If you’re pregnant and looking for a much deserved fun night out I highly recommend Pregnant Pause.
I went to one of these events when I was preggo with Vivian and enjoyed the fancy N/A drinks and - those 3 magic words - fabulous door prizes.
(this is happening the same night as Mom’s Night Out - so May and I can’t make it) You can read the press release below for more information.

Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Hosts Pregnant Pause Event, May 7
April 24, 2009 (Minneapolis) – The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS) – in partnership with OptumHealth — will host Pregnant Pause, an event designed to educate women about healthy pregnancies and create awareness about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, on Thursday, May 7.
The free event for expectant mothers will be held at the Metropolitan Ballroom from 6 – 8 p.m., and will be hosted by WCCO Radio’s Susie Jones. While there is no charge, attendees must pre-register at www.optumhealth.com/pregnantpause. In addition to providing valuable information about staying healthy during pregnancy, Pregnant Pause will feature a maternity fashion show, a non-alcoholic drink contest and prizes – including strollers, cribs and high chairs – as well as other activities throughout the evening.
“We’re thrilled to be teaming up with OptumHealth to educate women about keeping themselves and their babies healthy during pregnancy,” said Sara Messelt, executive director of MOFAS. “Pregnant Pause is a great opportunity to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, which are 100 percent preventable.”
MOFAS was founded in 1998 with the goal of eliminating birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy and improving the quality of life for those individuals and families affected. MOFAS works within communities to provide resources and support for families living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. For more information, visit www.mofas.org.

And what a lovely site! We KNOW you guys love baby name discussion and baby name inspiration. Navigate around this site below and have fun - try names in different fonts and backgrounds, check out celeb baby names or even other wordly inspired names from Harry Potter or Star Trek.

Enjoy!

whatalovelyname.com

I had one of those - slap your head “Why didn’t I think of that!? ” moments when reading about Rachel Swardson Wenham’s new venture “Go Home Gorgeous” - in CJ’s column yesterday. And WHY didn’t someone come up with this earlier (like when I was giving birth!?)
Her business provides spa treatments to new moms in their hospital room. They also provide pampering gift packages and night/baby nurses to help new parents get some much needed support and rest when they get home.

I still have an hour massage certificate given with best intentions to be used for postpartum pampering. Now it’s over a year later and I have yet to find the time to redeem it. Her service brings spa treatments right to mom in the recovery room or home. Smart. And to celebrate finally being able to see your toes again, you can get a pedicure - or as they call it a bedicure.

Great idea!

________

After my first postpartum stay in the hospital I learned a few things about self pampering - it’s a hospital not a hotel (even though you get room service). There are no nifty little shampoos and conditioners in the bathroom. With #2 I made sure to pack some little Aveda travel size shampoos and my Thymes body wash to make me feel a little special and aromatherapied. Let’s face it those lovely (not) floral hospital smocks smell medicinal and chloriney. And childbirth? You gotta lather up afterwards. The wafer of soap they provide just doesn’t do the trick. Pack some things that make you feel somewhat luxurious be it lipstick or your favorite shower gel or lotion.
Other recommendation? A chocolate shake! You may not be hungry afterwards and hospital food - is well, hospital food. You need to replenish the calories - get a shake or a smoothie. That was the best “push present” I received.

For those of you who are looking to pack your own hospital bag or have in the past - what things did you pack for your own comfort/pampering?

I know we’re well into 2009 - and you’re probably tired of looking back at 2008 - but here we go anyway. I know everyone lurves to talk those baby names.
So thought we’d share the latest from Parents.com Top 50 Baby Names for Boys and Girls. here

What names do you have waiting for your next? Or what leftovers names would you like to share? It seems like there is a whole new batch of expectant parents reading who will appreciate ideas and inspiration I’m sure!

Kara McGuire of KaChing and KaBlog wrote a great post last Friday The Bailout Baby Bust. She links to an LA Times article about couples holding off on having babies due to the economy. As we’ve probably all heard - if you hold off until the “right time” to have kids - you never will.
A very Cribsheet-worthy discussion indeed.
Are the uncertain times making you think twice about or postponing adding to your family?