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      September 4, 2017

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Baby Rabies

pregnancy & parenting

  • Start Here
    • About Baby Rabies
    • Baby Registry Top Picks
    • Favorite Pregnancy Apps
  • The Book
  • Pregnancy
    • Birth Stories
    • Perinatal Mood Disorders
  • Parenthood
    • Babies
    • Toddlers
    • School Age Kids
    • Parenting LOLZ
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    • Photography

      6 Stunning Photos You Would Never Guess Were…

      February 11, 2019

      Photography

      Simple Tips For Editing Snow Photos On Your…

      December 13, 2018

      Photography

      I Wrote A Photography eBook And This Is…

      December 6, 2018

      Photography

      Creative Lighting Ideas To Help You Take Great…

      November 27, 2018

      Photography

      Learn How To Take And Edit Photos On…

      November 19, 2018

  • Reviews
    • Reviews

      The Answer To Last Minute Holiday Gifting For…

      December 19, 2018

      Reviews

      I Was Never A Barbie Girl Until Now

      October 1, 2018

      Reviews

      Finally! Jeans For My Jean-Averse Kids!

      August 22, 2018

      Reviews

      If Your Kid Loves Dump Trucks & Garbage…

      August 13, 2018

      Reviews

      Nobody Tell My Kids ABC Mouse Is Part…

      September 4, 2017

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Author

Désirée

Désirée

9 Toys Your Kids Will Still Be Playing With Next December
Gift Ideas

9 Toys Your Kids Will Still Be Playing With Next December

by Désirée December 12, 2018
written by Désirée

Every year there are intense toy fads that hit the market, causing parents to freak out and line up for hours to get their hands on. (Remember Hatchimals? The dreaded Furby??) But this post isn’t about the TOY OF THE YEAR, it’s about the toys your kids will still be playing with next December. The toys with staying power. The toys you’ll actually enjoy having around your house.

We asked our readers to share some of the toys their kids got last year, that are being played with just as much now as they were out of the box. Here are the gifts that made the list!

Magna-Tiles were a definite hit. About 30 people commented on Instagram that this was the gift that their kids played with the most!

Around 40 people commented that LEGO was a top choice. I think we ALL still love playing with LEGO, right?? I’m still happy to bust out the set that my own mother kept for me from when I was a kid. Now my daughter loves it too. Win!

Calico Critters have been around since the mid-80s and they’re still going strong. Definitely a favourite at our house too!

Blocks! Some of you said blocks, some mentioned the Melissa & Doug blocks. Either way, this classic toy has staying power for a reason. Blocks = endless creativity!

Dollhouses are another great open concept toy. (I’m sensing a theme here!) Whether it’s for Barbie, your Calico Critters, toy animals, you name it- this is a great present to find under the tree (or maybe beside it!) on Christmas morning.

Speaking of Barbie, she also made the list! This Animal Rescuer playset is especially cute, but there’s so much to choose from, you can definitely find a Barbie that fit your child’s favourite hobbies and interests.

Related: I Was Never A Barbie Girl Until Now

Playmobil also made the list and I know we have about a metric ton of the stuff in our house and it gets played with ALL THE TIME. My daughter is 9 and loves it!

The Nintendo Switch was a popular gift last year, as it will be this year (especially with Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! and Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! on the scene.) Several people mentioned this is one that their kids are still playing. (I bet parents are too!)

Easels are a great choice for encouraging creativity! This one is great for not only painting but also as a chalk/whiteboard.

Hope this helps you with your holiday shopping this year! It’s easy to go overboard, especially when your kids are small, but I think one awesome gift that they’ll play with for years will always be the best bet.

Bonus: Jill’s son Wallace still loves his Cabbage Patch Cutie Doll from last year! He loves it SO much, she ended up getting him another one!

View this post on Instagram

Somebody got a new Christmas bay-beee. ???

A post shared by Jill Krause (@jillkraus.e) on Dec 4, 2018 at 5:31pm PST


Moms, do you want to capture your best holiday photos yet? Grab your copy of Picture Play and learn how to take and edit photos using just your phone and a few cheap/free apps! Visit ShopBabyRabies.com to get your instant eBook download. Be sure to read the reviews and see what our readers have to say!

Baby Rabies Picture Play eBook | Learn How To Take And Edit Photos On Your Phone Like A Boss

This post contains affiliate links.

December 12, 2018 0 comment
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If You Love Babywearing, You’re Going To Love This Week’s Giveaway
Giveaways

If You Love Babywearing, You’re Going To Love This Week’s Giveaway

by Désirée November 23, 2018
written by Désirée

Babywearers and parents-to-be, you’re going to LOVE this week’s giveaway! We’re super excited to be teaming up with Beco and Jen McLellan from Plus Mommy to give away one of Beco’s gorgeous Gemini baby carriers.

