Baby Fashion Blog - Baby Gifts & Baby Boutique Stories

Merry Christmas from Polka Dot Whale & Baby Fashion Blog!

The year has almost come to an end and, as usual, is all a wonderful blur....  We have been busy at home, at work and with family, busy raising Emme and busy running Polka Dot Whale.  There are many highlights of 2008, but I thought that I would share a few with my loyal blog readers;)

My Favorite Things About 2008 Are:

1.  Emme's 1st Birthday--my sweet girl turned one at a Hello Kitty Cherry Blossom Birthday Party celebrating her infinite sweetness!

2.  Easter and Spring Training Baseball at my brother's home in Arizona--how can you not have fun in super warm Spring weather & great big house full of family (5 kiddos, 5 adults and an English Bulldog_? 

3.  Summer at the JCC Swimming Pool--we had a ball splashing around with Emme all summer in the baby pool and meeting up with my mom-friend Jill and Emme's buddy Evan!

4.  Moving out of our 1-Bedroom Condo and experiencing the joy of a backyard with a toddler--enough said!

5.  (Almost weekly) Playdates and shopping/lunch meetups with some of the very bestfriends a little girl and her mama could ask for--we love you Jill & Evan, Penny & William and Laura & Anabelle!

6.  The Unbelievable Cliffs of Big Sur in October...

7.  Finding Studio Schoolhouse for Emme and knowing that Miss Naraki takes care of Emme like I would, inspires her creativity, teaches her to have great virtues and showers her with love!

8.  Rekindling my passion for helping abused and neglected children find safe, loving and permanent homes by getting my fanny back to work in September!

9.  Watching my family be the best we can be as we gathered together in Sacramento, CA over Thanksgiving '08 to support my sister, brother-in-law and nephew when Russell was suddenly & shockingly diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma...if you aren't already, watch this little guy and our family fight Burkitt's by following Russell's blog at www.boywonder.blogspot.com!

10.  Preparing for Christmas with my daughter in mind...Children make the whole world new again!

Nursery News--Real Life "Crib" of a Baby with Style!

Lots of folks have asked me what my baby girl's nursery is like...Well, the truth of the matter is that Emme's nursery was a darling little corner of my own bedroom until our recent move where she has set up shop in the room next to ours.  Spare white walls initially made me nervous, but Em's bright bedding and accessories have really made it all come together quite nicely.  I thought I'd share a few pics of what I've pulled together in the 3 weeks since our move, white walls and all, and let you know where you, too can track down some of the fantastic finds for your own little one's nursery!

As you can see, the overarching theme is little birdies!  I was already jumping on the "bird" bandwagon and wanted to have Emme's bedding made when Pottery Barn Kids came out with their Sweet Birdie bedding for 2007.  I was delighted and went crazy with the theme.  Many of the pillows and accessories you see here are from PBK.  I have since collected little birdie items here and there to jazz things up a bit.  Before I move on--Birdie theme aside, my all-time favorite must-have nursery item from Pottery Barn Kids is the silky soft CHAMOIS fabric for sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers and changing pad covers.

My sister Leslie painted this incredible wall hanging with my birdie theme and Emme's name.  I love to sit in my rocking chair and stare at it day after day.  I never get tired of that gorgeous mural and I hope Emme will one day treasure it as much as I do!  The white walls are just begging for something more, so I searched online for weeks for the perfect wall decals that would be removable causing no damage to the walls and allowing for changes in style and theme as time goes by.  I finally decided on Elephannie Wall Decals when I searched Etsy for something custom and handmade that would perfectly match Emme's existing nursery decor.  I emailed pictures of Em's nursery decor to Elephannie and specifically requested this style of bird and the 3 color set-up.  My every wish was granted and within just a few days, I had this branch with leaves and a little birdie....and, 3 more birdies to fly around the room and perch above the door.  I have found nothing cuter for the price and quality that you get with Elephannie.  Scroll down to see what was custom created for Emme's Under the Sea Theme Bathroom!  Emme walks up to the wall and oohs and aahs at the mermaid before every bath...it is sooooo sweet!   Such an easy way to create the fantasy bedroom or bathroom you are dreaming of for your little ones!  Shop Elephannie...

When looking for a little something sweet to give Emme for her first birthday, I perused Etsy for a few weeks and came up with this little name pillow, matching quilt and little hanging birdie!  Emme loves them (okay, maybe not as much as I love them, but she will:)).I adore the way that Etsy allows you to search for lovely, handmade, heirloom quality gifts direct from the source.  Not to mention, the great prices and personalized service I get each time I work with an Etsy seller.  If you haven't checked out the world of Etsy yet, do so today!    The little name pillow was custom handmade by Marie at Belle Marie Designs.  The matching patchwork quilt was custom handmade by Oh Sew Fresh Baby.  Both the pillow and quilt (seen on the chair) feature the fantastic Freshcut Fabric designed by the one and only Heather Bailey.  It is plain to see that I can't get enough of the sweet pink & green color combo!  Don't you love the little hanging birdie?  It is a dreamcatcher made by Tamar at Nest Pretty Things.  The most precious little pink bird hangs from the ceiling and greets me each time I enter Emme's room.  I love the way she smiles when she sees it, too!

