Mommy2B Austin Blog

Friday Freebies

2010-04-01T20:42:00.003-05:00

Lots of printable coupons, samples and discounts for mama and baby!

Babies R Us coupons – $2 OFF Pampers Diapers, $5 OFF diaper bags, save $5 on any Joohnson&JOhnosn products and more…Coupons valid until 4/8/10

The Children’s Place - Get 15% off your purchase in -store. Offer valid until 4/30/10

Grocery coupons – Get $3 OFF Huggies diapers, $1 OFF Disney vitamin products, $5 OFF Enfagrow Infant formula and more.

Free sample Parent’s Choice Baby Formula

5 Point Codes for Huggies “Enjoy the ride Rewards”
BFJCWFCCTFPPPGB
BGGCLHNZGFZZPGB

Earth’s Best Baby Products– Printable coupons organic baby food, diapers, formula, infant cereal.

Target’s Printable coupons - Get $1 OFF Gerber onesies, $1.50OFF Pediasure, $1.50 Pedialyte and more.

FREE coupons for Gerber toddler products

2010-04-01T17:49:00.003-05:00

Are you a coupon clipping mama? Get ALL of these coupons from Gerber products for your toddler worth over $8.

MOTHERS’ MILK BANK CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING WITH SPECIAL EVENT

2010-03-19T12:18:00.003-05:00

Austin Milk Bank to Help More Preemies Thrive in 2010
WHO: The Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin
WHAT: Grand Opening Celebration at our new home!
Hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served.
Free parking.
WHEN: Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 5 to 7 p.m.
WHERE: 2911 Medical Arts St., Suite 12 (in Medical Arts Square), Austin, TX 78705

The Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin welcomes supporters and friends to tour its new home in central Austin, near St. David’s Hospital and just north of the University of Texas campus. The new facility features three state-of-the-art pasteurizing labs, a drive-thru Milk Drop for milk donors, a meeting room where groups can gather, and expanded office space for staff.
This year, the Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin will:
• Recruit and screen 400 milk donors
• Train and manage 70 volunteers
• Process 9% more milk (on top of last year’s 22% increase)
• Provide charitable care to uninsured babies
• Help more than 1,600 fragile babies thrive.
The expanded and renovated facility helps to make this growth possible, and has been generously supported by a significant grant from the St. David’s Foundation. Additional funding has come from the Austin Community Foundation, JMR Barker Foundation, Lola Wright Foundation, The Meadows Foundation, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin is a non-profit organization whose mission is to accept, pasteurize, and dispense donor human milk by physician prescription, primarily to premature and ill infants. These babies are more likely to acquire life-threatening infections if fed formula instead of human milk. The most common infection, necrotizing entercolitis, can damage the intestines so severely that many babies who acquire it will die. The remainder face life-long complications. Preemies fed human milk – either their mother’s own or pasteurized donor milk – are largely protected from this devastating condition.
Though it is standard practice for hospital neonatologists to strongly encourage mothers of preemies to breastfeed or express their milk for tube-feeding their very small babies, fewer than half of mothers of premature infants are able to do so. The Milk Bank provides safe donor human milk to preterm and ill infants in the hospital and to sick babies at home.
The Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin was founded in 1999 by a group of doctors and parents, led by Dr. Sonny Rivera, Chief of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. David’s Medical Center, and the late Dr. George Sharpe.

Milk Bank Contact:
Sarah Masterson, Communications & Volunteer Coordinator
sarah@milkbank.org or 512-579-3978
http://www.milkbank.org/

WIN 2 Presale tickets to Fairytale Threads Childrens' Resale Spring Event

2010-02-25T20:11:00.003-06:00

Moms! It's that time a year again to get your kids' clothing, gear and toys for very affordable prices at the Fairytale Threads Consignment Event. The Spring Event will be on March 5th-6th at The Old Settlers Assoc. in Round Rock. We're giving away 2 tickets for the presale event which will be held on Thu. March 4th from 7-9pm. To enter contest, please visit our Facebook Fan page with more details!

Mommy2B will be sponsooring the New and expectant moms event on Fri. 3/5. Come say hi and check out adorable baby gifts, shower favors and sign up for cool raffle prizes!

Hope to see you there!!

Winners of the Fairytale Threads Presale Tickets

2009-09-07T22:12:00.012-05:00

And the winners are....

#9 Liza A Martin and #16 Marie. Send me an email at mommy2baustin (at) yahoo.com to claim your tickets!

WIN 2 Presale tickets to Fairytale Threads Childrens' Resale Event

2009-08-26T13:46:00.008-05:00

Fairytale Threads is a twice a year consignment event designed to turn clutter into cash and give you the opportunity to shop new and gently worn items for great prices. Their event is coming up on Friday, September 18th from 10a-8p and Saturday, Sept. 19th from 9a-4pm. at the Old Settlers Association - 3300 Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock.

Fairytale Threads is hosting an exclusive Presale event, by invitation only, for their volunteers, consignors and guests on Thursday, Sept. 17th from 7p-9p. During this presale, you'll be able to get an exclusive first peek at the hottest, most sought after items for great low prices before the public sale!

We are giving away 2 PRESALE TICKETS! A random comment will be chosen on Monday, September 7th at midnight. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling us how you and your family are saving money these days. Want to increase your chances of winning? To earn an extra entry, leave us a comment if you do the following:

- Become a fan on Facebook or are already a fan
- Follow us on Twitter @mommy2baustin
- If you have a twitter account, RT our tweet on this giveaway
- Follow our blog

For more inf about the event, visit their website at http://www.fairytalethreads.com

Good luck to all and let's save!

Children's Resale Event coming up in September

2009-08-25T19:31:00.004-05:00

The current state of the economy has many local families looking for new and creative ways to stretch their budgets while still meeting the needs of their quickly growing children. Fairytale Threads understands that parenting growing children is expensive. The price of diapers and formula alone can be shocking. Then add cribs, bouncers, videos, toys and clothes to the mix. Parents also quickly realize many items are outgrown in a matter of weeks. As they grow, their clothes might last one season, and their taste in toys can change overnight.

