrounds / colors make for interesting and unique shots.

Guest Blog: Kristen Kohl Fashion Tips

In August, we'll be featuring a series of guest blogs from some of our favorite Blueprint partners. Up first, tips from our favorite New York stylist (she'll work remotely for all you Chicago moms to be)!

Kristen is a New York City based style expert who has developed a loyal following through her vast experiences styling photo shoots for fashion magazines and conducting wardrobe makeovers for personal clients. Her tips are below - I've already been on line searching for JUST the right fedora!

- Wallis

1) Trove Tkees
With names like Glosses, Shadows, and Highlighters, Trove Tkees aren't just any ordinary sandals. Think of them as the fancy flip flop equivalent to your Havianas! Offered in every shade of the rainbow and cool finishes such as patent and metallic, these leather sandals are casual yet glamourous. They compliment any skin tone. They elongate legs. They have a cushioned footbed and rubber soles. They retail for $48. You will never want to take them off. Trust me. Fingers crossed this means Uggs' better looking cousin isn't far behind. Now THAT would be a perfect world.

2) Maxi skirts
Most moms-to-be have utilized the maxi dress for years. They require very little thought, and they are comfortable yet flattering. They can even accommodate an expanding belly. In 2011, we welcomed the maxi skirt. Mommies everywhere rejoice! It has all of the benefits of the maxi dress, but with the added convenience of a separate. The majority of them even have elastic waistbands - it's as if they were made for pregnancies and an Olsen said, "Hey this actually looks great on everybody! I'm going to start wearing them, all of the time!" For instant, of the moment style, all you need is a great-fitting black maxi skirt in cotton jersey (Shopbop.com has tons) to pair with a white tee and your new uniform has arrived. Mix it up with a printed version when you're feeling adventurous. Still unsure of how to wear this look - Google “Jessica Alba maxi skirt” and problem solved!

3) Belts
I've recently noticed a rising popularity in belts among moms-to-be. As a huge belt fan, I'm all for wearing them during your pregnancy either low-slung or above your bump to pull together any outfit. You are probably best off buying elastic belts to give you room to grow, or go for braided, woven styles that are very of-the-moment. The beauty of those being the lack of belt holes (not to mention braided belts are a great alternative to boring old leather).

4) Hats
This is not so obvious. But I'm telling you, go get yourself a cool hat, and you'll instantly feel pretty and polished. No one will ever have to know the last time you washed your hair was.....well....you can't remember exactly. But that's beside the point. There are plenty of options out there - fedora, panama, floppy, wide brim - all of which are flattering, styish, and current. Have fun with it, and feel good knowing you are doubling up on you sun protection at the same time.


5) Gym clothes
When in doubt, work it out! One of my little secrets when I just do not feel like putting together and outfit in the morning is to throw on workout clothes and go about my day. No one will ever know whether you intend to hit the gym or not. Today, tomorrow, next week, ever! Alternatively, it's assumed that you already got in a workout – even better! In order to really pull this off, you'll need to dress the part. Your husband's oversized tee and black faded leggings won't suffice ladies (you know who you are). Some of my personal favorites are Under Armour's Heatgear Capris. They are lightweight enough to survive the August heat and who knew pants for $34.99 could make legs look this incredible. Pair with a loose-fitted racerback tank by Splendid and voila! there you have it.

PackYour Bag!

By 35 to 36 weeks, you should pack your bag for the hospital. Week 37 is considered full term, so you could have the baby any time after that! Don't worry about packing diapers and wipes for your newborn. The hospital will provide these for you. I suggest bringing a set of "newborn" clothes and size 0-3 months. You don't know for sure how big your baby will be, even if you have had an ultrasound predict the birth weight. If you have pets at home, you should pack a blanket to wrap your baby in. After a day in the hospital, bring the blanket home for your pet to sniff. He will get to know your baby by smell before you bring the new person home!



