...because home doesn't happen overnight.

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*

In celebration of last week’s baby news, here’s a family-friendly giveaway!

Children Inspire Design is an eco-conscious product line founded by mom, artist and entrepreneur, Rebecca Peragine. {Whew! I’m tired just thinking about all of that.} The company offers recycled note cards, journals, wall hangings, and art.  The pieces are simple, colorful, modern and whimsical – perfect for a child’s bedroom or play area.  With an emphasis on global responsibility and world cultures, Rebecca seeks to inspire children and change the world.

Just feast your eyes on these cutesy items.  Of note:  All products are created using New Leaf recycled paper and soy ink and are lovingly packaged using eco-friendly materials by a family-run print company in Verona, WI.

Wouldn’t these colorful butterfly cards look oh-so-sweet hanging in a lil’ girl’s nursery or bedroom? They could start out over the crib and then be easily relocated elsewhere in the room as the baby becomes more mobile.  I love the way they’re shown here strung along the wall with just cotton string and wooden clothespins.  For a more polished look, you could frame them up in simple white frames.

For the lil’ man in your life, how about this woodsy vintage alphabet poster?  All you’d need to complement this one is a little guy in a cowboy hat and leather boots.

Check out this inspiring and colorful ‘I am an artist’ print.  Frame it and hang it in a playroom or above a kids’ craft table.  It’s sure to get their creative juices flowing!

CID has also teamed up with mother cooperatives in Mexico and Haiti to support new opportunity and hope for moms globally. Handmade One Mother to Another products are sold on CID’s site as well.

Imagine that vibrant paper bird mobile floating above the changing table or crib in a nursery. Darling.

Check out the rest of the items available for purchase here.  I’m seriously considering this family owl print.

Since baby-on-the-way will make us a family of five, I think this print would be very fitting in our newest addition’s nursery.  Don’t you?

Lucky for you, Children Inspire Design is offering $50 worth of product to one lucky House*Tweaking reader this week.  Here’s how to get some inspiring art of your own:

  • PRIZE:  $50 worth of goods from Children Inspire Design
  • RULES:  You must be at least 18 years old and have a street mailing address {no P.O. boxes} within the U.S.  One entry per email address.
  • HOW TO ENTER:  Leave a comment on this post proclaiming “I’M INSPIRED!”
  • DEADLINE:  Enter before Thursday, October 20th at 9:00 p.m. EST.  The winner will be chosen via Random.org and announced Friday, October 21st.
  • WHILE YOU’RE AT IT:  Share the best piece of parenting advice anyone has ever given you. I’ll go first… Our first son, Layne, was an extremely colicky baby.  My parents and Handy Hubby’s parents lived hours away and HH was working full-time, so I was going it alone.  After 3 months of up-all-nights and constant crying, I was completely exhausted and overwhelmed. In desperation, I turned to the internet for help.  I’m a reader, so I naturally started searching for a parenting self-help book.  Thank goodness for all the wonderful reviews and recommendations for The Happiest Baby on the Block.  I ordered it, read it cover-to-cover in one day {heck, I wasn’t sleeping anyway!} and started implementing the 5 S’s.  It worked like a charm!  Within just a few days, Layne was sleeping for 6-8 hour stretches at night and taking a few 2-3 hour naps during the day.  That meant I was sleeping again too!  I practiced the 5 S’s with our second baby right off the bat and he had 8 hour nighttime sleeping stretches from day one.  To this day, the book is my favorite baby shower gift to give.

FYI – I was not compensated in any way to mention Children Inspire Design or The Happiest Baby on the Block.  I just love sharing great stuff!

images:  Children Inspire Design

177 Comments

16.October.2011

I’m inspired! I already have her alphabet cards – I get compliments on them all the time. :)

The best advice I got was to “watch the baby, not the clock”. Try to honor the baby’s needs.

16.October.2011

I’m inspired! Best advice… you can only be an expert in your own child, so follow your intuition!

