Baby Food Made Easy

Though it may be hard to see in the picture, Baby J is smiling because she has just finished a serving of "Enlightened Macaroni and Cheese," a recipe by our Resident Chef, Amanda Skrip, from July's "Baby Food Made Easy Series." It's so good (read: easy to make) that mom and dad even like it too! For more recipes like this one, join us at Bump Club and Beyond's popular series, "Baby Food Made Easy presented by Whole Foods Market and Baby Brezza." For now, give this recipe a try! I am sure that baby (and the rest of your family) will love it!

Enlightened Mac + Cheese
Ingredients:
2 cups peeled and chopped carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
1/2 teaspoon of salt
8 oz. of noodles
2 oz. of organic cream cheese
1 1/4 cup of sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional)

Fill Baby Brezza with 160 mL of purified water. Add carrots and set machine to 'steam and blend' for 25 minutes. (If you do not have a Baby Brezza, you can steam and mash the carrots, or steam and puree in a blender. Transfer mixture to a small saucepan and bring to a boil.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to the package directions, being careful not to overcook. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking liquid, and drain pasta. Return pasta to the pot and add carrot puree, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and reserved cooking fluid. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes---until sauce is thickened and pasta is coated. Stir in cream cheese, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and paprika (if desired); stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer to a medium baking dish. Broil, on high, for 3-5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and browned.

Bon Appetit!

Baby Food Made Easy will begin it's third run at various Whole Foods locations around the Chicago on October 13, 2011. All participants not only will go home with knowledge about what to introduce to baby and when, but how to prepare it in an easy way. Everyone will also take home a shopper tote filled with products and goodies from many of our partners who are sold at Whole Foods Market. Snacks and refreshments provided at each class. For more information, visit www.bumpclubandbeyond.com.

BCB Chicago Announces a Sibling City

By Jenn Larson, Bump Club and Beyond Austin

So the word is out... Bump Club and Beyond is GROWING!!!! It's thrilling to think that a new city of moms and moms-to-be will be gifted with the amazing experiences we have all had as BCB members; all the new friendships that will be made, all the information that will be shared, and ALL THOSE GIFTBAGS that will be given out! As a new mom, I find that I love a good birth story. Today I am proud to share a very recent birth story with you- the birth of Bump Club and Beyond AUSTIN!

Bump Club and Beyond has played a crucial role in my journey as a new mother. I found out I was pregnant shortly after moving to Chicago. Pregnancy itself can be overwhelming at times, but being pregnant in a new city far from family and friends can make the experience seem downright challenging. I was lucky to stumble upon Bump Club and Beyond early in my pregnancy. From my very first BCB event, I was hooked! I loved being able to get together with other women who were experiencing similar things and were just as eager to talk about sonograms or strollers as they were current events or fashion. I left every event feeling renewed and encouraged- and with an ever growing circle of amazing girlfriends. My Bump Club mama friends (who later became my playgroup!) were actually the last people to see me without a baby since I joined them all for Beautiful Bellies yoga the morning before I went into labor!

After giving birth to Baby N in March, I was very eager to join all the ladies who had moved beyond their baby bumps- I even made it to an event nine days after giving birth! Bump Club and Beyond played an even more important role in my life once I became a mom because it helped me to stay engaged with other moms and moms-to-be in ways that strengthened my parenting skills and left me feeling refreshed and energized. Putting a BCB event on the calendar, insured that I made it out of the house to recharge and socialize. Being around other women who were engaged in similar, often deliriously hilarious situations, gave me an opportunity to develop a sense of humor about the everyday challenges of parenthood. As I became a fixture at Bump Club and Beyond events, Lindsay asked me to serve as a guest blogger and then as a "Super Mom."

As Bump Club and Beyond celebrated booming success with Chicago moms and moms-to-be after being named Best Mommy Hub by Chicago Magazine, I learned that I was moving back to my beloved Austin, TX... but away from BCB! I sadly relayed the news to Lindsay at a Babyfood Making class that I was hosting as a BCB Super Mom. The idea must have sparked for both of us simultaneously.... it seemed like the perfect marriage: I loved BCB dearly, and Lindsay knew it was time for Chicago to share the BCB love with another city of beautiful moms and moms-to-be.

