BabyTime Blog

BabyTime Expo Goes on Maternity Leave

2010-02-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who supported the 2009 BabyTime Expo events in Las Vegas and San Diego.

Over the past 2 years we have produced 6 shows and 6 babies, and there is yet another baby due in the spring.

Many of you have contacted us about our 2010 schedule. We are reviewing the many suggestions and comments that you so kindly sent, with the aim of making the shows better, and in order to do that, have decided not to produce a show in 2010.

In essence we are pulling in the family unit, working with a few select sponsors and exhibitors to creatively produce a stronger, more helpful series of shows in 2011. Plans are underway to make BabyTime Expo the best possible resource for all things baby and toddler including vendors, activity centers, education, and entertainment. We’ll keep in touch as we put it all together.

However- we would like to announce our endorsement of Bebe Paluzza Productions. Bebe Paluzza Productions has demonstrated that they produce wildly successful maternity, baby and toddler consumer show in the USA - "Everything from Bellies to Tots". In 2010, they are hosting shows in Austin, Chicago, Denver, Des Moines and Indianapolis. We encourage you to reach out to Jenn Kampmeier, jenn@indybabyexpo.com, to obtain additional information about their shows. While BabyTime Expo may not be producing shows in 2010, we still believe that with thousands of consumers attending the Bebe Paluzza Productions shows you will continue to be able to direct market to consumers.

If you are interested in joining our advisory committee, please contact Mindi Cherry at mcherry@convexx.com or (702) 450-7662 x103
Regards,

BabyTime Expo Family
www.BabyTimeExpo.com

Babies Babies Everywhere

2009-07-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

by Kate Peterson

Some of you may recall that I announced my cousin who had been through holy heck trying to get pregnant finally did it. Well her little girl was born earlier this week. But as usual, it was not a walk in the park for her.

My cousin is a petite woman and a week prior to giving birth, the doc said that the head was in the 94th percentile. I was surpised that they were not going for a c-section.

Her water broke at 3am and finally at 11pm they decided it was time for a c-section when she developed a fever. Her placenta had torn. Has anyone ever heard of that?

After she gave birth, the doctor told her mother that the placenta had torn, but her ovaries were still in tact. Was there of chance of them NOT being in tact? He didn't elaborate.

Just wondering....oh and Christine - better watch out what details YOU give me - 24 more days to go!!!

Baby Sandler has arrived

2009-06-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

by Kate Peterson

Many of you who worked with BabyTime Expo came to know Michelle Sandler in our office. Well, she has joined the ranks of moms with newborns yesterday when she gave birth to Cameron Patrick Sandler. Cameron joins his older brother Ryan in the growing Sandler family! Both Michelle and Cameron are doing great and headed home from the hospital shortly. Congrats to the proud new parents, Michelle and Alex!

San Diego BabyTime Expo

2009-06-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

This weekend was such a great success thanks to all of our sponsors and exhibitors. We had a terrific turn out both Saturday and Sunday. Her are some pictures!

Press Release

2009-06-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2009

Contact: Mindi Cherry, CEM, Vice President
Tel: 702.450.7662, ext. 103
MCherry@ConvExx.com
www.BabyTimeExpo.com
http://babytimeexpo.blogspot.com

BABYTIME EXPO OFFERS ACTIVITES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Children’s Favorite Characters, join Rachel Coleman of Signing Time along with Mamapalooza and more………

Las Vegas, NV….. BabyTime Expo, a weekend experience celebrating babies and toddlers and their families will feature all the providers and goods needed to fill babies’ and toddlers’ lives with fun, joy and good health. With more than 100 vendors, the show will include product manufacturers, retailers and service providers aimed at pregnant women and children ages 0 – 4. BabyTime Expo is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday June 13 and Sunday, June 14, at the San Diego Convention Center. Tickets are $6 for adults. Admission is free for grandparents and children under 12.

“There will be something for everyone”, announced Mindi Cherry, Show Manager. “Kidsville of San Diego is bringing along everyone’s favorite characters and story time, while there is music on the stage and interactive activities on the show floor every minute of both days.”