16.October.2011

Im inspired…The best advice was to ” raise your kids so that other people will like them”. It took awhile for that one to sink in. Now I think about it when I am teaching and disciplining.

I’M INSPIRED! My little one is only 3, so I’m sure I’ll be getting loads more great advice as the years go on. To date, I can recall my mom telling me to be more forceful in my tone with my daughter (in only certain instances, obviously) and it’s made a world of difference.

16.October.2011

“I’M INSPIRED”

Cherish every second……even when it is 3 o’clock in the morning and your little one will not sleep. You are going to blink and they will be teenagers.

Kelly B

16.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!!

and to just relax. no one is perfect and every child is different, just try to enjoy it all while it lasts.

16.October.2011

I’m inspired! Best advice was by a LLL leader. With baby number 1 (was a SAHM at the time) I was ALWAYS worried if he was eating enough, if I was making enough, spoiling or torturing, etc. She told me to trust my body and feed him if he was hungry, in the back of my mind I never fully trusted my body and I was rather skeptical. Come baby number 2 …. who was conceived 8 months postpartum (WHOA 8-O) I was sooooo much more relaxed and really had no choice since I had to work and nursing was a much less expensive option. Nursing has been such a beautiful and fulfilling experience since I “gave in” and realized I could do it :) As for a baby number 3…. we will see what the future holds.

16.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

My best advice was to just relax, and let things go. Nothing is going to be perfect, and the harder you try, the worse they can become. This was incredibly difficult for me to embody, but after I hit the wall, I had to.

16.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! Best parenting advice…get out early! Don’t think that once babies arrive your social life is over. Infants are much easier to travel / dine out / be social with. The more you do it, the easier it is to manage + you feel better getting out of the house. Also, use a babysitter and take some time out for yourself/as a couple. Hugely important for you and your relationship to get adult time.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

Congratulations on the new addition!
We are expecting our second baby ten days shy of our son’s second birthday in April. A good reminder from a friend…. when you are feeling overwhelmed take a minute to breath or twenty.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired…don’t worry about being a good mom. You and your baby will grow together and you will naturally know what to do.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

hi there,
i’m new to your blog. hope you don’t mind, but i might ‘follow’ you on my blog (which is fairly new). your house is absolutely beautiful. you must be so proud!

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired! Advice that I live by is…”Always pack snacks & diapers.”

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

How sweet! I love the bird mobile – its fantastic! I dont have kids yet but will save the title of that book!
xo Allison
Spicer + Bank
http://www.spicerandbank.blogspot.com ( I am also having a chic pillow giveaway – come visit!)

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! I absolutely adore the owl family print.

The best advice I was ever given was that there’s no such thing as loving your baby too much.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope things continue to go well for you and your babe.

The best advice I have gotten and give to others is that babies don’t need a lot of stuff. They truly just need your love and attention. :-) For that reason, I love that you are exploring not working for a while. I know everybody’s situation is unique and different, but how serendipitous that you and your family downsized at a time when your family is growing and perhaps needing you in a different way, especially when your dream is to do something entirely different with your career . I wholeheartedly recommend following your bliss!

Best of luck to you as you navigate these waters – change can be scary but the rewards are worth it!

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! Best parenting advice I’ve ever received – take care of you. No one else will and you have to be all in one piece to take care of little ones.

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired! I’m pregnant with our first, so there hasn’t been much parenting advice coming in (but I’m sure it’s just around the corner). I’ve been a middle school teacher for 7 years, so the advice I have from that experience is be consistent from the beginning; kids pick up habits at an early age.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! Only two months in but the best I’ve been given (and have passed onto others) is “sleep begets sleep” I thought if he slept during the day he wouldn’t sleep at night. Oh so not true. Yay for daytime naps and long stretches at night!!

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! Enjoy every moment it goes by so fast!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

The days are long but the years are short, so try to enjoy the moments as they come.

