Guest Blog - Moment for Mom - Our New Partner!

We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Moment for Mom, a meal delivery service for new moms in Chicagoland. Read their tips for staying nourished below as well as details on a blueprint discount!

Top 3 Tips for Moms to Stay Nourished

When getting ready for your baby, it’s so natural to think only about your baby and hardly at all about yourself. The irony is that one of the best ways to take care of your baby is to make sure he/she has well-nourished parents! (Ideally, they would be well-rested too, but hey, we are not magicians!)

In addition to getting the nursery ready and stocking up on baby gear, take some time to think about making sure you have a plan for eating nutritious, tasty food. Here are some tips I learned the hard way:

1. Stock up on easy-to-eat, nutritious, filling snacks.  Eating three square meals a day is not a realistic expectation for a while. The truth is, you’ll be eating a lot on the go and at unconventional times. You may have to take quick advantage of the 5 quiet minutes your baby is happily playing by him/herself at 3:30pm to eat lunch! Pick up some trail mix, granola bars, nuts, and baby carrots with hummus.
2. Make sure you have the right food in your freezer. For breakfast and lunch, there are lots of good-for-you options that are easy to eat and prepare available right in your grocer’s freezer. For breakfast, waffles are a great option (try to get some made with whole grain rather than the super-sugary varieties). Plus, these are great if you have an older child at home. For lunch, try enchiladas, mini calzones, mini quiches or anything else that is easy to eat while holding your baby.
3. Make the right kind of food in advance. I’m sure you’ve already been told to make some lasagna and freeze it. That’s nice, but not a very realistic food to eat while holding your baby (heavy, messy foods tend not to be…). Plus, because you have to defrost the entire pan, you’ll be eating it for a while! Here’s the solution: convert your favorite casserole into muffins. Instead of making a huge pan of macaroni and cheese, bake it in muffin tins. That way, you can defrost only what you need and, it will be much easier for you to eat! (Extra bonus: you can feed this to an older child if you have one at home!)

I hope these tips help you as you prepare for this exciting time!

Now is the perfect time to get yourself some meals or to give a gift to a mom you know! We are pleased to announce a special offer to Baby Blueprint customers! Purchase a Day of Meals Package, get a FREE upgrade to Day of Meals + Dinner for Partner ($15 value). To redeem, purchase a Day of Meals through Paypal and where it asks “Is this a gift (YES/NO)?”, write “BLUEPRINTGIFT” if it’s a gift and “BLUEPRINT” if it’s for you. Offer expires December 31, 2012.

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Merav Benson is the founder of Moment for Mom, a meal delivery service for new moms in Chicagoland. Our menu was developed with a registered dietitian to focus on the nutritional needs of a new mom and we offer lots of options that are easy to eat even while holding a baby! Our meal packages are great for you and also perfect as a gift for a new mom (you choose the meal package – and mom chooses what she wants to eat and when she wants it delivered!) Check us out at www.momentformom.com

Guest Blog - 5 Sleep Tips for Newborns

We are absolutely THRILLED to announce our newest partner - Kim Schaf, Founder and President of Sleep Training Solutions and the Midwest Regional Director (USA) for the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants (APSC). Check out Kim's bio and 5 tips for newborn sleep below! You can learn more about Kim by visiting her website at http://sleeptrainingsolutions.com/

5 Sleep Tips for Newborns

Does this sound familiar?  You were the model pregnant mom-to-be, taking classes on Breastfeeding Basics, Newborn Care 101, prenatal yoga, signing dad up for Daddy Bootcamp and you even resisted going hog wild with the Chunky Monkey at 11:00pm every night...

But then baby came home! You know what size diapers to buy, how to feed your little one, and buckle her into her carseat...but sleep? That's a pipe dream right behind winning the lottery.

Newborn sleep is tricky for two reasons. First, newborns have nights and days mixed up, and until their biological clocks figure that out (with your help of course!), there won't be much difference in sleep between the two. Second, babies need to feed frequently. This definitely puts a damper on long stretches of sleep.

But here's the good news...there ARE things that you can do to encourage your baby to be a good sleeper!

Here are 5 goals to work toward with your little one:

1.  Help your baby learn how to fall asleep without a sleep prop (feeding to sleep, rocking to sleep, walking-while-bouncing to sleep, etc.).

When a child uses a sleep prop to fall asleep, it becomes very difficult for her to fall asleep independently...which means for every wake up, you'll have to recreate the same scenario that got her to sleep at bedtime for every night waking!  When babies stop relying on their sleep prop to fall asleep, bedtime is quicker, night-wakings decrease (or are eliminated all together, depending on age) and babies will be able to put themselves back to sleep when they wake too early in the morning.