Plan to pack for yourself for 3 to 5 days. Typically, you will be in the hospital for 2 nights for a vaginal birth and 4 nights for a cesearan. I found it comforting to have my own night gowns to change in to. If you plan to nurse, pick up some nursing bras and nursing gowns/shirts. You will need a nursing bra one size bigger than you are now!



If you have had a tour of your hospital room and know about the available equipment, you may want to bring DVD's or an iPod. You will have some downtown without friends or family visiting where a comforting romantic comedy will come in handy. To this day, watching the Sex and the City movie reminds me of being in the hospital with my newborn daughter. You may have time to finish writing those "thank you" notes from your shower, but don't stress out about it! The main goal is to bond with your newborn! Take full advantage of the hospital staff. The nurses are so helpful and can give advice on everything from nursing to swaddling.



Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy!
Gina

Drop Side Crib Ban

As of June 28, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's ban on drop side cribs took effect. If you have a drop side crib at home or if your family is using one, please go to the manufacturer's website to see if they are offering a kit to stabilize the drop side. The Parents.com website has a good article on the new crib regulatations and offers guidance to other websites for additional information.

It's never a good idea to buy used baby equipment such as strollers, car seats, and cribs at garage sales or from friends. You do not know how this equipment has been treated over the years and may not have recall information on products. Due to the safety issues associated with these products, it always best to buy new. The 4th of July holiday is a great time to pick these products up at a discount! Many stores are running big sales this time of year.

Have a safe and happy 4th!
Gina

34 weeks

By this time in your pregnancy, you should be starting to think about what its going to be like once your little one gets here in 6 weeks. Prepping for your baby means packing the bag for the hospital, washing all of the baby's clothes in a gentle detergent (I personally love the smell of Dreft), and ensuring the baby's room is ready to go. I also recommend picking up some of the books you may want to read about what to do during those first few weeks. I highly recommend Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Harvey Karp. It was basically my baby Bible the first few month's of my daughter's life. I plan to re-read the book this week to brush up on my newborn skills.

If you are planning on going back to work and breast feeding your baby, you will need to pump at work. I recommend taking some time now to research the topic and pick up a book or two that will help you navigate through this time. No matter how supportive your work situation may be, you will want to ensure you understand your rights. Working women who are also nursing need a lot of support. If you know of any nursing mother's at work now, try starting a small club or support group with them. If nothing else, get to know them better! The tips they can give you when you are just returning to work will be invaluable. I loved the camaraderie of the IBM women who wrote Milk Memos (authored by Cate Colburn-Smith and Andrea Serrette). It is a publication of a journal kept by women sharing a pumping room.

If you have any other books that you recommend to friends and family, please feel free to leave a note in the comments section of the blog!

31 Weeks

My dear friend and business partner, Wallis, is showering my family with a brunch next weekend to celebrate the pending arrival of our second daughter. This incredibly generous offer reminds me that moms-to-be these days need to buck tradition! Sure, this is my second baby and generally it isn't convention to throw me another shower. However, aren't all children meant to be celebrated?!

I started thinking about all of the new traditions and ideas that are available to moms. Instead of registering at department stores, think about setting up an account to have family and friends contribute to your child's college fund. There are several websites out there that can get you started. Having a girl? Why can't you paint the nursery blue or another gender-bending color? The nursery should reflect your personal style. Not a fan of toting around large totes? Instead of a diaper bag, think about buying a small clutch that holds only diapers and wipes. You will have the essentials for a quick trip to the store or when you take a walk down the lake front. 1154 Lill carries a "Jack" design that can be customized with the fabric of your choice!

