baby registry

Shopping at baby registry company

2008-08-04T01:54:00.000-07:00

Most first pregnant mother would like to have the best for their first baby by getting the best and early preparation for the coming baby. Some parents will visit the baby registry company which has many products for them to choose for the baby.

Things that most parents buy for the start are baby cot, baby blanket, baby pillow and bolster. Then follow by baby towels, baby dress and baby napkins. Bath tub, soap, baby powder and cream. When shopping at baby registry company the best is to write a list of items you want for the baby, you can add some if you think the items that is useful. Others parents would go online to purchase the items but you but you have so many chose then visiting yourself.

Baby gift registry online.

2008-05-16T02:39:00.000-07:00

All mother who is expecting their first baby are always want to get the best gift for the baby and one of the best ways to give your new baby is a set of baby gift registry online. Today there are many baby registry gift online which you can get your products but first you have to check the company online, how fast is the goods that can reach your home. I had a experience I had to wait for the goods to arrived to my home and its takes me a month to reach.

Second check that if the quality of the goods that stated in purchased and if not the same quality stated, were there be any shipment charges and if their accepted returns. When you are happy with the procedure then you can enter your name and address with baby registry online and purchase your baby gift.

Join baby registry online

2008-03-21T02:41:00.000-07:00

Most new parents wanted to give their first baby the best of everything. Some parents will go to internet online to join baby registry to get the products. As most of the products you can't get it in your hometown. The products ranging from everything you want to get for the baby. Baby blanket, baby shirts, musical toys or any things that you want to give the best to the baby.

Last year my wife join a baby registry company online for fun. The joining fees was free and every month she will browse through her desk tops to see the latest products on offer or products that are given a good discount for their members. She will buy for our two years son or will buys somethings for any of her friends or our relatives who is expecting their new baby very soon. She said baby product sell online sometimes is more cheaper and the things she get was hard to fine one in town or any big complex or baby shops.

registry a baby name

2007-12-03T02:21:00.000-08:00

Before the independence day of malaysia which is fifty years ago as the people of Malaysia called it mederka, to registry a baby name is quite easy. All you had to do is give the name of the baby, mother and father name, place of staying and the rest will be done by the registy. Most of name are pronounce by their parents and will be written by them. Today you can notice some brother and sister surname are not the same.

Today you can notice beautiful name given by their parents and the name of the baby are clearly written by their parents including the parents name, identical numbers and address. Parents who did not registry their baby will lose citizenship and enrol in a pimary school. Before if you are childness, you can buy the baby from the new parents with your name as a mother and your husband name and you name the baby. Now mothers name cannot be change, it must be the mother who gives birth to the baby. But things can be done if you had the money.

Joined baby registry company for cheaper and better products

2007-10-02T00:29:00.000-07:00

When my first baby is about to be born, as my wife is in seven month labour we both decided to joined a company selling baby products from baby food to baby used items. All we had to do is to baby registry our names and pay a fifty registeration fees and we are entitle to enjoy a 10% dicount on every items we purchase. If there is a offer on the items we will still get our 10% discount on top of the discount. For example if thr product is selling at 20 % discount and as a members we will get 20% + 10%, the total percentage is around 28%. If purchase if over 300.00 rm per year a free baby gift will be given.

The price are very reasonable which is very hard to get it from the outside market and the quality we found is much better and has plenty of variety and choices for the members to choose. Every month a baby magazine will be send to us about their offers and the coming up programme for your new young baby. If you find the quality is not to your expectation, you can retuned with the purchase reciept within a week.

beautiful name to registry for your baby

2007-07-24T23:53:00.000-07:00

Expecting parents are faced with alot of important decisions before their baby is born. These include the basics, such as what to name the baby, which hospital and which doctor is going delivery your baby and to breastfeeding your baby or using formula feeding. Most parents will write a list of items to buy for their first baby such baby dresses, baby blanket and baby cots and so on.

The most important is to name the baby. Most parents will know the sex of the baby before the child is born. Today baby registry name are done in the hospital and infront of the person in charge. Most parents will choose a beautiful name for the baby, before parents name their baby, for example for baby boy the name will be of animals and of prosperity and for baby girl is of precious metals, precious stone and flowers.

Baby registry a must in our country

2007-06-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

Living in a country like Malaysia baby registry is a must to new born baby. And even a marriage registry is a must because without marriage registry you cannot registry your new born baby. If the baby is not registry you will had to go throught alots of problems especially when the kids start to registry in a new school.

The excitement of having to have your baby registry from a new parents is to find a beautiful names fot the kids. The present name registry by their parents are very beautiful to listen but a bit hard to pronounce for a chinese family. Before during our times, names of baby boys are of animals and prosperity and for girls are of precious stone and metals and even flowers.

A baby registry name

2007-05-18T03:01:00.000-07:00

My brother who is married for twenty years after consult their family doctor decided to adopted a boy child as their son after the doctor said that his wife cannot give birth to her many reasons. To adopted a child is not so easily nowadays compare during the old times. During twenty years times the name of the adopted mother and father can be written in the birth certificate of the baby.

Today if you wanted to adopted a child after some arrangements with the mother and the hospital the name of the real mother and the adopted father can only be written inside the certificate. The baby registry name can be name by the adopted parents.

baby registry name

2007-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

As soon as I announced my seven weeks pregnancy to my hubby, we decided to find a beautiful name for the baby. Before during my mothers times the girls were name of precious stone in chinese such as Choo (pearl) gaik (jade) lian (diamond)khim (gold)and the baby registry name of boys are animals and chinese charaters.

When going for baby registry name ones has to write down the name of the baby so that the registertion man wont get name wrongly spell. Before parents had very low of educations so the registertion will write down the name from the pronouncations of the parents. Sometimes you will find both the father and childs surname were not the same.

Baby registry things for new parents

2007-03-12T03:27:00.000-07:00

Most new parents will have prepare their baby registry products or things in advance for their new born baby. Some parents will choose and write down the names of the baby. A beautiful names for a boys and a girls.

Some parents will even start to choose a theme for the nusery for the baby, Starting with nusery furniture, the colours and picture of the beds and cupboard. them comes the baby cusion, blanket and pillows. Baby toys with music are the most consideration playing things for the baby, bath essentials, clothing and daily used items.

Finding The Best Baby Gifts For The Mother To Be

2007-02-12T00:47:00.000-08:00

Planning a Baby Shower

2007-02-04T22:01:00.000-08:00

So you’re planning a baby shower for your best friend and now you’re panicking because you have never thrown a baby shower before. Don’t worry, here are five tips to help you plan a great baby shower:

1. Come up with a theme for the baby shower, but make sure you clear it with the mom-to-be. There are so many themes you can choose, such as Baby Book Showers (where each guest brings a children’s storybook), Diaper Baby Showers (where each guest brings a bag of diapers), Teddy Bear Baby Showers (where teddy bears are used as decorations – stuffed bears, on napkins, invitations, banners, etc.) and the list goes on and on. Come up with a great theme and you’ll throw a baby shower that people will be talking about for years to come.

2. Include the mom-to-be’s baby registry information on the invitation. This really helps guest discover what the mom-to-be needs for the baby. Also make sure you note the theme of the baby shower on the invitation as well, so that guests can come prepared.

3. Come up with some fun baby shower games. Let’s face it; some baby shower games are boring, so spice up your baby shower with some unique games. Search online for “baby shower games” and then let your imagine go!

4. Assign someone as the mom-to-be’s helper. This person is usually someone the new mom is close to such as her best friend, sister or mom. This person typically helps the mom with her food and drinks and makes sure she’s comfortable. The helper also monitors the mom-to-be’s emotions as she may be tired, cranky and stressed out.

5. Make sure you involve the mom-to-be in the planning process of the baby shower so she can give her input on what she’d like. Surprise showers, as fun as they seem, are not always the best idea for a pregnant woman whose hormones are raging. Having mom involved also ensures that everyone gets invited who should be there.

Have fun planning your friend’s baby shower. Remember, if you do a great job you can guarantee that when it’s your turn you’ll have a great baby shower too!

Preparing first baby registry

2007-02-02T02:07:00.000-08:00

When expecting your first childs everything what you want to do or buy must be very exciting time to you and needs a lot of planning. registering baby gifts should done earlier as baby shower is mostly present by relatives and friends.

Alot of planning and preparing should be done before your first baby arrives like putting together a baby registry, preparing nusery space for the baby, the baby cot, blanket, pillow, blster and baby furniture. Another consideration is the room atmostsphere.

Planning and preparing for your baby

2007-01-15T23:50:00.000-08:00

Congratulations! Chances are if you are reading this, you are expecting a new addition to your family. This is such an exciting time, with lots of planning and preparing! One of the best gifts you can give to yourself (and your new little one) is to put together a baby registry. Having a registry lets your family and friends know what you would like to have on hand for baby without having to worry about receiving doubles or triples of certain items; or worse, receiving a green and yellow crocheted bottle cozy from Great Aunt Betsy!

Your first item of business will be to choose one or two stores that specialize in baby gear and make sure they offer a baby registry. Now the fun begins! Whether you choose an online retailer or visit a store, you will get to browse, compare and then put together your wish list.

“How do I know what to choose?” you might ask. There are many books and websites available that will offer you a variety of lists that will help you pinpoint the items you may need. When you begin your browsing, you are going to want everything for your special little angel. The reality is that you really won’t need everything that is offered.

Introducing the 2030 Masters champion

2007-01-11T00:32:00.000-08:00

Tiger Woods announced on Saturday that he will be a father in 2007, as he and wife Elin will welcome their first child this summer.

While they certainly aren't hard up for cash (is there a baby registry at Nike.com?), it's not likely that they've picked out a name. Earl would be nice for a boy, of course, but it lacks some originality. Depending on the gender, here are a few suggestions:

Bear: An homage to Jack Nicklaus, and keeps the animal theme going.

LeBron: There's got to be another one someday - stake your claim.

Phil: Named after one of your great benefactors in Nike's Phil Knight, plus nobody named Phil could ever beat you, Tiger.

Byron: After Nelson, not Leftwich.

Michelle: Nah, there's already a golfer by that name who tries to follow your every move.

O'Meara: Tiger, you were named after a buddy of your father, so follow the trend. Might be a pretty girls name. (And judging by your wife, you'd have a pretty girl.)

Hootie: Dress the baby up in green jackets, and stick to your guns.

2006-12-10T23:58:00.000-08:00

Customers of KidsBargains.com can easily shop 24 hours a day through categories of baby products including: Kids Furniture, Baby Bedding, Infant Feeding and Nursing, Baby Travel Gear, Kid Play Time, Baby Bath and Bed Time and Nursery Décor. KidsBargains.com is a great place to purchase top name brands including: Disney Baby, Eddie Bauer Baby, Nautica, Cosco Juvenile, Crown Crafts, Delta Luv, Dolly and many more!

We are excited about the grand opening of our new website KidsBargains.com and the opportunity to serve parents and baby gift-givers throughout the country.
"We are excited about the grand opening of our new website KidsBargains.com and the opportunity to serve parents and baby gift-givers throughout the country." Said, KidsBargains.com CEO, George Inotayev

Parents can easily create a online baby registry and register for everything from bassinets, cradles, cribs, crib bedding sets, nursery sets, baby mobiles, strollers, car seats, swings, bouncers, baby walkers, infant toys, baby clothing and much more. All kids products are shipped using all major carriers from a safe warehouse facility in New Jersey.

Inside Diddy's A-List Baby Shower

2006-11-27T00:23:00.000-08:00

Call it Diddy's pink party. The mogul celebrated the impending arrival of his twin girls with a lavish "Little Miss Diddys' Pretty in Pink" baby shower for longtime girlfriend Kim Porter in New York City on Sunday.

"This is the greatest party I've ever had," Diddy, wearing a cotton-candy-pink button-down shirt, told the crowd. "I'm so excited to have girls, but I know I'm in trouble now!"

Guests including rapper LL Cool J and socialite Denise Rich feasted on shrimp, pink cocktails, specially made pink M&Ms and Perrier Jouet champagne in pink floral bottles.

There were also gifts galore – a pink and white Ga Ga Designs chandelier from Denzel Washington, a custom-made changing table from Jay-Z and two cream-colored cribs from LL Cool J.

One thing still on Diddy and Porter's baby registry: an $88,000 R-class Mercedes Benz. It's "for the twins to ride in," Shalena Smith of Ga Ga Designs tells PEOPLE. "But I showed (Kim) a $17,000 diamond-encrusted pacifier and she laughed because she's down to earth. They are realistic people. Everything (on the registry) wasn't just the bling bling."

Diddy told the crowd how he found out Porter, with whom he has a son, Christian, 8, was expecting. "It wasn't something that was planned," he said. "Kim and I were sitting down at Nobu and she had told me she was pregnant and I was happy. And she was like, 'That's not it.'

"And I was like, 'What else could you possibly tell me?' And then she said she was having twins, and I was like, 'Get outta here!' ... Then she told me we were having two girls. My life just started changing right at that moment. God has truly blessed me to the fullest."

Porter, who is due in the middle of December, teared up when Diddy professed his love for her in front of their friends and family. "I just thank God that I have a woman and a friend who has been down with me with my faults and my flaws and my B.S. and all that stuff," he said. "She's my best friend. I love her with all my heart."

Having girls is going to bring out the rapper's softer side, said Porter, who last week wrapped a new show for MyNetworkTV called Wicked Wicked Games, with Tatum O'Neal.

"I see the way he's been acting," she told PEOPLE.com. "He said, 'I can't wait for them to fall asleep on my chest.' He's going to be very hands on. I don't think he's going to be able to say no to them."

Story

2006-11-16T22:45:00.000-08:00

From bridal registries to credit card cramming to automatic shower cleaners, Liz Crenshaw reported on some interesting and important stories in the past few months. But what happened after those stories aired? Liz is here with some follow-ups to her reports.

We are proud of the stories we report, and always happy when viewers take the time to respond to them. So if you saw any of these stories, here's what happened next.

They're trying to say you're risky. Are you risky?

Leslie Guerra Boyds, Md. Well I've lived in this house for 25 years. I don't have debt. I don't have stocks. I'm probably the least risky person you'll ever meet

Crenshaw
REMEMBER OUR STORY ON TARGET'S BRIDAL REGISTRY, HOW TARGET REFUSED TO TAKE BACK AN UNOPENED DOWN COMFORTER GIFT BECAUSE 90 DAYS HAD PASSED?

Emily Turner, Newlywed And they were like has it been over 90 days, and I said, well gosh, and then I thought about it. It was 90-and-a-half-days.

Crenshaw
WELL THAT STORY BROUGHT US AN E-MAIL ABOUT A VIEWER'S BABY REGISTRY AND TARGET RETURNS.

Whether you're happy or angry with us, we always appreciate hearing from you.

2006-11-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

Imagine the next time you join a discussion about baby registry. When you start sharing the fascinating baby registry facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.

The birth of Britney Spear's baby is only a week or so away. The burning question? What will she name her newborn? To help gather the best guesses from Britney's fans worldwide, the Celebrity Baby Names Blog is pleased to announce the launch of a contest to pick the baby name: "What Will Britney Spears Name Her New Baby?"

Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there's more to baby registry than you may have first thought.

Contestants need only visit the blog to enter the contest. The first contestant to correctly predict the name of Britney's new baby will win a year's subscription to a major popular magazine plus a new infant/toddler car seat.

Rumor about the baby's supposed female gender is spreading, based on the preponderance of pink items in the baby registry established by Britney and husband Kevin Federline. The Celebrity Baby Names Blog does provide a link for contestants to follow so they may view the baby gift registry and decide for themselves if a girl is on the way. Even armed with that knowledge, it's still a wide open question: what will Britney name her new baby? Visit the Celebrity Baby Names Blog to enter.

Now that wasn't hard at all, was it? And you've earned a wealth of knowledge, just from taking some time to study an expert's word on baby registry.

2006-11-01T22:39:00.000-08:00

Current info about baby registry is not always the easiest thing to locate. Fortunately, this report includes the latest baby registry info available.

Baby boy invitations are the first thing you’ll need to share the good news of the new arrival with all your friends. It’s time to celebrate and baby showers are the perfect way to express love and thoughtfulness to the mother and baby to be.

Perfect baby boy shower invites are essential to planning successful baby showers for a boy. Consider ordering baby shower invitations online for timesaving convenience. You can find a cute, funny, or sentimental baby boy shower invitation easily.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of baby registry is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about baby registry.

There are many things to consider when designing baby shower invitations for a boy: style, theme, and important baby shower information. You’ll want to include details about the mother’s preferences, such as nursery colors and decor, and if the mother has any specific needs. For instance, maybe she’s inherited a crib from her family, but really needs a stroller.

Also, be sure to list where the mother is registered for baby shower gifts, and if she doesn't have a baby registry, encourage her to do so.

Baby showers are a fun and delightful way to honor your sister, neighbor, co-worker or friend. This is your special gift to them. A baby shower invitation is only the beginning to planning the best baby shower and making the baby shower a memorable occasion for all the participants.

Now you can be a confident expert on baby registry. OK, maybe not an expert. But you should have something to bring to the table next time you join a discussion on baby registry.

2006-10-29T23:56:00.000-08:00

When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.

Grand Strand Regional Medical Center and Dillard's department store will sponsor "Ready, Set, Baby" from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Dillard's at Coastal Grand Myrtle Beach mall.

Women who are pregnant or are thinking about having a baby are invited to the event to pick up giveaways, health and safety information and meet the hospital obstetrics staff.

The best time to learn about baby registry is before you're in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable baby registry experience while it's still free.

The baby fair will be held in the children's department on the first floor, with registration and information tables at the mall entrance of the store. Information on pregnancy education, childbirth education classes, child ID/DNA kits, breast feeding, car seat safety, photography and baby registry will be available.

Local obstetricians will be available to provide information about their practices. Grand Strand Regional obstetrics nurses will be staffing tables and providing information about The Maternity Center at Grand Strand Regional.

So now you know a little bit about baby registry. Even if you don't know everything, you've done something worthwhile: you've expanded your knowledge.

2006-10-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

Is it ok to sign up for a baby registry?

Old rules of etiquette would say that it is a definite no-no to tell your guests what to bring (besides assigning a certain theme). But baby gift registries are becoming more and more useful and more and more popular. Go ahead and sign up for a baby gift registry. You can include a note in the invitation that says where you are registered, but it looks best if you can get the word around by word of mouth. Be sure that the cost of items covers a wide range. You can also propose that guests chip in for one, larger item.

Problems with these registries

2006-10-03T23:34:00.000-07:00

The following article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with baby registry.

A database to keep all parties dealing with adoptions connected is necessary to establish and maintain contact. When an adopted child grows up, he or she may decide to contact his or her biological parents, for example. Adoption registries have all the records necessary to assist him or her in doing so.

Types of databases

These registries have different types of databases that are separated for different types of searches. They contain all types of adoption records, and have many search tools that can help you with your search. Most of these registries also offer help from consultants to guide you in looking for who you want.

They can sort the database on ethnic background, place of birth, as well as name of adopted parents. This is for the purpose of organization to allow for easy searches. Databases can also include information of the adopted child's medical history and support tools to organize reunions.

The more authentic information about baby registry you know, the more likely people are to consider you a baby registry expert. Read on for even more baby registry facts that you can share.

Problems with these registries

Like all databases, successful searches depend on whether the other party is a registered member of that registry. The databases of the different registry agencies are not interconnected. Therefore, if you are searching for someone in one registry and they are not member of that particular registry, you will not be able to find them. Ideally, everyone on the adoption network would all share a centralized database. However, that is not how these systems work. They maintain their own databases, and it is up to the parties to make sure they are registered in that database.

These registries also ask for membership fees in order for them to include you in their database, as well as allow you to search through their database. The membership fees are generally not too expensive, ranging from $5-$10 a month. However, considering the nature of the searches, critics argue that adoption registries should allow qualified individuals to search the database at no charge.

Now that wasn't hard at all, was it? And you've earned a wealth of knowledge, just from taking some time to study an expert's word on baby registry.

information about baby registry

2006-10-02T02:01:00.000-07:00

This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding baby registry. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about baby registry.

If you're having a baby and would like to register for baby gifts, all you have to do is go to the Internet to a website that has baby gift registries, sign up and select the gifts that like or need. There are many websites online that host these registries. They are convenient, easy to use and a big help for those families and friends who are looking for the perfect gift to give your new arrival.

Registering online is easy. There is usually a form to fill out asking name, address, phone number, etc. When that is completed, you will be prompted to select from among hundreds of baby items. As you choose, your items will be stored in the registry. When someone logs on to the registry, they select from the items you listed. The item they choose is then listed as purchased.

Think about what you've read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about baby registry? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

A baby gift registry is truly a nice way to spread the word about the arrival of one’s bundle of joy. It offers all the items that parents need to care for their baby. Most products offered are quality baby goods and are priced reasonably.

Baby registries make shopping easy and saves time and money. There is no running from store to store, hoping you select the right gift -- one that someone else hasn't already purchased. Purchases online are usually made with a credit card, but one can also usually mail a check. Once payment is processed, the gift is immediately mailed. Most websites are secure, so there is no need to worry about stolen information.

Registries are set up with the idea of knowing what expecting or new parents need and giving family and friends the opportunity to purchase baby gifts the parents would like to receive.

Knowing enough about baby registry to make solid, informed choices cuts down on the fear factor. If you apply what you've just learned about baby registry, you should have nothing to worry about.

ask the mom what else she needs for the baby

2006-09-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you'll find that the subject of baby registry is certainly no exception.

Chances are if you are reading this, you are expecting a new addition to your family. This is such an exciting time, with lots of planning and preparing! One of the best gifts you can give to yourself (and your new little one) is to put together a baby registry. Having a registry lets your family and friends know what you would like to have on hand for baby without having to worry about receiving doubles or triples of certain items; or worse, receiving a green and yellow crocheted bottle cozy from Great Aunt Betsy!

Your first item of business will be to choose one or two stores that specialize in baby gear and make sure they offer a baby registry. Now the fun begins! Whether you choose an online retailer or visit a store, you will get to browse, compare and then put together your wish list.

I trust that what you've read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

“How do I know what to choose?” you might ask. There are many books and websites available that will offer you a variety of lists that will help you pinpoint the items you may need. When you begin your browsing, you are going to want everything for your special little angel.

Take into consideration the baby’s gender, what really the baby needs. For a first baby, there will be many things that he will need. Having to look at a baby registry if the mom to be has one, can help a lot, since you will know what the baby really needs. If there is none, you could always ask the mom what else she needs for the baby.

When word gets around about your command of baby registry facts, others who need to know about baby registry will start to actively seek you out.

cute baby

2006-09-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about baby registry? The information in the article below comes straight from well-informed experts with special knowledge about baby registry.

If you are a first time planner or an experienced planner, you can benefit by following some simple strategies to ensure your baby shower goes off without a hitch.

Here's what the experts recommend when it comes to baby shower planning:

1) Decide when the shower should be held. Most are held before the baby comes but some mom's are superstitious and would prefer a shower be held after baby's arrival. Be sure you check in first to plan accordingly.

2) Decide where the shower will be held. Usually this is a location other than the mom to be's home.

3) Decide who should be invited. If you are hosting, you should always ask the mom to be who she wants invited before you make a list. You may find she wants a co-ed party or a small family only affair. Be sure you check in with her before you get started.

It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of baby registry. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

4) Send out invitations and be sure to include R.S.V.P. information and baby registry information. You'll want to know exactly how many people are coming and your guests will want to know where they can buy the guest of honor some great gifts.

5) Decide on a theme. This doesn't have to be anything elaborate. It can even be as simple as ‘pink' if the mom is having a girl. You might consider asking the mom to be, she might have a theme in mind. This will help you plan decorations.

6) Order a cake or decide on the type of cake you want to make. A cake is a must have for all baby showers.

After the gifts are open, usually guests have some cake, mingle some more and then leave. You might consider having some party favors available for guests. A great idea is mini baby bottles filled with jelly beans or some other inexpensive treat!

The most important thing to remember about baby shower planning is that everyone should have a good time. Sit back, relax and don't stress about minor details. Most people are just looking for a good laugh and some time to pat mom to be's growing belly!

Is there really any information about baby registry that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

it all about baby registry

2006-09-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

The following article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with baby registry.

Chances are if you are reading this, you are expecting a new addition to your family. This is such an exciting time, with lots of planning and preparing! One of the best gifts you can give to yourself (and your new little one) is to put together a baby registry. Having a registry lets your family and friends know what you would like to have on hand for baby without having to worry about receiving doubles or triples of certain items; or worse, receiving a green and yellow crocheted bottle cozy from Great Aunt Betsy!

A mother who is breastfeeding needs to eat a healthy diet in order to produce enough good milk. You should try and get an extra 500 calories a day, drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids, and avoid drugs, alcohol, caffeine, and smoke. You should also rest as much as possible while breastfeeding, since breast infections are aggravated by fatigue.

If you don't have accurate details regarding baby registry, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don't let that happen: keep reading.

Your first item of business will be to choose one or two stores that specialize in baby gear and make sure they offer a baby registry. Now the fun begins! Whether you choose an online retailer or visit a store, you will get to browse, compare and then put together your wish list.

“How do I know what to choose?” you might ask. There are many books and websites available that will offer you a variety of lists that will help you pinpoint the items you may need. When you begin your browsing, you are going to want everything for your special little angel. The reality is that you really won’t need everything that is offered.

This article's coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.

The latest from the baby registry authorities

2006-09-21T01:03:00.000-07:00

If you have even a passing interest in the topic of baby registry, then you should take a look at the following information. This enlightening article presents some of the latest news on the subject of baby registry.

If you are adamant on having a large basket then fill it the same way only this time stuff and cram in more padding. You need not struggle to fill the basket if you add bigger items like a baby pillow or cushion - one of each if need be.

Knowing the gender of the baby will make your task a slight easier in helping you decide on what is to goe into your gift basket. Ask the pregnant mum for a baby registry list if she has one, this will also help with your content picking. Let your imagination run wild when making selections. Fillers like cloth nappies, disposable diapers, teething rings, and baby feeding bottles are gifts that are welcomed with open arms as they are all useful for mom when raising the baby.

