Saturday, June 20, 2009
Trying out the flip video
I was sent the Flip video ultra to review and blog about....so of course I am trying it out everywhere! I will do a formal blog review about it at my other blog Babywearing in Paradise, but for now here is a little crazy clip of my crazy kids!
I am going to conduct interviews with them a little later for everyone's viewing pleasure! HA!
Here is adorable Jonah.....my sweet heart::
I am not real impressed with the quality of the video but maybe there are things I need to play with. I'd love to be able to film sling instructions and make DVD's to send with the slings! But I can't if the video quality isn't good !!
And of course the little princess couldn't be left out!
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!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Gracia-Rella's First Birthday
Yup.....it's been an entire year since my little babe Gracefully entered the world. It's gone by in the blink of an eye! It saddens me to think she is leaving behind her babyhood and entering toddlerhood! But I guess that is the way it goes!
I would be totally lying if I said this was the first time she had cake, ice cream OR chocolate....this girl has the Heldt sweet tooth, but she enjoyed it anyway! She was a little hesitant at first and kept looking at Dave and I as if we were going to tell her no. She started a little slow and then got the hang of it! By the end of our little photos session I had more precious photos than I know what to do with and she was covered in frosting! What a great little tradition this is!
This little girl has been a blessing right from the start. I was so worried I would be giving birth in the car because of Ellie's quick labor, and even though it was quick, only 2 1/2 hours, she waited just until I was in the hospital, checked in and strolling to the labor room. I had her about 5 minutes after arriving in the room!
I always joke she was the baby that read the manual in utero, she just seemed to know what to do right from the start! She nursed without any trouble, ate right from the start, slept a whole bunch, and barely fussed. Her personality is still like that. She thinks she is as able and capable as the older 2 and she'll give you a screech if you try and tell her otherwise! She's got quite the firecracker attitude that Ellie does, but she also has an incredibly sweet side.
She is daring and yet very cautious, she loves climbing on everything she can get herself onto....which is quite a lot these days! She is so feisty and loves to play and wrestle with Dave, she loves it when she is thrown into the air and tickled and played with.
She gives the best hugs....when I get her up from a nap, or sometimes when she's tired, she grabs my neck and my arm and tucks her chin on my neck and doesn't let go. I just stop and hug her back. It's so precious.
She's been known to lay down where ever she is and fall asleep.
She loves being outside and playing in the yard. Since she figured out how to open the door and let herself out months ago, she does that almost everyday.
She loves sparkly necklaces. She will find one laying around and put it on and wear it for hours. If you try to take it off her she screeches!
Water....this baby loves the water. She comes toddling over...the hose, bath, ocean, pool, sink....whatever it is she loves it!
She eats everything....everything edible that is. I don't think there is anything she doesn't like. If she sees you eating it she's going to want to try it! How wonderful is that?
And she's one today........
Happy Birthday Little Gracia Ruth
She was a little hesitant, I think she kept waiting for a "No!"
Two hands!
Hey that IS pretty good!
A hand full!
and a foot full!
This is awesome!
I think my job is done here!
This is the best day ever!!
I would be totally lying if I said this was the first time she had cake, ice cream OR chocolate....this girl has the Heldt sweet tooth, but she enjoyed it anyway! She was a little hesitant at first and kept looking at Dave and I as if we were going to tell her no. She started a little slow and then got the hang of it! By the end of our little photos session I had more precious photos than I know what to do with and she was covered in frosting! What a great little tradition this is!
This little girl has been a blessing right from the start. I was so worried I would be giving birth in the car because of Ellie's quick labor, and even though it was quick, only 2 1/2 hours, she waited just until I was in the hospital, checked in and strolling to the labor room. I had her about 5 minutes after arriving in the room!
I always joke she was the baby that read the manual in utero, she just seemed to know what to do right from the start! She nursed without any trouble, ate right from the start, slept a whole bunch, and barely fussed. Her personality is still like that. She thinks she is as able and capable as the older 2 and she'll give you a screech if you try and tell her otherwise! She's got quite the firecracker attitude that Ellie does, but she also has an incredibly sweet side.
She is daring and yet very cautious, she loves climbing on everything she can get herself onto....which is quite a lot these days! She is so feisty and loves to play and wrestle with Dave, she loves it when she is thrown into the air and tickled and played with.
She gives the best hugs....when I get her up from a nap, or sometimes when she's tired, she grabs my neck and my arm and tucks her chin on my neck and doesn't let go. I just stop and hug her back. It's so precious.
She's been known to lay down where ever she is and fall asleep.
She loves being outside and playing in the yard. Since she figured out how to open the door and let herself out months ago, she does that almost everyday.
She loves sparkly necklaces. She will find one laying around and put it on and wear it for hours. If you try to take it off her she screeches!
Water....this baby loves the water. She comes toddling over...the hose, bath, ocean, pool, sink....whatever it is she loves it!
She eats everything....everything edible that is. I don't think there is anything she doesn't like. If she sees you eating it she's going to want to try it! How wonderful is that?
And she's one today........
Happy Birthday Little Gracia Ruth
She was a little hesitant, I think she kept waiting for a "No!"
Two hands!
Hey that IS pretty good!
A hand full!
and a foot full!
This is awesome!
I think my job is done here!
This is the best day ever!!
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!
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!
I am so excited about school ending soon! Dave's last official day is next Tuesday! We so desperately need some family time. AND Dave and I really need some one on one time, it's been too long since we've had any real time together. I really look forward to that! I so wish we could steal away and take a little vacation together but that won't happen for a long long time. Until we our out of debt!
There are a lot of changes coming up soon and some I am struggling not to worry about. His online teaching gig is up, they no longer have a position for him. And there are some other opportunities for him, which I'll share when they are official. But it's still going to be a significant pay cut for us. Not to mention the teacher's contract for next year will include a pay cut and a benefits raise! So that makes us even more negative. BUT......I know the promises of Jer. 29:11. Isaiah 41:10, John 14:1. 1 Peter 5:7 and so many more. God knows the plans He has for our family, we need not fear, for He is with us and He cares for us so much we can give Him all our worries so our hearts will not be troubled. This is what I need to concentrate on instead of mulling over the possibilities and trying to fix the situation ourselves.
Casting all our cares on Him will bring us peace.....
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!
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!
I am so excited about school ending soon! Dave's last official day is next Tuesday! We so desperately need some family time. AND Dave and I really need some one on one time, it's been too long since we've had any real time together. I really look forward to that! I so wish we could steal away and take a little vacation together but that won't happen for a long long time. Until we our out of debt!
There are a lot of changes coming up soon and some I am struggling not to worry about. His online teaching gig is up, they no longer have a position for him. And there are some other opportunities for him, which I'll share when they are official. But it's still going to be a significant pay cut for us. Not to mention the teacher's contract for next year will include a pay cut and a benefits raise! So that makes us even more negative. BUT......I know the promises of Jer. 29:11. Isaiah 41:10, John 14:1. 1 Peter 5:7 and so many more. God knows the plans He has for our family, we need not fear, for He is with us and He cares for us so much we can give Him all our worries so our hearts will not be troubled. This is what I need to concentrate on instead of mulling over the possibilities and trying to fix the situation ourselves.
Casting all our cares on Him will bring us peace.....
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!
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