It's been a while, I apologize for slipping off the globe for a while. I have so much to catch up on.
We were side swiped a week ago by a little thing called life.
I went it to have a hernia repaired for the second time, and while I was recovering we received a call that my oldest child and only son was having trouble walking, standing, sitting, etc. It's been a really rough week.
He was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon, but still has months of recovery to go. The doctors have said he has a virus induced kind of Ataxia. This means he has lost most of his muscle control making it hard for him to do anything on his own requiring muscle coordination from walking to talking.
It's been a pretty devastating week in someways and so uplifting in others, we've never felt the Grace and peace of God as I have this week, seen His hand in all of the healing that is taking place in Jonah, and seen his people move as Christ would have. Supporting us and praying for us like I've never experienced.
It will likely take him a few months to fully recover from the Ataxia. There are no medications or treatments that will cure this, only time and some physical therapy. And of course prayer!!!!
Other than that I apologize for seeming to be so irresponsible in responding to emails and getting those samples mailed off! I am so excited about getting our name out, but obviously some things come first! Thanks in advance for your understanding!
I also have a flip video review to post and one for Fuzzibuns as well...both I can't wait to get to! Those will be coming in the next few weeks or so.
for more posts on Jonah you can visit: http://hawaiianheldts.xanga.com/weblog
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Go with the ERGO
Last week I received my ERGObaby carrier to review for the blog. I was so excited and truly it couldn't have come at a better time. We were literally on our way out the door for a walk up to the park with the kids and I couldn't find my Mei Tai anywhere! I thought, "This would be the perfect time for the ERGO to arrive!" And with that I spontaneously checked the mail...and it had arrived!
I tore into the box as quickly as possible and started pulling things out. The wonderful ERGO team had not only sent me the carrier to try out but the backpack and front pack as well! I'll admit, when I first inspected the carrier I was a bit nervous about all the buckles. I am a ring sling girl at heart and I love the ease and simplicity of those, so the Ergo seemed a little complicated. My second thought was "How do I get this on all by myself????" But as I have learned with every kind of carrier, you need to 1) read the instructions and 2) Practice!
After reading the instructions and looking at their Video Instructions I had Gracia in and we were ready to go in minutes! You MUST check out their video instructions, they are incredibly helpful and take a lot of the struggle and guess work out of getting used to a new carrier! Here is our maiden voyage:
I know Gracia looks a little grumpy but she's happy I promise! She didn't fuss at all, like she does when I put her in the Mei Tai! She was so comfortable and cozy she didn't kick or grumble on bit! The padding on the leg rails is so soft and yet still pretty compact.
SO it took a little practice, but by the end of the day I had her in the front, back and side, without any help from Dave! I tried a few different ways of wearing here and really love the back carry. And honestly this is the only carrier that she will comfortably be worn on the back without fussing!
I also really like how comfortable the shoulder straps are as well as the waist strap. After wearing the carrier for an extended time hiking, I can honestly say my back and shoulders felt no strain! The padding around the waist actually feels good, like a back support! Gracia's legs also showed no sign of being uncomfortable of having marks from her sitting.
The ERGObaby carrier is a really great carrier. I used in many times and in different situations before writing this review so I could get a good idea of the positives and negatives of this carrier. After talking to a few other people about this carrier, I found that shorter people (I'm 5'3") have a hard time with this carrier. I did have a hard time nursing Gracia, though losening the carrier and wearing it around my hips a little lower helped her get into the right position. This carrier is also not meant for full figured Men or Women. My husband is 6" and about 190 and it just barely fit him. I didn't find any information on the website addressing any sizing or special ordering. So maybe in the future that could be an option!
If you are at all looking for a carrier for hiking, exercising or just wearing around the house, this is a great choice for many people! The ERGO website is a great resource for a variety of subjucts from attatchment parenting to positive discipline, it even has some ideas on how to exersize with the ERGO!