2. Swaddle your baby

If you have ever watched your baby sleep (something you probably do on a daily basis!), you've most likely seen him throw out his arms like he's falling. This is called the Moro Reflex and swaddling can help prevent the baby from startling himself awake.  As babies get older, however, some start to rely on that tight fitting blanket to lull them to sleep at which point swaddling becomes a sleep prop.  It is best to start weaning your baby off of the swaddle sometime between 8-12 weeks of age.   

3. Use a pacifier in the beginning

 You've probably noticed that your newborn has a very strong need to suck. This is normal during the first few months and using a pacifier is a great way to fill this need. That said, after about 2-3 months of age, babies can satisfy this need during feedings. Parents often find using a pacifier past this point makes it more of a sleep prop, and that's something you want to avoid!

4. Set up a calming bedtime routine

None of us come home from an evening out, walk in the door, and get right into bed, but often we transition babies to bed that quickly! Start with a bath, maybe give a little massage with some baby lotion, get her cozy in a sleeper and new diaper, sing a song and feed her.  Do the routine in the nursery to start getting her used to her new room.  Remember, it's never too early to start a bedtime routine and it is a great way to cue the body and the brain to settle down for sleep.

5. Remember that your child is growing and learning every day and longer stretches of sleep are right around the corner!

Assuming your child is healthy and gaining weight at a normal rate, night feeds will typically diminish between 11-13 weeks. Our biological clocks are programmed to be more alert and awake during the day and asleep at night...and babies are working towards this in the first 3 months of life. At about 6 weeks, their little bodies are beginning to adjust and will typically sleep 3-5 hours at a time.  When babies are about 12 weeks old, most are able to consolidate their feeds during the day which will promote consolidated sleep at night. Once this happens, babies can sleep 10-12 hours at a time.

So in these first few months, use these tips to set a foundation for healthy sleep habits and you'll be rewarded with a full night's sleep soon!

Kim Schaf is the Founder and President of Sleep Training Solutions and the Midwest Regional Director (USA) for the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants (APSC). After completing an extensive training and mentoring program with one of the world’s most respected child sleep authorities, she became a Certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant and offers expert guidance to resolve behavioral sleep issues for families in Chicago and across the country. Kim has a Master of Arts degree in Teaching and is a member of the American Sleep Association, the North Suburban Children’s Business Network and the Neighborhood Parents Network. She lives in a northern suburb of Chicago with her husband and two small children, both of whom are excellent sleepers.

Photo Credit: Dreamstime

First Birthday Party!

We had the pleasure of planning a 1st birthday for the adorable Ian Felix! The theme was a carnival, which was perfect for the little Clown!

From balloons to table runners, the room was covered in bright red, white and blue. Guests snacked on popcorn and cupcakes…

 … but Ian was all about his smash cake! 

Guest took home carnival-themed animal crackers as favors. We were so happy to be able to plan a 1st birthday that the kids loved! Happy Birthday, Ian!

Mother's Day Gift Guide

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, we at Baby Blueprint are busy recommending some wonderful treats for all of our clients, and dropping hints to our own husbands! Whatever your budget, Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show Mom some appreciation. Some of our best bets are below. Beauty: For Moms too busy chasing around their toddlers to devote the extra time to primp, we love the gift of a no-chip manicure or a Keratin blow-out. The manicure will last through dirty dishes and art projects and the blow-out will redefine her “wash n go” look. Fitness: For Moms who don’t have the time to work-out, we love Stroller Strides classes. Available nation-wide, these classes offer a workout that Mom can do WITH her kids in tow. Checkout www.strollerstrides.com for a class near you! Technology: If you’re looking to splurge on Mom, nothing beats an iPad. Not only can she use it to grocery shop, order diapers and look up dinner recipes, it will become her little one’s favorite toy with downloaded videos, flashcards and more! Jewelry: We love jewelry pieces that are meaningful and can be added to over time. Our new favorites are the charm necklaces from Helen Ficalora. Start with a simple chain and initial pendent, and expand with birthstone charms, charms to celebrate milestones etc! Then possibilities are endless. Available at http://www.helenficalora.com or one of their retail locations. Read: For the Mom that loves her kindle, we recommend If You Give a Mom a Martini: 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself. The book has tons of suggestions for “time-outs” for even the busiest Mom. Available at www.amazon.com. Fashion: For the fashionable Mom on the go, we love ballet flats from Tieks. These designer flats are comfortable, available in every color imaginable, and fold up easily into a purse. Available at http://tieks.com.