17.October.2011

Inspire me! I’m not a parent, but these prints would make a great gift for my due-in-march niece/nephew!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired and in love with this company! I especially love the “I am an artist” print! My best piece of parenting advice is that everyone thrives on a schedule. Granted schedules have to be flexible but children take comfort and security in knowing what to expect. While this requires planning and preparation on mommy and daddy’s part, having a schedule has proven to be a wonderful way to live in our home! Congratulations and good luck!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! My favorite was “remember that they’re only little for just a little while.” So what if there is wash to be done and dishes to put away, the chance to snuggle a sleeping baby doesn’t last as long as it should. A less than perfect house but a happy baby? I’m all about it.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! Best advice- don’t worry about what everyone else says….. they aren’t in your house at 3 a.m. Find a schedule that works for you and stick with it.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! These prints are so adorable!!

17.October.2011

i’m inspired! the days are long but the years are short! love’em, hold ’em, read to them!

17.October.2011

I”M INSPIRED! The best piece of advice, or information, that I read was: putting babies (and children) to sleep earlier, actually makes them sleep longer. Contrary to what you might think, keeping them up later actually makes them sleep less because they get out of their sleep cycle.

17.October.2011

I”m inspired! I love the idea that “everything is a phase”! Definitely helps me through the tough times with my little one!

17.October.2011

I”M INSPIRED!!! The best advice I’ve ever heard was #1–Do what is right for YOUR family, and #2–This too shall pass.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

I am not a Mum yet, so don’t have any parenting advice to share… but I am a very proud auntie to a beautiful niece and I would love to give her one of these prints!

thanks!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!
The best advice I ever received was a little nugget from my mom: love every bit of them when they are little, they get big and mouthier and you must remember why you love them every day!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!! Our first is just two months old, and we haven’t gotten too much advice so far. Mostly comments about how fast they grow up.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!
Best Advice: Eventually, this phase will be over. Now that my baby is 5, I know those words to be true.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired. My baby is only 4 months but so far the best advice has been to trust my instincts.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!!! Best advice: do your thing!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!! I think the best advice was from my grandma: “Everyone is going to give you advice you don’t want. Just smile and say thank you when the offer it.”

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! I’ve received lots of good advice but the one piece I keep passing on to people – you don’t need all that stuff! Baby stores & magazines make you think you need a zillion things to keep a baby alive and happy when really there are about 10 must-haves.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

Best advice I received is to follow your instincts and do what you think it best for your baby. Alternately, if you don’t have a clue and you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it! :)

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired!
Don’t rush potty-training! Early potty-training(before baby is ready) often leads to more accidents and more frustration. Just wait, as hard as it is, until all the signs are there that baby is ready, then take her lead from there.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! (really).

A friend once told me (in the midst of being extremely overwhelmed) “when you don’t know what to do, just do the next thing”. I still preach it to myself often!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!!!!!! But I’m also an artist, its my job to be inspired!

17.October.2011

I’m INSPIRED!
The best piece of parenting advice I ever received was from a friend. My daughter was going through a really ‘bad’ stage. She told me that everything was a phase- the good and the bad. They are constantly changing and nothing lasts forever. Remembering that helped me get through a very rocky couple weeks!

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired!!

Best advise I got was to not let baby sleep with you. With my first son I always held him and it got to a point where he would not sleep alone, he was a poor sleeper and had night terrors. He was in our bed until he was 4! With my second baby, as hard as it was not to cuddle his newborn cuteness while he slept, I made it a point to have him sleep on his own from the start. He has been the best sleeper ever since with no bad dreams and no coming to my bed in the middle of the night.

