How fast they grow!

It is amazing how fast our babies grow. It seems like such a long time ago when Vera first took her first mouth of semi-solid food at 6 months. I don't think I posted these videos of her shocked expression when Vitali and I first shoved a spoonful of rice cereal into her (unsuspecting) mouth. Here they are...

Same scene, only minutes later, and she was grabbing the spoon from us...

Here are more links to videos charting Vera's growth during her first year.

1. First leap forward

2. Reading (the car manual)

3. Eating my favourite food

4. Daddy don't sing...please.

5. Learning to Walk

6. Eating my 1st birthday cake

Baby Capsule

Create a poetic record of the first years of your baby's life by saving a few everyday things, such as your little one's first blanket, beansprout pillow or lock of hair. What a beautiful gift to present to them on their 21st birthday or wedding day! (via Martha Stewart Kids)

Fully Charged

This onesie design sums it up for Vera on most days. Available here.

Poop Scoop Bag

I just love the innovative products that parenting inspires sometimes. Like this Poop Scoop Bag from Freddysays.com. Great to keep a few of these if you are planning on liberating the little one from scratchy diapers. Nothing like going wild and natural, they say. The handy bags are 100% biodegradable so you won’t hurt the environment. A 100 pack will only cost you £5.00.

For more innovative products you never thought was conceivable, check out Trend Hunter’s “Top 30 Baby Trends” list of 2008. (via Dr Moz's blog)

Cool nursery deco by Inke

How cool is this? The leaves are handcut designer and vintage wallpaper. The tree wallpaper costs a hefty $323 and the birdhouse lamp another pocket burning $296. Both are available here at the incredibly cute shop, Enfant Terrible.

I say, if you are not prepared to spend that much for a nursery, it will be a fun DIY project to construct this yourself. The tree truck can be painted on your wall and you can use some decoupage glue to stick leaves cut from scrapbook paper or lovey pages cut from old magazines or picture books. The birdhouse lamp casing can be constructed from corrugated cardboard or some balsa wood bought from a local arts store.

Treepee

With the timeless appeal of a tree house + the excitement of a trampoline, the ‘Treepee’ is an exciting new product that creates a whole world of possibilities and play. Children can be zipped safely inside and experience a the excitment of tumbling without any parents worry of them falling. Would even be fun to camp out in the garden in one of these with your best friend! Ah...the joys of childhood...

Handmade special edition pillow covers and nursing ponchos

It has been a week of sewing for me. The Pupsik beansprout pillows are almost there so mommies who ordered and are waiting eagerly for them, thank you all for your patience! Here is a sneak preview of your pillows!

Elaine (of mein-inspiration) and I also spent the whole afternoon and evening yesterday sewing a few designer edition nursing covers for Mon Petit Jardin! It was so fun and we were both really happy and proud with the outcome of our creations. We only managed to sew 18 pcs this time and will be launching them as a special limited edition.

If you are interested in pre-ordering these limited edition nursing ponchos or beansprout pillows, please email me at hello@pupsikstudio.com soon!

Sibling rivalry

While twins are likely to be competitive throughout their entire lives, these First Born and Runner Up onesies for newborn twins will help set the first record straight . (via Swissmiss)

Position for Mamas and Dadas

POSITION :

Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :
Long term, team players needed, for challenging, permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:
None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love, and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.

Make your own crayons

Wow! This looks like something really fun to do! Make your own crayons with your kids! You can make them using baking moulds into shapes that are easy for children to hold. Will be great as a birthday present too!

Here is the "How to" (from Martha Stewart Kids)

1. Parents can use the knife to chop crayons into pea-size pieces, taking care to keep colors separate so kids can combine them as they like.

2. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees while children fill the tin with crayon pieces, arranging them in interesting designs.

3. Bake just until the waxes have melted, 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Remove the shapes after they have cooled. If they stick, place tray in the freezer for an hour, and the crayons will pop out.

(via petit elefant)

Labor & Delivery Kit

The Labor & Delivery Kit by Ms. & Mrs. is a life-saver for first time mommies who worry about what to pack for the hospital when they go into labour. The "labour package" includes a stopwatch, slipper socks, headband, back massager, body lotion, lip balm, Preggie Pops Lollipops, breath mints, pre-paid calling card, contact list, disposable camera, & bubblegum cigars. How thoughtful! (via petit elefant)

Wahmies one-size cloth diaper now available at Pupsik Studio!