The Fairytale Threads owners know this first hand and are giving other parents a way to save and make some money by finding things they need at great prices as well as a venue to sell their own outgrown items. With six children between them, Alecia Goode and Christa Matamoros know the value of a good deal and common sense of stretching every dollar. They also know that outgrown items still have lots of life left in them.

Local families won’t have to go far to find good quality, gently used clothes, toys and gear for their children at a fraction of the price of retail. Over 100 families brought thousands of items to the Fairytale Threads Spring 2009 Event. Thousands of shoppers attened to find what they needed.

Fairytale Threads will host their Fall 2009 Children’s Consignment Event on Friday and Saturday September 18th and 19th, 2009 at the

Old Settlers Association at 3300

Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock.

Public shopping begins on Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and continues through Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Some items will be half price on Saturday. Those who sign up to consign or volunteer have the opportunity to shop before the public!

Fairytale Threads does not accept certain items for resale including car seats or booster seats, children’s jewelry, used feeding or toilet training items, clothing with draw strings around the head or neck, or recalled items. Fairytale Threads also inspects each item to reach a level of confidence that the items offered for resale are indeed safe as well as affordable.

In an effort to pay it forward, consignors, volunteers and shoppers are asked to bring a canned food or pantry item for the Round Rock Area Serving Center’s food bank. Consignors also have the option to donate unsold items to the Round Rock Serving Center’s thrift store, helping local families in need.

If you are looking for ways to help with this event or want more details, you can visit Fairytale Threads website at: http://www.fairytalethreads.com/ or call Fairytale Threads at

512-850-3280.

Spread the word and hope to see you there!

Friday Freebies

2009-08-13T21:44:00.003-05:00

Here are some more freebies, coupons and other offers I found! Every little bit helps for our mama wallets! Enjoy, print and SAVE!!! ☺☺☺

WALMART Free Samples – Enjoy a few freebies while supplies last
TARGET.COM Discount coupons – Get $5, $10 off your online purchase on various departments
TARGET Groceries Printable Coupons – Offer expires on 8/22/09
CVS Pharmacy Printable Coupons – Coupons can be redeemed in-store only. Enter your zipcode for more available offers
Johnson&Johnson’s Printable coupons – Save up to $8 on baby products
Nestle Family Special offers and coupons
BABYTOBEE.COM Special offers and coupons
YoBaby Yogurt $1.00 OFF coupon – coupons are redeemable 10 days after download
FREE Graco Baby Essentials Bundle
Get 7 FREE Gifts from Baby Einstein
Get $5.00 OFF your Babies-R-Us Registry – With a purchase of $25 or more

Latest Scoop on Free Diapers and coupons!

2009-08-06T23:39:00.004-05:00

The biggest expense when the baby comes home comes down to the amount of diapers he will have to go through...A newborn uses an average of 8-10 diapers a DAY! We're talking about 240-300 diapers just in their first month of life! The # of diapers does decrease as your child gets older, but by the time he turns 1, you probably would have already changed over 3,000 diapers!

I've compiled a list of some useful sites that offer free samples, and valuable coupns on different brand name diapers. If you happen to spot one, please share it with us!

HUGGIES Special offer mailing list – Have Huggies coupons delivered to your home when you sign up for their mailing list
DIAPERS.COM $5 OFF Diapers Discounts – Get $5 off diapers or formula/ 10% off other items for 1st time customers (free shipping)
FREE SAMPLE New Huggies Pure & Natural diapers – Will mail you a coupon along with sample
FREE Potty Training Kit from Pampers – samples, coupons, and a guide to potty training
Huggies Little Swimmers $1.50 OFF coupon - Get $1.50 off! Limit one coupon per household per month.
LUVS Diapers $1 OFF coupon – Get $1 off mailed to your home
Seventh Generation $2 OFF Diapers – Must sign-in to redeem coupons and can be printed twice within 30 days. Other coupons from Seventh Generation are available too.

Must Have Items for your Baby Registry

2009-08-03T21:37:00.010-05:00

With so many things going through your mind during your pregnancy, finding out what you need for your little one's arrival as you create a baby registry can be quite an overwhelming task. I personally love checklists! All the suggestions on what your baby will need are laid out for you, simplifying your time and efforts! Baby Coco, a local baby boutique in Austin carries a wonderful selection of items for your baby's nursery and the newest and most stylish trends for new mamas! Their Nursery Checklist is a must have for your Baby Registry! If you are in the Austin area, Baby Coco offers a great baby registry service, which includes gift wrapping and even will email a copy of your baby registry to your any family or friends that are interested.

Here are some MUST HAVE items offered at Baby Coco:

Diaper Bags: At Baby Coco, they don’t believe in carrying some big, plain tote for a diaper bag. This is your new purse! There’s no reason to stop carrying chic bags when you become a mama.

Get your husband his own bag too. Husbands forget to re-stock your bag when they are done carrying it. Not good when you are out and about and out of wipes. Also, it gives a man some dignity. :)

Slings: Highly recommended to all mamas registering. They are a life-saver! Baby Coco carries Serena and Lily Market Slings, The Peanut Shell pouch slings and Zolowear rings slings.

Cheyenne Beard, the store's manager, or one of her friendly staff members will be happy to help mamas find the right sling for their lifestyle. They will make sure you get the right fit and will even help you how to use them!

Feed Me Journal: This is one of Baby Coco's personal favorites to give. At the hospital or in your lactation class, they usually only give you one photocopied sheet to help keep track of feedings. Unfortunately, I didn't know this hidden gem existed and ended up making countless copies and before I knew it, I had sheets of nursing, sleeping and pooping schedules laying all over our breakfast table!!

This little book is small and fits easily into your purse or diaper bag. It also works for breast-feeding or bottle-feeding mamas and includes space for adding solid foods.

To view Baby Coco's complete selection, you can check them out online or visit their beautiful boutique located on

Baby Coco

Kerbey Lane Village

1515-B West 35 th Street

Austin, Texas 78703

512.377.2626

Yummy beverages for Mamas this summer!

