Giveaway: Lil Chic

Leslie from Lil Chic came out to our Miller and Smith open house, and it was so nice to meet her!! I actually got a little misty when she showed me some of the collection because it reminded me of my middle guy's nursery (it was twinkle twinkle little star themed).  I informed my husband that we need to have another baby so I can have matching car seat, stroller, and diaper bag covers.  He informed me that was not gonna happen.

I mean COME ON HOW CUTE IS THIS????

So, word to my sister in law, when you and my brother have kids, this is what you're getting from me, because it's adorable.  I'll let you pick the pattern, but that's about it ;) 

Leslie took the time to answer a few questions about her company for me- it's always better to discuss business over wine! Yay! 

PwcMom: Tell me what inspired your company?

LC: My co-owner is from Spain and a mother of two.  After her first child was born, she went to Spain and brought back footmuffs and stroller bags. She then found that, whenever she was out, she received a lot of positive attention from other parents of young children. 

It then became obvious to us, and those around us, that the quality of these products really stood out compared to other baby brands. And, because you could only find these products in stores abroad, we were inspired to bring them over here to the US!

PwcMom: What's your favorite product you carry?

LC: My personal favorite is the Stroller Footmuff from Lil Chic’s Bryn Collection.  I love the collection’s delicate floral pattern and removable lace accent.

PwcMom: What do your customers say about your products?

LC: The most consistent comments we receive are about the attractiveness and versatility of our products.  Our customers like the style as well as the option of buying coordinating items from each of our collections. Customers also like buying a canopy or footmuff and having peace of mind that what they have purchased will fit on their respective model of stroller or car seat. 

PwcMom: What do you like about owning your own business?

LC: I love the products and am excited for the opportunity to be the first to offer them in the US.  I also have enjoyed the challenge of starting a new business! 

You can find Lil Chic on Facebook and they're also on Twitter  and Instagram at lilchicbaby.  And if you've got a baby on the way or a shower coming up (and you want to WIN the baby shower) you should definitely check them out!! 

For the giveaway, Lil Chic is offering one lucky reader a Sydney Collection Travel Bag in grey- gender neutral and awesome! (PS- that's a $100 diaper bag!!) I especially love that the fabric is laminated (I'm sure that's not the correct term, but that's what I'm going with!) so that you can wipe off any baby-related mess. You know what I'm talking about. 

Enter Using Rafflecopter!! 

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Giveaway provided by Lil Chic Baby, by entering you agree to be bound by any and all giveaway rules. 

Featured Organization Friday: Artisphere

Artisphere in Arlington connects artists and patrons to an eclectic mix of fresh, thought-provoking arts programming. We’re your spot for insight into the creative process and to engage in artistic

adventures—from contemporary visual art, live music and theatre to new media, film and dance. 

Come explore, experience and engage—collide with art.

You can check out Artisphere are their free family fun day this weekend! 
Calling all families…spend an artful day at Artisphere’s free family day on November 2nd from noon until 3 p.m. This fun-filled event is centered around a dance party for kids, designed by the team from Baby Loves Disco. Have a frighteningly fun time with your favorite Looney Toons characters as we screen some of their spookiest episodes including A Haunting We Will Go, Bewitched Bunny and more! Rounding out the event will be a mix of art activities, including an art “make and take” project. 

Halloween costumes welcome, but not required! For the kid in everyone!

FREE!

Giveaway: The Loaded Diaper and Arbonne

PWC Momma KayLynne Parker has got the ultimate baby shower giveaway going on this week!! KayLynne creates custom diaper cakes at "The Loaded Diaper."

I love a woman who's comfortable slinging a few puns around :) 

Here are a few examples of her work (these are just examples- not what you'll win, necessarily):

 You would so win at baby shower if you came with this cake and a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  Just totally own it and blow everyone's mind.  I'm serious.

This is just adorable.  I know a lot of moms are doing a zebra and pink themed nursery for their little girl- and this would fit perfectly.  

Of course, you can design your own, too! Use the theme of the nursery, the theme of the shower, a color of choice, whatever you want! 

KayLynne also happens to be an Arbonne consultant, and she's going to throw in some Unwind Bath Salts in Camomile and Ylang-Ylang from their Aromassentials line.  You know, because new moms need to relax. 

