Falling in Love Again

I had been in the hospital for less than twenty four hours and even though my husband and I were getting ready to celebrate our eighth anniversary, I found myself falling in love with another man.

Bubba (a nickname that pays homage to living in the South) was scheduled to arrive on May 15th. Even though we were thrilled to welcome a new member to our growing family, Bubba is our third child and that morning my thoughts were consumed with our older two children. Were they driving my mother crazy with their constant fighting? Would they be jealous of their younger brother? Was the age gap going to be a problem? I definitely was not "living in the moment" as Oprah is so fond of saying.

Several hours of labor later, ending in an emergency c-section, there was a change in my thinking. Would my baby be ok? Was my advanced maternal age the reason behind my emergency c-section? Was my husband about to pass out from watching the c-section, bang his head against bulky medical equipment, and leave me a widow to raise three children on my own? I was still having trouble living in the moment.

Then, all hell broke loose as soon as I was wheeled into my hospital room. My mother was already there with big brother Spencer and big sister Gabriella waiting to welcome Bubba to the world. My mother-in-law arrived with cookies and flowers. The phone started ringing and friends started dropping by to visit. Bubba stoically submitted to being passed around like a hot potato. He was the recipient of many hugs, kisses and even licks from his older sister. Eventually it got late and the novelty began to wear off - after all, it was dinnertime.

I suddenly found myself alone for the first time that day. I looked down at the almost forgotten bundle sleeping in my lap. I noticed his long eyelashes and even longer toes. His perfectly formed seashell ears. Unlike his big brother and sister, Bubba was long and lean. He already showed signs of having a zen-like peaceful personality.

I would soon discover how wrong I was about Bubba's tolerance threshold, but, I was finally in the moment.

I could almost hear Elvis gently singing ... "but I can't help falling in love with you."

*This post was written as part of the online baby shower for my dear cyber friend Kristen of Motherhood Uncensored and Rebecca of Girl’s Gone Child! Wishing you many happy memories as you welcome new additions to your families! Be sure to check out both blogs for Kristen and Rebecca's humorous and often touching views on the highs and lows of motherhood.

Atomic Diaper Relief

The Atomic Diaper. If you have experienced it and survived, you’ll understand why Herban Essentials Towelettes are a must have for every parent.

Herban Essentials had me hooked with their clever name. Whether you’re an urban, suburban or rural dweller, Herban Essentials Towelettes are like a little bit of aromatherapy heaven in a single serving size package. Made with the finest essential oils available, these delightful towelettes deliver a perfect dose of crisp, calming and uplifting scent to ease a harried Mom’s day.

Herban Essentials was founded by Deborah McCormick when she discovered a homeopathic and aromatherapeutic way to ease her flight anxiety. She teamed up with Stuart Manson, an essential oils aficionado, and together they created the Herban Essential Towelettes. After working together for a few years, Stuart married Deborah’s middle son. Herban Essentials has since grown to be a harmonious group of 10 employees spearheaded by a dynamic mother and daughter-in-law team. I love my mother-in-law, but I know I would need more than soothing essential oils to run a business together!

The multi-tasking Herban Essentials Towelettes can be used to calm and cleanse scrapes and burns, repel bugs and ease itching, dispel nausea, and stimulate creativity. You can even toss them in a pillow case to insure a peaceful night of slumber. I throw Herban Essentials Towelettes in the fridge and use them to cool off after a hot day or to soothe a fevered brow. However, my favorite way to use them is after changing an atomic diaper in a public restroom. After getting cleaned up, I whip out my Herban Essentials Towelette, do a last minute wipe down of baby and me, and I’m good to go in a cloud of serenity.

Herban Essentials Towelettes may seem a little extravagant, but you can’t put a price on post atomic diaper bliss!

Try the calming Lavender, the uplifting Peppermint or the crisp Lemon. If you are having a hard time deciding, Herban Essentials Towellettes are available in a mixed package. You can even get your favorite pooch a bit of aromatherapy action!

