The Digital Age

It has been brought to my attention how out of date our web presence is.  It seems most of us as members are using Facebook to communicate with each other and to learn about Club events.  But, even our Facebook page has it's limitations. 

So now what?

Well, this blog has been locked to members only.  I personally would like to see it open to everyone.  This is a great place to share the trials and joys of being a mother of multiples.  It's a great place to tell stories, pass out information, sell items, recruit, etc.  For those not wanting pics of your kids here, we can keep Facebook private.  For now, anyone wanting to join our Facebook fan page has to ask permission.  But I would also like to open it up or do something different.  Right now on FB we have a fan page.  We really should have a business page.  When you write on the wall there, no one gets notified.  Plus, unless you're MY friend, you don't see that I posted something there either.  A new FB page with notifications would sure be helpful.  One of the great things about this blog is that we can have a link go directly to FB and to Twitter without having to do multiple logins and entries.  Wait, you didn't know we were on Twitter?  It's ok, I'm not sure many do, even though it was mentioned in the November meeting.

So let me know what you would like to see here.  Without your input, you're going to see a lot of articles that interest ME or stories about MY kids!  I want this to be a fun place with useful information and links! 

Jenny May Shannon

MOM-preneurs

Do you have a home based business or have a friend or family member who does?  For $15, that business can be featured at our fall swap.  Ask Jenny or Susan for details!

Walking Group

We had a great walk on Saturday at Southpark Mall. We got a chance to catch up while getting some exercise and the kids got to play afterwards! Watch Facebook and the calendar here for more times! We plan to meet again this Saturday morning (Aug. 21) to walk again. We'll meet at 9am in the food court and go from there! Feel free to bring the kids to walk or ride in strollers or leave them at home and walk free handed! Try to let someone know you're coming so we know to wait for you!

Also, if you haven't checked your email in a while, there is a recent message full of info from our August meeting! We have a lot of chances to get involved!

Fall Swap Head Count

I'm trying to get some early numbers for our October 9th swap. Please let me know here, through email, or through the Facebook page if you are planning to sell. Also, if you have any big items (or even ONLY big items), give me an idea of what you have so we can start of flyers, ads, etc.

Thanks so much!
Jenny May

SWAP Thank Yous in Order

On behalf of the Swap Committee, I want to thank all of you who participated in our spring sale! I felt it was a success and a lot of fun. I enjoyed meeting all the new members, and there are several, as well as catching up with some of those with older kids! I would love to see all of you at future events!

I think I could go through all of the sellers and find something wonderful to say about everyone. While I was disappointed that Megan and my family were the only ones there setting up Thursday night, I was pleased how things came together Friday night and Saturday morning. I would like to take a moment and thank a few people:

First, thanks to Tiffany Clarke for making arrangements for 2 different trucks to help transport the racks. We think we figured out the best way to arrange them on the trailer now, which will be a huge help in the future. Tiffany also volunteered to work the Bake Sale all day and brought yummy homemade treats even though she wasn't officially selling!

Thanks to Jen Olderog for helping to unload racks after the sale and buttering up hubby to let us store the racks rent free!

Thanks to those of you who brought the larger items to sell even if you weren't selling regular items. They really made a big difference and made our sale look impressive, even with a small number of sellers! I see this happening again in the future!

Thanks to Kim Bohannon who stayed well past closing time to help figure out final sale numbers. Normally, this is left for the Board to do (to my knowledge) and she volunteered with a smile!

Thanks to Juanita Eucker and Susan Lanning for providing extra racks! They sure came in handy.

Thanks to Lisa Stachula for helping to spread news of our sale!

And of course, I want to thank Joanna for remaining president beyond May banquet to help lead at swap. Joanna and Ashley are now officially done with their terms, and may find a bit of sanity returning to their lives!