Gift baskets are very popular today and indeed is a wonderful idea which can either be purchased made-to-order or ready-made. Or, you can make one yourself by putting together all baby items that you like for the baby. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Know first the size of the basket that you will use. A very large basket may be difficult to fill, so a medium sized is recommended. Usually, craft stores sell baskets of different sizes, shapes and colors. Shredded tissue paper and raffia make great fillers to be layered at the basket’s bottom, alongside with baby towels and blankets.

2. If you do have a large basket, you can easily fill it up by choosing bigger items as well, such as crib comforters, stuffed bunny or teddy, pillows or crib bumpers.

So far, we've uncovered some interesting facts about baby registry. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

3. Take into consideration the baby’s gender, what really the baby needs. For a first baby, there will be many things that he will need. Having to look at a baby registry if the mom to be has one, can help a lot, since you will know what the baby really needs. If there is none, you could always ask the mom what else she needs for the baby.

4. Consider having a theme. You can load the basket with everything pink for a baby girl or everything blue for a baby boy, or everything having a “pooh” or a dinosaur design. A bedtime theme basket filled with story books, music CD, blankets, pillows, pajama, musical crib mobile and a teddy bear can be a wonderful idea. Be creative and let your imagination soar.

5. Another way of being creative is instead of using a basket, a baby tub, a diaper bag, a small laundry basket or a trunk can also be used.

6. For a tub, you can fill it with baby bathing accessories, such as soaps, towels, bubble bath, powder, baby shampoo, lotion and bath rubber toys.

7. For the trunk, you can fill it with baby’s keepsake book, monogrammed items, receiving blankets, heirloom items, a picture frame and an inspirational book all about mom and baby. You can also place a little inspirational note containing all your wishes for the baby. This will add a more personal touch to your gift.

That's the latest from the baby registry authorities. Once you're familiar with these ideas, you'll be ready to move to the next level.

what is baby registry?

2006-09-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

The addition of a new child to a family is a wonderous occasion! An adopted baby is just as much a miracle as any other and should be celebrated as such.

And all babies need “stuff”, even an adopted child, so having an adoption baby shower for this child is not only acceptable, but necessary.

There are some differences you should consider when attempting to plan this a baby shower for adoption. You will need to know the age of the adopted child first of all. Some couples may have adopted a baby, but others may have adopted a toddler or older child.

So, if you are following proper baby shower hostess etiquette, then it would be much appreciated if you can provide gift ideas to the baby shower guests well in advance. This can be done in different ways, depending on what are more comfortable with.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

A second mailing of gift ideas or registry cards can follow the baby shower invitations, or baby shower guests can call you with questions. Gift ideas are not generally given with baby shower invitations. Although baby registry cards or information are common. Again, it depends on how intimate the group of baby shower guests are.

You can have a sort of birthday party for the new addition incorporating a theme that they will enjoy, for example, Winnie the Pooh or The Wiggles. This is also a great way for everyone to meet the child and allow them to instantly feel like part of the family.

Whenever you get responsibility to suggest gift suggestions always be moderate and be practical (put yourself in the shoes of others to understand them). It should be something that suits everyone involved.

Now that wasn't hard at all, was it? And you've earned a wealth of knowledge, just from taking some time to study an expert's word on baby registry.

When should I hold the shower?

2006-09-18T00:32:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for some inside information on baby registry? Here's an up-to-date report from baby registry experts who should know.

When should I hold the shower? Baby shower etiquette generally dictates that the shower should be held 1-2 months before the baby is due. This gives the parents enough time to go out and shop for important items that they did not receive at the shower. You do not want to hold the shower too close to the due date, in case the baby comes early. You may instead decide to hold a “welcoming” baby shower one to three weeks after the birth of the baby (just make sure that you give the guests enough notice! You obviously will not know when this sort of shower can be held until the baby is actually born). This sort of shower is great for parents who did not want to know in advance the sex of their baby… guests will know whether to bring gifts for a boy or a girl. It is also good to hold a “welcoming” baby shower so that family and friends who are coming into town for the birth of the baby can attend, as well.

Baby Shower Invitation Cards are a time saver for the hostess. It is also a good idea to have more invitations than you need. If you send invitations by mail, you want an envelope that stands out so that it doesn't look like junk mail.

The best time to learn about baby registry is before you're in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable baby registry experience while it's still free.

What should I give the guests? Part of good baby shower etiquette is making sure that the guests have a good time. After all, they deserve to have a little fun as payment for the great gift that they are giving. What you give the guests does not matter so much as the fact that you should give something. Be sure to have plenty of food and good drinks at the shower. You can send each guest home with an additional party favor as well. You can also have some lovely gifts as prizes for baby shower games.

Should fathers and men be invited to the shower? Traditionally, baby showers have been held for women, but there is no baby shower etiquette rule that states that men cannot come, too. Fathers enjoy opening presents, too! Of course, if you do decide to invite males, try to stay away from games that are too cutesy that they may not like. Try to think of foods and activities that both men and women would enjoy.

Those who only know one or two facts about baby registry can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.

Gift for baby registry

2006-09-14T21:28:00.000-07:00

The following paragraphs summarize the work of baby registry experts who are completely familiar with all the aspects of baby registry. Heed their advice to avoid any baby registry surprises.

It takes a lot of preparation to welcome a baby into the world. To some extent, baby gift registries ensure that the parents will receive useful gifts rather than well-meant yet inappropriate presents. Gift registries also make it easier for the friends of the parents to get something for the newborn. Instead of coming up with the same blanket or rattle or a toy that everyone else would have also tried to get for the baby, each present will be different and also something that would be genuinely needed by the parents.

Registering for gifts for the baby needs to be done before the baby shower. The baby shower is usually hosted by the friends or close relatives of the new baby. The registry can be drawn up either in-store or online. Many popular stores have their registries online. All the expectant parents need to do is register themselves on the site and start choosing items for their wish-list.

I trust that what you've read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

Some expectant mothers will create a baby registry their friends and family members can use to shop for gifts for the baby shower, so it is always important to check to see if such a registry exists.

A baby shower registry makes it much easier for friends and family members to shop, and helps ensure that every gift purchased is one that is needed and will be appreciated.

So now you know a little bit about baby registry. Even if you don't know everything, you've done something worthwhile: you've expanded your knowledge.

baby registry: Baby Gift Registry

2006-09-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

Many stores offer baby gift registries where the expecting parents can register and can make a list of what they require for their coming baby. To create your own customized baby gift registries could be an exciting event for many of the soon-to-be mothers. Most often, women register in their fifth or sixth month of pregnancy but they prefer to wait to a bit closer to their due date or until right before their baby shower.

Gift registries are basically an expectant mother’s wish list where they can register for anything and everything that their heart desires. Using baby registries is a perfect way whereby friends and family can get for the expectant parents whatever they want and need for their new little one. If it is their first baby, they will need many things or almost everything as compared to their second or other child. Would be mothers can register for gifts to stock the nursery like furniture and baby bedding, adorable baby clothes or baby essentials like diapers and bottles. Baby registry can therefore make the lives of the expectant mother and her baby much easier with anything from necessities to luxuries.

Other benefit of a gift registry is that it is easier to find something within your budget if you are searching a gift for the mom-to-be. If the mom-to-be has a baby shower, it is possible that the name of the store where they have registered will be included in the invitation. And if it is not then you can always ask the hostess of the shower whether or not the mom-to-be is registered somewhere.

When baby showers take place before the birth, it’s best to plan them at least two months in advance. This allows for the occasional unexpected early deliveries and gives the mother time to arrange and organize all of her new things before the heaviest and hardest part of her pregnancy. Remember, mom needs lots of time to rest and adjust to all of the new changes.

If the baby shower is taking place after the delivery, you want to plan the baby shower for at least 4-6 weeks after. This gives mother and baby time to adjust to their new routines before being the center of attention at a big event such as the baby shower. Baby showers given after the birth have an advantage because the name and sex of the baby are known for sure. This makes baby shower gift giving more personalized and even simpler for the mother by saving her time, sparing her from needing to make unwanted exchanges.

Think of how many baby shower or other type of invitations will be needed in your lifetime! Take out the middleman and do it yourself to add your own unique style and ensure it’s done on time and done right the first time.

A final tip: proofread thoroughly before the final print of the baby shower invitations for a boy to make sure that all of the information on the invitations is accurate. Names, dates, addresses, and phone numbers need to be spelled correctly.

Baby showers are a fun and delightful way to honor your sister, neighbor, co-worker or friend. This is your special gift to them. A baby shower invitation is only the beginning to planning the best baby shower and making the baby shower a memorable occasion for all the participants.

baby registry: Celebrity Baby Names Blog Launches 'What Will Britney Spears Name Her New Baby?' Contest

2006-09-08T01:51:00.000-07:00

The birth of Britney Spear's new baby is only weeks away. In honor of this major event, the Celebrity Baby Names Blog is holding a contest to guess the name of the new baby. But is it a boy or a girl? Britney's baby registry may hold the answer.

(PRWEB) September 5, 2006 -- The birth of Britney Spear's baby is only a week or so away. The burning question? What will she name her newborn? To help gather the best guesses from Britney's fans worldwide, the Celebrity Baby Names Blog (http://www.celebritybabynamesblog.com) is pleased to announce the launch of a contest to pick the baby name: "What Will Britney Spears Name Her New Baby?"

Contestants need only visit the blog to enter the contest. The first contestant to correctly predict the name of Britney's new baby will win a year's subscription to a major popular magazine plus a new infant/toddler car seat.

Rumor about the baby's supposed female gender is spreading, based on the preponderance of pink items in the baby registry established by Britney and husband Kevin Federline. The Celebrity Baby Names Blog does provide a link for contestants to follow so they may view the baby gift registry and decide for themselves if a girl is on the way. Even armed with that knowledge, it's still a wide open question: what will Britney name her new baby? Visit the Celebrity Baby Names Blog to enter.

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baby registry: ‘Guy’ takes Weiner to next level as author

2006-09-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

By Lauren Beckham Falcone
Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - Updated: 11:04 AM EST

OK, admit it. You Googled your ex last night. Or you found his wedding registry. Or baby registry. Or his MySpace account.

No matter. He’s on your brain and you’ve been wondering, between commutes and bills and dirty diapers: what if?

Leave it to bestselling author Jennifer Weiner (“Good in Bed,” “In Her Shoes”) to mine that very obsession for all it’s worth.

Weiner’s new offering is “The Guy Not Taken” ($24.95, Atria) - a collection of 11 short stories written this year and last and some when she was a teenager.

“What happened is sort of a roundabout story,” said the 36-year-old author in an interview from her summer home in Truro. “An editor from Glamour wanted me to write a short story for them, so I send them ‘Dora on the Beach’ and they liked it, but the main character was too old for their target audience. So I told them I had this idea for a story about a woman who comes across her ex’s online wedding registry, based on my experience of surfing www.theweddingchannel.com for the name of every guy I ever dated. I mean, what did God make the Internet for if you can’t check up on your ex?”

And in a plot twist right out of a Weiner novel, the short story was optioned by DreamWorks and an anthology was born.

“I was really surprised,” she said. “It was very unexpected, but very cool.”

Of course, writing short stories is a far cry from working on a novel, Weiner said.

“There are good and bad things about it,” said Weiner, a fan of the collected works of Lorrie Moore, Amy Bloom, Stephen King and Ray Bradbury. “You’re done with it, you can write a good short story in a couple of weeks, but with a novel, you’re - at least I’m - stuck with that baby for a year. But the hard part is you have to think about the details that you use to get your point across in 20 pages vs. 400.”

With her latest collection, however, Weiner is proving that the masters of the oft-maligned chick lit genre are voices to be reckoned with.

An accessible anthology that takes readers on a ride through divorce, heartbreak, insecurity and what might have been, “The Guy Not Taken” is a tender, thought-provoking read that puts Weiner on the map as one of her generation’s best literary voices.

Weiner, however, just puts her head down and works. Oh yes, and she started a MySpace account. But not to lure curious ex-boyfriends.

“Networking,” she said. “Also, I’m desperately clinging to youth. At 36 with a 3-year-old? I’m trying to stave off the inevitable. MySpace was cheaper than plastic surgery.”

baby registry: STREET DATE San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley

2006-09-04T21:31:00.000-07:00

Though it was once a historic thoroughfare connecting Oakland and Berkeley to points east, San Pablo Avenue is more than just a faster alternative to Interstate 80 when the freeway is a parking lot. The street's retail offerings are constantly evolving, especially near Dwight Way in West Berkeley. Sandwiched between auto repair garages and international food markets, this stretch of San Pablo (dubbed "the Left Bank" by some business owners) may easily be overlooked, but its eclectic mix of vintage, clothing and home decor shops, cafes and restaurants -- as well as the East Bay branch of the sex toy mecca Good Vibrations -- makes this emerging neighborhood one to watch.

1. Hobbyhorse

2447 San Pablo Ave.: This hipster haven sells a mix of retooled vintage finds and handmade designs by shop owner Jess Feury. Its offbeat stock of clothing and accessories pairs well with the shop's whimsical decor, like an origami-bird window display. Hobbyhorse also hosts art exhibitions, craft nights and fashion shows. (510) 666-0570, www.ilovehobbyhorse.com.

2. Juniper Tree Supplies

2520 San Pablo Ave.: This store has everything a bath-product lover could want. DIYers can find everything they need, including tips from the helpful staff, to create their own candles, soaps, bath salts and lotions. For those more inclined to buy than make, Juniper Tree also sells beautifully packaged variations of all of the above, including Votivo and Voluspa candles, plus vanity-worthy perfume bottles and other pampering supplies. (510) 647-3697, www.junipertreesupplies.com.

3. Magnet

2508 San Pablo Ave.: At her trendy boutique, owner Camille Mason sells super-soft T-shirts and tanks, high-end jeans, stylish bags and other clothes from well-known labels like Corey Lynn Calter, Kasil and Talla, as well as those by local designers. (510) 848-1966, www.magnetboutique.com.

4. Sea Salt

2512 San Pablo Ave.: The proprietors of Lalime's, Jimmy Beans, T-Rex and Albany's Fonda bring sustainable seafood dining to West Berkeley. Cult favorites like the bacon, lettuce and trout sandwich, tuna tartare and fish and chips lure diners to this neighborhood haunt for both lunch and dinner, as do the newly heated and lit garden patio and the daily happy hour special: $1 chef's choice oysters from 4-6 p.m. (510) 883-1720, www.seasaltrestaurant.com.

5. Dollybird

2522 San Pablo Ave.: This funky boutique-gallery would be right at home on Haight Street or Telegraph Avenue. Rock 'n' roll baby clothes; a global array of kitschy gifts, from Day of the Dead mirrors to Japanese action figures and Uglydolls; and a well-selected assortment of handmade jewelry, bags and T-shirts line the brightly colored walls and shelves. Dollybird even offers a baby registry and Christmas wish list. (510) 540-7255, www.hellodollybird.com.

6. Ecology Center

2530 San Pablo Ave.: How Berkeley can you be? This center (also the organizational home of the Berkeley Farmers' Markets, Farm Fresh Choice and Terrain for Schools) is a treasure trove for the ecologically minded -- or those just curious. Here they can find books on environmental and social justice topics, info on home composting, pest control and sustainable living or take a class on everything from Beekeeping in the City to Permaculture Design for Women. (510) 548-2220, www.ecologycenter.org.

7. Caffe Trieste

2500 San Pablo Ave.: This corner cafe -- an East Bay outpost of the North Beach coffee shop -- bustles throughout the day, attracting caffeine addicts with strong espresso drinks as well as morning pastries, light lunch fare (panini and salads), gelato and happy hour beer and wine. Live music many nights of the week, and they have Wi-Fi. (510) 548-5198, www.caffetrieste.com.

8. Ohmega Salvage

2400 and 2407 San Pablo Ave.: For more than three decades creative homeowners, architects and contractors have come to Ohmega Salvage for unique finds. Vintage fixtures, Art Deco tubs, stone garden fountains and antique lighting are just some of the gems you'll find here. The stock changes often, but be warned -- some of these treasures don't come cheap. (510) 204-0767, www.ohmegasalvage.com.

GOOD TO KNOW
The Berkeley International Food Festival, a celebration of West Berkeley's diverse community, is held in late April, with food, live music and dance, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts booths and cultural presentations. www.berkeleyinternationalfoodfestival.com.

GETTING THERE
From either east or west Interstate 80, take the University Avenue exit and head east to San Pablo Avenue. The street is also served by a number of AC Transit lines.

PARKING
Free one-hour street parking from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Karen Reardanz, 96Hours@sfchronicle.com

baby registry: Business Notebook: Celebrating the first 20 years in business

2006-08-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

By Roger Gavan

Warwick - If being almost impossible to find a parking spot along Hidden Meadow Road in Warwick on Saturday, July 15, was any indication that the patients love and admire their chiropractor, there could be little doubt that they do.

Dr. Margaret Verhagen, who opened her practice on Kings Highway in Warwick in 1986, the year that she graduated from New York Chiropractic College, was celebrating her twentieth anniversary with a backyard party and barbecue. And all of her patients were invited.

The party was held at 11 Hidden Meadow Road, her home and office for the past eight years.

“This is not just a celebration of my first 20 years,” Verhagen said. “It’s a party for my patients and my staff and a way to show how much I appreciate them.”

During Verhagen’s distinguished career she served a term as president of the New York State Board for Chiropractic. And recently, the Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council and the YWCA Orange County announced its 2006 list of women in Orange County who have made a difference to the community in their professional lives. One of those distinguished honorees, named for health care, was Dr. Margaret E. Verhagen.

‘The Ultimate

French Baby Shower’

Celebrations Extraordinaire owner and event planner Jane Gyulavary recently teamed up with BiNK Essential Baby Gear owner Maura Peddle to host “The Ultimate French Baby Shower” at the La Petite Cuisine restaurant on Railroad Avenue in Warwick. The event, held on Thursday evening, June 22, highlighted BiNK’s Baby Registry and launched its affiliation with Celebrations Extraordinaire to offer exclusive custom-theme baby showers complete with specially designed cakes from Cakes by Nicole in Greenwood Lake. Celebrations Extraordinaire provides innovative special event planning and consulting services in the Warwick Valley. Call 988-0580.

Affordable vacations

Once a pastime for the rich, cruising is now considered to be an affordable and practical way to enjoy a vacation.

“When you take into consideration the cabin cost, all the meals and food you could want, entertainment and quality service,” said Warwick resident Roseann Lander, “you will find that in most cases, cruising is a better value than a land based vacation.”

Lander and her husband, Gary, are both certified cruise specialists and members of the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA). They are also independent agents for Cruises Inc., one of the largest retailers of cruise vacation packages in America.

“Because of its size,” said Lander, “Cruises Inc. has tremendous buying power in the industry. And by working with their affiliated Cruise Lines, I can pass along great pricing and still provide full service in all areas of cruising.”

Lander explained that through Cruises Inc., she also is able to offer special programs for groups including family reunions, organizations and businesses. And, although they are cruise specialists, their agency can also handle land-based vacations.

Lander is also willing to appear as a guest speaker for any club meeting.

“I am very knowledgeable in this field and familiar with many destinations, especially Alaska,” she said. “I would be happy to share this experience and educate people about the differences between various cruise lines and cruise packages.”

For more information call 651-1555 or visit www.CruisesInc.com/rlander.

Changing goals

After more than 10 years, Melinda Burgard, of Melinda’s Music, will continue to pursue sharing music with the Warwick community, but in a different way.

“After sharing my passion of music with hundreds of parents, infants and preschool children,” she said. “I’ve accomplished my main goal. They love music.”

Burgard, a Certified Music Therapist who earned her Master’s Degree at New York University, is now pursuing her current passion, Music Therapy.

As a New York State Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Burgard explained that she assesses emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills through musical responses. She currently specializes in dementia (including Alzheimer’s), Palliative Care and Children with Special Needs.

P.S. If you are still yearning for more early childhood music from Melinda, her CDs are for sale locally at the Toy Chest and BiNK’s. For more information, call 477-0451 or contact Melinda M. Burgard at www.melindasmusic.com.

baby registry: Parenting 101: Your first pregnancy - A strange new world

2006-08-09T01:59:00.000-07:00

By Kristi Hockemeyer 07/27/2006

When the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1, 2006, the last thing on my New Year's resolutions list would be to start a family.

I was a senior at Florida Gulf Coast University with less than 40 credit hours until I obtained my degree in Communications, with a focus in Public Relations. I just made a career change as managing editor from FGCU's school newspaper to freelance reporter for the Marco Island Sun Times. The change offered at least equal pay for a considerably less amount of time and stress.

But some unknown force had other plans for me.

By February, I had been burning the candle at both ends, school and workwise. I loved every second of it because the assignments were fascinating and it allowed me to interact with several different people I may have never bothered to think about talking to before. That's when I became "sick."

It was like I woke up one morning, just feeling extremely fatigued and nauseous. I forced myself to cut back on school and work, and hoped that I would feel a million times better by the end of the week. When the second week came about and there were no changes, I spent most of that free time doing nothing else but watching shows like TLC's "A Baby Story." I finally saw one too many episodes when I thought "Uh-oh" to myself.

Sure enough, there I was... 22 years old, and expecting my first son in late October.

My initial reaction was mixed, but for the most part, it felt surreal. It seemed hard to realize that I was carrying a human life inside of me.

The past six months have been quite a bumpy ride and I'm sure the uneasiness will continue as I tread into unfamiliar territory.

The pregnancy did leave me to alter my current life plans a little. I crammed as much coursework as I could at FGCU, and now I only have to complete four classes for my degree. However, with my baby due on Oct. 27, I felt it was best just to take one key course where I have friends who will help me through.

Until I could recover from the morning sickness, working wasn't much of an option for me. I'm happy to report, that in spite of the incredibly hot weather, I feel now decent enough to stare at a computer for hours and continue doing what I love the most: writing about information that is important to local residents.

There have been so many lessons learned within this period of time.

It took me three months of working on my baby registry. I ended up registering at Babies R Us, Target and Wal-Mart. To choose just one store was impossible! I spent hours at a time browsing the Web, debating the "Baby Snoopy" bedding offered at Babies R Us and Wal-Mart. Car seats? Don't even get me started - I'm still confused.

I'm now facing the biggest political debate of my lifetime: the custody battle of who will get to host my baby shower and where it will take place. I finally just wrote down an impromptu invitee list, handed to my mother and said, "Just tell me when and where to show up."

Perhaps the most important lesson I have learned is to never become pregnant in late February. The majority of my pregnancy is happening not only during the hottest time of the year, but also hurricane season. I've been studying the Weather Channel daily, crossing my fingers that I will not have to sit around in a non-air conditioned building for even one minute during this pregnancy. Just going from the outside of my house to my car kills me for the day.

The truth of the matter is that I'm not just unfamiliar with pregnancy, but Marco Island as well. I know Southwest Florida because I have lived in East Naples for the past 20 years. When you live in Naples, most people don't have much of a need to travel south to Marco or even north to Bonita.

The biggest question I found myself asking was, "Where do I go for what in the area?" I had to search for a great obstetrician (you don't want to settle for anything less than "great"), places to shop for baby supplies (both the practical and impractical), labor education, social benefits... yada, yada, yada.
At least as a Neapolitan, I know I have access to all the businesses I will need, but it made me wonder: "What do the pregnant women on Marco Island do?"

What medical services are offered on the island? Where are the best places to shop for baby/maternity needs? What are they doing to help keep themselves cool during this summer heat? How do they feel about driving all the way up to North Naples when it's time to deliver?

Most important, where do these expecting mothers (and don't forget fathers) turn to for emotional support?

I would like to begin exploring these important topics. Preparing for a new arrival is a very exciting, but hectic experience. Perhaps by sharing my ups and downs with the Marco Island community, I may be able to assist others who are trying to answer these same questions.

Kristi Hockemeyer welcomes all suggestions and comments from expecting and experienced Marco Island parents. Please feel free to contact her at marcoislandparent@yahoo.com to share your stories.

©Marco Island Sun Times 2006

baby registry: Setting up a baby registry

2006-08-08T00:07:00.000-07:00

Setting up a baby registry

Real moms

Is it ever too early to register for baby gifts? Some moms who are early in their second trimester talk about how they're planning ahead, and where they're setting up their registries!