Wondering whether you should switch to cloth diapers to help save the earth and your pocket in the long run? The Wahmies Cloth Diapers that parents round the world have been raving about might be the solution for you!.

The NEW Wahmies One Size Diaper is truly a diaper that fits from birth to potty training that sets no limits from thin & short to tall & chubby to everything in between. It is easy to use with an opening in the back for effortless soaker stuffing. It has soft and fluffy velour against babies skin to wick away moisture that stays looking as good as new wash after wash. It features a gentle waist elastic to help with the newborn stage and beyond. Four rise settings adjust from tiny newborn to busy toddler and the AMAZING QUICK HOOKS to make adjusting size limitless!

Time and time again parents using this diaper have raved about how impressed they are with the sizing range. One Mom even said she successfully used it with her 5 pound newborn son and even tried the same diaper on her 39 pound 5 1/2 year old daughter saying it fit her like a glove. Another uses it on her busy toddler who never has time for a change yet the easy adjustability helps make diaper changing quick and simple. The bonus is: Mom can take it off but the toddler is defeated in her effort to remove her diaper! Dads have even told us that once they have tried it a few times it has fast become one of their favorite diapers… simply because the fit is so adjustable they don’t have to worry about messy leaks!

Try it and you will see that the NEW Wahmies One Size Diaper is truly in a class of its own. The Wahmies One Size Diaper and super absorbent insert (pic above) is currently available at Pupsik Studio.

Winners of Imagekind greeting cards Giveaway

Congratulations to Samm and Charissa for each winning a set of greeting cards with drawings by artist Julia Staite, sponsored by Imagekind.

Happy Mother's Day!

Bean sprout pillows

Hi everyone,

I am currently doing a bulk purchase discount on bean sprout pillows. If you are wondering what these are, they are pillows filled with au-naturel bean sprout kernels that have been specially handpicked, cleaned and dried.

Light, cooling and safe, these pillows are perfect for calming newborn babies who are easily frightened by sudden movements and noises caused by the surroundings. When placed across their chest, a beansprout pillow with good coverage give babies a sense of security when they are sleeping. When baby grows older, the pillow can be used as a bolster or comfort pillow. To maintain, just sun the pillow once a week to keep the kernels crisp and odour-free.

Price of each pillow range from SGD$16.90 - $21.90, depending on which cover design you choose. These will be great for your little one or a gift for a friend.

For more info on the designs available and how to order, please click here. We will be able to ship each pillow overseas for a flat rate of SGD$12. For local orders, you can combine the orders of the pillows with other products on our online store to qualify for free registered shipping if you purchase above $100.

To order, just email me at hello@pupsikstudio.com!

Mother's Day Giveaway - greeting cards featuring work of Julia Staite

I was recently browsing through pvuk when I came across the work of UK based freelance illustrator Julia Staite. Really love the colours in her whimsical and childlike mixed media collages.

I decided to order some of her work printed on some lovely greeting cards through Imagekind . The cards arrived in the mail today and I was so blown away by the quality of the paper and print. And Imagekind was lovely enough to send me 2 extra sets of prints as a giveaway on Pupsik and my design blog, Laissezfaire!

If you would like to receive a set of 5 greeting cards from Imagekind featuring the work of Julia Staite, please drop an email to ztansl@gmail.com with the subject title "Mother's Day giveaway" by 10 May. Please include your name and contact number in the email. I will pick 2 winners at random on May 11th, Mother's Day. Open to Singapore residents only. Thank you Imagekind!

(above) Mother's Day Giveaway

DIY sticker books

It is a amazing how babies grow up and before we knew it, Vera seems to have officially arrived at the sticker fixation age. If it sticks, she loves it. At the moment, some of her favourite story books are tattered with so many stickers you can't even read the book. There is something about little girls and stickers.

I just know that she would love the diy sticker books from Moo. For just $9.99 you can upload your own photos and make a pretty book of 90 vinyl stickers. I think this will be great as a teaching tool. Perhaps I will try making some myself too!

For the whole of April, Moo will be selling 3 StickerBooks for the price of 2. Just enter this promocode: moostickersfree. For more info, click here.

Latest pics

Dear Family and friends,

In case you are wondering how Vera is doing, you can check out the latest pictures of this little girl here!

xoxo

Paper Dolls

Here's a little digital project for girls or boys that I saw on this blog. You remember those paper dolls and dresses you used to play as a kid. Here is how you can do a little DIY!