Emmy nominated Rachel Coleman, co-creator of Signing Time will be a featured presenter during BabyTime Expo. Slated for 1:00pm Saturday, June 13th on the Events Stage, Coleman teaches ASL vocabulary to children of ALL abilities in a fun and engaging way.

Sponsored by Mamapalooza, the international network of women dedicated to mom-branded entertainment, the Events Stage will also feature Eileen Carey, the award winning country-pop music star, Women on the Move, a coalition of singer/songwriters, and Hullabaloo, a farm-fresh, free-range, organic kid-folk band.

BabyTime Expo is a fun weekend outing for the whole family. Alongside vendors with all things baby and toddler, BabyTime Expo will feature special activities including a fun zone for toddlers, fashion shows, a Diaper Derby, and a Daddy Derby. The first 50 moms-to-be each day will receive a bag filled with over $500 of products and services specifically for pregnant women, sponsored by The Bump. There will be over 100 prizes handed out; including a brand new crib and mattress. A free professional photo of every child will be available as well.

A complete schedule of events, and more information regarding the Show including how to purchase discount tickets can be found on the website, www.BabyTimeExpo.com.

About ConvExx

ConvExx, an independent show management company is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV and has produced shows all over the US and overseas. The team has five CEMs (Certified in Exhibition Management) and the executive team has over 60 years of combined show, event and meetings experience. ConvExx produces both tradeshows and consumer events, including the Trade Show 200 top 5 show – The SEMA Show, and the Las Vegas BikeFest™. For more information about ConvExx and all its services, please visit www.ConvExx.com or call 702-450-7662, ext. 102

Water Play

2009-06-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

by Kate Peterson

Our almost 2 year old loves the water. The problem is that he likes to drink the water. If he's in the bath, he has no problem leaning over and taking a sip. If he is playing on his water table he will pour some into his mouth. If he is in the kitchen he will stick his hand in the dog's bowl and then stick it in his mouth (yikes!). He doesn't have the same issue in the pool strangely enough.

Any ideas on how to convince him to STOP drinking water that is not in a sippy cup or bottle?

Afraid to deliver

2009-06-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

I am 26 days away from my delivery due date and I am starting to freak out. I keep telling myself that I have been through this before 8 years ago with my son but that isn't helping.

I am scheduled for a normal delivery which scares me even more because I know the pain is coming. I have the nursery ready but no the hospital bag. My husband wants the baby to come today and I am just not mentally ready for the pain.

I am really good about pain but as the big day approaches I get so frightened. I don't want to express this feeling to anyone and here I am blogging about it.

I don't know what I can do to ease my fears... any ideas?

Stitches

2009-05-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

By Kate Peterson

So our little man ended up with 5 stitches (Happy Mother's Day). After a very long wait in the emergency room we finally got home at 4am.

Today he is going to get the stitches removed. Does anyone have any home remedies that REALLY WORK to reduce scarring?

2009-05-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who attended and exhibited at BabyTime Expo Las Vegas. The event was a tremendous success with over 4,800 attendees and 72 exhibiting companies.

Congratulations to everyone who won a prize and especially to our Grand Prize Winners – Joey, Tara and Tracy! Thank you again to Dagerman’s Just for Kids, Flexa Shop Las Vegas and Go Mama Go Designs for donating the Grand Prizes!

The event was a fun-filled weekend with entertainment for all ages including Emmy nominated Rachel Coleman of Signing Time and magician Will Roya. Elmo, Chuck E. Cheese and Blue from Blue’s Clues also made an appearance at the show.

Thank you again for helping to make BabyTime Expo Las Vegas a big hit! We hope to see you next year and hope that you tell all of your family and friends in San Diego to join us June 13-14 at the San Diego Convention Center for BabyTime Expo San Diego!

Have comments about the show? Leave them here on our blog or email us at info@babytimeexpo.com.