 

Emme's Under The Sea Bathroom Wall Decals by Elephannie!  Super Cute Custom Designs start at under $20, so start dreaming and see what they can create for you!

Top Ten Baby Shower Gift Idea #10: Bla Bla Handknit Sweater Friend Dolls & Free Product Giveaway!

I've decided to compile my TOP 10 Baby Shower Gift List and 1st Free Product Giveaway will start here with #10 and work my way up to #1 over the next couple of months.  I think you'll find these posts pretty useful as I'll give a little review of the product and point out some of the special features that make the item a favorite for my own family and friends!  I have paid special attention to select baby shower gifts that are both useful and fun and will garner the "oohs and aahs" you are hoping for when your special gift is opened at the shower!

So, here is it #10:  Bla Bla Handknit Sweater Friend Dolls

Bla Bla Handknit Sweater Friends Dolls make fun, whimsical and unique baby shower gifts for boys and girls alike. The variety of darling characters from dogs to frogs to mermaids will pitter patter their way into your heart. Many folks come back again and again to purchase a special Bla Bla Handknit Sweater Friends Doll as a unique baby gift for the newest addition to their circle of family and friends. The craftsmanship of these handknit dolls is quite lovely with that handmade touch that cannot be found just anywhere. Many parents today are looking for cloth and wood toys for their children because of precautions about plastics and other synthetic materials used in the manufacturing process. Bla Bla’s dolls are crafted from 100% cotton with natural fiber fill.

The colorful and creative designs of each and every character make these handknit dolls stand out from the crowd. Each doll’s face is just delightful--Emme smiles so wide at the site of her Lulu Flower Doll and we plan to continually add to her Bla Bla Handknit Sweater Friends Doll collection with each passing birthday or holiday.  We walked through a local boutique the other day called Blue Windows and I looked down at Emme to find she had snagged 3 big Bla Bla dolls from a barrel where they wre on display in the kids section....good thing I noticed before we left the store, 'cause little Emme would've been booked for shoplifting!  In my opinion, Bla Bla Handknit Sweater Friends Dolls are unique and special enough to make a baby shower gift tradition or baby’s first birthday gift tradition for the fun-loving babies and parents in your life.

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To enter the FREE PRODUCT GIVEAWAY for the chance to win a free Bla Bla doll of our choice for a special little one in your life, visit our Bla Bla page and please leave a comment indicating which doll is your favorite...be sure to fill in the email address field when leaving your comment so we can contact you when you WIN!  (Winner will be randomly selected)

 

 

Earth Day Celebration: Deals from Seventh Generation & Tiny Revolution, Crafts and More!

Happy Mother's Day, Mother Earth!  It is her special day and we'd better all get it together to do a little something special for her!  It's been a good year for Mother Earth...finally getting the attention she deserves (she did help Al Gore win that Oscar after all) and finally getting a little respect from Congress to PARENTS everywhere!  I've posted about my Green Living favorites in the past, but I thought I'd offer up a few of the Earth Day Deals I've come across in the last couple of weeks....

DEAL ALERT #1: Seventh Generation has a cool new website with special coupons year round!  Sign up for all the special deals direct from the source.  I love Seventh Generation's dish soap, kitchen/countertop spray, paper towels and diapers the mostest!  I've tried some other mainstream brands and natural brands and the "hybrid diapers" and I just keep coming back to Seventh Generation for more.  No hideous cartoon character designs, super absorbent and super soft & stretchy, no diaper rashes while wearing these diapers (not ever!) and they've even come out with "Training Pants" for toddlers!

DEAL ALERT #2:  Our friends at Tiny Revolutionary are offering a super Earth Day Deal of $10 Off any revolutionary baby or child t-shirt order in honor of Earth Day!  This deal cannot be passed up.  Their baby and child t-shirts are the cutest, softest and "friendliest" around...friend to the EARTH and friendly to human kind!  With designs like, "Drive a Hybrid, Save Some Green for Me", "Be the Change You Wish to See in the World," and "I'll Change the World Someday"....it seems that Tiny Revolutionary and Earth Day are a perfect match!

DEAL ALERT #3:  If you've been thinking, "Geez, I wish they sold all of these cool Green & Natural products I'm hearing about on tv and online in the stores I shop at!"  Well, never fear, Green & Natural products will be right at your fingertips with Drugstore.com!  Drugstore.com is offering up to 40% off natural and green products!  Super fabulous deals on some of my very favorite products for kids  like California Baby, Burt's Bees, Baby's Bliss Gripe Water (the miracle rescue from newborn colic!!!)!  You can also take advantage of free shipping offers.  I have ordered from Drugstore.com and been very happy with my service, products, prices. etc.  Very convenient when you are stocking up for a new baby on the way or when your local stores don't carry some of these specialized items you can't live without!

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CRAFTS:  I found this cool Earth Day craft that is fun any time of year and gives a creative way to recycle the many baby food jars we use at our house--I like the idea of creating a Baby Food Jar Herb Garden!  Simply reuse the little glass jars, without their lids and fill with potting soil and mini herb plants or seeds.  Arranged on a kitchen windowsill, the jars have a bit of an antique-hunter-on-Sundays appeal and will make all those yummy homemade dinner you whip up on a nightly basis that much more fresh & special!  Check out other Earth Day & Baby Food Jar Craft Ideas here and here!