The new F/W 2018 collection is beautiful (unicorns, llamas, galaxies!) and we can’t wait to see one of you wearing your sweet little one in it.

The design of Beco’s Gemini carrier is great for all body types and is adjustable so you can get just the right fit for you and your baby.

Enter below and be sure to share this giveaway with friends who would love to enter too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much to Beco and Plus Mommy for joining us to share this week’s giveaway! Make sure you check out the Plus Mommy Podcast where they discuss pregnancy, motherhood, and more. Read this post to learn more about it and find out how to listen.

November 23, 2018 0 comment
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25 Movies To Watch With Your Kids This Halloween
Entertaining

25 Movies To Watch With Your Kids This Halloween

by Désirée October 31, 2018
written by Désirée

Looking for a movie idea to watch after the trick-or-treaters have settled in to sort (and eat??) their candy tonight?

We asked our readers to share their favorite movies (and shows) that they love watching with their kids around Halloween, so we could put them altogether for you here.

A lot of these choices are available on Amazon Prime (woo!) so we’ve linked them up, but you will find some of these on Netflix and iTunes too! Also, some of these are for older kids- but we’ve tried to share as many that will work for the whole family. Save Beetlejuice for a bit later. 😉

25 Movies To Watch With Your Kids This Halloween

25 Movies To Watch With Your Kids This Halloween

  1. Hocus Pocus
  2. Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest
  3. Halloweentown
  4. It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
  5. The Nightmare Before Christmas
  6. ZOMBIES
  7. Garfield’s Halloween Adventure
  8. Room on the Broom
  9. Hotel Transylvania (all of them!)
  10. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
  11. The Witches
  12. Beetlejuice
  13. Casper
  14. Spookley the Square Pumpkin
  15. Book of Life
  16. The Addams Family
  17. Alvin & The Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein
  18. Shrek’s Thrilling Tales
  19. Ghostbusters
  20. Mickey’s House of Villains
  21. Frankenweenie
  22. Coco
  23. Pocoyo Halloween
  24. Ernest Scared Stupid
  25. Monster House

Do you have any more favorite Halloween-ish movies you love to watch each year? Comment below! Happy Halloween!

This post contains affiliate links.

October 31, 2018 1 comment
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This Halloween-Inspired Maternity Shoot Is Stunning
Pregnancy

This Halloween-Inspired Maternity Shoot Is Stunning

by Désirée October 27, 2018
written by Désirée

When you’re pregnant in October, why not rock your baby belly in a Halloween-esque maternity shoot?

These photos, from Southern Hunni Photography, are a clever, seasonal twist on what you’d usually expect to see in the fall and we totally love it.

The expectant mama in these photos is actually the photographer’s sister, which makes the shoot even more special.

Related: Our Family Through Another Lens

Originally shared on their Facebook page, the caption reads: “When your sister is gorgeous and preggo you get to come up with fun halloween themed maternity shoots.”

What a neat idea!

Would you consider a Halloween-inspired maternity shoot?

Thank you so much to Southern Hunni Photography for letting us sharing these photos. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for more.

October 27, 2018 1 comment
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8 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes For Kids
Crafty!

8 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes For Kids

by Désirée October 25, 2018
written by Désirée

Looking for a cute (and easy to make) Halloween costume for your kid this year?

We’ve got your back.

Keep reading for a collection of our favourite DIY Halloween costumes that anyone can make… Even if you’re not the Queen or King of DIY.

8 Easy DIY Halloween Costumes For Kids

Pin your faves and make sure to click through for more info on each costume!


Black Bat Costume from 5 Minutes for Mom


Baby Mummy Costume from Small Fry


Skein of Yarn Costume from Dukes & Duchesses


Baby Cow Costume from Make It and Love It


Scuba Diver Costume from Delineate Your Dwelling


Flower Costume from Your Wishcake


Snail Costume from Oh Happy Day


Pineapple Costume from Delia Creates

BONUS: If you have a costume that needs a pair of ears, you can make pretty much ANY type with this simple no-sew animal ears how-to from 5 Minutes for Mom.

You can also reuse these costumes as dress-up clothes for the rest of the year! Toss them in a plastic storage tote or hang them where kids can reach for playtime. Totally worth it! Happy Halloween!