I hope this review helped! I know it was a bit lengthy but I want to make sure my readers get a complete idea of the product!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Beach fun 101
So yesterday we decided to go to the beach spur of the moment. I packed a quick lunch, threw everything in the stroller and off we went! I always wish I could somehow snap a photo of all of us strolling down there, just for my own memory of what we must look like, Gracia in the sling the kids in the stroller....crazy Mom pushing these little ones....
I think it was the best time I've had taking the kids to the beach by myself ever. It was so fun we stayed for almost 4 hours! They are all getting to the age that is comfortable for me to actually be with them without worrying (too much) about them getting sucked away! Jonah is so good at keeping his head afloat and doggy paddling, this summer will be great for teaching him how to kick and paddle. And Ellie has finally gotten over her fear of the water. It's amazing to see her playing around in the shore break! And Gracia, she is the one I worry the most about, she is so quick and loves the water so much I have to be very watchful, without fear she just rushes the shore break, my little big wave surfer! But she also very content when I have her in the water sling and we are just wading along in the surf. Of course water slings aren't completely hands free because of their stretchy quality. But they are great when you have a handful of little ones to take care of!
I had the time to just sit and watch them and take photos without barking orders at them. It was so peaceful! Not that I was lounging and kicking back but it was honestly the best time I've had with them. Everyone was happy and content and enjoying God's creation for what it is. We even took a little walk along the tide pools and collected tons of sea snails and hermit crabs! Love those things! They are so cute and so brave, just like my little Ellie who quickly holds her hand out for a hermit crab experience!
Ellie made a new game jumping from a rock into the shore break. Of course Jonah joined in and then Gracie wanted a little bit of the action...she doesn't like to be left out you know! It was so neat to see her bravery and comfort with the water coming out. We've waited so long for that!
After our long day we strapped eveyone in. Got Gracia back in the Mei Tai had headed home. She peacefully fell asleep as my walking jiggled her. I have discovered my love for the Mei Tai's ease it is to take a sleeping baby from this carrier.
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Ultra from Flip Video
A whole new world is opening up to us here at Keiki Kuddlerz! We are going to start video recording our instructions with the new Ultra Flip Video Camcorder! It's small, stylish and easy to use! Here are some of the specs taken off the website::
Simple to Shoot
Simple to Share
I've highted a few of the things I am excited about if not ALL of it!
I can't wait to be able to show you how to use your sling correctly and quickly on video! Every Mom should be excited about this video camera, who doesn't need an easy to use, easy to edit, high quality video camera?? I plan on setting up and learning the Ultraflip without the help of my husband to prove to all you Mom's just how easy it is to play with!
What do I have in store for the Ultra?::
- Video Instructions for slings of all kinds
- Video footage of us exploring the Islands while baby wearing or strolling!
- Video footage of any other new products I get the privileged of reviewing for the blog!
- Video footage of my adorable children doing what they do best.....create chaos!!!
Friday, May 29, 2009
How it all Began
So I am sure some are wondering..."How did this all being?" So I thought I would revisit the past a little and do a historical post of my experience of slinging.
This little face was my inspiration. She looks sweet doesn't she? And she is! However, she was quite a Momma's girl as a baby. She was, shall we say, attached at the "nip". Now if she was my first child, it would have been fine, but she was my second. With my son being only 18 months old, well that created a little struggle for a Mom with only 2 arms! She didn't want to be put down she didn't want Daddy, she just wanted me! And while I was thrilled beyond belief to have the unconditional love of a daughter.....I had laundry piling up! Dog hair gathering football sized monster hair balls on the rug! And dinner, you know a family has to eat!
While I was perusing blogs online I saw a Mom wearing her baby! What was that thing? My heart started racing, the ideas started swirling around in my creative little head....had....to....HAVE ONE! SO naturally I started googling like crazy and found slings! But they were OH so expensive and oh so boring!! I am an Artist! I need color and pizazz! My heart dropped, my countenance fell....could it be true? Would I be stuck with the Bjorn forever? (No offense to Bjorn lovers but neither of my kids like it!) Out of the corner of my eye I saw something while flash. What was that? Oh yes I DO own a sewing machine! After googling some more I found sites that offered free instructions on how to make Ring Slings!