2009-07-30T10:12:00.007-05:00

Mamas! Treat yourselves for a Happy Hour!! What a better way to cool off this summer with a delicious drink! They're so good, you won't even tell they are alcohol-free! Don't feel guilty on these little indulgence. It's for the baby too, right? :) ENJOY!

Banana Chocolate Milkshake

Sweet Tart

Ginger-Lime Sparkler

Materni-Tini

Baby and Tot Storytimes

2009-07-30T08:20:00.004-05:00

Storytimes are a great way to connect with your child for free! Classes are typically 20-30min and are often offered in public libraries. It's not jut about reading books. It's more about songs and movement! Depending on the age, the instructor may read a very simple book or just show books that you may introduce your child. Your very little ones will enjoy listening to songs, which are often combined with gestures, and watching other babies while they sit on your lap or crawl around the room exploring. As they get older, they will start becoming more engaged and actually participating in the songs and even the stories read. Towards the end of the session, there's usually playtime! A pile of toys in the middle of the room brings the crawlers and walkers together to socialize. It also allows the parents time to meet each other.

Below you'll find storytimes around Austin and surrounding areas, ranging from newborn up to 5 yrs. Please call before attending any of the storytimes listed below as events times and dates may change.

Round Rock Public Library
216 E. Main, Round Rock, TX /512.218.7000

Babytime Storytime /infant – 12 mos /THU at 9:30a
Babytime Storytime /12 mos – 18 mos /FRI at 9:30a
Storytime for toddlers /18mos – 3yrs /WED at 9:30a and THU at 10:30a
Preschool Storytime /3yrs and up /MON at 7:00p, WED at 10:30a, THU at 10:30a
Bilingual Storytime /3yrs – 6 yrs/ TUE at 10:30a

Pflugerville Public Library
102 Tenth Street Pflugerville, TX 78660 /512.251.9185

Bilingual Storytime /All Ages /MON at 10:30a
Toddler Storytime /18mos – 3yrs /TUE at 10:30a
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5yrs /THU at 10:30a
Lapsit Storytime /Infants – 12 mos /FRI at 10:30a

Cedar Park Public Library
550 Discovery Blvd. Cedar Park, TX /512.401.5663

Lapsit Storytime /Infants – 12 mos/ MON, TUE, & THU at 9:45a and MON at 2p
Toddler Storytime /12 mos – 36 mos/ MON, THU at 10:30 a
Family Storytime /All Ages/ SAT at 10 a

Bookpeople
603 N. Lamar Austin, TX /512.472.4288
Storytime /All Ages /TUE, WED at 10:30a and SAT at 11:30 a

Family Connections
825 E 53 ½ St, Bldg E-101 /512.478.5725 ext. 210
Storytime /All Ages/ SAT at 10:00a

Austin Children’s Museum
210 Colorado St /512.472.2499
Austin Kids Storytime /All Ages/ WED: 2p, 4p, & 6p, THU: 2p & 4p, FRI: 11a, 2p, & 4p, SAT at 11:00a

Barnes & Noble Bookstores

Arboretum /10000 Research Blvd #158, Austin, TX 78759 /512.418.8985
Storytime with Ms. Naomi /All Ages /WED at 11:00a

The Homestead Lakeline Crossing 14010 US Hwy. 183, Austin, TX 78717 /512.249.5644
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5yrs /WED at 9:30a, 11:00a

Hill Country Galleria /12701 Hill Country Blvd Ste O-140, Bee Cave, TX 78738 /512.263.7402
Storytime with Ms. Dana /All Ages /MON at 10:30a
Storytime with Ms. Kim /All Ages /TUE at 10:30a
Pajamarama /All Ages /WED at 7:00p
Storytime with Mr. Nick /All Ages /FRI at 10:30a

Sunset Valley Sunset Valley Village /5601 Brodie Lane Suite 300, Austin, TX 78745 512.892.3493
Storytime All Ages SAT at 11:00a

Westlake /701 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.#P860, Austin, TX 78746 /512.328.3155
Storytime /All Ages/ WED at 10:00a
Storytime /All Ages /SAT at 11:00a

Austin Public Library Branches

Cepeda Branch /651 N Pleasant Valley Rd /512.974.7372
Infant Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /TUE at 10:15a

Faulk Central Library / 800 Guadalupe St / 512.974.7410
Infant Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /TUE at 10:15a
Infant Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /THU at 11:00a

Hampton Branch at Oak Hill /5125 Convict Hill Rd. /512. 974.9900
Toddler Storytime /18 mos – 3 yrs /WED at 10:15a
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5 yrs /WED at 11:00a

Howson Branch /2500 Exposition Rd. /512.472.3584
Toddler Storytime /18 mos – 3 yrs /WED at 10:15a
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5 yrs /TUE at 11:00a

Manchaca Road Branch / 5500 Manchaca Rd / 974.8700
Evening Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /THU at 7p

Millwood Branch Library /12500 Amherst Dr. /512. 974.9880
Infant Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /WED at 10:15a
Spanish Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /WED at 11:00a
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5 yrs /TUE at 11:00a

Old Quarry Branch 7/051 Village Center Dr. /512.345.4435
Toddler Storytime /18 mos – 3 yrs /WED at 10:15a

Pleasant Hill Branch /211 E William Cannon Dr/ 512.974.3940
Toddler Storytime /18 mos – 3 yrs /TUE at 10:15a
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5 yrs /TUE at 11:00a

Ruiz Branch / 1600 Grove Blvd / 974.7500
Spanish Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /THU at 10:15a

SE Austin Community Branch / 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd / 462.1452
Infant Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /FRI at 10:15a

Spicewood Springs Branch /8637 Spicewood Springs Rd. /512.974.3800
Toddler Storytime /18 mos – 3 yrs /WED at 10:15a

Windsor Park Branch /5833 Westminster Dr /512.928.0333
Infant Storytime /Infant – 5 yrs /TUE at 10:15a
Pajama Storytime/ Infant – 5 yrs /WED at 7:00p

Yarborough Branch /2200 Hancock Dr/ 512.454.7208
Toddler Storytime /18 mos – 3 yrs/ TUE at 10:15a
Preschool Storytime /3 yrs – 5 yrs /TUE at 11:00a
Books & Babies /12 mos – 18 mos /WED at 10:15a

Fit Mommy2B Tip #8: Get a Prenatal Massage!

