Focus on What's Important

I hope everyone had a nice weekend.  Saturday's weather was nice for the most part until Mother Nature snapped and let loose!  Almost without warning the wind picked up and the rain came down, like she was holding it in and just couldn't take it anymore!  I can relate as I am sure most moms can too.  Even Mother Nature can't hold it together all the time.

I just finished reading a great book entitled "I was a really good mom before I had kids" by Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile.  It's an easy read, lots of fun and I learned a couple things.  The authours, both moms themselves, recognize how hard it is to be a mom and how sometimes, we make it harder on ourselves than it needs to be.  Whether we like it or not, there is a lot of competition among mothers.  I don't think anyone sets out to be competitive, usually it's friendly conversation amongst friends and other parents, but then the comparisons start. Well Bobby is walking so shouldn't Sophie be walking too?  So and so is already taking piano lessons... is my child missing out?  Am I denying her the chance to become the next Mozart?  Take a deep breath, relax.  Give your child a hug, that's all they really want.  They could care less about whether you bake cookies for their class or buy them.  Realistically speaking most have to be pre-packaged anyway due to allergies!  

Some of the time it is hard to focus on what's really important.  We have too much on the go and just don't take the time to slow down and see what we really need.  Edit your to do list, prioritize what's left, involve your spouse in helping you and schedule some time for yourself.  Whatever you don't get done you can worry about later, it will still be there!  If it never gets done, who cares!  Likely no one will know but you!

Take it easy!

Back in the spring of things!

First off, I want to apologize for not blogging for so long! I think I had a case of the blahs. Luckily the weather has turned consistently better and I will try and stay on top of it.

Yesterday was Earth Day. It was nice to see everyone outside, groups of school children out picking up trash and even adults who would otherwise be holed up in their offices out and about. Major grocery stores introduced a new policy of charging 5 cents per plastic bag that they hope will encourage customers to bring reusable bags with them when they shop. Many of our customers often bring their own bags with them into the store, there are some cute ones that compactly fit into even the smallest of handbags.

Cloth diapering continues to grow in popularity. There are many choices and options available from traditional pre-folds to all in one one size fits everyone. It is certainly a more economical route than disposable diapers and much more earth friendly. If you're curious about cloth diapering options, stop by and check them out.

Klean Kanteens are back in stock too, lots of sizes and colours to choose from. Eliminate plastic bottles, just refill your KK at home!

With the nice weather upon us, leave your car and go for a walk. We have many carriers to choose from, there is one for everyone! Babywearing is a great way to bond with your child and a great workout too!

That's all for now! Enjoy the beautiful weather on it's way to us!

Mommy Monday

Our first Mommy Monday was a great success.  Mommies and their babes got together and met some new friends and ran into some old ones.  Such a nice mix of ladies, already they are planning their own walking group.  Way to go!

It's hard adjusting to life as a parent.  No longer do you come and go as you please.  You're at the whim of a little person who may not even know what they want- frustrating!  It's so much easier to deal with when you have someone to share your frustration (and happiness) with who understands exactly what's going on.  They may not have the answers, but you can debate about sweet potatoes over cereal, green beans over yellow, pacifier or not, and so on.  Mom friends are a great resource, not just for information but for your sanity too!  

I hope all the mommies do get together on their own.  Join a program together or just head out for a walk in the nice weather.  We're looking forward to our next Mommy Monday, maybe it will become a monthly occurrence.  Let us know your thoughts or if you'd like to join us!  Pictures are posted on our Offspring Baby Facebook group.  Enjoy! 

Spring Cleaning

The warm sun seems to be encouraging people to shed layers and leave their homes.  It's wonderful to hear the chirping of birds and happiness of children's laughter outside again.  

We continue to receive new stock.  West Coast Baby is back again, lots of colours and styles to choose from.  Nappy Rash from Matter is back and we've got great pacifier holders on their way to us!  

Now is a good time to take a quick look at your stroller and give it a wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any salt that may have built up over the winter.  Check your owner's manual to see what type of lubricant is recommended and give the wheels a little squirt to keep things running smoothly after the winter.  Even our strollers can use a little TLC!

Sunshine and Mommy Mondays

The bright sun shining today is making me feel much happier, I know the
temperature will drop tonight but this weekend is supposed to be beautiful! I can't wait! The warm weather makes it so much easier to go outside, fewer layers and much less cold and slippery. Now it's just the muck to contend with!

New products continue to roll in as we gear up for spring. We're going to try something new as well. We've noticed that many of our customers are home throughout the day with their new babies so we're planning an opportunity for our new mommies to get to know one another. Maybe have a play date or at least someone to talk to who is going through the same experience. The first Mommy Monday will be Monday March 23rd at the store from 3 to 5 pm. If you're a new mommy and want to meet others, feel free to drop by! Just give us a call 519-653-2927 and let us know you're coming.....I believe munchies are in order!

As Wubzy said " Ask for a little help!"

This morning as my daughter was watching her Saturday morning toons on Treehouse TV, Wow Wow Wubzy! had a very fitting message..... when you need something, don't do it on your own, "Ask for a little help!"  And so, here we are....

As you know, Offspring Baby is a family owned and operated business born out of necessity right here in Cambridge.  As we grow to meet the needs of our customers, we are looking at extending our family too.  We're looking for a part time staff member who cares as much about customer satisfaction as we do.  Willing to go that extra mile for our customers and stay on top of the ever changing and growing baby and toddler market, our ideal staff member is courteous, knowledgeable and flexible.  Previous sales experience an asset, but not necessary.

Please send your resume by email to info@offspringbaby.com or drop it off in person at the store.  Thanks for helping!

Spring is in the Air

I know it is not here to stay but it is 18 degrees Celsius outside right now! It has been great to have the door open all day to let in some fresh air and once again hear the sounds of people emerging from their houses that swallowed them whole for the winter months. 

Thinking of Spring, there are many new products in the store that people may find helpful now that we can think about being out and about again. 

Dwink is one of those simple yet ingenious mom inventions that make you wonder why none of us thought it before now. Founder, Yvonne Huang, puts it simply enough, "I invented the dwink box because I was tired of telling my kids, 'careful, don't squeeze it, don't squeeze it!' With handles to hold onto and an opening that will hold almost every type of juice box, it won't solve all of life's problems but you have to start somewhere!

Baby Safe Feeder is a great way to introduce solids to your little one without having to worry about them being a choking hazard. Just put your favorite fresh fruits into the mesh bag and attach the ring. Use frozen fruit when your little one is cutting teeth and you have an instant teether.

BabyHawk Mei Tai Carriers are the newest addition to our ever growing carrier/sling collection and are currently on their way to us from California to us! Custom designed for the style conscious parent these asian inspired carriers are sure to meet both your need for free hands and fashion.