It took me less than 24 hours to get all the supplies I needed in order and start sewing. Yes I was determined, but I also can't stop until I have satisfyed the creative ideas that boil and bubble within! Two changes I made imediatly were to line the sling and use fun Hawaiian print material. I didn't want to see the wrong side of the fabric since I had chosen 2 (to start with) that were colorful! So I chose a cheap flannel liner and went with that. It seemed logical that baby would want to be next to something soft!
My first sling came together within a few hours, sitting at my kitchen table humming away while the kids slept I could hardly wait until they got up to try it out! I did a crazy pleat around the rings that was a little tricky and bulky, but it worked for all intents and purposes! There was a lot of extra material so I was determined to make a few changes when I started on the next one. But you know? My daughter fell asleep thevery first time I put her in the cradle position. Within minutes! That happened often in fact! I was sold. I mean completely and totally sold!
From that point on I wanted to wear My daughter all the time. I was looking for reasons to leave the house just so I could put her in the sling! The very next day I tried making another sling, changing a few more things on it. I tried the padding, but wasn't a fan, tried something new and eventually went back to the open tail. Played with the folding and stitching around the rings.
It took months and many slings before I finally settled on the style that we make today. ALthough I come from a rather Entrupreunurial family I never really considered making them to sell. I selfishly just wanted one for me! Though I ended up with a lot more than one! But the response I was getting both publically and online was overwhelming! I was getting requests from all over! How could I say no?? I loved slinging, and I wanted to spread the sling love! I had a few goals though. Along with being stylish and colorful, I wanted the craftsmanship to be something I could be proud of. I also wanted the slings to be strong, sturdy and safe. And most of all I wanted them to be affordable for parents of all price ranges.
So there was a lot of thinking, planning and deciding to do. I needed to combine some of these basic goals and create a truly awesome affordable sling. And I think we accomplished that!
Eventually we even added toy tags and inseam pockets, and started lining the slings with 100% cotton instead of just flannel. Many hours went into making what I think is the perfect Ring Sling. Something that could be used for the long term, in many positions and have some fun options to go along with them!
Then I started getting even more creative experimenting with different materials. I tried making water slings out of bathing suit material (a new line will be hitting the website in a few weeks!). And again fell in love! Ellie was not a water baby and loved being held at the beach as well. That can be hard to do when you have a spastic 2 year old that thinks he can dive in when ever he wants! But with a comfy, stretchy, fast drying sling you can get wet and not worry about.....no problem!
Then there are the beautiful brocades for special occasions or just a more stylish hip look. These are gorgeous and make wearing your baby truly a fashion accessory!
And for cooler climates why not try fleece? It can be a little stretchy and need more adjusting, but it's so soft and so comfy for baby as well while keeping them warm!
So you see we've come quite a long way! And the progress doens't stop there! The ideas that float around in this little head of mine eventually need to come out! And it happens in the way of something fun and functional!
This little face was my inspiration. She looks sweet doesn't she? And she is! However, she was quite a Momma's girl as a baby. She was, shall we say, attached at the "nip". Now if she was my first child, it would have been fine, but she was my second. With my son being only 18 months old, well that created a little struggle for a Mom with only 2 arms! She didn't want to be put down she didn't want Daddy, she just wanted me! And while I was thrilled beyond belief to have the unconditional love of a daughter.....I had laundry piling up! Dog hair gathering football sized monster hair balls on the rug! And dinner, you know a family has to eat!
While I was perusing blogs online I saw a Mom wearing her baby! What was that thing? My heart started racing, the ideas started swirling around in my creative little head....had....to....HAVE ONE! SO naturally I started googling like crazy and found slings! But they were OH so expensive and oh so boring!! I am an Artist! I need color and pizazz! My heart dropped, my countenance fell....could it be true? Would I be stuck with the Bjorn forever? (No offense to Bjorn lovers but neither of my kids like it!) Out of the corner of my eye I saw something while flash. What was that? Oh yes I DO own a sewing machine! After googling some more I found sites that offered free instructions on how to make Ring Slings!