Lastly, I want to thank those on the Swap Committee. Sure, many of our meetings were virtual or at unlikely places and times, but we managed to get our ideas out and merged fairly seamlessly. Susan Sebille fought an illness that would keep most of us bedridden for days to make sure we were ready to go in the financial department. She also provided most of the "secretarial" duties of the committee while we edited the rules. Megan Thomas was willing to meet anytime, anywhere for a meeting, especially if it involved Starbucks! She volunteered to do just about anything, even if it meant bringing her kids. I surely appreciated her set up help! Megan became the runner at Swap and saved the day on several occasions. Plus, her Bear Cake was adorable and delicious! Nancy LaMere was unable to sell at our spring swap, but did everything in her power to contribute to swap in other ways, even when she had to get 2 different sitters on the same night to keep her kids! She came Thursday evening to help set up, only to find we were done and then volunteered to join the Board. Saturday she brought amazing fudge that sold all too quickly at the Bake Sale.

Without these ladies, the smooth Swap we experienced would not have happened. I look forward to working with them on the Board and on the Swap Committee. We are already gearing up for the fall Swap to be held October 9th. If you would like to be on the committee, please let me know soon!

Jenny May

SWAP Thursday Night Setup Update

To those selling or interested in helping set up Thursday night.

We have a conflict with a church activity and need to set up as early as possible. They are having a dinner at 6 pm with a speaker at 7 pm and need it to be a little quiet. The racks and tables are noisy and can be set up early. What this also means is they need the front parking spaces and you won't be able to unload the "usual" way. There will be some male helpers ready to carry your things prior to 6:00. I'm shooting to be there by 4 if we're able to get the racks by then. What this means is that the layout will be done early and even if you can't get there that early, we will still be there doing quieter activities like bringing in totes, setting up signs, and taking care of details when you can come. Please let me know if you're able to come early to help! This means we'll be able to get home at a decent time to tuck the kids in and make bake sale goodies! Jenny May

Not selling at SWAP? Still have big items to sell?

After discussing this with members of the Swap Committee, we'd like to extend the following invitation:

We have had a tremendous response from our photo ad in the Sunday Dispatch. We have received calls about membership, but mostly we've received calls from people wanting to know what will be available for sale. More specifically, callers are seeking larger items like furniture, strollers, high chairs and swings as well as larger toys. We know with the sale in May, we have had several members unable to sell this time. The concern of the committee is that we do not have enough selling members to put on a great sale!

While the rules were recently modified slightly, we feel it necessary to make an exception to this Swap by allowing others to sell items of interest. We have a reputation in the Quad Cities for hosting a great sale with thousands of items from which to choose. We would HATE for us to not have the items in high demand not be available and our customers think we have small scale sales. We need these people back in October and years to come. We also want to increase awareness of the club in the community and recruit members!

If you weren't going to participate in the spring swap, but if you have a few furniture items, large baby items, strollers, carseats, or even larger toys, you are welcome to sell these at swap. This does NOT include clothes, regular toys, housewares, etc. You MUST have it set up Friday night prior to the meeting, just as all selling members do. DO not plan to just bring it Saturday morning. You will still be charged like everyone else as well. YOU must make arrangements to pick the item up after Swap or have another member take it home.

We all know we can get more for our items at Swap over a garage sale! Let's benefit Club, ourselves, and other mom's needing a deal! We're sure the Committee will get a lot of grief over this decision, but without sellers, we can't have a successful Swap. The Committee is confident that this will not be a regular occurrence and that it will not be abused by Club members.



Also, if you have something "different" that you're planning to sell, let us know so we can put it in the ad!

Pre-SWAP/May Banquet--FRIDAY, MAY 7

Our Pre-SWAP and May Banquet will be held on FRIDAY, MAY 7 at 6PM at Frank's Pizza in Bettendorf. Please RSVP here or send an email to qcmotc2@yahoo.com so we have an idea how many will attend. Club will contribute $5 to each member for the meal. Hope to see you there!
Thanks!

February Meeting Minutes

Introductions (Attendance Sheet)

Announcements
- Cassie Stroyan (joined club at the last swap) had her triplets on Feb. 1st. Her message on facebook was that everyone is doing well and from looking at her pics it seems like they are all doing great for triplets. Addison Leigh 4lbs 7oz, Alexa Jo 4lbs 13oz, Avery Lynn 5lbs 1oz

St. Patrick’s Day Parade
-It was decided that since club did not pay for it we would look into the parade.
-We need to find a truck to drive to the kids can sit through the parade.
-Joanna will get the information about the parade--Update: Decided to pass on the parade this year due not being able to find a truck and not wanting to walk the entire thing with the kids.