Good luck keeping cool in this early summer heat wave!
Gina

29 Weeks

I am finally in my third trimester! Her kicks are very strong these days. You might notice that instead of a quick fluttering in your stomach, you feel strong jabs and may even identify a hand or foot! But, along with the elation of knowing I only have a little over 10 weeks until I meet my second daughter, the final trimester brings more aches and pains. My hips hurt, my lower back hurts (that might be due to the heels I refuse to give up!), and my feet ache each night. All the research that I've done tells me that exercise helps prepare the body for the final push of the third trimester. I know I've preached the benefits of exercise during pregnancy before, but Wallis and I discovered a great class when we were pregnant with our first children. Fit4Baby, offered by Stroller Strides, is an excellent class to get your body ready for the stress of carrying a baby and is offered throughout the Chicago city and surrounding suburbs. According to the website, "Fit4Baby® is a program designed to strengthen the body for all the changes it will experience during pregnancy. The class includes cardio, strength, flexibility and balance training. Fit4Baby is designed to accommodate all stages of pregnancy and various fitness levels." If you are interested, act fast! Classes fill up quickly.

Check out www.strollerstrides.com for all of the details on class times and a location near you. While you are there, be sure to look into the post baby classes like Body Back and Stroller Strides. They are a great way to get in shape after your baby arrives, but most importantly, they help you develop of network of new and experienced moms in your area. You'll love swapping swaddle secrets while you tighten your core!

Good Luck!

Gina

27 Weeks

I hope all of you had a wonderful Mother's Day! I had an amazing day just relaxing with my husband and daughter. Thinking about all my husband does for me and his family, it reminded me of how focused all of the attention is on me during pregnancy. In reality, this pregnancy affects my husband just as much as me. Besides dealing with my mood swings, lack of energy, and ice cream cravings, he is also coping with how his life will change once our second daughter gets here. He is far from alone. Many soon-to-be fathers are left to cope with their fears and worries internally.

Some fears that many men have:

1. Will I be a good father?

2. Will I be able to provide adequately for my family?

3. Will she love the baby more than me?

4. Will I be able to be strong during labor and delivery?

5. Will I ever get my old life back?

What helped us get through the first pregnancy? I suggest getting daddy-centered books. While your partner could peruse the same books you are reading, the ones written for a man/by a man will speak "his language". Many of them are filled with humor and don't go into the nitty gritty details of every stage of labor. Does your partner need to know about passing the mucus plug? Maybe not.

Also try to spend some time talking about his fears of pregnancy and raising a baby. Listen without judgement and try to be supportive. If your partner isn't the type to bring the topic up, try broaching it when you two are alone and able to talk freely.

This is a great time to grow stronger as a couple and start focusing on the new family you are forming!

All the best,

Gina

Happy Mother's Day!

We just wanted to send a sincere Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and soon-to-be mothers from Baby Blueprint! Hope you have a chance to celebrate this Sunday in a way that makes you feel happy and loved.

All our best, Wallis and Gina

25 Weeks

At my six month appointment, I was given a parting gift. I had almost blocked out the orange drink that pregnant women are required to drink. The purpose of drinking this ultra sugary beverage? To test for gestational diabetes at 28 weeks. You will be given specific instructions on when and how to drink this ultra sugary beverage. This is a routine test and your doctor can answer any questions you have (I'll leave this to the professionals!). It's a good reminder why proper nutrition is so important during your pregnancy. Medical professionals will tell you that most women need an additional 300 calories per day, but check with your doctor for advice that is tailored to you. Make the most of the 300 calories by eating foods that are high in fiber, contain whole grains, and are lean proteins. A good rule of thumb is to eat a variety of colors at every meal.

Snacking is an important way to keep your energy up. Keep nuts in your purse for when a craving strikes. An apple with cheese is a great way to get much needed calcium and fiber. I love stocking up on string cheese for a great "on the go" snack. Remember to drink plenty of water since dehydration can be misread for hunger pangs.

All that being said, I still love to indulge in a sweet craving at the end of the day. All good diets have room for a sinful indulgence, right?! I just try not to over do it.

