Under The Nile and Through The Woods

They're finally here! I've been waiting two months for my shipment of new Under The Nile organic cotton toys and accessories. Now we've got the perfect gifts for the earth-conscious infant in your life. Match up a "born organic" or "itsy bitsy teeny greenie" flannel bib with an organically grown, fluff-free teething bear or baby buddy. And while you're at it, throw in a hand-knit cardigan from MobyWear or one of our adorable San Diego Hats. We're here for you mamas, but we want those babies looking (and feeling!) good, too.

1 + 1 = Lunch

A new study has come out that refutes previous research about breastfed babies being smarter than non-nursed babies. Apparently, previous studies had failed to factor in the mother's IQ as a contributing influence on the child's intelligence. I'm sure there are many lactivist groups lamenting this new finding, but I think we need to look on the bright side. What this says to me is that breastfeeding moms are so smart that we threw the curve.

Work It Out

Our neighbors at Inbalance Fitness (794 Cooper St.) have just started up "Fit Momma," a 60-minute cardio and strength training class for new moms and their little ones (from 6 weeks to 3 years old). This indoor/outdoor class is designed to help mamas find time to take care of themselves even during the most demanding stage of motherhood, with modifications for each exercise to accomodate all levels and abilities. (And of course, be sure to get the okay from your doctor before beginning a post-partum exercise regimen.) Classes are $15 for drop-in, or $42/3-classes, $75/6-classes. The schedule is as follows:

Tuesdays 12:30-1:30pm (right after our Breastfeeding Group!)
Thursdays 12:30-1:30pm
Saturdays 11:30-12:30pm

For more details, including a list of needed items, contact Star Ritchey (ph: 901.461.2049) or Laura Charbonnet (ph: 901.726.5166).

The Resource Page: In 3-D!

As much as I enjoy spouting off information and pretending I know what I'm talking about, I have to admit that at least 50% of my knowledge on pregnancy, childbirth and all things parental comes from my voracious consumption of literature during my own pregnancy. (The other 50% comes from y'all, of course.) So in the interest of sharing some of my favorite and most trusted resources, I've compiled a suggested reading list. Even better, the folks at Amazon have let me build my own little mini-bookstore with these top picks, so you can scoop them all up and bring them home without ever leaving your nest. The link to the store will be prominently displayed on the Resources Page, so stop by anytime and browse.

Lost and Found

After many unsuccessful trips through anywho.com, and even a couple phone calls to possible relatives, I have been unable to locate the owner of a well-loved bear that was left at the store a couple weeks ago. It is a blue bear, with noticeable signs of affection on his ears and paws. The bear owner's mother was kind enough to make a purchase while here, so I know that her name is Lauren W. If you're out there, Lauren, and wish to bring the bear back home, just let me know. Of course, if you're happy that it was "accidentally" left behind, I understand that, too.