Big Day Tomorrow!

Here's a time line of all the festivities. Pick out your favorites or stay for the entire day!

Baby A Sneak Peek at

Maki Arts, who will be at our sidewalk sale with her handmade toys. These lovable creatures are sewn, needle felted, and crafted with love in Hawaii . . .

Anniversary Sneak Peek of ...

The Felt Commissary's new felt foods! These and more at our sidewalk sale this Saturday.

Time to go grocery shopping . . .

More Anniversary Sneak Peeks ...

Little Dew Drops will be selling exclusive designs of tees and onesies at the sidewalk sale. Check out a few of her newest designs:

Baby A Sneak Peek presents . . .

Cute paintings by local artist and mama-preneur Patty Elligott.

Perfect for the nursery or play room. Find these and more at our Anniversary Celebration Event on Saturday 8/28!

Sage Mamas Making A Difference

Gwen Trowbridge
Founder & CEO of Baby Guru, LLC

As we gear up for Gwen to teach Sign, Say & Play, a baby sign language workshop starting September 2nd at the store, she was also kind enough to take a few moments out of her busy schedule to share some thoughts about being a mommy of two healthy and handsome boys as well as a career woman. Gwen was also one of the twelve finalists in our very first Hot Mama Hawaii Contest earlier this year. We have a lot to learn from her example of poise and wisdom.

Baby Guru has such a great concept and mission (I especially love the Mommy Personal Shopper service). How did you even begin to start your own business while still being a new parent yourself?  
I was the Marketing Director for PacificBasin Communications (Publishers of HONOLULU Magazine, Hawaii Business Magazine among others) and I loved my job, but was struggling with balancing my career with my family after I had my first son. I wanted to find something with more flexibility, which meant taking the leap to start my own business. I also wanted to make sure it was something I was passionate about because otherwise I would regret taking time away from my family for my career.  At that time I was having a difficult time finding resources and classes for new parents so I decided to try to fill that void. I was actually pregnant with my second son while I was getting trained and certified for a lot of my services and it reinforced my determination to launch this company to help parents keep their keiki safe, healthy and happy! It’s truly a labor of love!

It's natural for parents to always be thinking of ways to take care of baby that we often forget to take care of ourselves. As a working mother, how do you balance your work life, personal time, and being a caretaker?
It is so true that it is difficult for moms, whether working or stay-at-home moms, to take care of themselves. It’s a struggle for all of us to fulfill our expectations to be the best parent, wife, friend, worker, etc. I talk to so many moms in my business and we’re so hard on ourselves and often each other! I have to remind myself often of the advice I give to other moms...we’re a better mom, wife, worker, and every other role we take on, if we take time for ourselves. It’s important to do those things that fulfill you beyond your family and career... whether it’s going to a yoga class, having a shopping day with your girlfriend or a date night with your husband. There is always more work to do esp. when owning your own business because it’s hard to shut it off. I have to force myself to put it aside and focus on my family and also schedule time for myself separately. If it’s on my calendar like an appointment I’ll make sure it happens!

When you have that free moment to indulge yourself (hopefully at least once in a blue moon), what is a sans-kid activity that you like to do?
I recently trained with Team in Training to run the San Diego Marathon in honor of my mom who is battling leukemia. As a non-runner it was a huge challenge for me, but running became an indulgence for me because it was time alone and a way for me to incorporate fitness back into my life. And to pamper myself I love a good pedicure!

What's your favorite part of being a mother of young children?
It’s those moments where they make you feel like the most important person in the world, like when my older son Tanner said the other day that I am cooler than all the Transformers in the world (I actually teared up!) or when my baby Chase holds onto me like a koala bear and we’re almost one person. It makes all those tough moments disappear!

Baby Guru must be evolving as you are evolving, learning, and growing as a family. Anything new or exciting on the horizon we can look forward to? New classes or services, or events?
I am very excited to be working on a cookbook that will feature recipes for baby purees & toddler foods with a regional flare. I will be writing all of the tips, how to's and overview of food safety, benefits of making homemade baby/toddler food and recipes for basic baby purees; Pediatrician Dr. Michael Sia will be writing the sections on food transitions, nutrition and allergies; and local chefs who are also parents will be providing recipes on complex baby purees, finger foods and toddler meals. The daily experience around the dining table is an important one; it’s where a family gets its nutrition and where the family unit is cherished. I hope this cookbook will inspire parents from the start to emphasize the importance of both by cooking healthy, homemade meals. It will be released in summer 2011 by Mutual Publishing. This cookbook is my next baby!