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EMME's EARTH DAY MESSAGE TO OUR BABY FASHION BLOG FANS! 
         "Save the planet, ride your trike..."

Emme reports on Baby Celebration LA!

For a fun-filled Saturday afternoon, Emme, Nana and I took a trip to Downtown Los Angeles for the 2008 Baby Celebration L.A. event!  Hundreds of vendors and organizations manned booths selling fun new baby products and services to new and expectant moms and dads in the Los Angeles area.  Emme had a "ball" in the Gymboree Play & Music play area--she recognized all the toys from her weekly classes and didn't want to leave:(  And, Mama and Nana had a ball checking out all the innovative new baby products and making a couple of purchases!  I've decided to list a five show highlights, since there are too many wonderful products and services to list them all.  Some will also be featured in future in-depth product reviews and GIVEAWAYS--yay!

1)  CoverPlayard.com has created adorable patterned slipcovers  as a cure for outdated and unsightly  pack and play type playards.  They are made to fit the standard playard of this kind and  are  a great solution for what to do with the old playard that is perfectly good, but not-so-cute for your new baby!  I picked up an adorable multi-colored striped version for Emme's Graco Pack 'n Play that will coordinate with her other toy storage and her red Pottery Barn Kids My First Table & Chairs set.

2)  Mobywrap Baby Carrier is something I have been interested in a for a long time but was afraid to purchase without trying it out.  Well, the ladies at Mobywrap "wrapped" Emme and I in a their new ivory Organic Mobywrap and I fell in love.  Emme immediately laid her head on my chest and relaxed!  My 24 lb bundle of love was practically weightless as I walked around in the Mobywrap!  With many color and style options, you are sure.  I picked up the Chocolate Brown for myself!  Now, I still feel like I need my handy-dandy pouch slings for speed and convenience in babywearing, but the Mobywrap will be a great option at home and for longer babywearing outings, such as the farmer's market, walks on the beach and short hikes (we'll leave that one for Daddy to do the babywearing on his back!).

3)  Tasty Baby Fresh & Organic Baby Food   had a tasting table and Emme was very pleased to partake in the Bangos, Pear and Peach purees!  We recently discovered Tasty Baby at Whole Foods and purchased every flavor available there.  Emme's favorite is the peach and this is the only brand I have found so far of fresh/frozen & organic baby food that has a peach and a mango option.  Emme is a picky eater and Tasty Baby definitely meets the demands of her tiny palette! 

 

I Love Clifford, the Big Red Dog!

If you are a parent to a child under 3 that watches PBS, you, too, are probably a victim of the Clifford the Big Red Dog Theme Song running endlessly through your head!  Emme does, indeed, LOVE Clifford the Big Red Dog, as evidenced by her gasping with shock & delight, stiffening her arms and legs and reaching forward at the very site of the big red canine.  Okay, I am a fan, too.  My personal favorite part of the Clifford story is that Emily Elizabeth (main character little blond girl) loved Clifford so much that he grew too big for their house in the city and the family packed up and moved to Birdwell Island to accommodate him.  That has to tug at the heartstrings of anyone who was once a little girl and/or has ever loved a dog.  If love really did make a dog grow, my 6 pound Yorkie, would be huge...clearly it does not because she is still smaller than my cat:)  Our love for Clifford and dogs everywhere, led us to the Discovery Cube Museum in Santa Ana, CA yesterday, where the Clifford exhibit is going on until May 4th.  If you have a little one and will be in the area, it is definitely worth the trip!  Check out the fun we had with statue Clifford, real live Cifford in a suit for photos, and Clifford's doggy friends, Chloe & T-Bone!  The exhibit is completely interactive and appropriate for ages 12 mo to about 4 or 5 years old--crawlers & walkers.  You'll see the Birdwell Island Fairy Boat, apost office for sorting mail, a general store, dress-up-stage, T-Bone's pretend sand box, Chloe's Clubhouse, a little slide down Clifford's tail, and an area for dog bone sorting! 

Head on over to the Scholastic Website for more Clifford fun!
Find even more fun games & activities for Clifford fans at PBS Kids!

Strollin' in Style with the Bumbleride Indie!

We're just back from a super-fun jaunt to Phoenix, AZ where we visited with family for the Easter holiday and caught a San Francisco Giants  and Chicago White Sox Spring Training Game at Scottsdale Stadium.  Above, you can see that it's love at first sight with Emme & cotton candy.  She had a ball attending her cousins Easter Party the day before Easter.  The community throws a FREE party for the local families with hot dogs, cotton candy, snow cones, bounce houses and egg hunts.