Available in packages with 20 individually wrapped towelettes at Itty Bitty Ladybug.

Itty Bitty Ladybug featured on Cool Mom Picks

We were thrilled when Kristen at Cool Mom Picks featured the Giddy Giddy Elephant Pouch! Cool Mom Picks is our favorite site to check out new and hip products for children. If you are even stumped looking for that perfect gift, click on over to Cool Mom Picks for their amazing selections. Thanks Kristen and Cool Mom Picks!

Giddy Giddy: Starting the Bag Addiction Early

While searching for hair clips that weren't drenched in lace and ribbon, I happened upon the impossibility that is Giddy Giddy, and their totally cool felt creations that launched my daughter's infatuation with barrettes. So leave it to them to fuel her handbag addiction now too.

Mom and designer Teri Dimalanta has added ridiculously sweet pouches to her slew of irresistible wool felt clips. Each pouch is individually handcrafted from a variety of textiles and patterns, all of which include just a smidgen of pre-loved fabrics. I'm completely in love with the little red elephant bag (pictured), but would happily indulge my daughter with the owl.

You can find a wonderful selection of Giddy Giddy pouches, along with their brand new pony tail holders at the Itty Bitty Lady Bug. -Kristen

Piper Whelan - Karito Kids New Addition

Meet Piper Whelan - she is the newest doll to be added to the award winning Karito Kids Collection. Piper is an 11 year old girl from Australia. She lives with her mother, father and little sister in Bondi Beach.

Piper is an avid surfer and life guard. Being outdoors so much, Piper begins to see the effect that humans have on our environment. Piper takes it upon herself to educate others about how they can make a difference until one day she notices that the sea life in Bondi Beach is slowly dying. Her story is about her eco mission to help save the ocean animals from pollution.

Karito Kids have won over 14 awards including the #1 Toy of the Year in 2007. Every Karito Kids doll and book comes with a passport that invites you to log onto www. karitokids.com and experience the joy of giving to other children around the world who are not as lucky as them. Karito Kids band contributes 3% of the MSRP to Plan USA, a children's charity with whom the company has partnered.

In addition to Piper, the current global gals include Wan Ling from China, Gia from Italy, Lulu from Kenya, Zoe from New York, and Pita from Mexico. Each character has a unique personality and a hard cover adventure mystery book that allows kids to recognize that for the most part, no matter where you live, all kids are the same.

My eight year old daughter and I have enjoyed getting to know the Karito Kids. I love that my daughter is learning about other countries and the importance of charity by reading the adventures of each Karito Kid. My daughter loves the fun, spunky personalities of all of the Karito Kids. The books bring to life the personality of each doll - all of which are a wonderful role model.

Click over to http://www.ittybittyladybug.com/ to read more about the Karito Kids and check out their cute accessories!

Kung Fu Panda - Movie Review

A big thank you to our in house movie critic, Spencer, for reviewing Kung Fu Panda for the Itty Bitty Ladybug Blog!

Last night I saw Kung Fu Panda with my 8 year old sister and 4 year old brother. Jack Black is one of my favorite actors and I think he did a great job as the voice of Po, the panda.

The movie was really funny. My whole family laughed a lot. Kung Fu Panda also has a really good message. Po, the panda, keeps trying even though it seems like he will never be good enough. In the end, his dreams come true and he is able to save his village.

I don't want to give away too much of the story. Kung Fu Panda is a fun movie that your whole family will enjoy!

Submitted by Spencer, age 10.

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Kung Fu Panda - What to Wear?

At our house, Jack Black reigns supreme - we can't wait to see Kung Fu Panda. Even though the kids have not seen his stellar performances in Nacho Libre and other fine films, you've got to admit - Jack Black is just plain funny. Add Angelina Jolie to the mix and even Dad is happy to escape the summer heat for a couple of hours in a cool movie theater.

