Category Archives: Rockland Babies

Family Friendly Paint- Available at Wallauer Paint and Design

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Items, Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Rockland Babies, Rockland Real Estate .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

When RNYD and I purchased our first home together, like most others, we didn’t know much about home renovation.  Newly “house poor” we didn’t know that there was a difference in paints. What we knew was that we needed clean looks, on a budget. Now 17 years later we certainly do.  Instead of looking at the instant price tag, we look at the quality of the paint, the products and at how well it lasts.

That last part is super IMPORTANT.  Our house gets USED.  What I mean by that is that we LIVE in our house.  Anything we do to it, or put in it, needs to be made to last, to withstand two active, energetic kids, as well as two active, energetic Labs.  Things that show wear and tear quickly have no place in our home.  If this sounds like you and after a year and a half of staring at your walls and you are ready for a change, this is for you.

This is a photo of my actual messy paint cans from my lake house reno this year (LOL).

The ONLY interior paint we purchase any more is Benjamin Moore Regal Select- which is available at Wallauer Paint and Design.  While a bit more expensive than your typical box store brand paints, it is well worth it.  The coverage of this paint is beyond compare.  It is a premium-quality, 100% acrylic paint and primer combined with excellent hide, spatter resistance, and seamless touch-ups. It offers exceptional flow and leveling for a smooth application, and quick dry time.  So what does that mean?  Less work with better results.

Here is a photo of the master bedroom at our lake house, this is a VERY bright color that we had to cover.  We chose to change it to grey.  
This was a fairly bold move. 

As if that wasn’t enough being that it will save you time if you do it yourself, and money if you are paying someone to apply it, there’s more.

  • Stain release technology that is easy to clean with less scrubbing (I can vouge for this, I am always cleaning my walls- two kids two labs).
  • Mildew resistant coating
  • Engineered with Gennex Color Technology (a proprietary system that includes-long lasting vibrant colors, consistent colors, and better coverage a few of the benefits).
    Did I mention it was beadboard?
    Also- this paint is safe enough for my kids to do the painting (YES!).

Here’s the other biggie.  Regal Select is a No VOC product.  This is important to us because we try to be environmentally friendly in everything we do (see our solar panels), but the health of our kids and our pets is number 1.  As stated on the Benjamin Moore website “VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds. When it comes to paint, VOCs are often added for better open time and freeze-thaw resistance and are emitted as gasses from liquids that evaporate as paint dries. Certain VOCs are harmful when inhaled and may pose indoor air quality concerns.”

Why am I super concerned about this?  Well, I first became concerned about such things when pregnant, I followed ALL THE RULES- like a soldier.  I learned that the paint in a baby’s room should have No VOC back then.  Once I had them, it became a bigger deal, because my (E) has asthma, even more important.

Where can you learn more?  Wallauer Paint and Design in Nanuet (that’s the Rockland one but if you are reading this from elsewhere, check out their website for the closest one).  Not only do they have this fabulous paint, they offer design services for those like me who have an idea of what they want, but aren’t sure how to accomplish it.

Wallauer’s design staff is committed to quality and service providing our customers with the newest in color schemes and the latest in design products. They give their customers the one on one attention they deserve to use these services, call or go online to make a virtual appointment or in the convenience of your home. The design team listens to their clients ideas and needs to design space that reflects one’s personality creating a functional and comfortable environment.

Wallauer is truly a one stop shop design center providing their customers with all interior design and home décor needs to fit any budget.  Not just color consultations (although that is where I would have to start). They have a new line of custom-made simple drapery and a custom inspired cellular blind program that can match your wall colors.

Once you get started, they’ve also got all the tools you need to complete the job too since they are an ACE Hardware.

Here are some current specials to help you get started.  A Buy one Get one Free Paint sample, and $10 off at ACE to get the job moving.  If you are purchasing a new home, there is a special place on the site to click to register for a free color consultation, a free design session, and a new homeowner package!

Oh yeah, and here’s the finished bedroom :o)

BASICally the Perfect INVITE!

Posted on by Posted in Birthdays, Events, Items, Party, Photo Obsessed, Reviews, RNYM Events, Rockland Babies, Services, Specialty Items, We're Having a Party .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post, all opinions expressed are my own.

I am a High School Teacher.  More specifically, a teacher of Senior students.  It stands to reason then that at this time of year (every year) I am very focused on Senior events.  All which culminate in the big event, graduation. 