5 Tips to Help You Prepare for Number 2

If you’re anything like me, the arrival of baby #2 can occur just as you’ve finally settled into a predictable routine with your first child. The thought of double the work, and a whole lot less sleep, can be overwhelming for almost anyone. Here are our top 5 tips to help you get ready for your newest addition.
1. Get your partner involved. When the new baby comes home, you will suddenly have a lot less time to oversee every aspect of your older child’s routine. It’s important that both parents are comfortable with things like meal preparation, bedtime and bath time routines. In my household, this meant my loving husband was finally forced to learn how to prepare something other than Mac N Cheese for my daughter!
2. Create Mommy and Me time. With all the demands a new baby can bring, it’s easy to lose out on quality time with your older child. By setting aside quality time for just the two of you – whether that be a Mommy and Me class you go to every weekend, or simply a book or two before bed each night, you can ensure they still have time during which they get your undivided attention.
3. Work on milestones. If you’ve been contemplating tackling a milestone for which your older child seems ready, be it potty training or the transition to a toddler bed, I’d suggest taking this on BEFORE you bring the baby home. Not only is it easier to tackle these while you’re still getting a good night sleep, but you’ll give your oldest ample time to adjust to the transition before the baby arrives.
4. Baby Present! Jealousy is natural and to be expected when your older child encounters a baby who suddenly gets lots of attention – and LOTS of gifts! A great way to temper that is to have your oldest receive a present from their little sibling. Your oldest will feel like they are getting in on the present giving action and every time they play with it you can remind them of how much their little brother or sister loves them.
5. RELAX. Before the arrival of my youngest daughter, I was very strict about the amount of television my daughter was allowed to watch, her meal plan, etc., etc. Since the arrival of number two, I’ve found not only that I’ve had to relax those guidelines, but also that it is totally okay. New babies are a lot of work, and stress, and you need to give yourself a break, and time to adjust to the transition. Some days, you just need to accept that the only thing that’s getting accomplished is watching Finding Nemo… twice.

Winter Reading List

Now that the holidays are over and winter is setting in, it feels like a good time to curl up by the fire with a good book. There are thousands of books about pregnancy and babies to thumb through but it can be overwhelming. We would like to offer our personal favorites which range from informative to irreverent!

Baby 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice For Your Baby's First Year by Denise Fields and Ari Brown, M.D. (September 1, 2011). The title states it all. Wondering how to swaddle? Worried that baby’s poop looks funny? Just how much sleep does my newborn need? Let this book serve as a quick reference guide for all of those new parent worries.

Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on baby furniture, gear, clothes, toys, maternity wear and much, much more! by Denise Fields and Alan Fields (Apr 21, 2011). Preparing for baby can take a big toll on your wallet. From cribs to strollers to layettes, this book will help you find all of your essentials at deep discounts.

The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp (May 27, 2003). This book takes an innovative look at your baby’s first three months. Dr. Karp reveals the secret to stopping colic and soothing your baby by combining science and societal antidotes throughout history. It is a must read for all expecting parents!

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby by Tracy Hogg and Melinda Blau (Jul 26, 2005). Hogg provides the insight necessary to understand and respect your baby from day one. She offers tips for breaking bad habits and gently encouraging your baby to sleep.

The Milk Memos: How Real Moms Learned to Mix Business with Babies-and How You Can, Too by Cate Colburn-Smith and Andrea Serrette (Mar 15, 2007). Down-hearted from pumping in a janitor’s closet at IBM, new moms Colburn-Smith and Serrette sought to form a community of pumping mamas. The new mothers wrote their thoughts, advice and funny family stories in a notebook that they left in the room. More and more mothers started writing until the notebook was full and a strong, supportive community was formed. This book offers advice on combining work and nursing while making you feel that you are not alone in the struggle to find that elusive balance between work and home.

The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine (Jan 9, 2007). Feeling just fat? Face breaking out? Inexplicably want to throw your French fries at your partner? Welcome to pregnancy!! Iovine acts as your closest girlfriend and gives you the real low down on what to expect during those glorious 10 months!

Ink and paper not your style? Check out Baby Center (www.babycenter.com) for a complete online resource for your pregnancy and newborn. Baby Center will help you determine the best dates to get pregnant and send you weekly emails on your baby’s in utero development! Their assistance doesn’t stop when the baby comes. Baby Center is also a good resource for all of your baby and toddler questions. Experts and the community weigh in on almost every topic you encounter!

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