Now, what to wear to your first viewing of Kung Fu Panda you ask? Why this adorable, hand made, felt clip by Giddy Giddy. Available in Little Girl and Big Girl sizes, even Mom can keep those bangs that never quite seem to grow out - out of her eyes. Without a doubt, Giddy Giddy clips are fun and sassy.

Jack Black would approve.

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Hot or Not? Flora & Henri

While on a recent trip, we came across Flora & Henri, an upscale children's clothing store in the heart of downtown Seattle.

The store windows were decorated to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rat. Since it was the first time we had seen a children's store with a Chinese Zodiac display - we had to stop and take pictures to share with you!

Flora & Henri carries European style clothing with exquisite details using fine linens and thick, soft, jersey cottons. Silk party dresses round out a collection of luxurious clothing for Seattle's best dressed tots.

We were intrigued by Flora & Henri's windows because they used life sized - and bigger! - rats in their display. We love that they didn't turn the Year of the Rat into the Year of the Mouse (or hamster as noted in the post below). According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Rat has many great qualities that should be celebrated with pride. After all, the Rat was the first to finish the Amazing Race.

Unfortunately, the Rat is far from cute. But, that didn't stop the creative minds at Flora & Henri! Plastic Rats (perhaps left over Halloween decorations) were used throughout the window displays.

To the right, small Rats share the limelight with a gorgeous Irish linen christening gown. The Rats' harsh features are a notable contrast against the sweet, delicate gown.

We appreciate the integrity of Flora & Henri's design, but, at the end of the day we were more than a little bit creeped out by the Rats in the window display. Then again, maybe we've watched Lady and the Tramp too many times and the scene of the vicious Rat in the baby's room is hard to shake.

What do you think? Is the Flora & Henri window display HOT or NOT?

Passover Centerpieces with Asian Flair

In Thursday's post below we created an Easter basket and/or centerpiece using Asian inspired accents to reflect the dual heritage of families who have adopted a child from
China or other parts of Asia. An Itty Bitty Blog reader asked us if we had any ideas for a Passover centerpiece using similar elements.

Well, there's nothing we love more than a project! Thanks to our reader, we got the kids involved and spent a fun afternoon making our centerpieces.

Passover, in a nutshell, is a celebration of the Exodus - the liberation of the Jewish people from the Pharoh. The Seder plate contains five foods that symbolize the Exodus. While three of the foods symbolize the stuggles of the Jewish people before they were freed from the Pharoh, the other two foods represent Spring, sweetness, and new beginnings.

In putting together our centerpiece we focused on Spring and new beginnings (although we do think the centerpiece is pretty sweet). We also wanted to celebrate family and heritage.

The starting point for our arrangement was a blue and white pot representing the colors of Israel. We filled it with packing peanuts and a tree branch - symbolizing new growth. Then we put the kids to work cutting out circles and decorating them with the Star of David. On the back of each Star of David we wrote down the name of friends and family members. We also wrote down one way in which we each wanted to grow in spirit - like being kind to others when we don't feel like it or taking time each day to tell each other what we are thankful for. The Stars of David went on the branch.

Next, we filled the pot with green shredded paper. We added Giddy Giddy Flower Power clips on popsicle sticks to hand out as Spring party favors. The Jack Rabbit Creations Pull Back Mouse represents The Year of the Rat. The Kaloo Fung Shui Collection Fat Cat has the double happiness symbol embroided on his belly which reminded us of our happiness is celebrating together as a family and joy in our heritage. Of course, the Jack Rabbit Creations Ladybug Shakers represent the red thread that binds together friends and family.





We also thought it would be fun to make individual placecards. In the picture to the right, we cut paper to fit around a can of refried beans we had in the pantry (how's that for blending cultures!). The kids each decorated their own sheet and we taped it around the can. We were glad we made a mistake and cut the paper too big because it made it easier to fill with the green shredded paper and the other goodies.







Here's another, more manly, variation of the same idea. Painted flower pot, ladybug, mouse and popsicle stick with with child's name and Star of David.

