InvitingSmiles Blog

This week marked Sesame Street’s 40th Birthday. Many of us remember learning our letters and numbers with Big Bird and the Count! What a wonderful show to survive for so many years.

Premiering on November 10, 1969, Sesame Street has withstood the test of time, and so has many of its characters. Caroll Spinney has played Big Bird since the beginning. Mr. Spinney was 35 years old when he started playing Big Bird (and Oscar the Grouch) and he is still darning the costume to this day.

Sesame Street has proven its worth as an educational show. One study of teens that watched Sesame Street as preschoolers showed they achieved higher grades than non-watchers. These teens also proved to spend more time reading for pleasure than those that missed the educational show.
Congratulations Sesame Street!

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Recently there was a recall on a stroller from a British company, Maclaren. They issued a major safety recall on one of their umbrella strollers. It has been found that this stroller is potentially hazardous to little fingers. There is a side hinge that poses a risk of “cutting or amputating a child’s fingers”. You should stop use of this stroller immediately and contact Maclaren at their toll-free number (877) 688-2326.

Every year there are dozens of recalls on products. When you are buying products for a child, it is important to research and educate yourself on the safety rules of each product. The internet offers information at your fingertips. To find recalled products, simply search the internet for “recalls”. You will be guided through thousands of recalls posted by companies.

Take the time to research for safety. If your time is limited, ask for help from family and friends. They will be happy to play a part in your child’s safety.

www.InvitngSmiles.com

I learned a new word this week… Furbaby. Call me out-of-the-pet-loop if you want, but this is a new one for me. Apparently, some people love their pet so much they refer to it as their Furbaby. Well, who would have known that I have a Furbaby in my home.

I have always referred to her as My Little Angel, but she definitely meets all the criteria to be my Furbaby. She is an adorable little furry dog that I treat like a child. I have often told my husband that she needs pet therapy and he rolls his eyes at me. My daughter and I dressed her up when she was a little puppy, but soon figured out that was more for our benefit than hers.

What I do know is that every year Inviting Smiles creates some of the most adorable Holiday Cards with photos of family pets. We can put a little paw print next to their name, and put your custom wording on the card. All of this for an affordable cost. We are determined that this economy will not keep our customers from sending out their Christmas wishes with style!

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One of the most memorable moments during your reception will be the father and daughter dance, so choosing the right song is very important. You and your father may have a favorite song of your own. If not, then do some research and make this special dance memorable for all.

Here are some excellent song choices:

And Then They Do by Trace Adkins

In My Daughter’s Eyes by Martina McBride

Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross

The Angel In My Arms by Joe Pizzulo

And my number one favorite is Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle

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Photographing your pregnancy is a personal option, but an option none the less. We all remember seeing photographs of our mothers holding their ‘covered’ tummy, or holding up fingers to show how many months pregnant she was. My have things changed.

There are many photographers who focus primarily on pregnancy and newborn photography. These pictures can be amazing. Research your photographer’s portfolio and choose poses that are comfortable for you.

This is a great way to start your baby’s memory book.

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Is it your turn to host a Thanksgiving gathering this year? If so, you may already be planning for the big feast.

Decorations are simple this time of year with all of the beautiful autumn colors. Bring some of the outdoors in with centerpieces made of colorful leaves and acorns. Your children will enjoy helping you find these!

Turkey and all its trimmings is the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Be sure to follow the directions carefully when thawing, cooking and handling your turkey. You may choose to ask your guests to bring one of their favorite dishes to compliment the main course. This will take some of the work off your preparation time.

Be sure to send out invitations early enough for all to plan accordingly.

We at Inviting Smiles wish you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday!

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Is it teething time for your little one? This can be a stressful time for the whole family. Here are some suggestions to soothe the pain:

Ibuprofen – Read the label carefully for the appropriate dosage.

Nursing – Nursing moms have noticed that teething children seem to be soothed by nursing.

Teething Rings (or the like), especially those that can be frozen, are helpful to get those stubborn teeth through the gums.

Frozen towel, or washrag – Supervise so the child doesn’t choke.

Plenty of Patience!!

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When you think if Braxton Hicks Contractions think of the old idiom “Practice makes perfect”. In other words, the more you practice at something, the better you will become at it.

Braxton Hicks contractions are the body’s natural way of preparing for the “real thing”. Most commonly felt in the third trimester, these uterine contractions actually begin early in your pregnancy you just are unable to feel them. These are not true labor pains.

With Braxton Hicks contractions, or false labor, the contractions will not be regular, will not become closer and closer together and will stop with movement or rest. With true labor pains everything is quite predictable. Contractions come at regular intervals and over time get closer together. They do not stop, and they become stronger the closer they come together.

When you are unable to walk or talk through contractions, you are definitely ready to deliver. For more information on the stages of pregnancy, click here:
http://www.invitingsmiles.com/stages-in-pregnancy-2.html

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