Long winter hours bring summer baby showers - Five ideas for the perfect gift

It’s a fact that more babies are born in the summer (July and August, particularly) than in any other season, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics. What does that mean for those of us with friends in the child production phase? It's shower time.

I will admit to having my fill of rattle-shaped cookies and rubber ducky confetti, but it is pretty special to see a gal all glowing and excited over the arrival of a new life. However, when it's time to sit down and "ooooh" and "aaahhh" over baby gifts, I'm always left wondering, "Did I bring the right thing?"

Sure, you can never go wrong with a packet of onesies covered in the prerequisite bows/dinosaurs/ducks/elephants/flowers/monkeys/etc., but what does a new mommy really need? I tapped into my rather large posse of moms to find the answer.

1. Registry items – Of course, this is a surefire way to please new momma, but what if the only thing left on the registry are milk storage bags OR the fifty-dollar spa baby bath tub? Hmmm. Not so excited about your options? Read on.

2. Clothes – Itsy bitsy clothes get a lot of "awwws" from both new mom and the guests, especially for a first baby or a baby of a different gender from the first. However, if you’re a baby shower newbie, I might give a few words of advice here. Tutus and sunglasses are awesome. However, they are not so useful. So maybe buy one tutu and then something more practical, like a hat, onesie, or sleeper (which means pajamas in babyland). Also, baby shoes? Adorable. But they’re not going to stay on. Just sayin.’

3. Something special – When I had my son, a friend gave me the coolest personalized canvas print from Personal Creations. I loved it so much that I ordered one for my daughter. Another friend of mine and mother of two, Whitney Abuzeid, said, “The southern girl in me loves anything and everything monogramed.” Just do a little research to make sure it’s exactly the right name.

4. Diapers and wipes – Not exciting, but oh-so-useful. Katy Shadid, another local mom of two, just threw a diaper and wipes baby shower for a friend having her second girl. Why? “One of the most expensive parts of having a baby is providing diapers and wipes. Essentially a family spends about $50 a month on diapers and wipes.” Nuf said.

5. Something that helped you – If you’re a mom, maybe someone gave you an item that made a big difference. One of my friends, a nurse, made me a first aid basket. Priceless. Also, popular books discussing sleep and other first-time parent questions are big hits. Another mom mentioned putting together a basket of favorite children's books. LOVE that. Maybe you had luck with a Halo Sleepsack (adore it!) or a certain brand of binkies. There's no time like the present to share it.

Just remember, in gift-giving, what worked for you may not work for everyone. Something you think is cute (pink zebra-print leggings) may not be the taste of another momma’s. Best advice I can give? Include a gift receipt. That way, you will always give the perfect gift.

For a list of stores in and around Edmond carrying baby items, click here.

Stores carrying baby items (in or near Edmond, OK)

All Things Baby Inc. (Edmond)

Babies R Us (Oklahoma City)

Carter's (Oklahoma City)

Kohls (Edmond)

Ladybugs and Lizards Clothing Boutique (Edmond)

Lil Dudes and Divas Children's Clothing and Gifts (Edmond)

Marissa's Room (Edmond)

Quail Springs Mall (Oklahoma City - Gymboree, Child's Place, Baby Gap, Crazy 8, Disney Store, Macy's, Dillards, J.C. Penny, etc.)

Target (Edmond)

Walmart (Edmond)

Email me to be added to this list (free).

Summer fun part two - Arcadia adventure

Okay, so you read last week's blog and managed to hit every family hotspot Edmond has to offer. Right? No really, you did, didn't you? Well, I'm not going to give you the third degree, but I do hope you put some time and energy into constructing the perfect Edmond playdate, because this city is pretty great.

But maybe you're ready for an adventure. Not an "eight hours in my car while my kids scream for McDonald's" adventure, but something quite a bit closer to home. In fact, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump over I-35. Technically, a good part of the area is still Edmond, in case you were wondering.

That's right. I'm talking about Arcadia Lake and the surrounding sites. Maybe you've visited them, and maybe you're certain you've had all the fun there is to be had. But if I were a betting woman, I'd say at least one item on this next list would go down in your "haven't done it yet" column.

So check it out...

Morning activity...The question is, what can't you do at Arcadia Lake? Actually, the answer depends on what you have at your disposal. For some activities you will need a boat or watercraft of some sort. However, if you don't have a water-worthy vessel on hand, don't despair. Paddle boats are available for rental, and fishing and hiking are free (once you pay the lake entry fee). Horseshoes, volleyball nets, and tents can also be rented.

Picnic lunch...Well, you are already at the lake, so you might as well take advantage of the numerous pavilions available for rental. Take your favorite eats and enjoy the shade, and bring some colored chalk, bubbles, or a T-ball set to occupy little ones who finish eating early. Oh, and as I always like to remind picnickers, don't forget those paperweights! Oklahoma wind plus baggies equals mass littering.

Afternoon cool down...Spend you afternoon at the Arcadia Round Barn, a historic site certain to give those rambunctious children something of interest for an hour or so (and make for some ah-mazing photos). The town of Arcadia has several historic sites, but chances are, if the kiddos are under 10, viewing old buildings won't be high on the to-do list. Instead, check out the nearby Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch, which offers a petting zoo, pony rides, and activity fort. (open Thursdays through Sundays)


Family-friendly eats...There is one place you are not going to want to miss, whether it's for lunch, dinner, or a quick afternoon snack. POPS is a landmark in Arcadia, with it's giant sixty-six foot tall soda bottle. The restaurant offers an old-school fountain service, hand-dipped ice cream, and a gift shop that will definitely having you using the word "no" every few seconds. But the bright colors and personality of this friendly place make it one of Arcadia's must-dos.