2009-07-27T13:48:00.003-05:00

Getting a pregnancy massage is a real opportunity to help practice your capacity to let go as you prepare your body for your birth experience! Massages can be adjusted to accomodate your changing body. It is shown that just receiving 20-minute massages, twice weekly in the last trimester, may significantly improve the mom’s neonatal outcome, especially prematurity, labor pain and labor time.

Prenatal Massage presents a number of benefits for the future mommas:

Reduces stress
Relieves back discomfort due to changes in body and posture
Lower prematurity rates
Reduce labor pain and labor time
Lower the risk for depression
Reduce pelvic discomfort
Lower the need for medication
Reduce the swelling of ankles and feet
Improves sleep

If you'd like to know more about the great benefits of prenatal massage, you can view the entire article submitted by Star Doula Summer Greenlees on our Mommy2B website.

Music and Play for Mama and Baby

2009-07-23T20:49:00.017-05:00

Unlike any other activity, every single area of the brain is stimulated during music making! The first 6 years for a child are the most critical ones for musical growth. Infants are “wired” to receive music and able to discriminate between melodies and frequencies – this stage is also known as the ‘music babble stage.’ This is also the time where a child learns his surroundings through play. By incorporating the music culture into your child’s live, he will be able to experiment playfully with these musical elements. Parents, caregivers, and teachers can do a great deal to provide the necessary stimulation through music experiences to nurture the young child's music abilities, regardless of your own.

At Heartsong Music, you and your child can experience Music Together®, an the award-winning early childhood music program. These classes are geared for children 0-5 yrs and their parents. Their classes are based on the idea that making music with children, in a community of families, enriches their lives as it promotes musical growth and aptitute. And, above all, it is FUN!
Classes include songs, chants, dancing and instrument play. Even though the class follows a structured sequence of activities, they are presented as informal, where kids and parents are free to explore through movement and music.

Heartsong Music was founded in 2004 by Carey Youngblood, a certified Montessori teacher who has been involved in teaching children for over 25 years. According to Carey, this program has become a "true community of diverse families and enthusiastic, loving, and talented teachers bonding through musical experiences." (Photo on the left is courtesy of Katie Jo Dixon with Heart Roots Photography)

I was able to experience a class with my 22 month old son and he LOVED IT! At the beginning of each session, families receive a Music Together illustrated songbook and two CDs (one for home and one for the car). Classes are mixed-aged and typically run for 45 minutes. You will find children and their families singing, dancing, and playing instruments together.

You will find some children sit in the parent’s lap, while others independently explore the room, the instruments, and their own movement in relation to the music – As you can see in the picture to the right, I must say my son was the independent one! In this particular part of the class, children and their parents, dance around the room to the rhythm of the music in a circle waving fun-colored scarves.

At the end of the class children and parents gather in a circle and enjoy the “Goodbye song.” This last section of the class is very neat as the teacher passes by each kid (mentioning the kid’s name in the song) and lets them strum the guitar. I'm not a musical person myself, so I don't think I've touched a guitar more than a handful of times! Knowing that my son is getting this experience from early on will be very valuable for his development and love for music! (Photo on the left is courtesy of Katie Jo Dixon with Heart Roots Photography)

Heartsong music is located on 2700 West Anderson Lane, Ste. 320. They are currently offering FREE sample classes! at 10:15 and 11:15am and 3:15 and 4:15pm September 8th, 9th and 12th. Call 371-9506 or visit their website.

The Fall Session will start September 14th and will run through December 12th.

Workout Activities for Mama and Baby: Swimming Lessons

2009-07-21T21:39:00.004-05:00

Taking care of a baby is a workout in itself! But once your little one starts crawling and walking, there’s a new world of exploration right before their eyes, and guess who’s going to be breaking a sweat chasing him around?!

To further enhance their motor skills, there are some activities that I have found quite engaging for my little one while getting a fun little workout for me too! Given that it's SO hot here in Austin, the first workout I'll focus on will be on swimming!

Swimming Lessons

You can get your baby involved in swimming as early as 6 months! Your babies will learn to get comfortable in the water and gain confidence, while you learn basic safety skills and holding techniques. Water exercise has been noted to improve your baby’s endurance, coordination, and lung capacity.

Classes are typically in small group settings, so you’ll get the maximum attention from the instructor. They also offer private lessons if you prefer one-on-one training.

To learn more about class schedules and locations, here are some local places that specialize in infant/toddler swimming lessons:

1. Aqua Tots

2. Emler Swim School

3. YMCA of Austin

4. Tom’s Dive and Swim

5. City of Austin Park and Recreation Dept.

Austin's Local Picks: Best Frozen Treat Places

2009-07-17T06:29:00.008-05:00

I'm going to start compiling the top 5 favorite for our new and future momma community here in Austin! Given that it's SO hot in Austin, let's start our first one with Frozen Treats. I will run this until the end of the month and then we will pick Mommy2B's top 5 favorite picks!

Vote Here!

Fit Mommy2B Tip #7 - Folic Acid Intake

2009-03-14T15:03:00.002-05:00

Folate is a form of vitamin B that helps prevent brain, spinal cord defects, promote healthy birth weight and full-term delivery. The synthetic form of Folate that is found in supplemts and certain foods is called folic acid. It is recommended that pregnant women take 800 -1000 mcg of Folic Acid during their pregnancy. Before and after conception is also adviced.

