LookyBook

We're loving this new (to us) website called LookyBook.com. On it, you will find picture books galore that you can preview (in their entirety!) before you buy! You never have to buy a crappy picture book again!

Back to Dads...

I know a lot of men tend to feel left out when it comes to the whole parenting thing. I mean, many magazines focus mostly on moms - actually, marketing in general tends to. And, then...there are the mommy groups and the such. And, pregnancy? It's all about the moms and babies, and dad often gets overlooked.

I came across this pretty great book called: The Modern Mom's Guide to Dads - Ten Secrets Your Husband Won't Tell You by Hogan Hilling and Jesse Jayne Rutherford. It talks about:

• What your husband's fears, hopes, desires, and frustrations are
• How to get him involved in the housework and childcare without manipulating him
• How to reduce conflict in your marriage
• And best of all, how to get some rest and time for yourself

It's a great book and my husband and I both recommend it - but, I wanted to hear some of YOUR advice too.

So, dads (and moms, too)...tell us what your biggest piece advice is concerning the fathers of our children. It can relate to anything...from what you're really thinking to housework to raising children...just tell us (in our comments)!

We can't wait to hear from you!

PS - Dad's if you have a certain gripe about society vs. fatherhood, be sure to let us know about it in the comments, too!

And, don't forget our awesome $100 Giveaway!

A New Website

For all of you readers that love First Impressions, be sure to also check out our newly launched ParentFish blog at: http://parentfish.blogspot.com/

You can also reach us by going to www.parentfish.com and clicking on the button that says "BabbleFish."

Parenfish.com is a Resource for Western Ky parents (and grandparents, too).

However, regardless of where you live, you'll love our blog. It's kind of like this one but more geared to parenting children of all ages, all across the board, including some features spotlighting Home, Health, Gardening, Outdoors, Cooking, Sports, Fashion, and so much more. So, be sure to check it out and watch as it grows!

A couple of favorites

Some of the most meaningful gifts that I've ever received were handcrafted. For me, it means the world to me that someone took time out of their life to make something so unique and so individual FOR ME. Hitting the mall (or Walmart/Target) can sometimes be so easy, and oftentimes you can end up picking a gift that doesn't even fall into line with WHO the recipient is.

And, as a gift-giver, I love giving gifts from my heart - whether it's fresh produce from my garden, freshly baked bread, or a hand-crafted goody. Regardless of what it is, you can be sure that I put a lot of thought into each individual gift I made. Unfortunately, making gifts can be hard when you are hard-pressed for an idea of a unique gift that you could MAKE that won't break the bank.

In Karen Ehman's book, Homespun Gifts from the Heart, over 200 wonderfully creative ideas are shared for a wide array of gift recipients - from couples to babies and readers to foodies. She also has some of the most AWESOME ideas for gift baskets, pairing inexpensive items from the store with your own handcrafted items. All of the ideas are easy enough for any beginner, but great enough for everyone to enjoy. I can't wait to put this fabulous book to great use!

Another one of Karen Ehman's great books is Homespun Memories from the Heart, with over "200 ideas to make unforgettable moments." This book is all about celebrating...everything. But, you won't find $1,000 price tags on these ideas - instead, you'll find ideas that anyone of any budget can do. Great ideas from baby showers to wedding showers and beyond. This book is ESPECIALLY great if you are looking to make birthdays a little more special or are a new family (or not so new) and would love to create some new traditions of your very own.

You can buy both books here.

Your Pregnancy: week by week

What should I expect next?

Can I exercise? And, which exercises are safe during the different stages of pregnancy?

What should I eat? -and, what's off limits?

Is what I'm experiencing normal?

Should I call the doctor now?

What's going on in there?

Becoming pregnant can be a scary thing, if you've never been there before and don't have anyone to answer the hundreds of questions you'll come up with and be too embarrassed to ask. Your Pregnancy: week by week by Glade B. Curtis, M.D., and M.P.H. and Judith Schuler, M.s. has all of these answers and more, including diagrams of how baby is progressing and your body is changing...as well as diagrams of exercises that are safe during each week of your pregnancy.

Pregnancy is not only normal, but it should NOT be feared, and books like Your Pregnancy: week by week definitely help with that. This book tells you what to expect without scaring the begeezus out of you by listing all the things that could go wrong (unlike some books I've read).

A great read for any newly-pregnant mamas!

For your musical entertainment

We recently came across a new company called Yummy English Snack Productions, home to the YESnack CDs. L loves listening and dancing along to these creative and kid-friendly songs and I'm excited because I don't have to worry about the lyrics!

YESnack offers a 2 CD set that features over 43 unique songs!! Additionally, on their website you can find great stories that were inspired by the songs to share with your children - as well as the song lyrics. The songs are not only cute, but they are also chock full of information - like, the zodiac, lessons on why you shouldn't follow the crowd, and simple addition! And, for the older kids, a multiplication CD is included, making learning easier by putting it to music (up to the 12s).