24 Weeks

In your second or third trimester, many of you 1st time mammas will be showered by your friends and families! It is an amazing way to celebrate the pending arrival of your newest addition. Several weeks before your first shower, you will want to register for all of your baby needs. This may be one of the most daunting exercises to go through during your pregnancy. What are the best brands? What are the essentials? Do you want a crib that converts to a toddler bed? Your Baby Blueprint consultants can help you design a registry that fits perfectly with your personality and lifestyle. Love to run? We can consult on top running strollers for busy city streets or quiet suburb sidewalks. We also offer the service of coming with you to the vendor of your choice! Remember to register at one store that has an online catalog for your "out of town" guests. If Aunt Suzie is throwing you a shower in her hometown, request that gifts be sent directly to your home. The last thing a pregnant mamma needs is to haul her shower loot across country!
Five nursery "must haves":
1. Clock! It seems so obvious, but both Wallis and I didn't originally have them in our daughters' nursery. It is so helpful in the middle of the night to know when you were last up and for how long.
2. Several types of swaddling blankets. The nurses will do a professional swaddle on the days your little one is in the hospital. Once you are home, you will want to try different types of swaddling blankets to see which one your little angel sleeps best with.
3. Medela Steam Sterilization Bags. Medela makes these little wonders where you are able to steam sterilize the entire bottle or pump parts in less then 3 minutes. Even if you aren't planning to nurse, these bags are great for pacifiers that the dog got a hold of or your baby's favorite teether that was dropped in the street.
4. Glider. You will want the most comfortable glider in your baby's room so you can relax while your baby snuggles in your arms eating or falling asleep. It does not need to be the most expensive, just one you'll enjoy spending lots of time in!
5. Multiple mattress pads and crib sheets. Every baby will have an accident in their crib and it will most likely happen in the middle of the night. Keep at least two sheets separated by two mattress pads on the crib. In the middle of the night, you will be able to quickly strip off the top layer and lay your little one back down on a clean set of sheets.

23 Weeks

For those of you who live in Chicago, I don't need to tell you what an amazing weekend we had! The near record high on Sunday gave everyone a taste of summer. If expectant moms are anything like me, I was also given a taste of "cankles". A combination of the heat and my weight gain made my feet, ankles, and fingers swell very quickly. Some swelling of your feet and hands during pregnancy is normal, whether it is mid-August or mid-January. To limit the swelling, drink plenty of water through out the day, limit salt intake, and put your feet up throughout the day. When sleeping, experts suggest sleeping on your left side after 4 months to maximize the circulation to you and your baby. However, if you notice extreme swelling in your face, hands, or feet, please contact your doctor immediately as this can be a sign of something more serious. Warmer weather also gave me a chance to go on a long walk outside with my family. Walking is my exercise of choice after 4 months but I love to indulge in a prenatal yoga class when time allows. Your hospital is an excellent resource for prenatal-approved pilates, yoga, and aerobics classes. Check out your hospital's website for details! All the best from Baby Blueprint! Gina

Gina: 22 Weeks Along

Firmly nestled in my 2nd trimester, I am finally starting to feel my energy return. I can stay up past 8 pm and have been able to return to one of my past loves, Top Chef!

If you are in your second trimester (beginning at 14 weeks) you are probably breathing a sigh of relief. You may feel comfortable telling your family and friends about pregnancy and can start planning for the pending arrival of your little one.

Big 2nd trimester "To Do's" are the 20 week ultrasound (where a technician will be able to tell you the sex of your baby, if you so choose) and beginning to research baby furniture. Some furniture can take up to 12 weeks to be delivered so start looking early! You may also be thinking about how and when to tell your work place about your pregnancy. Baby Blueprint advice is to wait until you are ready, but be sure to tell your manager before he or she hears it through water cooler gossip. You want to be sure your department is able to adequately prepare for your pending maternity leave.

Remember to take care of yourself! You are sleeping/eating/resting for two!

Gina

Welcome to Baby Blueprint!

After months of planning, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our maternity concierge business - Baby Blueprint Chicago! Baby Blueprint will guide expectant parents through every stage of their pregnancy timeline, from designing the perfect nursery and registry, to throwing the ultimate baby shower. Please help us grow the business by liking us on Facebook (Baby Blueprint Chicago), following us on twitter (@babyblueprint), and passing along our contact information to expectant parents! Email us baby.blueprint@yahoo.com. All the best, Gina Koertner and Wallis Larson