Here's a list of some food that contain Folic Acid:

- Orange Juice
- Whole wheat bread
- Broccoli
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Spinach
- Fortified cereal
- Asparagus
- Meat
- Beans
- Papaya
- Avocado
- Dry roasted peanuts

If you would like a complete list of foods that contain Folic Acid per serving, check out: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/folate.asp

Stork Giveaway Winner

2009-03-08T20:02:00.001-05:00

Congrats to Jenna for winning the free stork rental. Plase email me to claim your prize :-)

Fit Mommy2B Tip #6: Replacement meal bars during pregnancy

2009-03-07T15:34:00.005-06:00

If you're a busy momma, always on the go, you should definitely try the Belly Bar! These granola bars are specifically designed for pregnant women as they are fortified with the right nutrients, such as Folic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, DHA, Omega-3s fand it's only 160 cals!. You can even eat these before and after pregnancy. You can get them at your local HEB, Target or Amazon.

They taste really good and come in four flavors: Nuts and Berries, Mellow Oats, Burstin' Chocolate with Orange, and Chocolate Toffee.

Keep one handy in your purse and enjoy after a nice walk, workout, or as a snack. Remember that you should not be on any diet while you're pregnant, so still keep getting your calories from healthy foods.

Fairytale Threads Giveaway Winners

2009-03-02T03:17:00.002-06:00

Thanks to all that came in for the Fairytale Threads Consignment event. It's a great place for new mommies to find cool and cheap items for their little ones! We had a few giveaways that weekend and here are our lucky winners:

Stork Rental: Ginnie Mayle

Mini-Bootie cupcakes (set of 4): Sabrina Shaw

New Baby Scrapbook: Angie Nett

Congratutalions!!

2009 Trends in Pregnancy and Parenting

2009-02-25T02:42:00.003-06:00

What's hot with moms and moms-to-be in 2009? Find out which mommy trends we think are just about to pop!

View >>

Stork Giveaway

2009-02-19T22:11:00.006-06:00

Announce the arrival of your new baby to your friends, neighbors, and family with a beautiful stork in the yard!! Mommy2B is giving away a FREE weekly stork rental, courtesy of

http://www.mypreciousarrival.com/

To participate in this giveaway, just tell us what has been or was the best part about your pregnancy. You do not have to be pregnant at the moment to participate :-) If you follow our blog, you can have 2 entries to this drawing! Just make a 2nd comment and mention that you are following Mommy2B.

A random winner will be chosen on March 7th. Stay tuned!!

Fit Mommy2B Tip#5: Pregnancy Without Pounds

2009-02-03T02:04:00.005-06:00

Michelle Moss' Pregnancy Without Pounds provides future mommies with great tips and exercises to help us feel good and sexy!!

Check out her wide selection of e-books and CDs to get you in great shape while pregnant and become a hot MAMA!!

Being a mom is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's also very demanding. If you have a good solid base of health behaviors, you're going to set yourself up to not only LOOK GOOD, but feel good and have enough energy to enjoy your little one.

Boosting your baby's brain development

2009-01-13T20:15:00.003-06:00

Research shows that a child’s brain contains over 100 billion neurons at birth, which will continue to grow during his first years. Your baby’s brain neural connections need to be “wired together” to ensure proper cognitive development. For this reason, parents need to provide their children with enriching activities and experiences to boost their baby’s brain power. These are some simple things you can do for your baby during his first year.

Be attentive to your baby. If your baby shows interest in something, make sure you follow your attention to his interest and talk to him about it expressing joy. Let your baby know that his interests are important to you. Responding to his cries by nurturing him will make him feel emotionally secure. Use diaper time to attract your baby’s attention or even give him massages to calm him and bond with him. Being attentive to your baby helps develop trust. Your baby will be more willing to explore and learn if he feels secure with you. Those signals of emotional security are sent directly to the brain, contributing those neural connections to be wired.

Read to your baby. Pick books with colorful illustrations and point at the pictures and make sounds of the animals as you read along. By reading to your baby, you will be enhancing his “receptive language,” the ability to understand spoken words.

Choose appropriate developmental toys. As your baby explores with the world around him, pick toys that will help him enhance cause-effect, math, or other problem solving skills.

Sing songs to your baby. Help your baby incorporate sounds with body movements, specially hands and fingers during the early stages to enhance fine motor skills development. Songs will also help your baby develop rhythm and language acquisition.

Make mealtime enjoyable. As your baby learns to feed soft foods, say out loud the names of the food he’s eating (or playing with). Express joy as he attempts this task, regardless how messy it may get. This will help create positive emotional brain patterns.

Noteworthy Family Recalls of 2008/ 2007: Check your home for these recalled baby and kid products

2009-01-12T11:39:00.001-06:00

Having kids means buying stuff—toys, furniture, clothing, medicine, and more. But sometimes that stuff is later deemed unsafe by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the nation's resource for protecting families against unsafe pr

View >>

Snuggly wrap Winner

2009-01-09T20:13:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Emily B. for winning the Christmas giveaway! Send me an email at mommy2baustin@yahoo.com to claim your snuggly wrap.

Fit Mommy2B Tip #4: Stretching

2008-12-20T09:05:00.003-06:00

Stretching and warming up prior to any type of workout is essential in preventing any injuries and helps you get a more efficient workout.
It is recommended to first warm up for about 5-10 min. You can either do this by walking, running, using the elliptical machine, or riding a stationary bike. Now your muscles are more flexible to stretch. But be careful! Our ligaments become looser while pregnant. Don't stretch too far. Inhale, stretch as you slowly exhale, and hold the stretch for about 10 sec. each time.
It is important to stretch after a workout too. It helps with your circulation and reduces soreness.

New baby tip #4

2008-12-20T08:54:00.002-06:00

Babies can start teething as early as 3 months. Excessive drooling and the need to chew on objects (or their hands!) may be an indicator. To help soothe their gums, you can give them some of the following items:
- frozen teething rings
-chilled pacifier
-cold solid foods: frozen baby carrots, frozen bagels, or baby biscuits.

Always make sure to supervise your baby while they're chewing on pieces that may break.

