InvitingSmiles Blog

Not sure what to do on a day that you’re not running the kids to sporting events, dance class or slumber parties…try a family game night.

First make it fun by having healthy snacks like vegetables and dip, chicken strips with BBQ sauce (place the chicken on sticks for an added fun).  Cut cheese into cubes and stack them to look like a fort.  For dessert make smoothies with fresh fruit.  All you need is fruit and a blender.  Decorate with straws and fruit wedges. (more…)

Organizing photos is a large task if you do not take action on them as soon as they are printed.  Once you get your photos developed, do you immediately put them in a photo album or scrap book?  Do you have a drawer or box full of pictures that go back years?  If you’re like most parents you just don’t have the time with your busy schedule.

An easy way to organize family photos is to label a freezer bag with the year.  Go through your drawers and boxes and organize the photos in piles by date.  Store all pictures in appropriate dated bags.  Once you have the system down you’ll be current and ready when you have time to scrapbook or place them in albums. (more…)

There are many things for new parents to consider when choosing childbirth classes.  The two most well know methods of childbirth are the Lamaze method and the Bradley method.

 The Lamaze method is the most popular method.  It was developed by a French obstetrician and introduced in the United States in the late 1950’s.  Over the years the Lamaze method has expanded on many techniques and teachings.  The purpose of Lamaze is to integrate controlled breathing techniques and to increase comfort during labor.  Lamaze does not discourage women from using pain medication.

The second most popular method of childbirth is the Bradley method, developed by obstetrician Robert Bradley in the late 1940’s.  The Bradley method teaches women to embrace natural childbirth.  This method teaches control of labor pain by preparing ahead of time with diet, exercise and deep breathing techniques.  Most women who deliver using the Bradley method do so without the aid of pain relievers.

Prepare for your birth announcements ahead of time
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The roles of the entire wedding party need to be discussed and laid out before any final wedding plans are made.  The roles that you anticipate your own parents will play in your wedding preparation and ceremony should also be addressed.

For beautiful wedding invitations
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The Bride’s Family:
Traditionally, the bride’s parents are responsible for the cost of the wedding. It is not unheard of today for both families to help pay for the preparations due to the extravagant cost of weddings. The bride’s parents should cover the cost and preparation of the engagement party.

The Groom’s Family:
The groom’s parents may also want to host an engagement party of their own, which is a newer trend. The groom’s parents are responsible for the rehearsal dinner.

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Party planning for a 1st birthday party or even a 10th birthday party should include party games to keep everyone busy. Here are some fun games using household items.

Toilet Paper Fun (all ages)

1. Have your party guests wrap each other in toilet paper to make mummies. You can have contests such as mummy relays, or the best dressed mummy.

2. After the mummies are created and the toilet paper is torn up, have a “snow ball” fight  with the wadded up toilet paper. 

3. Bring out a large trash can.  Your guests can have a toilet paper basketball shooting  contest. This is a fun way to help clean up the mess.

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Another toilet paper idea…

You will need a long stick, such as a broom handle.  Put about 4 FULL toilet paper rolls (all the same size) on the stick. Have a child sit in front of each roll, when you say ‘go’ the child will begin slapping at his/her own roll to see who can empty the roll the fastest.

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It’s funny how we are getting information saying that baby walkers are now considered “unsafe” for our children.  I never thought twice about putting my children in a baby walker.  I thought “Wow, what a great invention.  I get all of my things done by just putting this little guy in a walker.”  He would follow me around wherever I would go and was happy to do so. So why not? He was entertained, happy and getting exercise and I was getting all of my work done.  What I have recently learned is that the topic “Are baby walkers safe?” is quite controversial.  The American Academy of Pediatrics is now saying that baby walkers should be done away with because of their danger. The statistics show that more than 14,000 children are sent to the hospital each year due to baby walker related injuries. The statistics also state that since 1973, 34 children have died as a result of baby walker injuries. 

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Ultrasounds were first used in the early 1960’s. They are now used to check your baby’s heartbeat, size and to determine the baby’s sex. Ultrasounds are also used to check the placenta, amniotic fluid levels and to check for any physical abnormalities.

When your pregnancy test shows positive, your doctor will determine your due date by counting the weeks of pregnancy from the beginning of your last menstrual period. Though you were not pregnant at that exact moment that is when the doctor will start counting the weeks.

As early as five and a half weeks, doctors can use ultrasounds to see signs that you are pregnant. During this very early stage of pregnancy, things will change on a daily basis.  At around 7 to 8 weeks, the embryo can be seen clearly and the heartbeat can be detected, as well.

For announcements and baby shower invitations visit www.invitingsmiles.com

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