Mother-to-Mother Support for Breastfeeding Moms

Did you know there are free local breastfeeding information and support groups on Oahu through La Leche League? La Leche League is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to helping mothers breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education. Accredited leaders are available to help mothers in person, through e-mail and over the phone. 

LLL holds monthly meetings open to any woman interested in breastfeeding. At the meetings, you’ll find new moms, experienced moms, moms of twins, military moms, working moms and moms-to-be.   Any questions are welcome and leaders have current and accurate information to help you, along with plenty of wisdom and support from the group if you need it. Babies are always welcome at meetings and you don’t have to become a member or sign up ahead of time. 

More about LLL:
La Leche League was founded by seven breastfeeding mothers in 1956.  These mothers noticed many other moms saying to them, “I tried to breastfeed, but I couldn’t…” and they decided to get together and invite pregnant friends and new moms to exchange information and support for breastfeeding. The organization grew quickly and today, La Leche League International has over 3,000 groups in 68 countries around the world.  www.llli.org

To find information on leaders and groups in Hawaii, visit our website.

Babywearing Hula Class at Baby A

Free Preview Class: September 13, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

By long-reigning popular request, Baby Awearness is happy to finally offer Babywearing Hula Class!

Taught by Kumu Hula Maile Loo, this hula class offers a way for moms to get exercise with their babies, enjoy unique bonding time, and surround their babies with beautiful music and soothing rhythms. 

This one-hour hula class will include stretching, "mom" talk-story, a good 40 minutes of dancing (with water breaks), and then end with stretching and "unwind talk story" for the last 10 minutes.

Previous hula experience is not necessary, so beginners are welcome.

Babywearing hula is a great way for moms to do something meaningful with their babies and for themselves as well as to enjoy social interaction with other moms.

There are no baby age requirements or preferences on the type of carrier you wear. As long as you can put your baby in a carrier, you can come.

4-week session on Mondays:
Sept 20, Sept 27, Oct 4 and Oct 11
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Cost: $40 per person

Drop-in class: $12 per person

To sign up, please contact Kumu Maile at bhula@hula.net.

You may also sign up at the store with a cash or check payment (made out to Maile Loo).

Sage Mamas Making A Difference

Sway Davis of Naughty Nappies™

As we gear up for our anniversary celebration on 8/28, we want to build the excitement with some sneak peeks along the way.

We will be having a fabulous sidewalk sale during our anniversary event. Six local vendors -- all talented, unique crafters -- will be selling their lovely handmade wares (seemingly a rarity these days). Be sure to stop by to see their creations, everything from toys to jewelry to hand-painted organic tees.

One of our favorite mamas participating at the sidewalk sale is Sway of Naughty Nappies™.

Self-described as "ecologically fashionable, cloth diapers made with love," Naught Nappies™ is quickly building a following of moms. If you're looking for some cool, hip, one-of-a-kind original diapers with the couture touch, then Sway is the one to seek.

Recently, Sway was kind enough to take a moment from her sewing to chat with us about her life as a cloth-diapering mom who also happens to make cloth diapers for a living:

BA: Please share how Naughty Nappies was born.

NN: We started cloth diapering our baby when he was about 2 or 3 weeks old. We used Dolphin Diaper Service for about 2 months and decided we were going to slowly start building our own stash because we realized it was really easy to wash the diapers ourselves. However, after a while we wanted something other than green and navy.

Babies are in diapers most of the time. Because of the warm weather here in Hawaii, our son always runs around with just a t-shirt and a diaper, and I thought, why not make them fun and fashionable? It was actually my husband who really pushed me to make our first homemade diaper. The first few were made out of old t-shirts. It was exciting and fun for us to see our little man run around with a Transformer diaper on his bum. I kept on with the diaper making and thought it would be cool to have these available for other moms as well as a way to bring in a little extra income.

BA: How do you balance your business, crafting, and mommy life?