(Or because you need to unwind after going to a baby shower.  All that fake "ooooh" and "ahhhhh" can really take it out of you. Either answer is fine.)

Enter to win a diaper cake in either "boy" or "girl" (I'm sure she can do gender neutral if it's a surprise!) and Unwind, too! 

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As always, this prize is provided by the sponsor.  PwcMoms is not responsible for prizes, satisfaction, reactions, staying in the bathtub all day, or being attacked by an angry mother-in-law who feels like you showed up her Lansinoh pads with a cuter present. It could happen.  Have you met my MIL? Luckily for you guys I'm not pregnant.
Anyhow, for those of you still reading, by entering you agree to be bound by our giveaway rules, which you can read by clicking here.

Giveaway: A Baby Affair Expo (September 15, 2013)

Are you a new mom or mom-to-be?  Join the best collection national and consumer vendors as they gather together for the second annual A Baby Affair expo.  This year’s event will take place on September 15, 2013 at the National Children’s Museum.

During the event you can stroll through exhibitor booths, view product demos, treat yourself to luxurious pampering, attend an information session with celebrity experts, watch a maternity fashion show, taste delicious fare, and receive tips, prizes, and a valuable gift bag.  Connect with local boutiques and stores such as Apple Seed Maternity, Baby Blossom, and Dawn Price Baby.  Celebrity author Latham Thomas will be in attendance offering tips and signing her newest book Mama Glow. Check out the area’s finest newborn photographers, child care agencies, entertainment and health and wellness experts. Plus, national brands such as Giggle, Happy Family Brands Food, and Buy Buy Baby will be on site with products, samples, and prizes. View an extended list of exhibitors here. Kids under five are admitted for free, and there will be onsite childcare with fun activities provided by Nannytainment. 

 A Baby Affair delivers modern moms tools and trends to help enjoy the ride, showcasing the best of the best resources for the most challenging and exciting period in their lives.

For a limited time, readers of this blog can receive discounted tickets at the rate of $10 by using code MOMSRULE. Also, enter below to win a PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE EVENT. 

More info at: http://www.ababyaffairdc.com. 

Want to go? Enter using the Rafflecopter below!

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Prize provided by Let Mommy Sleep.  PwcMoms is not responsible for event or content.  See our official rules here.  By entering, you agree to all rules, conditions, etc. 

Giveaway: Natural Mom Home Day Care

Based on her own desires for natural childcare that allowed for attention, cloth diapering, natural foods including organic cooking, and affordable rates, local mom Rosemarie is opening Natural Mom Home Day Care beginning September 2nd, in the Rippon Landing Area of Woodbridge.  Here's what she has to say:

Natural Mom Home Day Care LLC opens its doors September 2^nd to offer the Woodbridge/Dale City area (Rippon Landing) state licensed child care services for children 6 weeks to 6 years. “This is an opportunity for me to offer the services that mean the most to parents, like organic/natural foods, toddler yoga, baby sign language, family preferred scheduling and  complete preschool curriculum with rates that saves families over $2,000/year versus area day care centers.”, stated owner Rosemarie Groner.

After unsuccessfully searching for safe, affordable, high quality child care that offered the same natural care she provided for her new infant at home, owner Rosemarie Groner saw an opportunity to change the lives of area families. With a background in child care, she received state certification and created a child care program that offers local families an affordable, flexible, and safe alternative to area day care centers. Natural Mom Home Day Care LLC offers small group child care (3-4 children), organic/natural home cooked meals and home-made baby food at no extra cost, accepts cloth or disposable diapers, toddler yoga, baby sign language, photo sharing, preschool curriculum, and flexibility with after hours babysitting available by appointment. 

“I have three assistants that can help me with sick days, vacation and appointments”, explains Groner “Which means parents can feel comfortable relying on me. I have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of area families and I take that responsibility very seriously.  A great day care provider is an extension of the family and that’s exactly what I plan to be.” 

To celebrate their grand opening, Natural Mom Home Day Care LLC is giving away a gift certificate for 5 hours of free after hours babysitting by appointment. To enter, head over to their facebook page and like them. One winner will be chosen at random. 