"Simply photograph your child in a bathing suit, then photograph the child in other outfits or costumes. Be sure to put he or she in the same position and at the same distance to the camera as you did in the bathing suit.

Print the photos out on to card stock then cut out the full body in the bathing suit. Next cut out just the clothing of the other pictures. Be sure to make tabs on the clothing to fold over the body as you would with regular paper dolls. "

What a great way to personalize a gift or make one for your own children!

Baby Bubble Jacket

Taking your baby somewhere cold? Perhaps it is a good idea to get one of these bubble jackets to keep those tiny hands and feet warm. I love how the way this is designed like a sleeping bag. Available in two colors: sexy black and cute mud. And two sizes: 3 to 6 months and 6 to 12 months. Price: US$225. Order by emailing bill@coolhunter.net.

Win a handmade piece by Sparkle Thots

This is for all handmade jewellery lovers out there! Sparkle Thots is organising a mini contest to find out what you love about them. Anyone can take part, regardless of which country you are in or whether you have bought anything before. All you need to do is to tell them what you love about them, which item you really like in particular and you might get it for FREE!

Contest closes on 14th April and the winner would be randomly selected. For more information, click here.

Want to win a free JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME TODDLER WASH™?

I was recently asked to review Johnson's newest body wash for kids called the JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME TODDLER WASH™ and Sudzing Bar. This body wash is formulated with a unique blend of patent pending NATURALCALM™ essences that has been tested and proven to have relaxing properties. The products were clinically studied by a leading pediatric sleep expert and proven to help babies and toddlers fall asleep easier and longer through the night. The easy-to-use sudzing bar is designed for little toddlers to learn to bathe themselves in the shower.

Of course, I didn't just take their word for it. The baby wash and sudzing bar were tested on Vera, in conjunction with their clinically proven, 3-step before-bed routine for toddlers. The routine consists of a warm bath with JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME TODDLER WASH™ followed by a gentle application of JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME LOTION® and quiet activities (such as reading or talking about the day) before “lights out!”

I know this all sounds like a science experiment but we actually did it and it seems to work! Besides the relaxing properties of a warm bath, I think that the comforting and beautiful scent of the wash also prepares her for bed more easily.

Congrats to Nur, Dorothy and Sabrina for winning the Bedtime Toddler samples from J&J. The samples will be sent to you shortly!

Door hangers

Any parent can probably identify with these hilarious door hangers by Paula Prass's Mimi's Collection.

The Emporor's Laundry

Ok, I admit it. I looove polka dots. They are so classic and fun at the same time. That is why I just can't get over the collection from Australian brand, The Emporor's Laundry. Oh, and those vintage peterpan collars are just too cute!

Goodfather gift CD-rom for new and expecting dads

The Goodfather has arrived in Singapore!

If you are looking for a gift for a new and expecting father and don't know what to get, this will be perfect for you.

There's not a lot out there for new and expecting fathers so Dr.MOZ ® created The GoodFather to be a baby shower and "new dad" gift that men find both educational and entertaining. The GoodFather’s baby lessons were created by experienced dads and grandfathers, and edited by licensed nurse-midwives to ensure the content is relevant to new dads and medically sound. Hundreds of baby lessons and definitions, thousands of baby names, and a baby card and announcement maker all set to a fun gangster parody makes The GoodFather an offer you can't refuse!

Features include:

- The GoodFather's Laptop: hundreds of searchable interactive baby lessons and definitions for dads with babies up to 12 months-old.

- Baby Name Book: approximately 15,000 baby boy and baby girl names and fun naming tips.

- Baby Card Maker: dad will create double fold and certificate style baby cards and invitations using the GoodFather's art or importing his own baby images from his computer.

- Packaging: custom CD-ROM presentation gift box with flap front makes for great baby shower or "new daddy" gift.

- Featuring: baby-toting mobsters and the GoodFather. Men love it!

- Dual Platform: Windows ® and Macintosh ® friendly, and made in the USA.

Now available in Pupsik Studio. To buy, click here! Do check out what Dr Moz has to say about Pupsik Studio here too!

Plush Pad® by Ah Goo Baby

Pupsik Studio is proud to announce that we are currently retailing the gorgeous Plush Pads® by Ah Goo Baby in our online store! Owned by hollywood celebrities such as Naomi Watts and Diane Farr, Ah Goo Baby Plush Pads represent the highest luxury in portable changing stations. Featuring body-contouring memory foam for the baby's pressure points, it comes in many chic styles and is the only portable changing pad that focuses on comfort for the baby.

