Try explaining to a 21 month old that he’s going to be a big brother.  Not easy.  Yes, he knows Mommy’s tummy is bigger and she’s much slower than she use to be – but he doesn’t really understand it.  My son, like most children love when I make a HUGE deal out of anything.  I wanted to find something that would encourage this transition that was about to happen in 7 short weeks.

            I came across Belly Babies www.bellybabies.ca and found the perfect shirt for this occasion.  All of their products are 100% cotton, have reinforced soft and comfortable openings, wash fantastic and most importantly are absolutely adorable.  They have unusual and unique characters on the clothing that makes it fun for children.  I opted for Luca, the cute little penguin with the saying Big Brother underneath it.  I knew that when I put it on him, he wouldn’t think much of it – but the reaction he would get would be priceless.            We went shopping that day and as I talked up the shirt as much as possible he began to actually hold out his chest to show complete strangers who in turn gave him exactly the response he wanted.  ‘OH MY, YOU ARE GOING TO BE A BIG BROTHER?  I BET YOU ARE GOING TO BE A WONDERFUL BIG BROTHER….yada…yada…yada…’              Belly Babies also sells short sleeve onesies, long sleeve onesies, gowns, caps – anything your baby or child will need.  They are a nice change from the plain white shirts with the typical characters that every child owns.  They will certainly be the talk of the playground.            I’m just upset I didn’t find this shirt four months ago – it would’ve been the perfect way to announce my pregnancy.  Well, maybe for baby # 3. (insert gulp from husband here).            Take a look at their website – they also have great gift ideas – www.bellybabies.ca            As a special offer to Canadian Momz readers Belly Babies is offering the following promotion:

Anyone who places an order with us before May 31st will receive free shipping (In Canada only).  They just need to email us through the website (contact us page) with their order and ”Canadian Momz” in the subject heading.

I hate to admit it but I am a neat freak.  Yes, yes, how can this be possible when you have a 21-month-old running around your house?  I’m learning, but it’s taking some time.  Well, maybe I don’t have to.I have tried every tactic in the book and every bib on the market and nothing has satisfied both my son and myself. 

Than while at the Babytime Show I came across something that might just do the trick.  Smicko’z is my new best friend! www.smickoz.com

Designed for moms just like me and kids who love to mess the outfits that you have worked so hard to co-ordinate they are the perfect combination of function and style.  Not only are they practical they are really, really cool.  I was sick and tired of the bibs that my son would rip off of his neck and refuse to wear and they never washed well always leaving food caked in the creases.  Smicko’z is the answer to my prayers.  They tie up in the back (genius) and come in a variety of different colors and styles.   My son likes to put it on while I’m preparing dinner to act as if he’s the chef’s assistant and happily sits in his booster chair and gobbles down his dinner without the aggravating argument of “You have to wear a bib, because Mommy spent a lot of money on that shirt, that’s why”.           

They wash really well and come in so many different fabric swatches that while you’re picking one up for your kids, you can certainly find one to buy as a gift.  It’s nice not to have to do 5 loads of laundry a day anymore. 

www.smickoz.com

There is nothing worse than receiving a monotonous birthday card from the dollar store.  It gets a bit boring after opening a couple dozen cards that are all the same.  Having a child who loves to draw, and I am yet to meet one who doesn’t is a great way to get them involved in designing a card for their friend’s birthday.

I came across Craft Caravan (www.craftcaravan.com) and ordered a package of their ANYTIME CARD KIT.  You receive:

• 8 brightly coloured cards (4 colors) and matching envelopes. Papers are 30% Post Consumer waste, elemental chlorine free and acid free
• 8 colourful “AnyTime” non-toxic Message Stickers
• 32 colourful non-toxic Mini Stickers to compliment Message Stickers
• 16 paper ribbons
• 16 printed decorating papers
• 16 foam decorating shapes
• Non-toxic glitter glue

I thought this would be a great way to involve my two year old son in his friend Evan’s birthday gift.  He had such a great time designing the card with all of the stickers, glitter and various shapes and papers.  It didn’t look as professional as the $7.00 store bought cards, but you know what – it was better, it was priceless.  From one child to another I know that Evan will have appreciated that card much better than the cheesy ones out there. 

            It was also a great afternoon project for the two of us to have some fun together.   My husband’s 34^th birthday is coming up -  I know that my son will have a great time making a card for Daddy.  Hey wait, I don’t think there is an age limit on them, Mommy will have a great time too!

            Take a look at their website for a ton of various “crafty” activities.

www.craftcaravan.com

Bugalug Baby is the fantastic Canadian Company that has been making a huge splash in boutique industry. Bugalug hair accessories can be found ALL over Canada and are starting to spread to the US! The Bugalug barrettes have an innovative silicon gripping system which makes them stand apart from the other non-slip barrettes. Those little fly away hairs will stay put with Bugalug! Bugalug also has a line of headbands! These hip headbands are made to fit toddler to adult! Their patent pending toggle design makes it fit any head perfectly. At the moment, Bugalug uses common ribbon that can be found in the boutique market but they are currently in the process of manufacturing their own line of ribbon which will make their barrettes and headbands even more exclusive and unique! Also, sign up for a free clip on your daughter’s birthday!

Visit www.bugalugbaby.com