You can go to town with these ideas or pare them down to make them easier and more affordable. It would be fun to paint the branch silver and use lots of glitter glue for the Stars of David. You can use blue and white lollipops instead of the Giddy Giddy Flower Power clips or write your guests' names on the lollipops with a silver permanent marker - just make sure the lollipops are wrapped!

Thanks Anonymous for getting our creative juices flowing and keeping our kids entertained this afternoon!

Celebrate Spring With Asian Flair

Spring is right around the corner and we decided to add a bit of Asian flair as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, Easter and Passover.


We put together a fun Easter basket that can easily be modified for a fun and festive Passover centerpiece.

We started with a vibrant plush from the Limited Edition Kaloo Fung Shui Collection. The signature Kaloo box makes a wonderful basket. We simply filled the bottom of the box with packing peanuts and put Easter basket grass on top.

The rabbit's bright colors set the tone for a festive basket. We placed the rabbit towards the back of the container so there would be plenty of room to add more items.

To give our basket flower blossom accents, we used handmade felt Giddy Giddy Flower Power hair clips. We reluctantly admit to swiping a few wood coffee stirers from our favorite Starbucks and attached the Flower Power clips to the sticks. You can paint the sticks green and add construction paper leaves to create a fuller bouquet.









The Pull Back Mice by Jack Rabbit Creations add a touch of whimsy. The mice are also a reminder that according to the Chinese Zodiac 2008 is the Year of the Rat. Put a colorful mouse in the basket and one on the table to elongate your arrangement.









Don't forget to leave room for the Ladybug Shakers. The sweet ladybugs remind us of the red thread that binds families and loved ones together.

Add your own special touches and create a memorable Easter basket or Passover center piece. Bears, cat and mice are also part of Kaloo's Fung Shui Collection. Throw in a bunch of holiday themed candy and you're all set!

The Mayberry Shop

We recently came across The Mayberry Sparrow, a delightful Etsy shop. Canadian artist Corrabelle creates custom name stamps or bookplates with whimsical designs. For just $20.00, we can think of several uses for these fun stamps - stamp them on brown paper bags and your lunch will be sure to stand out. Gift tags and personalized stationary will have a funky fresh vibe when use your Mayberry Sparrow stamp. These stamps make fun baby shower gifts and birthday presents too.

The Pagoda design would make an adorable name stamp.

If you are looking for a wonderful gift for a wise teacher, what could be cuter than this sweet owl?


Check out The Mayberry Sparrow and be sure to read about Corrabelle and the inspiration behind the name of her shop.

Girl Scout Cookie Curse

Just the sight of a Girl Scout has me reaching instinctively into my purse to find a pen to fill out the cookie form. Living in suburbia, we have several Scouts come to our door hoping to make top cookie seller. Combine that with troops selling cookies outside the grocery store and we now have a pantry full of boxes of Girl Scout cookies.

This year I decided to employ my Halloween strategy with my Girl Scout purchases - buy what you don't like and you won't eat it. Funny how that works with Nerds and Crybaby gum, but not with Girl Scout Cookies. I didn't even buy Thin Mints this time around for fear of eating them all myself - like last year.

So, today for lunch I had more than a few Samoas. Does that come under fruits and dairy in the Weight Watcher's Food Guide?

Year of the Hamster?

Here at Itty Bitty Ladybug we've been stumped - it's the Year of the Rat and we've had a tough time finding cute and fun items to celebrate the Chinese New Year. We feel bad. After all, the rat was certainly clever enough to finish first in the Amazing Race. Hard working, thrifty and healthy the Rat has many wonderful qualities. But let's face it, the Rat is far from cute.

So, we were delighted to find a little blurb in today's paper about how prices are rising in China for HAMSTERS as people look to honor the Year of the Rat. That's right - hamsters. Hamsters are considered lucky in China and they are definitely more cuddly than a pet rat. Also, the Cantonese and Mandarin word for "rat" translates in such a way that could include hamsters and moles. Who knew? Anyone up for a hamster tee?