17.October.2011

I’m INSPIRED!
best advice – pick and choose the advice that fits your family, breathe, and enjoy the ride. :)

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!
My advice is let go of that mom guilt that every mom has. Once I was able to “get over it”, life has been much smoother :)

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

Best advice so far, toddler edition: Take note of how your negative reactions to things impact routines. For example, if little one is fighting off sleep and you get mad once, then twice, then three times after stall tactics, little one may grow to expect you to get mad three times before she will ever go to bed- it’s part of the routine. Best advice, period: As several have said, nothing lasts forever. Savor the good moments and let the frustrating ones go.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! I’m an awesome auntie!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! best advice: If is feels right (in your heart), it is right.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! The best advice I ever got was to go with my gut and take all advice with a grain of salt since only I know what will work best for my children and family. Congratulations and thanks for the giveaway.

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired!

It’s ok to not have a perfectly clean house, laundry hampers empty, etc. they are only that little once…enjoy it!

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!!!!

The one thing I keep hearing from moms (I’m due in March!) is to set your expectations low…then you aren’t disappointed and if things work out better, it’s a bonus surprise!!!! I’m just trying to set realistic expectations for myself at this point…letting go of some of my OCD!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! Best advice, don’t take yourself too seriously. If you inject a sense of levity, lightness into your daily life, you’ll be happier and those around you will be happier too.

17.October.2011

“I’M INSPIRED!”

I’m not a parent but my sister is expecting her first and I cannot wait to be an Auntie!

17.October.2011

“I’M INSPIRED!”

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired!
Enjoy every minute and congrats!

17.October.2011

“I’M IMSPIRED!”

My little guy is 1.5yrs and the best advice would be…a child’s needs come before an adult’s wants. I was always a people pleaser and this helped me say no to things without feeling guilty.

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired!
Best advice is to try to stay in the moment instead of planning or worrying about the next.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

As an aunt, I think the best advice is to not meddle especially when it comes to discipline.

17.October.2011

“I’M INSPIRED!”
The best advice came from a good friend who simply told me when it comes to parenting…never say never!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!! The best advice I received for calming a fussy babe down was to bounce with her on an exercise ball. I looked pretty foolish, but it worked like a charm!

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! The best advice I’ve ever received was the age-old, cliche saying, “don’t sweat the small stuff..” because in all honesty, I get uptight about the smallest things that don’t go right. I have to remind myself of this all the time………and it definitely works.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!”

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired!
Best advice ever was: happy kids are more important than a spotless house. Let it go, the laundry can wait, the kids will only be little for so long.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! My 16-month old girls are all about butterflies so I know just what I’d get! Best advice for parenting newborn twins (and I’m sure very applicable for others): It is best to truely accept that your life has changed and that some things just aren’t realistic right now. But everyone’s situation and everyone’s priorities are different, so figuring out which are your accept and wait-it-out issues vs. which are your perservere and figure-it-out issues is part of becoming a parent.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

YES!!! Mine are Karp babies too! Love, love, LOVE Dr. Harvey! The best baby book EVER!!!! The Happiest Baby on thr Block, by Dr. Harvey Karp. Now – how about the second book, about todlers? What did you think?

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired!

The best advice I’ve ever received was to have rules, and follow them yourself. If you follow rules, your kids will too. And it’s so true! Enjoy your little ones, because they do grow fast!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired.
Best advice was “Be adaptable. The minute you think you figured out your child, he’ll change”

17.October.2011

I’m inspired.

One of the best pieces of advise that I was given was to never discipline your kids just because YOU were embarrassed.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!!

As we are expecting our first (April Fools day!), I’m constantly reminding myself that we can never control the outcomes, only the inputs. This is a charge for me to be diligent in what little is in my hands, and to let go of everything else! I can thank Sara Cotner of feedingthesoil.com for that nugget of wisdom. ;-)

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! My advice, always remember that each child is diffrent and dont compare them!

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired!

My mom told me to “be consistent” in what you expect from them because they will always test you out to see if you will give in just that one time. It has been true in keeping them sleeping in their own beds, giving up the “blankie/ binkie” when the time is right, and getting them to eat what is presented to them at dinner.

