Miss Ellie

We would like to introduce you to Lil' Miss Ellie Minette, born 7.9 pounds, 20 inches. She is 8 days old, happy and healthy! Big brother is proud. Dad is simply in baby love. And Mama is doing very well!

Book of Firsts

This makes me grin from ear to ear! Here is Aidan's latest project for his baby sister. The idea was his own and costs all of $10. He created a "blank" scrapbook of firsts for Ellie, including her first Lego play, first mess and even her first cooking experience (obviously all the things he likes to do!) Of course the traditional firsts are part of the book: smile, bath, tooth, step ... He designed each page with love leaving a big open space for a single photo. No doubt we'll have fun documenting her first year!

How Blooming Lucky?

I am VERY blooming lucky to receive an eco-friendly baby cake! A big thank you from the bottom of my heart to Sarah McIntyre, owner, founder and "baker"of BloomingBabyCakes.com, for listening to our show and celebrating the soon-to-be birth of my little Ellie. Imagine our surprise when we opened this gift! Yes, it is delicious enough to want to eat but you can't. It "does" everything else under the sun though .... get this:

• It contains tons of chlorine-free diapers from Seventh Generation Diapers (also recommended by our friend and show guest, Dr. Alan Greene).

• 15 feet of seed ribbon from Bloembox™ to plant in honor of the new baby. Since it lasts for 2 years, we can plant it for any special milestone. Mine are Shirley Poppy seeds.

• The seed ribbon comes in a cute little trinket box to hold keepsakes like her hospital band, first tooth or first curl.

• This cake is assembled on a platter that doubles as a non-breakable mirror for baby. Although cardboard, it shows a great reflection of baby and invites a traditional game of peek-a-boo!

• Sweet ribbon, silk flowers and toil adorn the cake which can be used to decorate this baby girl's nursery. My ribbon says "Oh Baby!", specially picked out for me in honor of our Big O: Organization Series in which we share a new organizational product with a big "Oh Baby!" shout out! (Funny Sarah!) Knowing Ellie's room is pink and green, Sarah kept that in mind when designing my cake.

• The packing paper is more than cushion, it is ideal art project material for big brother Aidan!

• And my personal favorite ... a fluffy pink tutu for Ellie to prance around in one day! Oh, how I can't wait to see that.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how this diaper cake is so eco-friendly and thoughtfully assembled. There isn't a part of it that doesn't treat the Earth well or have special meaning. Being pregnant and all, I do wish part of it was edible. But hey, the genius trade-offs are well, so eco-smart and practical. I will for sure keep Sarah's incredible cakes in mind for the next baby celebration in our family!

And it was clearly the ultimate centerpiece for the "poo-poo" party (a.k.a. diaper stocking party) Jen threw for me!

Be sure to check out BloomingBabyCakes.com for a look at these beautiful cakes and to read Sarah's sweet story about her grandpa, her take on parenting, and how she got started in her business!

The Countdown

Aidan is ready! Look at this sweet shirt he made for delivery day. Granny bought him a set of fabric markers and a plain t-shirt and he went to town. He can't wait to meet baby Ellie!

Translation: I my baby sister. She is awesome! I love Ellie! Note there is a picture of an elephant that is labeled "Ellie-phant".

Parent Podcast Tip!

Podcast of the Day ....

Listen to Easy Pediatrics: Immunizations with Dr. Bob Sears and get a good dose of info regarding vaccines - the risks, the benefits, the myths and much more.