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year! Today is the beginning of the Year of the Rat.

Stamps celebrating the Year of the Rat are available at your local post office or at http://www.usps.com/.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, a Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity and renewal. The Year of the Rat is also a good time to begin a new job, get married, launch a product, or make a fresh start. For many of our friends waiting for an adoption referral, we hope it also means getting good news soon.

People born in The Year of the Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008) are believed to be devoted to their families, quick - witted and passionate. The Rat is energetic and has endurance to fight off most illnesses. Full of nervous energy,a Rat benefits from the practice of Yoga and meditation.

Some famous celebrity Rats include: Alyssa Milano, Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow and Lauren Bacall. Charlotte Bronte and Margaret Mitchell are famous Rat authors.

Be sure to check out some of our favorite blogs for more information about the Year of the Rat and fun products celebrating the Chinese New Year. Now make like a Rat and get busy!

Katiedid at http://katie-d-i-d.blogspot.com/2008/02/happy-chinese-new-year.html

Cool Mom Picks at http://coolmompicks.com/

Tonic Home at http://tonichome.blogspot.com/

Baby Magnolia - a blog about a couple waiting to adopt their baby girl from China - at http://babymagnolia.com/

Valentines For A 9 Year Old Boy

As my children get older I'm finding that my concerns surrounding Valentine's Day have gone from trying to get reservations at a romantic restaurant to finding the right Valentine's Day card for my 9 year old son to distribute to his class. He's still young enough to want to celebrate, but too grown up (he thinks) for many of the Valentine's Day cards available at our local Target.

Super heroes? Mom - that's for babies! SpongeBob? Lame. Harry Potter? You can't be serious!

So, instead of spending a couple of hours in the Valentine's Day aisle, we turned to our friends at Cocoblu Studio. Owner Sarah Lemoine created the perfect custom Valentine's Day card for us.

Manly? Yes. Cool? You bet! Add some Cry Baby Bubble Gum and you've got the perfect Valentine's Day card for a 9 year old boy!

Enter discount code ITTYBITTY for 15% off your purchase of Valentine's Day cards or custom stationery at Cocoblu Studio.

The cutest Valentine's Day Cards EVER at Cocoblu Studio!

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it. Say it isn't so - didn't we just put away our holiday decorations?

Thanks to Cool Mom Picks, one of our all time favorite sites, its easy to get excited about sending out Valentines. Check out CocoBlu Studios for what we think are the cutest Valentine's Day cards EVER!

This year make it easy on yourself with the great selection of business card sized Valentines to distribute to the class or
choose from the fabulous full sized cards. Either way, you'll have the hippest Valentines in town. We love not having to bribe our children to write their names on Valentines for each of their classmates and you can be sure the grandparents will be updating their brag books with these super cute cards!

CocoBlu Studios will customize stationary, Mommy Cards and Birth Announcements. They even have stickers you can use on birthday treat bags or as return address labels.

Check out CocoBlu Studios and get 15% off your Valentine and stationary order with code ITTYBITTY.

Dwell Studio coming to Target!

Mark your calendars for February! Target is teaming up with Dwell Studio to bring you a line of modern home and nursery decor. Dwell is one of our favorite sources for high quality, fresh, funky and sophisticated crib bedding.



Dwell Studio crib bedding shown to the left. The patterns created for Target have yet to be unveiled.


Dwell Studio's nursery collection for Target will feature rugs. lamps, and window treatments in 12 exciting new patterns. Also, for the first time, Dwell Studios has designed furniture -including changing tables and cribs. We can't wait to check it out!


High design at affordable prices. Is it any wonder that my toddler who doesn't know how to read knows the symbol for Target?

To the right, a pillow from the line created by Dwell Studios for Target. 18" $19.99

A special thank you to Domino Magazine for the great news!