It took me less than 24 hours to get all the supplies I needed in order and start sewing. Yes I was determined, but I also can't stop until I have satisfyed the creative ideas that boil and bubble within! Two changes I made imediatly were to line the sling and use fun Hawaiian print material. I didn't want to see the wrong side of the fabric since I had chosen 2 (to start with) that were colorful! So I chose a cheap flannel liner and went with that. It seemed logical that baby would want to be next to something soft!
My first sling came together within a few hours, sitting at my kitchen table humming away while the kids slept I could hardly wait until they got up to try it out! I did a crazy pleat around the rings that was a little tricky and bulky, but it worked for all intents and purposes! There was a lot of extra material so I was determined to make a few changes when I started on the next one. But you know? My daughter fell asleep thevery first time I put her in the cradle position. Within minutes! That happened often in fact! I was sold. I mean completely and totally sold!
From that point on I wanted to wear My daughter all the time. I was looking for reasons to leave the house just so I could put her in the sling! The very next day I tried making another sling, changing a few more things on it. I tried the padding, but wasn't a fan, tried something new and eventually went back to the open tail. Played with the folding and stitching around the rings.
It took months and many slings before I finally settled on the style that we make today. ALthough I come from a rather Entrupreunurial family I never really considered making them to sell. I selfishly just wanted one for me! Though I ended up with a lot more than one! But the response I was getting both publically and online was overwhelming! I was getting requests from all over! How could I say no?? I loved slinging, and I wanted to spread the sling love! I had a few goals though. Along with being stylish and colorful, I wanted the craftsmanship to be something I could be proud of. I also wanted the slings to be strong, sturdy and safe. And most of all I wanted them to be affordable for parents of all price ranges.
So there was a lot of thinking, planning and deciding to do. I needed to combine some of these basic goals and create a truly awesome affordable sling. And I think we accomplished that!
Eventually we even added toy tags and inseam pockets, and started lining the slings with 100% cotton instead of just flannel. Many hours went into making what I think is the perfect Ring Sling. Something that could be used for the long term, in many positions and have some fun options to go along with them!
Then I started getting even more creative experimenting with different materials. I tried making water slings out of bathing suit material (a new line will be hitting the website in a few weeks!). And again fell in love! Ellie was not a water baby and loved being held at the beach as well. That can be hard to do when you have a spastic 2 year old that thinks he can dive in when ever he wants! But with a comfy, stretchy, fast drying sling you can get wet and not worry about.....no problem!
Then there are the beautiful brocades for special occasions or just a more stylish hip look. These are gorgeous and make wearing your baby truly a fashion accessory!
And for cooler climates why not try fleece? It can be a little stretchy and need more adjusting, but it's so soft and so comfy for baby as well while keeping them warm!
So you see we've come quite a long way! And the progress doens't stop there! The ideas that float around in this little head of mine eventually need to come out! And it happens in the way of something fun and functional!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens
When ever I take the kids out I make sure I have at least 1 sling with me even if it's a quick trip to the store you never know when you'll need an extra hand! Today with 3 toddlers and an infant the sling came in extra handy! There are times when Gracia can join the big kids and walk along or play along with them, but today that wasn't an option for such a little one on a long, wobbly walk.
Normally when we have visited the Botanical Gardens we've taken part in the "Storytime in the Garden" program for preschool-age kids that takes place every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Last month we learned about spiders! We played spider games, took a look at spiders, colored spiders and even made a spider craft! And even though it's a nice long drive to the other side of the island it's worth the money we spend in gas to have an afternoon of learning, nature and quality time together.
This time though, we just took a walk around the Gardens. And what a walk it was! It's very easy for kids age 2 and up, but with Gracia just being shy of 1 I was so thankful she is a sling baby! The paths are gravel, grass and dirt, not ideal for one practicing her walking skills! She was very happy to enjoy the view from her sling while Mom enjoyed the extra calorie burn! I wonder if there is a site that has logged the extra calories you burn carrying a child, something to look into!
I did let her stretch her legs here and there while we stopped to investigate things. She loves to be right in the middle of everything! That is also something I love about the Ring sling, the ease in which it takes to take the baby out and put her back in is literally seconds!