Member Directory
- Passed out directory so that it could be updated.
- Jenny May offered to help get information uploaded to create a new directory.
- Also had members put information at the bottom of their sheet regarding areas they have dealt with and feel comfortable talking to a new mom about.
- Members not present please verify information with Ashley as soon as possible.

Future Meetings
- Talked about having guest speakers.
o Escape School (Juanita is going to get contact info to board)
o Bike safety (Joelle is going to get contact info to board)
o Ladies self defense
o Parents as teachers (Lisa S is going to get contact info to board)
o Pediatric Dentist
- Couples Potluck
o Decided we would do this instead of bowling night. Give dad’s a chance to talk and get to know everyone.
o Lisa is going to talk to some Palmer students to see if we can get babysitters for the kids and have them be in the carriage house while the parents meet in the main house.
o Decided everyone could pinch in a set amount to pay for sitters.
o Joanna is going to find out when both places are available. (Update--Sept 25 is a possible date when both the Carriage House and main house are available. Will discuss at next mtg.)

Future Swap
- Spring Swap is May 21st and 22nd
- Put together Swap committee. Anyone else interested in helping with swap beginning by updating the rules please contact Ashley Hicks.
Guest Speaker: Devon Schaff & Allison Knollman

Reminder: Next meeting is March 4th @ 7:00
Snack: Megan Thomas, Nancy Lamere
Drink: Rebecca McCarley

New Member: Evelyn Ross

Meeting Minutes October 2009

Introductions (Attendance Sheet)

November Meeting -Decided to have the home parties shopping day again.- If you sell or know of anyone who sales for a home based company please let the board know so that we can get a list of who is selling that day.- In the case of two people from the same company we will go with the first one suggested. -We put it to a vote to allow a adult party supplier also come to this meeting. Everyone was fine with it. If there are other opinions please let us know.

Mother’s Christmas Party-December 3rd at the Deere house. We decided to have Adolph’s cater in again. -Bring a $10.00 gift to pass -Bring a wrapped gift for your child if you want Santa to give your child a gift at the family party.

Family Christmas PartyDecember 6thTwo suggestions were given. 1) Bettendorf Community Center or 2) Bounce place. The board is going to call around and get prices for the bounce places. This will be discussed at the next meeting.

January MeetingCouples pot luck was discussed. What are the feelings suggestions on this?

Swap Meeting - We went over all the rules and any exceptions.Voluntary set up on 10/8 at 7:00 p.m.Friday set up 10/9 at 6:00. This is mandatoryPre sale at 7:30 starting with a little meeting.Juanita is going to check with Hy-Vee to see if they would donate some bags.Please remember to bring any bags you have.Jenny offered to make uniform signs advertising the sale. The board placed an advertisement in the local paper to advertise the sale.

September 3, 2009 Meeting Recap

Just a quick recap of what we discussed at our last meeting:

SWAP is Saturday, October 10. Our pre-swap meeting will be during our regular meeting time on Thurs. Oct. 1. We will go over rules, sign up for jobs, sign contracts, etc. The rules and example of the tag are on the website at http://www.qcmotc.org/. On Thurs. Oct. 8 we will meet at the church at 7pm to set up tables and racks. This is on a volunteer basis. Volunteers are permitted to bring their for-sale items into the building to be ready for Friday set-up.

I called the church about storing the racks and found out they will not be able to store them for us. We may have to divide up the racks and have members store them unless someone has room for all of them. We will also need to coordinate picking up the racks and delivering them to the church.

Another issue dealt with our rule that everyone must be there by 6pm on Friday. We discussed whether it would be all right if instead everyone was there by 7:30pm as long as everything gets set up. I will post a poll on the blog to vote on this.

Kim Bohannon and Jennifer Lindauer spoke about the Care for Kyle Benefit to support Heather Roseman's son Kyle. Please contact them if you are interested in volunteering. The club agreed to donate an Isabel Bloom figurine as a silent auction item. I will make sure it gets to the benefit on Sat. Sept. 19.

Please respond to me at qcmotc2@yahoo.com or to this post if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing everyone on October 1!

