Mother's Haven offers recognition for dad

COEUR d'ALENE - How about a little luvin' for dad?

Mother's Haven retail shop and support center for new parents will be giving dads a little recognition this weekend, with a fundraiser that focuses on the man of the house.

"We decided it was time to celebrate dads," said Owner Margaret Hildahl. "Dads can often in this whole baby process feel a little bit left out. They can't nurse the baby, and mommy can soothe the baby so easily. So we want to make sure these guys know we appreciate them."

The event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today will feature activities for the whole family, she said, including a bouncy castle, chair massage, face painting and a race car parked out front for folks to take a gander at.

Free food from Caruso's Deli will be served with free beverages from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hildahl added.

"Hopefully there will be plenty of sunshine," she said.

The event is free, but Mother's Haven is asking for $25 donations for 15-minute sessions with a portrait photographer. Families will be given a 4 by 5-inch photo from the session.

All proceeds will be given to the Children's Miracle Network, a nonprofit that raises funds for children's hospitals.

"We usually end up taking photos for about four hours - that's a few hundred dollars," Hildahl said.

The event will take place at Mother's Haven at 2112 N. Government Way in Coeur d'Alene.

Mother's Haven provides both baby-care products and classes and support groups to help families through their new load of responsibilities.

"My whole vision is that parents are too alone today, and they need to be part of a group," Hildahl said. "So they come here to be with other moms and dads and babies and get support."