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired! I love that alphabet print. Congratulations on the little one!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! Best advice: “Treat each of your kids like they’re your 7th!” That way you’re not jumping up to soothe them, etc every time they make a peep ;)

Also: congratulations!! You wear it well :)

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! The most important thing I learned with my first (we are expecting #2 Feb 2012) is to just go with the flow on most things regarding babies. I stressed myself out over too many things the first go round. With this one I know I will be much more relaxed.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

You inspired me … a post ! Check on my blog ! By the way, those little owls are ow-some !

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! Best advice: Park next to the cart thingys at the grocery store!!

17.October.2011

I’m InSpIrEd!!!
I have read some of the comments and have heard much of the same advice. Advice I have received is: Enjoy every moment you have with your child because they are a blessing and these days will quickly pass. Every child is different (I have definitely experienced this one), so embrace their unique qualities. You can schedule as much as you want, but you also have to be lenient and deviate from it. Sitting your kids in front of the TV sometimes will give you that needed few minutes of peace ;). So much great advice has been given to me from many WONDERFUL people.

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired! Housework will always be there – enjoy time with your kids and take time for yourself to rest!

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired!

Two best books: Happiest Baby on the Block (totally agree with Dana) and
Babywise (offers great advice for creating a good eat/sleep schedule

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! Sleep when the baby sleeps.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED. I don’t have any kids yet. I’m sure the advice will start pouring in from my 3 sisters when I do though!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! After 6 kids (all grown) my best advice is what a dear friend gave me when my children were younger:
“What we want is good adults, not perfect children”

It helps to think of the long picture (if you can) when you are in the trenches of what ever behavior is happening now.

17.October.2011

I am inspired!

(random) People have always felt the need to comment on me having my hands full, with a 4 yr old, 3 year old and a newborn. It always came across so negatively (even after they would first comment how well behaved they were) and i was unsure how to respond. I love my family and the spacing of my children. My response has become “you should see my heart!” congrats on #3!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! Great give-away. Thanks!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! Best piece of advice – remember you are raising a child of God’s (not really your own) – take honor in this role and remember to try to follow God’s will for that child – not your own.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

Best advice, be consistent (i.e don’t allow them to jump on the couch one day and then freak out about it the next.) Oh, and don’t threaten your children with “If you do that again we are leaving!”, then when they do it again you don’t leave. If you say it, do it. I hear this ALL the time at the playground.

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired! Best advice: THIS TO SHALL PASS. and it always does. :)

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired!! The most recent parenting advice I’ve ever received (read) is a book I read a couple months ago called the Unmotivated Child. It has helped me with my 9 yr old who is “easily distracted” at school! His grades have improved and more importantly so have his own personal study habits :)

17.October.2011

I’m inspired by the cute decorations that you posted from Children Inspired Designs, and inspired by the fact that you can’t “break” children. Someone shared that most important bit of advice to me at my baby shower. They are so resilient! Like the first time my second daughter rolled over, it was right off the couch onto the floor! ;)

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

I haven’t put any of it to use yet (I’m due (with my first baby) in April like you!!!!!) but I have been given loads of advice over the last few months! I think the best advice I’ve got so far that I’m get to put to immediate use is actually yours — that book sounds amazing. My brother and sister were colicky and it’s my biggest fear since they made life pretty miserable for a while. LOL. As for when the baby gets here — we’ll see what advice comes in handy!

Thanks for this; I am loving Children Inspire Design.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! The best advise I was given was a book suggestion…”Baby Wise.” It helped me get all three of my children to sleep through the night by 4 weeks old!!!!!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! Expecting our first, so appreciating the parenting advice in these comments!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired.

