Story time at the library can be a great bonding and social experience for mom and baby.

I just learned that September is Library Card Sign Up Month thanks to a BlogHer post I saw on Facebook. Can I just say, EVERYBODY needs a library card. Gone are the days of Dewey Decimal card catalogs and all that nonsense (no offense to my librarian friends). I reserve my books online, and get an email when they’re ready to be picked up, thankyouverymuch.

The kids LOVE going there to play and “shop” for free in the books and DVD’s. It’s also a big treat for them to do self checkout with the scanners and their very own library cards.

The Lexington Public Library has an amazing schedule of story times for all ages—6 months to teens. I really like the class called The Young & The Restless. I’m betting it’s a great place to make friends who can commiserate with you.

If your child is born at University of Kentucky Hospital, you’ll get Baby’s First Library Card in a goody bag. Can’t get any easier than that! However, the application process is super simple, so don’t let that hold you back. In fact, adults can apply online!

Please check it out. You’ll be so glad you did.

Mother’s Day is MAY 9th! Just a few short weeks away! Do you know a mom-to-be that you’d like to honor this Mother’s Day? Nominate her to win a free 3D Ultrasound courtesy of Lexington Women’s Health!

What better way to celebrate being a new mom than to get a 3D preview!

Please send us your favorite mom-to-be’s name and email address by MAY 8th! Tell us why she is so important to you, and let us help you give her a wonderful Mother’s Day!

Please send your submissions to ads@babyinthebluegrass.com!

Do you like free stuff? How does a $50 Visa gift card sound? Or what about adorable outfits from local boutiques? We will be giving away lots of awesome things from our local sponsors in the months to come! Make sure you stay in the know by signing up for our e-newsletter, The Pregnant Pause. It’s easy and takes about 10 seconds, just head on over to www.babyinthebluegrass.com and sign up!

Stay tuned for our upcoming guest-blogger Sharon Tessandori, owner of Barefootworks Yoga Studio!

Happy Spring!!!

We are so excited to announce that the 2010 edition of Baby in the Bluegrass will be delivered this August!

From the beginning, it has been our goal to be the primary resource in Central Kentucky for pregnancy and newborn-related information. You requested less narrative and more resources from our next endeavor and that is exactly what you’re going to get! The 2010 edition will feature an updated, more extensive listing of mom-related resources in Central Kentucky, “Been there, done that” Mom & Dad-stories, as well as other parenting tips and information.

Online, please continue to visit www.babyinthebluegrass.com and connect directly with other local parents-to-be through our community boards. Also, don’t forget to check out our calendar with listings of all local classes, and sign up for our e-newsletter “Pregnant Pause” – which will feature lots of prizes in the coming months!

If you are a business owner, we invite you to participate by advertising with us! Download a copy of our rate card by 2010_rate card_web. Or email ads@babyinthebluegrass.com so someone from our team can contact you and discuss further this exciting and unique opportunity! Our last edition featured Nursery Time, Baby’s Room, St. Joe East, Baby Belly, Lexington Aesthetics, Portrait Shoppe, Pediatric & Adolescent Associates, P.S.C., and Essence Images just to name a few.  Do you want to get your business directly in front of EVERY mom in Central Kentucky who will have a baby this year? Contact us today!

Stay warm and be safe everyone!

The Baby in the Bluegrass Team

The iPhone really has changed the way we do things. If you have an iPhone, be sure you check out these cool apps… and be sure to leave a comment if you have your own suggestions.

Great Apps for New Moms

Baby Log ($4.99): Records diaper changes, feedings, naps, and bathing and can be exported to an Excel spreadsheet. What a dream this would have been with my jaundiced newborn.

Things ($9.99): A smart organization tool that helps you manage your to-do list, notes, projects and more.

Food Additives ($3.99): Find information about 450+ food additives that might be unsafe to you or your child’s health, ranked by risk factors. This one would probably just freak me out.

Expecting ($4.99): This app not only tracks your due date and OB appointments, but gives you tips and helpful facts relevant to each week of your pregnancy, plus a checklist and contraction timer for the big day. Wow! This would be good for expectant dad’s.

Baby Names ($4.99): Let’s you search, research and share potential baby names and then create, edit and reorder your favorites list.

Great iPhone Apps for Little Kids

Scribble (FREE): Lets kids (or parents) draw with their finger right on the screen and then shake to erase, like an etch-a-sketch. My friend’s twins love this game.

Bubbles (FREE): Make and play with bubbles. This sounds perfect for distracting toddlers. Also look for the Bubble Wrap app, and pop to your heart’s content.

Preschool Adventure ($0.99): Super cute games like space shapes, farm sounds and animal matching.

Super Monkey Ball ($9.99): I’m horrible at this game on XBox, but maybe I would improve by practicing with the iPhone version.

Flashmath ($0.99): Quick math problems with multiple difficulty settings from Kindergarten through 5th Grade.

Central Baptist Hospital is giving away free Pregnancy Journal & Organizers! Sign up today to get your copy!