What my life would look like

Of course one year winding down and a New Year soon upon us often sparks reflection and thought. Each year with children brings upon a new phase in a families dynamics. With babies life looks different, with busy toddlers life looks different, and now for me with an early adolescent (who by the way, knows EVERYTHING) and shall we say a lovely and "spirited" toddler, life looks different! Some phases are more physical and tiring, and some phases are more emotionally trying (each adding a little more "character" to our aging faces). This could probably be best defined by travelling with young children. Playpens, car seats, strollers, high chairs, luggage, bottles, diapers, slings, bibs, wipes, the list is endless - the security people would gringe when we walked up, all of us in a full sweat! But as they get older the "stuff" gets less and travel becomes a little easier and calmer, shall we say?

At one point in my life I didn't even know if we would be able to have children - and now I am blessed with two amazing little girls who have enriched my life beyond words. Life certainly would have looked different.

Cailin being my first Bean, paved the way towards Peekaboo Beans, by offering me the simple insight of the need to empower children and to give them tools to learn about life through play. So now Peekaboo Beans offers life tools based around their clothing to dress with ease, to delight in dressing themselves with a mix and match "daddy proof" system, to allow for comfort and relief of irritating fussy clothes, and to be stylish to boot and most of all to just let them play.

I have many friends who have boys and me being the mom of two girls, I delight in the differences of what life would look like had we had boys. Oh how I would love to dress them up in that A+ Argyle Zip Up Jacket! So in celebration of the other half of the population we are having a BOYS ONLY WEEK, starting on January 17. We encourage you to send pictures, tell stories and delight in the wonderful little boys out there. We will be having contests, posts and an amazing opportunity to introduce your friends with boys to the product with some fabulous online BEAN-IFITS! You won't want to miss this one. Have girls? Refer a friend and get a fabulous set of our girly girl arm bands or a headband!

For now, enjoy today - because tomorrow, life will look different....

Roots and Wings

It would be really helpful if at the hospital when your baby was born they handed you a manual, just a simple one. If it could just lay out in a nice step by step format, how to raise a healthly, happy, well adjusted child and thus adult. It would just take out a lot of the guess work and well, make life a little bit easier....right? Unfortunately, they don't. So we have to navigate the best we can with the gazillion "manuals" out there, coupled with some common sense and instict. Sleep Manuals, Discipline manuals, Feeding manuals and education manuals and so on and so on and so on!

What is best? I sometimes feel there is a fine line between engaging my 7 year old in various extra curricular activities and giving her the freedom and space to play or just relax. Both are so relevant and important in life. I had a defining moment a few days ago, when my daughter performed a Tap Dance number in a school wide Talent Show. The gym was full of hundreds of kids and out of 50 kids that auditioned, 20 made the show. So several children so bravely performed their numbers. You could tell which performances were a hit with the crowd and you could tell when the crowd got shifty and ansy for ones that were less interesting to them. Then a young asian boy came up with a Cello in hand, he was in grade seven. He looked shy but confident. As he approached the stage is fellow classmates, being grade 7 and all - heckled him, laughed with each other, and joked around almost uncomfortably. The little boy gently placed the bow on the cello and began to play, I was nervous for him, but as he played the crowd noise died down, the hecklers became still, the crowd was captivated and moved. The music was stunningly beautiful and he played with such passion, almost bringing tears to the parents eyes (me specifically). At the end of the performance, the little boy stood up and took a bow. At that point the crowd cheered and roared.

I don't know if that little boys parents had put a cello in his little hands as a baby, whether he had missed out on many opportunities to just play or hang out with his friends, because he had intense cello lessons, or whether he had a nice balance of both and simply was very talented and encouraged by his parents. Regardless of either, it made me see that is important to allow them the space and freedom to find out what THEY are good at, and to support their strengths with love and praise. That this acknowledgement will give them the courage and ability to soar. And that one day, they can feel confident to walk up on the stage on what seemingly was an "uncool" performance and to show that being you is cool in itself.

Our Spring 2011 collection is called "Roots and Wings" and although it doesn't come with a manual, we hope you will enjoy the inspiration. As we watch our children grow, they are certain to fall and scrape their proverbial knees, but they will have you by their side to help pick them up and guide them along the journey...give them the Roots to Grow and the Wings to Fly....

Time to "Pway"...

