Choosing to throw a friend or coworker a baby shower, can be a huge help for the expecting mother. We all know how expensive a new baby can be. Babies need an entire wardrobe and furniture, just for them. That is a big deal, and as exciting as it is, it can be overwhelming. The expecting mother will appreciate anything she gets to help her out, with this daunting task. A baby shower allows friends and loved ones to show their support for the new mother. Bliss Baby & Maternity

Part of hosting a baby shower includes keeping everybody entertained. There are several books available that provide suggestions for games. You can tie the games into the theme of the baby shower if you would like. Games should be entertaining and quick moving in order to be the most successful.

Another part of hosting duties will include refreshments. You can choose to have the baby shower at your home, or rent an area in a restaurant. Choose what is best for your budget. Refreshments can vary from simple appetizers and a cake or to a lunch or dinner party. You can purchase plates and other serving pieces to coordinate with your theme. Cake toppers and other decorations can be bought at the same time with the rest of your decorations. This is a very good idea to ensure your decorations all coordinate.

As the hostess of the baby shower, you have a big job ahead of you as well. You will need to plan a time convenient for the expecting mom, and preferably before the baby is born. If you know what kind of nursery theme the baby will have, you can plan a baby shower around that theme. This is like a two for one deal! You can use decorations and party favors that will double as gifts for the new baby.

Several places offer the ability to personalize the party favors given at baby showers. This will make the baby shower more personal, and provide lifetime keepsakes. If the mother to be already has a name picked out for baby, you can get some excellent gifts specially designed. A new Stroller by JJ Cole or new baby items would be a wonderful addition to the new mother's baby items.  A really neat gift is a personalized new mom necklace for the new mom or a mother's bracelet.  

If you have a special theme in mind, you can find plenty of decorations and party favors in one place. Some great party favors can include photo frames, candles, or even key chains. The possibilities are endless. An ideal party favor should be something the guests will use and enjoy. Make sure you purchase a few extra party favors, just in case you have unexpected guests. 

If you go to www.blissbabyandmaternity.com and enter MOM20 you will receive a 20% discount!

Men and women often say that before they got married and had children, they were able to go out and savor their evening. When the children start coming along and careers start getting in the way, it can quickly become very difficult to have any time left over for romance. Perhaps a change is in order if you find this occurring. In order to maintain an happy and health marriage it is vital to be able to spend time alone together. And that doesn’t imply that you should bring your kids with you every time you go out. The happiest couples are generally the ones who take the time to go out on a date (without the kids) at least a few times each month. While you are out you might ask yourself exactly what do we do with the kids? In case you have never used one before, think about the benefits of babysitters, friends, or family members.  

Leaving your baby for the first time can be stressful it is the best thing that you and your husband can do for your relationship.  Just make sure to find a reliable person that you trust like a parent, a sibling or a close friend that has had children and know how to take care of them if they are colicky or fussy.  Leaving your young ones in someone elses care is normally filled with dreadful thoughts and fears. These are valid concerns so you need to ensure you are comfortable leaving.  You can actually get out and rekindle your relationship while having the confidence of knowing a qualified individual is watching the your new baby or young children.  

The simple truth is that parents need a break occasionally. If you give all of your focus on your kids 24 hours of the day, you can get pretty tired pretty fast. It’s sad to say it, but after a couple of months of the exact same routine, you can quickly become very unexcited about the task of parenting. For many parents, a weekly date night makes the joy of parenting all that much sweeter throughout the rest of the week.

Some great date night ideas to consider are to get a couples massage or pedicure.  Go bowling or to an arcade to play games together.  Wine tasting is always  a fun and relaxing time as well.  Ice skating or roller skating or even just going for a bike ride or a walk.  A cooking class or there has been wide spread attention given to the wine and canvas classes where you can enjoy a glass of wine and paint a picture.  Many of these classes offer a separate option for couples so they don't end up with the same painting.  I actually have one of these scheduled for my husband and I in June.  I can't wait.  Playing pool and darts are always fun as well.

Whatever you decide, make sure that you both make the time to pay attention to each other and not get caught up in the day to day activities.  Enjoy the baby and the kids but make sure to continue to enjoy each other's company on a one on one basis.  You won't regret it.

Shop Bliss Baby & Maternity for all you baby and maternity needs!  

Millions of people all over the world are watching Kate Middleton's pregnancy baby bump style.  Her latest outfits don't really show her growing belly but the Duchess of Cambridge keeps everyone wondering what her baby bump really looks like.  She has been keeping her style very modest and loose. She kept her baby bump covered up during her recent travels throughout Scotland.

I think she is an adorable mom to be just like William's mom, Princess Diana was.  Kate and her husband, Prince William, are expected their first child in July and that date is fast approaching.  

I love to watch the Royals and I will be watching the style of the new mom as her due date grows closer.  For all of your own maternity fashion clothing, please visit www.blissbabyandmaternity.com

Maternity Swim Suits

All moms that are expecting want a new and fun swimsuit to show off their baby bump!!  Please go to www.blissbabyandmaternity.com to find all your maternity swim suit needs for the upcoming summer!

I love Little Giraffe!!