The Knot Inc. Acquires "The Bump'' and Expands Position in the Baby Market

It has been reported today that The Bump Media, Inc, publisher of The Bump local magazine and website dedicated to pregnancy and first time parents, has been acquired by The Knot Inc., a leading lifestage media company targeting couples planning their weddings and future lives together.

Currently, The Bump local magazine is distributed in 13 major metropolitan areas and contains all the resources needed for any expectant and first time-parents. From baby gear to maternity clothes and health and fitness, you will find what you need for all things pregnancy and baby.

For those not located in one of the cities currently receiving The Bump local magazine, thebump.com website provides all of the national resources and suppliers available to all cities in the U.S.

The website features a nationally recognized panel of experts discussing topics such as: pregnancy planning, nursery design, nutrition, and beauty, just to name a few.

Featured articles provide insight on the life and trends of moms-to-be, tips on traveling, child care, and more.

You can also get great reading resources by checking out The Bump's online bookstore. The collection of books offered are some of the hottest most relevant and hip resources on the market.

Check out thebump.com, and join for free to get the e-newsletter, updates, and invitations to events throughout the year!

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Babies in the Womb on the Waiting List

Back before Bella was born and I was considering the best childcare options I was faced with waiting list after waiting list. I was actually hoping and praying that she would be born at the perfect time.

That time would have been when all of the one year olds were graduating into the next level.

That's your only option for trying to get the best care these days. It's either get on the waiting list as soon as you get pregnant and get into a childcare facility with a first-class feel or chill out for nine months, have your baby, and then send them straight to coach.

Who wants to sit in coach?

Well, these days it doesn't end there, because once you get into the most sought after facility for the itty-bitties, you then have to get them set up for the best pre-school, then private kindergarten.

That's the latest battle we're fighting as parents. Well, when do you know how far to take it? Is there a limit to the waiting list?

I guess it all depends.

Check out the blog on the Wall Street Journal as a mother shares her similar experience.

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Keeping it "Chatty"

Ok, could this be any more appropriate for me?

Today at work we had our biannual sales conference and this little "chatty" was used to promote an upcoming product. When I first saw it I thought, "Oh, how cute." Then a moment passed and I realized, "Oh, how ME!"

It's my new thing now...

It couldn't have come from a better place either. I'm constantly "chatting" to any and everyone about the next best thing or my latest greatest purchase, from Bella's designer baby hangers by Joy Mangano to my Oil of Olay In Shower Lotion. It's even been speculated whether I get kickbacks on stuff, but there are none. It's just me doing what I do best.

Hello, I am a "Chatty" Momma


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Free Shipping for "Mom-to-Be!"

Are you a "Mom-to-Be"?

If so, you should take advantage of this totally awesome promotion that just launched by Mothers Work.

A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity, Motherhood Maternity, and Destination Maternity, are offering free-shipping to expectant mothers for any sizes you can't find in the store.

Where was this sweet deal when I was waddling down the streets just a short time ago with Bella in womb?

Free-shipping changes everything!

What a fabulous opportunity to "Shop 'til You Drop", and keep the look of becoming a mom "Smokin' Hot!"

This is great, because a lot of stores that are easy to get to and have stock on hand are struggling in the "Keep it Cute" department. Sure their clothes are often lower priced, but you might as well wear a burlap sack, because the garments are cut so square and are just so general.

A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity, Motherhood Maternity, and Destination Maternity are known for their cute styles and the transition from small to large is subtle. You can look great from beginning to end without the hassle of trying to find a new solution to the new 20 pounds you're towing.

Don't look BIG, look FABULOUS!

I'm excited since a new Motherhood Maternity just opened less than 2 minutes from me. You know where I'll be spending my next pregnancy!

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Baby Mine

I can't help but be soooooooooooooo "Emo" right now. The time has finally come and it's hard to breath.

My mom has just packed up all of Bella's baby things for me to take home since she has outgrown them all. (tears)

The realization that the beautiful little newborn/baby stage has ended and the terrors of toddlerville are sinking in. I have everything all packed up in a garbage bag, and I'll be leaving my folks house tonight looking like a pathetic hobo.

You know the circus clown who has the sad look, baggy pants, and a tear running down his face? Well, much like that, but cuter!

Why God, do they grow up so fast?

Just yesterday I was rocking her and kissing her little hands. Now today I'm guarding my jaw 'cause she smacks so hard when you get close to her. She has some great aim by the way!

Well, times like these always have theme music, so imagine my actions of gathering up her things and walking to the door to take her home tonight as the song "Baby Mine", sung by Bette Midler, in the movie Beaches plays.

(try not to cry, okay)

Baby Mine
Bette Midler

Baby mine, don't you cry.
Baby mine, dry your eyes.
Rest your head close to my heart,
never to part, baby of mine.

Little one, when you play,
pay no heed what they say.
Let your eyes sparkle and shine,
never a tear, baby of mine.

If they knew all about you,
they'd end up loving you, too.
All those same people who scold you,
what they'd give just for the right to hold you.

From your hair down to your toes,
you're not much, goodness knows.
But, you're so precious to me,
sweet as can be, baby of mine.

I love you "Baby Bella"

Elmo Doll Makes Death Threats Against Toddler

Have you heard?

The Elmo doll belonging to a little boy named James Bowman made death treats against him after his parents replaced the doll's batteries.

The child's doll started saying, "Kill James!"

How morbid! Not the doll itself (although weird), but the freak who programmed it to do such a thing.

Poor James. He'll remember this.

...and Fischer-Price has only offered to correct this problem with a voucher to exchange the Elmo doll for a new one.

Go figure.

If a Fisher-Price toy threatens to kill your child would you actually want another one?