With that, a sibling city was born...

I hope you are as excited as I am to welcome Bump Club and Beyond Austin to the family! Please make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to hear the latest on our events and happenings. Watch for some fabulous contests in the coming weeks and our first event later this fall. I can't wait to see you soon!

A Few Important Reminders for Expectant/New Moms

It's always interesting going to Bump Club's Expectant Mom Dinner Series now that I myself am a mom. I see things from a totally different perspective now that I have a little one at home. But at the same time, without fail, I learn something new every time.

Our dinner this month was all about adapting to the emotional changes that come along with having a baby---the transition to becoming a parent, your relationship with your significant other, and most important, understanding the signs and differences between the baby blues and post-partum depression. The topic of this dinner was a little "heavier" than most, but something that is incredibly important, and rarely talked about.

A few things that I wanted to share and reiterate to expectant moms/brand new moms are:

1) Take care of yourself. This may seem like common sense, or maybe it seems purely insane now that you are also responsible for someone else. But if you are not taking care of yourself it is hard to take care of your baby. Dr. Sorkin talked a lot about trying to make sure you are sleeping (as much as possible), eating, and exercising. This was a good reminder as I think it's easy to forget sometimes when you have a newborn. No one expects you to be super woman---you just had a baby and certainly can't do it all!

I remember back to when Baby J was first born. Although it was only 9 months ago, I was in a completely different place. Things are hectic when you first come home from the hospital. You get into a what seems like endless routine of feeding, changing and sleeping (the baby, not you.) It's easy to forget to grab something for breakfast or a snack. Make sure you are keeping easy to eat food in your house so you can grab it and go.

When it comes to exercise---you can't do it until your doc tells you to, but if you can squeeze in a walk with or without your baby, it is great to get out of the house.

And in terms of sleep---we all know that new moms are a tired bunch. But try to nap when you can. It's easy to get used to doing things for yourself (showering?) or your house (the dishes?) while the baby sleeps. Keep in mind that a little cat nap here and there goes a long way. You also can get creative. Let your significant other bond with the baby after they get home from work, and go lay down for a few minutes to give yourself a rest.

2) Make time for your partner/significant other. It is going to seem in the beginning that you may never go out to dinner just the two of you again, but I promise, YOU WILL! Make sure that you are taking the time to do nice things for each other. They don't have to be over the top, just little gestures like asking how your day was, etc. This is especially true when either one of you goes back to work and is coming home for the first time---you or your significant other may feel like they missed out on something with the baby that day.

Also, take advantage of any help you can get from grandparents, siblings, aunts uncles, or friends. The baby is going to sleep a lot in the beginning. If the baby falls asleep and you have someone over at your house, ask them if they mind hanging out while you and your significant other walk to Starbucks, or go grab a an ice cream cone on the corner.

3) Try to get out of the house/Talk to other new moms. If you don't have access to mom events or groups like Bump Club and Beyond, try to find some new mom events or classes in your town. I started taking Baby J to "playgroup" when she was 3 weeks old. Trust me, playgroup wasn't for her---she slept the whole time. It was for me to get out, have something to do, and be around other new moms. We shared stories, strategies, and helped each other out with our babies while we ate lunch.

I also started taking a music class with J when she was 8 weeks old. I used to joke that this was my most expensive nap (she often slept through the whole thing.) But again, the class helped me to meet other moms and eventually J started waking up and truly LOVED the music. Once she was able to recognize it, she even smiled at certain songs.

4) Take people up on their offers to help. It's ok, I promise. Anyone loves to hold a baby. If they are offering, take them up on it. No one expects you to go at this alone. As Janeen Hayward said at our dinner, it really does take a village.

