When it's time to bring the new addition to the family home, a fun and inviting place to sleep and play is sure to give the newborn a grand welcome. You've probably spent weeks, even months decorating before baby's arrival, but you can still freshen up the baby room regularly to keep your newborn happy as a clam. Whether you pick up a set of Uglydolls to make them giggle or fill up the room with creative toys to nurture a future genius, you have dozens of option for creating a fun and inviting place for your little one.

Dolls and stuffed character toys will easily become your baby's new best friends, so choose wisely; most of these will carry them through their toddler years. Uglydolls are ready to share their story and will make great companions for bedtime stories. Pick up Ice Bat, Uglydog or Abima as a set to get started. Newborns might also find comfort in an oversized stuffed animal; pick up a friendly Chimpanzee or Giant Sea Turtle for some extra TLC during those days of growing pains.

Decorate the room with some vintage ABC blocks, and you'll be creating a nostalgic baby or toddler room. Oversized cushions and pillows emblazoned with the alphabet are a few ideas for building a classic toy room. As your newborn gets older, you can make learning the ABCs fun. Wooden blocks are large enough for kids as young as two years of age, and the blocks sit neatly in a tray when it's time to clean up. Some oversized puzzles and games are another way to encourage a little early learning. The Melissa & Doug Jumbo ABC/Numbers sets are great for decorating a room and playing with when your baby gets older. Decorate the room with a few sets of these blocks scattered on shelves or baby furniture - a surefire way to get your little one on the fast track to learning!

Themed blankets and bedding accessories can also help you create a unique and attractive spot for your little one. Pick up a plush pink blanket for your little princess or a simple reversible jersey cotton blanket for the little prince.

Preparing an elder child for a new baby is quite a challenge. Though your older son or daughter may be fascinated by the changes in your body during pregnancy, he or she may be less than thrilled when a real live baby shows up and demands Mommy's attention 24/7.

There are a few things you can do to make her feel better about the whole thing. Give your older child the role of "big sister" or "big brother" as soon as possible, so they start to think of the baby as theirs rather than as an interloper. If she's old enough to do it discreetly, tell her first and give her the opportunity to tell the rest of the family.

Reassure her constantly that her place in the family is special, both before and after the baby is born. I tell my kids that there's no one who can replace my firstborn in my heart, and no one who can replace my baby in my heart. (I only have 2 kids, so if you have more you might want to just call them by name...no one can replace my 2nd and 3rd kids just doesn't have the same ring to it!)

When you bring the baby home from the hospital, it's helpful to have the dad bring her in so the mom can give some extra attention to the elder child. I told my older daughter (completely truthfully) that I missed her terribly the two nights I was away from her in the hospital and it made her feel much better.

Above all, don't get upset if your normally sweet-natured, older child throws tantrums or starts regressing. A new sibling is a big adjustment and this behavior is normal.

I breastfed my younger daughter for exactly one week due to the fact that my older daughter would run in the room and bounce on the bed every time I tried it, which caused me intense pain. In retrospect, I might have solved this problem if I'd thought of a way to include her in the procedure.

As the parents of multiples, one of your biggest challenges is keeping your kids' shoe wardrobes sized properly and fashionably up-to-date. With the cost of even a modest pair of shoes well over $25, you can easily invest several hundred dollars each year just keeping your multiples in shoes. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your kids in great looking shoes year round without breaking the bank.

Shoe Tips for Multiples No. 1: BOGO Sales

One of the easiest ways to cut your shoe expenses in half when you have multiples is to shop for shoes during BOGO (buy one get one free) sales. These sales happen throughout the year. To get the discount, all you have to do is buy one pair of shoes, and then you can select a second pair of equal or lesser value for free. You will want to buy good shoes during these sales, and if you have the money, stock up on shoes one or two sizes larger for when your multiples outgrow their current shoe size.

Shoe Tips for Multiples No. 2: Accessorize Cheap Shoes

If your multiples are interested in fashion and want to expand their shoe wardrobe, and you don't have a lot of money to work with, buy canvas sneakers, the kind that retail for less than $10. Then accessorize them. Buy a basic color like white or black. Then find shoes laces of different colors and designs to add a fashionable flare to the shoe. You can also use pins to change the look of the shoes. This is a quick and affordable way to offer your multiples a variety of shoe choices without breaking the bank.

Shoe Tips for Multiples No. 3: Learn Basic Shoe Repair Skills

Dress shoes are worn infrequently, and your kids will most likely out grow them before they are worn out. Because of this, you can find dress shoes in many clothing consignment stores for less than half their original retail price. You can buy dress shoes at these stores, replace their laces and shine them up for a great looking pair of shoes. This is a great option for parents with multiples who are still very young.