NN: I don't! (LOL)Although important, finding a balance in life right now is still a tough thing to do... Our son is now 13 months old and we don't call him Danger Baby for nothing. My husband works long hours so our baby is mostly with me. He requires constant attention when he's up and about so I usually work only when he's napping, after everyone's gone to bed or before he wakes up in the morning. I've never been a morning person, but I found myself liking getting up early, sip on some coffee and sew, it's peaceful.

BA: What inspires you to create, in work or in life?

NN: It just kind of come to me; "stuff" would just pop up in my mind. I've always been interested in fashion and have always wanted to design and make garments. I guess this is a starting point for me, and a lot of times I think of my diapers as "clothes" when I design them. NaughtyNappies Couture line is one example.

I love going to fabric and crafting stores! I'll walk around and look at something and think: "What can I do with this?" "How about that?"

I'm still trying to make that "perfect" diaper, one that's more then just putting fabric pieces together, one that's going to really "wow" but you can throw it in the wash everyday instead of requiring tender care due to delicate materials.

BA: Your diapers are so cool and hip -- people must stop you in the streets and ask you where you bought them, right? What do they say when you tell them that you made them?
  
NN: Thanks for thinking that =). Well, the few that do think it's really awesome, once in a while you get people asking if I make adult sizes... LOL

BA: Anything new from you we can look forward to at the sidewalk sale on August 28th?

NN: Aside from regular pocket diapers, I will have a very limited numbers of NaughtyNappies Couture available. I will have some organic fitteds as well as will debut our Danger Baby products, which will be mommy and baby-related items, such as organic breast pads and shoulder straps for bags and strollers.

Let’s Talk Toys With Julliet Lowe

Introducing  Camden Rose at Baby Awearness!
  

“Each item that we sell is meticulously constructed by craftspeople that specialize in their art. Our items are not mass-produced, rather they are created one-by-one, the old-fashioned way. Our toys are constructed to last through multiple generations and the materials that make up the toys are gathered through organized sustainability programs. We use the highest quality materials, all certified non-toxic. Toys made from natural materials such as wood, silk, wool or beeswax have a warm and honest quality that does not give a false impression of weight, mass or touch. It is our responsibility to provide an environment that tells the story of our world honestly                                                       and at the same time protects that world."

Unless noted, ALL items offered by Camden Rose are made in the United States with materials gathered from sustainably sources. This is a choice in the protection of our future. By utilizing skilled American craftsmanship we assist in the renaissance of great American manufacturing. We also have assisted in the creation of a Fair Trade worker-owned cooperative outside of Lima, Peru. We diligently work to broaden the notion of family to include everyone in need of assistance. We feel that all people should have equal opportunity to flourish in life.”

This book and block set is simple, yet extremely clever and loads of fun for all! The story was designed to introduce some of the ways in which three simple shapes can be organized to form a wide variety of people, animals and objects. This is not only fun, but also deeply educational, as it increases the capacity for both creativity and geometric thinking. While reading the story, children and adults alike arrange and fit the blocks in the shapes pictured. After reading the story a new story of ones own can be made by tracing new shapes on paper and creating ones own book. From flowers to animals to the moon, the creation of objects is limited only by the imagination.

Our NEW Camden Dolls are crafted with pure wool innards, a cotton shell and cotton clothing. All of the girl dolls have a hairstyle with a matching cloth band that can be undone and the hair can restyled differently. Each doll is packaged with an identity card that tells a story about that particular doll and the Camden Rose Fair Trade Cooperative. Each doll is made by hand by hearing disabled women in our Fair Trade cooperative in Lima, Peru.

Please, E Kipa Mai.” Come Visit Us”

Na Pualani Preschool

Na Pualani Preschool, located in Kailua, offers the full Waldorf curriculum for the young child, ages 2 and half through 5 years of age; in a child friendly, home environment; featuring toys made from natural materials and a wonderful shaded play yard and organic food.

Na Pualani Preschool is currently enrolling for the fall semester, which begins August 24.  

The preschool is also offering a new part-time and full-time schedule that includes the usual 3-day program PLUS a 5-day program and a 2-day program. Auntie Pualani also has hired on a new teacher, Ashley Bodley, a certified Waldorf teacher (read below for her bio).
  
