(sheri)
A few weeks ago we threw a baby shower for pregnant moms in Richmond. This is our favorite event in the store so far and this year was no different. Stefanie came up with doing a nature theme based on some amazing pins we found on pinterest. We had so much fun planning how to decorate the food table:
Herbs and greenery from our backyard
Our drinking glasses
One of our birdie rattles does double duty as decoration
The Plan Toys Snail Measuring tape hides out on the wood slabs
An Under the Nile Mushroom hides out next to the pastries
We were so lucky that the local Panera Bread donated pastries, hot tea and cold tea for our guests! We also served fresh organic fruit as well.
Moss, birds nexts, wood slabs and natural toys set the theme for the shower
We played a lot of games! OXO Tot donated a Sprout high chair as a gift! Nook donated an amazing body pillow (which the mommy to be has reported back she is now fighting her dogs for every night because it is so comfy!), Bamboobies donated breast pads, Bumkins donated an All In One diaper, & Ergo donated a carrier! What lucky mommies we had! The SWAG bags were filled with great stuff, too: Boon odd ducks, Kushies skull caps, Sage Creek washcloths (and awesome tote bags), Bumkins diaper inserts, and more!
A local auther, Caley Cantrell came to talk about her book, "You're Bringing Me A Baby?" This book is a great gift for parents who have a dog and need help introducing the new baby. (It's also a great way to introduce older siblings to your new additions!) Jennifer Kyzer talked about how to ready your dog for a new baby:
1. If your dog has a fear of strollers, put your stroller in the room you are in the most in your house with the brake on. Just leave it there until you can see that your dog is comfortable with it in the room. Then let the brake off, and move it slightly in the room. Leave it this way until the dog is comfortable. Once he/she is comfortable, try pushing the stroller a little several times a day/night. Do this again until your dog is comfortable. Once they are then you can have them next to you and try to move around the room with the stroller, or take them for a walk once you see they are comfortable being next to the stroller.
2. Jennifer suggested getting your dog on a routine before you deliver. It will help them with adjusting to the new addition.
3. Bring something of the babies home from the hospital before the baby comes home so the dog can get used to the way your baby smells.
4. When you bring baby home you should enter the house first without the baby, then go outside and come back in with the baby. (This often works great if you have an older child at home as well )
Linda Churmside, a local lactation consultant, talked about breast feeding, giving great tips, advice, and ideas:
1. Linda suggested using a bed pillow or sofa pillow for breast feeding rather than a breast-feeding pillow. She stated that many people find these standard pillows allow the baby to be in the perfect position while feeding. Also, some of the breast-feeding pilllows do not put the baby in the right position for feeding and are highly toxic.
2. Linda says if you are having trouble breastfeeding pumping can often help your milk come in.
3. Also, we learned if you had problems breastfeeding your first child you may not necessarily have those same problems with your second. Each child and each pregnancy is different.
Lastly, we learned alot about choosing an organic crib mattress. We have written about this before, you can read about it here, here and here. We would also be happy to talk to you in person or on the phone (804-355-0595) about how to choose the right mattress for your new little one.
We wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU! to everyone who donated gifts, time, food, and advice! It was a great event!