Joanna Lochner

Meeting Minutes

QCMOTC MEETING
March 5, 2009


Joanna called the meeting to order at 7:00

1. St. Patrick Day Parade
- Check blogs for times (see below)
- Decorations @ Kim’s house @6:30 Bring a snack to share.

2. May Banquet
- Will be May 7th
- Watch the blog for a poll on where to go.
discussion about even having these people sell during swap to the public for more money.

3. March of Dimes-
- Walk is April 25th in Bettendorf
- Jennifer is still team captain
- Goal is 2500.00
- Sign up on internet- Password and user name would be the same from last year. www.marchforbabies.org
- Chocolate Bars- The March for Dimes is willing to give us chocolate bars upfront to sell at the swap and all proceeds going to the team total.
- During the walk they are going to have a lot of children’s activities such as face painting.
- We talked about have a table at the walk for swap.

4. Announcement-
- Tanya Marx had her twins Baelynn Samantha 6lbs 8ozs, 20in long and Ethan Gene 6lbs 11ozs 20 in long.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:45

Feb. Minutes

QCMOTC MEETING
February 5, 2009


Kim called the meeting to order at 7:00


1.Couples Night Out
-The decision was made to post pone this event because of a lack of participation. The only free time for this event will be in the summer. Any ideas for a different activity are welcome.

2.St. Patrick’s Day Parade
-The Parade will be March 14th and we will be handing out flyers. We will be decorating our float at Kim’s house on March 13th at about 6:30. If anyone has any decorating ideas please let us know.

3.March of Dimes-
-The Walk is April 25th.
-Jennifer is willing to still be the captain but if anyone is willing to help her out please let the board know.
-You can sign up to walk by going to the web site and just pick QCMOTC as your team.
-Our goal is going to be 2500.00, the same as last year. Last year we were really close so we were hoping to achieve that goal this year.
-We made a motion to donate the proceeds from the bake sale at swap to the walk.

4.Treasures Report-
-Our checking account currently has $1787.58.

5.Spring Swap
-Pre-swap meeting will take place at our March meeting.
-We will set up tables on April 2nd instead of having our monthly meeting.
-Shopping will be April 3rd.

6.Spa Night
-We have been talking about having a pamper mom night.
-We would have to do it for the June meeting.
-Keesha will check with Capri about cost involved.

7.Board Members
- Kim reminded everyone that Kim and Keesha’s term will be up after Spring Swap therefore we are in need of two people to fill their shoes.



Meeting was adjourned at 7:45

Freebies

(This one is not formatted well because I just copied and pasted. If I get a chance I will fix it up but at least this way the info is out there)

Free/Discount Offers for Parents of Twins
It’s a good idea to call each place before mailing away your requests, they change their mailing addresses frequently, and sometimes change their offerings as well. Make plenty of copies of your birth certificates and insist on the offers for multiples, often personnel aren’t aware of the programs available.

(Huggies) The First Years Diaper Genie
Kimberly-Clark Corporation 1 Kiddie Dr. 600 Mondial Pkwy
Department QMB Avon, MA 02322 Streetsboro OH 44241
PO Box 2020 *must send off before Neenah, WI 54957-2020 babies are four months

International Playtex Summer Infant Products Bristol-Myers
700 Fairfield Ave. 33 Meeting Street 2400 W Lloy Exprswy
PO BOX 100064 Cumberland, RI 02864 Evansville, IN 47721 Stanford, CT 06904

Beechnut Food Corp. Proctor & Gamble Co. Mead & Johnson
Checker Board Square Pampers Multiple Birth Program Public Affairs
St. Louis, MO 63164 PO Box 599 2404 Pennsylvania Str.
Cincinnati, OH 45201 Evansville, IN 47721

Johnsons & Johnsons Gerber Multiple Birth Program Playtex Products
199 Grandview Rd. 445 State Street 20 Troy Road
Skillman, NJ 08558 Fremont, MI 49413 Whittany, NJ 07981

Infantino, LLC Dr. Brown's Bottles Out! International
9909 Huennekens St Suite 200 4433 Flyer Avenue PO Box 227215
San Diego, CA 92121 St Louis, MO 63116 Dallas, TX 75222

Fisher Price H.J. Heinz
PO Box 620978 PO Box 57
Middletown, WI 53562-0978 Pittsburgh, PA 15230-0057

