Brand new Graco bloggers Bridget and Lindsay are our hard-working “Monitor Girls.”  Both have different stories, but they share the same theme:  Communication.

Bridget Kuske, Assistant Brand Manager, 9 months with Graco

While over 14 hours and 900 miles away from home, communication definitely rings true to me.

As a Midwestern girl at heart, last June is when I made the decision to leave everything I know to move to a brand new place… the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia.  Though I was very excited to start a “big girl” job while just graduating from college, I knew it would be very tough leaving my 19 year old sister, parents and grandparents as I have always been extremely close with everyone in my family.  You feel as if you miss so much when you’re gone (including the sale of the home in which I grew up in….  and cheering each and every Sunday during NFL football games with everyone you know crowded around a TV) but you also begin to realize that your family will always be there for you.  They’re on the sidelines cheering you on no matter how many miles away you may be.

This is when it became apparent to me that communication is always key, no matter what situation.  Whether it is “sharing a glass of wine” over Skype with my mom, or texting my sister each morning… “Have a great day at class!  I LOVE YOU!!”  I know that it is so very important to have that communication, when you need it most.

This is what I bring to my role every day at Graco.  Being a part of the monitor product line proves that when mom, dad, grandma or grandpa want to hear baby at all times – they can… thanks to the products in which I help create.  Or, when mom wakes up before her alarm one morning and hears her toddler through their monitor talking to themselves before the day begins… I realize this is where I want to be.

This time last year, I was on a college campus (in lots of snow mind you!) and I never imagined that a year from that point I would be working for such an amazing company that helps nurture babies and their parents on a daily basis.  I realize how grateful I am for this opportunity – not only for the people in which I work with, but thankful too for the opportunity to enjoy coming into work each day.  Though I love and miss Wisconsin… and now I find myself in sunny Georgia, away from those who mean most to me… I realize that this isn’t much different than a mother wanting to go check in on her daughter after she hears cries and sniffles.   Though I may not have kids yet, I understand how important this product is to moms and dads everywhere.

Thank you, Bridget, for sharing your story with us!  To all of you, we loved your comments on part 1 (from Lindsay).  Now tell us: what’s the funniest thing you’ve witnessed over your baby monitor? 

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 Lindsay Harry, R&D Engineer, 3 years with Graco

I’m a monitor engineer, so it seems logical that one of my top priorities is accommodating clear communication.  However, without kids of my own, I’ve been questioned as to how I can truly be passionate about a product that I’ve never even had a use for.

Communication is an overarching theme in my life not only because it is crucial for my job, but also because it’s developed the best relationship of my life with a US Army soldier. That relationship has taught me how soothing it is to hear someone’s voice – even from afar.  Seems to me that this is a perfect tie-in to what I do at work.

So, I am admittedly biased – but the Graco product I love most is the True Focus Digital Video Monitor. This monitor was actually developed with picture clarity and clear communication in mind and its development timeline had a personal connection to the events of my life.

My soldier, Dan, was deployed during much of the development process of this monitor, and pouring my heart into the product really kept me going through the stress, waiting, fear, loneliness, and anxiety. During the time Dan was gone, I usually got one 15-minute call every week or so.  Hearing his voice from Afghanistan made me understand how truly important it is to get the communication you need. Communication is reassuring.  Knowing that he was in constant danger, knowing that he was always fighting the enemy, and not knowing when I’d see him again was a terrible feeling – – but those 15 minutes of his voice made everything ok.

Dan and I talked a lot about my work while he was gone since he couldn’t tell me anything at all about where he was or what he was doing. The True Focus video monitor became a talking point, and I was excited that it shipped shortly after he got home so that he could see what I’d been rambling about.

True Focus is my Graco love.   As the events of my life intertwined with the development of that product, I was  really shown how important my job was – and how important it is to make great monitors so that parents can feel the reassurance they need by hearing their baby’s every sound.  I sure know how important it is to me to have that kind of reassurance.

