The mamaRoo by 4moms

It's been a while since I last post anything on the blog. I am so thrilled to announce the arrival of our son Ryland Cash!  He was born on Sunday June 23rd and has been such a light in our lives.  Parenthood is no joke but we can save that for another post. I want my first write up as a new mommy to be about a swing we received as a present. It's called the mamaRoo by 4moms and looks like a Kubrick 2001: Space Odyssey invention. Your baby can swing back and forth in synch the following rhythms - car ride, kangaroo, tree swing, rock a bye and ocean. Ryland loves it. The mamaRoo motions were designed in synch with the motions that moms and dads made when they were rocking their babies. Yup, they put sensors on parents to figure out how to soothe the baby properly. There is also a plug in for your iPod so that your baby can be rocked while rocking out. The swing is perfect for newborns up to 25 pounds. Again, we love the mamaRoo and I think you will too. 

The Little Prince by Matej Peljihan

The Little Prince is a set of photographs by Slovenian psychologist and photographer Matej Peljhan of 12-year-old Luka who suffers from muscular dystrophy.  Matej wanted to capture the boy participating in adventures that he is not able to do so because of his disease.  "The only thing he is physically capable of are tiny, yet extremely weak movements with his fingers," Matej said in an interview with Huffington Post.  You can check out more photos of Luka here.

The Waiting Game: Past Your Due Date

Peter C. Vey Cartoon Courtesy of Conde Nast

One of the biggest misconceptions I had before I was pregnant is that I would deliver by my due date. Well, I waved hello to my due date anticipating to give birth that day and then waved goodbye to it as it passed me by. In order to keep sane about the whole matter, I’ve written down a list of things I’m doing to keep me occupied until I go into labor. Enjoy!

1. Make a hospital mix. Music is such a big part of my life and I can’t imagine going through the whole labor process without it. I’ve created and refined my labor mix over and over again. I chose songs that will help me get through the pain and help soothe me at the same time. I’ll try to figure out how to post my mix on the blog for you to listen to.

2. Clean your house or apartment. They say that nesting is the first sign that you will go into labor but the way I see it is that I will be so boggled down once the baby arrives that I don’t know when I will get around to cleaning and organizing it again so I treat everyday like it’s the last one I have to clean.

3. Have a dance party! OK it will not be a major dance party like the wild ones you had in your early years but while you are making your mix, play some songs that make you want to grab your belly, shake your hips and move around the room! Remember, studies show that the little one can hear what goes on in your world so play him some tunes and bust a move!

4. Go for long walks. I’ve felt a sudden burst of energy in the past two weeks of my pregnancy and have used it to take my two dogs for walks around the neighborhood. It’s been a great way to reflect on how far I’ve come since I first found out I was pregnant, keeps me fit, improves circulation and it helps little one move down to the birth canal.

5. Organize email addresses to notify friends and family once the baby is born. I have friends all over the world that are anxious to hear news of the arrival of our little son! I’ve made an email list so I can send out a mass email to everyone with photos once our son arrives.

Maurice Sendak on Being a Kid

June 10th would have marked the legendary children's writer and illustrator Maurice Sendak's 85th birthday. He passed away more than a year ago. Maurice is most popular for the book Where The Wild Things Are, which was created in 1963 and has sold over 19 million copies.  Fun fact - the book was originally about a spoiled child who is sent to his room and escapes to a land of wild horses.  Since Maurice was unable to draw horses, he changed the horses to the "wild things."  

To mark his birthday, Blank on Blank has released an animated video to coordinate with an interview he did in 2009 where he discussed the difficulties of being a child.  It's really beautiful.  To caveat that interview is a segment from his last interview with Fresh Air's Terry Gross.  Enjoy.  

Easy Peasy Eco-Friendly Baby Shoes

Easy Peasy baby footwear defines OMG cute.  Founded by two young French designers, each slippers are made out of vegetable-tanned leather with organic cotton packaging making it eco-friendly as well as adorable.  Highlights from the collection include the bicycle slippers, the lion slippers and puppy slippers.  

Official Band Merchandise For Babies!

Matt & Kim Brooklyn Onesie $20

Metallica Scary Guy Baby Romper $19.99

A Tribe Called Quest Logo Onesie $18

Phish Lotus Onesie $18

Le Tigre Romper $16

AC/DC Back In Black Bib $12.95

One of the best additions to merch tables at concerts in the last five years or so is baby gear! I am such a huge fan of live music and what better way to remember your favorite concerts than buying something for your little one. I scoured band sites so you don't have to and picked out some fun rockin' onesies and even an amazing AC/DC bib.  