I formed Bump Club and Beyond when I was pregnant and looking to connect with other moms and moms-to-be. Part of why we are here is to offer support and resources while you are pregnant. Please make sure to ask us if you need anything and look on our website for further resources. If we are forgetting anything, or you need something specific, let us know and we will find it :)

I recently have felt like I find myself saying a lot: It's get's easier, I promise. And it does. Being a new mom is hard work. No one said it was easy. No one expects you to have all the answers. And no one expects you to be superwoman. Use the resources available to you, and if you need help, or advice, don't be afraid to ask for it. The first little bit goes by so fast, my best advice to you would be to try to enjoy it. While you are in it, it seems like forever, it can be hard. But six months down the road you are going to look back and won't believe how fast the time has gone.

Simply 'Classic' Photography

As many of you know, I am a HUGE proponent for taking pictures and preserving memories. One of the bonuses of being a new mom is that pictures have opened up a whole new world for giving gifts to my parents (now grandparents), in-laws, and even my husband. A recent photo shoot that Baby J had at Classic Kids Photography in Lincoln Park produced gifts for everyone. I was so in love with the photographs, I couldn't choose! These pictures are unique---they are only taken in black and white photography at the studio.

Baby J and I had so much fun with Lisa and her team as they snapped away at us. I say "snapped" because Classic Kids is one of the only photography studios in the city that still takes pictures using film. The resulting photographs can be described simply in one word: CLASSIC. The black and white images are incredible and their team knows just how to get your baby smiling and looking in the right direction.

My experience at Classic Kids didn't stop with the photo shoot. After my session we set up a time to come in and look at the proofs. I was surprised by how much fun I had, and how holding an image in your hand and playing around with the photographs on the table was so much fun. (Don't get me wrong, I love being able to use the computer to get rid of my wrinkles, but there was something amazing about holding the pictures and going through them.)

Sarah from Classic Kids helped me to combine the images into montages and groups that would compliment each other once framed. She made the process simple and easy---and I cannot WAIT to see the outcome.

Classic Kids pictures are different from any other that I have had taken of Baby J. They are truly special and perfect for that special occasion or milestone that you are looking to preserve. The only problem was that I easily could have bought all of the images had Lisa and Sarah not reigned me in! (I'm sure my husband will thank you for that later!)

Flying the Friendly Skies---again

I felt it only appropriate and necessary actually, to take to my blog after my flight experience earlier this week. As many of you know, the first time I flew solo with Baby J (which was also our last time on a plane), did not turn out so well. I ended up drenched in 12 oz. of baby vomit, only to freeze when I deplaned in Detroit over Memorial Day weekend.

The reason for this update is simple: REDEMPTION ON OUR FRIENDLY SKIES.

Most people couldn't believe that I was willing to fly solo with Baby J again so soon. But after the 4th of July holiday weekend we packed up and boarded another plane to head back to see family in D-town for the week. I did things a little differently this time. Let's just say I've learned a few lessons:

1-Since I don't fly for work anymore I decided to forgo my loyalty to my AAdvantage number. Let's face it, I won't be maintaining status next year anyways, I may as well fly an airline with more family friendly rules and passengers. In my past life as a business traveler I would cringe at the open seating policy on Southwest, but in my new life as a mom, it worked perfectly. J and I actually got two seats (since the plane was not full), close to the front, thanks to the loudmouth passenger who decided to broadcast to the whole plane not once, but twice that I had a baby with me. I get it---she didn't want to sit next to me. Guess what? GOOD! I got a free empty seat.

2. I didn't overfeed this time. Baby J got a bottle on the way up and was entertained with Baby Mum Mums (her snack of choice) throughout the entire flight. I kept breaking off tiny pieces and it kept her occupied the entire time. I doubt the people around me found it amusing as she squealed (make that screamed) with delight, but guess what? I didn't really care. I traded my cushy (sometimes business class) seat on AA for a different A, an A39 boarding position. For 40 minutes, the people around me could listen to a laughing baby. At least she wasn't crying, right? I figured that it could have been much worse. On the descent I gave her some Plum Organic Just Pears which she sucked down, and kept her ears from popping.