A definite trip highlight was the baseball game.  We managed to beat the heat and traveled in style with Emme's brand new Bumbleride Indie All-Terrain Stroller in Spice, the hottest new color to hit the stoller market for 20008.  Don't quite know what we would have done without the Indie when it came to pushing Emme up the grassy knoll to get to the "General Admission" seating area.  Won't be doing that again on the Friday before Easter, one of the final Spring Training games of the year....picture major crowds, the sweltering Arizona sun and a few meager 2'x2' patches of grass here and there for seating in the sun....But, we managed to make lemonade out of lemons (literally---Scottsdale Stadium has awesome fresh-squeezed lemonade!) and have a great day with Nana, Uncle Dan, Aunt Crystal and their four amazing & cute kiddos.  Check out Emme in her Bumbleride Stroller at the game....

I've had my eye on a Bumbleride since long before Emme came along and, at long last, I am a proud owner of the newly redesigned all-terrain, 3 wheel, jogger-type "Indie" stroller.  A relatively new maker of strollers, Bumbleride has managed to pull together the must-have baby stroller features in The Queen Bee, a pram, The Flyer, an everyday stroller and The Indie, an all-terrain stroller rubber-tire, 3 wheel, jogger-type stroller.  The colors and patterns are to-die-for and as a hip, modern mom, they meet the needs of my practical husband and fun-loving self with ease.   We are really looking forward to all the places our Indie will take us this summer...we're thinking the beach, dog walks, museums, a family vacation and maybe a few hikes...

Tell us...where will your Bumbleride, or other All-Terrain Stroller be taking you this summer?

Visit our sponsors to check out Bumbleride's latest selection of top-rated baby strollers:

• Shop Strollers at BabyRide

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• Baby strollers, joggers and car seats – Get the highest rated brands at the lowest prices from TinyRide. Shop Now.

Same Blog, New Look!

Although I probably need a little makeover of my own, I decided to switch up my blog design a little for the new year...hope you like the new look and feel and the continued focus on women-owned business and fun new products and services for mommies & babies! 

By the way, the amazing photo of Emme and I is by Ryan Phillips of www.ryanphillips.com and www.ryanphillips.com/blog.  They photographed our little family less than 2 weeks after Emme's birth last March and then again last Fall for Emme's 6 month shoot.  They will capture us again this Summer for the last of Emme's 3 shoots in a special Baby's First Year package.  If you are a photo fanatic like me, you don't want to miss out on having a professional photographer take amazing pics of your baby's amazing first year!  Ryan and his wife Carrie are a family-owned photography business, and if you're lucky, you get to see their adorable kiddos (Ryder & Kennady) when you meet up with them for photographs!  If you live in SoCal, check them out and consider having Ryan Phillips become your family's photographer, too! 

To Swaddle or Not to Swaddle your Baby?

The New York times published an article today about the potential risks of swaddling.  Apparently, in cultures where it is popular to tightly bind infants and then carry them on cradle boards, the incidence of hi dysplasia is much higher than it is here in the US.  When done right, swaddling is a wonderful tool for new parents to use in soothing their newborn infant.  Up to about 3-5 months, many babies will enjoy being securely swaddled. 

The OhDeeDoh blog posted the following in reference to the NYT article named above:

"Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, has been looking into whether swaddling can hinder hip development and contribute to hip dysplasia. Some studies have shown that swaddling a baby can reduce crying and lengthen sleeping, but Pediatrics is stressing that there are right and wrong swaddling techniques. “Although we appreciate that swaddling may sometimes be an effective technique to decrease crying and promote sleep in newborns, there is a concern that it may lead to an increase in hip dysplasia.'’

The message is that parents should learn the right way to swaddle (leaving ample room for baby's legs for example) either by learning from their pediatrician, a reputable book or video."

The article refers to Dr. Harvey Karp's Happiest Baby On the Block as an excellent method for safe and effective swaddling.    We took a Happiest Baby on the Block class before having Emme and watched the video.  In my opinion, it is well worth the time, money and effort to learn this highly effective swaddling technique.  It lasts and holds firm.  It doesn't fall apart, but you've got to have the right blanket.  Because we are such big proponents of swaddling, we offer two of the best swaddling blanket options in our shop at Polka Dot Whale. 

Swaddling blankets abound in the baby stores these days!  Our 2 favorite brands are Swaddle Designs in soft flannel and Solana BabyWear in light cotton muslin.   Both options are large enough to create Dr. Karp's safe and secure swaddle with your baby.  This is key to being able to make the swaddle snug, with a long enough end to tuck it in and make the swaddle last.  My daughter slept snug as a bug for the first 4 months, wrapped in her Swaddle Designs Ultimate Receiving Blanket last Spring!

Here is a feature on the Solana BabyWear swaddling wraps from our most recent email campaign.  Our featured swaddling wraps start at just $19...a real bargain for boutique quality, style & funtionality!

My Flower Fairy Princess on Halloween!

Emme dressed up (or shall I say, I dressed Emme up?) as a Flower Fairy for Halloween this past Wednesday!  Everyone raved about her darling little Baby Halloween Costume from Gymboree and asked me if I made it.  Now, when somebody asked you if you made your child's costume, this could be a compliment OR not a compliment:)  In this case, I think it means she looked fabulous.  Emme wore her costume from 10AM to 8PM, loving every dramatic moment of the day.  I have never seen this baby happier than she was the day she donned this adorable costume.  I'm really gonna be in for it when she figures out what the Disney Princesses are!!!  We strolled up and down 2nd Street in Belmont Shore, CA with Emme's Uncle Geoff and his girlfriend, Marcia, "trick-or-treating", more for compliments that for candy, and had a ball! 