Supermodel Christy Turlington Burns of Every Mother Counts Collaborates with Ergobaby

I've previously written about the non-profit foundation Every Mother Counts founded by supermodel Christy Turlington Burns, which provides resources and education to end preventable deaths caused by pregnancy and childbirth around the globe. They have exclusively collaborated with the popular baby brand ErgoBaby and designed a set of accessories in which 10% of the profits is donated to Every Mother Counts and includes a diaper bag, baby carriers and shoulder bag. Almost every mother I know swears by their ErgoBaby carrier. All of these items comes in a beautiful unique African "Umba"print. What is better than buying baby necessities and having the money go to a good cause?  Find out about the collaboration here.

Life's A Beach!

Life's A Beach! by baybaymama featuring we are handsome swimsuit

We Are Handsome swimsuit / Havaianas flip flop sandals / Mar y Sol tote / Sun care / Molo Girls Nakia Flamingo Print Swimsuit | AlexandAlexa, $47 / J.Crew Rikshaw Design baby sun hat / J.Crew Girls' colorblock floral flip-flops / Sensi Studio Lady Ibiza toquilla straw sunhat, $175

Mini Rodini

Mini Rodini is a Scandinavian based children's line that embodies self expression for the little ones.  Founded by illustrator Cassandra Rodin in 2005, the clothes have quickly become popular amongst the kin of celebrity mommies like Jessica Alba, Gwen Stefani, Miranda Kerr and Madonna. The clothes are part Jeremy Scott and part Marc Jacobs but for kids!  Rodin believes that "it is important that children have clothes that match their own mood and creativity." For more information on the line, click here.

Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Jay-Z Album Out In July!

One of the best concerts I attended was Jay-Z at the new Barclay's Center in Brooklyn this fall.  It was indescribable and I even got a little teary eyed watching the whole venue with their arms up in their air making a triangle formation with their hands, "See in my inner circle all we do is ball 'til we got triangles on our wall." Anyway, I'm a HUGE Jay-Z fan and as I've written before a Rockabye Baby! fan as well.  I am thrilled that they announced that Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Jay-Z will be released July 9th!  Songs include "Hard Knock Life", "Big Pimpin'", "Girls, Girls, Girls" and "Empire State of Mind."  Get a sneak peek here.  

Top Five Things I Didn’t Know About Being Pregnant

1. Eventually, even your maternity shirts will no longer fit you. At the beginning of my pregnancy, I didn’t purchase a lot of maternity wear because I knew that I would be able to incorporate some of my oversized clothes I had pre-pregnancy into my pregnancy wardrobe. However, I did buy a couple of long sleeved maternity shirts and they have served as my trusty go-to staples.  What I didn’t realize when I bought them is that they would eventually be too small for my big belly.  I’m a couple weeks before my due date and I find the skin above my waist line exposed when I wear them. I’ve pretty much given up being modest about showing a bit of belly in public.

2. You will not be one of those model/actress types that barely looks pregnant. Before I was pregnant I thought I would look like Giselle or Claire Danes who were perfectly toned with exception of their baby bump. However, I learned that everyone’s body reacts to pregnancy differently. I’m small boned and was a runner before my pregnancy and now my body has grown in ways that I didn’t expect. One of the positive aspects of my pregnancy is the visit from the boob fairy.  Hello, new boobs!  If you freak out about being too big during your pregnancy, just reassure yourself that the baby weight is important for a healthy baby and you will be able to work out and eat healthier once the little one is born.

3.  Everything will make you cry. I can’t watch anything now without tearing up a bit especially if it has to do with childbirth, animals or babies.  I find myself starting to watch shows and immediately turning them off because it becomes like an emotional rollercoaster.  For example, I tried watching Call The Midwife on PBS which is about childbirth in East London during the 50’s and although it was beautifully shot and really interesting, I just couldn’t get through an episode without crying hysterically. Forget looking any YouTube clips about baby’s first bath, dog rescues or doing something mundane like folding my baby’s clothes, it all leads to Niagara Falls.

4. Sciatica sucks. This has been the bane of my pregnancy. The sciatic nerve extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. When you’re pregnant, this nerve becomes irritated from pressure from the uterus or baby and the pain is almost debilitating. My husband has been my hero throughout this process in more ways than one. I am forever grateful for him helping me walk at times and massaging my lower back and hips because it has been so painful. I find that doing stretches like pigeon or butterfly after you workout and before you go to bed helps relieve some of the tension.