3. I took the advice of Hollie Schultz, my friend and owner of The Baby Gizmo Company. At our recent travel event Hollie gave the suggestion to pack in two bags: 1-An over the shoulder purse-like bag/weekender and 2-some kind of backpack. I'll be completely honest, I hadn't used a backpack since I went to summer camp, but managed to find one and put it to good use. I put all of my stuff (laptop, wallet, contacts, extra clothes, etc.) in my shoulder bag and placed it in the overhead bin. I packed J's stuff in the backpack and slid it under the seat in front of me. This arrangement worked PERFECTLY and I had everything at my fingertips. Oh, and I checked our suitcase for no fee as bags fly FREE on Southwest---a perk that will come in handy once my AA status runs out in December.

My one regret---bringing my carrier, I didn't need it. Southwest let's you take the stroller right up to the door of the plane. The B-Agile folds with one hand, and I left it to gate check. Another bonus to flying Southwest---you can still take any stroller with you. Granted, mine is under 17 lbs., but on AA you can't take anything over 20 lbs. anymore as a GATE CHECK. This means no doubles---so for all of you planning to fly with twins, I suggest you getting a Rapid Rewards number!

Overall, the trip was a success. I have somewhat redeemed myself and feel confident that I CAN still travel, even alone, with a baby. I will get back to you with a full report after we take the second leg of our round-trip later this week. Hopefully this post did not jinx my travel luck :)

BCB VIP Review: Baby Jogger City Mini

BCB VIP Mom, Julie Salmen, was the lucky winner of a Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller (retail value $239.99) during our Bump Club and Beyond VIP only contest earlier this spring. Below is her personal review of the stroller after using it for a couple of weeks. Check it out, and make sure to visit our Facebook page, and you too could have the chance to WIN a Baby Jogger City Mini!

Smooth Going for City Streets

A Product Review by Julie Salmen, Chicago

After trying four different strollers, the City Mini gets a top rating for ease of folding and storing. I have a small trunk and it fits even with a pack-and-play, golf clubs and other bags.

The City Mini is a smooth ride while roaming around bumpy city streets. Don’t be fooled by the Baby Jogger branding. This is not a stroller you can jog with (per the instructions manual), but the turning radius and skinny frame make it easy to go around corners and squeeze through tight spaces. The huge sunshade is bigger than most – a bonus to protect your child from the sun or to help him or her sleep without distractions.

Plan on taking only a few items since the bottom basket is quite small and hard to get to, and you are not supposed to put a bag on the stroller handle. Buying a cup holder for the handle will also help you travel with coffee or water. I found that the straps were a bit loose for my 6 month old but she is 35^th percentile for weight so she is running a little skinny. Overall a great stroller. Thanks City Mini!

Editor's Note: The Baby Jogger City Mini does have an adapter available for most infant carriers, making it usable for newborns who are in their infant carriers. Baby Jogger recommends placing the child in the stroller without the infant carrier at six months or once the baby can hold it's head up on it's own.

Meet our the BCB Super Mom Team!

We are so excited to introduce you to our first group of Bump Club and Beyond Super Moms! These eight women are so passionate about BCB that they will be working with us as brand ambassadors to continue to grow and expand our community. Not only will you see them as guests and participants at the events you attend, but they will be helping us to run our programming too, so that we can continue to offer youmore throughout your journey as moms and moms-to-be.

Take a minute to get to know them and please make sure to introduce yourself to them when you see them. They are incredible women, moms and now friends of ours. We could not be happier to make them a part of our community and yours. Stay tuned as we have a few more introductions coming next week!

Alina F.

I'm a native Chicagoan who returned to the city 5 years ago after more than a decade living and working as a healthcare marketing executive in Manhattan. A passionate urbanite, I live downtown in Lakeshore East and love exploring all that the city has to offer...particularly its cultural events and great eats. My husband Aaron and I welcomed our first child, a beautiful baby girl in April. BCB has been an amazing social platform and information resource that has been vital to my pregnancy and new mom experience. It not only helped us with challenges like getting our car seat properly installed and finding a night nurse but also enabled my husband and I to find an amazing group of new parent friends with whom we can share this remarkable experience. I'm excited to be a BCB Super Mom because it allows me to pay the blessings of Bump Club forward...to support and strengthen this unique resource so it can offer even more to the new mom community.


