InvitingSmiles Blog

To all new mommies-to-be, let us educate you on the infamous onesie! This article of clothing is an absolute must for your baby registry!

 *Special note: While consumers have become accustomed to referring to these little t-shirt type outfits that snap between the legs as onesies, Gerber Company is actually the only one that can claim this title.

These wonderful bodysuits are usually made of a soft cotton t-shirt like material, so it will be soft against the baby’s skin. They are worn as an undergarment, as a shirt ‘tucked’ into pants, or simply alone.

What makes this article of clothing so fantastic are the snaps! By snapping this little shirt between the baby’s legs, it stays in place and doesn’t constantly ride-up over the baby’s belly. It can help to keep an infant warm during the winter months by wearing it under clothing. It is also great for the hot summer months as an outfit on its own. Many baby’s main at-home attire will be the onesie. They are convenient, durable and make changing a diaper a snap!

Many companies now offer embroidered, adorable little bodysuits. However, to be absolutely correct the title ONESIES® is a registered trademark of Gerber Childrenswear.

Click here for some other items you will want to include on your registry:
http://blog.invitingsmiles.com/?p=724

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Will the bride wear a wedding veil, tiara, or no hair accessory? What is your preference?
I love tradition, so I personally like a veil. A veil exudes elegance, and when worn over the face, creates a sense of mystery for the groom and their guests.  

Veil choices are many: Floor length, waist length, cover the face, do not cover the face, etc. Accent choices for the veil are plentiful as well: headpiece, edgings, beading, etc.

The only problem I had with my veil was after the wedding. When everyone hugged me, they unintentionally pulled the veil back, pulling my hair until my head hurt. Thank goodness for bobby pins, and aspirin!

Veils are not for everyone. Some brides simply do not like the look and some do not like the traditional usage of a veil:

* As mentioned in an earlier Wedding Wisdom Blog, Superstitious Bride, a bride used to wear a veil over her face to assure that the groom completed his vows, before he saw what she looked like. This sounds silly to us now, but many couples had arranged marriages. The groom may have never seen the bride before the wedding date. The fathers wanted to make sure the vows were legal, before the groom could see the bride, in case he were to find her undesirable and want to back out of the wedding.

I can certainly understand why many modern brides may not wish to carry on this tradition in their wedding. Thank goodness for the many choices provided now!

Do you have any opinions, or suggestions? Help our brides decide, Veil, or no veil!

Click this link for information about Wedding Hairstyles: http://www.invitingsmiles.com/wedding-hairstyles.html

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Bring in the new school year with a Back to School Bash!

Starting school may be tough for some kids. Why not have a party to reunite old friends and bring in new ones.

If you have a pool, you can have an end of summer pool party.  No pool, but a large area to play in, can offer a Water Wars Party (http://blog.invitingsmiles.com/?p=773).
Either way your invitation opening line could read:

Come to my Back to School Bash,
For one last Summer party Splash!

You may wish to host a gathering of children and their parents, at a meet and greet.

A backyard barbeque is such a treat,
For friends and parents to meet and greet!

If you are inviting several school friends and their whole families, you may choose to meet at a local park. Be sure to make reservations if necessary.

A party at (name of park) park is such a treat,
For friends and families to meet and greet!

Having a party will open the doors to many new friendships. This will be very helpful, especially for those shy children who may have a hard time making new friends. Read our Party Planning Blogs for great party ideas: http://blog.invitingsmiles.com/?cat=5

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To help our busy parents, we have comprised a list of what to do in case of heat exhaustion. We have been blogging about warning signs and prevention of heat exhaustion. Now we want to give you some tips on what to do for a child (or adult) that has become overheated. 

• Take your child to a cooler area. If outside, this may mean under the shade of a tree. If possible, take the child indoors to an air-conditioned area.

• Make sure clothes are loose fitting, allowing air to flow underneath. Remove tight fitting clothes.

• If possible, moisten the skin with lukewarm water. You want to bring his heat down gradually, not suddenly. If outdoors, you may pour water from water bottles over his/her skin and clothes.

• Have your child relax and rest in this cooler environment.

• Provide plenty of fluids as tolerated. Sipping may be necessary at first. Sports drinks are good as they replace salts lost in dehydration. Absolutely, NO caffeinated beverages should be given.

• Do not allow your child to continue playing outdoors. Give his body a day or two to recuperate and re-hydrate.

****Remember. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. If you fear your child is not getting better and is showing signs of heat stroke, call for medical help immediately, as this can be life threatening.****

Click here for items to include in a Baby’s First Aid Kit: http://www.invitingsmiles.com/baby-first-aid-kit.html

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Heat exhaustion in infants and toddlers can happen very quickly, especially if the child is already dehydrated. If your child has been sick with a fever, vomiting or diarrhea, do not allow him to play outside, or get overheated. Wait until your child has been well for a few days and his liquid levels built back up. Have him drink plenty of water and drinks that have an electrolyte solution.

Children’s skin is very sensitive to heat, and the younger they are the less they can tolerate the heat. If your toddler starts complaining of being thirsty, fatigued, cramps, and/or a headache, you should take immediate action. Your child’s skin may feel cool and moist, as well. These symptoms may be combined with, or soon followed by, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and lightheadedness.

This is an emergency. Call for help immediately. Take your child to a cool area. Use fans and apply ice or a cold rag over the groin and armpits.