These CDs are great for youngsters. I love that I can tell a story and we have a supporting song. I also love that these songs support great life lessons that I can teach and support...with music! Very fun, and I'm actually looking forward to breaking them back out when she starts learning multiplication!

And, with that said, there's a giveaway!! Simply tell us why you'd like to win and leave your email address in the comments. We'll announce the winners next Monday!

Good Luck!

Little Pim - Spanish

Little Pim, the creation of Julia Pimsleur Levine, is one of our favorite language learning tools for our daughter. We've been using the 3 DVD Spanish set. Each DVD is 35 minutes long and teaches over 60 words and phrases.

Husband and I both had Spanish in high school (college, too), but needed a refresher course in some things as we don't speak it often. We want our daughter to be multi-lingual and Little Pim is great for all three of us (and her grandparents!). The videos help jog our memory, while helping *L* learn new language sounds, words, and phrases. It's great!

"Little Pim is the creation of Julia Pimsleur Levine, the daughter of Dr. Paul Pimsleur, a renowned language professor, whose revolutionary audio teaching method made him a household name in foreign language learning. Julia grew up in a multi-lingual home and was fluent in French by the age of six. She also speaks some Italian, Spanish and German. Julia’s method for teaching foreign language to young children is based on her own childhood experience, her perspective as a mother and language teacher, as well as her background as an award-winning documentary filmmaker.

After the birth of her son, Emmett, three years ago, Julia wanted to give him the gift of a second language. She searched for children’s language DVDs to reinforce the French that she was teaching him, but couldn’t find one that met her high standards. With Emmett as her inspiration, she resolved to create a new affordable, easy and age-appropriate program that would enable families everywhere to enjoy learning foreign languages together."

The Little Pim series in Spanish comes with 3 DVDs: Eating and Drinking, Wake Up Smiling, and Playtime. And, unlike most foreign language DVDs for youngsters, Little Pim DVDs totally immerse your child in the language (English subtitles are optional). Words and phrases are broken down and shown with pictures and clips of children and babies doing everyday things (that corresponds with the word being learned). This set is great, and definitely one of our top picks.

Great for babies, toddlers, and up (even adults!)

A Life That Says Welcome by Karen Ehman

Your house is messy, dishes in the sink, and nothing but Healthy Choice frozen dinners in the fridge. Oh wait. That's my house. And, it doesn't make for good entertaining, or for a very welcoming home - that is, IF I invite anyone over.

In Karen Ehman's book, A Life That Says Welcome, she explains that you don't need a chef, maid, or a living room straight out of a Real Simple magazine to make others feel welcome in your home. Instead, she illustrates how to have meals ready in a matter of minutes when unexpected things come up, how to decorate on a budget - any budget, and many other simple ways to be prepared for the unexpected visits that could bless your life.

Inspirational. Uplifting. Encouraging.

Miserly Moms by Jonni McCoy

Have you ever thought about the possibility of staying at home with the kids, but you wondered how you'd do it on just ONE income? You thought it was impossible? Think Again. Jonni McCoy writes her book, Miserly Moms, from experience and offers tips on exactly how to make it work.

In addition to the set of guidelines to save money in the home, Jonni also offers valuable tips varying from cleaning recipes, average grocery price lists (to help you compare), advice on budgeting and saving money (up to 10,000 dollars!), menu plans and tons more.

It really is true that just because you choose to live on one income, you do not have deprive yourself. This book offers a great set of guidelines on how to make your money work the best for you - from vacation ideas to menu planning ideas and more.

And, considering the economy at present, this would be a great investment for moms (and dads alike!!), regardless of your working status.

You don't want to miss this!

Babysteps, Motherhood to Career by Diane Lang

Going back to work after having a child can be difficult for any mother - regardless of your child's age. And, if you've been out of school or the workforce for a while, going back can seem daunting. Diane Lang's book BabySteps, Motherhood to Career outlines the things you need to know when re-entering the workforce, from resumes to attire to the transition phase filled with emotions. This book is incredibly comprehensive - and yet to the point.

Getting Organized - And, Staying That Way!

As some of you know, I've taken a challenge for the year 2008 to organize my ENTIRE home. I call it: Project Organization 2008. You can ooh and aah later at the brilliance of that title, but right now...I need you to focus!

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to read The Complete Guide to Getting and Staying Organized by Karen Ehman. And, I have to say - if you were to buy just ONE book to help you regain focus and motivation to clean (without making you feel like the worst mother/Christian ever) THIS book is IT.

In her book, Karen touched my heart with some of the things she had to say:

"They (lists) are no longer my taskmaster and I their slave. Instead, they are my Global Positioning System ... pointing me in the right direction but allowing me to still recieve a call from the Lighthouse asking me to alter my course for a while."