Last year the kids didn’t get much leeway in terms of celebrating.  This year, we are able to again have some gatherings, especially when outdoors, and distanced in some way.  Having just spent a year (give or take a few months) with so many restrictions, it’s no wonder that people may be doing things up a bit more than usual.

Well, it’s almost MAY and time to get planning.  I know that lots of people have made the switch to online invitation platforms, but I still LOVE a paper invitation.  In fact, if you follow me you know that I am VERY picky about my invitations.  I like them to usually be photograph invitations for that personal touch (also makes a nice memory), something you can really personalize (180 colors- and you can customize EACH element on the card).  In addition, I like the invite itself to be of sturdy card stock.  There is something about receiving a card or invitation in the mail, that is made of nice thick card stock.

So, as always I will share a favorite with you, and then explain why.  You need to check out Basic Invite.  Their invitations, announcements, photo graduation announcements etc are completely customizable. While looking around I found that they had some really cute nurse graduation announcement choices as well (quite a few of my students go into nursing)!  They are printed on sturdy card stock, attractive and fast, but there’s more.  There are 40 different color choices for envelopes (which are also peel and stick, thank goodness)- so your envelope can coordinate with your card!!

There are also these SUPER cool clear (we called them see-through) ones you can order!!!

Basic Invite has great customer service, and even a service where they ADDRESS the cards for you!  Don’t have time to upload them?  There’s also an address capturing service!!!  As a super busy working mom, this is HUGE!  This allows you  to share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media to request your friends and family’s addresses. The addresses are stored in your account and can be selected during the design process. Basic Invite offers recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders!!

Then ANY TIME you are sending cards (think parties, announcements, holidays) you can click on the people you want to send the correspondence to and BAM, Done. For me personally, this is AMAZING, it’s hard enough to find time to design all of these things let alone sit and write them all out.  

My 5th grader is also “graduating” this year.  So it’s even more on my mind.  We may do a small family event to celebrate for him (think immediate family BBQ), since he is missing so much. Well, it stands to reason that I would need to look at invitations or a grad announcement.  I was able to find a few that I liked, customize them just the way that I wanted, and then order SAMPLES to see which I would like the best, yep that’s right custom samples!  Changing colors and fonts as well as the style or card was super easy, you do not have to be super computer savvy to do it.  I even let AJ customize one (can you guess which one?).  Uploading the photos was also easy as pie.  I was given an ETA of one week and they arrived as promised.  You may have watched me unveil them on our social media stories.  Excuse the cell phone photo, I couldn’t help myself… The quality is impeccable, in fact, we have decided to make my new nephews birth announcements with Basic Invite as well.  ANNNNNND, we may have fallen in love with this Birthday Invite…

Let’s get social!  If you want to see more Basic Invite check them out on their social media handles: Facebook –Pinterest –Instagram –Twitter! 

I (of course) have a discount code for you too!! Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51 

Helping People with Disabilities Prep for Parenthood

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Rockland Babies, Self Care, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored informational post.  Ashley is a mom with first hand experience, who wanted to get some great information out to our readers. Feel free to send her questions.

Ashley has severe scoliosis. She created DisabledParents.org to provide information and resources to fellow parents raising their children while living with disabilities.

Photo by Pixabay

Bringing Home Baby: Helpful Tips for Disabled Parents

There are plenty of books and online articles touting advice for what to expect when you’re expecting and how to prepare your home for your new arrival. However, what many of these articles lack is what makes your situation unique – your disability. It hasn’t stopped you up to this point, and it certainly won’t prevent you from being a wonderful parent, but it would be nice to receive some helpful advice with you in mind. Parenting with a disability will look different from family to family, but the following tips are helpful nuggets of knowledge for everyone.

Get the House in Order

One of the most important things you can do is make your home more accessible for you and safe for your little one. Zero-step entrances, widened doorways, and slip-proof flooring make it easier to safely navigate your home with your baby in tow if you have mobility issues, not to mention it can decrease the chance of injuries once your child becomes mobile. Set up a one-stop shop area in your home complete with baby and parental essentials so that you aren’t constantly getting up and down – this can serve as a play area too. Baby-proofing is a must too, especially if you aren’t able to respond to a loud crash (or lack of noise) as quickly as you’d like. These infographics (courtesy of the Bump) will make sure all the rooms in your home are safe.