As an Aunt the best advice I’ve heard is to enjoy every moment, the good, bad, and ugly!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!! beautiful artwork for any kids bedroom would love to win one! best advice – trust and follow you gut with what works for you and your family.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

My best parenting advice was to never give up. Simple and so powerful.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

best advice is don’t listen to what everyone else did as each child is different

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired! I’m expecting my first child (due date is April 1) and there is lots of good artwork ideas here for the nursery. I especially like it because I live just a few miles from Verona, WI!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

Expecting first child in February so I don’t have any advice yet :)

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired
Expecting my first child in February so don’t really have any advice. I do know I will record every moment because time flies quickly.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

The days are long; the years are short. Enjoy the moment you are in (no matter how tiring!)

17.October.2011

I’m inspired!

Not a parent yet but my community is experiencing a little baby boom, and it’s great to read all the advice everyone has.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

Best advice: “Low maintenance parenting makes low maintenance kids.” …meaning, if you aren’t super uptight about things, your kids will be more carefree and easy-going. If you don’t make things a big deal, they won’t be a big deal to your kids. Or so I’m told!

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

We’re currently expecting our first – a little girl. This makes my husband uneasy. He has already mentally skipped through her childhood and is focusing on problems that might arise during her adolescence, i.e., boys. The best advice came from my father to my husband – “enjoy the here and now. And don’t worry about the teenage years. Just remember to treat your wife the way you would want someone to treat your daughter. She’ll grow up wanting that kind of relationship for herself.”

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

No one has yet to share with me any parenting advice since I don’t have any little ones quite yet.

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! I haven’t gotten much parenting advice, but I’m sure the time will come soon. I am 14 weeks pregnant with my first child! But I do remember my mom teaching me to never ask for anything but water when I was a guest at someone’s house. Everyone always thought I was so polite! I will definitely be implementing that one!

17.October.2011

“I’M INSPIRED!” Best book that was recommended was The Baby Whisperer.

17.October.2011

I’m Inspired! My son is 20. We lived far from relatives so I didn’t get much advice when he was little. What I would tell a new mother is to relax and enjoy the journey.

I’m inspired!
hmm… the best tip i ever got… oh i know! emmy was very colicky and someone told me to hold her away from me in a football cradle, and it was amazing how that hold helped!

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! I totally agree with the 5 S’s. They work like a charm!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! I’m not a parent…yet, but I LOVE being a new aunt! Best advice given by my parents: “watch out for slippery spots” …something my dad used to say everytime we left the house in the winter. But, I like to think about it outside the box. “Slippery spots” are everywhere and leaning on loved ones for support is the best way to get through them!

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! Enjoy the toothless smiles!!!!!

17.October.2011

I’m inspired! I’m a new grandparent, and my best advice is bring your baby/child along as you live your life. If you like camping, take them! If you like hiking, take them! Museums, snowy walks, long car trips – be flexible and raise flexible children.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! The best advice I ever received was enjoy my baby (sleepness nights, illnesses, feeding difficulties and all) because he’ll grow up fast…and he has! He’s almost 6 even though it seems like yesterday we brought him home from the hospital.

17.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

“The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less” (Anna Quindlen, Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! Beautiful stuff. Parenting advice: trust your gut and ask for help when you need it! and they do grow up so quickly, so enjoy them.

18.October.2011

I’m inspired! The best advice was that every family (and every kid!) is different so do whatever works for your family! There are so many people that think their way is THE way to do things, but I’ve learned to do and not feel guilty about doing whatever is right for us and our child.

18.October.2011

I’m inspired! Always do the funny voices when reading books to them.

18.October.2011

I’m inspired.

My twins are due any day now – we’ll see what’s working with them and what not.

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED TOO!! Love your blog.

18.October.2011

I’m inspired!

I’m pregnant with my first, so I look to my husband (who has two children of his own) for parenting advice. He’s a good dad!

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! Slow down and smell the flowers. We are all so caught up in our busy lives that we need to take time to watch our famlies flourish!

18.October.2011

I’m inspired! I swear by Dr. Ferber’s book and a schedule!

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!
Honestly- How to swaddle. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t know how to swaddle.

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! Love the Artist print.

18.October.2011

I’m inspired!