"I'm getting really excited and so is our family, and we will probably register the day we find out what we are having! We will probably register at Babies R Us & Baby Depot, or maybe Target... I can't wait!" - Kara

"I am registering probably in 3 weeks (around 21 weeks). I am going to register at Babies R Us just because I live out of state from my family and Amazon is really easy for online registry access and shipping. I can't wait -- I have been looking around already!" - Kel
I will register at Babies R Us and a couple of specialty baby furniture and accesory stores, Be Dazzled, and Bellini Baby, where I am buying the crib and having the bedding made. I am having three showers in three different cities, so I have to make sure something is accesable to everyone... I guess that would be Babies R Us. But I will be registered here in Dallas for the shower here. I will register at some local stores where my parents live, too. I want to cover all the bases and make sure to spoil this baby boy rotten!" - Angela

"We're registering at Bellini for furniture and bedding when I'm 20 weeks, Bloomingdale's for the clothing, and BabyStyle for everything else. We're finding out the sex soon, which will make registering so much easier!" - ashley29
"Well, my little single mama to be will be registering at Wal-MartWal-mart and Target. Those stores are everywhere! I love Target and my brother works at Wal-MartWal-Mart. I feel kinda low class compared to some here -- wow. But since babies could give a hoot less about what they wear and what their nursery theme is, I guess I luck out." - Tina

"I think that Babies R Us has the easiest, most comprehensive online selection, so I'm going to go there. I have been thinking about starting to register any day now! It can be a long process." - Marian
"We've already registered for the big stuff at Babies R Us. But I wouldn't use us as examples. We had to do it early because we are going to be apart for the second half of the pregnancy, so there just won't be any other time to do it. I don't think anyone is doing it too early. If you are picky and indecisive like me, it takes a lot of time!" - Noel

"I will be at Babies R Us and Target -- Target for most of the stuff and BRU for things that I am particular about that Target doesn't have. If my family and I had a local Babies R Us near us, it would probably be my primary, but the closest is 30 miles away... I've registered for a couple of things as I do research and find particular brands that are recommended (so I don't forget), but I'll be doing the serious registering after I get the results of my amnio." - Tricia
"My husband and I registered yesterday because he is about to start a new job where he will be working Friday, Saturay, Sundat and Monday, so there won't be anytime for us to do it on the weekends. (He's a police officer). I'm 19 weeks and 3 dats today. I know it might be a tad early, but we wanted to do it together. We registered at Babies R Us and Target. I have a lot of family out of state and Target is more accessible to them than Babies R Us." - Kristen

"I'll be registering for the majority of baby's items at BabyUniverse.com and a local specialty store. Babies R Us will be for the odds and ends. I already have a crib, stroller, bouncer and moses basket. I plan to make the crib bedding so I can personalize it." - Erika
"Well, since I am doing Precious Moments, it's hard to find certain things, so Wal-MartWalmart is mainly the room decorations, but we have Target, Babies R Us, Wishworld.com and Countrylane.com." - Katee

"We registered this weekend at Pottery Barn Kids for bedding and a few accessories. Some of our family will probably think we are snobs for registering there, but their bedding was comparable to a lot of what we saw elsewhere. I think we will register at Babies R Us [in a couple months] before the first shower invitations go out. I have been keeping a list of things we need and the brands we will be registering for as I've been reading." - Rebecca
"I registered when I was only eight weeks pregnant! We haven't gotten anything yet, but I was just anxious. We chose Baby Depot, cause the prices seemed lower than Babies R Us, and we knew they had one near where most of our family lives. We did have some issues when we were there -- we took the little scanner thingy around to scan things in, but if we spent too long looking at something, it erased everything we'd already put in! We ended up going around and making a list and then running around the store like mad to get them all in the machine in less than 10 minutes! I'm kinda glad we did it so early, cause I don't think I could move that fast now anymore! We're planning to add more toys to it and clothes after we find out the sex." - Melanie

baby registry: Birthday registries turn parties into a buying game

2006-08-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

Vancouver Sun
Published: Tuesday, July 25, 2006

We've had more than 80 years to get used to the concept of a bridal registry since an American department store introduced it in 1924. It makes sense for a couple putting together a household for the first time to offer gift-giving wedding guests some guidance. Guests are relieved of the pressure of choosing the "right" gift so their fruit plates or serving platters won't be duplicated, returned or "regifted."

The same may hold true for the later innovation of a baby registry. Responding to clear direction on exactly what crib set or high chair is preferred satisfies both giver and recipient.

But the latest development in gift-giving seems to take pragmatism a step too far. We're talking here about the birthday party registry. Several children's stores now provide a service that ensures the birthday boys or girls get what they want.

At Scholar's Choice, a London, Ontario-based toy store with 24 outlets across the country (but not in British Columbia), celebrants visit the store before the invitations go out, and -- while wearing a crown for some reason -- sweep through the store filling a "birthday bucket" with things they want. These are then itemized and added to the registry. Guests are notified of the registry on the party invitation and can pick a gift pre-selected by the recipient.

No more embarrassment for children or parents over duplicate or unwanted gifts. No more stress trying to choose a present for children you don't know. No more time wasted shopping for toys. Call ahead, order from the list and pick it up gift-wrapped and good to go.

It's sensible, it's practical and it's efficient -- but it just doesn't feel right. As one mother put it: "It rubbed me the wrong way, and I'm not really sure why."

Perhaps what troubles us about this is that it sends the message that having a birthday party is mainly about getting gifts when what we hope to convey is that it's about marking milestones with friends and family. Having fun is supposed to be the reason for having a party. The gift should be incidental, a token of appreciation, as when dinner guests take flowers or a bottle of wine for their hosts.

Unlike wedding or baby gift registries, the birthday registry turns the party into a commercial enterprise. A gift from the list becomes the price of admission.

As a marketing tool, the birthday party registry is a stroke of genius. In filling a need that didn't exist until now, the crafty shopkeeper scoops up all the business a party generates. And with a Thomas the Tank Engine expansion set retailing at $50, it puts plenty of tinkle in the till.

A child with 20 classmates will be invited to many parties over the course of a year, which -- for parents -- translates into a significant commitment in time and money.

The trade-off for the convenience of the birthday party registry is our discomfort with consumerism as a credo. Can kids have fun without consumption?

The birthday party registry risks a major escalation in the cost of hosting a party. If parents are obliged to buy designated gifts, they may well expect that their children attending the event will receive value for money in the quality of food, entertainment and loot bags.

The event planning industry must be watching the evolution of children's birthdays with anticipation.

© The Vancouver Sun 2006

baby registry: Online age helps mothers-to-be with baby registries

2006-08-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

By Kristi Hockemeyer 08/03/2006

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to set-up a baby registry. What doesn't sound appealing about spending a day opening presents given by friends and family while enjoying a Carvel ice cream cake?

This end result may seem fun, but I've found that just compiling a list of everything I need - and want - all of a sudden is quite a chore!

As soon as I announced my pregnancy at eight weeks, everybody wanted to know where I was registered. I would reply, "The baby is the size of a lima bean. It's too early to be deciding whether or not I want a Diaper Genie. Let me at least find out the gender first."

Six weeks later, the doctor told me I was having a boy... and that's when I really got to work.

A mother can walk into any store and work on their registry, but thanks to the innovations brought by the Internet, many stores now encourage online shopping.

For the expecting Internet junky, establishing a baby registry online can be beneficial due to:

* At-home convenience. There is no need to drive around town, fight traffic and wait for employees to assist you with your account. The computer becomes your own personal shopping assistant by providing "similar purchase" recommendations based on items placed in a registry.

* Research. A parent can learn a lot about the quality of baby products that are for sale. If registering through Babies R Us or Target, you learn about the product's description, but you can also read reviews by parents who have already used the item. This way, parents have a better understanding of what is actually practical for their needs.

* Creating a specialized registry. Babies R Us and Wal-Mart only teased me with their supply of "Baby Snoopy" nursery merchandise (one offered a diaper bag; the other offered the bedding through their online store). But neither sold the entire nursery line at their stores! I didn't want to do the typical Winnie The Pooh, baseball, fire truck nursery theme. "Baby Snoopy" is not only different, but also encompasses all of the great memories from my childhood of watching "Peanuts" cartoons. I 'googled' for the Snoopy nursery theme and - Voila! - I found www.felicite.com (a Web site that leads to several businesses that can help parents create a unique registry). I went from having two or three things for my nursery on my Babies R Us, Wal-Mart and Target registries to having 14 items of Snoopy-only goodness on www.funtocollect.com.

Despite the advances of modern-day technology, the Internet cannot replace a mother's need to see the merchandise first-hand. I found myself completely changing my online registry after having a chance to see - and touch - everything at the store.

Some places, like Babies R Us, reward parents for setting up their registry at their store. Parents receive a welcome packet filled with tips and coupons. When I registered, I was able to take 50 baby shower invitations for free. These were pre-printed cards stating "The mother to be is registered at Babies R Us," which comes in handy when you're mailing out over 25 invitations. I found more than enough room on the cards to add my Wal-Mart, Target and www.felicite.com registries.

I would recommend that expecting parents utilize both the Internet and local stores in order to have the most comprehensive baby registry. You may find the greatest things at the store, but not online. And vice-versa.

For Marco Island women, visiting the stores may be a bit more complicated due to the distance. However, I still feel these are the top three places that are worth making the drive:

Babies R Us - This store is 100 percent dedicated to the needs of expectant parents. The closest store is located in Estero, Fla. at 10002 Gulf Center Drive and will take Marco Islanders about 50 minutes to an hour of travel time.

Wal-Mart - This store provides a lot of different options and often at the lowest price. The closest Wal-Mart is only a 20 to 25-minute drive, located at 9885 Collier Boulevard in Naples. Eventually, the drive will be even shorter once the new Super Wal-Mart is completed near the intersection of Collier Boulevard and Tamiami Trail.

Target - A little more expensive, but the store is better organized with their merchandise and they offer a higher quality of nursery furniture that's still cheaper than Babies R Us. The store is about a 40-minute drive from Marco and is located at 2322 Pine Ridge Road in Naples. In addition, Party City is located right next door. Why not get a head start on planning the baby shower, too?

Speaking of baby showers, I'm currently in the process of planning for my Aug. 19 party. Perhaps that'll make an interesting topic for next week's column. And maybe by then, I'll become a little more organized!

Kristi Hockemeyer welcomes all suggestions and comments from expecting and experienced Marco Island parents. Please feel free to contact her at marcoislandparent@yahoo.com to share your stories.

©Marco Island Sun Times 2006

baby registry: In age where it's all about baby, the childfree are fighting back

2006-07-31T00:38:00.000-07:00

By Candace Murphy, STAFF WRITER

LIKE A LOT of parties Bonnie Powell goes to these days, there are kids. Lots of kids. And these kids, the spawn of her hyperfertile friends, come in every shape and size. There are gurgling infants. Tantruming toddlers. Preening pink princesses.
But as eyebrows raise when Powell, 34, makes a beeline for a particularly adorable little swaddled squawker in the corner, and the party guests start nudging Powell's husband and saying, "Mmmmm hmmmmm, that's you guys... any day now," the record is swiftly set straight.

Powell doesn't want kids. Ever.

"Those are people that don't know me," says Powell, who works at UC Berkeley and lives in Oakland. "It's people that don't know me that say I'll change, or that I have to have kids, that it's my biological responsibility. That annoys me. I don't want to have kids. And I don't want to be labeled a freak because I don't."

Blame the stalker-like media coverage of Angelina Jolie's pregnancy. Blame the new generation of navel-gazing parents who act as if they've invented childbirth. Blame all those baby blogs. Because childfree adults are lashing back, refusing to drink the baby-making Kool-Aid and are aggressively asserting that they're not abnormal for not wanting to procreate.

For lack of more erudite words, these people are mad as hell and they're not taking it anymore. And they don't care if they use the word hell in front of your kids, either.

"What about the 'Where's Suri?' thing?" says Adrianne Frost, author of "I Hate Other People's Kids," referring to the tabloids' plea for Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes to show their child to the paparazzi. Us Weekly, for example, has a ticking clock on its Web site, complete with minutes and seconds, underneath the headline "When will we see Suri?" At press time, it had surpassed 102 days.

"It's really disgusting, don't you think?" says Frost, who's in her early 30s. "I wrote my book just to give this whole thing a voice. I mean, how many times have people been on a plane and the tray tables are going up and down, up and down, and the parents aren't doing anything and you've just thought, 'I hate that kid.' Or how many times have you seen Dakota Fanning's face in a magazine and you've just said, 'I hate that kid.'"

Baby backlash is everywhere. Books like Jennifer Shawne's "Baby Not on Board," Nicki Defago's "Childfree and Loving It!" and Frost's "I Hate Other People's Kids" all were published within the last year, and interestingly, when ordered on Amazon.com, can be added to a baby registry by the prompting of an ill-placed one-click button.

Also gaining in popularity are childfree groups, like No Kidding!, founded in 1984, as well as and not limited to, the International Voluntary Human Extinction Movement, Kidding Aside and the World Childfree Organization.

"We've started to find each other," says Vincent Caccio, who lives in Cambridge, Mass., but is the spokesperson and director of strategic planning for No Kidding! in New York. "It's definitely not a support group, but there's definitely moral support knowing there are other people who live like you do."

While it's only natural that baby backlash would occur, there's much debate how the societal climate became such a perfect petri dish, a breeding ground, as it were, for it.

Brian Misso, a copywriter who lives in San Francisco with his partner, thinks the current child-centeredness of our society stems from uncertain, volatile times, where people are worried not only about their own futures, but about the future of the country and the world.

"I wonder if people are trying to convince themselves that the situation isn't all that dire," says Misso, 33. "It's like they're saying, 'How bad can the world be when all these cute babies are being born?' It's like the orchestra playing on the sinking Titanic. It's definitely not helping the problem, but it's a way of distracting people from having to think too much about it."

Similarly, Frost points to Sept. 11, 2001.

"Do you think it has anything to do with Sept. 11? And how precious people realized life was?" says Frost. "But that doesn't mean that you have to think that your life is the only precious life. You have to pay

attention to people around you. Including those that don't come from your uterus."

And that's what's really getting under the childfree adult's skin. Whereas generations, for generations, have wanted children, had children, raised children and talked about their children, this one seems more preoccupied with the feat than any other. And that's not hyperbole: Visit YouTube.com, a site where average computer users post their own amateur videos, and there are dozens of birth, C-section and ultrasound videos available for friends, family and complete strangers to view.

Shawne, author of "Baby Not On Board," thinks it's because of a convergence of Generation Xers becoming parents, along with the explosion of personal media. Generation X, after all, made a name for itself almost solely due to the paramount importance of self-expression — at any cost.

"These people are looking for ways to express themselves," says Shawne, "and what better way than to talk about their children?"

But because the Gen Xers are all grown up, that talking — or rather, the showing and telling — is different. Owing to a youth spent staring goggle-eyed at televisions broadcasting the sarcasm of David Letterman and the relentless irony of shows like VH1's "I Love the'80s," today's modern parents are all about proper packaging. And that means everything has to be hip.

Snapsuits are sassy and say "I'm Not a Boy." Nurseries are stylish, have luxe linens, and as Lily Kanter of Mill Valley's

Serena & Lily baby boutique says in this month's San Francisco magazine, "with no cartoon characters on the wall." Even baby blogs, where discussion can devolve into the nuances of a proper poop, insist that having baby has not moved Mom and Dad one step closer to the grave.

"You still rock!" says one. "Life doesn't have to end when you buy a minivan."

"There's a lot of consumerism around children, a lot of products, a lot of effort going into this to show that they're still cool, even though they have a baby," says Shawne, 32. "This is a generation that doesn't want to be like their parents. They're saying, 'We're not becoming boring people.' But they actually are. They're just blogging about it now."

And that's the climate that's cultivated the baby backlash. The global warming of adulthood, the hot topic of everything baby has gotten the childfree steaming mad. Mostly because of the pressure put on those in their late 20s and 30s to procreate.

"There's this expected inquisition among people where they ask you how many kids you have, and if you say none, then they give you advice," says "No Kidding!'s" Caccio, 29. "They tell you about infertility — not that you may have it — and they intertwine womanhood with motherhood."

Caccio, who made the choice not to have kids official when he and his wife decided he should get a vasectomy in 2001, also thinks the current focus on celebrities and the ubiquitous tabloid "Bump Watch" is anathema to his organization's cause.

"These actresses say things like 'I've done a lot of good with my life, but this is the most important thing I've ever done,'" says Caccio. "Granted, it's obviously important to be a good parent, but there's an idea that somehow they discovered it. Like, 'Look what I found.'"

In the Bay Area, the peer pressure for parenthood has also found its way into the gay community, just another infuriating happening for Misso, the San Francisco copywriter who wouldn't have stuck around to listen to the orchestra on the sinking Titanic.

"Having a family has certainly become a viable option for gay couples, especially in progressive places like the Bay Area. And maybe among some circles of gay people there is a bit of peer pressure to have kids since I think some gay people see having a child as a status symbol," says Misso. "Once you've got your house in the city, your second home in Sonoma, and your two Lexuses, what else is left to acquire?"

The more appropriate question may be how much more baby can the baby-free take? As writer Joseph Epstein warns that with today's child-centeredness "family has become the rivalry of friendship," and as the child-free feel more and more marginalized with the addition of every Baby Gap at the local mall, some wonder when, or if, baby mania will cool off.

Frost, the author, sees no light at the end of the birth canal.

"Mine's not a manifesto — I don't think my book can turn anything around," she says. "As long as George Bush calls stem cells 'little snowflakes,' we're going to have a problem."

baby registry: McCartney's estranged wife buys new home

2006-07-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

Big News Network
Sunday 23rd July, 2006 (UPI)

Heather Mills McCartney bought a home to share with baby registry Beatrice just 15 minutes away from her estranged husband's British estate, The Mail said Sunday..

The five-bedroom converted barn, a steal at 550,000 pounds (more than $1 million), has been visited by Sir Paul McCartney, the newspaper said. The exclusive report did not identify which of Sir Paul's seven properties was involved.

It was thought that Mills, 38, intended to stay at a house on the grounds of the former Beatle's estate until the divorce was finalized.

But Land Registry documents show she bought the property without a mortgage nine days after their split was announced.

Mills appears to be planning to use the new house as the base for three new companies she set up in the past month with her sister, Fiona, the newspaper said.

A spokesman refused to comment on the purpose of the businesses.

© Material published on this site is copyrighted to North Korea Times and contributory sources and may not be reproduced without written consent of the relevant copyright owners.

baby registry: Baby registry is a no-no

2006-07-18T01:50:00.000-07:00

Darcey Smart, Weekend Post
Published: Saturday, July 15, 2006
Dear Ms. Smart,

I would like some etiquette advice regarding baby gifts and the timing (before or after baby's arrival) of baby showers. I know several expectant mothers and am an "expectant grandmother" myself. I have always given a fairly standard gift -- a nursery CD or toddler flatware place setting -- and these gifts have been well received. I know that some expectant couples now register their baby at one or more retail outlets. That's definitely not the way I want to go about selecting a gift.

Granny To Be

Dear Granny To Be,

It's now commonplace to find close relatives hosting baby showers, whereas in the past that would have been considered in bad taste. I don't see this development as an issue, but I do find the baby-registry custom misguided. If close relatives want to give an expensive gift, that's fine, but gifts such as the ones you describe are more appropriate at a shower.

Baby showers usually take place before the birth when Mom and Dad are still bright-eyed. However, in the Jewish tradition, gifts are not given until the baby has arrived. If you plan to give a gift but also want to take a peek at the new baby, save your gift for the visit but send a card as soon as the birth is announced. And be a saint by celebrating second and third babies in the same style you did their predecessors.

Dear Ms. Smart,

Several months ago, new owners moved into the other side of our semi-detached. They play their music loud and we have asked them several times to turn it down. They agree at the time but seem to forget almost immediately. Last Saturday night they had a big party. The loud music started after we'd retired and went on till 5 a.m. I couldn't face getting out of bed and going over to confront them. Next time this happens, I'm going to call the police without any preliminaries. My husband doesn't agree but, at the same time, he won't do anything. What should I do?

All Through The Night

Dear All Through The Night,

Your plan of action will only exacerbate the situation. Talk to your neighbours again, no matter how reluctant you are to do so. Explain how their last party affected your household. Invite them to participate with you in mediation (offered at community centres free of charge) to find common ground and set mutually agreed-upon rules. Springing a visit from the police on your neighbours would be a giant step beyond counterproductive.

Dear Ms. Smart,

My 23-year-old daughter lives in our basement and comes and goes regularly with and without her boyfriend, whom we like. One night when she was out with friends, he phoned and asked me to leave her door open because he was coming over with a surprise for her. I said OK, but then thought perhaps she didn't want any surprises or even to see him that night. I did what he asked, but did I let her down? Nothing untoward happened, but what should I have done?

Mummy Puzzled

Dear Mummy Puzzled,

If your daughter was comfortable with having him enter her apartment at will, she would have given him a key. With questions running through your head, it might have been wiser to risk hurting his feelings and just say no.

- Please send your most vexing social, ethical and etiquette-related dilemmas to weekendpost@ nationalpost.com.

© National Post 2006

baby registry: Amazon.com launches toy, baby stores

2006-07-11T02:20:00.000-07:00

By Staff
Playthings -- 7/7/2006 6:05:00 AM

SEATTLE—Amazon.com has announced the grand opening of its new virtual toy and baby stores, which feature tens of thousands of products, including hard-to-find items from specialty retailers. This is the largest selection of this category of products ever offered through the site, according to the company.

"We are incredibly proud of our new Toy and Baby stores," says Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon. "We've never been able to offer our customers this much selection.”

The new toy store (www.amazon.com/toys) carries a variety of brands, including Fisher-Price, Hasbro, LeapFrog, Lego, Mattel and VTech, as well as the complete lines of Ty plush and Madame Alexander dolls. The new baby store (www.amazon.com/baby) carries products for newborns up through two years old from Baby Bjorn, Babylicious, Evenflo, Elegant Baby and more, and features a searchable baby registry for customers.

In addition, thousands of additional items are listed by popular merchants including Target, eToys, Discovery Channel Store, and Babystyle, Amazon says.

baby registry: Boy Gerrard finally gets name

2006-07-03T01:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 01 Jul 2006 18:05

A man desperate to name his baby son after hero footballer Steven Gerrard has conceded defeat, despite launching an internet campaign to drum up support.

Matt Evans, a Liverpool and England football fan, wanted his firstborn to bear the moniker Gerrard in honour of the player, but his wife Jenny was having none of it.

When the couple's son was born on May 20th, the feuding parents could still not decide on a name, and it took a letter from the baby Registry office reminding them to name their child within 40 days to fire Mr Evans into action.

The 29-year-old golf professional set up an internet site encouraging people to vote for his son's name from a choice of three – Gerrard and his wife's two favourites, William and Matthew.

However, even though Gerrard polled a victorious 581 votes online compared to William's 564 and a paltry 75 for Matthew, Jenny refused to accept the result and the deadlock remained.

But with the 40-day deadline looming and their son facing a nameless future, the parent's reached a compromise, and Matthew Gerrard Evans was born.

Could be some player one day.

baby registry: Law creates cord blood bank initiative

2006-06-30T01:37:00.000-07:00

By Cynthia T. Pegram
cpegram@newsadvance.com
June 28, 2006

What some once considered medical waste may become a resource to save lives through the new Virginia Cord Blood Bank Initiative.

Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and the placenta after a baby is born and the cord is cut. The blood is rich with immature stem cells, which when donated to adult or child can move into the bone marrow and quickly begin to reproduce blood cells.

Stem cells are also a promising area of medical research for many disorders.

A law that creates the Virginia Cord Blood Bank Initiative goes into effect in July.

The concept had an odd birthing for a life-giving plan – a legislative sub-committee’s discussions about terrorism response.

The committee was looking at Virginia’s ability to react to terrorist attacks, “and discovered literature on collecting or treating radiation injuries from dirty bombs, using stem cells,” said Dr. David E. Suttle, director of the office of Family Health Services at the Virginia Department of Health.

Like some cancers, exposure to high levels of radiation can kill the body’s ability to produce blood cells, which normally arise from the bone marrow. Radiation could come from a dirty bomb, or be released with damage to a nuclear power station or from a nuclear weapon.

Stem cells from cord blood can be frozen for years and still be viable.

Because collecting and using umbilical stem cells does not involve the death of a fetus, said Suttle, the idea of storing the resource for use if needed was attractive.

The use of embryonic stem cells in research is a hotly debated issue.

The Health Department was designated as lead agency to establish the bank and to work with the state’s medical schools and other public and private organizations.

Dr. Roy C. Ogle, a professor of neurosurgery at the University of Virginia, is director of the Center for Human Stem Cell Translational Research at the UVa Medical School.

“The intentions of the state were to help establish a cord stem cell bank or system throughout the state so we don’t throw away this precious resource,” said Ogle.

“Umbilical stem cells are one of the most promising types of multi-potent stem cells. They have far more potential than we (once) imagined,” he said.

Virginia has nearly 100,000 births a year. Every healthy expectant mother in the state will have the option to contribute to the cord blood bank. The law is very specific that it must be a voluntary donation by the mother.

Centra Health’s Virginia Baptist Hospital has more than 2,000 births a year. Right now, cord blood is seldom collected and usually only when needed to determine if RH factors will be a problem, said Glen McIver, director of the Centra Lab.

Dr. Howard Podolsky, Centra senior vice president and chief of the medical staff, said that the state’s cord blood bank initiative represents a wonderful opportunity for stem cell research on diseases that include Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, as well as Type I and Type II diabetes.

Carolyn Jacques, a Centra Health vice president, said that setting it up would mean asking mothers a few more questions in order to get their permission to use the blood, “and make the mothers aware that it would be strictly voluntary.”

According to the National Cord Blood Registry, each year about 20,000 adults and children with potentially fatal illnesses need a stem cell transplant.

The state’s big medical school-affiliated hospitals already have blood banking facilities and the critical and the most costly component - a cell separator.

The device divides the blood into red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma. Should the school agree to host the cord blood bank, the state would most likely provide a freezer for storage, Suttle said.

Eventually private hospitals could be used if they had the space and high volume of births.

baby registry: Sex offenders to face tougher laws

2006-06-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

June 26, 2006

Albany-- Sex offenders are fighting a tough new Georgia law that would put severe limits on where they work and live and they got some good news from a judge Monday. The law is supposed to go into effect Saturday. Critics say it's so restrictive, many sex offenders won't be able to find any legal place to live.

Complaints worked for 8 sex offenders in Georgia. Monday, a federal judge in Atlanta issued a ruling that temporarily blocks them from having to move. Lawyers will try to extend that ruling to all 10,000 Georgia sex offenders.

The sex offender baby registry lists more than 220 sexual offenders in Dougherty County. One could be living right next door.

"I see it on the tv, a lot of the time looking at the news and them talking about sex offenders in the neighborhoods and everything and I wondered well is there any around here anywhere," says Alma Tumer.

Alma Tumer wonders who's who in her Albany neighborhood because she has a seven-year-old son. "If one come in here messing with my baby, they're in trouble," says Tumer. She's not afraid to say she's overprotective so she wasn't thrilled when we showed her a picture from Georgia's sex offender registry.

We asked, "Have you seen him before?" "Let me see. Yeah, I seen him," says Tumer.

The registry shows a man convicted of 1st Degree Sexual Assault of a Child is one of Tumer's neighbors, not a good feeling for her. "That's bad. All these grown folks out here and you got to go and mess with a child," says Tumer.