Carly C. I absolutely fell in love with Bump Club and Beyond when I was pregnant, and am thrilled to be a Super Mom! I have learned so much from my experiences and met great people along the way. The events that I've attended (every single one from the day i heard about bump club) have been instrumental in making me a better mom. Being a first time mom is scary, so attending the 'beyond' events have helped me find a new kind of support. I truly feel like Bump Club and Beyond played a huge role in my pregnancy and the mother I am today.





Claire F. I am choosing to be a Super Mom (super Mummy!) as I have enjoyed attending Bump Club events since I was about 4 months into my pregnancy. I continue to enjoy the 'beyond' events and have made lots of friend's whom I meet up with regularly. Finding Bump Club & Beyond was such a blessing for me and am proud to be part of it's growth. Almost 3 months into motherhood I've learnt so much so can help guide the new 'preggos' as well as spreading the word about BCB. I am a stay-at-home/work-from-home mum. From the UK (hence the 'mum'!) I am a Graphic Designer with a freelance business (www.claireludeman.com) and an Art/Design/Fashion brand called Rudy Ludy (www.rudyludy.com). Make sure to check out our unisex baby clothes!

Georgia M. I am pregnant with my first child due in September, and I'm excited to join other new and expectant moms in this wonderful ride of motherhood! Bump Club and Beyond has been a wonderous place where I have met so many women and have been able to share in the excitement of what's to come.






Jennifer H. It has been such joy for me to get to know Lindsay and the other moms-to-be/now moms through Bump Club! The events have been fun, informative and who doesn't enjoy a chance to win a fabulous gift you are, undoubtedly, registered for?!? Throughout my pregnancy, I loved talking to other women experiencing the same things I was and getting advice from others who had just been in my shoes. As a new mom, scheduling Bump Club and Beyond events in advance made sure I would get out the door to do something social and FUN! It was also great practice for me, packing up my little guy and heading to an event I didn't have to worry if he cried through (which he didn't, so we know he loves BCB, too!) I am thrilled to be a Super Mom for BCB. It is a smart organization providing a great service to a fabulous population of women in the Chicago area.

Jenn L.

Jenn Larson was thrilled last summer to find that she was pregnant at the same time as her best girlfriends. The only problem was, they were all 1,000 miles away in Texas. As a new Chicago transplant, Bump Club and Beyond provided Jenn an opportunity to build a support community as she embarked on the adventures of motherhood. "Without BCB, I would have been a new mom lost in a new city," says Jenn. "When I got to Chicago, I didn't have any idea where to go to find cute maternity clothes let alone where to go to find awesome women and children to form a playgroup for my baby. Bump Club certainly changed that!" A self-proclaimed urban hippie, Jenn has eagerly taken on breastfeeding, cloth diapering, elimination communication, and food allergy challenges with a sense of humor and a willingness to share her experiences with fellow moms and moms-to-be.

Miriam S.

I'm very excited for the opportunity to give back and be a super mom for BCB because this group has given so much to me. I'm not from Chicago and BCB has been a wonderful resource to meet other moms and expectant moms. Also, all of the events have provided me great information to help me through the pregnancy, birth and now motherhood. I'm really grateful BCB exists! Thanks Lindsay!

Rainbow P.

I was born and raised in New Jersey, lived in NYC for ten years before moving to Chicago to be with my now-husband, Andrew. I've lived here for almost three years--and still not used to the winters! I work in advertising as a TV producer...you've probably seen some of the TV ads I've produced--for Kohl's, Kmart, McDonald's, and Verizon to name a few. I love my job, but now, I have an even better job--a mom to a baby girl.

I joined Bump Club because I wanted to meet other soon-to-be moms and share the experience of being pregnant. I can actually say that not only did I enjoy being pregnant, but I now have a great set of new mom friends and am loving maternity leave. Who knew that maternity leave (and 42 weeks of pregnancy!) would be so fun and social?! I really believe I owe that to Bump Club.

I am very excited to be a Super Mom and hope I can share everything I have learned about pregnancy, labor, and being a mom with others expectant moms and new moms. Being pregnant and being a new mom can be very challenging--but it can also be really fun with a great support group. As a Super Mom, I hope that I can help people find that support, but also make these challenging times as fun as possible!