Christmas Giveaway: Snuggly Wrap

2008-12-13T01:21:00.004-06:00

What better way to keep your sweetie pie warm and cozy for the winter than this adorable Fleece Snuggly Wrap, courtesy of Janis from Slings By J.

The wrap swaddles the infant (0-6 months) cozily for warmth and comfort. The wrap has a divided leg feature to allow the wrap to be used in a stroller or car seat. The arm/upper body portion of the wrap can be wrapped underneath or over the shoulder straps of the stroller or car seat.

To enter the contest, just tell us what will be your baby's nursery room theme. A lucky winner will be randomly picked from our comments list on Jan.5th, 2009.

Happy Holidays!!

November Giveaway Winner

2008-12-02T01:37:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Kim for winning the beautiful knit blanket from The Nursing Room!
Send me an email at mommy2baustin@yahoo.com to claim your prize.

Stay tuned for more fun giveaways!

Thanksgiving While Pregnant

2008-11-24T13:13:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to get together with loved ones, have a lovely meal, and be thankful for that little one growing inside you!! It can also get a little stressful if you're hosting the dinner or driving/flying to see relatives. Here are a few tips to make your Thanksgiving enjoyable while pregnant!

Take every opportunity you can to put your feet up and relax! Let others do the work and you get some rest! After all, you have a good excuse :)
If the smell of Thanksgiving food makes you queazy, opt to eat out instead, or go out for a walk while the food is being prepared.
Don't feel guilty if you over indulge a bit, just don't overdo it! Enjoy this stage of your life and the savory holiday treats!
Be prepared to hear lots of "advice" from friends and relatives! It can get a little annoying, but be open minded about it and take them with a smile :)
Don't feel insulted by comments about your body image. You may hear things like: "you're so big," or "you're about to pop soon!" Every woman carries their baby and weight differently. I know it may be hard, but try to ignore it.
If you are traveling, make sure you get the ok from your dr.
Keep a positive attitude!! Your little one will thank you!!

Have a happy Thanksgiving ladies!!

New Baby Tip #3: Swaddling your baby

2008-11-17T19:38:00.007-06:00

After coming out of mommy's belly, newborns need to feel warm and snuggly! They've been cramped in your belly for 9 months, so that's all they know up to now! This video gives a quick demonstration on how to swaddle your baby.

You can watch the video here.

For more information on how to care for your newborn, you can contact Bethany Winder from BabyBee Basics and schedule a class with her. She will walk you through everything you'll need to care for your baby and will provide you with very useful information. You can also contact her at (512) 626.4165 if you have any questions.

November Giveaway: Baby Blanket

2008-11-10T14:35:00.007-06:00

This month's giveaway is sponsored by The Nursing Room.

Mommy2B is giving away this adorable handmade knit blanket. Keep your sweet baby cozy warm during the holidays.

To enter is easy! Just tell us about your unusual cravings or food aversions you've had during your pregnancy, and post your comment here.

A random winner will be chosen on Dec.1st.

New baby tip #2: Clothes Stains

2008-11-10T14:21:00.003-06:00

To remove stains on your baby's outfits, soak the clothes in hot water with half a cup of vinegar and detergent (Dreft is the most famous brand for baby detergent). Wash as usual.
If you want to prevent stains from setting, sprinkle some baking soda on those areas before you put the clothes on the washing machine.

Fit Mommy2B Tip #3: Kegels

2008-11-08T10:34:00.003-06:00

Kegels are a great exercise to help strengthen our pelvic floor muscles. Doing it consistently may help prevent tears during labor, and even may make pushing a bit easier. The best part is that you can do it anywhere and at anytime!
Kegels are not restricted to just pregnant women. You can do it at anytime and it's also known to help in other areas, such as incontinence and sex.
To learn more about Kegels and how to do them, click here.

New Baby Tip #1: Cradle cap

2008-11-08T08:38:00.003-06:00

Mild cradle cap or crust on the baby's scalp can be treated by scrubbing the area with a soft toothbrush and baby oil. The oil helps soften the scales. Then, shampoo as usual to remove the flakes. Don't shampoo the baby everyday, as this can dry the scalp and worsen cradle cap.

If the case is severe, always talk to your pediatrician when in doubt.

October Giveaway goes to...

2008-11-06T07:36:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Karen Wallace for winning this month's giveaway!
Please send me an email at mommy2baustin@yahoo.com to claim your prize.

Stay tuned for more fun giveaways!

Eliana

10 things you don't usually hear about parenthood

2008-11-01T15:51:00.004-05:00

I saw this article on msn and I definitely wanted to share it with you. If you are already a mommy, you’ll agree on how true these statements are. When people try to give you some advice, you’ll come across the usual “you’ll have to change a million diapers,” “be prepared for sleepless nights,” “you’ll always be late” stories. These are a few details some people tend to leave out…

1. You will treasure every second you get to yourself
I never thought this would be so true. If he naps for 8 more minutes, I might get a quick shower, or watching the Mickey Mouse club for an extra 30 sec. gives me enough time to run to the bathroom…

2. Going to the bathroom by yourself becomes a privilege
If you are a stay-at-home mom and have no one else with you, you may know exactly how this feels. Your bladder is about to burst and your precious baby just wants to be held…what do you do? Take a little trip together to the bathroom! I have gotten pretty good at doing things with one hand!

3. At times, you’ll feel like a failure
When you become a parent, your expectations skyrocket. That’s because you want to make sure you are making the right decisions for your baby’s wellbeing. When it doesn’t happen, you’ll feel miserable…I spent a lot of sleepless nights just wondering what I had done wrong when my boy couldn’t sleep through the night. Even though I had tried all the options we thought possible, I still felt like a failure at times. As parents, you’ll have these moments.

4. You see the world differently
Your priorities now that you are parent will take a 180º turn. You will try to relate everything to your own family or kids. Things like watching a movie or the news may take on a different meaning. You now project yourself with your children. I get so emotional now when I read about children suffering or even auto insurance ads. I wouldn’t want any of my children to suffer.