Since she is still young I am not yet comfortable with her on my back, though you can use a ring sling for that with older kids, I chose to have her on my hip for our walk today. It also makes for easy access if she needs to nurse, she's right there at the perfect height! For 1 and 1/2 hours we walked around the beautiful lush Gardens taking in all of God's wonderful creation before heading back to the car to grab our lunch.
All in all it was a perfect day. Everyone had fun investigating the world around us and we all got a little exercise!
The Gardens are not only beautiful for their lush Hawaiian foliage but also their proximity to the incredible Ko'olau Mountain Range. By far this is my favorite side of the island. If you are visiting Oahu I highly recommend this as a stop for many reasons. The Gardens are located on such a huge amount of land even if the parking lot is full there is ample space to find a little peace and really enjoy being in nature. The walk is easy, there are a few hills but as far as difficulty I'd say the very young and the very old alike can equally enjoy this walk. It's also easy to navigate. I have no sense of direction and even I didn't get lost! That's a good sign!
It's the perfect place for a peaceful stroll, a wandering adventure, a wonderful afternoon!
Who knows, you might even break a sweat like I did!
Keep slinging! ~ Tia
Normally when we have visited the Botanical Gardens we've taken part in the "Storytime in the Garden" program for preschool-age kids that takes place every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Last month we learned about spiders! We played spider games, took a look at spiders, colored spiders and even made a spider craft! And even though it's a nice long drive to the other side of the island it's worth the money we spend in gas to have an afternoon of learning, nature and quality time together.
This time though, we just took a walk around the Gardens. And what a walk it was! It's very easy for kids age 2 and up, but with Gracia just being shy of 1 I was so thankful she is a sling baby! The paths are gravel, grass and dirt, not ideal for one practicing her walking skills! She was very happy to enjoy the view from her sling while Mom enjoyed the extra calorie burn! I wonder if there is a site that has logged the extra calories you burn carrying a child, something to look into!
I did let her stretch her legs here and there while we stopped to investigate things. She loves to be right in the middle of everything! That is also something I love about the Ring sling, the ease in which it takes to take the baby out and put her back in is literally seconds!
Since she is still young I am not yet comfortable with her on my back, though you can use a ring sling for that with older kids, I chose to have her on my hip for our walk today. It also makes for easy access if she needs to nurse, she's right there at the perfect height! For 1 and 1/2 hours we walked around the beautiful lush Gardens taking in all of God's wonderful creation before heading back to the car to grab our lunch.
All in all it was a perfect day. Everyone had fun investigating the world around us and we all got a little exercise!
The Gardens are not only beautiful for their lush Hawaiian foliage but also their proximity to the incredible Ko'olau Mountain Range. By far this is my favorite side of the island. If you are visiting Oahu I highly recommend this as a stop for many reasons. The Gardens are located on such a huge amount of land even if the parking lot is full there is ample space to find a little peace and really enjoy being in nature. The walk is easy, there are a few hills but as far as difficulty I'd say the very young and the very old alike can equally enjoy this walk. It's also easy to navigate. I have no sense of direction and even I didn't get lost! That's a good sign!
It's the perfect place for a peaceful stroll, a wandering adventure, a wonderful afternoon!
Who knows, you might even break a sweat like I did!
Keep slinging! ~ Tia
Positive Babywearing in Commercials
I'm not sure if you saw the Motrin commercial that negatively portrayed babywearing as a "painful" trend. One that needed Motrin as an aide in order to deal with the pains of the wearing your child. If you haven't (and I won't actually show the ad here) you can find it on YouTube.
I remember the time I saw it, and I only saw it once. My jaw dropped open, my eyes bugged out of their sockets. I couldn't believe what I had just seen! I was upset at the idea behind the advertising ploy and wondered if they writers behind this commercial understood what a firestorm they had created!
Of course baby wearers across America were outraged! Protests and boycotts ensued, stocks and profits of Motrin plummeted....oh wait, perhaps that never happened, but that was the only time I saw that commercial! I am guessing the voices of the many made their concerns heard and loudly at that.