District Attorney Ken Hodges hopes a new law restricting where offenders work or live will reduce the number of sexual offenses against children.

"These criminals are monsters and they need to be treated as such and if it means tracking them with GPS's, if it means limiting where they live, then I'm all for that," says Hodges. But Hodges admits enforcement will be difficult, especially in bigger counties that must keep hundreds of offenders a thousand feet away from thousands of school bus stops. Those against the law say it would be nearly impossible for offenders to find places to live.

"In Dougherty County, there will be places where they can live and still be in compliance with the law. I think it's restrictive but you have to be restrictive," says Hodges.

"They got to stay somewhere but what we got to do is keep our eyes on them wherever they stay if it's close to us," says Tumer. One is a little too close for comfort for Tumer so she now has her eyes open much more.

"You better believe it," says Tumer. She says she'll do anything or support any law to make sure her her little boy stays safe. "Im telling you. That little 7-year-old son of mine, boy let me tell you, let somebody mess with him, I'd have a holy fit," says Tumer.

Many also worry that the new law could draw more sex offenders to rural areas and Ken Hodges says it could cause more offenders not to report but more resources should be reallocated to beef up tracking.

Lawmakers began working on the law last year after two sex offenders were arrested for killing two girls in Florida.

A hearing is scheduled later this week on a complaint filed by a sex offender in Dougherty County who, according to the new law, would have to move from a home he just bought.

feedback: news@walb.com?subject=SexOffenderLaw

baby registry: Baby, Baby, Baby

2006-06-22T23:09:00.000-07:00

6/20/2006 2:03 PM ET
By Mark Fightmaster (mfightmaster@sir-inc.com)

In the course of the next 17 days, my wife Valerie and I will send out cute little invitations, purchase a few toys, get a new outfit, bake a cake, and get the house ready, all for the impending one-year birthday for the Fightbaby, Tess Ryan. Yes, last July 7th our world was changed forever when we were blessed with a bouncing baby girl, and you never realize how fast time flies until you are a parent. Anyone that walks past my luxurious cubicle can tell you how I feel about the little Loch Tess Monster; it is hard to miss the shrine. Reflecting on the past year makes me smile, but it also makes me realize how much "stuff" we purchased and had purchased for us. People spend quite a bit of money on babies, be it through direct purchase or by people filling in a baby registry. Someone has to be making some money, right? Whilst spending last night caring for the Fightbaby, my mind wandered to today's observation, what companies are capitalizing on the never-ending need for baby stuff? Digging around a bit, I found four different companies that produce baby things, and I think there are some interesting investing opportunities here. Today we will look at Novartis, Carter's, Children's Place, and Johnson & Johnson.

Novartis: (NVS: sentiment, chart, options) What is this company doing on the list? One look at the first few lines of NVS's description in Hoover's states that the company produces drugs that are used in treatments for nervous system and ophthalmic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Granted, some babies may eventually have use for these drugs, but what immediate service does NVS provide the parent? Digging further down in the description of the company I find this line: "Novartis is also the proud parent of the Gerber baby." In fact, I was doing a search for Gerber when NVS was returned as a result.

So NVS produces Gerber products, a mealtime essential in the Fightmaster household. The company is responsible for that pink and green sippy cup that Tess turns into a projectile at every dinner. The branch of NVS is also responsible for the lovely chunk-filled, stage-three baby food that she is constantly turning her nose at, the little rubber-tipped spoon that she pushes away from her mouth, and the little fruit puffs that Gussie and Marley (our dogs) like to pick up off the floor after the Tessalump (yes, a play on Pooh's friend the Heffalump) eats. In fact, the company also produces the freezable teething ring that the toothless wonder uses to sooth her flaming gums on a nightly basis. If Gerber products are this integral in our household at meal time, I am sure that my colleague Joseph Hargett and his wife have a number of Gerber products in their house for their new daughter Isabella. The same goes for my brother, sister-in-law, and their 16-month old daughter Morgan. How can the company not be making a ton of money off of babies?

Technically, NVS is solid. The equity is in the process of pulling back to the support of its 80-week moving average. On three other occasions, this trendline has propped up the shares and eventually sent them on their way higher. Furthermore, I have drawn a line on the chart below to show that the stock is also pulling back to the lower rail of an uptrending channel that has helped guide it higher since November 2003. In reality, this is more of an extension of the 80-week moving average, but it should not be ignored.

Spanning out to a longer-term picture also shows a fair amount of technical support for NVS. The shares still enjoy the support of their 10-month and 20-month moving averages. In fact, the equity has not finished a month below this tandem support since October 2003. This double-barreled support helped propel NVS through resistance at the 44 level, which caused a double-top formation in 2001 and 2002. Yes, the stock has pulled back, as has the market as a whole, but its 20-month moving average is poised to help guide it higher again. Furthermore, it certainly looks as if the 52 level is going to try and help the equity rebound, as it did in November and December 2005.

When it comes sentiment, I would really like to see a bit more in the form of short-covering support for NVS. Less than 0.50 percent of the firm's float is sold short, and it would take roughly two days to cover these shorted shares. This configuration lessens the chance for short-covering support to boost the shares.

I would also like to see more pessimism from the analysts. According to Zacks, all eight analysts covering NVS rate it a "buy" or better. Should this glut of optimists have a change of heart and issue downgrades, the ensuing downward pressure should cause NVS to test the support of its 20-month trendline.

That said, the speculative options crowd is rather bearish on NVS. The company sports a Schaeffer's put/call open interest ratio of 0.59, which is higher than 73 percent of those taken during the past 52 weeks. I like this kind of pessimism from the options players. Bottom line, NVS earns a 4.0 out of 10 on our Schaeffer's Equity Scorecard. This is a middle-of-the-road reading, and I think the firm's technical performance warrants a look on the bullish side.

Carter's: (CRI: sentiment, chart, options) One of my responsibilities around the house is getting the Fightbaby ready for bed. Sometimes there is much crying and gnashing of gums from the toothless wonder, other nights she falls asleep nearly instantly. One constant is the zip-up pajamas, complete with the feet that she wears on a nightly basis. More often than not, the tag will carry the name Carter's. CRI does not limit its offering to pajamas, and neither does Tess's wardrobe. New parents will find the Carter's name on layettes, clothes, and even on strollers, toys, and shoes.

The technical growth for CRI hasn't been as steady as NVS. In fact, the stock lost 10 percent earlier in the week, thanks to general market weakness, and increasing competition. An analyst at Goldman Sachs verbalized worries about broad-market issues, competition, and how higher gas prices may affect CRI's outlet stores. Suddenly, the stock plummeted through all known layers of support. The shares seem to have found a bit of support near the 24 level, but my how they have fallen.

CRI's Scorecard rating of 4.0 is exactly the same as NVS's, but these two are not identical twins. CRI's sentiment is weak (as is NVS's), but its technical outlook is not as promising as NVS. Give CRI some time; let's see if it can get back to the winning ways it enjoyed before the recent negative developments. If the stock can reclaim some of its past support, it may be worth a look.

The Children's Place Retail Stores: (PLCE: sentiment, chart, options) From one clothing company to another. The Lump (an unfortunate nickname that has stuck) also has some of PLCE's offerings in her wardrobe. It shouldn't be a surprise, as Hoover's credits some 800 plus stores in malls and outlet centers in the U.S. and Canada to the PLCE name, and the firm's store count is increasing by roughly 30 percent each year. In addition to its eponymous stores, PLCE owns roughly 315 Disney Stores, which it bought from Walt Disney.

Like CRI, PLCE sells baby, toddler, and children's clothes; unlike CRI, PLCE is performing well. Compared to the S&P 500 Index (SPX) on a monthly basis, PLCE has outstripped the shares for the better part of the past 3.5 years. Looking at the monthly chart below, notice that the equity's 10-month and 20-month moving averages have pushed it higher since February 2003. This support helped the shares advance through resistance at the 55 level, which now seems to be acting as support.

There is little in the way of options-related support or resistance in PLCE's path, so we have to look at any technical issues. There may be a bit of resistance ahead at the 62 level, so keep an eye out there.

Let's first deal with the aspects that I don't like about PLCE's sentiment. The speculative options crowd is nearly evenly split on PLCE, demonstrated by its SOIR percentile ranking of 51. Rather non-descript, but what bothers me a tad is analyst coverage. According to Zacks, PLCE receives four "buy" or better ratings, and one "hold." With nary a "sell" in sight, the risk of downgrades worries me.

With a Schaeffer's Equity Scorecard ranking of 5.0 out of 10, what possible reason is there to be bullish on PLCE? Other than solid long-term technical performance, not much; unless you take the potential for a short-covering rally into account. More than 10 percent of PLCE's float is sold short and it would take roughly six days to cover these shorted shares. This combination could provide the means for a substantial short-covering rally should good news cause the short sellers to buy back their bearish bets. I believe that PLCE deserves its own place on the bullish side of your portfolio.

Johnson & Johnson: (JNJ: sentiment, chart, options) Finally, we turn our attention to the baby behemoth, the maharaja of mamas, the Dalai Lama of dadas, the soother of all cries, JNJ. Bath time isn't bath time unless it is fueled by JNJ products. Baby shampoos, soaps, lotions, washes, and even pre-soaped washcloths are included in the firm's stable. Oh, and don't forget the JNJ baby powder after the bath, or you may need to use another JNJ product, Balmex, to cure the diaper rash. I like to call JNJ's lotion "baby potpourri," as it is the only reason that every new parent's house doesn't reek of baby poo.

Enough of that, technically, this Dow Jones component is solid. Let's look first at a weekly chart for JNJ. Yes, the stock spent the better part of 2005 in a downtrend, but notice that the situation seems to be turning to the better. The shares recently reclaimed the support of their 10-week and 20-week moving averages, pulling the former into a bullish crossover of the latter in the process. This technical formation often hints that there is further technical prosperity ahead. Of course, a bullish cross does not mean that the road is clear of obstacles. JNJ faces rather staunch options-related resistance at the 60 and 65 levels.

Some support may be found in the form of JNJ's 50-month moving average. Since this trendline's inception, the equity has finished below it only a handful of times. Of course, this trendline looks like it may be rolling over, which would send its support lower. On the other hand, the stock is currently above the 60 level. As prior resistance, this level may now switch roles and act as support. We will have to wait and see if this is the case.

JNJ faces a fair amount of technical resistance, but one should know that the Dow component has recently claimed its outperforming ways when compared to its blue chip brethren.

How does sentiment stack up on JNJ? The firm receives the requisite love from the speculative options bunch, as its SOIR of 0.65 is lower than 79 percent of those taken during the past 52 weeks. What's more, there isn't much in the way of short-covering support to help boost the stock.

What I find surprising is the level of apathy from the analyst community. According to Zacks, eight of the 17 analysts covering JNJ rate it a "hold" or worse. Yes, there is plenty of room for downgrades to push the equity lower, but upgrades could have the opposite affect.

JNJ earns a 7.0 out of a possible 10 on our Schaeffer's Equity Scorecard, indicating that it should find less resistance to an upside move. Will this be the case? Technical support is certainly in place, but overhead options-related resistance bothers me a tad. This does not mean that you shouldn't look at JNJ bullishly, I do, but a further rejection at 65 or 70 could send the shares reeling. Watch the stock carefully, the next major news event is next month's earnings report. Better-than-expected results could help break the overhead resistance and send the stock higher still.

Bringing today's observation to a close, let's review the stance I have on these four baby-related stocks from an Expectational Analysis ® point of view. I am bullish on NVS, PLCE, and JNJ, while CRI is left crying in the bearish pen all by itself. I hope you have enjoyed reading this as much as I have writing it, good luck and happy trading!

-Mark Fightmaster (mfightmaster@sir-inc.com)

baby registry: Island Pacific's Retail Pro Version 9.1 Now in Active Beta Use

2006-06-20T01:25:00.000-07:00

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 2006--Island Pacific, Inc. (Pink Sheets:IPIN), a global leader in retail POS and merchandising system software, announced today the beta release and implementation of Retail Pro(R) Version 9.1. This highly anticipated version of Island Pacific's Retail Pro(R) software is currently being installed in various retail locations; with the first being Huggable Me, a high-end boutique specializing in clothing, accessories, furniture and toys for infants and toddlers, in Elk Grove, CA.

Retail Pro(R) Version 9.1 is the most significant advancement in Island Pacific's industry leading POS system in nearly two years and contains many new features and functionality. Version 9.1 was developed from requests made across the entire Retail Pro(R) customer base. These requests were driven by the end user and industry proven best practices.

"We are committed to providing our customers the latest functionality and best business processes to fit their changing needs," says Darren Williams, COO of Island Pacific, Inc. "While in active beta use, we are able to 'kick the tires' with version 9.1 to ensure new features and functionality meet our expectations and those of our customer base."

Retail Pro(R) Version 9.1 introduces Retail Pro's powerful point of sale features and enhancements to the improved Version 9 series database and includes the integration of payment authorization services directly into Retail Pro(R). Also, Version 9.1 is more easily configured to work with specific hardware devices used at the point of sale.

"We especially like this new version of Retail Pro(R) for its ease of use, flexibility, open database and reports," said Megan Enos of Huggable Me. "We knew of Retail Pro's reputation for high reliability and have been very impressed with the quality and robust feature set of the product. We chose Retail Pro over Microsoft's Retail Management System, and it really works well."

Other exciting features new to Version 9.1 include:

-- Improved Receipt functionality for greater detailed customer data capture, enhanced customer purchase tracking, improved tendering for smoother transactions, gift receipts and more.

-- Enhanced Sales Order functionality eases the interface between Receipts and customer orders, layaways, special orders and gift registries.

-- Enhanced Opening and Closing procedures and X/Z Out Reports allow more detailed tracking of registers and modification of reports.

-- Enhanced Check In/Out easily tracks employee hours and more.

-- Improved KPI statistics available within Profile Reports allowing for greater flexibility in evaluating merchandise and vendor performance.

-- Improved security features help protect businesses from employee or customer transaction fraud.

-- CISP compliancy within the database, including secured credit card accessibility and automatic credit card encryption.

-- Improved capabilities in count recording for a variety of in-store and multi-store inventories.

-- New Technicians Toolkit provides easy access to a variety of tools for maintaining the database.

-- Improved reporting capabilities, including the ability to create custom reports and view reports while working offline.

Retail Pro(R) is currently available through a worldwide network of business partners in over 30 countries. Each is rigorously trained and certified to provide valuable local support and implementation of Retail Pro(R).

About Huggable Me

Huggable Me is Elk Grove's newest boutique for infants and toddlers, offering high quality, attractively priced shoes, clothing, wooden toys, stuffed animals, shower gifts, furniture and bedding. Huggable Me is known for great selection, exceptional customer service including free gift wrapping and baby registry in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. All merchandise in Huggable Me is hand-picked by owners Adam and Megan Enos. Clothing ranges from newborn to toddler (4T).

About Island Pacific/Retail Pro(R)

Island Pacific/Retail Pro(R) is a global leader in retail Merchandising, Store Operations, Planning, and Multi-channel software solutions. For more than 25 years, Island Pacific/Retail Pro(R) has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality, high-value, high-reliability software to the retail industry.

As a result, Island Pacific/Retail Pro(R) is the definitive resource for scalable, flexible and affordable solutions for retailers around the world. Island Pacific/Retail Pro(R) software solutions manage billions of transactions annually in more than 35,000 store locations worldwide, in 73 countries, and 18 different languages.

The company is headquartered in Irvine, California, has offices in the United States and the United Kingdom, and is represented by Business Partners in over 30 countries. For more information, please visit www.islandpacific.com.

Certain statements contained in this news release regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance. These statements are only predictions. Because such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Company's Form 10-KA for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 and other risk factors identified from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. IPI undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

TRADEMARKS

Island Pacific, Retail Pro(R) and Synaro are registered trademarks of Island Pacific, Inc., and may not be used without expressed, written permission.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 2006--Island Pacific, Inc. (Pink Sheets:IPIN), a global leader in retail POS and merchandising system software, announced today the beta release and implementation of Retail Pro(R) Version 9.1. This highly anticipated version of Island Pacific's Retail Pro(R) software is currently being installed in various retail locations; with the first being Huggable Me, a high-end boutique specializing in clothing, accessories, furniture and toys for infants and toddlers, in Elk Grove, CA.

Retail Pro(R) Version 9.1 is the most significant advancement in Island Pacific's industry leading POS system in nearly two years and contains many new features and functionality. Version 9.1 was developed from requests made across the entire Retail Pro(R) customer base. These requests were driven by the end user and industry proven best practices.

"We are committed to providing our customers the latest functionality and best business processes to fit their changing needs," says Darren Williams, COO of Island Pacific, Inc. "While in active beta use, we are able to 'kick the tires' with version 9.1 to ensure new features and functionality meet our expectations and those of our customer base."

Retail Pro(R) Version 9.1 introduces Retail Pro's powerful point of sale features and enhancements to the improved Version 9 series database and includes the integration of payment authorization services directly into Retail Pro(R). Also, Version 9.1 is more easily configured to work with specific hardware devices used at the point of sale.

"We especially like this new version of Retail Pro(R) for its ease of use, flexibility, open database and reports," said Megan Enos of Huggable Me. "We knew of Retail Pro's reputation for high reliability and have been very impressed with the quality and robust feature set of the product. We chose Retail Pro over Microsoft's Retail Management System, and it really works well."

Other exciting features new to Version 9.1 include:

-- Improved Receipt functionality for greater detailed customer data capture, enhanced customer purchase tracking, improved tendering for smoother transactions, gift receipts and more.

-- Enhanced Sales Order functionality eases the interface between Receipts and customer orders, layaways, special orders and gift registries.

-- Enhanced Opening and Closing procedures and X/Z Out Reports allow more detailed tracking of registers and modification of reports.

-- Enhanced Check In/Out easily tracks employee hours and more.

-- Improved KPI statistics available within Profile Reports allowing for greater flexibility in evaluating merchandise and vendor performance.

-- Improved security features help protect businesses from employee or customer transaction fraud.

-- CISP compliancy within the database, including secured credit card accessibility and automatic credit card encryption.

-- Improved capabilities in count recording for a variety of in-store and multi-store inventories.

-- New Technicians Toolkit provides easy access to a variety of tools for maintaining the database.

-- Improved reporting capabilities, including the ability to create custom reports and view reports while working offline.

Retail Pro(R) is currently available through a worldwide network of business partners in over 30 countries. Each is rigorously trained and certified to provide valuable local support and implementation of Retail Pro(R).

About Huggable Me

Huggable Me is Elk Grove's newest boutique for infants and toddlers, offering high quality, attractively priced shoes, clothing, wooden toys, stuffed animals, shower gifts, furniture and bedding. Huggable Me is known for great selection, exceptional customer service including free gift wrapping and baby registry in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. All merchandise in Huggable Me is hand-picked by owners Adam and Megan Enos. Clothing ranges from newborn to toddler (4T).

About Island Pacific/Retail Pro(R)

Island Pacific/Retail Pro(R) is a global leader in retail Merchandising, Store Operations, Planning, and Multi-channel software solutions. For more than 25 years, Island Pacific/Retail Pro(R) has developed a reputation for delivering high-quality, high-value, high-reliability software to the retail industry.

As a result, Island Pacific/Retail Pro(R) is the definitive resource for scalable, flexible and affordable solutions for retailers around the world. Island Pacific/Retail Pro(R) software solutions manage billions of transactions annually in more than 35,000 store locations worldwide, in 73 countries, and 18 different languages.

The company is headquartered in Irvine, California, has offices in the United States and the United Kingdom, and is represented by Business Partners in over 30 countries. For more information, please visit www.islandpacific.com.

Certain statements contained in this news release regarding matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or the Company's future performance. These statements are only predictions. Because such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Company's Form 10-KA for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 and other risk factors identified from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. IPI undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

TRADEMARKS

Island Pacific, Retail Pro(R) and Synaro are registered trademarks of Island Pacific, Inc., and may not be used without expressed, written permission.

baby registry: Health Calendar June 5-11 HEALTH CALENDAR

2006-06-13T00:16:00.000-07:00

Classes, workshops, seminars

YOUR GUIDE TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: Christine M. Boutwell will discuss Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, available medications and considerations when caring for a person with the disease. 9-10 a.m. June 6, St. Luke’s South Hospital, 12300 Metcalf, Conference Rooms A&B, Overland Park. Free; register. www. saintlukes healthsystem.org (816-932-6220, Option 2)

EXPECTANT PARENT SEMINAR: “There’s a Baby on the Way: Packing Your Bag for the Hospital Stay.” Open to expectant parents, grandparents and caregivers. 6-7 p.m. June 7, Babies “R” Us, 8640 N. Madison. Free. Speak with a baby registry associate for more details. (816-420-8808)

KEEPING YOU IN STEP: Various orthopedic conditions and various surgical treatment options. Daniel Weed speaking. 9-10 a.m. June 8, St. Luke’s Northland Hospital, Barry Medical Park, 5844 N.W. Barry. Free; register. www.saintlukeshealth system.org (816-932-6220, Option 2)

SKIN CANCER AND AGING: Daniel Hurwitz will discuss common skin conditions and outline risk factors for skin cancer. Noon-1 p.m. June 8, University of Kansas Hospital, Westwood Campus, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Mission. Free; register. www.kumed.com (913-588-1227)

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING: Designed for couples who want to learn the Creighton Model System of Natural Family Planning to avoid or achieve pregnancy. 7 p.m. June 8, Providence Medical Center, 8929 Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. $20. (913-281-7777)

BABY FEST EVENT: “Dad’s in Training,” featuring hands-on product demonstrations and fun games just for dads. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 10, Babies “R” Us, 8640 N. Madison. Free. Signing up is preferred. Speak with a Baby Registry Associate for more details. (816-420-8808)

PREGNANCY, BIRTH AND YOU: For mothers in their sixth through ninth month of pregnancy and interested coaches. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 11, Providence Medical Center, Keenan Education Center, 8929 Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. $40. Register. (913-281-7777)

HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER CPR RENEWAL: 9 a.m.-noon June 11, National American University, Room 105, 10310 Mastin, Overland Park. $35. Register. www.kumed.com (913-588-1227)

Health fairs, screenings

SKIN CANCER SCREENING: Screening by Gale Oleson. Sponsored by Blue Springs Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the American Academy of Dermatology. 9-10:30 a.m. June 6, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper, Blue Springs. Free. Please call to make an appointment. (816-228-9099)

COMMUNITY HEALTH SCREENING: Blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. Mental health screening questionnaires available. 9 a.m.-noon June 7, American Red Cross, 211 W. Armour. $1-$8. Call for additional screening sites available on same day. (816-931-6662, Ext. 293)

Other

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S HEART WALK: Noncompetitive 1- and 4-mile walking event. Raise money to fight heart disease and stroke. Free health screenings, food and family fun. Sponsored by Shawnee Mission Medical Center. 7:30 a.m.-noon June 10, Theis Park, 47th and Oak. .org/kansascity (913-648-6727)

FAMILY HEALTH FESTIVAL AND COMMUNITY GRAND OPENING: Health screenings and information for adults. Chair massage and car seat safety checks. Face painting, mini-hospital, craft, moonwalk and giant slide for children. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 10, St. Luke's East, 100 N.E. St. Luke's Blvd., Lee's Summit. Free. Lifeflight air ambulance available for tours from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (816-932-6220)

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Getting listed

E-MAIL: healthcal@kcstar.com

MAIL: Health Calendar, The Kansas City Star, 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108

DEADLINE: Typed notices should be received at least two weeks before the Monday publication date.

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Compiled by Paula Staton | The Star Submit items for publication to healthcal@kcstar.com.

baby registry: Munchkin(R) Announces Launch of New Web Site at http://www.munchkin.com

2006-06-13T00:14:00.000-07:00

Monday June 12, 12:00 pm ET
Celebrates 15 Years With Full Re-Brand Initiative Culminating With New Web Site Launch

NORTH HILLS, Calif., June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Munchkin, Inc. -- the maker of clever infant products that excite, delight and make life easier for parents and families -- announced today the launch of a new Web site at http://www.munchkin.com. The new Web site is part of the company's overall re-branding initiative that is designed to broaden its appeal to the modern mom, and highlight that it's the little things in her life that often make the biggest difference. The re-brand initiative comes as the company celebrates fifteen years of booming business.

"Our business has been extremely strong -- with revenues growing at approximately 25% per year for the last eight years. But we learned that while moms were loyal users of our products, they were not always familiar with our brand," said Steven Dunn, founder and chief executive officer, Munchkin, Inc. "This re-branding initiative is already showing results, and we believe it will help us take the company to the next level."

The Web site uses new technology to quickly bring resources and information to moms seeking the latest in time-saving (and stress-reducing) products. The site offers consumers multiple ways to browse for its clever products -- by their child's stage of development, product category or "best-sellers." Plus, to really make life easier for moms, the site features a store locator powered by cutting-edge Google® technology that helps them find the stores that carry the product they want using maps and satellite photos. There's even a feature to help new mothers build a baby registry, including easy access to products carried at Target and Wal-Mart and the ability to print UPCs to scan in stores.

Munchkin's re-branding initiative includes new packaging that prominently features the company's newly-designed logo and the "It's the Little Things" tagline -- set against a crisp, clean design that uses new bright, modern colors in contemporary color-blocks. Key products featuring the appealing new packaging have already seen up to a 30% increase in volume at top retail accounts.

A new print advertising campaign also launched to raise broad awareness of the Munchkin brand as the creator of clever, must-have products for today's moms. Each ad in the campaign, which appears in top national parenting magazines, highlights one of Munchkin's 150-plus clever products in a larger-than-life setting that reinforces the benefit of the item.

Munchkin partnered with creative agency THE UXB(TM) (www.theuxb.com) on the entire re-branding initiative. An award-winning advertising, branding, and interactive agency based in Century City and San Diego, CA, THE UXB(TM) has a long history of taking innovative companies to the next level.

About Munchkin, Inc.

