Catch It's Hip Hop, Baby! in Ebony Magazine this month!

It's Hip Hip, Baby! is featured in Ebony Magazine this month. It's Hip Hop, Baby! is an educational DVD and CD for toddlers. Fun musical performances teach children the fundamentals they need to learn-- abc's, numbers, animals and colors. The CD features all of the music on the DVD in addition to two bonus tracks -- "Hip Hop Exercise" and "Fruit Song."

Visit our website at www.itshiphopbaby.com.

The Birthday Party Dilemma

When my son was born, my husband and I swore we would never be one of those parents who threw lavish birthday parties for our son. Lo and behold we're two months from celebrating his third birthday and I'm in the process of calling around for suitable venues, entertainment options (will a clown be too scary?), and deliberating on menu options (Are peanuts really off-limits?). Involuntarily, I feel like I've been sucked into some sort of vortex of a "toddler rite of passage." While weighing the decision of whether or not to host a birthday party for my soon-to-be three year old, which will include other two and three year olds (YIKES), there's far more reasons to have a blow-out party.

First, in my son's short three years on earth, he's been through quite a bit. He experienced a severe arm injury at birth, had corrective arm surgery when he was 10 months, and was diagnosed with a significant speech delay at 18 months. He currently receives speech, occupational, and physical therapy. He's been a trooper through it all.

Second, he's been a rock star at potty training. That alone deserves a party.

Third, he's a great kid with a lot of friends and friends with parents whom I really enjoy (Not to mention we're constantly being invited to birthday parties. Reciprocity may be in order here).

Fourth, my son loves a great party. He loves to dance, sing, and run around. He enjoys socializing and playing games. It's going to be joyful just watching him with his friends.

Finally, I actually enjoy event planning. I'm having a blast checking out birthday party websites to get ideas for themes (Trucks, Trucks and more Trucks). I've been a savvy negotiator when it comes to the venue space. I've even decided, in lieu of gifts, we're going to have a box for "Toys for Tots." That will be optional of course.

I'm at peace with my decision and I'm actually looking forward to the birthday bash. I've resolved my dilemma and I'm ready "to send in the clowns"(just kidding). We're flying the Wiggles in from London (again, I'm kidding).

I read a great remark, which I'll paraphrase here: Let the child be celebrated, not the party. This is what my husband and I plan to do. Hence, our dilemma is solved.

JeanJeannie

We Should Have Sympathy for the Ohio Mom Who Left Her Child in the Car

This week I was horrified to read about the mother and assistant principal in Ohio who accidentally left her child in her car for 8 hours while she attended meetings at school. She says a stop for donuts threw her off her regular routine and she forget she hadn't dropped her child off at daycare.

I watched people on various news reports condemn this mother for split second mistake that resulted in a deadly consequence. People were angry that the prosecutor ruled it a mistake and refused to press charges. If she did get charged, arrested and sentenced-- I don't think any prison could compare to the prison she's living in now. I'm a mother. And I feel horrible when my child comes home with a bump on head or falls under my watch. Imagine the internal hell you'd be feeling if you made the fatal mistake that killed your child. I can't begin to understand how painful it must be for this mom and her family. I just hope more people will take the time to put themselves in her shoes before they pass judgment or publicly condemn her.

It's Hip Hop, Baby! Gets Down at the Chicago Living and Giving Gift Show

It's Hip Hop, Baby! makes a splash at Chicago's premier gift show-- The Living and Giving Show at the Merchandise Mart.
Boutiques, Toy Stores, Hospital Gift Shops and Baby/Children stores are excited about this new educational DVD and CD for cool kids ages 2-6. On the showroom floor scenes from "It's Hip Hop, Baby!" the educational DVD entertain hundreds of buyers from the Great Lakes region as they pass buy in search of the perfect gift item for their stores.
Visit www.itshiphopbaby.com for store locations near you.
It's Hip Hop, Baby! where education and fun are wrapped up in one.

IT'S HIP HOP, BABY! AND THE BABY BOUTIQUE EXPO- JULY 15TH

It's Hip Hop, Baby! an educational DVD for babies, toddlers and preschool aged children will be featured at the Baby Boutique Expo. Baby Boutique Expo is the place where cool moms and dads, preschool teachers, doctors, childcare providers and children go to have fun and check out the latest in products for baby and child. The Baby Boutique Expo has lots of activities for children including a Gymboree and Kohls Children's Museum play area, a mother daughter model search and so much more. Vendors from all over the city of Chicago will be selling the hottest baby clothing and trendy gift items. It's fun for entire family.

Come out Sunday July 15 from 10am to 4pm at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel in Northbrook (at Dundee and Skokie Blvd off the Edens Expressway).

It's Hip Hop, Baby!-- the ultimate educational experience your child will love-- is proud to be affiliated with the Baby Boutique Expo. We'll see you there!