5. Strangers will want to talk to you about being pregnant. Being from New York, I am still getting used to the idea of talking to strangers here in California when they greet me with a “hello” or “how are you?” I have to resist the urge to give them hesitant side eye scowls and instead try to be more welcoming. Now that I am pregnant people want to know the details asking questions like, “How far along?”, “boy or girl?” or simply say “congratulations!” or my favorite “blessings!” I think these remarks are really endearing and it’s nice to share your excitement about your baby!

Quenotte

I am constantly looking at French fashion magazines and blogs for style inspiration and ideas. There's something 'je ne sais quoi' about their ability to throw together pieces effortlessly while looking incredibly dapper. Now I can give our son that French pizazz with clothes from the children's label Quenotte.  Created by two childhood friends in 2010, the duo design garments that feel vintage with a modern twist. I love anything with bold prints so some of my favorite pieces are the Cassandra Jacquard Dress and the Madeline Landscape Skirt.  I just wish they made the clothes in adult sizes.

Julia Restoin Roitfeld in i-D Magazine May 2012 Issue

Photographs by Mario Sorrenti

Styled by her mama Carine Roitfeld

I Love tinycottons In A BIG Way

I'm all about cozy stylish clothing for my baby and so I became when I came across the Barcelona-based baby clothing designer tinycottons' website.  Their clothes are made from 100% pima cotton, which has a higher thread count and super soft.  Although their garments are simple, the prints are super cute - think stars and stripes.  We must be patient for their online store, however, because they start taking orders in July.

QT's Designer Baby Package

Photo Courtesy of the QT Sydney

My husband and I are currently trying to plan a vacation that is both baby and parent friendly.  My friend Mandana from the Nancy Girl blog, recently suggested the BabyQ Package at the QT Hotel located in Sydney, Australia. The 3 day/ 2 night stay includes breakfast (with freshly made baby food), a bottle of Champagne and spa treatments for mommy and daddy. The hotel room has everything you need for you and your pampered baby including a Leander crib, a self-heating iiamo go bottle and a changing mat. Located blocks away from Sydney's beaches, gardens and art galleries, The QT Hotel is the perfect retreat. What more could you want out of a vacation?

Kate Quinn Organics' Long-Sleeved Kimonos

I'm a little obsessed with Kate Quinn's Organics' kimonos.  Based out of Seattle, WA each onesie is made from 100% fair trade organic cotton and perfect for an eco-conscious fashionable baby.  When designing Kate Quinn, "wanted to create a line that encompassed all wishes and dreams of new parents: the softest most natural materials to surround your baby, the highlight of quality and design and construction and, most importantly, the hope of a cleaner kinder earth."  The snaps on the bottom of the kimono provide easy access for changing and each one is designed to wear perfect as is or can be used as a base for layering.  

Jeremy Scott Collaborates With Cybex To Make The Coolest Baby Gear

I love Jeremy Scott's approach to fashion.  He has this happy go lucky, expressive, tongue in cheek attitude that produces garments make a statement.  Although he is primarily known for his Fashion Week Ready To Wear collections, he is no stranger to designing for kids. Remember the Jeremy Scott x Adidas teddy bear sneakers or the white winged baby shoes that Jay-Z purchased for Blue Ivy?  His current collaboration is with the innovative European brand CYBEX and together they have introduced a new set of stylish baby gear.  Jeremy's design entitled food fight, which debuted in his Fall 2006 collection, has animated versions pizzas, hotdogs, ice cream cones, etc printed across strollers, bags, infant carriers and car seats. It is perfect for parents that want quirky one-of-a-kind products for their little one.  See more here.  

Isaac Mizrahi's Girl's Line Coming This Fall

As a teenager of the 90's, Isaac Mizrahi was one of my first fashion loves. Do anyone remember those fantastic Natalie Portman commercial or his captivating fashion documentary Unzipped?  On a side note my favorite parts of Unzipped is when Linda Evangelista is screaming at Isaac during the fashion show, "Why do you always give me flat shoes and you always give Naomi Campbell high heels?" It cracks me up. Anyway, this Fall Isaac is releasing his girl's line via Kitson Kids.  I'm swooning over his animal print sweaters, pink sequined leggings, oh so adorable dresses and capri pants.  This makes me wish I had a little girl to dress up!  You will be able to purchase these items in August.

Unzipped Trailer

Isaac's Commercial Featuring Natalie Portman