Mindi Cherry, Show Manager

BabyTime Expo Las Vegas

2009-05-12T11:08:00.000-07:00

We had our first show of 2009 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas. It was a huge success. The aisles were crowded, the exhibitors were selling, and the attendees were having fun! My kids went in the bounce house twice, got their faces painted, did a craft, and both got balloon animals. Allison even helped cheer on the Diaper Derby.

Here's a video clip of our day:

We are adopting a baby from Ethiopia

2009-05-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

We are Aaron and Whitney Pratt, and are soon going to be parents to a baby from Ethiopia!
We have been happily married since July 23, 2005, nearly 4 years this summer! Our love story has always involved children. We met while working at the same elementary school. For three years, we actually got to work at the same school again where Whitney worked as a preschool director & lead teacher, and Aaron taught world geography & coached soccer. We love to spend time together with our numerous nieces and nephews. Hours and hours have been spent talking about our future family, and a year and a half into marriage, we were ready to start our own family!
We pursued international adoption after two years of trying to start our family without success. We decided early on that we would adopt someday regardless. Instead of pursuing any fertility treatments, our "Someday" began December 23, 2008 when we realized this is our opportunity to give a child a loving home through adoption! Over Christmas, we announced our excited journey to family, and we were met with tremendous support and love! January 5, 2009, after research and prayer, we found our agency All God's Children International (www.allgodschildren.org) out of Portland, Oregon. We saw the countries that they serve, and immediately fell in love with the sweet faces of Ethiopia and the great need there. We applied for and were accepted into the Ethiopia program and are thrilled to be in the process to adopt a baby between 3 months to 12 months boy or girl! Our child will be living at All God's Children's orphanage called Hannah's Hope in Addis Ababa. We, then, selected Hope Cottage (www.hopecottage.org) in Dallas, Texas to work with us on our home study process. The time frame given is 12-16 months from beginning to end, and our process has been extremely smooth. We hope to be on the waiting list soon, then called one day with a referral of a child for us! Soon after, we fly to Ethiopia and stay there for 5-7 days, and come home as a family of three!
The world has over 147 million orphans, and 4.6 million of them live in Ethiopia. 720,000 children have been orphaned by AIDS alone. 44% of the population is under 15 years old. Ethiopia's doctor to child ratio is 1 to 24,000. One in ten children don't see their 1st birthday. One is six children don't make it to their 5th birthday. Half of the children in Ethiopia will never attend school. Per capita, Ethiopia receives less aid than any country in Africa. Ethiopia is a country full of precious people and a beautiful, rich culture that we look forward to incorporating into our home.
We are overjoyed to become "Mommy" and "Daddy" to a precious child in Ethiopia, and have peace knowing that God already knows which child will be ours. A child needs a loving home, and we have love to give!

Aaron and Whitney Pratt

Day one of BabyTime Expo Las Vegas

2009-05-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

Today was a great success at the South Point. Attendees lined up at 7am to enter the Show. People swarmed the aisles all day and vendors ran out of product. We couldn't have asked for a better turn out. We look forward to seeing the same swarm of people tomorrow! Thank you to all of sponsors and vendors for your support. We look forward to San Diego in June.

DJ Baby Chino to Perform at BabyTime Expo Las Vegas!

2009-04-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

In a city where everything seems to be larger-than-life, it is a tiny character who is readying to set the town on fire! Las Vegas’ own DJ Baby Chino is a six-year-old phenom, who is also the world’s youngest DJ. Not your usual young boy, DJ Baby Chino is a true music connoisseur, spinning a wide array of genres, from old school to hip hop.

DJ Baby Chino will be spinning his “wheels of steel” at the Baby Time Expo on May 2nd and 3rd from 2:45pm until 3:30pm.

Embarrassing Moment

2009-04-27T15:13:00.000-07:00

by Kate Peterson

I went out to get the paper on Saturday morning from my driveway. My adorable son waited patiently in the doorway. When I got back to the doorway, he was reluctant to let me close the door. He finally grabbed onto my pajama pants and gave them a good tug. Elastic waistbands are bad, bad things. For anyone out on my street that morning, I apologize for the early morning moon!!!