1-800-952-5080 Free Baby OraJel Coupons and select few will get samples!
Scott Paper Co.- Call 1-800-TEL-SCOT to receive free Baby Fresh Wipes
Drypers - Joining their new birth program gets you vouchers for free packages of Drypers and coupons as they grow. AFP ~ PO Box 8830 ~ Vancouver, WA 98666-8830
OCEAN SPRAY CRANBERRIES, INC Call 508-946-1000 or Fax 508-946-7704. Multiple birth programs requires birth certificates sent to Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., Consumer Affairs Dept., One Ocean Spray Dr., Lakeville-Middlesboro, MA 02349
PBM Products Inc. ATT: Deborah Burdyck
204 North Main Street Gordonsville, VA 22942 U.S. call 800-538-8254
Parents of multiples can join PBM's multiples program and receive one case of store-brand infant formula (such as Target or Wal-Mart) for each baby. Call, or write to PBM Products at the address listed above. Copies of birth certificates are required.

Bright Beginnings
Call 800-410-9629 www.brightbeginnings.com
Bright Beginnings is a DHA-enhanced infant formula that provides nutrients at levels similar to those in breast milk. When you register online to join the free "Customer Club", you will qualify to receive a free sample of Bright Beginnings Baby Formula, baby formula coupons, and a free Bright Beginnings newsletter. When you save and send in your Proof of Purchase labels, they will send you a free, Bright Beginnings Stork doll, as well as a $5 coupon pack.

Carnation/Nestle Goodstart DHA & ARA formula will send you a mini magazine each month with milestones and information for your baby, as well as for the first six months coupons for Good Start DHA-ARA formula and SIX free formula vouchers, then each month after the six months you will continue to receive the mini magazine and coupons. ~ go to www.verybestbaby.com to sign up!

Similac Welcome Addition Club, not a multiple birth program, but will send three packets. Have a pregnancy packet. Call 1-800-518-2582, or write Similac Welcome Addition Club, P. O. Box 130 Station Pointe Claire, Pointe Claire, Quebec, CANADA H9R 9Z9. Similac Formula. (A suggestion from a triplet mom: call your pediatrician's Similac rep directly and ask for more!)

McNeal Consumer Products - The makers of Tylenol will send you free welcome packets for each of your multiples if you call 1-800-962-5357 (option #5). The packs will include coupons and informational literature but make sure you tell them you have twins or triplets!

PROCTOR AND GAMBLE (PAMPERS and LUVS) Call 1-800-285-6064. Request coupons,1 for each child, 1 pkg. each of diapers, 1 wipes and only 1- 42 oz. Dreft. State whether you want Pampers or Luvs. Parents of triplets or more need to send photocopies of each birth certificate with a state seal.

Johnson-Johnson 800-5263967 Pediacare 800-717-2824
SASSY, INC Call 1-800-323-6336 and ask for "multiples" offer. They will send you a multiples packet. You purchase one item and they supply your multiples with the identical item, at no charge to you. To Sassy, Inc., "Multiples" Offer, 2305 Breton Industrial Park. Dr. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. Shipping and handling is included.

• Earth's Best Baby Foods 1-800-442-4221
Call for a package of coupons and to receive their newsletter, which contains additional coupons. ~ Ask about a Multiple Birth Program and mention if you have twins triplets… ~
• Gerber 1-800-4-GERBER
If you have higher order multiples, ask for the mailing address for their Multiple Birth Program and get more freebies like spoons and clothing.
• STRIDE RITE Stores and OSH KOSH Stores and Babies’R Us Stores
These stores offer Twins-and-More discounts, ask a manager.


www.1800diapers.com - this website has super cheap cases of diapers, wipes and great buys on formula and more! ~ Get $2.00 instant coupon savings with Referral Code: ANCX8453 ~ Enter code either at registration or check out to receive $2.00 instant savings! This site specializes in large cases of diapers and wipes, bigger than what the stores carry and offers FREE SHIPPING (quick too!) plus you can mail them your coupons for future savings on your next purchase! Super competitive prices, don’t try loading up the gang for a trip to the store – just stay at home and order everything online!!