Our new schedule will begin August 24th
Days in August will be at the rate of $45.00 per day.
Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Tuition rates are listed below:
2-day program               $350.00 a month
3-day program               $525.00 a month, discounted tuition for fall semester: $500 per month
5-day program               $825.00 a month, discounted tuition for fall semester: $795 per month

For families presently enrolled in the school and new students who join Na Pualani Preschool in August, at the beginning of fall semester, a discount on tuition for the fall semester will apply. Your tuition for the fall semester, which is August, September, October, November and December will be at the discounted rate above.

Want to save more money? You will get $100 off one month's tuition if you bring a family into the school at the beginning of fall semester!

Here is a note from our new teacher, Ashley Bodley. Welcome Ashley!

I am so happy to introduce myself to the community that Auntie Pualani has worked so hard to create! My name is Ashley Bodley and I moved to Hawaii just a year ago from beautiful Anchorage Alaska. I worked in Anchorage at the Aurora Waldorf school in the kindergarten.  I  have years of experience as a nanny and also  had a Waldorf inspired preschool in my home at one point.  I attended the Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, California to complete my Waldorf early childhood teacher training. This summer it has been my pleasure to be the summer camp director at the Waldorf School in Anchorage and I look forward to returning to Hawaii to work and play with your children and Auntie Pualani.

We have spaces available, so let's fill the school with happy families and children!

To enroll, please contact Auntie Pualani; auntiepualani@gmail.com or 262-3253

Ecohashi + Lunch Box Cooking Class = Yum!

Only one more week left to sign up for Chef Leslie's Back-to-School Lunch Box Cooking Class!

Class Info:
Sunday, August 15th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $38 per person

Baby Awearness will offer some great savings to class participants who also need to stock up on bento-ware such as our popular Laptop Lunch containers and Ecohashi!

Laptop Lunch products will be 10% off
Ecohashi - Receive $2.00 off when you buy two pairs

Fun with languages continues at Baby Awearness!

Spanish Sing-Along Classes  ~ OPEN HOUSE ~ on August 17th and August 20th

SOL Spanish School is beginning a new session of Spanish-language
classes for young children at Baby Awearness. The Spanish Stories &
Songs classes are geared specifically towards children ages 0-5 years
of age. In each class, teacher(s) will immerse your child in the
Spanish language and Latino culture through singing, playing games,
and reading stories.

Join us for an open house and free preview class on 
Tuesday August 17th at 11:00 a.m. and again at 5:00 p.m.
and on Friday August 20th at 11:00 a.m.

Thereafter, SOL Spanish Stories & Songs will be offered weekly on
Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and on Fridays at 11:00 a.m.

(Classes may be discontinued after October 31st without a minimum
attendance of 4 students)

Class fee: $100 for a 12-classes punch card.

The punchcard may be used by multiple children, for six months, at any of our Spanish classes.

Location: Baby Awearness, Manoa Marketplace, 2nd floor

Sign, Say & Play - A sign language workshop by Baby Guru

Baby A has loved teaming up with Baby G this summer and we are happy to present another installment of great workshops for the fall.

Sign, Say & Play
A Baby Sign Language Workshop

6-week series on Thursdays, 1:30 - 2:15 p.m.
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and October 7
Cost: $99 per couple

In this interactive play class, parents and their children will learn the gestures and motions that reprsent the most useful baby signs.

Some of the benefits include:

• Allows your infant to communicate specific wants, needs, and thoughts
• Reduces frustration for your baby
• Strengthens the trust and respect between parent and child
• Signing will not delay speech development but rather accelerate it

CPR Workshop
Thursday October 7, 12 noon - 1 p.m.
Cost: $25 for Baby Signs participants or $35 a la carte

This 1-hour CPR review workshop prepares parents to provide immediate emergency attention to an unconscious or choking infant or child. This class will give you peace of mind that you can help your child in case of unforeseen emergencies. This is not a certification course.

To register, contact 561-5705 OR e-mail: gwen@babyguruhawaii.com

Honu Guide 2010

The year is flying by but don't let it pass without enjoying some great savings in the HonuGuide!

You can find favorite eateries and shops from Peace Cafe to Whole Foods.

But this little booklet is more than a coupon book. It also features great articles and tips about creating a sustainable lifestyle in Hawaii and features some of our most progressive businesses and individuals who are leading the way in green living.