A privately held company headquartered in North Hills, Calif., Munchkin, Inc. designs, manufactures and markets baby products that excite, delight and make life easier for families. Founded in 1991, Munchkin, Inc. has placed great emphasis on anticipating parents' needs and finding clever ways to address them. As a result of this focus on innovation, Munchkin has pioneered numerous concepts in the baby care industry including the Bottle & Nipple Brush (1995), White Hot technology (1996), Teething Blanket (1997), Teether Babies (1998), and the Insulated Spill-Proof Trainer Cup (2004). In addition, Munchkin has been granted more than 50 United States patents and has won over 30 industry awards, including the coveted Target Corporation Partner Award of Excellence in 2005. Endorsed and recommended by lactation consultants, medical professionals, toy specialists and parents, Munchkin products can be found at more than 25,000 retail outlets internationally. For more information, visit munchkin.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ashley Kirkendall, MS&L
(323) 866-6075

Doug Gillespie, Munchkin
(818) 221-4232

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Source: Munchkin, Inc.

baby registry: Oh, baby, that's expensive

2006-06-08T01:22:00.000-07:00

By SEAN MUSSENDEN

Media General News Service

A buddy of mine just became a dad. Exciting stuff. I found out in an e-mail that came with a link to his Amazon.com baby registry, featuring a crib bedding set for $179.99.

Seriously, almost 200 bucks for six pieces of cloth. The baby-industrial complex knows newborns sleep on mattresses the size of postage stamps, right?

If you’re around 25, you’re at the age when the average mother has her first kid. Maybe you’re thinking about having one. Maybe your parents are pressuring you to give them a grandkid already.

It’s a huge decision. Lots of prospective young parents ask themselves if they’re emotionally ready, but too few figure out if they’re financially ready.

As my friend’s baby registry illustrates, kids are very expensive. It may take nothing but love (or too many bottles of Chianti) to make a kid, but it takes serious coin to raise one.

Jars of mashed peas, Barney videos, vaccinations, babysitter tips, Baby Gap jeans, car seats, diapers -- they add up quick.

How much? The federal government, which seems to keep statistics on everything, surveys thousands of parents every year to estimate how much it costs to raise a child from birth to age 18. Kids mean bigger houses, bigger grocery bills, bigger cars, clothing, health care, child care and toys and books and video games.

Here’s what it costs per year, according to the feds, keeping in mind that richer families, as you’d expect, spend more than poorer families:

Families making less than $42,000 a year spend about $9,050 for one kid or $14,600 for two. Families making more than $70,000 spend $18,835 for one or $30,380 for two. Families in the middle spend $12,670 for one or $20,440 for two. One perk of having multiple babies: Two or more kids is more cost effective than having just one.

Do the math. The total a husband and wife will spend on two kids born today until age 18 will run a family at the top $732,000; a family in the middle $501,000; a family at the bottom, $366,000, according to the feds.

These figures do not include college. At current tuition inflation rates, it will take $240,000 to put a kid born today through a four-year public school, double that for a private school.

Ouch. That’s the bad news.

There’s plenty of good news, which I’ll discuss in future columns. Babies bring tax breaks. Lots of kids get scholarships. Baby registries, like my buddy’s, help pass start-up costs to friends and families.

Most importantly, millions of people successfully rearrange their finances to have cute lil’ bundles of joy. It’s not impossible.

The first step is to take a look at your current budget. Have an extra $10,000 a year to throw around? If so, great. If not, look for ways to make room for a new member of the household.

Then, have an honest discussion with your significant other about whether you can afford a kid now, or you’d be better holding off for a few years.

It’s a conversation worth having. Before you uncork the Chianti.

(((BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM)))

NEW BLOG

Do you remember the first time your grandma said bling, and you realized you could never say that word unironically again? And then your grandma and 27 million other people got a blog, and you decided it was time the whole bloggin’ blogosphere died a quiet, mainstream death.

I bring this up because, um, we’re rolling out a First Steps blog this week, on this newspaper’s Web site or at firststeps.mgblogs.com. Before you scoff, we promise this one will be useful.

We’ll stick to personal finance issues, instead of rambling from the NBA Draft to the war in Iraq. We’ll offer tools and resources to go with the columns (this week: a baby cost calculator), all of which will be archived by topic on the site.

Sean Mussenden is a national correspondent in Media General's Washington Bureau. E-mail Mussenden at smussenden@mediageneral.com

baby registry: Potentially fatal cancer cases predicted to double by 2020

2006-06-08T01:16:00.000-07:00

07/06/2006 - 18:08:54

The number of people suffering from potentially fatal cancer will double by 2020, a new report revealed today.

The National Cancer Registry issued the warning as a study showed the amount of people with forms of the disease will go up from 22,000 a year at present to 42,000 or 43,000.

The elderly, who are more prone to cancer are most at risk, while an increase in common forms like skin, lung or breast cancer will add to the huge incidence rate.

Dr Harry Comber, director of the Registry, said the baby boom generation, born in the late 1940s, would bear the brunt of it.

“The majority of the increases are really due to factors which are beyond our control which is that our population is ageing and the proportion of the population that is over 65 is going to increase quite significantly over the next 15 to 20 years,” he said.

“This is the part of the population where the vast majority of cancers occur.”

The total number of new cancers is predicted to increase by 90%, from 22,019 to 41,743 between 1998-2002 and 2020, with a larger increase occurring in men 97%, than in women, 83%.

Some of the largest rises are expected in prostate cancer, a 275% increase between 2000 and 2020, kidney, an increase of 160% for women and 200% for men and melanoma, a 130% increase in women and 170% increase in men.

For individual cancers, the largest projected increases for women are in cancers of the liver, kidney, breast, lung, melanoma and gallbladder, and for men in cancers of liver, prostate, kidney, melanoma and testis, the report noted.

Only cancer of the head and neck in men is predicted to fall in numbers.

The Registry warned that the anticipated rise will place a major additional burden on health services which must be considered when planning for staffing and funding.

The body noted improvements in cancer survival rates, along with the increasing number of elderly patients, will create a much greater need for aftercare services and require a more active approach to the management of cancer in older people.

The report added: “If this future cancer burden is to be reduced, action needs to be taken now, both to deal with known risk factors and to identify others, as cancer risk in 2020 will be largely determined by current exposures.

“However, reducing risk will only partly solve the problem, as most of the expected increase in cancer numbers will be caused by the growing number of older people in the population.”

The report said that since the Registry was set up in 1994 there has been a steady increase in the number of cancers diagnosed – almost 3% a year.

It noted that most cancer, 65% in men and 54% in women, occur in the population over 65, so any change in the size of this population gives an indication of the rates of the disease.

The Registry warned however, that the assumption that incidence rates will continue to rise at their current rate may not hold true for all cancers.

It said the recent rapid increase in prostate cancer incidence is likely to be a product of increased PSA blood testing and as in other countries should eventually level off.

New risk factors and unanticipated new trends may also emerge, the report said. For many cancers, however, there seems to be a trend of slowly increasing risk, which is likely to continue.

baby registry: First Steps: Cost of kids grows faster than they do

2006-06-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

By Sean Mussenden
MEDIA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE

>> a d v e r t i s e m e n t <<

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JOURNALNOW EXTRAS

Sean Mussenden's "First $teps" blog offers personal finance advice for 20- to 30-year olds at firststeps.mgblogs.com. You can also read Mussenden's Sunday column every two weeks in the Winston-Salem Journal.

Got a personal finance question? Comment? Sean Mussenden can be reached at smussenden@mediageneral.com, 202-662-7668 or join in discussions at his blog.

First Steps Columns
June 4, 2006
Cost of kids grows faster than they do

A buddy of mine just became a dad. Exciting stuff. I found out in an e-mail that came with a link to his Amazon.com baby registry, featuring a crib-bedding set for $179.99.

Seriously, almost 200 bucks for six pieces of cloth. The baby-industrial complex knows newborns sleep on mattresses the size of postage stamps, right?

If you're about 25, you're at the age when the average mother has her first kid. Maybe you're thinking about having one. Maybe your parents are pressuring you to give them a grandkid already.

It's a very big decision. Lots of prospective young parents ask themselves if they're emotionally ready, but too few figure out if they're financially ready.

As my friend's baby registry illustrates, kids are expensive. It may take nothing but love (or too many bottles of Chianti) to make a kid, but it takes serious coin to raise one.

The costs of kids

How much? The federal government, which seems to keep statistics on everything, surveys thousands of parents every year to estimate how much it costs to raise a child from birth to age 18.

Here's what it costs a year, according to the feds, keeping in mind that richer families, as you'd expect, spend more than poorer families:

Families making less than $42,000 a year spend about $9,050 for one kid or $14,600 for two. Families making more than $70,000 spend $18,835 for one or $30,380 for two. Families in the middle spend $12,670 for one or $20,440 for two. One perk of multiple babies: Two or more kids is more cost effective than having just one.

Do the math. The total a husband and wife will spend on two kids born today until age 18 will run a family at the top $732,000; a family in the middle $501,000; a family at the bottom, $366,000, according to the feds.

These figures do not include college. At current tuition inflation rates, it will take $240,000 to put a kid born today through a four-year public school, double that for a private school.

Ouch. That's the bad news.

There's plenty of good news, which I'll discuss in future columns. Babies bring tax breaks. Lots of kids get scholarships. Baby registries help pass startup costs to friends and families.

Most important, millions of people successfully rearrange their finances to have cute lil' bundles of joy. It's not impossible.

The first step is to take a look at your current budget. Have an extra $10,000 a year to throw around? If so, great. If not, look for ways to make room for a new member of the household. Then, have an honest discussion with your significant other about whether you can afford a kid now, or you'd be better holding off for a few years.

It's a conversation worth having. Before you uncork the Chianti.

Come blog with me

Do you remember the first time your grandma said bling, and you realized you could never use that word again? And then your grandma and 27 million other people got a blog, and you decided it was time the whole bloggin' blogosphere died a quiet, mainstream death.

I bring this up because, um, we're rolling out a First Steps blog today. You can find it on this newspaper's Web site. Before you scoff, we promise this one will be useful.

We'll stick to personal-finance issues, instead of rambling from the NBA Draft to the war in Iraq. We'll offer tools and resources to go with the columns, all of which will be archived by topic on the site.

• Got a personal finance question? Comment? Sean Mussenden can be reached at smussenden@mediageneral.com, 202-662-7668 or join in discussions at his blog at http://firststeps.mgblogs.com.

In two weeks: Time is running out to save on student loans.

baby registry: Health Calendar June 5-11 HEALTH CALENDAR

2006-06-06T06:19:00.000-07:00

Classes, workshops, seminars

YOUR GUIDE TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: Christine M. Boutwell will discuss Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, available medications and considerations when caring for a person with the disease. 9-10 a.m. June 6, St. Luke’s South Hospital, 12300 Metcalf, Conference Rooms A&B, Overland Park. Free; register. www. saintlukes healthsystem.org (816-932-6220, Option 2)

EXPECTANT PARENT SEMINAR: “There’s a Baby on the Way: Packing Your Bag for the Hospital Stay.” Open to expectant parents, grandparents and caregivers. 6-7 p.m. June 7, Babies “R” Us, 8640 N. Madison. Free. Speak with a baby registry associate for more details. (816-420-8808)

KEEPING YOU IN STEP: Various orthopedic conditions and various surgical treatment options. Daniel Weed speaking. 9-10 a.m. June 8, St. Luke’s Northland Hospital, Barry Medical Park, 5844 N.W. Barry. Free; register. www.saintlukeshealth system.org (816-932-6220, Option 2)

SKIN CANCER AND AGING: Daniel Hurwitz will discuss common skin conditions and outline risk factors for skin cancer. Noon-1 p.m. June 8, University of Kansas Hospital, Westwood Campus, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Mission. Free; register. www.kumed.com (913-588-1227)

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING: Designed for couples who want to learn the Creighton Model System of Natural Family Planning to avoid or achieve pregnancy. 7 p.m. June 8, Providence Medical Center, 8929 Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. $20. (913-281-7777)

BABY FEST EVENT: “Dad’s in Training,” featuring hands-on product demonstrations and fun games just for dads. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 10, Babies “R” Us, 8640 N. Madison. Free. Signing up is preferred. Speak with a Baby Registry Associate for more details. (816-420-8808)

PREGNANCY, BIRTH AND YOU: For mothers in their sixth through ninth month of pregnancy and interested coaches. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 11, Providence Medical Center, Keenan Education Center, 8929 Parallel, Kansas City, Kan. $40. Register. (913-281-7777)

HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER CPR RENEWAL: 9 a.m.-noon June 11, National American University, Room 105, 10310 Mastin, Overland Park. $35. Register. www.kumed.com (913-588-1227)

Health fairs, screenings

SKIN CANCER SCREENING: Screening by Gale Oleson. Sponsored by Blue Springs Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the American Academy of Dermatology. 9-10:30 a.m. June 6, Vesper Hall, 400 N.W. Vesper, Blue Springs. Free. Please call to make an appointment. (816-228-9099)

COMMUNITY HEALTH SCREENING: Blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. Mental health screening questionnaires available. 9 a.m.-noon June 7, American Red Cross, 211 W. Armour. $1-$8. Call for additional screening sites available on same day. (816-931-6662, Ext. 293)

FAMILY HEALTH FESTIVAL: Health screenings include bone density, foot, hearing, blood glucose, body fat, cholesterol and blood pressure. Children’s activities include mini-hospital experience. Chair massage, prize drawings, health information and giveaways. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 11, First Baptist Church of Raytown, 10500 E. Missouri 350. Admission free; lunch for purchase. www.saint lukeshealthsystem.org (816-932-6220)

Other

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S HEART WALK: Noncompetitive 1- and 4-mile walking event. Raise money to fight heart disease and stroke. Free health screenings, food and family fun. Sponsored by Shawnee Mission Medical Center. 7:30 a.m.-noon June 10, Theis Park, 47th and Oak. .org/kansascity (913-648-6727)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Getting listed

E-MAIL: healthcal@kcstar.com

MAIL: Health Calendar, The Kansas City Star, 1729 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64108

DEADLINE: Typed notices should be received at least two weeks before the Monday publication date.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Compiled by Paula Staton | The Star Submit items for publication to healthcal@kcstar.com.

baby registry: Celebrations all-around

2006-05-30T02:10:00.000-07:00

Celebrations all-around

Sunday, May 28, 2006
By Melissa Flores

Shelter volunteer celebrates 80th birthday by giving to others

Along Monterey Road, on the outskirts of Gilroy, the first batch of tenants have made themselves at home in a newly constructed transitional living center. The peach-colored buildings, home to 56 families, look like any other apartment complex in town with dark green grass surrounding a brightly colored children's playground and a basketball court.

But when Maria Skoczylas looks around the spic-and-span landscape she sees much more than apartments.

"How many people can say they have had a dream come true?" she asked. "I can truly say that."

Skoczylas, who turned 80 this week, has been an outspoken advocate for the homeless in Gilroy and a transitional living center for years. She got involved with a homeless taskforce at least eight years ago to promote the idea of a facility that would offer more than a place to get out of the cold.

With the help of the Gilroy City Council, Supervisor Don Gage, South County Housing, a non-profit affordable housing developer, and EHC Lifebuilders, a non-profit that offers social services, Skoczylas' dream is a reality at last.

The first phase of the project included 13 single-family homes that sold at market rate to help raise some of the needed funds. The second phase is the recently completed apartments that opened to residents in April. The last phase is an emergency shelter with 140 beds, which should be completed next fall.

Though things seem close to completion, Skoczylas still has another plan afoot to make the lives of residents even better. To celebrate her 80th birthday, she has asked friends and family members to buy gifts that can be used by the families at Sobrato.

"Instead of giving me presents, people can bring something for the families," Skoczylas said.

The families are still in need of many minor and major household items. Many of the residents are without bed frames or with mismatched bed sets. Bunk beds are desired for children's rooms. The families are also short on pots and pans, kitchen tables and chairs, along with other items.

Skoczylas' daughter registered her on a baby gift registry with some of the most needed items for the residents. A search for Maria Skoczylas under the baby registry online at www.target.com or at a local store will bring up the list of gifts. While the 80th birthday party was celebrated May 27, donations of new or slightly used goods will be accepted at the shelter office during the coming weeks.

"Most people moved in with no furniture," said Jaime Martinez, the program manager with EHC Lifebuilders. "We had funds to furnish eight apartments, but we have 59 to furnish."

One single mother, Marina Melendez, one of the first residents to move in, has no bed frame for her 12-year-old daughter. The girl sleeps on a mattress that is smaller than the box spring. Her 7-year-old son has a bed frame, but without a box frame, his mattress lies below the frame on the floor beneath a faded Spiderman blanket.

The family had been living in San Martin, in another property run by South County Housing, but with Melendez on disability with arthritis, she needed some more time to get back to work.

"It's very nice. It's larger than the old apartment," she said of Sobrato.

Martinez is one of two case managers who works with the families like Melendez'.

"Once we get everyone settled in, we will provide training," he said. "We'll get her trained in another job or refer her to an employment center."

The goal of the transitional living center is that families can live there for two years, paying a small amount of rent, while gaining job skills and savings to move out on their own. Caseworkers, such as Martinez, will work with the residents on issues from managing their personal finances to applying for jobs. Volunteers, such as Skoczylas, can help along the way and will be needed when the emergency shelter opens later in the year.

Despite Skoczylas' graying hair, she remains vibrant when she talks about the transitional living center and her latest plan to help the residents.

She has been involved with helping the homeless in Gilroy for 19 years and her passion has grown over the years.

"I heard in church at St. Mary that they needed blankets because they were going to open a homeless shelter," Skoczylas said, in an interview in December.

The National Guard Armory had opened to serve as an emergency shelter to the homeless during winter months. Her daughter persuaded her to bring blankets to the Wren Avenue shelter on Christmas Eve.

"We saw the people. We met them," she said. "It's something I got hooked on."

Over the years, she has organized cookie donations around the holidays, served food to the guests, as they are called by volunteers, and talked to those who needed a friend.

"The reality is that they are just people down on their luck who need a helping hand," Skoczylas said.

Gifts for the residents of the Sobrato Apartments will be accepted during office hours at 9369 Monterey Road, Mon.-Thu. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information on what items are needed, or donating money, gifts or time, call Jaime Martinez at 408-842-4072 or Josefa Nava at 408-848-6400.

baby registry: Life Around The Bay

2006-05-30T02:07:00.000-07:00

Diaper cakes

By:
De Anna SheffieldSt.

Petersburg, Florida — I've been to a few baby showers in my day. And it's pretty much the same. You head straight to the baby registry, find what's left to buy, have it gift-wrapped, or in my case, select an appropriately beautiful gift bag, that will likely be recycled, if not thrown away.

For St. Petersburg mom Deanne Wilson, who's seen her share of things that..well, she didn't/couldn't use at her own shower, she cooked up an idea, called 'Diaper Cakes'. No sugar added in these treats, but Wilson hopes the recipient will likely have something sweet to say, after looking at the ingredients. Each one is made up of..diapers, and a lot of other stuff.

Deanne Wilson, Dee's Diaper Deesigns
“Last month I probably used 2,000 diapers. I've done (a diaper cake) with 400 baby wipes, hooded towels, blankets, ear thermometer, bottles, bibs. I can get the items off the registry (to make one). ”
The cakes, some round, some square are made up of several tiers. It's a bakers secret how Wilson gets the tiny diapers to stay rolled up and perfectly stacked. Each one is decorated just so, depending on the theme or gender of baby. And the cake 'topper' is often a stuffed animal or toy. They look pretty, but Wilson says, they're practical too,

Deanne Wilson, Dee's Diaper Designs
“I remember when I was in the hospital, people spent so much money on flowers, I got so many flowers, I didn't enjoy them at all, I was so involved in taking care of her. (With the Diaper Cakes)..when you're desperate for a diaper you'll tear it apart. ”
For more information on pricing and delivery, visit www.deesdiaperdeesigns.com

baby registry: Adoption's dark past: Author follows women forced to give up babies

2006-05-25T02:24:00.000-07:00

By Jackie Burrell
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

IT WAS AN EXCHANGE in an art gallery that first forced adoptee Ann Fessler to consider adoption from a different perspective.

A stranger approached her and stated, "You could be my long-lost daughter."

It was a powerful moment, Fessler said, and one that got her thinking about what it must have been like to give up a child from a young mother's point of view.

Although Fessler was not this woman's child -- and it would be another 15 years before she began looking for her own mother -- that gallery conversation launched a journey that would result in "The Girls Who Went Away."

It was only a generation or two ago, in the 30 years between World War II and Watergate, when an estimated 1.5 million pregnant girls were spirited away to homes for unwed mothers. There, alone and frightened, they gave birth and surrendered their babies for adoption.

Many of those women, now 50 to 70 years old, are still here today. And their children -- the babies they relinquished under duress -- are out there, somewhere.

It was a different era, noted Fessler, whose myth-shattering book combines scholarly research with interviews with 100 women.

The birth-control pill was unavailable. Sex education barely existed, and abortion was not only a dirty word but a dangerous back alley operation. And while men's reputations were polished by sexual escapades, young women who became pregnant were shunned and tossed out of school.

"The big myth was that (these mothers) had weighed all the options and that her decision was based on her not wanting the child," Fessler said during a recent interview in San Francisco. "The second myth was that these women were promiscuous. And the third myth was that they got over it."

Most of these young women became pregnant with their first love, some the very first time they had intercourse. They weren't promiscuous, Fessler said. They were naive and powerless.

According to U.S. Census Bureau, in the 1940s and 1950s, when young women had no legal access to birth control, teen pregnancy rates began to skyrocket. Between 1945 and 1957, rates rose 78 percent, with one out of every 100 teenage girls pregnant.

Many of the women Fessler interviewed -- identified only by first name in her book -- were like Nancy, who became pregnant at 16. All Nancy knew about sex was what was written on the school restroom walls.

"I just didn't know ... I mean, the whole biology of it," she recalls in Fessler's book. "He kept saying, 'It's OK. It's OK. It's really hard to get pregnant.' What did I know? I didn't see a lot of pregnant people, so I figured, I guess it really is hard."

Nine months later a very pregnant Nancy finally worked up the nerve to ask her mother how babies are born.

"I mean it's borderline child abuse not to share this kind of information," Nancy says in the book. "How can anyone think that we will just absorb it naturally or that it's our responsibility as children to figure it out?"

Families packed pregnant daughters off to maternity homes run by religious or charitable organizations. There, they waited out their time, delivered and, Fessler said, were coerced into relinquishing their babies to social workers.

"The stigma was incredible," Fessler said. "The options were so little and the pressure so great."

Those post-war years were a unique time in the nation's history, Fessler said. A prosperous middle class arose almost overnight, and status became everything. An unwed pregnant daughter was beyond socially disastrous -- it was "low class."

Some pregnant teens rushed into marriage. A few tried single motherhood. But most were threatened with social and family ostracism if they came home with a baby. Some social workers -- who played the uneasy role of go-between, with unwed mothers on the one hand and 10 eager-to-adopt families for every available baby on the other -- told girls they were unfit to be mothers, that no man would ever want them, and that their children would be labeled "bastards" on the playground. No mention was made of support services or options.

At maternity homes, 80 percent of the babies born were given up for adoption. And their mothers took the "unfit mother" message to heart. Thirty percent never had another child -- some felt it would be unfair to the child they lost, others from fear of any further loss. Four of the 100 women Fessler interviewed had tubal ligations before they were 30.

"The worst part was they were told not to talk about it," Fessler said.

Then society changed. The Pill arrived. Abortion was legalized. And when celebrities began having children out of wedlock, it wasn't just OK, it was trendy.

Today, many of those girls --women in their 50s, 60s and 70s -- question why they let themselves be forced into a decision they didn't want. Fessler said that guilt is undeserved.

"Adoptees now don't understand," she said, "how difficult and complex the situation was then."

Meanwhile, loss and grief continue to haunt them. They peer into every face they pass, or apologetically approach strangers in art galleries. Some leave notes with their adoption agency or join the Soundex Reunion Registry.

Or they stay quiet and keep the secret deep inside.

Reach Jackie Burrell at 925-977-8568 or jburrell@cctimes.com.

PAM, CALIFORNIA

"The father of my son was my first love. I met him in junior high, and I figured out I was pregnant early on in the ninth grade. ... Being 14, we decided that we were going to get married. We got jobs and started saving our money. He worked two paper routes. ... We were just going to show everybody how grown-up we were because we intended to raise our child. ...

"My mom was just destroyed. ... My father had the kind of look on his face -- I mean, it would have been easier to have someone just take a gun and shoot me. I never got to open my mouth. The decision was made. It was so surreal to have people talking about you like you're not even in the room, like your life doesn't matter, like the baby was a mistake. He didn't feel like a mistake to me. ...

"And it's funny. While I was locked up, I would call the father, and he was going on with his life. He was having his summer and was, you know, worried about whether he would get a new tape or album. People had gossiped about him, but they were still allowed to hang out with him. Before I left home, nobody was allowed to be around me. ...

"I've spent 34 years thinking, 'If I had a choice, would I have done it differently?' I wanted college for him, I wanted him to have a mother and a father, I wanted him to have all the things that normal kids have, and it was very clear to me that society and the people around me would make that impossible. As an adult, you find out you did have a choice: You could have kept that baby. ... I'm sure there are women who suppress the experience, but I don't think it ever goes away. There isn't a day since I was 15 years old that I haven't thought about him."

JOYCE, FLORIDA

"I was in beauty school in Florida, and my mom picks me up and takes me back to Alabama and takes me to the doctor. The next recollection I have is being dumped at the Salvation Army Home for Unwed Mothers in Birmingham. It was an old, old, old house with big rooms. I was just put in a situation in which I had no control. ... Nobody ever asked me if I wanted to keep the baby, or explained the options. I went to the maternity home, I was going to have the baby, they were going to take it, and I was going to go home. I was not allowed to keep the baby. I would have been disowned. I don't even know if they had programs to help women and children back then. I don't know what was available. I was made to feel very ashamed of the situation that 'I had created for myself' and for my mother and for my family and friends, so I felt all those avenues were closed. I guess maybe I had to convince myself that I didn't give him away; I gave him a way to have two parents, a way to have a home. Maybe that's a cop-out on my part. I don't know, but that's the only way I can live with it."