October 25, 2018 0 comment
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A Free Nursery Art Print For Anyone Who Is Obsessed With Fall
Home Decor & DIY

A Free Nursery Art Print For Anyone Who Is Obsessed With Fall

by Désirée September 23, 2018
written by Désirée

If you’re having a baby this fall, or if you just LOVE this season as much as we do, consider this printable our little gift to you for surviving another summer. Or making it to the final days of your pregnancy!

This art print will look amazing up in your nursery, or maybe in your home office, or entryway. You can frame it, or print as is (looks great on a thicker card stock) and mount it on a clipboard for a super quick update to any room in your house.

Related: Thom The Turkey Tulle Wreath Tutorial

You can download both versions for free and print them however you like. The recommended size is your average 8.5 x 11, but you can resize or crop it to fit a frame that you love. When you print, click “fit to page” for the best results.

Download your free Hello, Autumn art print below:

Black and white “Hello, Autumn” art print- click to download
Watercolor “Hello, Autumn” art print- click to download

A few more DIYs for fall:

  • The Turkey Wreath Gets Sophisticated
  • Bixby The Black Cat Halloween Wreath Tutorial
  • Spray Paint Grapevine Wreaths For A Modern Update
September 23, 2018 0 comment
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5 Nostalgic Toys We Saved For Our Kids
Parenthood

5 Nostalgic Toys We Saved For Our Kids

by Désirée September 18, 2018
written by Désirée

Some toys are one-season fads (RIP Hatchimals) and some toys become heirlooms that span generations.

We recently asked Baby Rabies readers to share what toys they saved for their kids from their own childhoods and here are your top 10 responses!

LEGO

Of course! LEGO = A true classic.

Anytime I think of old school LEGO, I think of this vintage ad that made it’s way around the internet a while back. So good, right?

And while there have been a lot of changes and new pieces created in the LEGO world, the playability of a simple box of original blocks in undeniable.

No matter what your age, LEGO is always awesome.

5 Nostalgic Toys We Saved For Our Kids

Barbie

A toy that has evolved leaps and bounds since making her first appearance in 1959.

Barbie– full name Barbara Millicent Roberts for my fellow trivia lovers- has changed in appearance and philosophy over the years and still remains a favorite.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Carolina and Mary Jane (@barbie_invasion) on Aug 14, 2018 at 2:50pm PDT

Cabbage Patch Kids

Originally called The Little People and renamed Cabbage Patch Kids when licensed by Coleco in the early 80s, the brand has changed hands 7 times since Xavier Roberts created the first doll as an art student in Cleveland, Georgia.

These dolls were one of the most popular toys of the 80s, so it’s no wonder that so many of our readers chose to save them for their own kids!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by sarah (@mycpk_collection) on Jun 16, 2018 at 2:38pm PDT

Little People

Not to be confused with “The Little People” above, Fisher-Price Little People have been around since the 1950s and are still being made by the brand today.

Little People have changed a lot over the years, but their popularity hasn’t!

Some of our readers mentioned the specifics play sets that they saved for their kids- the farm and school house definitely bring me back to MY childhood. I can still hear the “moo” sound that the barn door made when you opened it!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @smartypantsparty on Jul 7, 2018 at 9:35am PDT

My Little Pony

I think it speaks volumes about a brand that the reboot has just as much if not MORE of a fanbase than the original did when we were kids. My Little Pony definitely falls into this category.

We love the old school ponies, of course, but it’s fun to watch a whole new generation enjoy it too.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @_mylittleprecious on Jul 16, 2018 at 12:32am PDT

Some of the other toys mentioned include other Fisher-Price gems, like the record player, Teddy Ruxpin, Star Wars collectibles, American Girl dolls, Raggedy Ann, Hot Wheels, and Polly Pocket.

I wonder what OUR kids will save for our grandkids someday. Will they be unpacking “vintage” Minecraft toys in 20 years? Or will it still be that same box of LEGO? 🙂 Only time will tell!

This post contains affiliate links. Feature image via Les Choux Gras.

September 18, 2018 0 comment
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This Photographer's Project Takes A Stand Against Mommy Shaming
ParenthoodPhotography

This Photographer’s Project Takes A Stand Against Mommy Shaming

by Désirée August 28, 2018
written by Désirée

Parenting is hard and it’s made even harder when you’re worried about being judged and shamed for every move you make.

Abbie Fox, from Foxy Photography, wanted to create awareness around this issue after experience mommy shaming over her choices, and the resulting photo project has been shared more than 54, 000 times.

We got in touch with Abbie to learn more about the story behind her Anti Mommy Shamers Unite project and what the community reaction has been.

