The Summer Infant SwaddleMe Adjustable Infant Wrap

For anyone who is looking to purchase a great swaddle, I would highly recommend Summer Infant's SwaddleMe.  It is so easy to use and my baby loved it!

My firstborn did not like to be swaddled at all but I thought I would try it this past summer from the start with my daughter as I'd heard that for some babies, it can mean (gasp!) sleeping 4 or more hour stretches right from the beginning; babies feel more secure while swaddled because it mimics the feeling they had in the womb and it reduces or eliminates waking from the startle reflex (a response that newborns have until they are 3-5 months old - they respond to a feeling of sudden loss of support; their arms flail back and this is what generally wakes them from sleep).  There are also some studies that suggest that correct swaddling may reduce the risk of SIDS.  So, before my baby was born, I was equipped myself with an arsenal of different swaddles and proceeded to try them all upon bringing her home.  I was pleased to find that this was the type that she (and we) preferred.

Suzanne Bowen's Long & Lean Prenatal Workout DVD

I purchased this DVD when I was entering my second trimester with baby number two and I'm sooo glad I did.  I was in better shape at the end of my pregnancy than I was in the beginning!

Overview
Suzanne Bowen's Long & Lean Prenatal Workout by Ruah is a prenatal workout DVD that is meant to make you sweat.  It integrates cardio, strength, and flexibility to help you stay (or in my case get) fit during pregnancy.  It helps you burn calories, sculpts and tones the body, and lengthens the muscles, helping you to achieve a "long and lean" physique.  It offers three segments:  standing work, mat work, and stretching with some yoga-esque relaxation.  You can choose to workout along with whichever of the three segments you'd like or dive in and do all three (I recommend definitely doing the final stretching segment no matter what else you choose to do).  The DVD also includes a bonus 10 minute postnatal abs segment to help you tone back up after baby comes.

Little Tikes Endless Adventures Tikes Town Playhouse

In 2009 I wanted to purchase something fun for my 18 month old son's Christmas gift that we could also use for my daycare business.  After doing a lot of research I decided to purchase the Little Tikes Endless Adventures Tikes Town Playhouse.  I definitely do not regret my decision.  Over two years later he and the rest of his daycare friends are still using it every day and coming up with new ways to utilize the different features/themes to enhance their play.  This playhouse can be found online for around $370 and in my opinion, is well worth the money:  Little Tikes Endless Adventures Tikes Town Playhouse

In Honor of Dr. Seuss' Birthday...

Source: mamiverse.com via Jessica on Pinterest

KidKraft Table and Benches Set

I purchased the KidKraft Table and Benches set for my son when he was 18 months old for his use and for my growing daycare business.  The kids have been using it for over two years now and it still looks like new!

Overview

The KidKraft Table with Primary Benches Features:

• One red bench and one blue bench which provide comfortable seating and fit neatly under the table when not in use
• One green storage bin that rolls on casters and fits neatly under the table
• Sturdy wood construction
• Table: 32"L x 18"W x 20"H Bench: 16.13"L x 11"W x 18.38"H
• Item Weight: 55.05 lbs.

It is affordably priced and can be found online for around $100:  KidKraft Table with Primary Benches