Since Dan’s return, we still have to maintain close communication since we live two hours apart. There are lots of long phone calls and hours in the car. I wish the Army would move a base closer to a major city! Regardless, Dan and I are really looking forward to our future – and no matter how close or how far we are, we won’t forget the importance of good communication and how reassuring it can be… and I’ll continue to bring that passion to work every day.

Thank you, Lindsay, for sharing your story with us.  Check back soon to hear from Bridget (the other half of the Graco Monitor Girls team.) 

Now your turn: tell us about why you love your baby monitor; we know there are some great stories out there!  And, fess up: who has a preschooler… and still uses a monitor?  I know a certain Graco blogger (MP) who is with you

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With four seating positions, six swing speeds and fifteen songs and sounds, you can choose the options that baby likes best.  The Sweet Snuggle Swing will adapt to her needs, just like you would.

Removable head support keeps your baby cozy as an infant and allows the swing to grow along with your little one, while plush fabrics and a deep seat cuddle baby and gives him a sense of comfort and security.

Toys overhead offer visual stimulation for baby and, when detached, turn into soft play-things for him to explore.

Stay tuned later this month when we bring you a Parent-to-Parent Review of the Sweet Snuggle Infant Soothing Swing from one of our team members.

Look for the Sweet Snuggle at your local Babies R Us (with plug-in option) or Walmart (battery-operated) or online at Babies R Us, Target, Walmart and Amazon.

Our adorable baby model has approved this message.

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Looking at the photos from our most recent community service event, you might not know that Saturday the 11^th was the coldest (and windiest!) day of the year and this comes after just days after I wore flip flops and a t-shirt – in January!  Instead, in these pictures you’ll see our team of volunteers hard at work and our community members who we were able to happily serve that day — along with their appreciative smiles.

Last weekend, a team of 40 Graco volunteers partnered with K.I.D.S (Kids In Distressed Situations) and Caring for Others here in Atlanta to donate 500 products to individual families and agencies all around Georgia who are in need of life’s basic necessities and the gear that keeps their children safe. In addition to helping provide community members in need with products,  a team of Graco’s Child Passenger Safety Technicians, joined by the Atlanta Police and Fire Department, helped to properly install and buckle in each child that was provided with a car seat.   It was a tremendous event!

Graco’s General Manager, Laurel Hurd, participated in the event and had this to say: “K.I.D.S and Caring for Others are such incredible organizations, and we’re proud to be a part of the great work that they do.  Child safety is our top priority, so it was a natural fit to get involved with Child Safety Day. We hope the new strollers and car seats will help make it a little easier for these families to care for their children each day.”

Graco strives to continually touch the lives of children and families and believes that every family deserves to have access to safe children’s products.  I was so proud to be a part of the team – the way they rallied, worked, and CARED.  Personally, it was a welcome reminder of one of the reasons I was so excited to join this business back in September.  This is a team of people, no matter what their job is within the company, who have passion for others.  All of these people work really (really!) hard during the week, and for them to give up their free time on the weekend to volunteer was truly humbling.  I can’t wait to see what else we can and will do…

http://blog.gracobaby.com/

Leave a comment with the items on your "Graco Love List" to win this Pack 'n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat!

Our last “Love List” in this week’s special series is about gifting – Michelle, from Marketing, is going to tell you about her favorite Graco products to give to new babies.  Also – this is the last day: leave a comment below sharing what Graco products make your own “Love List” and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat (#1 on my personal “Love List!”)

Michelle Krilov, Associate Brand Manager, 9 months with Graco
Sending special valentine’s love to my fantastic family, friends, and colleagues that have supported me throughout the years!

My life is just starting to transition from wedding after wedding to the season of babies! Now, I have to say – I’m pretty excited about this (who doesn’t want more adorable babies to play with?!) – but baby showers can be overwhelming! Everyone wants to pick the perfect gift. Luckily, working for Graco has helped me learn what moms need and will get excited about. Here are my top picks; let me take the guesswork out of it for you, too!