Hope your Halloween for a hoot, too!

Here she is...in all her Fairy Princess Glory!

Happy Halloween from Baby Emme!

For babies everywhere, who will be tortured by First Halloween Costumes tonight, we wish a very
HAPPY FIRST HALLOWEEN!

We're Going Green, Baby!

Going Green seems to be all the rage!  At our house, we try to do a few simple things to be a little "greener".  After watching Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth, you certainly can't just sit there and watch the destruction happen!  We are finding that there are lots of things you can do with a baby around the house that are not only "green" for the planet, but good for Baby!  Here is a peak at what we've got going....

Since Emme was born, we've been using Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Diapers & Wipes.  We're big fans of these diapers for lots of reasons--very few blow-outs and extremely absorbent, with no ugly cartoon characters-- with the most important reasons being that they are hypo-allergenic and do not contribute to potentially cancer-causing dioxin pollution.  Also, no latex, fragrance or TBT.  The wipes are great, too, and non-irritating for sensitive babies because they are made only with water, aloe vera & vitamin E.  These diapers & wipes are mostly sold in natural foods grocery stores, but I buy my Seventh Generation Diapers at www.1800diapers.com.  What's not to love about that place?  Free UPS Shipping, Super Fast Services, Discounts for Referring Friends, Amazing Low Prices, and now a selection of other baby necessities, too!  No, I don't work for them and didn't get any free diapers.  I just love 1-800-Diapers!

We all know you're supposed to use specialized baby laundry detergent or some free & clear version of your regular detergent.  I just started washing with the Mountain Green Ultra Baby All Natural Laundry Detergent.  This version of all natural laundry soap offers a scented version that uses essential oils for the fragrance.  So, you're not stuck with unscented soap but still get all the benefits of using an all natural laundry product.  No harsh chemicals and easy on your family's sensitive skin.  Plus the product is super-concentrated, so you use much less and the bottles lasts a lot longer.  For even less waste, Mountain Green makes laundry soap refills, to reduce the build-up of those large, clunky, detergent bottles in the landfills!  Read about why Mountain Green products are different...  I buy my Mountain Green products at Whole Foods Market.

When it comes to cleaning house, we like Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day products.  And, we've yet to try it out, but they've just launched a new line of cleaning products designed especially for the nursery and households with babies in the new Baby Blossom Scent.  The classic Mrs. Meyer's aromatherapy product scents include Geranium, Lemon Verbena, and Lavender.  Mrs. Meyer's makes a cleaning product for everything--window and surface wipes, dish soap, hand soap, hand lotion, laundry supplies, and their every-popular "All Purpose Cleaner."   And, don't forget their super Pet Products, from pet shampoo to deodorizing carpet cleaner.   Mrs. Meyer's products are cruelty-free, biodegradable, use natural ingredients and  naturally fresh fragrances.  Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day products are safe to use in the presence of children, pets, and expectant women. There are no solvents, no petroleum distillates, no bleach, no phosphates and no ingredients that could cause harsh fumes.

To locate a store near you that carries Mrs. Meyer's products click here.

When it comes time for a little "rub-a-dub-dub", we love California Baby.  All natural bath and both proudcts that the whole family can use.  Our pediatrician strongly recommends using California Baby products, because they are free from harsh chemicals, dye's, unnatural fragrances that can be harmful to your baby's delicate systems.  Our favorites are the California Baby Calming Shampoo & Bodywash  and the California Baby Calendula Cream.  Click here to purchase or look in the Baby Section at your local natural foods market or Target!

The First 6 Weeks...

So 6 weeks of Mommyhood have come and gone and folks have asked, "So what got you through the first 6 weeks?"  Owning a baby boutique, one is expected to know all the latest and greatest items that no new parent should be without and for the first time, I can actually speak with some authority on the subject.  The poor soul who asked me for registry advice at Babies R Us the other day had no idea the can of worms she opened when I, the newest baby expert on the block opened my mouth...here is a glimpse at what I told her and what I'd tell you if we happened to pass on the street:)

WHAT GOT ME THROUGH THE FIRST 6 WEEKS

1)  Babeebrite Hands Free Mobile Light Source 

I received a sample of the Babeebrite light in the mail from the manufacturer for my review.  I'd previously seen the light online and had no idea the magical object of desire that was before my eyes.  The first couple of weeks after baby came home, the biggest point of contention between my husband and I was me turning on the light during the night.  Now, am I expected to trip around in the dark while holding the baby, leave the room, nurse the baby using the Braile method, change poopy diapers by the light of the moon?  I think not!!!  So, several times a night I was turning on my bedside lamp to nurse, change diapers, reswaddle, give medicine, etc....that is, until the Babeebrite arrived in my mailbox. 