And, how true that statement is! Sometimes, I let my lists take over my day, making me less open to opportunities and people who need me because they wouldn't "fit" with the previous list. But, no more. In Karen's book, she shows how to be organized while still being flexible - and how to do it in the easiest way possible.

Another huge help I've had in organizing not only my home, but my life, was the Hearts at Home Planner (also a product by Karen Ehman). These planners are genius! - With fill-in calendars, menu planners, contacts, notes, and more! They also come in zippered and non zippered!

Next up, an interview (and giveaway!!) with Karen Ehman, herself!

Let's Be....

Here's a name you are going to want to remember: P. K. Hallinan, the author of these lovely books. Each book has watercolor illustrations and great lessons geared for little minds in 200 words or less (in poetry form, no less). They are also board books - meaning they're great to grow up with kids - from 6 mos on up, these little hardy books will stand the test of time and help you to implement some great values and virtues.

I can speak from experience as to how great these little books are. Lorelei's Mimi has made sure that her book shelf is packed with virtuous and fun books. If you're interested in owning your own, you can buy them at www.idealsbooks.com.

The Shape of a Mother

Think you are the only one unhappy with the way your body looks after bringing your little miracle(s) into this world? Think again. Check out The Shape Of A Mother, where Bonnie and hundreds of other women show you how it REALLY is.

Warning. Although these pictures have good intentions, there will be some nudity. So, don't open this at work.

Living On A Dime

• Having a hard time doing the things you used to because money just isn't stretching as far?
• Having trouble figuring out what to fix for dinner that you can AFFORD, is healthy, AND will tasted great?
• Feel like you can't look great on your budget?
• Want to know how to clean on a dime?
• Want to get out of debt?
• In need of ideas for holidays and other special occasions that won't break the bank?
• Would you appreciate some new ideas for your low-cost ideas regarding children?
• Want to know how to make the most of your money at the grocery?

If you answered YES, to any of these...check out Living On A Dime and their comprehensive selection of ebooks. These great ebooks can teach you what you need to know about living more frugally - but, without having to give up the things you love - and, how to save money to do the things you've always wanted to do.

With these ebooks and a little careful planning, you could be on your way to living on a dime!

Little Pim: Foods and Drinks in French

Raising your children in a multi-lingual environment has been proven to help them not only to be able to excel in language arts as they grow, but also to help them excel in other subjects as well. You may think that your little one wouldn't benefit from some extra language courses, but this is the best time to expose them. Between the ages 0 and 5, your little one's brain is like a little sponge. Although they may not be able to communicate it just yet, they DO know what's going on around them. In fact, between the ages of 0 and 5, your little one can tell the most subtle differences between different languages! Amazing, right?

Little Pim knows this and has a great DVD for all youngsters. Check out their Food and Drink and French.

So, you say... "There are lots of educational language DVDs, what makes Little Pim the one for me?" Little Pim believes that total immersion into a language is the best way to learn. There are optional English subtitles, if you so choose to use them. Personally, I love experiencing the DVD without the subtitles. It moves slow enough for learning to occur but also at a pace that can keep your attention. Also, the DVD is divided up into 5 minute segments, allowing you to pause and interact with you child - or - provides a great stopping point for younger children's shorter attention span.

Want to read more? Go HERE...

Bright and Beyond

Okay, okay... I admit it. Occasionally play-time stumps me. No, really. It may sound horrible, but there are times when I can't think what to do. I'm always on the lookout for new activities to do with my young daughter that will inspire learning, imagination, and creativity...and sometimes, I draw a blank.

Needless to say, when I found Bright and Beyond Activity Cards, I was intrigued. Could there really be a set of cards with creative play ideas for itty bitty kids? Would they have the generic: Go swing. Let baby touch grass. Let baby play in tub with rubber duckies.???

...and then I opened my first deck...

52 cards (available in Baby, Age 1, Age 2, and Preschool -ages 3-5) full of creative ideas - ideas so simple, and yet I'd never thought of before! Making chutes to drop toys down? Genius! So, that's what I can do with those extra paper towel rolls I wanted to recycle...

Each card not only illustrates how to do things, it explains in detail on the back...as well as instructions and any warnings you may need to know upfront (small parts, etc.). AND - get this! - Almost all of the activities show how to make the degree of difficulty either go up or go down. Great, right!?

I'm loving my new deck for Age 1. I love how when I'm pressed for ideas, I can pull out a few cards for the day and know that while I'm playing with my daughter, I'm also teaching her skills (which are listed on each card).

Einstein, watch out.

SuperMarket Savings 101

Gas prices are soaring, and so is food. Economically, living in America is getting tougher and tougher. Families are learning to "tighten their belts" (so to speak) in order to be able to continue to afford the life they've been used to living.

