Quick Tips for Successful Baby ShowerWritten by Randy Wilson
Continued from page 1 Provide name tags so that everybody can identify other guests easily, as they may not all know each other. Introduce baby shower guests to one another at beginning of baby shower party. If you have a seating arrangement, sit people together who know each other or have something in common. Engage baby shower guests in some games so that they can enjoy their time and interact with each other. If you have proper space and have a large hall then provide tables for your guests to sit and eat if a meal is planned. Please don't expect them to eat with their plate in their lap. Instead of placing gifts here and there, it is appreciated to bring gifts to mom-to-be as she opens gifts. Don’t ask or even expect her to carry anything, especially bulky items (before and after pregnancy). Because time of baby shower is around 1-2 months before or after, she is likely to feel weak during this time. Write down which baby shower guest gave which gift. This will help mom-to-be when it comes time to send thank you cards. Be sure to have enough baby shower party favors on hand. A little extra is good just in case! Get party started on time and keep events moving at a good pace. You would be surprised just how long it can take to eat, open presents, play games, talk and eat cake. Walk guests to door as they leave and thank them again for coming to baby shower.Everybody feels special if they are given due attention. Baby shower tips for hostess: You should understand that if you are hosting party then you should show utmost responsibility and carefulness. A well-planned baby shower would be appreciated by everyone invited. You are not just attending baby shower party. You are also running and organizing it too. When serving food, serve mom-to-be first and then your baby shower guests. You as baby shower hostess should serve yourself last.

Live in Two Rivers, Wis. Have 2 adult children, one grandaughter, and a pekingese dog names Cassie. Just started a new web site in Nov 2004 on Baby Shower Planning.
| | Shared Dancing Has Benefits for Babies and New Moms AlikeWritten by Susan Peach
Continued from page 1
For new moms especially, moving to music with baby is a delightful way to get some gentle exercise and helps with getting back in shape after childbirth. Most new mothers are eager to lose those extra pregnancy pounds, yet it’s also important to eat well and not exert yourself too strenuously, especially in early postpartum weeks when you may not be getting much sleep. Holding your baby in your arms while you both enjoy a waltz, a 2-step or even some good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, is a wonderful way to get some gentle exercise, and it’s fun too! And finally, we all know that a stressed out mom equals a stressed out baby. But because dancing is such good exercise, it tends to produce endorphins, body’s natural “feel good” chemicals. These are same ones responsible for “runner’s high.” So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, try picking up baby and taking him for a spin around living room to your favourite music. You might just find that you both become calmer as a result. So why not make good use of your natural instincts to cuddle and rock your baby? Put on your favourite music and enjoy a few dances with your baby on a regular basis. You’ll get a much needed break and some fun exercise. And whether your baby falls asleep or dances right along with you, she’ll be enjoying this special bonding and playtime with you while developing an appreciation for music and movement that has potential to stay with her throughout her life.

Susan Peach has over 20 years experience as a Latin dance and fitness instructor. She is also the creator of Mambo Moms, a fun and gentle Latin dance based fitness program that helps new moms get back in shape while spending quality play time with their babies. Find out more at http://www.mambomoms.com
|