1. Graco Pack ‘n Play with Reversible Napper & Changer:  Graco has a TON of great pack ‘n play options, but I think this one is the perfect shower gift. It has a really comfy napping area for baby, that flips (yes, flips!) over to become an easy-to-clean changing table. As baby grows, it converts to a bassinet and a playard.  It’s a perfect option for home or to take on the go. And, you definitely get extra cool points for the flipping feature!
2. Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Seating System: This is the ultimate shower gift and a great option to go in on with friends. Moms often forget to register for a highchair, but they need one sooner than they think! This is the perfect choice so mom isn’t caught off guard without one. I love this chair because it converts into 4 seating options: infant highchair, highchair, toddler booster, and youth chair. You can also use it with 2 kids at once! It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving for years to come. Not to mention it’s super comfy and easy to clean (trust us, a must for mom!)
3. Graco SnugGlider Infant Car Seat Frame:  This is a gift I always get “WOWs!” on as parents & mamas-to-be are already familiar with the ease of the SnugRider, but often have no idea that Graco makes an in-home version that easily transports your resting baby, snug in her car seat, from car to swing.  As soon as I tell them what it does, they get it – because who wants to disturb a peaceful child??  This is also a great gift because it folds for easy transport – meaning you’ve got a go-anywhere swing for Grandma’s house or playdates with friends.
4. Graco Zoo Crew Deluxe Health & Grooming Kit:  Everything you need for grooming all in one easy kit? Sign me up! I love this, because it really takes the guesswork out of what essentials you need keep baby healthy & happy. And, it’s FUN! Just check out the light-up alligator nail cilppers for example (do they come in my size?). My other favorites include the lizard medicine spoon, elephant aspirator, and hippo comb. It’s a great gift for any mom!

Thanks for sharing your favorites with us, Michelle – happy Valentine’s Week to you!

Now – dear readers: today is your last day to be entered to win a Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat!

1. Leave a comment below telling us which Graco items make your “Love List”
2. Share this post with your friends… everyone appreciates a chance to win!

Void where prohibited. Winners are chosen at random. Your odds of winning vary by the number of entries. Limited to residents of the US only. For a full set of rules, contact us at blog@gracobaby.com.

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Planes, trains and automobiles seem to be a large part of my family’s life over the last two years.  For this reason, the Graco Pack ‘n Play On the Go is a must-have item.   My son loves travelling to see his family and friends…but it’s sometimes tough to adjust to a new environment.  Taking the Pack ‘n Play with us ensures that when his exhausted little body touches the mattress, it is  familiar to him as  and he knows he is in his “home away from home”.

Being a full-time working mom, night time with my husband and Pumpkin is very important.  The dinner table is where we sit together, relax and just enjoy being a family.      My son sits between us in his Contempo High Chair, taking center stage and happily chattering away.  Most of it is still not clear, but I think I hear a new word pop out of his mouth almost every night!   What is great about the highchair is the dual tray.  When dinner is over, I can just take the top tray off and throw it in the dishwasher.  I don’t have to worry about cleaning and can take advantage of the time with my son and husband.

Working on car seats, I would be remiss not to say how much I love my Smart Seat All-in-One car seat.   This is truly an innovative product that helps keep Pumpkin safe and comfortable during our car rides.   We are new to the Georgia area, so there is a lot to explore on the weekends!  What is great is it has a no re-thread harness with adjustable head rest so I can easily adjust it (without taking the seat apart to move the harnesses around) as my son grows – and that he has!!  Graco also sells the base separately, so you can just buy one seat and then bases for your additional car needs.   One seat that is easily transportable between multiple cars – LOVE IT.

Melissa Parlaman, Marketing Communications Manager, 8 years at Graco

I am super excited for Valentine’s Week (well, my husband isn’t, but my kids and me are…)  So I want to send a special Valentine’s Week wish to my adorable little girls who make me smile, laugh and be silly on a daily basis.   Happy Valentine’s Week!

The Graco Items that I love for a toddler are the Nautilus 3-in-1 car seat, the MyRide 65 convertible car seat and (obviously a popular choice since it’s the second time this is popping up) the Sweet Slumber Sound Machine  (we use it at home and when we travel, too!)

The Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 car seat is one of our most popular toddler car seats. I can proudly say that I have used Nautilus car seats for both of my children since the day we launched the car seat into the market (My daughter was one of the first users!). Four years later, my second daughter, now proudly rides in her stylish pink Nautilus in my car. And, in my husband’s car, she sits in her My Ride 65 convertible car seat (since her older sister is still riding in her Nautilus). What can I say, I am a BIG FAN of Graco car seats!

Thank you to Katie & Melissa for sharing their favorite products for toddlers with us.  Happy  Valentine’s Week to you girls & your families!  Are any of these same items on your own “Love List?”  If not, what makes your cut?  Leave us a comment with your list and you’ll be entered to win a Pack ‘n Play with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat tomorrow.

http://blog.gracobaby.com/

Erin Bergstrom, Channel Marketing, 1.5 years at Graco
I was so excited to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with the two most important men in my life, my husband and our little peanut. It was simply perfect and I couldn’t have asked for a better gift than having a nice dinner with the two of them. Happy Valentine’s Day to my boys!

Parents-to-be are overwhelmed with purchasing decisions for baby.  When friends ask for advice on what to buy, I don’t necessarily like to tell them everything we use because that could be information overload.  But – I do always tell them about our very favorite three things: Swing By Me Portable Swing, Sweet Slumber Sound Machine, and the Travel Lite Crib.

I love these items because Peanut loves these items. The Swing By Me is simply perfect to cocoon him and make him comfortable. As a first time mom, I was afraid to leave Peanut anywhere and just wanted to hold him all the time.  After a few days of having him home, I realized that I was going to have to put him down so I could wash bottles, put a load of laundry in and things of that nature.  I had my girlfriend go out and get the Swing By Me and when we set it up, I put it into the recline position and it was a perfect nest for my newborn.  I fell very comfortable letting Peanut rest and enjoy the swing.  The other feature I absolutely love about this swing is that it’s very portable so I can easily take it anywhere in the house or fold it up and take it with us when we go visiting.

I have used the Sweet Slumber Sound Machine in Peanut’s room since we started putting him in his crib at about one month old.  Not only is the Sweet Slumber the perfect size and plays white noise and other soothing sounds, it can also hook into my iPod so that I can play my own playlist of lullabies for Peanut.  On our first overnight trip to Grandpa’s house, I brought Sweet Slumber with me and it was fantastic!  Peanut was comfortable and felt just like he was at home – I would recommend this item to anyone!

Finally, to explain my love of the Travel Lite Crib.  I think this is an amazing product: the benefit of having a playard in a compact size that’s perfect for travel and small spaces.  My husband and I love boating and traveling and we have a cabin cruiser that we enjoy spending the weekend on during the summer.  I was concerned about space because there’s not really enough room in the cabin for a traditional crib.  Thankfully, the Travel Lite Crib does fit perfectly and will make it very comfortable for little Peanut to sleep when we have our overnight trips on the boat this summer.  My husband & I can’t wait to share this love of ours with our new baby boy.

Thank you, Erin, for sharing your “Love List” with us!  Now, it’s your turn: do you love Erin’s favorite products, too, or did we leave off the ones that would make your own “Love List?”  Be sure to leave us a comment and you’ll be entered to win a Pack ‘n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat this Friday!

http://blog.gracobaby.com/

You know I love arts and crafts, so when one of my co-workers suggested this plan - I was in!  This month our theme was Valentine’s day, and it was my turn to host.  We try to complete the craft over lunch at work, so it is important we choose our projects wisely (no 3-hour long crafts that require spray painting or the use of a sewing machine).  We picked a cute Valentine craft found off of designspongeonline.com.

I have to say, I work with some very talented and inspiring people.  It is always fun to get together, listen to some tunes and make something fun with your hands.  Sometimes you have to force yourself to go – it is easy to feel overwhelmed with the tasks at work.  But at the end of the day, I always feel a little happier when I’ve created something myself.

As a parent, when’s the last time you had to force yourself to take some time for yourself and ended up really happy that you did?

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Today’s “Love List” was written by Nicolette: travel (for work or pleasure) aficionado!  Read on to hear about what Graco products Nic loves for making travel with her sweet girl more manageable – and be sure to share with us your own “Love List” for travel must-haves.  At the end of the week, one commenter will be chosen to win a Pack ‘n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat!

