Tummy Tub Bath Party

Last night we had a Baby Bath party, featuring a really cool European-style bath, called a "Tummy Tub".

I was really excited to use this tub from Tummy Tubs USA with Gabriella. Lately, she has been really irritated at bath time. I felt that she would like being back in a womb-like situation surrounded by warm water and supporting walls.

The tub is perfect in design for both mom and baby. It's made with durable plastic (BPA-free) and is self-supporting.

Although the tub comes with a clear instruction page complete with illustrations, Janis McKeller, at Tummy Tubs, also directed me to their YouTube site which features several videos of Tummy Tubs in use.

In order to prepare for our Tummy Tub Bath Party, I set out everything needed for bathing Gabriella beside me.

Two of my favorite bath time products are:

• Johnson's Bedtime Bath
• Johnson's Bedtime Lotion

These products calm the baby and ready her for a bed time massage.

As we started bath time, I cradled Gabriella so she would be comfortable. I followed directions, holding her with my arm supporting her body, and placing her over the tub so she could see it.

I then guided her into the tub bottom first. As Gabriella touched the water she got nervous and tried to stand up.

I guided her back into the water by folding her legs in front of her as I let her adjust to the water.

Because it was Gabby's bed time and she hadn't been nursed, she was reluctant to cooperate. After several tries to calm her into the sitting position, I let her stand up, and eventually wrapped her in a warm towel to nurse.

Overall, the experience was a good one. I was able to get more comfortable and gain more confidence using the tub.

Some of my favorite benefits of this tub are:

• The womb-like shape of the tub
• The small amount of water needed to bathe baby
• The easy clean up of the tub
• Portability (baby can be washed anywhere in the home)
  

I look forward to our second day with the tub. Today, we were just "getting familiar!"

We're Going to the Zoo Zoo Zoo!

Thanks to the YMCA, we enjoyed a fun filled health focused day at the Nashville Zoo!

They provided obstacle courses, races, blow up bouncers, smoothies, face painting, free plants, dancing, hula hooping, and more. All for the kids!

Our family had a great time celebrating YMCA's Kid's Health Day 2010 there.

The girls were pooped by the time we left and hubby and I were blessed to have a quiet ride home in the car! (those are rare)

Both girls had a blast and I hope this video will be one sweet memory of the many days we'll visit the zoo together!

Especially now...we're members!!! (how could one resist?)

Not a member of your local zoo? What are you waiting for?

Click here to Find a Zoo Near You!

Search the Zoo Directory for zoos, zoological gardens, animal parks, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries and more.

Enjoy!

Baby Play Dates

Recently, we had a little baby play date for Gabriella, Isabella, and Anniston (my friend Jayne's new baby), and we decided a day in the park would be nice.

At first thought, a baby play date seems like a lot of trouble, but it turns out the time spent was fun, the location was great, and the preparation was minimal.

We really enjoyed getting together with the other family and the babies. They were born a little less than two months apart, and I enjoyed seeing my friend as a new mother. We talked a little mom stuff, a little baby stuff, and the dads took Isabella to the playground.

Oh, and we ate really good.

Well, they ate really good. I was toddler chasing and nursing for the most part.

But it was fun, and I'm glad I let my hair down and did it.

What made the event so easy for me was sharing the responsibilities with my friend. We each pitched in and brought yummy goodies to share.

I'm patting myself on the back (and hubby's back as well), because it's so easy to simply stay home, pop in a movie, and bounce baby on our laps.

Next time, I'm going a step further and inviting even more little ones.

The more the merrier, right?! (raising eyebrow)

Feeling brave and interested in hosting your own "Baby Play Date"? Click here for some great tips to help get you started!

The Masters With Daddy!