When Life Happens...

For some time now I have felt the need to post an entry on our blog explaining the absence of consistent communication, for lack of a better phrase. In early March my father passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. I wanted to take an opportunity to write a blog post that wasn't about a company event or new product or even cloth diaper care instructions.

Life happened over the past few months and I wanted to share a bit of the personal experience I and Baby Luv Boutique have been through recently.

As a business owner your time is divided between family, business, and self with all three vying for top spot at times. Dealing with the terminal illness of a parent is a consuming, overwhelming time and even though my family has been through this before, it certainly does not get any easier. One distinct difference this time is that my children were all a bit older and definitely experienced the illness and passing of their grandfather with varying levels of understanding and acceptance.

When you are trying to deal with your own grief and all that goes with the impending loss of a parent, so too are the little people in your life. When the hour is the darkest the wonderful innocence of a child can shed some much needed light on your own perspective.

We tried to prepare our children as their grandfather's health deteriorated as much as we could but when he passed away, the reactions were as unique as each child. My youngest was the closest to my father and I expected a huge display of sadness from her. Despite her grief, she was able to confidently say that we didn't have to worry about Grandpa anymore since he was in heaven with Grandma now and his cancer was gone. Our own words echoed back to us with a calmness and confidence that can only make you wonder in awe at how mature a young child under the age of 6 could be. Whenever I was emotional throughout his illness and had had a tough day, my youngest would bring me a tissue and say "It's OK Mom." Wait a minute, isn't that supposed to be me doing that?

Our children deserve much more credit than we give them at times; their understanding can be much deeper than we know. I feel blessed that all of my children got to meet and spend some time with their grandparents, albeit some amounts far too short for some, but still opportunities to create memories.

I just wanted to shed some light on the quiet times with our business the past few months. Life happened to us and we needed to spend some time with family that would not be possible going forward. We are fortunate to have wonderful clients and we are looking forward to the change in season and all the hope and promise spring can bring.

We just wanted to share a bit of the good and bad we've been through these past few months. The overall result is good as I'm reflective and awestruck as always by the love in a child's heart. Even when their own heart may be heavy, they can always see the true good in everything. I'm grateful for the time with my father and I'm even more grateful for the time I spend each day with my children. As parents we often see ourselves as the teacher, but every now and then we can learn from our children as well.

The Great Cloth Diaper Change Around the World

Baby Luv Boutique is the official Saskatoon host for The Great Cloth Diaper Change taking place on Saturday, April 23rd, 2011 at 10am CST. We are one of over 400 locations around the world taking part in this event.

What's all the fuss about? In celebration of Earth Day, cloth diaper retailers and cloth diaper advocates alike are hosting locations around the globe where families will simultaneously change their baby into a reusable cloth diaper. All those taking part hope to set a Guiness World Record for the most cloth diapers changed simultaneously around the world. If all locations have the minimum number of baby/parent pairs taking part, that could be over 10,000 babies being changed into a cloth diaper at the same time.

Not only does it represent setting a World Record, but it represents a much larger goal. For that moment around the world, all those families will make a statement and place their child in a reusable cloth diaper product eliminating a disposable diaper from entering the landfill. It's a very fitting event to help celebrate Earth Day.

This event is not just for cloth diapering families. For those families who currently do not use cloth diapers but are interested in taking part, you can! Happy Nappy Cloth Diaper Service has graciously offered to provide cloth diapers for families to use for the change event. If you are a cloth diapering family, you must use a commercially manufactured cloth diaper sold in an online boutique like Baby Luv Boutique or some other retail outlet. Homemade cloth diaper products cannot be used during this event based on the Guiness guidelines.

There are a number of rules and requirements surrounding the event that Guiness has provided so Baby Luv Boutique is taking a smaller scale approach to the event. We have space for 35 registered babies/toddlers to attend with a parent. Children must measure 39" or less in order to qualify to take part.

To take part you must pre-register and we ask that attendees arrive on time if not a bit early in order for your registration to be processed. Baby Luv Boutique wants this to be a fun filled event so we are working with a number of suppliers and local businesses who are providing door prize items. Registered participants will be eligible for the door prize draws so to take part, be sure to register early. There will also be a FREE Cloth Diaper Workshop taking place that afternoon as well. We know it's Easter weekend but what a great way to start the holiday celebrations - set a World Record and celebrate the renewed hope that spring brings to us all!

Witness volunteers are needed to help with this event. If you are interested in taking part, please contact us by phone or via email. Phone: (306) 682-5746 Email: inquire@babyluvboutique.com.

To get more information and to register visit our website here.

Happy Easter and Happy Spring! Let`s make some history and set a World Record right here in Saskatoon!