LYDIA, CALIFORNIA

"I realized (decades later) that I had been used. I wasn't recognized as a human being. I was a mother. I was not a breeder or an incubator for somebody else. I was a young expectant mother and I was treated like I was this thing used to produce a child for somebody else. ... It makes everybody real uncomfortable to think that they took a mother's baby away, that she didn't give it up happily and voluntarily and as a gift. Nobody wants to face the fact that this is very traumatic. Even back in the '60s, it was a matter of finding a child for a family, instead of finding a family for the child. It leaves a lot of emotional wreckage, and it usually goes unaddressed because it's not even seen as a problem. It always comes to mind whenever I see somebody on the news who, God forbid, has their child kidnapped. Or you see in a magazine that a child anywhere in the world has been killed, and the mother is just grieving inconsolably, hysterically. We have all the same feelings, but the public doesn't know that. They don't want to acknowledge it because it is so unpleasant. It makes everybody so uncomfortable to think that in this civilized society, anybody could actually take a baby away from a young woman and expect her to not cry or be sad, or not want that to happen."

baby registry: Fee-based birth registry skews statistics: doctor

2006-05-25T02:23:00.000-07:00

Updated Tue. May. 23 2006 5:34 PM ET

Canadian Press

TORONTO -- Babies born in Ontario to teenaged, poor or foreign mothers are getting caught in a "discriminatory'' fee-based birth registration process that's skewing national statistics, Health Canada's public health division warns.

The fees, which can be as high as $35 depending on where a baby is born, are a deterrent that discourage "disadvantaged'' mothers from registering their new child, the Public Health Agency of Canada says.

That new child is more likely to be stillborn or have a congenital anomaly than infants born to other parents, leading to poor data, said Dr. Arne Ohlsson, a member of the agency's Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System.

That makes it difficult for policy makers to decide what prenatal programs and policies are needed to prevent early deaths or sick babies, he said.

"It's a huge problem; it's appalling,'' Ohlsson said in an interview Tuesday. "If you don't have the baseline data you cannot really compare and see what happened after we introduced a new intervention.''

The difficulty stems from Ontario's practice of charging fees to register a birth, a necessary first step en route to getting a birth certificate and establishing a legal identity for any new baby.

Fees, which are collected by municipalities, vary from city to city. Ottawa charges $33 per child while Hamilton asks for $28.50 and North Bay just $15. In Toronto, the fee is currently $27.50; it goes up to $35 on July 1.

The cost becomes an issue for certain, more disadvantaged citizens, Ohlsson said, pointing to mothers who are in their teens, poor, homeless, illiterate or don't speak English.

Those women are statistically more likely to give birth to stillborns or babies with a host of postnatal conditions, such as low birth weight or severe congenital anomolies.

"They have a very high mortality in that group; therefore, it will affect the statistics of Canada,'' said Ohlsson, who is also a neonatologist in the department of paediatrics at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital.

"This is totally discriminatory.''

As the country's most populated province, Ontario has the highest number of newborns in the country. Statistics Canada figures indicate 35 per cent of Canadian babies were born in Ontario in 2003.

It's not the first time the Canadian Prenatal Surveillance System has sounded the alarm.

The system has been pushing various government agencies, including Ontario's Ministry of Health and the registrar general, which issues birth certificates in the province, for almost a decade in hopes of rectifying the problem.

The problem originated in the late-1990s, when then-premier Mike Harris downloaded certain services to municipalities, said Dr. Alexender Allen, chairman of the system's fetal infant study group.

"The municipalities couldn't afford to take it on so they started charging fees,'' he said from his Halifax office.

"The fees are a problem to the disadvantaged part of the population, and it's the disadvantaged part of the population that has more difficulty with infant mortality.''

The provincial government said Tuesday it is aware of the problem, and is looking for ways to improve birth registration rates.

"We agree that fees are a hindrance to registration of births,'' said Paul de Zara, a spokesman for Government Services Minister Gerry Phillips.

"The province is currently exploring ways to fix that problem.''

The intention, de Zara said, is to transfer the responsibility for registration back to the province.

"When the province handles the registration, the fees would not be charged,'' he said.

The sooner the better, said Allen, since one dead baby for every healthy thousand can have a "tremendous effect'' on national statistics.

Said Allen: "Every other province has very good birth registration, not 100 per cent, but very close to it. Ontario is a very serious problem.''

baby registry: Emergency campaign brings sense of identity for hundreds of Colombians forced to flee violence

2006-05-19T01:49:00.000-07:00

SANCHEZ, Colombia, May 15 (UNHCR) – In a crowded church hall in the small village of Sanchez, Jose* waits in line with his three young children and recalls the day when a bullet slammed through the tin roof of his farmhouse and lodged in the kitchen wall just inches from his daughter. It was time to leave.

Until three weeks ago, Jose and his family lived in El Alto, a tiny community about an hour's walk uphill from Sanchez. Then his small farm, nestled in the hollow between two disputed hills, got caught in the crossfire and Jose's family became displaced within their own country.

Today, Jose and his children wait patiently in line on the first day of an emergency documentation campaign organised jointly by UNHCR and the Colombian Registry Office.

"It's the only good thing that will come out of this," Jose says. "We have nothing to go back to and we don't know how we are going to live now, but at least the children will have documents. They will not be like us, going through life like animals without anyone even knowing that we exist."

In all, more than 1,400 people from 19 communities took refuge in Sanchez on March 17-18 to escape heavy air-to-ground fighting between army helicopters and members of an irregular armed group. The vast majority of the displaced are of Afro-Colombian descent. Some came by foot, others by boat up the Patia River. There are no roads worthy of the name in this remote part of the Western Cordillera of the Andes.

The communities in this part of south-western Colombia are so isolated that many people, including Jose and his family, have never had access to any state services. They don't even hold a birth certificate to officially acknowledge their existence. This state of limbo can prove fatal, particularly in a part of the country where conflict between irregular armed groups rages and being unable to prove your identity can be a matter of life and death. When the violence forces people to flee their communities, lack of documentation only adds to the huge problems of displacement.

"Many displaced people miss out on the help they are entitled to from the government because they cannot even prove who they are," says Roberto Meier, UNHCR's representative in Colombia. "Proper documentation is the right of any citizen and in the case of displaced people, it is crucial that this right is respected. It is not only a question of access to services, but also of protection. People whose existence is not even known are terribly vulnerable to exploitation and all forms of violence."

In order to ensure that as many displaced people as possible are properly documented, UNHCR has been working with the Unit for Attention to Vulnerable Populations of the Colombian Registry Office since 2004. Since then, more than a quarter million people have been registered in cities, villages and remote communities with large populations of displaced people.

To reach out to these communities, the three mobile units available for the project have travelled thousands of miles to the most isolated parts of Colombia. They come equipped with computers, fingerprint materials, cameras and a satellite antenna to connect the unit with the national database in Bogotá. In cases of mass displacement like in Sanchez, an emergency campaign can be organised in the space of only a few days.

In Sanchez's church hall, 73-year old Olga looks slightly bewildered when she is asked to stand up and swear that she is who she says she is. She has lived all her life in a small river settlement some three hours away, and neither she nor her 15 children were ever registered with the state. Her case presents the registration team with a problem. The law requires the presence of two witnesses who have an identity card and have known the person from birth. A simple enough requirement, but it proves impossible to meet in Olga's case since the only person from her settlement with an identity card is 30 years younger than her. In the end, he and the local priest act as witnesses.

"We try to be as flexible as the law allows us to be when dealing with such cases," says Zandra Muñoz, the project's coordinator. "Our aim is to bring fast-track documentation to extremely vulnerable populations in emergency situations and we are doing everything we can to make sure everyone who needs it gets registered."

The job is not an easy one. Word has gone round that the mobile registration unit is in Sanchez, and hundreds of people are queuing patiently in and outside the church, determined not to miss out on the chance of finally getting an identity card. The heat is overwhelming and the team of seven government officials works without a break to get through as many people as possible so as not to disappoint anyone.

Tiny Elena is one of the lucky ones. Born in Sanchez two days earlier, she is one of the few babies in this region to be registered in her first week of life. She is named on the spot because her mother, Adriana, had not yet decided what she would call her but is now told she must make up her mind in order to register the baby. The young mother looks embarrassed – she would have named her daughter earlier, she says, but too much has been going on for her in the past few weeks.

"I was inside the house when the helicopter came," she says. "I didn't think much of it at first, but then I heard gunfire and what sounded like bombs falling on the roof of the house. I was so scared it took me maybe half an hour before I found the courage to run to my mother's house to get my little boy. Everyone was running but we did not know which way to go – down the river or by foot, we didn't know which was more dangerous."

She stares in wonder at her new identity card and her children's registration papers. With these, she says, she might be able to send them to school, one day. But the hope is short-lived. Sitting under a wooden statue of Christ – an import from Ecuador and a source of much pride among the local community – Adriana soon falls into despair again.

"I do not know what we will go back to," she says. "Everything has gone now and I do not know how we will feed the children. I do not see any solution for us. Sometimes, it is so hard that I think it would be easier to die."

* All names have been changed for security reasons.

Marie-Helene Verney
in Sanchez, Colombia

baby registry: Canada in brief

2006-05-19T01:47:00.000-07:00

Gun registry changes getting a lot of support

The federal Tories got a lot of support on the Prairies to their announcement Wednesday of changes to the federal firearms registry, including the effective elimination of the long-guns registry.

Manitoba NDP Premier Gary Doer welcomed the move, saying the money would be better spent beefing up border patrols to keep illegal guns out of Canada, training and hiring more police officers and building community clubs.

''Those are three better reasons to use taxpayer money than the gun registry,'' said Doer. ''Spending $1 billion on this boondoggle is indefensible.''

Garry Breitkreuz, the Conservative from Yorkton-Melville who has long fought the gun registry, said from his Ottawa office that he feels vindicated.

''After 12 years of working on an issue, finally it's been payday,'' he said. ''I think that we can see now that the final nail in the coffin to the gun registry could be put in soon.''

He said the changes will keep many law-abiding citizens - such as farmers who own and use rifles for little other reason than shooting at gophers - from being branded criminals.

Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day announced the government is waiving the fees for long-gun owners who renew their firearms licences. And it won't prosecute those who fail to register weapons for the next year.

- The Canadian Press

Midwife sentenced to 1 year of house arrest

VICTORIA (CP) - An unregistered midwife has been sentenced to one year of house arrest after a baby she was helping to deliver died of suffocation in the mother's birth canal.

Amy Marie Labadie, 32, was convicted of a charge of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, stemming from the home birth in Sooke, B.C., two years ago.

Labadie, then a Sooke, B.C., resident and now living in Victoria, offered to help a Sooke woman have a birth at home even though circumstances suggested that the birth happen in hospital.

Labadie is not a registered midwife, citing "philosophical differences" with the College of Midwifes of B.C., a regulatory body that ensures its members are qualified and competent.

The labour went on too long and the baby girl died of asphyxia, or suffocation, in the birth canal, court heard. The infant's parents, Glyse Phillips and Paul Clarkson, were not in court Wednesday.

Crown prosecutor Christine Lowe said they were too overwrought to write a victim impact statement.

Labadie will serve her jail sentence at home under a conditional sentence order, ruled provincial court judge Michael Hubbard.

That order includes a curfew of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for the first six months of the sentence and an order to stay away from pregnant women.

baby registry: A bond that spans 20 years

2006-05-19T01:44:00.000-07:00

Louise Dickson, Times Colonist
Published: Thursday, May 18, 2006
Glen O'Keefe wrapped Adriana Jessica Kelly in his arms, hugging her as if he'd never let her go.

Twenty years ago, those arms pulled a shivering newborn from a pink Adidas bag in a cold stream on Triangle Mountain. Twenty years ago, those arms held the fragile infant with her umbilical cord still attached, warming her so she would live.

On Wednesday, the girl once known as Baby Jessica stood hand-in-hand with O'Keefe and Ray Wightman by the ditch on Walfred Road in Colwood.

"That hug just felt like I was holding her as a baby 20 years ago," O'Keefe said. "I just lost it."

Kelly's eyes filled with tears as she looked at the ditch and thought about the person who left her there.

"I'm just wondering why ... this ditch," she whispered. "It hurts a little."

Every year for the last two decades, O'Keefe and Wightman have got together to celebrate the birthday of the baby they saved -- and whose fate became a mystery after she was adopted. This year on her 20th birthday, April 14, they told the Times Colonist about how much they would love to meet her, how much they hoped she had a good life.

Meanwhile, in northern B.C., unaware of the newspaper article, Kelly contacted the provincial adoption registry. A week ago, her caseworker told her about the newspaper articles written about Baby Jessica.

Kelly phoned the Times Colonist. "I'm Baby Jessica," she said.

On Wednesday, Kelly flew to Victoria with her fiance, Dave Pow, to meet O'Keefe and Wightman.

"I'm so glad you're here," said an emotional Wightman.

Her rescuers, now 35, married, and with children of their own, talked about the day they found her, the day that changed their lives. They talked about their friend Chris Johnson, who helped save Baby Jessica. Johnson, an assistant professor at the University of Northern B.C., lives in Prince George and couldn't make the trip to Victoria to meet her.

"I talked to Chris this morning," O'Keefe said. "He wanted to be here so badly."

O'Keefe reached out his right hand to her. Wightman took Kelly's other hand. Together, they showed Kelly where they crossed the road to talk to a group of younger kids who were playing near the ditch on the afternoon of April 14, 1986.

"The creek was rocky and there were little ponds forming everywhere and there was water running down here and you were just there," Wightman said. He started to cry.

"But it all worked out for good," said O'Keefe, his voice breaking.

"When we came here last month, we relived it, but it's harder with you here," Wightman said. "I feel bad and overwhelmed right now.

"It's a lot to take in," O'Keefe said.

"All these memories that the mother could have had with this child, raising her ... it was all thrown away," Wightman said.

Kelly sank into Pow's arms.

"She's dealing with the idea that someone left her here to die. She was fine with it until we got to the bottom of the hill and it started to sink in, this is what she's here for," Wightman said.

"You know, we could be driving by a roadside grave. There could be a cross on that telephone pole. But for us to be able to come back here with her and relive this right now, instead of driving by a cross ..."

Turning away from the ditch, Kelly said she still wants to meet her birth mother, that she forgives her.

What will her life be like now with friends like O'Keefe and Wightman?

"It's great to have them," she said. A big smile broke across her face.

© Times Colonist (Victoria) 2006

baby registry: Smallest Surviving Baby May Go Home On Wednesday

2006-05-18T01:59:00.000-07:00

CBS) WEST HILLS, Calif. The smallest surviving baby ever born at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center can now go home because her prognosis is "excellent," according to a doctor.

At the time of her birth in January, Alexandra Freeman weighed 360 grams, or 12 ounces -- the size of a soda can.

The baby girl, the first child born to Julie and Peter Freeman of Chatsworth, now weighs slightly more than 4 pounds and no longer requires supplemental oxygen.

She is scheduled to go home today, although doctors are still monitoring her condition.

Alexandra was born at 26 weeks by Caesarean section, according to the hospital. Her mother was suffering from a severe case of toxemia.

According to a registry, Alexandra is the smallest baby born in Los Angeles County and the third smallest born in California in the past six years.

According to Dr. Bahman Mehdizadeh, Alexandra’s doctor, "She does not have any neurological deficits, and she passed her hearing test. I am hopeful she will be off all her medicines by the time she leaves and only be taking vitamins. I believe her outcome will be excellent."

Julie Freeman said the experience has been "a roller coaster -- but well worth it in the end."

(© 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

baby registry: Baby Born Weight Of Soda Can Goes Home

2006-05-18T01:55:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES -- A baby born the weight of a soda can at a Los Angeles hospital went home Wednesday, tipping the scales at more than 4 pounds.

Baby Alexandra was the smallest surviving baby ever born at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center.

Alexandra, whose prognosis was said to be excellent, weighed only 12 ounces, or 360 grams -- the size of a soda can -- when she was born in January, said the hospital's Jill Dolan.

After a roughly four-month hospital stay, the girl plumped up to more than 4 pounds and was released Wednesday to her parents, Julie and Peter Freeman, of Chatsworth. The baby was the first for the couple, who said they wanted to have more children.

"But both of my (doctors) have threatened to take vacations and not treat me," the mother joked Wednesday.

Dr. Bahman Mehdizadeh, who has cared for Alexandra since her birth, said the baby's prognosis was excellent.

"She does not have any neurological deficits, and she passed her hearing test," he said. "I am hopeful she will be off all her medicines by the time she leaves and only be taking vitamins. I believe her outcome will be excellent."

Alexandra was delivered by Caesarean section after 26 weeks of gestation, Dolan said. Her mother was suffering from toxemia, a condition in which poisonous substances are spread throughout the body in the bloodstream.

According to a registry produced by University of Iowa's Department of Pediatrics, Alexandra is the smallest baby born in Los Angeles County and the third smallest born in California over the past six years.
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

baby registry: Breaking up proves too easy to do

2006-05-18T01:50:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 12, 2006

Villagers saw divorce as their loophole to a better life. Then the authorities said not so fast, writes Ching-Ching Ni
Farmer Yan Shihai was happily married for more than 30 years. Then late last year, seemingly out of the blue, the 57-year-old grandfather and his loving wife got a divorce.

Within months, all three of his adult children and their spouses also split up. So did almost every other married couple in Yan's village of 4,000, an astounding 98 percent of Renhe's married couples officially parted, according to the local government.

It was as if a spell had been cast over this once-quiet rural community in the Chinese heartland. Everybody suddenly seemed to have fallen out of love. The oldest among them were in their 90s and barely able to move. The youngest had just tied the knot. Some had babies.

But instead of tension or tears, the couples waiting in line at the local registry to end their marriages were practically jolly. They believed they were taking advantage of a legal loophole that allowed them to get an extra apartment.

In a country where the government has seized farm after farm to feed a building boom, the villagers figured that if they were going to lose the land that had supported them for generations, they should at least try to get a better deal.

"Basically, it's the government that forced us into this mess," said Yu Changle, a 70-year-old grandfather, whose three children are also divorced. "They are not paying us enough to leave the land behind."

As they understood the compensation deal, each married couple would receive a small two-bedroom apartment in return for their land and farmhouse. Those divorced would get a one- bedroom apartment each. The villagers figured that would be a better deal, that they could live in one apartment and make a little extra income from selling or renting out the extra one.

So, whereas farmers elsewhere took to the streets with their picks and plows demanding higher compensation in protests seen across the countryside, the folks in Renhe took a gamble with their marriages.

"Divorced? How could I not be divorced? It's now a local custom!" Yan said as he sat on the stoop outside his new apartment building with a handful of neighbors - all divorced, of course. "Even if we hate it, we have to do it. Divorce gives us a chance to sit on a longer bench. Don't get divorced, and you sit on a small stool or in the dirt."

But if what happened in Renhe is any guide, breaking up is hard to do, even if you don't mean it.

Most of the villagers eagerly parted ways based on the assumption that after the new apartments came through, they would remarry and return to their old life. But authorities found out about the mass divorces, and changed the compensation package early this year.

If farmers who divorced after the rules changed still wanted an extra apartment, the government said, they had to pay close to market price for it. Of course, none of the farmers could afford to do that.

And for most of those who split up earlier, it's a long wait before they will see the new apartments, if at all - the government didn't build enough one- bedroom apartments to accommodate the unexpected demand from a village where nearly all the couples are divorced.

Meanwhile, most of the former marriages are in tatters. Considering the prospect of a future without financial security, remarrying now simply seems too much of a hassle. Promises are souring. Stunned villagers are watching their life partners drift off. Some have found new love. Others are deciding to try out freedom from a marriage they never thought they wanted to leave.

Although the marriage registrar reported that a few couples have remarried, most in the village seem to be waiting for their new apartments to come through.

The blocks of apartments that have been built so far, in a kind of prefab urban ghetto, are packed with uprooted villagers, and as more and more residents arrive, the unhappiness only seems to worsen.

"We are miserable! There are broken families everywhere," said Wang Fen, a 58-year-old grandmother, who lost her husband of 40 years to what she considered a fake divorce.

"We were very happy before. But he had a change of heart and married a younger woman."

As Wang spoke in the stairwell of her new apartment building, 30-year- old Zhou Qin started climbing the stairs to her brand-new eighth-floor flat, a kitchen cabinet strapped to her back.

"Look at her," Wang said. "Married only one year and divorced. Now she has no husband, no baby and no money to even hire a mover."

Liu Chunlan, 60, is still living with her ex-husband. He is sick and needs her care. That's not all she has to worry about: Her son got a supposedly fake divorce when her grandson was just three months old, and she's been taking care of the baby ever since because neither newly single parent wants the responsibility. Her daughter's husband also took his divorce seriously, and Liu is looking after their toddler too.

"I got up at the crack of dawn and stood in line for three hours," Liu said, recalling the day of her divorce last year and the long queues that made it seem like a festive occasion. "I had no idea I'd end up like this."

Local officials don't exactly know what to do about the situation except to point out that everything the villagers did is perfectly legal.

"In the face of the law, there is no such thing as a fake divorce," said Xue Xiang, an officer at the local marriage registry who oversaw the wave of divorces. At its height late last year, up to a hundred couples showed up at the office every day. "Every citizen has the right to marry and divorce. As long as it's voluntary, we have to follow the rules and grant them their wish. We can't help it if some people have ulterior motives."

Until a few years ago, divorce in the mainland was a long and embarrassing process that required employers' permission and sometimes years of counseling from neighborhood committee members trying to talk estranged couples out of ending the marriage.

Now that the country is in the midst of great change, the state has been retreating from the bedroom. Although it still tells couples how many babies they can have, it now permits divorces that take only minutes.

When divorce fever hit Renhe, life changed utterly. Mahjong games and family meals were interrupted by couples running off to break up or meet up with new mates. Conversations centered on one topic.

Even greetings were to the point. The typical Chinese phrase chi le ma? or "Have you eaten?" was replaced in Renhe with li le ma? or "Have you divorced?"

Now, months after the fever struck, many of the divorced couples are wishing it were all a bad dream.

"I just want to go back to my farm," said Li Xin, 31, whose wife went off with someone else after the divorce, leaving him with their three-year-old daughter, plus living expenses he can't afford. "At least there I can grow my own food. Here I have to pay for everything - food, water and electricity. Where do I get the money?"

But the farmhouses they gave up have been demolished and the land is off limits.

Nearby Chongqing, once a transportation hub on the Yangtze River that was part of Sichuan province, is now a municipality on the scale of Beijing and Shanghai. Its mandate is to remake itself as the gateway to the mainland interior.

As a suburb of Chongqing, the area around Renhe is becoming a new industrial development zone that locals say will one day rival the east bank of Shanghai, which was transformed a decade ago from rice paddies into a financial center with glittering skyscrapers and high-tech parks.

To realize that goal, authorities have intensified the rural land appropriation, moving about 18,000 of the estimated 21,000 rural residents off their farms.

Already, Renhe looks nothing like it did before, its once-lush farmland having sprouted expensive apartments, with many more luxury high-rises under construction. Billboards along newly paved boulevards beckon a new kind of resident: Palm Springs. Lakeside Paradise. A Spanish Housing Dream.

Meanwhile, the farmers, with few prospects for new jobs, have plenty of time to reflect on what happened.

"It's definitely strange that so many of us are divorced," mused grandpa Yan, still officially separated from his wife as they wait in their corner of Renhe for the extra one-bedroom apartment. "If it weren't for the extra room, why would we want to divorce? At our age, what's the point? If it turns out they won't give us the new apartments, there isn't a darn thing we can do about it." LOS ANGELES TIMES

baby registry: Nurse Shortage

2006-05-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that the United States has a nursing shortage, one that promises to grow to alarming proportions. Too many nurses are retiring, and too few are entering the profession. To compound the problem, within the next 5 to 10 years, over 76 million Baby Boomers are scheduled to retire from the workforce, with only about 44 million Generation X'ers available to pick up the slack. This will soon place unprecedented demands for services on a health system that is already stretched thin.

This shortage of allied healthcare professionals, especially nurses have a created a new boom to the nursing agency, nurse registry business, supplemental staffing agency for medical professionals, permanent placement medical recruiter, or starting a business in homecare and staffing pool. The medical staffing industry will continue to grow because of the upcoming baby boomers, and the current supply of nurses are dwindling. The average age for nurses are in the forties, and they are not being replaced by the new generations. Entrepreneurs have made lucrative business in nursing agency, nursing registry, homecare business, medical recruiter recruiting, or as independent nurse contractor in their own field.

The time is now for entrepreneurs to start a nursing agency,nursing registry business, operate a homecare business, or as a medical recruiter or just become an independent healthcare contractor. By being an independent healthcare contractor, you are bypassing the agency and are self employed. Healthcare facilities are the clients. Homecare are regulated by all levels of goverment from local to fedeal level. Homecare levels of regulations depends on the category of service provided to clients. Homecare services ranges from providing just companions or the more medically needed clients such as terminally ill clients. Homecare services can be in the form of social service, non-medical, and medical services.

More info at: http://www.nurseagencyguide.com

baby registry: Birth Certificates

2006-05-17T00:26:00.000-07:00

A birth certificate is one of the most important documents a person must keep a copy of. Almost all major and official transactions - application for visas, passports, driver's license, opening a bank account, among others, require birth certificates to authenticate a person's identity. One has to present a birth certificate to acquire marriage license or get into college, even.

Hospitals have forms that have to be filled out with the assistance of the parents upon the birth of their child. It will contain details like the names of the baby and the parents, complete present address of the family, name of the hospital, and the baby's biological information - birth weight, height and gender, as well as the exact date and time of delivery. The attending physician will authenticate the information. The parents will have to submit a copy to the city hall's registry where a birth certificate will be prepared. An authenticated copy of the original is given to the parents, and the city hall keeps the original document.