At only $20, it is a fabulous deal! If you're interested, you can pick one up from us.

Baby Awearness has a coupon in there too:
Purchase 2 One-Size Reusable Pocket Diapers and get 50% off the 3rd Pocket Diaper. Expires 12/31/10.

Beginning EC with an older baby or toddler

Baby Awearness EC Support Group - every 4th Sunday of the month
Next session: August 22 at 10:30 a.m. led by Holli Shiro

If your baby is past the ideal window (first 6 months) for starting EC, don’t despair! You can start with older babies and toddlers too. Here are the basic steps to starting:

1. Older babies may have become so accustomed to using diapers that they have lost awareness of their elimination functions. Providing diaper-free time each day (for at least 20 minutes - as long as you want) can help them re-gain this awareness. If you don’t want to go completely diaper free, a cloth training pant or coverless fitted diaper will work too. This will help your child experience wetness or actually see what their body is doing when they eliminate. Diaper-free time allows you to observe your child’s elimination patterns and signals, which will help you know when to offer the potty later on.
   
2. When you notice your child eliminating, acknowledge it out loud. You can say, “look, you’re going shi shi” and you can even sign “toilet”. If the potty is close by, you can attempt to catch it, but don’t worry if you don’t, because this stage is about helping your baby learn what their body is doing.
   
3. Once you feel that you have a good grasp on your baby’s patterns and your child has become aware of when they are eliminating, try introducing the potty. It can be helpful to have multiple potties in the house or child-size toilet inserts in the big toilet. Some children do better if you can bring the potty to them. Not every baby will use the potty willingly at first. If your baby doesn’t, be creative! Try other containers or bottles or going outside or just waiting a little longer before introducing the potty.

Remember, EC does not rely on bribes, rewards or punishment. Instead, elimination is treated very matter-of-fact, like sleeping and eating, and is about helping your baby retain (or re-learn) awareness of their elimination. If it gets too stressful for you or your baby, scale back your efforts to a previous step until you’re ready to move forward again.

~ Holli Shiro

Also, don't forget to come to our EC group on Sunday, August 22 at 10:30 am.

Baby Awearness Is Turning One+

Get ready, there's gonna be a party!

Mark your calendars and join us on August 28th.

Can't wait to celebrate with you!

PLAY AGAIN - a film screening

Don Brown, local film guru and promoter, is bringing this compelling and beautiful documentary along with the producer herself (Meg Merrill) on Monday, August 16th at 6:30 p.m. at the Bambu Venue on 1144 Bethel Street in Chinatown.

Film synopsis:
     One generation from now most people in the U.S. will have spent more time in the virtual world than in nature. New media technologies have improved our lives in countless ways. But what are we missing when we are behind screens? And how will this impact our children?
     At a time when children play more behind screens than outside, PLAY AGAIN explores the changing balance between the virtual and natural worlds.
     Through the voices of children and leading experts including sociologist Juliet Schor, neuroscientist Gary Small, and geneticist David Suzuki, this film investigates the consequences of a childhood removed from nature and encourages action for a sustainable future.

BAMBU VENUE ~ 1144 Bethel Street
$10 at the door
For more information: 223-0130

HPL #2: Breastfeeding Lecture

Baby Awearness' Healthy Pregnancy Lecture Series presents

Introduction to Breastfeeding for Pregnant Moms
Taught by: Naoko "Nicky" Lawnsby
Sunday, August 15th, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Cost: Free

RSVP required to lani@babyawearness.com or 988-0010

Learn all about breastfeeding from Honolulu's boob guru Nicky Lawnsby.

In this class, you will gain important knowledge to help mothers successfully feed their baby nature's way:

    * The basics of breastfeeding your newborn: latching, positioning, and breastfeeding cues
    * The basic anatomy and physiology of breastfeeding
    * The myths of breastfeeding
    * What to expect in the hospital and at home
    * How to prepare for returning to work.

Partners are strongly encouraged to attend.

Nicky is Baby Awearness's full-time, in-store lactation consultant who specializes in the very effective technique of traditional Japanese lactation massage. Nicky is also an IBCLC certified Lactation Consultant and has over 20 years of experience in midwifery, breastfeeding, and women's health.

To reserve a spot at the lecture, please call the store at 988-0010 or e-mail lani@babyawearness.com