Visit naturalmomdaycare.blogspot.com, call 703-402-0362, or email Rosemarie at naturalmomdaycare@gmail.com to get more information and to request a “Parents Information Packet” with rates, menu plans, policies and procedures, and program highlights. 

In celebration of her new business, Rosemarie is offering something that every parent could use- 5 hours of after-hours babysitting (a $50 value).  Tell your husband to make reservations, and go out without the kids!! Enter using the Rafflecopter below.

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PwcMoms is running this contest, but not responsible for care.  Please see any waivers or agreements provided by the babysitter, as well as her state license for details. This is a sponsored post paid for by Natural Mom Home Day Care, and information was provided by their owner. 

About Car Seats

I had a reader question this week that was above my pay grade, but I knew just the person to ask.  David from Baby Blossom is a great resource whether you're shopping for your first baby or your fifth! Check out his notes on car seats, following the reader's question. 

Question: "I'm getting ready to have my first baby and I'm trying to not totally break the bank on everything. Is it really a big deal if I buy a used carseat as long as it isn't expired? Are there any that work for longer than just a few months? Maybe one that converts somehow so it lasts at least until they're 3?" 

It’s easy to go overboard on baby gear, first keep one thing in mind… “Buy what you need, when you need it.”  Unless you are getting a used seat from a very trusted source (relative or close friend), DO NOT use a used seat.  You simply do not know the seat’s history.  Try other areas to save, but don’t scrimp when it comes to car seats and safety.  This doesn't mean you have to be extravagant.  Regardless of where you buy a new child car seat, every new seat sold in the U.S. has to meet minimum federal safety standards.

While you will lose some of the conveniences of an infant seat (easier to carry a sleeping child and an ability to attach to some strollers), choosing to skip the infant car seat (the “baby bucket”) in favor of a convertible car seat will save you money in the long term. The convertible seat will often cost more upfront than the infant seat, but you would need a convertible anyway after the child has outgrown the baby bucket (usually 8-12 months after birth). 

Convertible seats “convert” from rear-facing position (used from birth to two years) to forward-facing position (from two years to seat capacity limits).  While many convertibles are rated from 5-65 pounds (or higher), you really want a seat that has specific features to better accommodate an infant.  Often this is done with a cushion or insert provided by the seat manufacturer.  Think about it…this seat has to protect a newborn as well as provide comfortable space for a preschooler.  There are numerous convertible seats on the market.  The newest one is the Chicco NextFit.  The Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 with TinyFit includes a unique infant insert (the TinyFit) that can accommodate a newborn as little as 4 pounds. This insert basically makes a mini-seat (for the infant) inside the larger seat.

Lastly, an important element of any child car seat is how properly it is installed in the vehicle.  Especially as rear-facing installations of convertible seats can be complex.  Be sure to have the installation checked by a certified car seat technician.

(Note from Kristina- if you haven't already, "like" Prince William County Fire and Rescue- they host FREE car seat inspections on a regular basis)

 

 

Featured Organization Friday: Preemies Today Collections

Preemies Today is a 501c3 non-profit based out of our DC Metro Area that "advocates for the needs of families experiencing the traumatic event of a premature birth."  The group does advocacy, outreach, teaching, and more!  One way you can get involved is by helping out with their NICU baby shower item collection! If you've ever had a preemie, and still have some of their clothing lying around, this might be just the place for it to go!

Preemies Today is collecting donations for local NICU baby showers

Used and New preemie and newborn clothing and items in good condition accepted (examples include toys, books, baby monitors) Mother's items (i.e. nursing covers) and toys for older siblings of preemies 

No recalled items or used carseats please

Contact MorgenMacDonald@preemiestoday.org for pick-up or drop-off arrangements

You can learn more about the services and support offered by Preemies Today by visiting their website, or connecting with them via Facebook or Twitter.

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PwcMoms.com is committed to sharing information with our readers, and we are happy to feature your informational cause, charity, non-profit, etc.  We do not feature individual family, school, or sports team fundraising efforts, unless they are in conjunction with an official charity or non-profit.  We're happy to help you raise awareness, though, so please email us if you'd like to get details or let us know about your cause! 