Some transactions like applications for credit cards may not require an authenticated copy of your birth certificate - a photocopy of the authenticated copy may suffice. Sometimes, institutions may only require seeing your passport or driver's license - and you wouldn't get those without a birth certificate.

To avoid unnecessary trouble and inconveniences, always have an authenticated copy of your birth certificate at the ready. You wouldn't know when you need to submit one. Also, keep it in a secure place. You wouldn't want it landing in the hands of people with malicious intent who could steal your identity.

If you have lost your copy, you may obtain another from the city hall where you were registered. Remember that you can only get an authentic copy from the city hall. Forging your birth certificate is a criminal offense, because it is, after all, an official government document honored in major transactions.

Birth Certificates provides detailed information on Birth Certificates, Copy Of Birth Certificates, Birth And Death Certificates, Obtaining Birth Certificates and more. Birth Certificates is affliated with Twin Birth Announcement.

baby registry: Baby Gift Registries

2006-05-17T00:25:00.000-07:00

If you're having a baby and would like to register for baby gifts, all you have to do is go to the Internet to a website that has baby gift registries, sign up and select the gifts that like or need. There are many websites online that host these registries. They are convenient, easy to use and a big help for those families and friends who are looking for the perfect gift to give your new arrival.

Registering online is easy. There is usually a form to fill out asking name, address, phone number, etc. When that is completed, you will be prompted to select from among hundreds of baby items. As you choose, your items will be stored in the registry. When someone logs on to the registry, they select from the items you listed. The item they choose is then listed as purchased.

A baby gift registry is truly a nice way to spread the word about the arrival of one's bundle of joy. It offers all the items that parents need to care for their baby. Most products offered are quality baby goods and are priced reasonably.

Baby registries make shopping easy and saves time and money. There is no running from store to store, hoping you select the right gift -- one that someone else hasn't already purchased. Purchases online are usually made with a credit card, but one can also usually mail a check. Once payment is processed, the gift is immediately mailed. Most websites are secure, so there is no need to worry about stolen information.

Registries are set up with the idea of knowing what expecting or new parents need and giving family and friends the opportunity to purchase baby gifts the parents would like to receive.

Baby Gifts provides detailed information on Baby Gifts, Baby Gift Baskets, Baby Shower Gifts, Personalized Baby Gifts and more. Baby Gifts is affliated with Baby Boy Gift Baskets.

home stereo speakers

2006-05-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

Are the speakers you are using car or home stereo speakers? If they are home stereo speakers they are probably 8 ohm speakers and you could damage the head unit if you drive them hard. If they are car speakers how are they installed in the shelves? Are they just flush mounted in the cabinet or does each one installed in a sealed "box" in the cabinet? Every speaker is designed for a certain type of installation. Deviating from that optimal installation can degrade the sound quality or lead to speaker damage. Also depending on the design and size of the speakers, you may want some type of low pass crossover so the speakers do not play the lowest bass which can lead to large amounts of distortion, especially with car speakers installed out of a car.

Lastly you should think about the heat the head unit generates during use when you figure out where you're going to install it. Don't install it in a cavity just big enough with no possible air flow. You should try to leave some air space on all sides and the back of the unit and some type of vents to the room air would be a good idea also. Depending on how hard you drive the amp in the head unit, it can create quite a bit of heat. High heat can be damaging and will definately reduce the life of the head unit.

While installing a car stereo in a house is possible, I wanted to make sure you know there is some planning and research that should be done before installation. Car stereos are designed to be played in a small enclosed space at close proximity. Change that to a larger space and moving farther away from the speakers, you have to take some time in choosing the components and designing the install to make sure nothing is damaged and to achieve quality sound.

Copyright © 1995-2006 DoItYourself.com Inc. All rights reserved.

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2006-05-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

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NO LIFE-CHANGING EVENT SPURRED THIS SHOWER

2006-05-15T00:56:00.000-07:00

BY ELLEN TOMSON
Pioneer Press

Pat Sukhum has invited 225 people to his "Jobless, Weddingless, Babyless Shower" tonight. He's been best man in plenty of weddings and attended his share of wedding and baby showers. Now, it's his turn.

"I've got a great life," he says. "Just because I haven't gone through the life-changing events most people go through doesn't mean I don't have reason to celebrate."

His shower is an unserious idea the 32-year-old is taking seriously.

He's registered for gifts at Target, items single guys need — like Speedstick deodorant, pepperoni pizza rolls, Cocoa Puffs and Corn Pops cereal, SpaghettiOs, sour neon worm candies, a kite, tennis balls, Tide Liquid detergent, toilet paper and white undershirts.

Everything on the list costs $10 or less, except one item: a $5,000, 61-inch, flat-screen TV.

"You have to have one minor extravagance," he explains.

While Sukhum's party is a cheeky idea, personal celebrations are gaining ground.

"It's becoming a little bit of a trend, I think, because people are getting married later in life, and they are thinking that they've been the bridesmaid or groomsman for a lot of weddings," says Geri Wolf, whose company, The Style Laboratory, specializes in event design and planning. "They've been giving gifts for a lot of showers and they're thinking, 'Now, it's my turn.' They're doing the whole registry thing and throwing a party."

"It takes a different person to do this," she said. "They're usually people in their mid-30s to mid-40s, so he's a little young."

Because Target doesn't have a "Jobless, Weddingless, Babyless" category, Sukhum signed up for the baby registry, which allows users to include the name of the child. He's calling his baby "Wonton."

Some people may be put off by the idea of poking fun at traditional baby and wedding showers, but "most of the guests take it in fun — not very seriously," Wolf said. "The ones who take it seriously usually don't show up. It's not really their kind of party."

Sukhum did worry he might offend some of his friends with the invitation. Most of them are married and employed, after all.

"It's not about me," he says.

Well, maybe a little. …

"If you knew Pat, you would realize he's exactly where he wants to be," says longtime friend Craig Schlichting, 31, of Ham Lake, who is babyless but married and employed. "What we're celebrating is the fact that … he loves life."

He adds, "When you throw a party, Pat is the one guy you plan it around."

But Sukhum is more than just a party boy. He's a Carleton College graduate with an economics degree, an entrepreneur, a volunteer, an athlete and an actor.

"He is a master of self-deprecating humor, but at the same time, you can tell he is full of confidence and comfortable with himself," says friend Bill Nielsen, 32, of St. Paul.

Sukhum expects about 100 people at tonight's party. They include friends from Definity Health, the now-defunct company he and five friends founded as 20-somethings and later sold. Other invitees include teammates from the football, softball, soccer and volleyball city leagues he has participated in, along with childhood, college and theater friends from shows like "Awesome '80s Prom," in which Sukhum played a stereotypical Asian foreign exchange student at Hennepin Stages theater.

One of the guests of honor will be Derrick Pam, 17, Sukhum's Little Brother from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities program, which named Sukhum "Big Brother of the Year" last year.

Sukhum's sister, Pam Sukhum, will provide the party venue — her art gallery and studio near Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. Sukhum, who was born in St. Paul and grew up in northern Minnesota, also enjoys a close relationship with his parents, a cardiologist and a lawyer from Bangkok, Thailand.

Sukhum and a core group of friends have held other theme parties. There was the "Nerd Alert" party. It's a phrase Sukhum and some of his buddies shout out when one of them obsesses over figuring a restaurant tip to the penny, organizes photos alphabetically or boasts he's "MapQuested" his entire vacation ahead of time. Lots of people wore taped eyeglasses to that party, which ended with synchronized dance moves from the movie "Napoleon Dynamite."

They've also held an "Abercrombie" party that poked fun at the trendy clothing giant Abercrombie & Fitch. For that one, a white brick wall of his sister's art studio was decorated with a blown-up black-and-white picture of Sukhum and friends taken at a beach.

He has bought lollipop rings to give out and plans to serve at least some cocktails in baby bottles. He may print up a list of tips for job interviews and hand out business cards with his name and a fancy title for remaining unemployed. Friends have suggested songs related to weddings, babies and jobs: "Nine to Five," "Take This Job and Shove It," "The Chapel of Love" and "Baby, It's You."

"This party kind of sums him up," Nielsen says.

So does the outfit Sukhum plans to wear.

Envision him looking at you very directly through large, dark-framed spectacles that are geeky and chic. He's got on a finely woven, light blue cotton business shirt with a dark, well-tailored suit jacket and a silk tie in a spare, muted pattern.

He grins.

He's also wearing pajama pants in a pink-flamingo print with black, red and white fuzzy slippers.

Ellen Tomson can be reached at etomson@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5455.

"Due Maternity" A Leading Online Maternity Clothes Provider Announces The Launch of Their New Community Site

2006-05-15T00:52:00.000-07:00

Due Maternity has always prided itself in bringing expectant mothers the best in maternity fashion. Now they have gone even further to make expectant women feel as special as possible and provide them with fun tips and information. The launch of new community pages is an exciting new feature and addition to the Due Maternity website.

Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB) May 14, 2006 -- Due Maternity (www.DueMaternity.com) has always prided itself in bringing expectant mothers the best in maternity fashion. Now they have gone even further to make expectant women feel as special as possible and provide them with fun tips and information. The launch of new community pages is an exciting new feature and addition to the Due Maternity website.

Some of the information that you will find on Due Maternity’s community pages include:

• 16,000 baby names
• baby astrology
• due date calculators
• podcasts

Expectant mothers are encouraged to sign up for a personal page. This will provide them with a count down clock, a pregnancy calendar filled with daily facts, and a baby gift registry with a wish list.

Recently, Apple Computer (www.apple.com) was very impressed with the Podcast featured on Due Maternity’s community pages (http://community.duematernity.com). Apple has chosen to use Due Maternity in their example of “how-to product Podcasts in 100 Apple Retail Stores.”

Summer is on its way. This is a great time for expectant mothers to find the latest in summer fashions, as well as visit Due Maternity’s community pages to find new and exciting information about being pregnant.

About Due Maternity
Due Maternity was founded in 2003 by Shannon DiPadova out of a desire to provide moms to be with fashionable and stylish clothing and accessories. Today Due Maternity boasts five national retail stores, as well as an online store.

(press release provided by: http://www.iprwire.com)

Contact Info:
Sonia Shah
Due Maternity
Maternity Clothes Dept.
1223 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Web Address: http://www.DueMaternity.com
Blog Site: http://maternity-clothing.iblogit.com/duematernity
Phone: 866-746-7383

###

Trackback URL: http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/SW5zZS1UaGlyLVNpbmctQ3Jhcy1IYWxmLVplcm8=

'I'm Baby Jessica'

2006-05-15T00:50:00.000-07:00

LOUISE DICKSON, CanWest News Service
Published: Sunday, May 14, 2006
Twenty years ago, Glen O'Keefe and Ray Wightman found a newborn baby, near death, crying in a sports bag abandoned in a cold creek on Victoria's Triangle Mountain.

Last week, Baby Jessica found them.

And her words - "Thank you for finding me" - were ones they never expected to hear.

"It's unbelievable," a stunned O'Keefe said.

"I told her - 'Hey, you've just repaid us by getting in touch.' It's something we've always dreamed of, but never expected to happen."

"It's pretty overwhelming," Wightman said. "I'm just sort of walking around in circles. It's really exciting. I never thought this day would come."

On April 14, 1986, the two 15-year-old boys and their friend Chris Johnson were walking up a road when they heard crying coming from a pink-striped Adidas bag in an overgrown, watery ditch.

Inside was a soaking-wet newborn.

Police thought Baby Jessica, as she became known, had been born an hour before she was left in the stream. Her mother was never found.

But the baby found a permanent home in the hearts of those boys.

Every year, O'Keefe and Wightman got together to celebrate the birthday of the baby they saved - but whose fate became a mystery after she was adopted.

This year, on her 20th birthday, they talked to the Victoria Times Colonist about how much they would love to meet her, how they hoped she had a good life and had been adopted by a great family.

Meanwhile, in northern British Columbia, completely unaware of the newspaper article, 20-year-old Adriana Jessica Kelly contacted the provincial adoption registry.

On Thursday, her case worker gave her copies of the Times Colonist articles written about Baby Jessica. Kelly, in turn, called the Times Colonist.

"I'm Baby Jessica," she said.

"It's a lot to take in. It's actually quite exciting," Kelly said, on the phone from Smithers, B.C.

Kelly said she had gone to the adoption registry because she was curious about her birth parents.

"I asked my mum what she knew and she said it wasn't a very good thing, but she didn't know exactly what had happened.

"This is really interesting. It wasn't really the answer I was looking for, but hey, it's a good thing. It's meant a lot to those guys."

Kelly was adopted by Sherry and Lorne Kelly of Smithers. She has a younger brother and an older sister.

She was 12 before she was told she was adopted, a discovery she acknowledges was "a little weird."

"Adoption hasn't affected me. I just have a lot of curiosity about where I came from and why.

"I had a wonderful childhood. When I was little, I did gymnastics from the age of 5 and competed for about six years. I graduated two years ago from Smithers Secondary. I played on the basketball team there."

Kelly is engaged to be married, works at a grocery store and is training to become a paramedic, specializing in infant transportation.

All that is music to the ears of O'Keefe and Wightman, who spent the last 20 years hoping that the shivering, fragile infant they saved was happy and healthy.

"I told her it was some weird kind of fate that we just happened to walk by there that day at that time," Wightman said after Kelly phoned both her long-ago rescuers Thursday night.

"Honestly, if she'd stopped crying for five minutes ..."

As for Kelly, being able to thank the boys who saved her life was "awesome."

Victoria Times Colonist

© The Gazette (Montreal) 2006

What Is Home Theater?

2006-05-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

Home theater is difficult to define -- it's really just a vague term for a particular approach to home entertainment. Generally speaking, a home theater system is a combination of electronic components designed to recreate the experience of watching a movie in a theater. When you watch a movie on a home theater system, you are more immersed in the experience than when you watch one on an ordinary television.
To see how home theaters do this, let's take a look at the original model -- the movie theater. When it comes to picture and sound, the theater can offer an amazing experience we just don't get at home. That's usually why people will pay to go to the movies, even though renting a movie is cheaper. There are a few main components that make watching TV and going to the movies very different.

One of the biggest differences is the sound experience. When you go to see a movie in a quality movie theater, you'll hear the music, sound effects and dialogue not just from the screen, but all around you. If you've read How Movie Sound Works, you know that a standard movie theater has three speakers behind the screen -- one to the right, one to the left and one in the center -- and several other speakers spread out in the rest of the theater.
In this surround sound system, you hear different parts of the soundtrack coming from different places. When somebody on the left side of the screen says something, you hear it more from the left speaker. And in a movie like "Star Wars," you hear a rumbling swoosh travel from the front of the theater to the rear as a spaceship flies toward the camera and off the screen. You are more involved in the experience of watching a film because the world of the movie is all around you.

The second chief component of the theater experience is the large size of the movie screen. In a theater, the screen takes up most of your field of view, which makes it very easy to lose yourself in the movie. After all, you're sitting in the dark with only one thing to look at, and everything you're looking at seems much bigger than life.

We also enjoy going to the movies because we can see everything so well. Film projectors present very large, clear pictures. The detail is much sharper than what we see on an ordinary 19-inch television, and the movement is much more fluid. We may not consciously recognize this, but it does make a significant difference in how we enjoy a movie. When we can see more detail, we are more engrossed in the world of the movie.
The basic idea of a home theater is to recreate these elements with home equipment. In the next section, we'll look at an overview of what you need to get started.

by Tom Harris and Tracy V. Wilson

baby registry: Operation Baby a success

2006-05-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

Spring ushers in sneezes, stuffy noses, puffy eyes and the famous yellow haze.

It also means rebirth, renewal and new life, which is appropriate because my husband and I just welcomed our new baby girl into the world.

The path to her arrival was long and arduous. We had a difficult time believing we would really bring home a healthy little one. I was afraid to “jinx” things, so I’ve spent the past nine months finding other things to write about.

But now that she’s here, I can gush about what a miracle she is and about how our lives turned into Operation Baby.

This little being began running our lives before she was even considering leaving her warm, cozy womb.

My dear husband approached preparation for her arrival like a field exercise. He had our hospital bags packed and ready to go six weeks in advance.

As a daddy-to-be, he conducted his own personal Daddy Boot Camp. He read the Boy Scout-like “Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads” cover to cover. Twice.

He prepared her sense of humor by telling her jokes — “Which branch of the military do babies join? The infantry.” — and started her on physical training, or PT, by playing whack-a-mole with her as she kicked.

Of course Operation Baby included lots of shopping, something Army guys don’t generally train for. And neither of us was prepared for the not-so-camouflaged “good parent” retail campaign.

(You know, the “you’ll-be-a-terrible-mother-if-you-don’t-use-a-wipe-warmer,” and “only-unfit-fathers-buy-the-least-expensive-diapers” messages.)

My love did enjoy waving the scanner gun around Babies “R” Us as we succumbed to the pressure and created a baby registry. But he disappeared somewhere around the stroller aisle.

He tried installing the car seat one day in my seventh month only to come in exhausted and harrumphing.

“I thought being a paratrooper prepared me to deal with belts, straps and buckles, but this thing is beyond me,” he lamented.

A few hours later he announced victory over the contraption and challenged the police inspector to, “Bring it on.” Unfortunately, the officer found the base slid more than an inch to the right and left, which required my ego-deflated hubby to try again.

After wrestling with the pack ’n play, the mobile and the bouncy seat, we overcame the bad parent feelings and decided to buy a gently used crib just so we wouldn’t have to figure out how to put it together, too.

Final preparations for Operation Baby kicked into overdrive when my water broke in the middle of the night. Having a few deadlines yet to meet, I worked for a couple of hours. (“You’ll never get any work done once she arrives!” everyone told me.)

My fabulous husband worked, too. He created a spreadsheet to time my contractions. Like any good Army brat, our beautiful girl arrived one day after her due date, ensuring that we know exactly who is in command at our house from now on.

Kelly Wright can receive messages at military@fayettevillenc.com or 486-3585.

baby registry: Home & Garden

2006-05-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

Lately, Tea Time has been the new talk of the town. From the moment a customer walks in, the idea is to make him or her feel s p e cial and pampered. A unique and relaxing experience awaits them.

Tea Time offers the finest high-quality gifts and exotic teas in the Gulf Breeze area. Their family owned and operated tea room and gift shop houses a unique atmosphere that makes anyone feel r i g h t a t

home. Their wonderful lunch menu includes homemade scones and chicken salad along with hearty sandwiches, salads, gourmet soups and delicious desserts to top it all off. Every Tuesday and Thursday, they offer a mouthwatering quiche as the special of the day.

Don't feel like dining in? Tea Time offers take out orders any time during business hours, with some catered event requests offered off-site.

Call or stop in at Tea Time

for more details. They also provide a delightful place for

you to hold private tea parties, business meetings, bridal and baby showers, and princess birthday parties.

Whether anyone is shopping for candles, collectibles, private label jams, English china or gourmet teas, one can count on Tea Time to have it all. Once one has found what he or she is looking for, Tea Time will happily provide them with complimentary gift-wrapping service. They also offer Gift Registry and Gift Certificates.

So, visit Tea Time today and see what all the rave is about.

http://www.gulfbreezenews.com/news/2006/0420/home/079.html

baby registry: A girl for Lea Salonga

2006-05-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

Editor's Note: Published on page A2-1 of the April 10, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

FIVE WEEKS BEFORE THE BIG DAY, the would-be first-time mom proudly relayed the news to Inquirer Entertainment via e-mail: "It's going to be a girl. We checked at least three times just to make sure."

Although famous for her reticent ways, Lea Salonga, Filipina star of "Miss Saigon" in the West End and on Broadway, enthusiastically and generously shared this and so much more.

On previous TV interviews, she had said she was determined not to deliver by a C-section, stopping short of revealing the baby's gender.

Next month, her own little "Miss" will make a grand entrance.

Motherhood seems to have made Lea more gregarious and, as a bonus, a wee bit sentimental.

Two years ago, playing an expectant mom in Atlantis Production's staging of "Baby the Musical," Lea had sung "The Story Goes On" for the first time.

Back then, she said, the lyrics didn't resonate as powerfully with her as they do now.

Entertainment in December. "The last time I sang it was in Carnegie Hall (in November), with Liz Calloway, who starred in the original production. It's about a mom feeling her baby kick for the first time. It's hard not to cry with that song."

When are you due?

My due date is May 19, but the baby could arrive at any time two weeks before that. It's very exciting! We can't wait!

What are your thoughts?

The big questions on my mind are: Will I be able to take care of this little girl? Will I be a good mommy? What does God have in store for her? Am I doing enough for her now? There will always be something in me that asks those questions, [but I know] I can only do the best I can.

How are you preparing for the big day? Do you have a packed overnight bag on standby?

Nope, I don't have the bag ready yet. I've been checking baby websites to figure out exactly what I need to take to the hospital. I know that I'll need to bring a baby outfit to take her home in, hard candy, my own pajamas and slippers. I'm also going to bring my iPod, to help take my mind off the discomfort I will most assuredly be feeling, and my cellphone, to text my friends once she's born.

Do you conduct drills with your husband, mom and housemates? How often?

Oh no, we haven't done any of that. The hospital isn't far and my mother is constantly on standby. My husband has just been reminding me to eat healthy and eat light, as per my gynecologist's instructions. My mother has just been doing what a prospective grandma does: Brag about the baby... and she's not even here yet!

Have you decided on the color of the baby's room? What about the room dècor?

Since we're living in a rented house at the moment, we'll be keeping the room as it is. As for room dècor, we'll probably be doing more of that after she's born.

Are you having fun buying toys and shopping for baby clothes?

A lot of what I have was given as gifts from my baby registry, so we're just fine. I always visit the baby store though, to see if there's anything new.

You've said her second name would be Beverly (after your husband Rob Chien's mom); have you decided on a first name?

Yes, but because I know of people whose wonderful names were "stolen" by other people, I'm keeping our selection a secret for now.

Her second name is Beverly because we made that promise to his family when his mom died three years ago.

How much or how little weight have you gained?

As of today, I've gained close to 15 pounds. Not too bad!

What are your immediate plans after giving birth, professional and personal?

As far as my immediate plans are concerned, I would like to physically recover first before I do any concerts or shows. I want to give myself the chance to get my old body back and regain my strength for singing.

For personal plans, we'd just like to take the baby to Los Angeles, to meet family members, both on my and Rob's side. This is a very, very thrilling time!

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Baby Registry: The home team: enlist help to make those early weeks manageable

2006-05-10T18:23:00.001-07:00

You can expect to have your hands full when your baby comes home and you juggle new responsibilities such as feedings and diaper changes, not to mention trying to find time for yourself. That's why it's so important to start organizing your support system now. Consider these options.

Family and friends: Instead of requesting items on your baby registry, ask a few close loved ones to give the gift of themselves. Create a network of people who will bring you dinner, do a load of laundry, or even watch the baby for an hour so you can take a shower or catch a nap.

Hired help: If your budget allows, you might hire a postpartum doula, whose job function is to come into the home and support the new more. "Doulas mother the mother," says Tracy Wilson Peters, executive director of the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association, a service of 2,000 doulas across the country. "We do whatever needs to be done in order to make this time easier," adds Joan Goode, president of the National Association of Postpartum Care Services in Denver. "This includes everything from light housekeeping and grocery shopping to taking the night shift so Mom can sleep. We even teach new mothers how to breastfeed." The downside: Doula services, which cost about $30 per hour, are not covered by most health-insurance plans, so you may want to save up. For more information, visit napcs.org or call (888) 692-2772.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Essence Communications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group

Baby Registry: Toys 'R' Us to add learning centers, PC software, baby registry in '95; image and service highlighted in annual report

PARAMUS, N.J. -- Feeling the competitive pinch from discount department stores, Toys "R" Us will undertake some broad new initiatives in 1995 that should better position the specialty chain for growth.

This year, according to its 1994 annual report, Toys "R" Us will:

* Open 100 Learning Center store-within-a-store shops that offer a full assortment of learning-aid products and children's software;

* Debut a full selection of PC software at all U.S. stores as well as in several international markets;

* Greatly expand the space dedicated to large outdoor/ indoor play sets;

* Install a new automated Baby Registry program throughout the chain.

The toy retailer said that it is committed to improving its image through "a variety of pricing and marketing initiatives, the introduction of new in-store shops that highlight our dominant selection of merchandise and an increased emphasis on customer service," according to a letter to stockholders signed by vice chairman and ceo Michael Goldstein and Robert Nakasone, president and coo.

Toys "R" Us suffered from a downturn in video game sales in '94, the result of consumers awaiting the new generation of 32-bit and 64-bit video game systems by Sega, Sony and Nintendo. This should turn around later this year as these new technologies hit the shelves, creating excitement and sales during the fourth quarter.

Toys "R" Us' annual report stated the company's continuing efforts to improve its customer service program and the scheduled opening this year of a state-of-the art distribution center, the company's largest, in New Jersey. It also will open a DC in Germany.

Store counts will swell by another 100 units this year to about 1,100: 40 more toy stores in the United States on top of the yearend 618; about 50 internationally above the current 293; and 10 more Kids "R" Us children's apparel stores for a total of 214.

Toys "R" Us said that it will expand its franchise agreement program so that it can enter more countries in the years ahead. Toys "R" Us opened its first franchise store in January in Dubai and expects to open units in Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Overall, in 1994 Toys "R" Us recorded total corporate sales of over $8.7 billion and operating income of $844 million.

COPYRIGHT 1995 Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

Baby Registry: Toys 'R' Us to add learning centers, PC software, baby registry in '95; image and service highlighted in annual report

2006-05-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

PARAMUS, N.J. -- Feeling the competitive pinch from discount department stores, Toys "R" Us will undertake some broad new initiatives in 1995 that should better position the specialty chain for growth.

This year, according to its 1994 annual report, Toys "R" Us will:

* Open 100 Learning Center store-within-a-store shops that offer a full assortment of learning-aid products and children's software;

* Debut a full selection of PC software at all U.S. stores as well as in several international markets;

* Greatly expand the space dedicated to large outdoor/ indoor play sets;

* Install a new automated Baby Registry program throughout the chain.