Wonderful baby book keepsake! Receive a congratulations card from the President of the United States!! Just send name, address, and date of special occasion to: White House Greetings Office: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Room 39 Washington, DC 20502 Write On Envelope “New Babies – (Twins…)!”

The Picture People ~ Sign up for their mailing list for free coupons, exclusive discounts and more – www.picturepeople.com - click on “CLUBS” and join the free SMILESTONES and BIRTHDAY CLUB!

FREE PROFESSIONAL PORTRAITS – NO SITTING FEE! Cut and paste this into your browser: www.olanmills.com/11free.asp - fill out this online form for free portraits for babies 3 months and younger at Olan Mills – offer will be for (1) 8x10 + (2) 5x7 + (8) Wallets – no sitting fee. PLUS, sign up for their Birthday Club program and when they are turning one they will receive another FREE portrait package!!

Capture the joy of multiples at JCPenney Portraits! Free 8x10 - with portrait purchase and $9.99 sitting fee! Multiple Birth program http://film.jcpenneyportraits.com/occasions/multiples.shtml

http://www.ringling.com/offers/babyfaq.aspx#1
Ringling Bros brings you Baby’s First Circus – get a free ticket for each baby! Just fill out the form online or for triplets or more, mail in your request with copies of the birth certificates. Baby's First Circus Program ~ Feld Entertainment, Inc.
8607 Westwood Center Drive ~ Vienna, VA 22182


Free Samples!

Call 1-888-WELLKID to receive free Cough/Cold Symptom Tracker with Samples!

http://www.goodnites.com ~ For a free sample of Goodnites + product information

1-800-292-4794 ~ Free breastfeeding healing and soothing lotion

Diaper Rash Ointment 1-800-587-3721 sample ~ Extensions 52 + 53 ~

Free Flanders Buttocks Ointment samples for Diaper Rash. Send two loose stamps and your address to: Flanders Marketing, P.O. Box 5323, Aiken, SC 29804

Baby Dental Wipes For a FREE sample, please send a standard self addressed stamped envelope to: 3305 N. Swan Rd., #109 PMB 431 Tucson, AZ 85712

www.babyade.com - sign up for a free sample of A&D Diaper Rash

www.oxicleanbaby.com - free sample of “Oxiclean Baby”
SPENCERS Write to Spencers Inc., Attn. Quality Control, P. O. Box 988, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Need name, address and proof of birth (certificate, hospital record, newspaper announcement). Will send a packet with a letter, area store list, order form and growth chart.
Mayo Clinic/State Farm 1-888-733-8368 free hardcover book on raising baby
One Mother to Another c/o Kim Broomfield
1339 Sceenland Dr. Burbank, Captain 91505
Newsletter for new mothers
http://www.evenflo.com ~ Register for Evenflo coupons & product information

Freebies

Here are a some of the different places moms with multiples can call or write for freebies and coupons.

Gerber Baby Food- Call them at 1-800-443-7237 and ask them about their multiple birth program. They will send free coupons for baby food.

Beechnut Baby Food- Call them at 1-800-523-6633, they will send a promotional packet and coupons.

Heinz Baby Food- Call them at 1-800-872-2229 and ask them about their multiple birth program for coupons.

Drypers- Send copies of birth certificates to Drypers Corporation, Attn. Multiple Birth Program, PO Box 8830, Vancouver, WA 98666-8830 to receive one free package of Drypers per child and coupons.

Evenflo- Send copies of birth certificates to Evenflo, Attn. Multiple Birth Program, 1801 Commerce Drive, Piqua, OH 45356 to receive free starter bottle kit, disposable bottle liners and nipples.

Playtex- Send copies of birth certificates to Playtex Corporation, 215 College Rd., Paramus, NJ 07652 or call 1-800-222-0453 to receive bottle kit, liners, and pacifiers.

Diaper Genie- Send copies of birth certificates before the babies are 3 months old to Mondial Industries, 600 Mondial Parkway, Streetsboro, OH 44241 to receive a coupon for a Free Diaper Genie.

The First Years- Send copies of birth certificates to The First Years, 1 Kiddie Drive, Avon, MA 02322-1171 or call 1-800-533-6708 to receive free bibs and rattles for each baby.