Find the Parenting Tools That Work for You

With a little research and online browsing, you’ll find that there are several baby products made specifically with disabled parents in mind. There are cots with an open side for easy access to your baby from the comfort of your bed, walking wings so you can experience the magic of helping your child learn to walk minus the bending, and even bathtub sets at the perfect height for parents in a wheelchair. Keep in mind that the tools you need are unique to you. For example, Verena Cristofaro-Frydberg, a mother of two with MS, has live-in child care and gets creative with her parenting hacks, such as making the bed with three layers of sheets to make changing easier and keeping the car stocked at all times to avoid the “I forgot it” moment.

Plan for the Future

A new baby is in your future, but adding to your family means planning beyond that as well by putting safety nets in place. First and foremost, it’s time to update the will. This is where you designate who will inherit what, as well as choose a guardian (and an alternate) for your child. Rather than a joint will with your spouse, it is best to create separate wills so that the survivor can make changes without having to jump through any legal hoops. While you are dealing with the not-so-fun stuff, considering purchasing burial insurance. Similar to a life insurance policy, the benefit is used for funeral-related expenses, which can ease the burden and stress on your spouse and family members should you pass away earlier than expected due to medical issues. On the opposite end of the spectrum, don’t forget to add your baby to your life insurance policy. You typically have a window of 30 to 60 days to enroll your child, and coverage will begin on the date of birth. The birth of a child is full of new experiences (and plenty of newborn doctor’s visits), so having that coverage offers peace of mind.

Take Care of Yourself

For parents, self-care can’t be emphasized enough. Not only do you need to stay on top of your health, including doctor’s appointments, medications, and exercises, but you need time to relax too. Make time to read, drink a cup of coffee, or simply ask a friend to watch your little one so you can eat lunch in peace. The bottomline: Don’t be afraid to treat yourself and ask for help. Look for support from your family, friends, and partner. Even something as simple as having someone take over baby duties for one afternoon each week can free you up for self-care. Your support network likely wants to be as close to the baby as you are. There’s a good chance they won’t mind spending some quality time with their littlest family member while you tend to your own needs for a change.

Congratulations on becoming a parent! New experiences await you, and you’re more than ready to handle them. Parenting is challenging, but your disability has prepared you for the challenges you will overcome, making success that much sweeter.

Need some help with home adjustments?  WE have a directory for that (for the home) and Chris Kissik Painting and Construction

When do Toddlers Transition to One Nap?

Posted on by Posted in Fitness, Reviews, Rockland Babies, Services, Uncategorized .

Content provided by Sarah Cummings

When do Toddlers Transition to One Nap?

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The terrible twos. No matter how angelic your little one is as a baby, you’ll still have to fact that chaotic year sooner or later. And quite often, it’s more than a year; stretching into the “terrible threes” and beyond!

Of course, our kids give us an incredible amount of joy, and love, and sheer entertainment too. But this stage of their little lives can be testing for the entire family…especially as their sleeping patterns change.

Maybe they’ve been a very sleepy tot so far and have taken 3 naps a day, at 45 minutes a go. Or maybe they prefer two naps for longer, for an hour or more at a time. In any case, your carefully crafted sleep schedule is about to change.

When does the transition normally occur?

As with so many parenting tips, there isn’t one catch-all answer. Popular belief used to hold that babies could transition to one nap at 12 months; however the average age is actually between 15–18 months. And this transition can be a pretty difficult time. Since one nap may not be enough for your little one to keep your eyes open during the day, or make them cranky and over-tired, you may choose to stick to two. Which might make it impossible to get them settled at night.

Every child is different. So you’ll need to check when a good time is right for your toddler, not just the recommended age.

How to make it easier

Start by reading the signs

You can spot them pretty easily… for instance if your child won’t go down for a nap without kicking up a big fight, every time! Or if they’re taking longer to doze off, or if they don’t nap for very long… it might be time to cut one nap from their day. Monitor their behaviour for around 2 weeks and if their napping schedule continues to be disrupted in some way, it’s probably time to make the move.

Next, do a test run

Keep your toddler up and active when they’re normally napping, say in the afternoon, and see how it goes. If they make it to bedtime without a meltdown, maybe that should be their routine going forward. If not, well, maybe they’re not quite ready yet. You could try another test run in a few days but this time push their morning nap to 15 minutes later and stretch it out as long as you can. If they do wake up after an hour, try soothing them back to sleep or use a white noise machine to lure them back to slumberland.

Repeat this process the next day, and the next, moving that nap back 15 minutes at a time.  

