Vera's friends

Vera's response when introduced to her cot mobile friends for the first time at 2 months.

Vera: oh dada...you are so funny and ridiculous!

New etsy shop by Simply Olive

A blogger friend would like me to introduce her new range of baby accessories hand knit in a soft alpaca, merino wool, and kid mohair blend yarn on Pupsik Studio. These knits come in the most gorgeous green (the shade I like) and are now selling at her new shop on etsy. Think they will look super adorable on a newborn (0-3mths).

Tracy would also like to extend a giveaway to readers of Pupsik Studio as well. She will be giving away 5 of these cotton and hemp bags if you spend $200 or more in her shop. Just mention you are a reader of simplyolive in the "comment to seller" section when checking out. Thanks Tracy!

Decoupage Ideas for the Nursery

Here are a few fun ideas from Martha Stewart you can do for your child's nursery if you have the time and a pair of crafty hands. Just print out the animals from here, cut it out and paste onto a smooth wooden surface using decoupage glue (available from Spotlight).

Our voices have been heard! Qualifying date for enhanced M&P Package backdated to Aug 17

I drafted the letter below to the press yesterday and was about to send it out today with the 113 signatures I collected here overnight. I am so happy there is no need for that now. For those mommies who still have no idea what is going on, read this.

Thanks to all the mommies on this forum, especially those who rallied everyone and stuck their heads out to fight for the benefits that many more parents and babies can benefit from! I am so happy that our voices have been heard. 3 cheers to mommies and mommies-to-be!!!

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Enhanced Parenthood Package 2008 – Petition for change of implementation date

We are a group of mothers-to-be, due between August and Dec 2008. Many of us were delighted to hear of the new initiatives announced during the Prime Minister's National Day Rally Speech this year. However, we are extremely disappointed to learn that most of the new policies will only apply to parents with babies born after Jan 2009. We believe that this cut-off date discriminates against many Singaporean mothers like us who are currently expecting and having our babies delivered before Jan 09.

As part of the intention of the enhanced package is to ease the financial burden of giving birth and raising a child in Singapore, we feel that mothers that qualify for the incentives at the time of the announcement should be considered eligible for the enhanced maternity benefits that the government is now offering. We would hence like to appeal to you to consider revising the implementation date so that the new benefits can be enjoyed by as many Singaporean parents as possible.

We understand some of the reasons given for delaying the implementation date, such as giving companies more time to adjust to the new policies. However, we feel that some of the benefits such as the enhanced baby bonus which is coming directly from the government can immediately benefit parents that qualify at the time of announcement rather than those born after Jan 09. We note that under the current guidelines, even a non-Singaporean born before Jan 09 but converts to Singapore citizenship will be eligible for the enhanced baby bonus scheme based on the date of conversion.

Besides extending the enhanced baby bonus to more parents, we also feel that the additional 1 month maternity leave that the government is willing to bear should be given to mothers with babies born after the date of announcement. This can be subject to their employers’ willingness to support the additional one month leave.

Setting a delayed date of implementation for such incentives that can be implemented with immediate effect, and not giving some pro-family companies a chance of supporting their employees with the additional one month maternity leave, does send the message to mothers like us that the government is not sincere about helping Singaporean parents with the financial burden of giving birth and raising a child in Singapore.

We understand that there is a need for a cut-off date and that not everyone will qualify for the enhanced benefits. However, we wish that you consider following the same cut-off date back in 2004, when the last enhancement package was announced, and allow parents who qualify at the time of the announcement to enjoy the new benefits.

Details of the new baby incentives in Singapore announced, much to the disappointment of many pregnant mothers

The new incentives to encourage families to have more children have been announced. The details can be found here.

It is disappointing to many mothers like myself to learn that the incentives would only apply to babies born after 1 Jan 09. While I understand the need of a cut-off date and that there is no way to please everybody, I do strongly feel that the increase in maternity leave from 12 to 16 weeks should be applicable to all moms who are currently still within their 4 months confinement period and babies born from the date of annnouncement. Moms that have delivered and are already back at work cannot turn back the clock while those that are still in confinement or yet to deliver should be allowed to enjoy these so-called incentives. Likewise, the baby bonus and tax incentives should be applicable to all babies born from the date of announcement.

If you wish to join in a group of moms who are rallying together to write a petition to PM Lee and Wong kan Seng, click here.

If you wish to join in the petition, please email Phylicia Yang (phylicia_yang@yahoo.com) your name and ic number. Please let as many of your pregnant friends know.