Johnson and Johnson- Call 1-800-526-3967 and ask about their multiple birth program to receive coupons.

Huggies- Send copies of birth certificates to Kimberly Clark, 2100 Winchester Road, Neenah, WI 54956 or call 1-800-544-1847 to receive coupons for free diapers.

Congratulations from the White House- To receive a welcome card from the president for new infants or for a first birthday card (specify which one), send (on a post card only) babies' names, address, and birthdate to: White House Greetings Office, Room 39, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20500.

Pampers- Sign up at Pampers.com for coupons.

How to find a Pediatrician

How to Find and Interview a Pediatrician by Elaine Farber

Please welcome our Guest Contributor, Elaine Farber, Newborn/Specialist/Consultant and author of Baby Lists: What to Do and What to Get to Prepare for Baby, who joins us today to lend a hand in finding and interviewing a pediatrician.

Choosing the right pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you make for your children. You want to find a pediatrician in a practice that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Your pediatrician should also be warm, compassionate, and open to your thoughts and feelings, and you should share similar views on child rearing. If you know the sex of your children you might want to consider choosing a pediatrician of the same gender if you are having same-sex twins, or a group of pediatricians with both genders, if you are having boy-girl twins. When children become teenagers, they often feel more comfortable with a doctor of the same sex. Another thing to think about is the age of the doctor. If you choose an older doctor, ask whether retirement is in the near future and, if so, who will take over the practice. Choose the right pediatrician, and he/she might be able to treat your children from birth through adolescence.

It’s a good idea to begin your search for a pediatrician during your sixth month of pregnancy. This will give you plenty of time to decide on the right pediatrician before your babies are born. Compile a list of candidates by asking friends, relatives, coworkers, neighbors, and your obstetrician for recommendations.

After you’ve compiled your list of candidates set up appointments with several pediatricians. Different doctors have different approaches to child rearing. You want to make sure you select the one that best suits your family’s needs. Arrange to meet pediatricians individually and in person. If possible, both parents should attend the first meeting. Don’t interview pediatricians over the phone. Only a face-to-face meeting will let you know whether a pediatrician has the type of personality and philosophy about child rearing that you are seeking. It is very important to feel comfortable with the pediatrician you choose.

When interviewing a prospective pediatrician never feel afraid or embarrassed to ask questions. Remember; you children are your most precious gifts. Here are some specific questions you will want to ask.

• How long have you been in practice?
• Do you have any subspecialties?
• What are your office hours?
• How can I reach you in an emergency?
• If you can’t be reached in an emergency, what procedure should I follow?
• Is there an after-hours clinic and, if so, when is it open?
• What are your feelings regarding breastfeeding, bottle feeding, starting solid foods, circumcision, getting the babies to sleep, vitamins, immunizations, taking the babies out in public, traveling with baby.
• What child-care books do you recommend?

When you’re expecting multiples, twins, triplets or quads there are a few added questions to ask a perspective pediatrician. First, you want to find out if the pediatrician has experience taking care of multiples. How many sets of multiples are patients in his practice? If the pediatrician has experience taking care of multiples he will have a better understanding of things particular to multiples. He will probably have more experience with premature babies, as multiples often come early. Multiples are individuals and should be treated as such. The pediatrician you choose should be able to reassure you about each baby’s individual growth and developmental patterns.

In addition to talking with the pediatrician, you’ll want to ask the doctor’s staff some questions. When you make your appointment, be sure to ask whether there will be a staff member available to answer questions. Here are a few pertinent questions to ask the staff.

• How does the office handle phone inquiries?
• Is there an advice nurse available to answer questions?
• Is there a 24-hour answering service that will connect to a doctor?
• How far in advance do I have to schedule appointments?
• If I have multiples will the doctor be able to see all the babies at the same appointment?
• If my child is sick, can I get an appointment that same day?
• How often are well-baby visits?
• Do newborns and well children have to wait in the same waiting room with sick children?
• When we arrive for our appointment, what is the typical waiting time before we see the doctor?
• What happens if we miss a scheduled visit?

After you’ve interviewed both the pediatrician and the staff ask yourself a few questions.