The toy retailer said that it is committed to improving its image through "a variety of pricing and marketing initiatives, the introduction of new in-store shops that highlight our dominant selection of merchandise and an increased emphasis on customer service," according to a letter to stockholders signed by vice chairman and ceo Michael Goldstein and Robert Nakasone, president and coo.

Toys "R" Us suffered from a downturn in video game sales in '94, the result of consumers awaiting the new generation of 32-bit and 64-bit video game systems by Sega, Sony and Nintendo. This should turn around later this year as these new technologies hit the shelves, creating excitement and sales during the fourth quarter.

Toys "R" Us' annual report stated the company's continuing efforts to improve its customer service program and the scheduled opening this year of a state-of-the art distribution center, the company's largest, in New Jersey. It also will open a DC in Germany.

Store counts will swell by another 100 units this year to about 1,100: 40 more toy stores in the United States on top of the yearend 618; about 50 internationally above the current 293; and 10 more Kids "R" Us children's apparel stores for a total of 214.

Toys "R" Us said that it will expand its franchise agreement program so that it can enter more countries in the years ahead. Toys "R" Us opened its first franchise store in January in Dubai and expects to open units in Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Overall, in 1994 Toys "R" Us recorded total corporate sales of over $8.7 billion and operating income of $844 million.

COPYRIGHT 1995 Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

Baby Registry: Baby Shower Gift Basket - The Best Basket Filler Ever

2006-05-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

You will be surprised how much pleasure you give to a person on the receiving end of a personalized baby gift as well as claiming a sense of satisfaction knowing you donated well. To personalize an item is a fabulous way to leave your mark where your gift is lovingly treasured for years to come.

Very popular items given at baby showers are baby beakers, guilt edged photo frames, baby trinkets and silverware also woolly fleeced baby blankets embroidered with the name of baby or their initials. Names and their meaning stitched neatly in coloured cottons onto an item of clothing make an excellent personalized gift for both mother and baby.

Baby Gift baskets definitely take lead in holding top position as the most given gift at a baby shower. Below you will find a few ideas to help you organise your perfect gift basket donation.

Wicker holders can be bought in florists or craft shops and come in different shapes and sizes or better still ready made First you must take into account the size of the basket that is to be used. Warning - the bigger the basket the more to fill thus incurring more costs so consider a medium size gift basket. . To pad or line your basket use shredded tissue paper or scrunched raffia. This can be layered around the sides and at the bottom along with items that you have for the baby.

If you are adamant on having a large basket then fill it the same way only this time stuff and cram in more padding. You need not struggle to fill the basket if you add bigger items like a baby pillow or cushion - one of each if need be.

Knowing the gender of the baby will make your task a slight easier in helping you decide on what is to goe into your gift basket. Ask the pregnant mum for a baby registry list if she has one, this will also help with your content picking. Let your imagination run wild when making selections. Fillers like cloth nappies, disposable diapers, teething rings, and baby feeding bottles are gifts that are welcomed with open arms as they are all useful for mom when raising the baby.

It is to your advantage knowing the gender of the new baby on the way because you now know what colour to work with when personalizing your gift basket. A theme like the forever favourite bedtime topic is very popular - maybe this is because baby sleeps most of the time since birth. Fairy tale books, musical CDs, soft to touch blankets, puffy cushions, music mobiles and cuddly toys are common choices as fillers for this theme.

If you are of a creative nature then make your gift with a difference by filling a baby bath tub, a mummy holdall bag or even a small laundry basket. Baby wash tubs can contain bathing accessories e.g talcum powder, soaps, towels, baby shampoo, and not forgetting the rubber duck.

If you are filling a trunk in place of a Baby Gift Basket then include baby keepsakes. If the laundry basket is your choice of container then pack it with slippers, baby wipes, brush and comb set and baby clothes. What to put into your Baby Gift basket could prove to be a problem because of the endless options. You can always call in an expert for help and guidance.

If you want to be remembered for a long time to come and filling the basket is proving to be an ordeal then pad the Baby Gift Basket with BANK notes then you will never be forgotten.

A site that comes higly reccomended for all baby essentials by mothers who have had success with planning their baby showers is http://www.little-babyonline.com Introduce baby to early learning http://www.allaboutonlineeducation.com

baby registry: Planning A Baby Shower From Start To Finish

2006-05-09T00:34:00.000-07:00

Planning a baby shower is one of the loveliest gifts you can provide a mother to be. But where do you start?

If you are a first time planner or an experienced planner, you can benefit by following some simple strategies to ensure your baby shower goes off without a hitch.

Here's what the experts recommend when it comes to baby shower planning:

1) Decide when the shower should be held. Most are held before the baby comes but some mom's are superstitious and would prefer a shower be held after baby's arrival. Be sure you check in first to plan accordingly.

2) Decide where the shower will be held. Usually this is a location other than the mom to be's home.

3) Decide who should be invited. If you are hosting, you should always ask the mom to be who she wants invited before you make a list. You may find she wants a co-ed party or a small family only affair. Be sure you check in with her before you get started.

4) Send out invitations and be sure to include R.S.V.P. information and baby registry information. You'll want to know exactly how many people are coming and your guests will want to know where they can buy the guest of honor some great gifts.

5) Decide on a theme. This doesn't have to be anything elaborate. It can even be as simple as 'pink' if the mom is having a girl. You might consider asking the mom to be, she might have a theme in mind. This will help you plan decorations.

6) Order a cake or decide on the type of cake you want to make. A cake is a must have for all baby showers.

7) Plan on having some appetizers for guests. You don't have to provide a full meal, but snacks are a nice touch.

8) Pick a few baby games out so you have something to do during the party. You can find hundreds of baby shower games on line.

Once you have planned all of these essential steps, the rest of the baby shower is easy! You simply need to set up house, decorate and welcome your guest of honor on their big day.

Most baby showers last about two to three hours. The first ½ hour or so guests can spend mingling and munching on goodies. You can then spend another ½ hour playing a couple of games. Then allow your guest of honor to open her gifts! Be prepared to write down who all the gifts came from so your mom can send thank you notes.

After the gifts are open, usually guests have some cake, mingle some more and then leave. You might consider having some party favors available for guests. A great idea is mini baby bottles filled with jelly beans or some other inexpensive treat!

The most important thing to remember about baby shower planning is that everyone should have a good time. Sit back, relax and don't stress about minor details. Most people are just looking for a good laugh and some time to pat mom to be's growing belly!

Adwina Jackson is a wife and mother of a young boy. She's also the editor of Inspiring Parenting, an online source of valuable parenting information. Please visit Inspiring Parenting for helpful and free parenting info.

baby registry: A 4-Step Plan For Decorating The Baby Nursery

2006-05-09T00:31:00.000-07:00

With all the excitement that having a new baby brings, many parents fret over the decorating of baby's room. But it does not need to be a stressful event. It can be a fun task for everyone by just following a simple 4-step plan.

1. Choose the color and theme of the room. While it may sound easy, it can difficult to decide which shade of blue or pink. Do you want something really bright or a more muted shade? If painting the walls in the baby nursery is not an option, then you will need to take into account the existing wall and floor color and pick something that coordinates or blends well. A floor rug can be used to cover existing carpeting and you could put up a wall border to rev up a dull wall color. If you do not have a specific color in mind, then look at the different baby nursery themes which will then determine the room's color! Browse baby catalogs and magazines or visit a local store with baby crib bedding and furniture displays. Some very popular themes now include animals, the farm, garden, moon and stars, and of course all the character-based themes. I used a Noah's Ark theme for my baby's room with a rainbow of colors. It was bright and engaging and she just loved it!

2. Decide on which furniture is needed. Basic furniture needs include a crib, dresser, and a rocking or gliding chair. You may wish to purchase a changing table or a convertible dresser. Cribs are available that convert to a toddler bed and eventually function as a headboard for a regular sized bed.

3. Now that you have chosen the color or theme of baby's room and the furniture, you are ready to decide on the bedding elements. A 3-piece crib bedding set typically includes a quilt or comforter, crib bumper, and a sheet. You will usually need to purchase at least one other sheet set which can be either a matching or a coordinating solid sheet. Babies need a lot of sheet changes!

4. Accessories and coordinates are decor items that really put the finishing touches on the baby nursery. Choose accessories such as a nursery lamp or crib mobile, wall accessories, diaper stacker, or night light. You may want to place a few shelves on the walls. If you've chosen a theme-based room, you can find matching decor elements that make decorating baby's room a breeze.

Now that you've made your choices in color and theme, furniture, crib bedding, and accessories, be sure to register at a baby registry so that friends and family may help make your plans come true!

Dee Marie is a freelance writer who enjoys decorating. Visit Mary's Mall for products for baby's room.

baby registry: Choosing The Best Baby Shower Gifts For The Mother To Be

2006-05-09T00:28:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that the upcoming birth of a new baby is an exciting and thrilling time in the life of any woman, and the traditional way to mark that occasion is with a well planned baby shower.

A baby shower is a great way to show a friend, a family member or a coworker how much you care about her and her new baby.

== Buying Baby Shower Gifts ==

When it comes to buying baby shower gifts, however, many people find themselves at a loss. For instance, those who do not yet have children of their own may be unsure of just what is and is not needed for the new baby.

== Ask Her Friends And Family For Ideas She Will Like ==

Often the best way to find out what would be the perfect gifts for the expectant mother is to ask her friends and family members. The new mother's friends and family will be in the best position to know exactly what she needs for the new arrival.

This is particularly important when shopping for an expectant mother who already has one or more children. Chances, are these expectant mothers already have the basic things like clothes, strollers, baby seats and cribs.

== Baby Shower Gift Ideas ==

Even for mothers with children who have the basics taken care of, however, there are a number of baby gifts that are always needed and always appreciated.

For instance, diapers, while they may not be the most glamorous of gifts to bring to the baby shower, will always be needed and always be appreciated. Just be sure to ask around and determine the brand the expectant mother prefers.

Or if she plans to use cloth diapers, you can always purchase a gift certificate or prepay for a baby diaper service. This is another gift that is always appreciated by any new mother.

Things like toys, rattles, baby wipes and the like can be great gifts as well. Many people like to use an attractive rattle or other toy to decorate the gift box and provide an extra special gift.

== Baby Gift Registry ==

Some expectant mothers will create a baby registry their friends and family members can use to shop for gifts for the baby shower, so it is always important to check to see if such a registry exists.

A baby shower registry makes it much easier for friends and family members to shop, and helps ensure that every gift purchased is one that is needed and will be appreciated

Shaunta Pleasant is a professional writer and editor on baby shower topics. Visit my site to learn more about planning the perfect baby shower at http://www.baby-shower-gala.com/baby-shower-gifts.html

baby registry: Babies "R" Us to take over Union Sq. space

2006-05-08T21:34:00.000-07:00

Toys "R" Us, Inc. announced that it will open the first Babies "R" Us store in Manhattan. The new Babies "R" Us store is expected to open by holiday 2005, replacing the Toys "R" Us store that currently occupies the space at 24-30 Union Square East in New York City.

"The growth of Babies "R" Us certainly supports the expansion in Manhattan," said Rick Markee, President of Babies "R" Us. "We're excited to open in this high traffic retail location in late 2005 and to offer parents and caregivers of the more than 100,000 babies born in New York City each year the best selection of newborn and infant merchandise for their families."

The newly furbished Babies "R" Us Union Square store will continue the tradition of the Babies "R" Us unparalleled shopping experience including the state-of-the-art Baby Registry and the largest selection of juvenile products--including furniture, strollers, car seats, infant care products and more.

"We've been looking for some time for the right home for Babies "R" Us in Manhattan," said John Eyler, CEO and Chairman of Toys "R" Us, Inc., "With the success of Toys "R" Us Times Square, we felt our shareholders and customers would be best served if we converted the Union Square location to a Babies "R" Us store.

"Plans to convert the Union Square store space are underway and Toys "R" Us is committed to maintaining an exceptional level of service throughout this holiday season and the conversion process."

Toys "R" Us, Inc. began the conversion process by initiating a clearance sale at the Union Square store on December 26.

Mr. Eyler added, "We would like to thank those who patronized the Union Square store and we hope that you will continue to show your support for Toys "R" Us by visiting us at our international flagship store in Times Square where we offer the broadest selection of toys in New York City."

Financial woes prompted Toys 'R' Us to announce last month that it expects to separate its Toys "R" Us business from the Babies R Us operations in the first half of 2005. Babies "R" Us is the largest baby product specialty store chain in the world and a fast-growing division that sells baby furniture, apparel and accessories.

The Union Square store will be closed in February or March for renovations.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Hagedorn Publication
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group

Baby Registry: Suprise mom by throwing party for me... (Baby shower party)

2006-05-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy is a delightful turn for every mother's life. It can be made even more pleasing by throwing a party in welcome of the new comer. And if this is a surprise party a blissful expression is assured on expecting mother's face. But it should be given due care that the party is appropriate for her to attend.

This party can be thrown by any member of the family or anyone who is in close relation with the would-be-mother as the host will then be able to invite all her friends and take care of all the essentials for the party. This kind of party is similar to any other surprise party. But some things must be well taken care of for making it a success. These include:

1. Make it totally secret. No guest should reveal this directly or indirectly. Like take care that the parking of the cars be done away from the house (in case it is organized at home itself) and then no panic should be there in front of her (in case host is a family members.

2. Make sure the would-be-mother is available on that day. To guarantee that availability, the host can schedule something like dinner with the new mother on that day.

3. Make sure that guests receive the invitations in time.

4. Have the new mother fill out a baby registry at a local baby store or online. This will make it easier for the guests to select the proper gifts.

5. Baby shower decorations must be appealing to the expecting mother.

And finally have fun celebrating this joyous event.

Personalized Baby Shower Gift Ideas

2006-05-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

Personalizing a baby's gift is an excellent idea, making the gift distinct and special and grows into a cherished token through the years. When giving or making a gift sooner, before the baby's due, you are faced with a problem, that is, you are not yet certain of the name and the birth date. An option to consider is by giving a gift certificate for an etching or engraving design along with your gift. This way, when the wonderful day arrives, the parents can take your gift and have it personalized.

Choices for personalized gifts are baby cups, picture frame, jewelry or a cutlery set. There are wide selections of items that can be personalized; all you have to do is look.

A blanket for baby embroidered with the baby's name alongside the name's meaning would make an excellent gift for both mom and baby.

Your labor of love gift basket

Gift baskets are very popular today and indeed a wonderful idea which can either be purchased made-to-order or ready-made. Or, you can do it yourself by putting together all baby items that you like for the baby. Here's how you can make one:

1. Know first the size of the basket that you will use. A very large basket may be difficult to fill, so a medium sized is recommended. Usually, craft stores sell baskets of different sizes, shapes and colors. Shredded tissue paper and raffia make great fillers to be layered at the basket's bottom, alongside with baby towels and blankets.

2. If you do have a large basket, you can easily fill it up by choosing bigger items as well, such as crib comforters, stuffed bunny or teddy, pillows or crib bumpers.

3. Take into consideration the baby's gender, what really the baby needs. For a first baby, there will be many things that he will need. Having to look at a baby registry if the mom to be has one, can help a lot, since you will know what the baby really needs. If there is none, you could always ask the mom what else she needs for the baby.

4. Consider having a theme. You can load the basket with everything pink for a baby girl or everything blue for a baby boy, or everything having a "pooh" or a dinosaur design. A bedtime theme basket filled with story books, music CD, blankets, pillows, pajama, musical crib mobile and a teddy bear can be a wonderful idea. Be creative and let your imagination soar.

5. Another way of being creative is instead of using a basket, a baby tub, a diaper bag, a small laundry basket or a trunk can also be used.

6. For a tub, you can fill it with baby bathing accessories, such as soaps, towels, bubble bath, powder, baby shampoo, lotion and bath rubber toys.

7. For the trunk, you can fill it with baby's keepsake book, monogrammed items, receiving blankets, heirloom items, a picture frame and an inspirational book all about mom and baby. You can also place a little inspirational note containing all your wishes for the baby. This will add a more personal touch to your gift.

8. For the laundry basket, you can fill it with cute slippers, diapers, baby comb and brush, booties, and baby clothes.

For More Info on Baby Shower Tips, Visit Baby Shower Planning

Gord Shin is web designer who loves to build high quality content based website on specific niche topics. Please visit Halitosis Cure Information or Free Asthma Information or Baby Shower Planning for more information on these topics.

Asian food stores

2006-05-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

Asian food is relatively new to Madrid and the number of shops with good quality Asian products is growing quickly. Asian food is also finding its way into the traditional Spanish markets, particularly the market of Los Mostenses —close to Plaza de España— where you can now find many fresh ingredients that are fundamental to Asian recipes liek ginger, coriander, chilies... The short list below represents the shops that we feel provide among the best selection of goods. The shops are grouped by Chinese, Indian and Japanese food.
If what you were really looking for was Asian restaurants, you'll find that in our eating section. Products include: noodles, ginseng, soy paste, baby sweetcorn, straw mushrooms and okra. It also stocks Asian health foods and occasionally fresh tofu and bean sprouts. (also Thai, Indian, Filipino, and other Asian foods).oyster sauce, spicy dried fish, baked squid, Chinese mushrooms, lotus seeds, dried bamboo shoots, pickled radish and pickled mustard. Fresh ginger, bean sprouts and tofu are also stocked.

Buying Baby Clothes Online

2006-05-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

Today's parents have more options available to them when it comes to finding and purchasing clothes and other items for their babies than ever before. With the advent of the internet, shopping for baby clothes has never been easier as there are numerous online retailers that can provide almost anything a parent needs. What follows are some of the best web sites for buying baby clothes online.

Discount Baby Clothes

Not surprisingly, some of the best physical discount stores that carry baby clothes are also some of the best online retailers. When looking for baby duds at an acceptable price the kings online are Wal-Mart, Target, and Kmart. Each company offers direct sales from their web site, have pretty much everything you could need in terms of baby clothing and layette needs, and offer it all at prices that won't make you spit up your Isomil formula. Each offers clearance items and baby registry services as well. Other good sites with slightly higher, but still mid-range, pricing belong to Old Navy and Land's End.

Designer Baby Clothes

For the parent that wants to dress little Kelly or Clay with a bit more pizzazz and who doesn't mind paying considerably more to do so there is E-Luxury, a site that offers the full line of Baby Dior products and the direct web sites of several other designers who deal in baby clothing. Baby Phat has their own site as does Anne Geddes who recently launched a line of her own baby wear based on her famous photographs. If you're looking to shop for as much as possible under one electronic roof there is Chic Baby Boutique, who carries most of the Mak the Yak and Baby Om clothing lines.

Let Your Browser do the Walking

There are literally hundreds of other web sites out there that offer baby clothes at all price ranges and designed to meet all specifications. If you're interested in organically grown cotton, there's a site that specializes in baby clothing made from those fibers. If you want punk rock designs on your baby's T-shirts, there are sites that offer just that! There are sites that offer political slogans on baby sized clothing, "alternative' baby clothing, and sites for baby & toddler tuxedos and evening gowns. If you can imagine it, you can probably find it somewhere on the internet where there is someone just waiting to sell it to you.

Kirsten Hawkins is a baby and parenting expert specializing new mothers and single parent issues. Visit http://www.babyhelp411.com/ for more information on how to raising healthy, happy children.

Buying Baby Clothes On The Web

2006-05-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

Today's parents have more options available to them when it comes to finding and purchasing clothes and other items for their babies than ever before. With the advent of the internet, shopping for baby clothes has never been easier as there are numerous online retailers that can provide almost anything a parent needs. What follows are some of the best web sites for buying baby clothes online.

Discount Baby Clothes

Not surprisingly, some of the best physical discount stores that carry baby clothes are also some of the best online retailers. When looking for baby duds at an acceptable price the kings online are Wal-Mart, Target, and Kmart. Each company offers direct sales from their web site, have pretty much everything you could need in terms of baby clothing and layette needs, and offer it all at prices that won't make you spit up your Isomil formula. Each offers clearance items and baby registry services as well.

Other good sites with slightly higher, but still mid-range, pricing belong to Old Navy and Land's End.

Designer Baby Clothes

If you are a parent that wants to dress little Jane or Brian with a bit more pizzazz and if you don't mind paying considerably more to do so then try E-Luxury, a site that offers the full line of Baby Dior products and the direct web sites of several other designers who deal in baby clothing.

Anne Geddes who recently launched a line of her own baby wear based on her famous photographs.has their own site as does Baby Phat If you're looking to shop for as much as possible under one electronic roof try Chic Baby Boutique, they carry most of the Mak the Yak and Baby Om clothing lines.

Let Your Fingers do the Walking

There are literally hundreds of other web sites out there that offer baby clothes at all price ranges and designed to meet all specifications. If you're interested in organically grown cotton, there's a site that specializes in baby clothing made from those fibers. If you want punk rock designs on your baby's T-shirts, there are sites that offer just that! There are sites that offer political slogans on baby sized clothing, "alternative' baby clothing, and sites for baby & toddler tuxedos and evening gowns. If you can imagine it, you can probably find it somewhere on the internet where there is someone just waiting to sell it to you.

About the Author: Kevinis the owner of "Babies Worldwide", a website that provides informational and guidance for those with new born and infant children. Visit the website at: http://www.babies-worldwide.com/. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached. Kevin lives in Ireland and is a postgraduate of the Open University

Surprise mom by throwing party for me... (Baby shower party)

2006-05-04T20:14:00.000-07:00

South Goes Down to the Sea

2006-05-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

From shell-strewn beaches to fun-filled cities, water's edge holds the promise of relaxation, recreation, and discovery.

The Southern coast wears a thousand faces. It's a secluded beach washed by waves rolling in like liquid silver, a sophisticated port city welcoming the world, a quaint little fishing village, and a lively teen hangout that never grows old.

BEST OF DELAWARE

* Beaches: Like fraternal twins, two coastal towns share characteristics yet have different personalities. Bethany Beach is quiet, while Rehoboth plays to the resort crowd.Visit www.bethanyfenwick.org and www.beach-fun.com.

* Birding: Two of the best sites in the Mid-Atlantic region lie on the western shore of Delaware Bay. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna, (302) 653-6872; Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Milton, (302) 684-8419.

From sand to seafood, Ocean City packs a powerful vacation punch.

* On the boardwalk: Stroll the 3-mile-long boardwalk, where you can ride the Tidal Wave Roller Coaster, and savor an ice-cream cone from Dumser's Dairyland.

* Just for two: Get cozy at the Lighthouse Club hotel, a romantic 23-room inn. Ask for a room with a bay view; 1-888-371-5400 or www.fagers.com.

* For more: 1-800-626-2326.

WINDOWS ON THE CHESAPEAKE

The largest estuary in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay stretches for some 200 miles, with lovely towns and lively cities lining its shores.

* Annapolis: Don't miss Maryland's State House, the oldest state capitol building in continuous legislative use in the country. For more: www.visitannapolis.org.

* Baltimore: Begin with the National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor; then shop at Harborplace. Hop aboard a water taxi to Fort McHenry, or take in a game at Oriole Park at Caniden Yards. For dinner, head to Aldo's Ristorante Italiano in Little Italy. For more: toll free 1-877-225-8466 or www.baltimore.org.

* Hampton Roads area: Norfolk shares a maritime history with five other cities. Try the interactive exhibits at Nauticus, The National Maritime Center. Slip over to the Mariners'Museum in Newport News; then soak up some sun along the 3-mile boardwalk in Virginia Beach. For more: Norfolk Convention & Visitors

by Lingo, Karen

Who You Want To Be?

2006-04-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

"What would you like to be when you grow up?"

I bet you often hear this question asked many
times when you were still young.

And if you meet your friends lately, they'll
probably ask you this ...

"What would you like to achieve in 2006?"

Have you given these types of questions some
deep thoughts?

Different people have different dreams. So
what's yours?

Do you want to become an entrepreneur,
executive, a manager, CEO, singer and etc?

Or would you want to achieve certain goals?

Let me tell you now, you can become what
you want to become that is practical.

What's not practical is expecting to be
a millionaire next year if you're making
$30,000 a year only. But it's not impossible.

You can be anything you want to be as long
as you put your mind and heart to it.

Here are some tips and words of encouragement
to keep you all fired up.

Learn as much as possible about the person
you aspire to be. Let's say you dream to
become a successful CEO. Gather all facts
and information about the business and
management. Research on the internet, read
books, watch business news and analyze
business strategies; in other words, strive
to be an expert.

You must have the desire and passion to know
everything you can about the subject.

If you can have a real person to imitate or
look up to, the better. For example, if you
want to be a successful CEO, you may see
yourself as Steve Jobs (Apple Computer),
Richard Branson (Virgin Air), Jack Welch
(General Motors), Bill Gates (Microsoft)and etc.

Feel, talk, and act as if you're that person
you're emulating. You'll quickly acquire the
behavior and qualities of that person. This
formula works like a charm, so just give it a try.

Like, I will try to model Anthony Robbins to
keep peak state when I'm on stage speaking.

So think,

"If Anthony Robbins was speaking on stage,
what mindset will he have at that time?"

Take motivated action and start pursuing your
dreams. Don't wait for everything to be perfect.
That will never happen. There will always be
bumps and obstacles ahead. The important thing
is to start right now and adjust along the way.

Persist until the very end.

Never let failures distract you.

Just keep pushing yourself to the limit. If you
think that a task seems impossible to accomplish,
banish that thought immediately. Your mind
has the capacity to bring into reality anything
you desire. As long as you stay focused and
patient on your objective despite any setbacks
or discouragements, you will become successful
much sooner than you may think.

Warmest regards,

Patric Chan
CEO, www.motivatedforsuccess.com

P.S: What is 2006 going to bring for you?
If you're serious about making your 2006
GREAT, then use deeply hidden brain powers
to help you achieve it. Access it at:

www.makemoremoneylessons.com/link/brainpower.html

==

You now have permission to reprint this article on your
web site or in your e-zine as long as it is not edited and you
will kindly leave the signature with the article.

==

motivation