Taking the New Momma-to-be My Pyramid out for a Spin

In today's Washington Post, Sally Squires takes the US Department of Agriculture's new My Pyramid for Moms-to-Be out for spin. She takes a virtual mom and goes through pregnancy with her and discovers some healthy guidelines.

Inspired by Sally's adventure, I decided to take the tool out for a spin of my own.

I found the site easy to use. It is simple, input a little information and out comes a guide that can help you plan better portions and get a guideline for my daily intake. What I found is that I probably consume too many "discretionary calories" - extra fats and oils and should up my dark, green veggies.

The site also has tips on weight loss, pregnancy weight gain and breastfeeding. There are also additional pyramids for the other loves of your life, partners and children.

To try it for yourself, visit: http://www.mypyramid.gov/index.html

Little Luxuries for D-Day: Dearjohnnies gowns

As we get closer to D-Day (due day), I find myself looking for the goodies to stock the bag and here is one that I definetly one won't leave behind: my gown by Dearjohnnies.

As a mom that has been down this road once before, who remembers the non-descript, almost gane-green gown that is featured in the pictures from my daughter's birth, I was excited to learn of this product and wished that I had had one for Zenora's birth.

Dearjohnnies, made by the fabulous Rachel Zinny and company, are thoughtfully-designed hospital gowns kicked up several knotches. They come in a range soft, pretty fabrics trimmed with grosgrain. The gowns have snap-down sleeves that allow for easy breastfeeding access and snap from behind to give you a little coverage back there.

The gowns have been loved and worn by celebrities and local mommas alike. Every mom-to-be deserves a little delivery room luxury.

To pick up one of your own: visit Dearjohnnies at www.dearjohnnies.com

The Baby Panda: Unique Children's Goods with an Asian Flair

I'm always searching for new adorable goodies. Lately they have been geared to my one-year old, but as this pregnancy progresses I start to find myself looking for little boy things as well.

What I did find is The Baby Panda, an online-boutique featuring quality children's products with an Asian flair. Virginia mommy, Cynthia Poblete has put together an impressive gathering of unique products, adorable kimono dresses, Mommy and Me jewelry by the terrific folks at Baby Emi Jewelry and an eclectic mix of slings, plush pads and accessories for mom and baby alike.

What caught my eye for Z is this great little dress/blouse by Innies and Outies.

For more information, check them out and shop at www.thebabypanda.com

Healthy Start, Grow Smart Series for Moms

As a part of my work with teens and other mothers, I stumble upon some really nice resources. One that I am finding valuable and full of information is the Department of Education and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the Healthy Start, Grow Smart series for Parents of children through their first year of life.

It is full of developmental milestones, information on child care from the first bath to everyday care, sweet pictures and answers those everyday kind of questions that every mom asks herself. It is a great, FREE resource that every new mom should have or have access to.

It is available for download at http://cms.ntis.gov/index.aspx or by order for free paperback copies.

The Multitasking Mom Favorite: Lillebaby's Eurotote

As a lover of nifty, multi-tasking products, you are going to love the Eurotote by Lillebaby, a Scandinavian company making fabulous products with American parents in mind. It's stylish, versatile and kind of swanky.

The great folks at Scandinavian Child sent us the green "Luck of the Stylish" Tote. As soon as I took it out of the box, my hubby was curious and intrigued -- always a good sign. What it is a bunting bag, a carrier, a stroller blanket and playmat all in one.

For more details, check out their line at www.lillebabyusa.com

On the shelves: The Pregnancy Countdown by Susan Magee

I love books. I read them several at a time and sometimes, even a good cookbook with great pictures for pleasure reading. One that I found at the fabulous Groovy DC, a wonderful, little cards and stationary shop, is The Pregnancy Countdown by Susan Magee.

It is full of tips and tricks for everyday of your pregnancy and interesting tidbits that make it fun, even for those of us that have been down this road once before.

P.S. Groovy also carries the best salted caramels I've ever tasted.

Book available on-line at www.amazon.com or locally at GroovyDC, 428 8th Street, SE in Washington, DC.

Picture courtesy of www.amazon.com

What I'm craving now: White Chocolate Crunch

One of the perks of pregnancy is indulging in some of those pleasures that we forsake in the name of fitness, size 6 jeans or something equally boring. For some it's peaches and ice-cream, others a nice big steak, for me, right now, it's White Chocolate Crunch from Shoebox Oven.

It's this delicious crunchy, sweet, salty almond candy-crunch that rocks and brings a happy grin to my (and the hubby's) face. I love it at night with a mug of tea or with some fresh berries from the market.

Yum, try it for yourself or one of the other goodies from Shoebox. I pick mine up at the Clarendon Best Cellars, but occasionally when I've thought ahead, I get it delivered right to my door.

Shop at www.shoeboxoven.com

Green Festival DC Finds: Speesees Infant and Children's Wear

Yesterday, while we were at the DC Green Festival, a festival that highlights eco-friendly goods and products, I saw the most adorable children's line by Speesees.

Speesees philosophy is fun, fair and organic and just looking at the line, you can see that it is true. The collection of yoga pants, kimono onesies, jumpers, tees and bibs made of 100% long staple cotton and low-impact, herbal-based dyes brought a delighted smile to my face.

My favorite is the flock collection with tiny birds flying across the tummy -- I can't wait to see my new little one in the tiny jumper.

Shop at www.speesees.com

Photo courtesy of www.speesees.com

DC Baby's New Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum Guide

A useful resource by Sarah Masterson of DC Baby, the book and site, is the New Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum guide for the DC area. It is a really great resource full of tips and word-of-mouth resources from moms that have been down the road before.

What I think rocks is that she has included resources for the DC Metro area, including Northern Virginia and the surrounding Maryland counties, not just in the city.

The guide is $6.00 and available for download at www.dc-baby.com