Pool Time

2009-04-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

by Kate Peterson

It was finally warm enough to go in the pool last weekend. In the past my little man loved hanging out in his floatie, but now all he wants to do is JUMP in the pool. It's getting a bit exhausting as I have to catch the little guy.

Does anyone have any suggestions for good floatation devices that WORK for kids who like to jump in the pool? He's 20 months old and a peanut - only about 21 pounds.

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Kids and Dentists don't mix

2009-04-20T11:12:00.000-07:00

I took my 8 year old to the dentist this morning and it was the worst experience ever. My son Ryan has never had a bad experience at the dentist. This morning was supposed to be a quick routine sealant of the molars.

As the dental assistant began to prep Ryan's teeth he began to moan and put his hands near his face due to the clamp she used to open his mouth. The dental assistant began to get nervous so she stopped the process and waited for the dentist which took about 30 minutes.

Once the dentist began to explain the procedure to Ryan, everything seemed to proceed just fine. Until Ryan started moaning, groaning, grabbing his face and hyperventilating. The dentist was only able to seal one tooth before sedating my son with a shot. All the sudden Ryan calmed down until he got sick to his tummy. Then the whole situation changed.

Ryan was getting sick and the dentist had to stop in his tracks. Long story short Ryan is home sleeping now and we have to go back at the end of the month to complete the procedure. This time the dentist is going to put him to sleep.

What a drama... obviously Ryan is a nervous child and I have no clue how to help him overcome his fears. When he was young he used to work him self up so much that he would make himself sick. How do I help him? Any ideas??

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You Named Your Kid WHAT?????

2009-04-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

by Kate Peterson

When I was pregnant with my son, we picked out his name pretty early on - Lucas Xavier. Although my husband always says that he wanted his name to be Xavier Raymond so he could call him X-Ray. We even have engraved gifts from friends that say X-Ray on them - he really couldn't let the idea go.

In that spirit, some of my office buddies and I have been keeping a list of strange names we have come across and I thought I would share:
Spanky
Babar
Shazam
Zbignew
Zna
Elwood
Luv (for a guy!)

Feel free to add to our list....

Planning Your Life

2009-04-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

by Kate Peterson

We had a financial planner come to meet with us last night. Talk about an eye opener...wills, living wills, life insurance. When did I get this old????? (Don't answer that)

28 weeks and I have Kankles

2009-04-08T16:25:00.001-07:00

If you don't know what Kankles are consider yourself lucky. I have had so much pride in my pregnancy weight gain which has been limited to 13 pounds in 7 months... well now as I look down at my ankles, they have converted to kankles which means I can no longer see my ankles. I skin is starting to swell. My wedding ring is starting to get a little tight too. Now I am getting a little freaked out. I don't remember having so much trouble getting out of bed or just bending down. This baby business has now become reality.

BabyTime Expo Features Rachel Coleman, Signing Time Founder

2009-04-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas, NV….. BabyTime Expo, a public event celebrating babies and toddlers and their families, will take place Saturday May 2 and Sunday, May 3, at the South Point Hotel, conveniently located at I-15 and Silverado Ranch. The show will feature all the providers and goods needed to fill babies’ and toddlers’ lives with fun, joy and good health. In its second year, the show will include more product manufacturers, retailers and service providers aimed at pregnant women and children ages 0 – 4.

Emmy nominated Rachel Coleman, co-creator of Signing Time will be a featured presenter during BabyTime Expo. Slated for 1:00pm Saturday, May 2nd on the Events Stage, Coleman
teaches ASL vocabulary to children of ALL abilities in a fun and engaging way.

“We are pleased to include Rachel Coleman as a highlight of BabyTime Expo”, Mindi Cherry, CEM, Vice President, noted. “Signing Time can be such an important part of a child’s development.”

Since the release of their first video in 2002, parents and professionals everywhere praise the Signing Time series for opening up a world of possibilities for their children, whether they are using ASL as a means to communicate with their babies before they develop speech, or learning a second language, or even for children with special needs for whom speech is a challenge. ASL is the only language that incorporates both kinesthetic and visual learning styles. It is a tool that empowers hearing infants, toddlers, and children with special needs to express themselves. Combining the movement of sign language with music creates an educational environment that is fun and rewarding for everyone.