Mom shaming online has to one of the most harmful things the community is doing to itself and it can be hard to go a day without seeing it happen. What was the spark that lead you to creating this photography project and how did you get started?

I’ve been shamed for many things that I’ve done in the past, especially when I was a new mom to Maverick, eight years ago. I started with how I fed him, next was how much screen time, and after that it was about rear-facing car seats. People were mean. Friends were mean. It put such a bad taste in my mouth to see all these mommy shaming. I ended up leaving all of the Facebook mommy groups because it just wasn’t worth it.

This Photographer's Project Takes A Stand Against Mommy Shaming

How did the project come together and what was it like meeting all of these families and hearing their stories?

For the last year and a half, I’ve wanted to do an anti-mommy shaming photo project. I knew I wanted to give it my all, so I let the idea grow in my mind until I was 100% ready to make it happen.

I posted about the project in my client VIP group. In the end, 17 women joined in to take part in the photoshoot, which meant 30 kids in total, including my three.

This Photographer's Project Takes A Stand Against Mommy Shaming

The session was chaos, as you can imagine with 30 kids! We did the individual photos first, then the group photo which turned out to be quite comical. Since I had photographed most of these kids from an early age- some of them from their birth- I already knew their stories and it make it even more important to me to share them.

What has the reaction been since you’ve shared the photos on your Facebook page?

To be honest, the reaction has been both good and bad. There have been some nasty comments left on the photos- people trying to make this a negative experience, but we are all banging together to share our stories and to make sure that the entire project isn’t being tainted.

The entire point of the project is to show, through this series of photos, that mommy shaming is alive and well, and the negative commenters are just proving our point.

This Photographer's Project Takes A Stand Against Mommy Shaming

Most of the comments, however, have been overwhelmingly positive:

“I love this. And I love how you advocate for Mommas from all walks.”

“Love this project… ALL children should be loved! Isn’t that we all want?”

“I LOVE this! Mom/parent shaming needs to stop and I love the message you are sending. Every baby is different as is every parent. The best thing ever said to me was that it’s okay to parent differently than someone else or to even parent each of your children different. Because after all they are all different.”

One comment that really stood out to me was this one:

“This made me realize I do Mom shame sometimes. I don’t publicly, but I do internally. I need to be more open minded and not roll my eyes at other people’s decisions.”

To me, if one person can change, then the entire project was a success.

You can find Abbie’s work on Facebook and at foxyphotographylv.com. Click here for more photos from the Anti Mommy Shamers Unite shoot.

This Photographer's Project Takes A Stand Against Mommy Shaming

August 28, 2018 0 comment
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Mike Reynolds, Everyday Girl Dad | Parent I’d Like You To Know
Parent I'd Like You To Know

Mike Reynolds, Everyday Girl Dad | Parent I’d Like You To Know

by Désirée August 19, 2018
written by Désirée

I’ve known Mike of Everyday Girl Dad for… years. Too many to count exactly, and more than enough to have massive respect for him. He’s always been an advocate for strong and progressive dad/daughter relationships, always an outspoken feminist, but in the last year I’ve seen him get much-deserved recognition for, of all things, cross stitch! And I just love all of it. I love what he’s doing, and I love that he’s being seen for it. So, enough ramble typing from me, here’s another Parent I’d Like You To Know– Mike Reynolds.

Mike Reynolds, Everyday Girl Dad | Parent I’d Like You To Know

Cross stitch, huh? It’s so fun and so unexpected… what made you give it a go? What do you love most about it?

I’ve always been on the lookout for the visual art that matched up with my visual art talent. I tried painting and drawing and was pretty middling (that’s being generous) at all of this. And I had seen so many cool feminist cross-stitch pieces that served as resistance art that I thought maybe cross-stitch was the thing. So I did a Michelle Obama cross-stitch piece and realized 1) how much I loved the finished result, and 2) how good it was for managing my anxiety, and have been doing it for about eight months now. My daughter now likes to remind me how “bad” the first piece I did looks, but they both enjoy the pieces I’ve done since I’ve become a little bit more proficient.

You’re not simply cross stitching typical things, your patterns and pieces have a really important message behind them. Can you tell us more about that?

One thing I talk about is the need for men to do things that interest them. Cross-stitching is not the most stereotypical dad hobby. But it is something I love to do so I do it often and openly. And beyond that, the pieces I do have for the most part fallen into my Rad Women in Cross-stitch Form Project. I started designing my own patterns when I couldn’t find one for Shuri from Black Panther, who our whole family loves. Once I created one pattern I figured why not make patterns for as many of the awesome women- both historical and fictional- who we love to look up to. And the men I’ve done, men like Mr. Rogers, Newt Scamander, and Jean-Luc Picard, represent the kinds of gentle masculinity I like to talk about.