Guest Post: Fitness in Motherhood

Motherhood is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding experiences a woman can do. The physical demand of pregnancy and labor forever changes a woman’s body. During pregnancy is when major posture changes begin. As the fetus develops and grows larger a Mom’s pelvis tilts forward, lower back begins to curve more and shoulders slump forward, which can all lead to back and hip pain. Throughout the course of motherhood, posture can continue to be negatively affected.

It takes a great deal of strength - both physical and emotional - to be a Mother. Getting the kids in and out of the car, carrying the diaper bag, picking up the stroller, loading and unloading groceries/shopping bags, and carrying a car seat and/or kids. As mothers we are constantly squatting, lunging, reaching, stretching, and sprinting. Sometimes those are all within two minutes.

In order to be able to squat, lunge, sprint and remain uninjured and energetic throughout our day requires Mom to physically train for the tasks of Motherhood. Exercising on a regular basis will provide Mom with the strength and energy to keep up with our kids.

FIT4MOM has programs designed for every Mom at every stage in motherhood. There is the pre/postnatal program Fit4Baby/Stroller Strides classes that include cardio and resistance training. Mom works out and interacts with the kids in the stroller through a variety of exercises and songs. Classes are lead by our team of trained instructors in pre/postnatal fitness. We also offer Body Back, an 8-week program of personal fitness coaching and nutrition education. Body Back is taught by our Fitness Director Caitlin Sharp. No matter what stage you’re in, there is a program at FIT4MOM that can help you reach your fitness goals. 

FIT4MOM PWC offers more than just a workout. We offer a community of Moms who care and encourage each other. Once a week after class we offer a special playgroup with a craft or activity for the kids. After most classes Moms and kids stay after class to play and talk. We hold a Mom’s Night Out event once a month to connect with the group and get a much needed couple of hours away from the kids.  We are an understanding group that knows that some days getting out of the house is what made it a success. We provide the emotional support that we all need when we have felt challenged in motherhood.  

Please come join FIT4MOM for a Stroller Strides class (view the schedule here). Your first week of classes are FREE! Or, if you'd like a little longer, enter our giveaway for 2 months Free! That's an $80 value! 

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This sponsored post is brought to you by FIT4MOM PWC.  Visit them online to learn more about these fun, friendly classes that are designed for moms to get in shape!  PwcMoms.com has not visited a class, and you should consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen. 

Website pwc.fit4mom.com

Facebook facebook.com/fitmomsrock

Twitter twitter.com/fit4momPWC

Pinterest pinterest.com/fit4momPWC

Guest Post: Helping Children Sleep After a New Baby

I just had a baby and now my older child won’t sleep – Help!!

You knew you would lose sleep with a newborn, but you may not have been expecting your older child to suddenly need your attention in the middle of the night.  This is however a problem I see quite often, especially if at one time your older child did have some sleep difficulties.

What is going on?

If your child previously slept with you or in your room, they may not understand why the brand new baby is now getting to sleep in your room.  After all, you may have told them that your room is just for Mommy and Daddy if you were transitioning them out of it.  They may start waking in the middle of the night trying to get in bed with you, or may start giving you a hard time about going to sleep at bedtime.  Even if your child did not sleep with you, just the change of having a new brother or sister may cause them a slight amount of stress, which could affect their sleep.  All the changes going on could also be causing their bedtime to be later.  If children are overtired at bedtime, they are more likely to wake during the night and earlier in the morning.

Having Patience

The first step in solving your child’s behavior is to first have (or try to have!) patience and realize where they are coming from.  If your older child was an only child before the baby came, they were used to getting all the attention.  Now, not only is the baby getting some of their attention, the baby probably gets to stay up later with Mom and Dad and gets to spend all night in their room.  How fair is that?!  It is a good idea to spend some extra one on one time with your older child during the day.  You should be totally focused on them (no cell phones or television) and this should last for at least 20 minutes.  Each parent should try to do this every day.

Bedtime

You may need to factor in a little extra relaxing time before sleep time at night.  Your child may need a couple of extra books or some extra songs.  Decide before hand what you will add, and do not let your child dictate what you do.  If you tell them you will read an extra book, stop at that extra book.  If they beg and cry for another one and you give in, you will have taught them to keep begging and crying even if you say no.