5. Daddies will turn a little soft
All of the sudden, daddy’s favorite artists changed from “Flo-Rida” to “Imagination movers” and “patty cakes” becomes the number 1 hit in the house! Daddies will soften up even more if they have a little girl.

6. You will worry over anything!
No matter what your kids do, or don’t do, you will always worry. Your mind will always wonder “is he breathing in his crib?” “is the car seat attached correctly?” “am I holding him right?” “do we have enough to help him through college?” All of these new worries are common in new parents. I lost count of the number of times we took my son to the doctor for every little thing, just because we always worried!

7. They will get sick!
Kids get sick very often, and if you think about it, how wouldn’t they when they put EVERYTHING in their mouths!! It’s amazing how another kid’s sippy cup can be so tasty!

8. You’ll be embarrassed…a lot!
Even if you have a little angel, you’ll find an occasion where you just want to hide! Temper tantrums at Walmart? Being there! Chasing the kid all over isle 4? Done that! As babies try to figure out the world around them, they just want to explore and oh my...they get so upset when you stop them from that.

9. The gift of unconditional love
From their first smile, to when they call you mommy, your kids will melt your heart. Your love for them will be like anything you’ve experienced.

10. You won’t be the parent you had imagined
We always envision being a certain type of parent and always trying to do better than our own, but the story changes once you actually have them! Never say “never” when it comes to how you’ll be raising your kids. You never know!!

Regardless of what people tell you or don’t tell you, you are always going to try as hard as you can to be the best parent you can be. For a child, the love and support of their parents is their main nourishment.

Happy parenting!

Eliana

Weight Gain during pregnancy

2008-10-30T23:41:00.006-05:00

We’re so excited to have this little human being growing inside us, but at the same time we dread every time we hit that scale…rgghhh…We always wonder “where does it all go???” The “normal” pregnancy weight gain for a healthy woman is around 25-35 lbs. Here’s the breakdown of where the pounds go:

Baby: 7-9 lbs
Placenta: 2 lbs
Amniotic fluid: 2 lbs
Blood volume: 4-5 lbs
Increase in fluid : 3-4 lbs
Uterine enlargement: 2 lbs
Breastfeeding preparation: 1 lb
Total: 21-25 lbs

Ok…where’s the other 4-10 extra lbs?? Unfortunately, for us, (not the baby!) this extra weight is additional fat deposits needed for your body to accommodate for the great amount of energy is spending and breastfeeding. I’m latina, so these pounds all went to one place….hips!

During the 1st trimester, you can probably gain 4-8 lbs (or actually lose weight if you dealt with morning sickness) During the 2nd trimester, you may gain 1-2 lbs/week and it may stay that way until the last few weeks of your pregnancy, when your baby gains most of the weight. To help you find out if you are within the range of weight gain, you can check out this chart. I gained 36 lbs with my son and this chart was pretty helpful in keeping me on track

You would be one of the lucky few if you actually lose most of it after leaving the hospital. The usual is about 15 lbs. The rest….is up to us to lose. Breastfeeding does speed up the process, as our metabolism increases. Just make sure to eat healthy and add 100-200cal to your diet to nourish your baby’s milk.

Your doctor will always let you know if you're on the right track too. As long as it doesn't pose any risk to the baby, enjoy those extra pounds!!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-30T22:30:00.010-05:00

This year, I decided to make my little 13 month old Nícolas his own costume. I designed him a little BamBam outfit. It turned out really cute and cheap!
I got myself a wig and became Wilma.

If you'd like to share your little pumpkin's halloween custome, or if you are expecting and have a cute pregnant outfit, send me an email at mommy2baustin@yahoo.com and I'll post them :)

Have a safe and happy halloween!!

Wilma & BamBam :)

Fit Mommy2B Tip #2: Strengthening your lower back

2008-10-25T23:18:00.005-05:00

As your belly continues to grow, usually so does lower back pain :( There will be a lot of pressure put in that area and the best we can do to avoid or minimize the pain is to help strengthen those muscles. These are a few exercises that may help you. Try about 2 sets of 10-15 reps.

Cat Pose - You may be familiar with this term if you've ever attended a yoga class. This exercise gives you a nice lower back stretch. Make sure to accomodate for your belly and stretch only as far as it's comfortable for you and baby.

Pelvic Tilt on a Balance Ball - This one will help you keep balance (working the core muscles) as you strengthen the pelvic muscles and lower back.

Kneeling Leg & Arm Raise - Also great for your core and back muscles.

Make sure to get a nice stretch before and after any workout to avoid injuries, but don't stretch too hard as our ligaments become looser during pregnancy. Always consult with your doctor when in doubt.

Austin State Fair

2008-10-25T23:05:00.005-05:00

If you're thinking where to take the kids for a fun family event, consider taking them to the Austin State Fair, from Oct.24 - Nov.2nd, at the Travis County Expo Center. The fair features a petting zoo, car & motorcycle show, lots of rides for kids, a sea lion show, and of course, lots of food!! I'm so happy I don't have to drive all the way to Dallas for a state fair! Cost is $8 for adults and $5.00 (5-12). Check out their special discounts for next week.

Have fun!

Eliana

Sharing the news with the family

2008-10-25T08:54:00.007-05:00

When we found out we got pregnant, we wanted to find a special way to let our closest family members know about the wonderful news, especially since my husband and I don't have any family in Texas. Mine is in Venezuela and his are in Georgia and Alabama. We didn't just want to call them, we wanted to do something unique and have them call us!! At first, we wanted to shout the news to the world, but there's always the anxiety about making sure the little one truly is a reality (like the 7 pregnancy tests I took weren't enough!) We happened to have conceived our little boy in Venezuela when we went to visit my family for Christmas in 2007.

My husband had the awesome idea of telling the family the news with a card with a very creative and ambiguous message. You can view the card here. We really couldn't contain the news much longer and sent out the cards when I was 9 wks pregnant. My husband and I were working at the time my mom-inlaw left us a message on all our phones asking us "is it what I think it is?" Everyone were calling each other asking themselves the same question. We finally got to tell them that night and they were so excited, especially since it was the first grandson on my husband's side. It was really a fun way to share the news! It's going to be hard to top this one when we have our 2nd one!