If you aren’t a scrapbooker, you don’t have to become one.

18.October.2011

I’m Inspired! No babies yet, but I’m thankful for the book reference for the future.

18.October.2011

I’m Inspired.

Best advice: Don’t Blink!

18.October.2011

I’m inspired!
Listen to your gut. You know what is best for your child.

18.October.2011

I’m inspired! Best advice I received was to trust my abilities to care for my baby and to simply love and enjoy him!

18.October.2011

I’m Inspired! Best advice: it’s all a “phase” :-)

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

Best advice: “It will happen, some day, some how” (been trying for baby #1 for an exceedingly long time, with no luck)

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! The first thing that came to my head was The Happiest Baby on the Block as well! It was such a help. I tried recommending it to my friends but I don’t think they ever checked it out, so it’s nice to hear someone else sing it’s praises. I also liked The 90 Minute Baby Sleep Program.

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! The best advice I received was from my mother. She told me not to listen to anyone else when they told me what to do with my child, because I am the mother and I will know what is best. She was 100% correct. There is nothing stronger than a mothers intuition. :)

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!!

18.October.2011

“I’M INSPIRED!”

Take a little time for yourself to be a better parent.

18.October.2011

“I’M INSPIRED!”

R E L A X ……

18.October.2011

I’m INSPIRED!!

The best piece of advice I’ve gotten is to hold the baby as much as you want. She is only little enough to hold for so long….and that is not long enough!!

18.October.2011

I’m inspired! Do not let yourself fall into the comparison trap…for your baby or for you. Live fully in who you are and where you’re at. :)

18.October.2011

I’m inspired!…..Enjoy this time it goes by so fast!

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!!! Love all these!!! The Owl family is adorable, and perfect for your growing family!

18.October.2011

I’m inspired. I remember the BEST piece of advice when I had my first baby was from you…you told me that I would feel like I was getting nothing accomplished, but that I was doing exactly what I was supposed to taking care of the baby. Great advice then; great advice now when just getting the normal day-to-day tasks accomplished is sometimes a feat. Sounds like you’re following your own advice. You’re a wise lady, Dana Knotts Miller.

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!!

Always pack a clean shirt for mommy in the diaper bag, especially on an airplane- Good for spit up and poopoo explosions that land not just on the baby!

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED. Trust your insticts…they are usually right!

I’M INSPIRED! Although I can’t think of one piece of advice that stands out. Maybe happy Mommy = happy baby. And congrats on your pregnancy. :)

18.October.2011

I’m inspired! Love it all!
Best advice: this too shall pass – each trial is only a phase and there is an end to each stage.

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!! I’m not a parent yet (will be in January) so I haven’t had any advice that I can put to use, but I do believe I’ll be ordering that book!

18.October.2011

I’m INSPIRED!
I have an almost identical story. My firstborn was colicky too, no family or help nearby. Saw the review on Amazon for HBOTB, bought it, and read it cover to cover in one day. We saw immediate results too. This has become my go-to gift for all baby showers. I swear by this book!

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED.. My best parenting advice was from my grandma who said this too shall pass…it’s always good advice not just in parenting but in life.

18.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!”
I just had a baby no advice yet.

18.October.2011

I’m inspired!

Sometimes a stressful day just needs a Silly Supper. One of our favorites was pancakes with fruit faces.

18.October.2011

I’m inspired! I gotta get that owl print too! My best advice is trust your heart!

18.October.2011

I’m inspired!

My best advice would be to do your best and love your baby. Don’t let anything get in the way of it.

19.October.2011

I’m Inspired!

I can’t offer any advise yet, but I’m enjoying reading everyone’s!