The Babeebrite provides is the perfect amount of light.  It allows my husband to keep sleeping (no, he's not into nighttime parenting and yes, he has to get up at 6 to go to work while I sleep until 10:)), keeps the baby in a very sleepy state and is easy on my eyes with just enough light to complete all of the essential nighttime tasks.  Not to mention it coveniently clips to my lampshade, my nursing bra, the headboard, the changing pad...anything really.  The light times out after 7 minutes, so if I go back to sleep without turning it off (yes, the light is so soft you can fall asleep with it on), it turns itself off for me.  The Babeebrite literally saved my sanity (quite possibly my marriage) in the first 6 weeks!  Pick one up for yourself of an expecting Mommy at Mom4Life for just $19.95.  Who would have thought a $20 nightlite could change the world? 

2) We've known for quite some time that the Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover is an essential for any new mom and the perfect baby shower gift--we can hardly keep them in stock at Polka Dot Whale.  However, now that I have personally experienced the power of the Bebe Au Lait, I can't stop talking about it.  It took some getting used to and Emme and I were getting the breastfeeding down, but that was under control, there was no stopping us with the Bebe Au Lait.  We run all over town without worry about feeding time because we are always ready with our trusty nursing cover.  One of my favorite pasttimes has become stopping at Starbucks for a Frappacino at feedding time, grabbing one of the big comfy chairs and pulling out my Bebe Au Lait to nurse.  I love the questioning looks as passerby try to figure out what the heck is going on under that big piece of fabric....definitely good for some entertainment.  I never would have felt comfortable nursing in public so soon without the Bebe Au Lait and I have heard the same from countless new moms!  Buy one today at Polka Dot Whale--they've just come out with some super-cute prints, too!  The pic of me at my good friend's wedding using the brand new pattern Greenwich Bebe Au Lait to nurse Emme during the ceremony. 

3)  Another item we've talked endlessly about are the Ultimate Receiving Blankets from Swaddle Designs.  I've got 3 of them and Emme sleeps beautifully through the night swaddled up tight.  It's important to have more than one to keep in rotation until laundry day.  The supersoft, durable flannel comes out beauitfully in the wash and the baby just couldn't look any cuter than she does wrapped up in a Swaddle Designs...I call her my little Babushka Doll!  Emme is pictured in the Pink with Mod Circles blanket  on her first day at home and is seated in her oh-so-essential Baby Papasan Bouncer Seat!  You've got to have a comfy place to put baby down now and then:)

4)  We've also previously mentioned the Sleep Sheep by Cloud B that has officially been dubbed a Super Hero at our house!  Last night, my husband snuck off to bed a little early because he was scheduled to leave for a business trip this morning.  When Emme and I tiptoed into the room, I found that the Sleep Sheep was broadcasting ocean waves...now, didn't we get that Sleep Sheep for the baby?  Well, my husband and I are addicted to the Sleep Sheep!  We're not sure if Emme needs the Sheep to sleep or not, but we're sure we do.  It provides awesome white noise in the form of ocean waves, spring rain, whale sounds, and a heartbeat.  White noise is supposed to help babies sleep more soundly and Emme sleeps beautifully.  It is especially helpful to get us all back to sleep after a 3AM feeding.   The Sheep comes in 2 sizes...we personally use the Mini Sheep because he packs up so nicely for travel.  Emme's has been to Nana's house once and to a hotel room where was staying another time.  Both times, Emme and I slept as if we were in our own bed, which isn't always the case with a new baby! Plus, I like to tease Nana that Emme thinks "Nana's Snoring" is a setting on her Sleep Sheep:)  Find the Sleep Sheep and other sleep aids by Cloud B at Polka Dot Whale! 

By the way, that is my oh-so-fabulous and snuggly for baby carseat cover by My Blankee in the picture....find it here!

Life of the Party!

Okay, so, we have known for a long time that no new mama (especially a nursing mama) should be without a Bebe Au Lait (aka Hooter Hider) nursing cover!  I've got 3, but then again, I do own a baby boutique:)  We LOVE to give nursing covers as baby shower and welcome baby gifts to friends and family and have heard countless stories from other mommies that the Bebe Au Lait is their "go to" baby gift when the occasion arises.

Now, that I have my own baby girl, I have personally experienced the beauty of a the nursing cover.  At just 4 weeks of age, my little one has been nursed at the hospital, in restaurants (before, during and after my meal), at the mall, on a bench, in the middle of Baby Style, in a J.Jill while Nana shopped for a new dress, in a Chico's while Nana shopped for a new dress (after she returned the one she bought at J.Jill), at a high-top bar table in a French Creperie, backseat of the car, driver's seat of the car (not in motion--don't worry), on the couch with company, in the spa pedicure chair (while the male manager glared), and alongside my best friend, Laura, and her own baby girl (also nursing under cover a Bebe Au Lait) at our little one's Easter Bunny Brunch Welcome Party!  I'm posting a pic of Laura and I nursing away, not missing a single second of our very happening party! 

When you are at a loss for what to buy an expectant friend or family member, think Bebe Au Lait.  We carry all the cute prints at Polka Dot Whale and can hardly keep them in stock! 

Laura is in the foreground with the perenniel favorite, black and white Yoko print and I'm in the back with the spring bright floral Blomst print!

YOKO

BLOMST

Pick up a Bebe Au Lait nursing cover for yourself or a friend at Polka Dot Whale today....at just $35 this baby essential is just right every time!