Play....what does the word mean to me? I struggle with this a bit since I have a hard time relaxing and like many mom's, an ever growing to do list. However if there is one thing that can pull me back to reality, it is a sweet little pony tailed two year old tugging at my finger, reciting "pway mommy, pway". Now I am suggesting that this mean's "play" in her world, perhaps she just wants to pray, hmmm thinking not? In any event, I find it a struggle at times to just "be". At some points in our home there is a seven year old on a Nintendo DS, Daddy on the IPAD, Baby playing Old McDonald on the Iphone and Mommy on her laptop. What happened to a good ol' game of go fish or crib? My two year old daughter taps on my laptop like it is an Itouch and becomes frustrated when the photos don't glide across the screen with ease. Who knew that a lap top would seem dated. At Cailin's dance studio, kids wait in the waiting room, while their siblings are in class, all playing on their own Ipads, while mom and dad get caught up on various things on their phones or other gadety things during this "downtime". Although I love all these conveniences I sometimes wish they would all go away, for a bit anyhow. Perhaps this is just my own lack of discipline, I suppose I could just make them go away, if I tried. So I talk about "Play" a lot - and the importance of play. I believe it is my own desire to just sit and play. To make believe to forget about the pinging in my pocket, to truly be with my kids, to enjoy what they are saying, to relish in those precious moments that I know will all go far to quickly for me. That back to basics play that engages, that defines, that problem solves, that is creative, that is magical. When you watch children truly play, you see that the world and vision has no limits. So although I know that structure is not only necessary it is imperative for children to feel safe, learning and social growth all come from giving children the space and freedom to just "be" and just play in whatever form that means to them. Simply put, nothing can bring me more joy then to witness this, so for now, I will just pray for some time to just "pway"....:)

Join together to help our friends in need...

My name is Traci Costa and I am hoping you can help our dear friends. My husband Brad has been long time friends with Jeff (Pereira) since they were young boys. Jeff was in our wedding party and Brad in his. We have shared the joys of life as Jeff got married to the lovely Chandra and were blessed with their two beautiful babies. It deeply saddens me to the core to that they are faced with the tragedy of a losing their precious Logan and as of July 8th, Jeffrey's mother Jeannine. I have seen so much love and prayer for them on Chandra’s Facebook page and we are all struggling with how we can help them out. I am hoping that many of you will help in our goal to support their family during this difficult time. I have set up an account in memory of sweet Logan and Jeannine. If you would like to contribute any amount of money, big or small, so that they can use these funds for whatever they need to get through this devastation. This might be bereavement counseling, some time off needed to heal or a bench or monument in the name of Logan and his wonderful Grandmother, Jeannine. Please don’t feel you need to, but if you would like, I am sure it will help. The power of all us together could help them through this difficult time. Even if you did not know them, I hope you will consider a small donation, even $5.00 or $10.00 possibly in the name of your little loved ones.

I have created a Pay Pal donation centre where you can easily log into and make any sum of payment via credit card. When I transfer funds to the Pereira’s, I will make note of your contribution and a name you wish this to be on behalf of.

Here is the link...

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=RHGGCPCYSBVNA


Thank you so much for your generosity, I know it won’t go unnoticed.

With love and prayers,


Traci Costa

PS: Here is an online news article on the terrible tragedy - http://www.wsmv.com/news/24148166/detail.html

Store Profile of the Week - CHIRPS

Chirps Children's Store opened in the heart of Richmond, BC in the fall of 2009 by "mom & dad preneurs" Leigh & Patrick Ireland. Chirps is dedicated to taking a "back to the basics approach" with modern sensibility when it comes to kids and all the great stuff available for them in today's marketplace.

Chirps is about unique, safe, eco-friendly, Canadian "mom & dad-preneur" inspired... toys, great reads, and funtastic playwear like Peekaboo Beans! We're also about great games for family night, world music, natural spa products, fun craft ideas, green science kits and the odd retro find just for fun! Kid stuff you just won't find at the big box retailer.

And what are our young customers saying about Peekaboo Beans? The clothes are "soooooooooooooooooo comfortable!" Leigh and Patrick love them too! "The styling, quality, and attention to detail is exceptional and we especially love the Canadian factor!" says Leigh.

We look forward to welcoming you all to the world of Chirps and serving you soon! Chirps Children's Store is located in the Garden City Centre at 9040 Blundell Road in Richmond. Phone 604-278-7272 or email at chirps@shawbiz.ca

Cailin and Colbies Pick of the Week

check out Cailin and Colbies PICK OF THE WEEK and other cute fashion tidbits here! http://bit.ly/cHjZ8Y

The Importance of Play

This is a facinating look into the importance of play in our childrens lives. Take some time to listen to it and learn more - also pointing out that play is not only important for kids but for adults too - http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FEQx61&h=55560

Love your Planet

Return your old Peekaboo Beans duds to our offices and we will donate them to a local shelter and give you $10 worth of playmoney to use at participating retailers!

Raise them Fabulous - Thanks Sweetmama.ca

Peekaboo Beans is featured on Sweetmama.ca for top 20 Spring Finds for your little trendsetter! Check out the fashionable and fun - Island Style Dress

YOYOMAMA

Thanks Yoyomama for the rave review!