If your child is really upset at bedtime, you may think about sitting in their room with them while they fall asleep, then every several days moving further and further away from them or come check on them every 5 or 7 minutes for extra reassurance.

Middle of the Night Wake-Ups

If your child is waking in the middle of the night, discuss with your partner during the day how you want to handle it.  Being consistent is essential in changing a behavior.  So if you do not want your older child coming into bed with you, do not let them do that, even once.  This is especially important if your newborn is sleeping in bed with you – your older child may not be as aware of the baby and could roll on them or crawl over them.  

If you are okay with your older child coming into your room at night if they do not wake you or your baby, you could make a bed for them on the floor.  You could put a crib mattress or sleeping bag on your floor.  You will need to give your child rules – if they sleep in this bed, they need to come into the room quietly and not wake anyone.  This is probably a better idea for a child at least three years old and one that has not shown any jealousy issues toward the newborn.

It Will Get Better

Remember that it will get better, especially if you handle the behavior consistently and with as much patience as you can have being a sleep deprived parent!  Your child may need a little extra reassurance now, but will once again start sleeping well.  And by that time, your newborn may be sleeping better too!

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About the Author:

Michelle Winters, of SleepWell Sleep Solutions is a certified Gentle Sleep Coach and Greenproofer based in Northern Virginia. Michelle provides sleep consultations for children up to 6 years old in which she assists parents in creating a gentle, respectful plan to get their children sleeping.  She can also assist parents who are trying to conceive, who are pregnant, and who already have children identify and remove toxins in their environment.  Michelle conducts in person consultations in the Washington DC Metro area and can also conduct consultations over Skype or phone for clients outside the area.  She is also available to conduct workshops and group talks to businesses, parents’ groups and preschools.

For more information, check Michelle out at www.sleepwellsleepsolutions.com, www.facebook.com/sleepwellsleepsolutions and www.twitter.com/VASleepCoach.

This post is provided by SleepWell Sleep Solutions.

Parental Urban Legends- Early Care Edition

Parental Urban Legends- Early Care Edition

by Denise Stern

One of my favorite phrases PWC Moms has coined is “Varsity Moms,” which pretty much describes this audience. These are the moms with 2 or more kids who can tell you at the drop of a hat which pediatrician has the best waiting room times, which restaurants offer kids-eat-free-nights and just when exactly you might expect to reach the finish line of Sleeping Through the Night.


Varsity Moms, I ask you--- please help first time parents by squashing the Top 3 myths of infant care that have permeated the parenting landscape, but are just plain wrong.

Photo credit, Micaela Williamson

Myth #1 – Putting rice cereal in baby’s bottle will help baby sleep longer


There is absolutely no evidence that shows that thickening milk or formula with cereal will make baby sleep longer at night. In fact, the most cited study on this topic, (Infant Sleep and bedtime cereal) heartily disproves this parental urban legend.


In our desperation to “tank baby up” and buy an extra hour of rest, we often think that a fuller stomach = sleep. This is true when we give baby milk before bed to ensure that s/he doesn’t wake unnecessarily from hunger but the addition of rice cereal does not help baby sleep longer.


Why People Swear it Works:

When parents introduce rice cereal in baby’s bottle, it is typically at the 8-12 week mark, when parents have about had it with getting up 3-4 times overnight. The fact is, baby is naturally sleeping longer stretches at this time anyway. Thickening formula receives the credit for what baby is doing naturally.



Myth #2 – Mylicon will Eliminate Gas and Soothe your Baby


This myth is near and dear to my heart because I desperately believed it myself with my own 3 kids. Study  after study definitively demonstrates that Simethicone (the generic name for gas drops) is no more or less effective as a placebo. In a nutshell? Gas drops don’t work.


Why People Swear it Works:

EVERYONE recommends Simethicone drops. No one does not recommend them. Once again parents of newborns just want to soothe their babies and I know you will be shocked to hear this, but marketing companies love to capitalize on that so they sell, sell, sell a harmless but useless product.


And once again, it is caregiver and baby who should be given the credit for getting that uncomfortable gas out of baby’s tummy. Slow feeds, lots of burping and gently switching position or massaging baby to get gas out after feeding are the real reasons baby is comforted.