As an Everyday Girl Dad, what is one piece of advice you’d pass onto first-time parents of girls or boys?

Be aware of how early we have a tendency to treat kids differently depending on their assigned gender. Think of the things you say to your kids and also think of the way you talk about yourself and your relationships in front of your kids. Make sure boys have men and women as role models and the same for girls.

You can find Mike on Instagram as @everydaygirldad, find his writing at puzzlingposts.com, and his shop where he sells his cross stitches and more at everydaygirldad.com.

This is part of a new #ParentIdLikeYouToKnow series where I’ll share some of my favorite parents who are making and doing amazing things. I hope you’ll stay tuned!

August 19, 2018 0 comment
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The "Mom Brain" Fashion Statements We Never Meant To Make
Parenting LOLZ

The “Mom Brain” Fashion Statements We Never Meant To Make

by Désirée August 18, 2018
written by Désirée

The phrase “mom brain” or “baby brain” gets tossed around a lot, especially during those first years of parenthood when sleep is at a premium and our minds feel a bit like mush.

But I think we can admit there’s a ring of truth to it when we do something like leave our travel mug on top of the car and drive away, or put our phone charger in the freezer, or realize in the parking lot of Target that (oops) you’re still wearing your nursing pyjama top and no bra.

We asked on our Facebook page:

Have you ever left your house wearing something that you didn’t mean to be wearing? Pyjamas, slippers, mismatched shoes, no shoes… that sort of thing?

Here’s what you had to say!

“I spent three hours teaching one morning with a pair of black lace panties twisted into my scarf. I grabbed the scarf off the floor of my closet in a hurry and managed to stick my head through the leg hole of the panties. The scarf was annoying me until I figured out it wasn’t part of my scarf, but the hitchhiking panties, and had to get them off from around my neck without my classroom full of juniors noticing.” – Julie

“I was only driving no plans to get out of car so of course I said “eff the bra”… Also happened to be wearing a tank with very large arm holes for night nursing purposes. Wondered why passerby at the convenience store parking lot were giving me funny looks… My boob was totally hanging out and I’m just sitting in my car, ho-hum, waiting for my boyfriend to bring me a Red Bull.” – Jacqueline

The "Mom Brain" Fashion Statements We Never Meant To Make

“My son used his sister’s headband and decorated it with pipe cleaners and beads as his antennae as part of his caterpillar costume for his starring role in his class production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar on the last day of school. At the end he gave them to me to wear. I promptly forgot. As room parent I gathered the children, made a little speech, and helped them present- in front of all their parents- the gifts we’d purchased for their teachers. We had a little party where I mingled with the other parents. I stopped at the convenience store and then the PO Box at the post office on my way to work. It wasn’t until my first meeting of the day that one of my employees asked about my headgear and I reached up to feel what she was talking about that I realized… caterpillar antennae!” – Meghanne

“I forgotten my shoes a couple times… I’ll get all the kids dressed and ready and herd them all into the car- buckle them in safely and drive to where I’m going and only when I step out of the car do I realize that I’m not wearing any shoes so I can’t go in ? Newborn sleep deprivation is real.” – Crystal

“After my daughter was born I drove to the store in a pajama shirt. I remembered to change my pants, but I guess got distracted and forgot about my shirt. I didn’t realize until I was at the store. ???? I use to forget my coat all the time, getting everyone in the car was so hectic and crazy I wouldn’t notice till we were getting out of the car at our destination I had no coat and was freezing.” – Rachel

“I once left a friends house WITHOUT MY SHOES. I remembered the baby, though!” – Christina

“I’ve accidentally worn slippers to the grocery store multiple times. But my favorite was the time I looked down in the checkout line and realized I was wearing one slipper and one sandal. Whoops.” – Audrey

“I grabbed my shoes while running late for work one morning. Ended up grabbing not only two different shoes but also two of the same side. That was an uncomfortable day.” – JA

“Once, in the haze of new motherhood, I got up, got dressed for work, packed the diaper bag, put the baby in the car, got into the car, and then realized I wasn’t wearing pants.” – Miranda

“I left the house wearing these slippers. I had 5 month old triplets at the time, I think I am surprised now, looking back, that this was the worst thing I left the house wearing!” – Claudia

When "Mom Brain" Becomes A Fashion Statement

Thank you to all the awesome moms who shared their stories.

We are SO not alone in our “mom brain” moments! 😉

Solidarity. #fistbump

August 18, 2018 0 comment
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