19.October.2011

I’m Inspired! My best advice is don’t be quick to correct little ones if they say something wrong (i.e. My almost 18 year old twin boys used to say “picey” for spicy- so cute) they will learn to say “it” the right way soon enough. They grow up way too fast and I wish they said “picey” again! :)

19.October.2011

I’m Inspired!
I personally do not have any kids, but am an Aunt to 5 and soon to be 6! These prints are so cute and could help me become “the coolest aunt” =) haha

19.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

My daughter was very clingy and I was trying the “tough love” approach, trying to get her to be more independent. As a result, we were both miserable. My mom advised me that it was okay for me to hold her when she needed it (which was all the time), and that she needed to feel secure and safe.

So I started picking her up whenever she asked, keeping her on my lap whenever she wanted, and basically being snuggly in the extreme. She almost immediately became a happier little girl. And now, approaching two, she is gaining independence at her own rate.

19.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED.

Best baby advice..getting the swaddle me. It helped my baby get snuggly and kept me from having to adjust the blanket swaddle all the time. Loved it!

19.October.2011

I’m inspired…..the best parenting advice that I got was to cherish them when they are small because time goes so fast that it is over before you blink….my baby is now 12.

19.October.2011

I’m Inspired!
Best baby advice: If the baby is crying, step outside. A little fresh air and outdoor time (even in the middle of the night!) can work wonders.

19.October.2011

I’m INSPIRED!!! Best piece of advice from my mom: Don’t let others tell you or make you feel as if you are doing something wrong; it’s your child-you truly do know best.

19.October.2011

I’m inspired! I’m not yet a mom (expecting in a few weeks), but I’ve been receiving a lot of advice, as one might imagine! I like the advice to be present and mindful as a parent and not rush too much.

19.October.2011

I’m inspired!

The best advice to date (my twin boys are 4 months) is to make noise while they’re sleeping- this made them super sound sleepers. We can take them anywhere/be doing anything and if they’re tired, they’ll sleep!

19.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! Enjoy ever second — even those sleepless exhausted ones.

19.October.2011

I’m Inspired!! Totally! Amazing art.
Best Advice….Pick Your Battles!!! Especially when it comes to what kids want to wear. If it is season appropriate and they are covered…who cares if they match!

19.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! I really love the alphabet sampler — very cool!

19.October.2011

I’m inspired! These prints are so cute :)

20.October.2011

I’m inspired!

I’m newly pregnant, so I don’t know what advice is the best quite yet. I just know that I can use all the wisdom, knowledge and tid bits I can get!

20.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!

kids are kids, and there’s nothing you should do about it.

20.October.2011

I’m inspired!

Best advice given by an artist painter is to let my 3 year old son create art for himself…let him create on his own -with supervision only. I’m truly surprised at what he can do at such a young age.

20.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED! I’d love to win this for a family member that’s expecting. I’m not a parent, but my advice is to trust your gut. You know what’s best!

20.October.2011

I’m Inspired! But mostly I wanted to give a thousand thumbs’ up for The Happiest Baby on the Block. It isn’t (okay, isn’t much of) an exaggeration to say it saved my sanity with my third baby. If I had had it with my first baby, my life would have been so different. I was do DONE with infancy after #1 ( who, since her first birthday–she’s 14 now– has been a model child, brilliant, delightful in every way–truly) that when I figured out that we could adopt from China and skip all that infant stuff, I felt like (and still feel like!) I’d gotten away with the scam of the century. #3 was a surprise, and he was JUST like his biggest sister, but thank God, literally, I found THBOTB early on in the process. Saved me, saved me, saved me.

20.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!…best advice….(as a current parent of teens i find myself repeating this often, but it works for toddler/preschool stages too) .This Too Shall Pass.

20.October.2011

I’m inspired!!

My advice is go with your instinct. With a world full of differing opinions on child rearing, I think only you know your child and what’s best for them.

I’ve enjoyed reading the comments :) Many well wishes to you!

20.October.2011

I’M INSPIRED!!!

Best advice (already mentioned here a bunch) savor every moment, it’s so fleeting.

Congrats on the new baby!!! So excited for you and your family. Downsizing, remodeling, and your family is growing too, you guys are so blessed!!