Being pregnant doesn't mean you have to stay home for nine months with your feet up on the couch. If you're an executive experiencing her first pregnancy, you won't want to call off the annual sales meeting in Mazatlan due to morning sickness, and if you're a stay-at-home mom with number three on the way, numbers one and two aren't going to want to see Disney World over Columbus Day weekend any less. With a few precautions, though, travel during pregnancy can be both safe and comfortable.

The easiest time to travel during pregnancy, like the easiest time to do most things during pregnancy, is the second trimester, when you are feeling great, but travel can occur during the other trimesters as well. (I took a long car trip during the first trimester of my second pregnancy while suffering from horrendous morning sickness and unexplained bleeding. It was doctor-approved and the micro-brewed ginger ale I picked up in South Carolina helped with the nausea, while the sight-seeing helped distract me from the worry.) Of course, air travel for women in their third trimester is not recommended unless it's absolutely necessary, but other than that, you can pretty much do as you please.

When travelling by car, bus, plane or train, limit the amount of travel time to six hours at a time and be sure to take walks or stretch periodically to keep your circulation stimulated. Travelling by sea is not recommended due to the potential for seasickness and the fact that anti-nausea medications may not be approved for use during pregnancy.

International travel is acceptable as well if your OB/GYN okays it, but be sure to make sure you're immunized properly before going and carry a copy of your health records with you in case of emergency. The potential for diarrhea in a foreign country is the worst concern for pregnant women; drinking bottled water, canned juices or soft drinks, avoiding raw fruits and vegetables, and making sure all dairy products are pasteurized will go a long way towards alleviating that concern.

Finally, dress comfortably in loose clothing made of natural fibers, wear comfortable shoes, and carry snack foods with you in order to keep your energy up and your nausea down.

comfortable shoes,

Your little one deserves to be the center of attention, so why not dress them up in the picture perfect onesie for that upcoming event? One-piece suits, also known as onesies, make great matches for newborns and preemies who need a sometimes-hourly diaper change, and today's unique styles and color combos can turn your little one into the star du jour.

Onesies made with terry cloth and light cotton are a great match for daytime activities. You can find a very comfortable jumpsuit that gives your little one freedom to play. The more deluxe styles are designed as miniature polo dresses, hooded jumpsuits and even faux bodysuits, which might be the best fit for those Sunday celebrations.

When you're heading off to a luncheon or dinner party, let your kid sport something like the le top Kids Buttons & Bows jumpsuit; it's decked out in a rhinestone bow and ruffles, adding a touch of sophisticated style to their ensemble. This one is also great for holiday revelries. If you just add some patent leather shoes to the outfit, she'll be well on her way to charming everyone's socks off.

For boys, the cachcach Mini Animal Safari Tiger Suit is sure to make the crowds roar. This wild outfit features a hood with ears, giving him a chance to play tiger for the day and look oh-so-cuddle-worthy for any passerby. This is another great fall/winter onesie, because it seals in the heat. You won't need to wrap him up in an extra blanket for too long, and it has a super-comfy, casual style that suits nearly any occasion.

And of course, when it's time to just romp around and play for the day, the boys will look ever so naughty in the Small Paul Skurvy Onesie, sporting skull and crossbones to show their might. And the curious girl who wants to explore the toy chest? Dress her up in the Hatley Summer Garden, a 100-percent, cotton onesie that will keep her looking plenty sweet no matter how much trouble she gets into.

Remember, the best thing about onesies is the easy snap closure. You can change out those diapers in a flash, which gives you more time to enjoy the moment, and let everyone ogle and praise your little star!

One of the challenges of being a parent of multiples is that you have to deal with space issues, especially if you live in a small apartment or a small house. However, there are several space saving tips you can use to maximize the usable space you have. The follow space saving tips will help you find creative places for your multiples' toys, clothes and furniture.

Space Saving Tip No. 1: Furniture Placement
Furniture placement is going to be key to maximizing the floor space in your home. If you need to place your multiples in the same room, it is important that the furniture be laid out so each multiple has their own unique space. Bunk beds work well for multiples because when they are little you can place both bunks on the floor and then stack them when they get older. To get the most usable floor space when you have both bunks on the floor, push each bed against a different wall. This will leave the center of the room open.

Space Saving Tip No. 2: Look for Hidden Storage Space
You may be surprised to learn that there are numerous hidden storage spaces all over your house and apartment. The most usable hidden storage space is under beds. On average you have between 10 and 20 square feet of storage space under your bed. To use this space you can use plastic storage bins or even large plastic zipper bags. This is a great place to store kids' clothes or toys.

