The Very Hungry Caterpillar

I discovered The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle when my now 7 year old granddaughter was a baby.  What I found  was a stuffed caterpillar with a jingle bell inside.  She absolutely loved it and wanted it all the time.  It went to town and to bed with her.  Later I found the book for toddlers in a board book. I think we now own about 3 of the same book but in different forms. 

I have found that there are so many developmental toys, games, and figurines, snow globes, cards, and other things  that go with the book that I have been amazed.  Of course, he has written several other books that the children love too.  So, I was delighted when I found out that Totsy was having a sale on these books, and other items.  Take a look and see if you can find something you like.  They are up to 50% off right now.  There are also the books he has written with Bill Martin Jr., like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See?  

Of course, Totsy always has lots of good bargains on children's clothes, toys, shoes and things for mom too. One of my favorite websites.

Time for Easter Clothes or Not

   I think Spring is going to be late this year, and Easter is early.  Do you remember having snow on Easter when you were a child?  I remember it when we lived in PA.  All those little short-sleeved dresses and Mary Jane shoes were still worn because, after all, it was Easter.

    Here are my grandkids on Easter last year.  It came in April, and was warm enough to at least get their pictures taken outside. The iris and the day lilies were up behind them. The garden space was waiting to be tilled and planted. We hunted for Easter eggs, and played games outside. 

    Finding clothes for kids for Easter can be hard especially since some of the places here have gone up in price and down in quality.  I found this place online and it has Brand name kids clothes and toys up to 80% off.  They have sales all the time and while there are time limits on the sales, you can get some really great deals.

Here is another really nice place I like to visit too. If you are like me, going shopping with kids can be daunting, so I love to shop from my computer.  Let me know if you find something nice for Easter.

Preemie Babies and Holidays

         As Spring approaches, along with Easter and Passover, many families enjoy having the whole family over for dinner and other traditional activities.  If you have just brought home a preemie baby, there are things you may not know that makes bringing a preemie home different than bringing a full-term newborn home.

            Two of my  preemie granddaughters were born in November and were in the NICU for about 3 weeks.  As a result, our holiday plans were changed.  Alexis was born Nov. 22 and her mother spent Thanksgiving with her in the NICU.  We were afraid we might not have her home by Christmas and cancelled some other plans for family get-togethers until well after the first of the year.

             If your baby is still in the hospital over the Spring holidays it can be a very emotional time for the parents, and other children in the family.  Mommy will probably spend part or most of the Holiday  with the baby, and the rest of the family may or may not be allowed into the NICU.  

          The most questions come up when you have brought a preemie baby home from the hospital just in time for the holidays.  Everyone wants to come see the baby, hold the baby, and kiss the baby.  What do you do?

        Preemies are much more susceptible to germs than full-term babies.  Although mothers have always been cautioned not to take the baby out into crowds for several weeks, I see more and more tiny newborns out at Wal-mart and other places during the holidays.  You definitely do NOT want to do this with your preemie.  Here is some good information from the University of Wisconsin Medical School website. 

”When your baby gets home there will be many well meaning people who want to come and visit. Some things to keep in mind are:

• People with colds or the flu will have to visit at a later date.
• Your premature baby will be more sensitive to stimulation and may do better if not held or only held for a limited time by one person.
• You can limit the number of people who visit at one time and limit the amount of time they visit.
• Don't let people drink hot liquids or smoke and hold the baby at the same time.
• Remember you are your baby's best advocate. It is okay to say that your doctor said it is not good to have visitors until your baby is a little older. “

         It is also recommended that you not take your baby out in public places for about three months after you bring him home.  This can be a very long time to be “stuck” inside with a baby, so you need to find some help. Hopefully your own parents, or other trusted friends will be available to watch the baby for a couple of hours so that you can do your , or just get out for a little while.  Mommy and Daddy still need a little time for themselves too, so try to get someone to watch the baby for just a little bit, take a walk, go get a cup of coffee, or just spend some time on the couch together.

         As far as Holiday get-togethers, it will probably be best to wait until next year.  By that time everyone will be able to participate.