As Baby wearing becomes not just a fad, but a revisiting of history and a way of life, I find images and talk of Baby wearing not only on a few blogs and sites dedicated to the practice. But also in mainstream media and magazines. It's becoming a social norm to see slings of all kinds whether you are a fan of the Bjorn, the Mei Tai, the Ring sling, Pouch, Hybrid, or wrap! Bought at Wal-mart, Target, online or made your self, Baby wearing is now a way of life.
A little proof of that is found in another commercial I recently viewed during an NBA Basketball game. Surprisingly Volkswagen showed a Dad wearing his baby in a pouch sling, bottle feeding the baby! I made my husband rewind the video and I listened closely wondering if there would be any anti-baby wearing sentiment. I was pleased to hear none of that! About the commercial series the writers say,
“We’ve drawn upon more traditional values and imagery for this campaign, particularly in the given economic climate. We want the people to know how well Volkswagen meets the needs of today’s drivers and families, especially when it comes to value, safety and reliability,” added Ellis.
Traditional values and imagery? Could it be that baby wearing IS becoming part of the idea of current imagery that is common in today's family? Hmmmm. I find it very interesting and quite wonderful that a new way of life, including using baby wearing in an Ad campaign can highlight a turn in what is becoming the norm.
It should be celebrated that what started as a unique, uncommon practice by a few who noticed and believed in the benefits and bonding that baby wearing provided both parent and child, has past the point of a trend or fad, and turned into a social norm. This can only mean great things for baby wearing! Positive benefits for babies, parents and companies! I particularly loved that they showed a father wearing his baby. SO many times at Expos and online I hear the idea that baby wearing is for Mom's to do, but it's not true! My husband was quickly sold on the practice when he found it was the only way he could comfort our second baby without me!
What do you think?
I remember the time I saw it, and I only saw it once. My jaw dropped open, my eyes bugged out of their sockets. I couldn't believe what I had just seen! I was upset at the idea behind the advertising ploy and wondered if they writers behind this commercial understood what a firestorm they had created!
Of course baby wearers across America were outraged! Protests and boycotts ensued, stocks and profits of Motrin plummeted....oh wait, perhaps that never happened, but that was the only time I saw that commercial! I am guessing the voices of the many made their concerns heard and loudly at that.
As Baby wearing becomes not just a fad, but a revisiting of history and a way of life, I find images and talk of Baby wearing not only on a few blogs and sites dedicated to the practice. But also in mainstream media and magazines. It's becoming a social norm to see slings of all kinds whether you are a fan of the Bjorn, the Mei Tai, the Ring sling, Pouch, Hybrid, or wrap! Bought at Wal-mart, Target, online or made your self, Baby wearing is now a way of life.
A little proof of that is found in another commercial I recently viewed during an NBA Basketball game. Surprisingly Volkswagen showed a Dad wearing his baby in a pouch sling, bottle feeding the baby! I made my husband rewind the video and I listened closely wondering if there would be any anti-baby wearing sentiment. I was pleased to hear none of that! About the commercial series the writers say,
“We’ve drawn upon more traditional values and imagery for this campaign, particularly in the given economic climate. We want the people to know how well Volkswagen meets the needs of today’s drivers and families, especially when it comes to value, safety and reliability,” added Ellis.
Traditional values and imagery? Could it be that baby wearing IS becoming part of the idea of current imagery that is common in today's family? Hmmmm. I find it very interesting and quite wonderful that a new way of life, including using baby wearing in an Ad campaign can highlight a turn in what is becoming the norm.
It should be celebrated that what started as a unique, uncommon practice by a few who noticed and believed in the benefits and bonding that baby wearing provided both parent and child, has past the point of a trend or fad, and turned into a social norm. This can only mean great things for baby wearing! Positive benefits for babies, parents and companies! I particularly loved that they showed a father wearing his baby. SO many times at Expos and online I hear the idea that baby wearing is for Mom's to do, but it's not true! My husband was quickly sold on the practice when he found it was the only way he could comfort our second baby without me!
What do you think?
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