Space Saving Tip No. 3: High Spaces
When trying to organize your kids' stuff don't forget about the usable space near the ceiling. To use this space for storage you can hang a cargo net for stuffed animals or you can install shelving units. If you use this storage option then you will need to make sure that there is a safe way to access the items, and that your young kids can't climb up the shelving unit or pull things down on top of them from the shelves. You can use a safety gate to block access to the shelves or a Velcro mesh to keep the contents of the shelf from being pulled down.

Eating right during each trimester
can go a long way towards making pregnancy easier. For one thing it can
help prevent the problem my best friend had when her husband and son
had to eat takeout for dinner every night for four months because she
couldn't stomach the smell of food. Each trimester has its own needs,
but if you follow a few helpful tips you can ensure that your family
doesn't have to survive on Wendy's, your baby grows properly, and you
don't need to wear elastic waistbands for a year or three after you have the baby.

Eating Right During The First Trimester
Morning
sickness is the biggest enemy during the first trimester. For both my
mother-in-law and me, the mere thought of chicken sent us into a head
spin that was the first sign that we were pregnant (another sign is
foods you normally love suddenly tasting very, very off). There are a
few easy ways to combat morning sickness, though: carry around bland
foods like crackers that will help settle your stomach when it does
occur; indulge in snacks made from real ginger, like gingerbread,
gingersnaps, ginger beer (non-alcoholic but stronger tasting than
ginger ale), or candied ginger, which have serious anti-nausea
properties; and take good pre-natal vitamins so if your diet isn't so
great during this difficult time, the baby will still get the goodies
she or he needs.

Eating Right During The Second Trimester
The
second trimester is the golden age of pregnancy. This is when you glow
and everyone loves you. There are only two real concerns during the
second trimester. Gestational diabetes sometimes shows up now, so go
for all the tests your doctor recommends and eat whole grains rather
than sugar or refined starches. Also, allergies can be exacerbated
during the second trimester as the body tries to protect the growing baby,
so be extra vigilant about any foods that normally give you trouble,
and if you react to a known allergen food that you've never had trouble
with before (shellfish, peanuts and dairy are common culprits), avoid
it for the rest of the pregnancy.

Eating Right During The Third Trimester
Problems
during the third trimester include loss of appetite (due to your organs
getting crowded by the kid), constipation and heartburn. To combat loss
of appetite, eat 6 small meals a day 4 hours apart rather than larger
meals three times a day. Include lots of fiber and avoid spicy foods,
even if it's 3 days beyond your due date and the old wives tell you
they'll induce labor.
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I love autumn. It's my favorite time of year. I love to be outside without feeling the sun will melt you. As a family, we get a lot more active during the fall as well. It is not too cold to do outside things like bike riding, walking, picnicking and hiking, yet it is cool enough that we remain comfortable -- as long as we are wearing jackets.
Choosing a jacket for children
Part of choosing jackets for children is getting the right balance that allows for some warmth, but that does not result in overheating. The jacket should be something that allows your child to participate comfortably in fall family recreation activities. Here are some considerations when choosing a fall jacket for children:

Durability

You want a jacket that will last a while and hold up under the rough use that children can sometimes put clothing through. Spending a little more for high quality now can mean that you have a jacket that lasts longer -- and that can be worn by subsequent children.

Size

We like to buy our son's jackets a little too large. Children grow quickly. If you want the jacket to be around for the spring, it can be helpful to get a jacket that is a size larger than what your child would normally wear. Of course, do not get it too large. Otherwise, it may hinder your child in some of their activities.

Easy on and off

Try to choose a jacket with a front zipper. This makes it easy to take on and off, and your child can even do it him or herself. Additionally, a front-zip jacket makes it easy to open the jacket a little for cooling, without having to take it off entirely.

Pockets for hands

Pockets can be a great place for hands to keep warm. My son keeps gloves in his pockets as well, making them easy to reach and pull on before a breezy fall bike ride.

Dressing well during pregnancy is a lot easier now than it was when I had my first child 10 years ago. The options are so numerous at different price points that it's easy to be stylish and comfortable without spending a fortune, and with careful planning you can find clothes that you can actually modify and continue to wear once you've had the baby.

Maternity clothes aren't really needed during the first trimester, although in your excitement about the baby you're likely to want to run out and buy them the moment the little line appears on the stick. Wait a while, really, because by the third trimester you'll be sick of the sight of them, and by the second kid you won't be willing to put maternity pants on until you're ready to pack your bags for the hospital.