As far as I'm concerned, they owe a lot more than a voucher to keep the Bowman family's loyalty!!!

Maybe now is a perfect time for other toy manufacturers to send Jack some of their non-offensive, kid safe, mother-approved toys to play with!!!

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Happy Birthday "Chatty Daddy!"

...and many more!!!


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Parents: The Anti-Drug

Calling all "Chatty Mommas". I've got something for you to chat about!

Of course you know that I only have a baby and no teens YET, because if I did, some of the pictures you'd see here would be of me hosting the largest slumber parties imagineable, and I'd be the one with the fuzzy pink slippers, rollers, and zit cream, right in the middle of my girls and her friends!

Why, you ask?

Because, not only do I believe in kids having a great time, but I believe in parents being involved and in the know.

I was very fortunate growing up to have a mom who modeled a drug and alcohol free lifestyle for me, but yet she partied HARD! Me and my friends enjoyed having her around. She was my mom first and foremost, but she's always been a friend that I could trust too.

She made life fun for me and my siblings with a great sense of humor and an armload of records! A party at our house was the norm, but it didn't include anything more that music, food, and close friends.

Drugs and alcohol had no place in our lives.

The latest drug craze today is much deeper than it used to be in my day. (weed and beer are things of the past...they actually cost money!)

Kids have found an alternative.

That's why now more than ever before parents need to have deep and trusting relationships with their children. More importantly we must always lead by example!

Parents who abuse drugs are more likely to have kids that do the same.

The pusher that used to lurk on city corners or in the bathrooms of high schools is now living in our medicine cabinets, inviting kids to try dangerous  prescription drugs in the privacy of their own homes...FOR FREE!

No money. No problem...

What a nightmare.

Well, recently I received information to share with parents who are trying to combat this abuse and I hope you find it useful in your home:

ONDCP, just launched a new campaign this week to combat teen prescription drug abuse. Unfortunately, growing numbers of teens are abusing prescription and over the counter (OTC) drugs to get high or for other effects. Many teens say these drugs are not only easy to get, but also that they think they are a safe way to get high.

 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHS), every day 2,500 youth age 12 to 17 abuse a pain reliever for the very first time. The SAMHS also finds:

• More teens abuse prescription drugs than any illicit drug except marijuana
• In 2006, more than 2.1 million teens ages 12 to 17 reported abusing prescription drugs
• Among 12- and 13-year-olds, prescription drugs are the drug of choice

To address this growing problem of teen prescription drug abuse, ONDCP has launched a campaign – complete with a Super Bowl ad, no less – to help parents and communities combat this troubling trend.

 

The centerpiece of the campaign is the new Rx Drug section on http://www.theantidrug.com which features an interactive house tour which highlights locations where teens can find prescription and OTC drugs, tips for parents on how to prevent abuse, and much more.

 

ONDCP Deputy Director Mike Burns has put together a quick rundown of the issue and what parents can do here: 

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/02/prweb671263.htm

 

Please be sure to check out Mike's Q&A and the interactive house tour and Super Bowl ad at www.theantidrug.com.

Get to know your child better by having a healthy relationship with them. 

Show them how to have fun without drugs.

Lead by example!!!

Ah...So Many Calls, So Little Time

"Uh, yeah...have your people call my people."

Who does "Miss Bella" think she is?

I can't imagine how much the phone bill would be for all of her calls if her phone was real!

She'd have to take a part-time job in addition to her full-time position as "Princess" in order to pay it off.

Then she wouldn't get ANY nap time. (Not that she's taking them these days.


Chatty Momma: "Quick, somebody call the Nap Warden!"

Bella: "He-woh" (hello)



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Valentine's Day 2008

We all know this situation is bull. We don't even say "clicker" instead of remote control anymore!

; )

Happy Valentine's Day!

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An interesting article from the latest issue of BrandWeek about moms and information sharing, landed on my desk today, and I thought I would share it with all of you "Chatty Mommas" out there.

I know you can relate to a certain extent to the article being as though we all share information with each other daily.

Thank God for mommas who are "Chatty"! I learn a lot from all of you.

February 04, 2008-Cyber Moms Search For Peers, Not Medical Journals

Move over, Dr. Spock. You, too, Dr. Mom. Today, new and expectant mothers are seeking out other "experts"—namely their peers and their own guts.

According to research conducted by Thecradle.com, there is an emerging group of moms who are shying away from the exalted expert or all-knowing alpha mom approach (becoming an authority by reading every available fear-inducing book and top-Googled parenting Web site).

Instead, there is a segment of women who are gaining the confidence to trust their own maternal instincts and the wisdom of other women who are at a similar lifestage.

Nearly 80% of the 3,000 or so respondents to The Cradle's survey said they are involved in an online social community, and one in four pregnant women said they participate or check out online message boards.

The survey identified different types of moms who seek online parenting advice from their peers. They are:

1. The lost and lonely mom: She's dealing with something that's thrown her normal confident self off and is reaching out to other people.

2. The second time around mom: While she's been there before, a lot of things have changed since she had her last baby. In a crowded new-mom marketplace, she's seeking other mom's input about such topics like which is the best stroller brand?

3. The career climber: She's busy with her career and wants advice so she can handle her new mom role with equal efficiency.

4. The smilin' and stylin' mom: She's been glowing from the day they found out she was pregnant and can't wait to shop for baby clothes.

Silence is Golden

Okay, okay...my silent streak has ended, and "Chatty Momma" is feeling quite chatty!

First and foremost, I have to say, "Thanks for noticing!"

I've received several "Where are you?" emails, and I know you just can't wait to hear all I've been holding back on during the past few weeks of silence.

Well, preparate!

For those of you who don't speak Spanish, prepare yourselves!

"Chatty Momma" is back...

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