Myth #3 – Putting baby to sleep later at night will make them sleep later in the morning


We’ve all done this one. According to pediatric sleep specialist, Dr. Lisa Meltzer,  “the internal clock is a powerful force that typically wakes young children up around the same time every morning, no matter what time they go to sleep at night." This means that putting baby to sleep later only robs them of sleep they should be getting. This then contributes to the overtired cycle the next day, making it more difficult for baby to settle and rest again.


Why People Swear it Works:

Because it would work for adults and seems correct. And again, we just want to figure out how to help that baby sleep. When we do wear out our little ones and they sleep for long stretches out of sheer exhaustion, we receive another “false positive.” Keeping baby awake longer than their bodies need may work for one night or one nap, but baby just can’t sustain fighting against their natural rhythms.

What Parental Urban legends can you add? And which do you see as baby gets older?

Denise Stern is the President & CEO of Let Mommy Sleep, DC’s first and only baby nurse agency. Denise and her team of nurses & speech pathologists offer sleep consultations and overnight care to families of newborns and infants.

12 Days of Giveaways: Baby Blossom

Baby Blossom has been a great sponsor of giveaways all year long, and this giveaway is no exception! They've got a great baby gear item just for a lucky PwcMoms reader!  Enter using the Rafflecopter under the description.

Mamas & Papas Snug Seat & Tray -- Teal  ($60 retail)

Ergonomically designed to provide support and comfort, this first seat adjusts as your baby grows. With the tray included it is easy to clean and lightweight, perfect when you're on the move and suitable for inside and outside use.

• 1st stage: for use when baby can support their own head (from 3 months approx.)
• 2nd stage: when baby outgrows the 1st stage seat (from 12 months approx)
• Soft and comfortable, designed to keep baby snug and in place
• Removable tray aids play times and meal times
• Lightweight for easy transportation
• Easy to clean
• Rigid crotch post for added safety
• Comfortable and easy to clean 
• Ideal seat for baby during early stages of weaning
• Baby's first seat - ergonomically designed to provide support and comfort
• Two piece seat that adjusts as your baby grows - just remove the seat insert 

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12 Days of Giveaways: Little Pim Language DVDs

Thank you all for your patience as I let this space be quiet in respect for all of us as we processed the events of the last few days.  I'll catch up on the giveaways, but sometimes we all need a moment to reflect, especially with such great tragedy.
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I was asked to try the Little Pim series of educational DVDs and I was very excited to give it a go.  We pay pretty decent money at a preschool that teaches a foreign language for our daughter, but since I speak (spoke, in college) Russian and French, I'm not much help with the German she gets at school.

As background, Little Pim was created by the daughter of Dr. Paul Pimsleur, who developed the Pimsleur method of learning languages for adults.  They call the approach in the Little Pim series "Educational Immersion", and it is targeted at children ages 5 and under.  For more about the development, methodology and approach, you can check out the Little Pim Website.

So, remember when Baby Einstein was a thing? (Maybe it still is, I'm a few years out from babies) This is a similar format with a simple animated Panda between footage of actual people doing things.  It's all immersion, so there's no English, although there are subtitles for parents who need help with pronunciation.  In German that wasn't an issue at all, but in reading reviews from other sites, some users complained that in languages like Russian and Chinese, the subtitles were phonetic and native speakers teaching their children often felt like they'd do the phonetics differently, or they wanted their child exposed to the alphabet of the language they were learning.

Each DVD is divided into 5 minute mini episodes, so if you are really trying to get a younger child to focus, they only have to do it for a brief stretch.  My daughter sat down to watch this with my husband. She's 4 and he's in his 30s, and he did such a great job learning German, I'm very proud ;)
My daughter loved the DVD and at her age, she stayed focused intently for half the DVD, and then said her brain needed a break.  She's already asked if she can watch again tomorrow.  I assume that they use the same footage for each DVD and just put the language over the top because our first DVD was food/eating themed and we learned how to say "rice" and "chopsticks", but we also learned "strawberries", "kiwi", "cake", and "the oven is hot".  I'm not an expert, but I know that this approach seemed to work quickly for my daughter (and my husband) because they could see the actual item being used and hear the words.