To prevent heat exhaustion:

Dress your child in lightweight clothing
Do not allow outdoor play during the hottest part of the day
Watch your child drink his water to make sure he is definitely getting enough liquid
Limit intake of caffeinated drinks & salty foods
Use sunscreen (Bad sunburns can contribute to heat exhaustion)
NEVER, NEVER leave your child for any length of time in a parked car
Click this link for more information on keeping your little one safe from the sun:
 http://blog.invitingsmiles.com/?p=743

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Are you looking for a gift for a posh baby shower? Look no further.  Here is a website that will offer you some of the hottest, poshest gifts.

From unique, custom note cards and address labels, to custom embroidery items, you will find that perfect gift for baby and for mommy as well!

Give a personalized shower gift in a customized, stylish onesie and/or a monogrammed diaper cover.

If you want something for baby and mommy, try the sterling silver matching bracelets.

Hot or cold travel mugs will help the busy mommy stay hydrated. Add to this a cute matching sippy cup, and your mommy-to-be will be thrilled.

Check out this website for excellent gift choices for the Poshest of parties:
http://www.poshpaperparty.com

www.InvitingSmiles.com

Are you thinking about pregnancy? With all the birth control methods available, women have more control over when they will try to conceive. Therefore, the ability to ‘plan ahead’ can mean a healthier pregnancy for you and your baby.

There are many things you can do, that will help you and your baby’s health. Here are a few actions to take 6 to 3 months prior to trying to conceive:

• The most obvious will be to quit smoking, drinking alcohol, and/or abusing drugs, if this is a current problem of yours. Fathers should take this opportunity to do the same.

• Schedule a checkup with your doctor. Let him know that you want to conceive. He will give you a complete checkup and suggestions for pre-pregnancy planning.
 This is very important, especially if you have ongoing health issues, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc

• Start eating healthy.
 Purchase a healthy recipe book
 Read magazines on fitness and living a healthy lifestyle
 Replace sodas with water to keep your body hydrated
 Take a multivitamin (prenatal vitamin). Your doctor will probably recommend one.

• Begin an exercise program. Not only does exercise help you maintain your weight but you will feel better and be healthier. Exercise also helps your endurance and strength during labor. If you are physically fit, your recovery time is usually less as well.

Click this link for more information on Pregnancy: http://www.invitingsmiles.com/stages-in-pregnancy-2.html

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I’m a bridesmaid and now I’m broke! While the costs of weddings have become outrageous, so has the cost of being in a wedding. Accepting the honor of being a bridesmaid in your friend’s wedding may set you back a few months.

The dress and shoes alone are expensive. Then there are the accessories, the hair and makeup, the shower gift(s), and the wedding gift. When the wedding or a shower is out of state, your expensives hit top dollar. Your hotel accomodations and airfare will be on you.

I, frankly, just can’t afford it.

When asked to be a bridesmaid, discuss your approximate costs up front. State how it will be an honor to stand up for your friend, however, money is tight right now and you are on a budget. This way it will be out in the open from the beginning. If your bride insists on expensive bridesmaid’s dresses, etc. then you may have to respectfully decline.

If you know that the wedding will be out of state, you may have to say that while you will love to attend the wedding, the travel expenses will not allow you to afford the other expenses of being in the wedding.

Being up front and honest from the beginning, will show that you have monetary limits. The bride should respect these limits, or find someone else to be a bridesmaid. While feelings may be hurt at first, your honesty should at least preserve the friendship.

For more wedding information, click:
http://www.invitingsmiles.com/wedding-day-titles.html

www.InvitingSmiles.com

A summer backyard party is great even without a pool!

Slip and slide, and water play,
It will be a very wet day.
Bring your towel and water gun,
Water wars are so much fun!

Ideas:

Water gun wars
Water balloon fights
Water balloon launching contest
Slip and Slide

Have Ready:

Extra water guns
Slip N Slide (available at most toy stores)
Water balloons:  Water balloons take a long time to prepare, but are used very fast. Fill them up ahead of time and bring them out only when you are ready for the war to begin. A launching contest may be more practical. If you have a parent, or big brother that doesn’t mind being a target, this will make the water balloon launch more exciting!

SAFETY NOTE: Popped balloon pieces are choking hazards to small children & pets.

Don’t forget the Sunscreen– http://blog.invitingsmiles.com/?p=743

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Many of us have kids in sports and heat exhaustion is a concern. Outdoor sports such as football, soccer and cross country are starting their practice season during these hot summer months. Heat related illness is a real concern and should be taken seriously.

Teach your children the symptoms of heat exhaustion:
o Intense thirst
o Cramps
o Dizziness
o Fatigue
o Headache
o Nausea and/or vomiting
 
Most importantly teach your child that heat exhaustion will lead to heat stroke very quickly and few people survive heat stroke. Let them know that if they have any of these symptoms, do not try to “tough it out”, instead seek shade and help immediately.

Preventative measures:
o Drink plenty of fluid (limit caffeine)
o Replace electrolytes with electrolyte solution
o Limit salty snacks
o Wear lightweight clothing
o Wear sunscreen
o Read medication labels: Some medications can make you more sensitive to heat

Heatstroke deaths are preventable. However, athlete deaths happen every year due to heatstroke. Parents need to insist that coaches take appropriate safety precautions:
o Use a heat index monitor to measure exactly how hot it is on the field
o Give extra water breaks, preferably in a shaded area
o Limit practice times
o Have practice early in the morning, or late in the evening
o Appoint trainers to watch for heat exhaustion symptoms and take action immediately

Remember, preteens and teens think they are invincible. There is peer pressure to not “wimp out” and to stay tough. Therefore, parents and coaches need to be vigilant in their efforts to keep our young athletes safe from the heat.

www.InvitingSmiles.com