• Do you and this pediatrician share similar views on topics such as breastfeeding, circumcision, working mothers, day care, and so on?
• If not, is the pediatrician open to different opinions or other approaches?
• Does the pediatrician seem to be up on the latest medical advances?
• Did the doctor welcome questions and take the time to address your concerns?
• Did the pediatrician and office staff treat you courteously or curtly?
• Is the office conveniently located?
• Is there ample parking?
• If you have multiples are the examination rooms big enough to accommodate multiple children?
• Did the waiting room and the examination rooms have toys and books?
• Was everything clean?

If you were happy with the interview and satisfied with the answers to the questions you’ve asked yourself, you’ve probably found the right pediatrician for your family.

Elaine Farber is a Newborn/Specialist/Consultant and author of Baby Lists: What to Do and What to Get to Prepare for Baby. Elaine has over thirty years experience caring for single and multiple birth babies. She has made a career of loving and nurturing babies in a variety of environments. Elaine’s love for children has prompted her to investigate and review a multitude of products in real-world conditions. Elaine has coached families through every aspect of early parenting, from selecting the right hospital to choosing the proper diapers. She knows firsthand which items are the easiest to use, and the safest for baby.

Visit Elaine’s website at www.babylistsbook.com or contact her directly at babylists@aol.com

Twin story in the news

This is a story of a twin triathlete that just passed away. The end of the story made me cry!Triathlete dies after bike crash in Santa Barbara - Yahoo! Newshttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080829/ap_on_re_us/obit_warren
Joelle

New Program for Moms

Stroller Strides Gives Moms the Strength for Motherhood

Quad Cities, Iowa (Grassroots Newswire) August 13, 2008 -- Stroller Strides, the nation’s largest fitness program for new moms, has arrived in Quad Cities.
“Stroller Strides is a great way to get back in shape, as well as stay in shape,” said Sara, owner of Stroller Strides of Quad Cities. “We present a fun opportunity for the moms of the Quad Cities community to turn their strollers into a workout.”
Stroller Strides of Quad Cities is celebrating its grand opening on September 2nd at 5:30 P.M. at Middle Park Lagoon Shelter (Parkway and 18th)- Bettendorf, IA.
Stroller Strides is a total fitness program for new moms that they can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of body toning using exercise tubing and the stroller. Taught by nationally certified instructors, it’s a great workout for any level of exerciser. In 60 minutes, you will get a total body workout improving your cardiovascular endurance, your strength and your flexibility. The classes are equally beneficial for babies as instructors will weave songs through the workout and incorporate activities to make it fun.
In addition to the classes, Stroller Strides offers playgroups and mom’s night out, giving women an opportunity to socialize and further relationships.
To celebrate their arrival in Quad Cities, Stroller Strides is offering $50 off of the membership fee, discounted merchandise, welcome bags, raffle prizes, kid's goodie bags, snacks and a free workout.
“We provide the outlet that moms need to enjoy time with other moms, while also focusing on the much needed exercise to fuel their demanding lives,” Baker said. “You can make new friends, get into shape and enjoy time with your baby.”
According to Baker, Stroller Strides allows women to exercise in a social atmosphere and children can benefit from watching their moms participate. For more information on Stroller Strides, contact Sara at 888-469-3736 or sarabaker@strollerstrides.net.
About Stroller StridesStroller Strides classes are offered in more than 800 locations nationwide. The hour-long classes emphasize cardiovascular activities and muscle-strengthening exercises using resistance bands and strollers, allowing moms to interact with their babies throughout their workout. Stroller Strides franchises are available for those interested in a home-based, family-friendly business. Stroller Strides is the country’s 17th fastest growing franchise according to Franchise Times Magazine. Stroller Strides has been featured on The Today Show, Montel, CNN, Inside Edition and more! For more information about Stroller Strides, including class locations, visit www.strollerstrides.com.

Siblings Question

How do you handle siblings' preferences for one twin over the other?
My 4 yr. old son will sometimes treat one twin (11 mo.) nicer than
the other (one twin is the aggressor and kind of bullies the other
sometimes, he rescues the other-he has said a couple times that he
likes Gretchen better...) Is this normal? I am not sure if this just
works out later and I shouldn't worry, or whether this could cause
big problems later and I need to address this now...any experience or
advice?

Thanks,

Marggy