More pro-family incentives needed in Singapore

I am waiting, with bated breath, the new pro-family incentive anticipated to be announced at the upcoming National Day Rally. Does anyone know when this is?? Here is my wish list (in no particular order):

1. Longer Maternity Leave. I am not asking for 1 year (like Swedish moms enjoy) since I know this is not going to be possible. I am asking for a realistic 6 months, so that more moms can be left in peace to breastfeed their babies full-time for at least this duration of time before semi-solids are introduced.

2. More childcare leave to spend time with your kids throughout the year. Currently, most companies only allow parents to take 2 more days off per year to spend with their kids. 2 days??? Are you kidding me or what???

3. Designated resting rooms in offices for pregnant and nursing moms to rest and express milk when necessary. The rooms should be quiet and designed to allow for privacy. Perhaps we need a design code for this, looking at how some nursing and changing rooms are designed in shopping malls here.

4. More quality childcare centre near work places. This will allow moms to transition comfortably back to work. The last time I checked at a childcare centre near my old work place, the waiting period for a place in the nearby childcare centre was 6 months! 6 months!!!! I am thankful that I opted for 1 year no pay leave instead to take care of my own kid. But I realise that not many families can survive without both parents working full time.

5. Higher childcare subsidies. Not everyone can afford $600-800 paying for childcare each month. If you have more than 2-3 children, all that an average income earner gets each month will probably all go to these childcare centres.

6. Filing for discrimination at work. Expectant moms should have easy access to a representative body (I am not sure the Ministry of Manpower is good enough) which they can go to if they feel they are discriminated at work or laid off. Not all moms are vocal or brave enough to stand up to their bosses when they are being bullied or made to come to work even when they are not feeling well.

7. Flexi-time. Work places in Singapore especially should stop thinking that physical presence or longer hours in the office = more work done. Based on my own experience, it is usually the contrary. Haven't they heard of the 80-20 rule? It makes more sense to measure each employee's contribution by the actual work he has produced at the end of the day. Allow working parents more flexibility with their work schedule may actually increase productivity as workers try to manage their time more effectively and feel grateful (and are hence more loyal) to their employers for trusting them with how they spend their time.

8. More financial help given to low and even middle income families. With the rising ERPs and cost of living in Singapore, it is really tough to raise a child unless you are earning a lot!

I know that I can think of more than what I have listed above but I will leave it for now...

Pupsik™ Studio celebrates World Breastfeeding Week

(click on image above to enlarge)

Pupsik™ Studio celebrates World Breastfeeding Week from Aug 1-7 by offering up to 15% discount on our nursing covers! Click here to buy a nursing cover and feed your baby with ease, comfort and style today!

MomAgenda - second pre-orders this weekend!!

The Momagendas that were pre-ordered by mommies a few weeks ago were so gorgeous I had to order more for the store. If you are interested in ordering, please email me (hello@pupsikstudio.com) by this weekend. You can start using the diaries immediately cos the dates run from Aug 08-Dec09.

We are accepting pre-orders only for the mom-agenda desktop (SGD$65) and momagenda mini-daily (SGD$62). Please add SGD$7 to your order if you wish to personalise your item.

This will make a great gift treat for yourself or a busy mommy friend!
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(Click on image above to enlarge)

This is a final call for all orders for the popular and oh-so-useful MomAgenda Desktop! I am going to make my order within the next few days.

Some of you have been wondering how this diary is different and how it can be used so I managed to get a pic on the insides showing exactly this! As the layout shows, you don't have to have 4 children to make the most out of this agenda. The additional rows can be used to fill out important "To Do" lists for the day. Plus there is even a last row for you to plan your dinners so that you only have to go grocery shopping once a week!

Perfect for an organised 2008-09! Selling for S$65 (+ $7 for personalisation). To order, email me at hello@pupsikstudio.com soon!

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They say running a family as a full time mom is like running a small business. It is not only your own schedule you have to manage but your kiddos as well! Unless you have a personal assistant, these gorgeous planners from MomAgenda may be just what you need right now!

Designed by Nina Restieri, the MomAgenda desktop planner keeps track of 17 months of insanity for you and up to four kids. Plus it includes pages for you to record things like birthdays, medical info, and school stuff. If you are interested in getting one for yourself or for a friend, please email me (hello@pupsikstudio.com) soon!

Airplane Baby Spoon

These airplane spoons are sure to make mealtimes more interesting for the little ones. Available here or DIY with some paper at home.

Political speech given by a 12month old girl

I think this political speech given by a 12month old girl is just too good to miss! More inspiring and interesting than the ones we get to hear on this island.

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.