The change probably won’t occur overnight – in fact, this phase of limbo can last from a few weeks to two months – but be patient. Ultimately your toddler should be napping right after lunch, for 2 to 2½ hours, and that’s it for the day.

Remember to respect their needs

The move from two naps to one can be pretty unsettling for a toddler; so it’s up to you to make the switch as comfortable as possible. Try to understand that they will naturally feel more overwhelmed and overstimulated without having a chance to rest between all the excitement of their day.

So in the morning, introduce a little “quiet time”, during which you read to your child or play soft music. If they’re bouncing around the room playing imaginary heroes games, they’re likely to be exhausted and in need of a nap; depriving them of one will only make them cranky!

So keep mornings quite calm and, when it comes to naptime after lunch, it’ll be easy to get them settled. Then they can have their active play when they wake up!

Enjoy your new-found freedom

While it might be a challenging time at first, once you’ve made the move to one nap you won’t look back. You’ll have more freedom to work, exercise, meet friends, run errands or do whatever you like knowing that your child has a fixed nap time every day. And if they’re in a daycare centre in which afternoon naps are part of the program, well, scheduling naps might not even be part of your agenda!

Instead you can spend your little one’s waking hours doing the fun stuff – playing and bonding and enjoying some quality time together.

Hopefully this piece has shed a little light on moving from two naps down to one. If you need any more sleep tips for your toddler, or even for yourself, head on over to The Sleep Advisor now. Start paying more attention to the importance of a good night’s kip, learn how to improve your sleep every night and embrace a more rested, healthier lifestyle for you and your family.

Meet Laura Wanamaker- Postpartum Doula and Newborn Care Specialist

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, March of Dimes, Rockland Babies .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

At RNYM we are always researching the VERY best services for our parents.  From the beginning stages of life all the way through.  That’s where we found Laura Wanamaker, who specializes in helping mothers through the beginning stages of being a mom, the whole confusing lot.   We look forward to showcasing her at our upcoming events. For now, read a bit about who she is, and what she has to offer you. 

Laura Wanamaker
Postpartum Maternal and Newborn Care Doula

www.laurawanamakerdoulas.com

ldwanamaker@verizon.net

845-536-2163

I am a Certified Postpartum Doula and Newborn care specialist.

I come to this profession by way of deep heartfelt caring and understanding.  As a mother of three college age children, I think back to my quick succession of pregnancies.  With each baby my confidence grew, but so did my exhaustion. The first baby garnishes incredible  attention, visitors and much appreciated meals. By the third baby less and less help was offered and the “you got this now” could not be more true. Not with a preschooler, toddler and fussy newborn.

I think back of the value of a doula. For my first baby, I wish I had  a postpartum doula to come to my home and teach me, validate me and just help to get some well needed sleep.  I know also this would have played a role in more successful nursing.  I understand what it is have  a job waiting for you and 12 weeks goes by incredibly blurry and too brief.

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I used a labor doula with my last two deliveries because I really needed hands on experienced assistance.  I was way ahead of the curve being that was twenty years ago.  My own obstetrician ignorantly asked me “what is a doula?” and this was his career field. Since that time I have always been intrigued on being a doula myself. After corporate downsizing, sort of forced early retirement, I became a nanny.  I have worked long term for two incredible families. I will always say I have seven children to this day. With the right timing in my life and a twenty year desire for this career, I made it happen.

I think about all the money that was spent frivolously when I could have set aside that money for help those first few weeks. I thought what a fabulous idea this would be for a shower gift or even better a gift for a subsequent birth when everything needed for a newborn is already at home.

What I bring to you is a philosophy of “What does the mother want?”  Every mother and family can require different needs. It is completely irrelative to me how you choose to feed your baby. I have been on both sides of that issue. I will provide a mother with all the information needed if she really wants to try successful nursing, but its a personal decision. Even if you know you don’t feel nursing is for you or try it and realize you prefer formula and bottles, then do it. I am not hard core. I value how you want to care for your baby in any capacity. Doulas never diagnose as we are not medical professionals and should never represent that we are. As an example, recognizing the difference between a clogged milk duct as opposed to potential mastitis is imperative. That’s where a doula can really help.  Helping with techniques to alleviate that problem and getting the baby back to the breast is what is really needed.