Do you have an interesting story about how you broke the news to your family or friends? Feel free to share your stories by posting a comment in this post.

Eliana

A week of fun activities for mommy & baby in Austin

2008-10-23T22:07:00.015-05:00

If you are a stay-at-home mommy in Austin, like me, you’re probably always on the lookout for things to do with your baby during the week. I’ve compiled some neat mommy & baby bonding activities to do with your baby on any given week:

Monday
Enjoy songs, finger plays, and read books aloud with your baby during the Mother Goose Story Time at the Wells Branch Public Library. This event is held every Monday and Friday at 10am and is great for infants 0-18 months.

Tuesday
StrollerFit is a great opportunity to interact with your baby while getting a good 50-minute stroller workout. Mommies use resistance training with the strollers, while their babies are entertained with songs, nursery rhymes, and other fun activities. Classes run from 8:30-9:20am. Check out their website for location.

Wednesday
Help your baby develop his/her senses with tummy time, songs and other visual activities with Gymboree’s Play and Learn classes for infants 0-6 months. Take advantage of their free preview classes! There are 4 locations in Austin.

Thursday
Come to the Cedar Park Library for their lapsit storytime at 9:45am and meet other moms while you bond with your baby. Their storytimes are also held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Friday
The Pflugerville Community Library offers lapsit storytime events for infants on Fridays at 10:30am. Come and meet other mommies, sing, and listen to fun children’s books. Also check out their bilingual storytime, Mondays at 10:30am. I started speaking to my son in Spanish since he was born and I loved this class. It’s never too early to expose your baby to a foreign language. You’d be amazed how quickly they begin understanding!

Saturday
Baby Boot Camp is another great way to have your baby help you burn that dreaded pregnancy weight! Classes are stroller-based and last 55 min. They are held at Zilker Park or at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. Request your first class for free to see if it’s for you!

Sunday

The Botanical Garden at Zilker Park is hosting the Dinoland exhibit until November 30th. It’s a great opportunity for the entire family to enjoy the outdoors and learn more about dinosaurs. The exhibit is open from 10am-5pm. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children (1-3)

Austin’s beautiful all-year round weather gives mommies plenty of fun outdoor activities to do with their babies! Enjoy this time while you can before they start school!

October Giveaway - Onesie Cupcake

2008-10-22T20:39:00.005-05:00

This month, we are giving away a lovely onesie cupcake gift set. This is a great gift for new or expectant mommies. You can choose the gift for a girl, boy or neutral. To enter the contest, just go to

My Precious Arrival and make a comment about a product you'd like a new mommy to have :)

A random winner will be chosen on Nov.5th.

Good luck!

Halloween events in Austin

2008-10-22T16:46:00.007-05:00

There are some great halloween events coming up to take the kiddos. These are a few I found in Austin, Round Rock and Pflugerville :

Event: Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail
When: Sunday, 10/26, from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Where: Moonlight Tower at Zilker Park
Cost: Free! But you are welcome to bring 2 non-perishable food items for the Capital Area food bank.

Event: Pumpkin Carving on the dock
When: 10/25, from 11am – 3 pm.
Where: George Washington Carver Museum

Event: Halloween Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Carnival
When: 10/27, from 6:30pm – 8 pm.
Where: Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center

Event: Halloween Pumpkin Carving and Halloween Carnival
When: 10/30, from 6:00pm – 8 pm.
Where: AB Cantu/Pan Am Recreation Center

Event: Fall Fun Festival
When: 10/31, from 9-11:30am
Where: Old Settlers Park in Round Rock

Event: Fall Pumpkin Fest
When: 10/27, from 10am-6pm
Where: Sky Ridge Plaza in Round Rock

Event: Halloween Celebration
When: 10/26, 5pm-7pm
Where: Pflugerville Community Library

If there's an event you'd like to share, we'd love to know!

Have a Happy and safe Halloween!!

Eliana

Fit Mommy2B Tip #1: The best pregnancy exercise..Walking

2008-10-11T10:42:00.009-05:00

I found this really neat article on BabyFit that talks about walking.
Regardless of your fitness level, walking is the best low-impact cardio exercise that's perfectly safe throughout your pregnancy. If you're a beginner, start walking 20-30 min a day 3 times a week. You can increase your walks by 5 min until you get to 60min 4-5 times a day.

Here are some useful tips for every trimester of your pregnancy:

Wear comfortable shoes.
Always wear UV sunblock when you're out, even if the sun is not out!
Keep water with you at all times. It is VERY important to keep yourself hydrated to help avoid premature contractions.
Keep your chin up and pay attention to your posture to avoid hurting your back and compensate for the growing belly.
Swing your arms to help with balance.
Walk with a friend to keep you company and motivated!
Keep at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Don't push yourself, just listen to your body.
Try walking on even pavement to make it a bit easier for your body, especially during the 3rd trimester.
The recommended heart rate is about 140bpm. If you can carry out a conversation without getting short of breath while exercising, then you're OK.
Always carry your cell phone. You never know when you'll need to call for help.
Don't forget to do a little strech before and after your walk.

Keep checking more of my fit mommy2B tips to help you feel like a sexy mama!!

Have a happy walking!

Eliana

Launch of Mommy2B Austin Directory

2008-10-10T21:31:00.004-05:00

Hello to all the ATX preggers!
I'm excited to announce the launch of the newest directory for expecting mommies in Austin, TX: Mommy2B Austin .This directory has a selection of various business that cater to the soon-to-be mommies and also features a list of upcoming events, classes, and workshops. It comes as a brochure or you can also view it online. Check out our website for an extended list of businesses, events, featured mommies sharing their stories, and contest giveaways!

Keep checking our blog for some fun baby shower ideas, product reviews, pregnancy tips, pregnancy articles, giveaways, and more!

Eliana