You can order Little Pim in gift sets like the one above, for $169, which includes books, DVDs, music CDs, a plush, a backpack, and flash cards, but only in French or Spanish.  Other languages, including Chinese, Italian, German, Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew, English ESL, English ENG, and Portuguese, are available in 1 DVD or 3 DVD packs for $34.95 or $59.95.

(Shhh.....until the 19th you can get them over at Groupon, too)

Anyhow, I like the DVD concept.  I'm not going really dedicated to the idea of being bilingual by age four, so I enjoy that I can provide my child with learning materials she can use on her own, working at her own pace.  Could you really work these up into a language curriculum program for your toddler? Sure- but it's really nice to just pop in the DVD while you're making dinner, too.  I think we might pick up a few other German DVDs for my daughter, but if you'd like to get your own starter DVD for free, enter to win! Best of luck!

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I was provided with a DVD to try and with one to give away to one of you lovely lucky people.  Shipping will be directly from Little Pim.  PwcMoms is not responsible for your child walking around speaking a language you don't understand.  Winner assumes all liability.

Giveaway: Cosatto OTM Highchair from Baby Blossom

It's November, a time to be thankful.  Personally, I am so thankful for the people and businesses who support this website.  Believe it or not, it takes a lot of time to do updates, blog posts, and giveaways, and it costs money to host content.  I am also thakful for the cool stuff that my family gets to do, but having a business say they support families in our area by actually sponsoring the content here on Prince William County Moms means so much to me, and it should mean a lot to you, too.  When Baby Blossom supports PwcMoms.com, they're effectively saying they're willing to spend money so you can continue to have the content and calendar that you come here to utilize.  I encourage you to support them, in return.

This month, Baby Blossom is offering a great giveaway item, just in time for some of those big holiday meals!! Whether you're dining at home, at a restaurant, or traveling to Grammy's house (and you know that grammy doesn't have a high chair anymore!) this High Chair will have you covered.

Cosatto On The Move High Chair

Retail Value: $149

Cosatto's On the Move highchair is ideal for babies and families who are always on the go. Equally stylish and functional, it features a one-hand, single action fold/unfold, extra-lightweight but sturdy frame, footrest, wipe clean tray and removable polyester seat pad. Five-point harness is adjustable to provide sitting comfort for your growing baby and the seat's funky colors and cute vegetable graphics tell anyone and everyone that it's your little one's time to eat. Convenient travel bag included. Suitable for children 6 months and older up to 35 lbs.

 

What a great prize for those of you that travel during the holidays (or anytime, really!).  I would have loved to have a high-chair that folded up that easily just for when we went down the street to neighbors that didn't have babies anymore!

 

Enter using the Rafflecopter below.  Contest ends next week on November 28, 2012.

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Baby Blossom Giveaway!

Our friends at Baby Blossom are offering a fun giveaway for the end of September! 

Owner David has written for you all before- specifically with his  discussion of double strollers for one of our PwcMoms readers, and he's got a stroller for one lucky reader this week!!

Enter below by leaving a comment for your chance to win a Combi Flare!! One entry per person, contest closes on Sunday night, September 30,  at midnight.  Our last Combi giveaway was very popular- good luck to everyone entering!!  

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Combi Flare Stroller in Kiwi

The lightweight Flare stroller (only 11 pounds!) with the quick 3-Second Fold, folds easily and compactly and is self-standing. An easily adjustable, reclining seat, footrest and 5-point harness make for a safe and comfortable environment for your child. The adjustable canopy includes a storage pocket. The carrying strap, storage basket, removable padded guardrail, removable child cup holder, and washable seat cushion add convenience. Compatible with the Combi Shuttle 33 infant car seat (not included). Recommended for children from six months (without use of Combi Shuttle) up to 55 pounds.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

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One entry per person.  Baby Blossom is a paid advertiser of PwcMoms.com and is providing one winner with a Combi Flare stroller.  Prize listed may not be exchanged or redeemed for cash. Winner must claim prize within 3 days.  Winner name will be posted on this page as well as on a congratulatory note on Facebook.  Prize is provided by Baby Blossom, winner assumes all liability, PwcMoms is not responsible for any problems, accidents, etc. Please use your stroller responsibly.