See below for details:

In our first spring fling fashion feature we introduced you to some new lines we love and now, in part two, we’re revisiting (appropriately) two of our old favourites who have new offerings:


We’ve found kids’ clothes from Peekaboo Beans to be remarkably hard-wearing. Plus we appreciate that they’re easy on and off, wash and wear and their designs and fabric take the needs of both mums and kids into account.

Designed in Vancouver with a focus on playwear, they’ve been gathering steam for awhile now and we’re particularly smitten with their ocean-inspired Spring 2010 line. For girls they’re throwing a “seashore soiree”– think mermaid pants, luau skirts and sea urchin hoodies. Their “wave rider” line for little lads combines great blues, greens and grays into comfy hoodies, tanks and hang loose tees.

Alas, you can’t see the full collection online, instead you need to view it via PDF but it’s already popping up in stores across Canada. We also like that the hang tag for each item can be reused as a bookmark and includes a Dr. Seuss quote. What’s not to like about mixing and matching playtime clothes and literacy?

Alas, no matter how adjustable the waistband of some kids’ pants are, for particularly weedy tots (and we know a remarkable number of them), you simply can’t get them to stay up. Which is where Cinch Belts from Bugalug come in handy.

But unlike the barrettes and headbands Bugalug’s know for, these belts offer stay up, reversible, two-in-one style for boys and girls. For boys it’s a cinch up with skulls, checkers and flames, while girls can accessorize with flowers, butterflies and (our personal ‘80s throwback favourite) argyle.

The built in elastic marries form with function to keep your little one’s pants in place and the simple snap closure is pretty easy to do and undo. The only time we wouldn’t recommend belting up with one of these is if your little one is potty training as who needs to add any extra steps and snaps into that process?

Peekaboo Beans: www.peekaboobeans.com

A Lifetime of Worry - Author Unknown...

WORRY

Is there a magic cutoff period when
Offspring become accountable for their own
Actions? Is there a wonderful moment when
Parents can become detached spectators in
The lives of their children and shrug, "It's
Their life," and feel nothing?

When I was in my twenties , I stood in a hospital
Corridor waiting for doctors to put a few
Stitches in my daughter's head. I asked, "When do
You stop worrying?" The nurse said,
"When they get out of the accident stage." My
Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my thirties , I sat on a little
Chair in a classroom and heard how one of my
Children talked incessantly, disrupted the class,
And was headed for a career making
License plates. As if to read my mind, a teacher
Said, "Don't worry, they all go through
This stage and then you can sit back, relax and
Enjoy them." My dad just smiled
Faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my forties , I spent a lifetime
Waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come
Home, the front door to open. A friend said,
"They're trying to find themselves. Don't worry,
In a few years, you can stop worrying. They'll be
Adults." My dad just smiled faintly
And said nothing.

By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being
Vulnerable. I was still worrying over my
Children, but there was a new wrinkle. There
Was nothing I could do about it. My
Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing. I
Continued to anguish over their failures, be
Tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in
Their disappointments.

My friends said that when my kids got married I
Could stop worrying and lead my own
Life. I wanted to believe that, but I was
Haunted by my dad's warm smile and his
Occasional, "You look pale. Are you all right?
Call me the minute you get home. Are
You depressed about something?"

Can it be that parents are sentenced to a
Lifetime of worry? Is concern for one another
Handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of
Human frailties and the fears of the
Unknown? Is concern a curse or is it a virtue
That elevates us to the highest form of life?

One of my children became quite irritable
Recently, saying to me, "Where were you? I've been
Calling for 3 days, and no one answered I was worried."
I smiled a warm smile.
The torch has been passed.

Amazing Testimonials

Everyday we receive new testimonials from all over the world from families who live and breathe Peekaboo Beans - here is one that especially touched my heart

"My little boy was diagnosed with autism last spring. High functioning and lots of potential for good progress, but very very painful and hard all the same. He's a lovely little guy, though -- just with a few tough challenges. Difficult to see where it's all going, but we try to stay positive. I read your testimonials and couldn't agree more, the clothes are so comfortable (both the fabrics and the design) that even my tactile-sensitive little guy is comfortable in them. Some mornings it's all I can do to get him into clothes, and I always breathe a sigh of relief when I see some Peekaboo Beans pants in the drawer! Thanks for making such great products. I also like about the clothes are sized so generously that they last a few years.”

Thanks for sharing ~

Thoughts for 2010

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is
manufactured in plants...
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey
is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest
your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes
of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that t life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are
simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class
but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree....

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay
in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up..
36. The best is yet to come.
37. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.