The body-contouring memory foam, US patent pending, insert is designed to soothe your baby's sensitive pressure points and vibrant cotton and minkee fabrics, it is the only portable changing station that is not only comfortable for the child, but also machine washable and water-repellant.

Whether you live in the city, the country or the beach, there’s a style for you. The Plush Pad® is for the mom or dad on the go – taking the comfort of the nursery with you when working, traveling, or at home. Throw it in your diaper bag, or leave it open for a week in a hotel. Use it as a second diaper changing station downstairs, or give it to Grandma for when she takes the kids. Style meets practical. Baby meets plush. Upgrade your choice... Get The Plush Pad® for you and your baby. Perfect as a baby shower gift too!

Click here to buy.

Imagekind Story Frame™

I recently found out about Imagekind, the world's fastest-growing online community for creating, buying and selling custom framed artwork and photography. Imagekind recently released their "Story Frame™" collection, a group of customized framing products that allows anyone to transform a series of digital images into a story worth telling.

It has been a few months since I got the very talented Ron Lee of Eyedea's photography to capture the moments of my little girl Vera playing in a park. Some of the gorgeous pictures Ron took were sent to Imagekind and transformed in a gorgeous story frame that is now hanging in Vera's room. I really like the idea that Imagekind’s high museum quality framed works will ensure that the pictures will be preserved and kept as a wonderful keepsake for my child as she grows up.

If you have a kiddo, you may be interested to know that Imagekind is currently organising a "First Moments" Contest. Between now and March 15th, you can send 2 or 3 digital photos of your child’s “firsts” - first day of school, baby’s first bites, first trip to the beach, first time meeting Grandma, that together tell a great story. It could be a collection of different “firsts” or a few shots of one great moment. Imagekind will choose four lucky winners whose photos tell the best story to receive a custom Story Frame™ worth $100. To enter, simply email them your digital photos along with a brief explanation to firstmoments@imagekind.com

Pupsik™ Studio - featured in Livewell

A Big Thank You to Livewell baby magazine for featuring Pupsik in their Feb-Mar issue! Livewell Baby is one of SIngapore definitive guides to pregnancy, babycare and parenting and we are excited to be in it!

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SAVE YOUR ARMS

" A tote bag for baby? Why not? The new stylish and compact carrier by Pupsik™ Studio eliminates the need to fuss with straps, rings and buckles. It safely holds newborns and toddlers (up to 20kg) close to you and your warm embrace wherever you go. This definitely beats lugging that heavy car seat or stroller around.

Available at www.pupsikstudio.com for SGD$42.90."

Ants on the Apple

Thought I will share a fantastic find on Pupsik. If you have not heard about it, there is a wonderful Phonics book out there in stores called "Ants on the Apple". It has a really catchy tune and teaches children the sounds of the alphabet. Vera loves it and even my husband and I are hooked! The pictures in the book are really old school too. A wonderful educational tool that is sure to be a hit with your child if you are teaching them the alphabet.

Click here to listen to the song. Available at IMM (Singapore) , Children's world #02-47 for $28

Warning: it may be difficult to get it out of your head if you listen to it too long.

Baby Bonkie - stylish infant swaddle

I recently came across the most luxurious swaddle blankets ever by Baby Bonkie. Their swaddle design imitates the womb which soothes and calms newborns. The Happiest Baby on the Block, written by Dr. Harvey Karp, a leading authority on newborns, explains that "Swaddling allows babies to pay attention to their calming reflex. It also keeps them from flailing their arms and startling themselves." In case you are wondering, this snug feeling that newborn babies like can also be achieved by carrying them in our Pupsik pouch when you are out and about!

With a wide range of gorgeous designer fabrics to choose from, these magic blankets are as pretty and practical as can be. And they are machine washable too!

Pupsik Studio - featured in Today's Parents (Feb)

A big THANK YOU to Today's Parents for featuring our baby pouches in their February 08 issue!

"It's cuddle-time this month as stylish Pupsik Baby Pouch Carrier brings you closer to baby. Made with soft and stretchable cotton fabric, this lightweight baby pouch slings easily and comfortably across your shoulders during outings, without the fuss of buckles and straps. Tested safe for newborns and babies up to 20kg, this machine washable baby pouch keeps babies heartbeat close to yours.

Available at http://www.pupsikstudio.com/ at SGD $42.90."