Coleman’s enthusiasm became a PBS television show “Signing Time”. Signing Time is used widely by educators, pediatricians, home-schoolers, speech therapists, public schools, daycare centers, libraries and families as the most fun and easy way to introduce children to sign language.

Other highlights include appearances by Chuck E. Cheese, Geoffrey from Babies R Us and magician Will Roya. Alongside exhibits, BabyTime Expo will feature special areas including a fun zone for toddlers, fashion shows, a Diaper Derby, and a Daddy Derby. More information regarding the Show and discount tickets can be found on the website, www.BabyTimeExpo.com.

Information regarding exhibit space costs and availability may be obtained by contacting ConvExx at 800.291.0326 or sales@babytimeexpo.com.

About ConvExx

ConvExx, an independent show management company is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV and has produced shows all over the US and overseas. The team has five CEMs (Certified in Exhibition Management) and the executive team has over 60 years of combined show, event and meetings experience. ConvExx produces both tradeshows and consumer events, including the Trade Show 200 top 5 show – The SEMA Show, and the Las Vegas BikeFest™. For more information about ConvExx and all its services, please visit www.ConvExx.com or call 702-450-7662, ext. 102

ANOTHER Ear Infection

2009-04-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

by Kate Peterson

On Sunday Luke had a fever - no other symptoms and he was very active. My husband took him into the pediatrician on Monday and he had another ear infection. The doctor says he needs to have 6 within a year in order for them to put in the tubes. He's 20 months and I feel like I am just waiting for the inevitable. Surgery for him does not scare me - he had a procedure done on his heart when he was 6 months old - tubes in his ears are a walk in the park.
Anyone have an experience with tubes????

27 weeks - 13 weeks to go!

2009-03-30T13:46:00.001-07:00

Today marks my 27th week of pregnancy. I am very excited that I haven't gained much weight and am keeping quite active. I am getting a little anxious. The crib is up without bedding of course and I feel like my belly can not grow anymore. I am starting to come down energy wise. I know that no matter what I am going to be tired so I am just pushing on until I am exhausted. I have really enjoyed this pregnancy.

Glucose test is this Thursday which if I remember correctly isn't the best tasting liquid around. Any who, off I go.

Twins in 2009

2009-03-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

by Kate Peterson

A friend sent me this and I had to share - love it!

Traveling with a Two Year Old

2009-03-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

OK, I am going to say it – I don't like traveling with my toddler son in tow. Don’t get me wrong, I love my son to death and don't like to be away from him. It is just all the preparation and then entertaining him on the plane for four hours and then the childproofing (or not) of the hotel room, that I really despise. It all starts with the packing – how many outfits, how many extra outfits, what toys should I bring, how many diapers, how many packs of wipes, did I remember his favorite night- night book and his blanky and his puppy and the other puppy…it is amazing that I actually remember to pack anything for myself. And then there is the carry on bag for the plane…snacks, toys, sippy cups, more snacks, more toys, extra outfit, and of course his favorite thing in the world right now – markers and paper. By the way, my son is apparently from Boston when he says “MAhkers”. So tonight is the packing and tomorrow is the flight. Wish me luck!

Toddlers Trying New Foods

2009-03-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

by Kate Peterson

We have been following Ellyn Satter's guide for feeding children for over 2 weeks now. It is still hard not to try to encourage my 19-month old to eat. He's just over 21 pounds and is, has been, and always will be, a tiny kid. However, he did try and LIKE bacon after 3 months of me putting it on his tray. He is also eating lunch meat, sandwiches and even ate a bagel!

He seems to have food envy more than anything else. Unfortunately it is not my food that is the object of his envy. He seems to be very interested in whatever the sitter eats. Not a bad thing, just wish I could be more a part of it.

We're off for a 5-hour road trip tonight. Never a dull moment!