To say it was fun would be the understatement of the year. The event was held at the Young at Art Museum of south Florida and I cannot WAIT to go back for a visit with Max.
Being around all those pregnant, excited women and other moms was a really positive and uplifting experience. And even though Max is only two, it seems like bigger and better things for babies seem to come such a long way since my own pregnancy.
We were greeted by the amazing Jenn Brown from American Ninja Warrior fame who is expecting a little boy in December. She was asking moms for advice and mine was "Don't let people scare you.
"Tangent Rant: Why do women do this to each other? As if we see a pregnant woman and, after finding out this is her first rodeo, we say 'Hey, you must be terrified! Let me tell you a horror story to help you along.' SPOILER: NOT. HELPFUL. Why don't we spend more time uplifting and supporting each other and welcoming new moms into the fold with open arms and honesty? Would that really be so hard? End Rant.
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| Lindsay, Jenn Brown and Myself |
We were all also given a copy of Sh*tty Mom with the authors Mary Ann Zoellner and Alicia Yababo from the Today show on hand to sign copies and chat with all us mommies. I am already four chapters into the book and it is laugh out loud funny. Get your copy Here
Without further ado, here were some of my favorites of the evening:
Soothe Jewels are wearable teethers for your little one. the beads are large enough to not cause a choking hazard, but stylish enough where mom can wear one of the many necklaces and bracelets to soothe baby without carrying one more thing or worse, forgetting the teether. There are even Soothe Jewels for dads!
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| I mean come on! They're little oreos for your baby to wear. It does not get much cuter than that! |
The Kuddle Coat was designed by Sandy Smith who was incredibly friendly and enthusiastic about her invention. Oh, and by the way, it's brilliant!
This is a lightweight garment that comes completely sterile and with the assistance of soap berries, manages to stay that way.
The material itself is very thin (think of one of those paper gowns you wear at the doctor) with soft patches on the arms and shoulders. This way when your new baby is greeted by a barrage of visitors in those first few, crucial weeks, they are protected from things like the common cold or RSV. (I told you it was genius). The garment is then washed in the soap berries (yeah, they're a real thing by the way) the KuddleCoat maintains it's sterility, antimicrobial, antifungal and all around awesome properties.
Hold on to your seats parents of little boys. I give you the Lil Marc
You. Are. Welcome.
The Lil Marc is a potty training urinal that empties as easily as a glass of water. It comes with a stand but if your boy happens to be a bit taller than average, there is a wall mount included. The opening is very wide to avoid splatters and "almost-made-its." Lil Marc even includes a progress chart and reward stickers to make toilet training fun!
Every single mom I spoke to who had one of these said that their boy was fully trained in a matter of a week or two. Pretty impressive. I actually think I need to buy one! Max has recently shown interest in the toilet, but more for the flushing than anything else. As for the Elmo potty I got him (and paid $40 for!), he makes his Mickey go on it or hides blocks and cars in there. Solid investment, right?
There were a ton of vendors at this event and all of them were equally amazing and excited. It would be impossible for me (and incredibly boring for you) if I spoke about each and every one. However, I do have to mention that I made a new artist friend, Nava who paints portraits of kids and pets and everything else you can think of. She is also the mom of the twins in the cute painting below. She puts them in hats...I mean really, wouldn't you? You can view her amazing work here.
And what would any event be without the panels. Thanks to Chicco (By the way, did you know it's pronounced Key Co? Yeah. Me neither.) and Britax who were both partners with the event, I feel both very informed and paranoid about my carseat. They had a lot of great information and I found out that three out of every four car seats is installed incorrectly. Can you believe that? 75%! We can and should do better. So if you're reading this, make an appointment with your fire department and get yours looked at.
One more thing I should mention and then I promise I will stop, is I was extremely impressed that there was not only a dad's area with beer courtesy of 26 degree brewing (the pumpkin porter is delightful) and basketball, there was also a Dad panel. Now I know I am lucky and being a dad came naturally to my husband, but believe me, I know I'm lucky. So ladies and gents, please, take the time if you are expecting or if you need help supporting your child and your partner outside of finances, Please check out resources at your local hospital or place of worship.
You can check out all of the amazing event vendors here.
I cannot express my thanks and gratitude for the privilege of attending this event. I sincerely cannot wait to attend many, many more.
Until Soon,
Kate
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