Happy New Year!

As I don't expect to be near a computer for the next several days, I wanted to wish everyone a Healthy and Happy New Year!

This blog will be experiencing some exciting changes in the new year, including some guest blogging from some very special mom and mom-to-be bloggers! So be sure to check back soon for more information.

And if you have any suggestions for what *you* would like to see and read on my blog in 2009 please don't be shy. Just email me and let me know! Or just leave a comment!

Friday Morning Links...

LilSugar wants to know: Would you Have a Mommy Makeover?

This hilarious and heartwarming holiday photo from The Poop made me smile.

Looking for some family-friendly Hanukkah recipes? Epicurious has got you covered. Or try their Fast Hanukkah Favorites if you're pressed for time.

If you've just had a baby then forget about surviving the holidays (you can and you will). Instead focus on Surviving the First 6 Weeks with your new baby. FitPregnancy has some helpful tips for new parents.

Beautiful New High Chair from PALI

I've fallen in love with a new high chair. It's the Pappy Re High Chair from PALI.

I love that it treads the line between modern and traditional high chair design. The streamlined style and light wood construction are definitely modern, yet the rounded shape and generous food tray (sold separately) give it a more traditional look.

Use the food tray at feeding time or pull the high chair right up to the table. A simple, cute teddy bear cutout makes it easy to pick the chair up and move it as needed.You can also adjust the foodrest to ensure the perfect fit as baby grows.

Basically you can have a more traditional high chair that still looks modern and sophisticated. And with 6 finishes to choose from (Natural/Lime, Natural/Pumpkin, Liquorice, Natural/Berry, Natural/Sunflower and White) you're sure to find the one that's just right for your home. That's the kind of compromise I like!

Friday Morning Links...

Different companies have different rules about what you can and can't wear to work. But what about wearing your baby? Rebekka at TheBabyWearer.com has some helpful tips if you're considering giving it a try!

Looking for the perfect gift for a new mom...or maybe for yourself? Diaper Bag Boutique is offering Amy Michelle diaper bags at 20% off from now until the end of December. This is an exclusive promotion and there are no promo codes or coupons necessary. A festive bag (like the Gladiola in Red Patent Leather, shown) makes a pretty and practical holiday gift.

Parenting.com helps keep things in perspective with this year's Stinky Diaper Awards.

The holidays plus baby plus two tired parents (not to mention a floundering economy)can equal one very stressed out marriage/partnership. FitPregnancy.com offers some tips on how to keep your relationship intact.

Holiday Gift Ideas: K's Kids

Looking for just the right baby or toddler gift this year? K's Kids is one brand that takes play time very seriously.

These colorful toys are specially developed for babies and toddlers and each toy undergoes numerous tests and certifications to make sure it's completely safe for the age range it is for. The K's Kids product development team even includes psychologists, child development experts and parents to help make these toys the very best for baby.

Their hard work hasn't gone unnoticed. The concepts created by K's Kids have been highly recognized by the toy industry, winning a number of world renowned toy awards. Parents and babies--the real judges--love these toys, too. The first K's Kids toy was launched in 1997 and was so well received that in less than five years' time K's Kids products are selling in over 50 countries!

Like I said, these guys are just playing around.

There's so much for parents to love and babies to explore packed into each and every toy. For the holidays I really like the Alexander Shape Sorter. Just right for babies 18 months and up, this sweet dog keeps growing! By correctly matching the right shape and color of the parts Alexander becomes a long, colorful sausage dog. This toy gives little hands a lot to do while also providing a soft friend.

Shop Toys and Games Online to find the baby toy that's perfect for the little one in your life!

Friday Morning Links: A Rose By Any Other Name...

Here are your Friday links to give you a much-needed, non caffeinated boost! I've got baby names on the brain in case you couldn't tell...

Cookie Magazine talks about the difficulty in finding the perfect name for baby in a world jacked into the world wide web at all times...

The New York Times reports on how politics can inspire baby names! (At least with 'Jennifer' there were a lot of nicknames to differentiate the girls in my class...what nicknames are there for Barack?)

Parenting Magazine has some sweet advice on how to help baby learn that perfect name (once you pick it out).

Reuters reports that in 2008 traditional names were the most popular.

Have fun with Nameberry and find that perfect name! (Apparently people with my name join online support groups! Now that explains a few things...)