Whole Children, Whole Planet Expo 2006

One  of my fav vendors tipped me off to the Whole Children, Whole Planet Expo in LA over Earth Day Weekend.  I casually stopped by on Sunday and was REALLY impressed!  So much fun to wander around tasting organic foods and snacks, checking out all-natural organic products for home, baby, bath & body, and talking with natural parenting experts.  Several panels & speakers and an organic celebrity cooking arena kept things very interesting.  Jenny McCarthy, Kim Basinger, and Noah Wyle are just a few of the celebrities present--all very vocal about their natural parenting beliefs.  I'd thought I'd share a few of my fabulous finds from the Expo here with all my loyal readers!

Angel's Milk is a nutritional drink for Pregnant and Nursing Moms.  Designed to provide nutrition and hydration, the drink mix contains various vitamins, calcium, protein, folic acid, and herbs helpful throughout pregnancy and known to optimize milk supply.  All natural, dairy-free, wheat-free and kosher, low sugar & low cal, the drink mix tastes FABULOUS!  I am very picky and could have downed an entire glass of Angel Milk.  You simply shake it up with your favorite variety of milk and voila!  A tasty little preggo snack.  The perfect way for non-plain-milk-drinkers to get in the calcium, vitamins, and protein their bodies desperately need during this time in life!  Choose from Strawberry Passion, Pina Colada or Chocolate Decadence and order from one of the online shops or give them a call directly at 310-547-1185 

Visit www.theangelmilkgroup.com today!

Did you know it takes 500 years for one disposable diaper to disappear in a landfill?  Our children could quite possibly live on an earth overrun with dirty diapers...And you thought the diaper pail was stinky!!! So it follows that my next fabulous find is the G Diaper!  Fresh from Australia, the G Diaper is the first flushable diaper on the market.  Adorable cotton diaper covers come in vibrant colors, each embellished with a little "g" (okay, so maybe I am a little swayed by the fact that my last name is Graham and it would appear I'd had my baby's diapers custom monogrammed), but the cool factor doesn't stop there!  Removable, flushable, biodegradable liners snap in and out and flush down the toilet, precisely where smelly baby poop belongs.  I've been spreading the word to family & friends about G Diapers, so I'll give some feedback soon if anyone tries them out!  G Diapers, come in 3 sizes for up to age 36 months and are far more economical than typical disposables. 

Pick up your G Diaper Starter Kit (pictured) at some Whole Foods stores or direct at www.gdiapers.com for just $24.99 .

Noah Wyle of ER Fame, along with his wife Tracie, helped to produce and narrated a documentary filk, What Babies Want which discusses the Narrated by Noah Wyle, What Babies Want explores these ideas, documenting heart warming personal experiences before, during and after childbirth as well as evidence of consciousness, communication and awareness in prenatal, newborn and very young infants.  A fascinating panel of speakers, including Mr. Wyle, discussed matters of perinatal psychology and the impact of traumatic births.  All who've viewed the DVD of What Babies Want, rave about it as a really powerful and moving documentary.  I bought a copy and will watch it soon, so maybe I'll post a review later on!  See for yourself what it's all about at www.WhatBabiesWant.com

Watch for a Natural Parenting Expo coming to your neck of the woods.  It is a great opportunity to check out some alternative products and services and hear from experts in the field!

What's Posh for Babies & Mommies?

The Posh Baby Blog has come along to keep Baby Fashion fans up to date on what's new, hot & POSH !  Aestetically pleasing colors and design (you know how we love Polka Dots) and an exceptional sense for all things fabulous, make it a real up-and-comer on the Baby Blogging scene.  Posh Baby Blog most recently featured the Trumpette Jungle Critters Baby Socks found at www.PolkaDotWhale.com.  Pay them a visit for fun baby fashion finds at the Posh Baby Blog!

Love is in the Air...

It's time to show your little ones how much you care!  Don't forget to treat the babies & the mommies this Valentine's Day!  It's just around the corner.... 

At Polka Dot Whale, we've got lots of little luxuries that are sure to please.  In fact, Laura Lu Designs and Polka Dot Whale are holding a Valentine's Boutique event on Saturday with all of our "LOVE-ly" wares!  I thought I'd post a few of the sweet something's I'll be taking with me...

The Mommy & Me Bracelet set from Laura Lu Designs is sure to please Mommy and Bambino.  With freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and sterling silver, this set is an exceptional Valentine's Day value at $68.00.  Check it out!

Show the love to your little napper with this Little Bird Napset from David Fussenegger.  Fun and Funtional, this set was made in Austria by a family-owned operation known for high quality, luxuriously soft textiles!  Too cute to be true at only $58.00.  Check it out!

Say it loud, wear it proud!  Babies t-shirt will say it all with this tatoo style retro graphic t-shirt and pantset from Space Baby.  Mom & Dad walk hand & hand, just like in real life!  The best part has to be the silver metallic stars printed on the back of these karate style black pants.  The whole kit-n-caboodle for just $46.00.  Sized 12 months. Check it out!