Personally, one of the ways that we've "tightened our belt" is on food. If we aren't careful, we could be caught spending $300 a month for food (for a family of 3) and STILL feel like we don't have much in our pantry.

I'm so thankful to have found SuperMarket Savings 101, a delightful ebook that teaches you a new way of thinking...and explains step by step how to lower your grocery bill, including tips on using coupons at stores like CVS.

Before this ebook, I had heard of people saving money at places like CVS and Walgreens, but had never quite figured out how they could come out with a bag full of goodies and only pay $5 - or, sometimes...nothing! After countless unanswered emails to them, I began to lose hope in finding out how this process works so I could use it too. Until this ebook, that is. And, I had wondered how it was possible for families larger than mine, on even smaller incomes, managed to feed their families without government assistance. How was it possible to feed your family healthy meals for pocket change?

SuperMarket Savings 101 is a brilliant ebook that lays it all out for you, in a simple and easy-to-comprehend manner. It teaches you to buy more for less and guides you through "baby steps," rather than giving you information overload for your first time out.

Want to save on groceries? Check it out!

By the way, how much do you spend weekly on groceries...and for how large of a family??

Babies and Moms Radio - Schedule of Events

Check out www.babiesandmomsradio.com to listen in on any of these great shows:

April 25--Dealing with Whining, Pushing Limits and other Issues with Claire Lerner (give aways and You Know You are a Mom Contest)

May 2--Mother-Daughter Wisdom with Dr. Christiane Northrup (give aways and You Know You are a Mom Contest)

May 9--Learning from and Talking to Our Own Mothers (give aways and You Know You are a Mom Contest)

May 16--Insignificant Things that Add up to Great Mothering; Saving Memories (give aways and You Know You are a Mom Contest)

May 23--Momnesia, Exercising Outside with Kids, Balancing the Household with Kathy Peel (give aways and You Know You are a Mom Contest)

May 30--Dealing with Picky Eaters with Ellyn Satyr (give aways and You Know You are a Mom Contest)

Babies and Moms: Birth and Beyond Giveaway

Babies and Moms: Birth and Beyond (www.babiesandmomsradio.com), the Podcast for moms, is giving away hundreds of dollars in products in April including

PediPeds valued at $25
See Kai Run Shoes valued at $25
2 Sign Babies Board Books valued at $6 each
Squeaker Sneakers valued at $25
Robeez Shoes valued at $35
4 Zoobie Pets valued at $35 each
It is easy to win. Just listen to Babies and Moms podcasts posted during the months of April and May and follow the on-air instructions to enter to win at www.babiesandmomsradio.com or listen to Babies and Moms: Birth and Beyond in iTunes. Products given away each show.

Babies and Moms brings important information to moms of babies and toddlers from birth to three years of age each week through innovative podcasts. Babies and Moms hosts Nancy, Shelly, Stacey and Tricia interview experts in every facet of child-rearing. Additionally, the four hosts are experts in their own right. With 19 kids among the 4 hosts, they’ve seen it, done it, used it or lived it.

Our Favorite Things - Age One

Struggling to figure out what to buy for your one year old?

Lorelei loves:Braincandy DVDs!! I can't tell you enough how much I LOVE these DVDs (and L too). We have the Baby Einstein and a TON of other DVDs...but these. She. loves. them. Usually, she'll watch an educational dvd for 10 minutes tops. These hold her attention for 45 minutes STRAIGHT (if we let her). -And, a quick disclaimer...while I don't recommend letting DVDs and the such being the only way your child learns or acting as a babysitter 24/7, they really are OKAY if used sparingly and as learning AIDS (meaning they have hands on learning too). Anyway. These rock.



Board books and cloth books. We technically don't have the one pictured...but I'm sure she'd love that one too! Books are one of her favorite things!
Little People. She loves these things!! She received 2 of these and 2 mini backyardigans from her Granny for Easter and she'll carry them to and fro in her hands EVERYWHERE.
Fisher Price "walker". It's a walker, interactive toy (with music! - and the buttons make lights flash and all sorts of things), has compartments to put toys in and take toys out, ride-on toy, and roll-y toy all in one! She can spend a good hour playing with this thing - and it will grow with her! (It also helps barricade the stairs - haha)



And, this one...well...technically, it's my pick. Although....Lorelei DOES love turning the pages (and trying to rip them out) and will try to carry it around. But, it's up here for YOU. By now you are totally used to and have probably identified most of the child-raising how-to books that are mostly all the same. But, this one is different: It looks beyond the physical differences and stages your child will be experiencing and focuses on the psychological and behavioral stages and development. VERY GREAT book. Focuses on Birth to 3.



****If you are family/friends reading this (for Lorelei's birthday), we already have this entire list - so, I'm not hinting around. ;) HOWEVER, check HERE for the major hints for things she'd love (or, if you want some more ideas for your own little one).