Here are a few tips to make dressing during pregnancy easier:
During the first trimester, you almost certainly can get away with wearing regular clothes in styles that accommodate changes to your figure, such as the Empire-waist blouses that are so popular right now. Your breasts will be larger than usual due to hormones, so purchase a well-made supportive bra. A nursing bra is a good investment even this early, as it will be one of the few items you'll be able to continue to use for months or even years after the baby is born.

Feet will swell over the course of the pregnancy too, so if you buy shoes at this time, go for a half-size larger.

The second trimester is when maternity clothes become appropriate. Dresses are a great option for work, although some upscale lines such do also make maternity suits. For casual wear, tops and maternity pants are probably the easiest choice. Maternity pants come in two basic styles: elastic-waist, which expand to fit your belly, and under-the-belly waists, which just hang below the baby bump. Try both kinds on to see which is more comfortable for you, but remember that how you feel the first week of the second trimester compared to the end of the pregnancy may be very different.

Liz Lange has also come up with a line called The Fourth Trimester that is intended for transitional wear after the baby is born, although most of us are resigned to the fact that you may need to keep wearing maternity clothes for a couple of months postpartum. Just make sure you're not still doing it when the "baby" turns six!

Whether you're traveling with a feisty toddler or a newborn that needs some extra special care, heading off to that next destination with an organized tote can save you a few headaches along the way. Instead of investing in a giant black-hole-of-a-bag that leaves you rummaging through dozens of accessories in an emergency situation, a tote equipped with compartments and zippers can help keep things organized and accessible.

Tote bags made with extra-cushioned handles and support straps are also excellent ways to save your back from unnecessary stress. Here are some absolute musts when it comes to selecting the right carryall for your busy travel days ahead:

1. Take a Sweet Escape. If you're looking for something simple and versatile, the O'Neill Sweet Escape might be your ideal match. This one's designed with double shoulder straps and a stylish faux leather trim; with two front pockets and plenty of zipped pockets for the cell phone and other gadgets, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the trip with your day's worth of supplies.

2. Spice up the Diaper Bag. Diaper bags that look like a structure-less bucket are cumbersome to tote around and hardly fashionable. Get your hands on a chic and stylish number from Sally Spicer for a designer look without the fuss. This one features a sturdy platform bottom and multiple slip pockets to keep you organized.

3. Power up the Stroller. The ultimate in versatility, the DadGear Totes are perfect for days when the stroller is going along the travel route with the family. This handy tote features two super-size pockets and small zippered compartments for easy storage. You've also got stroller straps right on the bag for easy carrying when the stroller is a necessity, but the bag can serve just as well as an independent carryall.

Whether you're heading out on a weekend picnic or battling through the crowds at the grocery store with kids in tow, a sturdy tote bag is all you need to make it a smooth-sailing trip. Just fill 'er up with diapers, toys, extra bottles and handiwipes so you're well-prepared for any mishap or temper tantrum along the way!

DadGear Totes

As kids get older it is important for them to learn about responsibility. One of the easiest ways to teach kids about responsibility is to give them chores to complete. The purpose of the chores is not to provide parents with free labor, although that is a pleasant side effect, but instead it is to make kids feel like they are an important part of the family. As the parents of multiples you face a challenge, figuring out how to assign chores that will seem fair and that will provide each multiple with the opportunity to learn new skills and to develop their own interests.

Assigning Chores Option No. 1: Chore Rotation
You have a few options when it comes to assigning chores. The first option is to create a list of chores and to rotate who does what. When you first assign chores you need to be realistic about what your kids can handle, and the chores need to be age appropriate. For example, great starter chores for young kids can be putting their toys away, putting their clothes in the hamper and filling the dog's water and food dishes. As your multiples get older you can assign more complicated chores like folding clothes, taking out the garbage and doing the dishes. The rotation of chores option allows your multiples to try each chore out at least once.

Assigning Chores Option No. 2: Interest Based Assignments
After your multiples have tried out the various chores that are available in your household, you can ask each one which chores they like and which ones they don't like. Hopefully, their like/dislike lists will not overlap and you will be able to divvy up the chores based on what each multiple likes to do. This will not only make doing chores more enjoyable, but it will also encourage your multiples to develop individual interests. Another option that you have is to ask each of your multiples what they like to do and then find a chore that will allow them to explore that interest.

Assigning Chores Option No. 3: The Wheel of Chores
The third option that you have is to make the chore selection into a weekly game. At the beginning of each week have each multiple spin a wheel labeled with different chores, or have them draw a chore from a hat. This will make the assignment of chores fun and by putting a one week limit on the chore they are assigned, if they have a chore they don't like to do, they only have to do it for a week.