These Mom Rocks and Wild Child giftsets are too cool for just any family!  Again, you can show love for Mom & Baby with the Mom Rocks gifts set.  Each set sells for just $84.  T-Shirts also sold separately.  T-shirts come from designer Lyla Blu while blankets are the brain-child of Renegade Babe.  Check these out!

HAPPY HEART'S DAY from POLKA DOT WHALE! 

Project Cuddle

Polka Dot Whale is a company with a conscience.  You can take the girl out of the social work field, but you can't take the social worker out of the girl!  While we celebrate the lives of parents and babies everyday at Polka Dot Whale, I know first-hand from my experiences as a former Child Abuse Investigator that not every baby is welcomed into the world so warmly.  The wonderful people at Project Cuddle are doing something about it!  They work tirelessly to spread the word to youth about the Safely Surrended Baby Laws that are in place here in California.  These laws allow mothers the opportunity to surrender a baby they do not wish to keep or cannot care for in a manner that is safe for the mother and child.  Project Cuddle also helps expectant mothers in need, providing support, linking them to prenatal care, legal services, shelters, various other social services and adoptive services.  We like our customers to know that Project Cuddle is NOT affiliated with any political or religious group and is not an adoption agency.  They are all about public service to all types of women in need and emphasize empowering mothers to make safe choices for themselves and their newborn babies and do not advocate any particular choice or belief system.

With organizations like Project Cuddle working so hard, there just might come a day when we all stop hearing of abandoned babies on the news!  Polka Dot Whale supports Project Cuddle with every purchase at www.PolkaDotWhale.com by donating a portion of our profits to this great cause.  Now, our wonderful customers can shop with a conscience, too!  Check out the Polka Dot Whale page on Project Cuddle and the official Project Cuddle website  to to learn more...

Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone has wonderful plans for a Happy Halloween!  Remember to pass out lots of candy...it is very bad karma to be stingy with children:)  On Saturday night, my husband and I and our friends, Laura Lu and her husband, hosted a fabulous Autumn/Halloween party!  With tons of food & drink and Halloween treats and a Pumpkin Carving Contest, wouldn't you know that one little baby stole the show.  Baby girl, Ellis, at 3 months old, wore her very first Halloween costume.  It was hard to believe that her Ducky costume made her look even cuter than she already is...As you can see, it was one long Ducky Day and the little show stopper turned into the little party pooper!

Oh, by the way, here are the two should-have-been-Martha's-Apprentice girls, Laura Lu & Natalie, reveling in their party success!  Can we say homemade caramel apples...how many women do you know that can wield a candy thermometer with style at Midnight???

Oh So Busy...

Hello all!  I've been really busy the past couple of days at Polka Dot Whale.  Okay, well there is also the fact that I am busy planning for my Halloween party for this weekend;)  It has also been an exciting week at the Polka Dot Whale workshop.  We received a flattering post on Pregnancy Weekly and found out we'll be on the Hot Mom's Club website next month!  We were also featured in the Grunion Gazette Business Beat in Belmont Shore, CA (which is where we sip our coffee on the weekends and dream of someday being able to afford a house or condo or garage or anything!)

To top off our excitement, just yesterday we were invited to participate in the Golden Globes Baby Boom Boom Room for celebrety mommies and their babies!  Woo hoo!  We're dreaming up what we'll give away to all those famous ladies...hopefully they'll be thrilled and run all over town being spotted in their swag from Polka Dot Whale!  However, we're really hoping that the Polka Dot Whale's private life won't be spoiled by all the parazzi and publicity;)  Yeah Right!!!

Today, I've been working up a sweat taking photos and putting together lavish baby gifts sets and baskets that will be featured on our Cutsom Picks page at Polka Dot Whale over the next week or so!  Keep your eyes pealed!  These sets are over-the-top and really fun, which makes them perfect for corporate gifts or celebrities.  Keep these in mind when going in as a group at the office or with the old sorority sisters for a special friend's baby shower.  Also, every item in the sets is sold individually, so you can create a smaller set yourself...important point for all of us budget conscious mamas...Polka Dot Whale may be high-end, but we haven't forgotten you!

Until next time... 

Welcome!

Welcome to my Baby Fasion Blog!  I'm excited to share with the world all of my insider tips and info on the latest in baby fashion and baby gifts.  Here, you'll find my favorite baby shopping websites, my favorite baby designers, celebrity favorites and my must-have baby item postings! 

Many of you out there are unaware that savvy online baby boutiques carry all the amazing designer baby duds, baby accessories and baby gear found only in the swankiest big city baby boutiques.  Maybe you're miles aware from such a place or just don't have the time to runaround.  I'll help you figure out where to shop and what to buy online for all those baby showers, Christenings, Baby Namings, Baptisms and First Birthdays!

You'll hear from me and hear about the progress with my sister, who is expecting her first baby!  The excitement has really ramped up our interest in baby fashion, baby supplies, baby accessories and baby gear!  As we shop for the newest member of our family, we'll bring you all of our latest discoveries in the baby fashion world. 

Whether you're already a fashion savvy mommy, expecting your first child, a doting Nana or Auntie, or just love fashion and/or babies, you'll find something fun at my Baby Fashion Blog!  Stay tuned....