Nicolette Binder, Sr. Channel Manager, 8 years with Graco
“A special Valentine’s Day shout out to the little love of my life, Koala – she just brightens my world!”

Speaking of the world, I love traveling to show my Koala new places and things.  I quickly found out “picking up and going” requires a few more items in the car and the plane – but not as many as you would think.  In my mind there really are three essential Graco products a parent has to have if they plan to travel near and far, especially when your baby is under 1 year.

1. The Snug 35 Infant Car Seat: Love this because it is so easy to take place-to-place, with-or-without a base and clicks into all Graco strollers.  Plus it goes all the way up to 35lbs and since my daughter is a little one she has been able to stay (and travel!) in this car seat all the way to a year.
2. The Snugrider Stroller Frame: Absolutely lovely! It’s super lightweight (so perfect to take to the airport and go in and out of cars)  and really has everything you need in a stroller:  great basket, nice cup holder and adjustable handles so that anyone at any height can push the stroller comfortably.
3. The Element Pack ‘n Play: If I had to make a choice on what I love best it would be this playard.  I love it for so many reasons, but one of the biggest would be its ease of travel.  It’s her portable crib, changing area and play area. It’s really her little piece of home wherever we go.

Thank you, Nicolette, for sharing your LoveList with us – and a happy Valentine’s Day to you and your family!

Do you love the same products as Koala & her mama or did other Graco products make your “Travel Made Easy” list?  Share them with us in the comments below – and you’ll be entered to win a Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat.

http://blog.gracobaby.com/

Throughout the week, we would love  to hear back from you about what products are on your own “Love Lists” – and on Friday, as a special valentines gift to you, we’ll be giving away a Pack ‘n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat to a randomly chosen commenter.  Let us know what you agree with on our lists, what we’ve left out and maybe what really rocks your baby’s world!

Kicking our Valentine’s series off today are Deanna Conkling and Lauren Ross, fashion designers at Graco.  Appropriately, their topic was:

“A Love List: Fashions Today & Yesterday.”

Enjoy!

Lauren Ross, Associate Fashion Designer, 2.5 years at Graco
“A valentine message to the one I love—Happy Valentine’s Day to the man I love, you make each and every day EXTREMELY interesting and I love you for that!!”
Current Fashions I LOVE: Mirabella, Orlando, Elefanta, Jacqueline, Vance

“Personally, I am drawn to fashion. I LOVE pattern and getting to work around lots of print and color each day. Mirabella is my personal favorite fashion right now –it even inspired me when designing the look for my wedding! The pattern Elefanta plays with the whimsical yet sophisticated elephant and can easily be the finishing touch to the perfect nursery. Looking for sophistication? I would turn to the Vance collection. This would easily blend into my home yet still be a stylish piece. For the girly girl in me, Jacqueline has the right amount of pink and paisley. This collection makes me yearn for a little girl one day! And last but not least, the sleek city girl in me loves Orlando for its pop of blue which matches back to the  black and white tiled print.”

Deanna Conkling, Fashion Designer, 8yrs at Graco
“I am excited this year to celebrate for the first time with my littlest valentine, Xman.  Can’t wait to see what he thinks of chocolate!”
Heritage Fashions I LOVE: Deco, Delancy, Cherry Blossom, Central Park, Counting Sheep

“Here are some of the things that make these heritage fashions stand-outs to me… Deco is a very popular fashion that really worked well for many design tastes because of its trendy color palette and fun-yet-classic polka dot pattern.   One of our longest running fashions was Delancy!  Its color palette was simple, sophisticated and worked for both boys and girls alike.  Speaking of girls, Cherry Blossom was one of our first popular girl fashions that really encouraged parents to buy a fashion that was just for girls.  It definitely helped that it was so sweet, too   Central Park was another favorite fashion of mine because it was classic and sophisticated, yet still a neutral style.  And finally, Counting Sheep perhaps wasn’t the most popular style, but it was the first fashion that I designed after starting at Graco, so it’s special to me.”

http://blog.gracobaby.com/