Belly Blossom

Trying to come up with the perfect name for our unborn children can be a challenge. And even when you think you have come up with that perfect name, someone out there will just not like it. For example, today at the pool a 6 year old told my daughter that she did not like her name, which is Maya. When my husband and I came up with that name we thought that it was great! It means so much in so many different languages, it was not considered trendy so the odds of having more than one Maya in her class was low, and it was so simple that we did not have to give her a nickname. Though we do have a few nicknames for her out of love…Maya papaya, Mayalicious, and M…we could pretty much keep her name the way we gave it to her.

Which brings me to another point when naming your child. Consider the consequences if you give baby a name that is not easy to spell. Double whammy if the last name is difficult as well. Do you really want your baby to have to spell out their first and last name for the rest of their life. Again, my last name is Saib, and I always have to spell out…S as in Sam, A, I, B as in boy. Add to it that I am always asked how do you pronounce it. I made sure my kids had easy names. Maya and Adam. No questions there.

Lately I have been hearing some pretty names in the store, and some are on the popular side. For girls, I am hearing Olivia, Lily, and my favorite right now is Ellington. For boys, Cooper, Jackson, and Tyler.

Just know whatever you name your baby, there will be some people who will love it, and some 6 year olds who will hate it.

Cheers to your belly!

There are 5 essential items that you should look for when purchasing a diaper bag. You will need to look at your personal taste and your lifestyle when choosing a diaper bag.

1. FABULOUS DIAPER BAG—Some people go classic, and some go for a fun pattern when choosing a bag. And let me say for the record, you do not need to buy pink trim for a girl and blue trim for a boy. Trust me, the baby will not know. And any new mom will tell you, even if your child is dressed head to toe in pink, strangers will still say “He is so cute.” If you love purses (or get bored quickly) then you may want to buy two bags. Buy a bag for fall/winter, and one for spring/summer.

There are messenger style bags, backpacks, tote style, shoulder bags, and slings. The style of the bag should be based on lifestyle. If you are outdoors a lot, then a backpack makes more sense. If you are a mall crawler, then a bag that is carried on one shoulder will be fine. If the bag is going straight to a babysitter or grandmas then a tote will work out fine. It might make sense to even have two!

Note: Buying a big tote or a purse not meant to be a diaper bag will not help you, unless you like the feeling of searching in a big, black hole.

Big Hint: Buy your husband his own diaper bag. There are specific ones out there targeted for men. This way when you are choosing a bag, you do not have to think twice about how your man will look like carrying that pucci print bag.

2. POCKETS, POCKETS, POCKETS—A bib, diapers, ointments, wipes, toys, digital camera, and I can go on and on (see checklist). It all needs a place. Again having pockets in the bag will make it easier to find things when you need it, well only if you put things back where you got it from to begin with. Also, in these pockets, it would be good to have a key ring holder. Sounds so simple. It really is a timesaver. Juggling baby in one arm and digging in your bag trying to locate your keys can look like a circus act. But it does not have to be. Trust me on this one. Knowing your keys are in the same place every time you need to go anywhere will help you keep your sanity. Also, insulated pockets are helpful. This is really nice, so that you do not have to carry extra bottle holders that take up space. Some insulated pockets have elastic to stretch to fit any size bottle. Splendid!

3. EASY TO CLEAN INTERIOR and EXTERIOR—Really think hard about this. Do you want simple to clean bags, that you can take that wipe and clean that mess, or do you want a bag that you have to spot clean and take the dry cleaners? There are so many bags these days that are made with easy to clean materials, and I do not mean vinyl! Think of all the cheerios, juice, milk, and that will be spilled in the course of a few years.

4. STRAPS—A padded strap will be what you need after carrying that bag for an extended period. Also, one that is adjustable is a big plus. With all the essentials you will feel you a carrying a small condo in your bag. Trust me, paying a little extra for this…your back and shoulders will thank me later!

5. ACCESSORIES—I am not talking about earrings here. It is a plus if your diaper bag comes with a changing mat, dirty duds pouch, pacifier holder, a wipes case, and I could go on and on. It would be nice to have some of these included. But if you do not have it, and you love the bag, you can always buy these accessories a la carte. Baby’s essentials do add up, but do not forget about your own personal essentials that will be in the bag.

Big Hint: Buy yourself a CLUTCH for your personal essentials—The best way to keep your bag organized is to put a clutch with your personal items. Store your credit cards, cash, lip gloss, etc. in a clutch that you can take in and out of the diaper bag with ease. If you are shopping, and your husband volunteers to take care of the little diva or dude, then you can grab the clutch and head to your favorite stores. Same thing if you are at home and you are able to escape for a few minutes to grab a latte or a pedi. Grab your clutch…and run!

There are 5 essential items that should make up your maternity wardrobe. Add pieces to the essential mix to fit your personal lifestyle and flair.

1. BASICS—
Invest in a few basic tops that will be a bit longer and stretchy. The basics will cover your growing bump and take away the stress of daily dressing. These basics can be worn solo, layered, or even with your non-maternity wardrobe. V-necks, crew necks, scooped necks. Capped sleeves, long sleeves, ¾ length sleeves. Tanks and camis. There are so many choices out there. These days the basics are black, white, and a chocolate brown. Add a basic in a pop of color if it makes you happy! Mix in other tops with prints to add a bit of spice to your wardrobe.

2. BLACK DRESS—
You have heard it a million times, and it is not different when you are pregnant. A fashion must is a basic black dress. The worst feeling is an unexpected event, and having to go through the “I have nothing to wear” when pregnant. If you normally do not wear dresses, you will be pleasantly surprised how flattering a dress is on a body with a bump. If you work, go for a classic dress that can work in the office and with a change of shoes and jewelry can take you to any unexpected event.

3. DENIM—
Investing in a good pair of jeans will do wonders for your self. There are so many options these days, from maternity and non-maternity designers. Ideally you will want two pairs. You will want a pair for daytime wear in a lighter wash, and for nighttime a dark wash. You may also consider having two different lengths, one pair to be worn with flats, and the other with heels.

4. ESSENTIAL BLACK PANTS—
Black pants are definitely a staple for all gals. Basic black pants are a great way to give you a slimming silhouette…really! If you work, definitely invest in a pair of pants that best suits your budget. These pants are going to get so much wear, that you will want something that will last throughout your pregnancy.

5. WAISTBAND EXPANDER—
This will give you more wear to your pre-pregnancy clothes. Some consist of a stretchy fabric that covers your unbuttoned button on your pants, but still holds your pants up. Other expanders consist of fabric that covers the unzipped fly.

After 4 years working hard in our store in Durham, NC, we are so excited about the launching of our new and improved website! We have been working for months with a wonderful designer in San Diego (shout out to Staci and her team at www.quirky-bird.com). We hope you like our new look, and enjoy shopping on our site!

We will be adding new items daily, so please check back often. You know that you can always reach us at the shop if you are looking for something in particular.

Cheers to your blossoming belly!