– Adult and Pediatric CPR, First Aid, AED  certified through the AHA Heartsaver program- current since 2010
-Latching and breastfeeding support
– Review AAP safe sleep guidelines
– Expertise in all areas of newborn care
– Experience with “sleepy babies” and tips for waking and feeding
– Promote proper ambiance for daytime and night time interaction and feeding
– Guidance to appropriate Internet and credible sources of accurate information
– Fully support the mother’s choices and changes

 


The hormone fluctuation that occurs within the first few days of delivery are the greatest that you will ever have in your lifetime. The baby blues are real and everyone goes through them at some level. Many times it lingers because of the exhaustion of recovery and having a newborn. A doula’s assistance during this period has been shown to reduce the probabilities and severity of postpartum depression. I personally have an extremely strong interest in Infant massage and calming techniques and postpartum mental health issues.I also really look forward to working with the families of adoption. A different, but just as beautiful of a beginning.
I truly only have one mantra when it comes to the initial postpartum time period for a woman

  “The best gift you can give your baby is a happy Mother”  
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Crystal Run Healthcare Prenatal Classes: Preparing for Birth & Beyond

Posted on by Posted in Classes, Reviews, Rockland Babies, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post. 

Crystal Run Healthcare Prenatal Classes: Preparing for Birth & Beyond

crh_logo_w_tag_4cnew

Expecting a new baby and not sure what to do next? Look no further than to Crystal Run Healthcare’s team of highly-trained Pediatricians to help you prepare for the arrival of your new bundle of joy!

Our Prenatal program, designed by Crystal Run physicians, provides guidance and emotional support to expectant parents.  Each class offers invaluable information on what to expect before, during and after a normal delivery, and also explores unexpected deliveries – including premature delivery, cesarean delivery, and NICU stay. The class also prepares parents for life at home with their new baby, from what to anticipate in the first weeks and months post-birth and what to monitor at home, to normal feedings, expected weight, sleep cycles, and more. Crystal Run Healthcare’s Board Certified Pediatricians will also provide vital information on regular office visits for your baby, immunization schedules, and signs and symptoms of when to call your doctor.

So, now what? Join Crystal Run Healthcare for a prenatal class in their newest state-of-the-art medical facility in West Nyack and come prepared with a list of questions.

prenatal-class-flyer_westnyack

Dates:

 

Location:
2 Centerock Road
2nd Fl. Conference Room
West Nyack, NY 10994


Register online today by visiting
CrystalRunHealthcare.com/crystal-run-connect/events!
Walk-ins are also welcome.

 

Welcome CryoCell – GIVEAWAY!!

Posted on by Posted in Rockland Babies .
Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own. 
cryocell3
My kids are already so old that when I gave birth not all gynecologists offices spoke to you about cord blood storage.  I had to research and figure it all out on my own.  Yes, we did it.  Yes, I am glad.  We have partnered with Marion of CryoCell International to reach the Mommies (and Daddies) of Rockland to help educate them about cord blood storage.  Read below for some important information as we have added them to our Pregnancy and Babies Page created just for you!  Oh yeah and follow the link for a GIVEAWAY ;o)
cryocell2
Marion Kalstein Welch
Cryo-Cell  International 
Field  Coordinator/Cord Blood Educator

Cryo-Cell International is the world’s first cord blood bank, having given birth to the industry in 1989. Today, we have been entrusted to store the cord blood for more than 500,000 parents from 87 countries who selected Cryo-Cell International to safeguard their families’ future health.

Umbilical cord blood is rich in hematopoietic stem cells, which generate every type of blood and immune cell. These cells are already being used to treat close to 80 diseases including cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia and inherited metabolic disorders. Over 35,000 transplants worldwide have already been performed using stem cells from umbilical cord blood, and because stem cell technologies continue to evolve, the opportunities to utilize preserved cord blood are steadily increasing.

Cryo-Cell International was the first cord blood bank to separate and store stem cells, the first cord blood bank to adopt the industry’s premium processing method, and the first private cord blood bank to be awarded FACT (the Foundation for the Accreditation for Cellular Therapy) accreditation for voluntarily adhering to the most stringent quality standards in the industry. Since inception, 100% of Cryo-Cell International’s clients’ specimens have been viable upon thaw and no other cord blood company can make that statement. Today, over 500,000 parents worldwide have trusted Cryo-Cell International to store their baby’s cord blood stem cells.

cryocell

Marion will assist expectant moms on banking their baby’s cord blood stem and learning about how cord blood stem cell are utilized an how they are collected. To contact   Marion directly email her at
mwelch@cryo-cell.com  Special pricing for all Rockland  Moms.  In fact, there’s a special contest going on now….   http://promos.cryo-cell.com/rockland-nymom/