A Song for My Baby

I love music, and so does my baby girl. I've felt her kicking around in my belly for a long time and she especially likes to move when I get some tunes going or when I sing to her myself.

I don't have the best voice but I sing to her anyway and I think she likes it. I mostly sing a lot of church primary songs to her. I'm working on some labor playlists as well as a "Just Meeting" playlist. So far there's only 17 songs on that one but by far my favorite one is probably "Capri" by Colbie Caillat. One of my best friends played it for me once and said she listened to it when she was pregnant with her little girl and I went home and got it!

It's about a mother's love for her growing baby in her belly. I love singing this song to her and I hope she'll remember be singing this to her when she's out on the other side.

Here's the song, and the beautiful lyrics. For now, although my little girl's name isn't Capri, this song is a song for my baby girl, Lil' J.

She’s got a baby inside
And holds her belly tight
All through the night
Just so she knows
She’s sleeping so
Safely to keep
Her growing
And oh when she'll open her eyes
There'll be no surprise
That she'll grow to be
So beautifully
Just like her mother
That’s carrying
Oh Capri
She’s beauty
Baby inside she’s loving
Oh Capri
She’s beauty
There is and angel growin’ peacefully
Oh Capri
Sweet baby
And things will be hard at times
But I've learned to try
Just listening
Patiently, oh Capri
Sweet baby
Oh Capri
She’s beauty
Baby inside she’s loving
Oh Capri
Your beauty
Just like your mother
That’s carrying...Oh Capri

It's June! We'll be meeting soon!

***

Winner of Mimi's Babies $15 Gift Certificate: #43 Jen J
Winner of $50 to Gift the Bambino: #39 Angie

Please email babymakingmachine@gmail.com to claim your prize! Congrats!

I'm Pretty Sure No One Thinks About Labor the Way I Do

Friday I'll hit the mark where I can safely go into labor at any time. I have a feeling Lil' J will be stylishly early. Not by much, but maybe a little. She's feeling cramped in there to me, and today she was making my stomach look like a scene from Alien. So much so I had to use Dr. Google to see if all of her squirming could break my water. ... Doubtful.

I don't picture labor like it is in the movies, but I also have some unusual preferences about the big day. Some things on my mind:

1. I'm bringing treats for the staff. Call it bribery, call me a teacher's pet, or whatever you want, but I've bought a pretty basket I'm loading some goodies in, and adding my Birth and After Wishes to it on nice pretty card stock paper. I'm thinking cookies and/or muffins, and I don't know what else... Still working on all of the contents. Who knows, maybe they'll slip me an extra diaper or two when we're leaving.

2. Speaking of my Birth and After Wishes, I finished it! Talked it over with my OB, and we're on the same page. I narrowed things down and squeezed it all on one page (the after part is on another separate page)! It's umm... Pretty. Yes, I'm sure it's the prettiest list of birth preferences they've ever seen.3. We're gonna be jammin. I have 4 playlists... About 10 hours of music and more created for the occasion: Relaxation/ churchy (no words, mostly instruments except for a few exceptions); Upbeat (quite a bit of gangsta rap-- Quite the churchy contrast); Rock/Pop (slower stuff but not as slow as the first); and Meeting Baby (songs like "Isn't She Lovely" to greet her).

I also have a playlist with birthing affirmations and hypnosis tracks. I have yet to listen to them all without falling asleep, and I've tried so hard... I hope I have the same problem during the process.

We have an ipod speaker system, one portable (although my husband thinks we may look strange walking the halls with a sort of "boom box" approach) and one that connects to the wall. I also need to get new headphones cause mine aren't loud enough and I hate the kind that are suppose to stick INSIDE my ears... My ear holes are too small for those things.

4. I'm going to be looking FLY. I care about these things. And next to my freaking wedding day this is the 2nd biggest day of my life. I've already got my own gowns I'm bringing, and I'm planning to do my hair and makeup before we leave. I'll also have manicure/pedicure and hair straightening appointments set up before the big day (maybe sometime in the next 2 weeks?). My nails in their current state, could be used as weapons and I should probably get them cut down to save my husband some blood loss, and so I don't accidentally scratch my little one. A french manicure will make the pain of loosing them less dramatic.
I'm still undecided about a Brazilian wax. I want to do it cause I hear after you have a baby it's pretty messy down there for awhile and it'll just be nice to feel "fresh." Plus, it doesn't itch or anything when it grows back, it's not like shaving, and it last a long time. The down side though is of course is oh, just the PAIN!! So we'll see. If I make it my due date I may go do it in an attempt to start labor.

Fake eyelashes are on my "list of things to buy" before the big day.

5. I'm bringing a buffet. Nothing too crazy, but hospital peeps and my OB said I can eat... Not that I'll want a 9oz sirloin, but I figured I'll bring some snacks just in case. So far we have apple sauce, I'm gonna make some pasta right before we leave for the hospital, and some hard-boiled eggs. I'll also pack some trail mix and string cheese. I'm hoping that'll give me some energy boost but also not make me want to puke. I've also packed some water, Be Nice Prenatal drink mix, and juice! I have Popsicles too but I think I'll just raid the hospitals if I determine a cooler won't keep them frozen.

6. Class project anyone? I'm working on creating a poster board as a reminder with labor "cues" for my husband to use, and visuals of different labor positions we can try. I'll fold it up and pack it for the trip!

7. In my Lamaze class we talked about pain tolerance, I decided I'm somewhere between a -3 and a 3. A tip it suggest for us is having a "code word" to getting me the epidural. That way when I say "I want it" he knows I don't REALLY mean it, but when I say the code word, he knows I mean it. Something like "Sponge Bob" would be too easy for me. We need something more drastic. I'm thinking the code word should be F!#%. I'm not sure I've ever said that word out loud and my husband's never heard me swear. I'm pretty sure he'd know I'm serious. Even though I've heard swear words can be typical for a woman birthing a baby... I don't imagine that'll be the case for me, hence the word choice. If I don't say it... Well, I must not want it that bad.

8. Do I want a mirror? I think not. They'll offer me one when I'm pushing I'm sure. I use to think I'd not only want to see, but I'd want it on tape! I've been obsessed with birth for a long time and I thought "why not see mine when I've watched so many others? But now I want nothing of that sort. In fact, the thought of watching her come out of me in a mirror makes me want to vomit. I know it's beautiful but I don't want to see it. And I don't want my husband to watch. We've seen enough, I'll be ok seeing her little head once it's out of me, complete with the rest of her body.

9. A friend asked me if I'd want to hold her when she's all covered in utro-sludge... I say yes. I don't mind. My OB said she doesn't do any mouth-suctioning stuff when she pulls her out, and that she'll give her straight to me. Then hubs can cut the cord... And we can hold out sludge-covered baby, that's ok.

So there they are, my random thoughts about the big day.

You've DROPPED! (I think)

Dear Lil Miss J,

Like how I have a new nickname for you every week? I like Lil J right now. Spawnie is beginning ot wear off... You seem less and less spawn-like the closer we get to D-day, which believe it or not is in FOUR WEEKS!! At the end of the week we'll be full term and you will be ready to come out at any time! I'd really prefer if you waited a little while longer though. I have some cleaners coming on the 14th and I'm thinking I'll get my hair and nails done on the 15th. Speaking of my nails, they are SO LONG! I need to get them cut so I don't scratch your pretty face. That gives you 10 days... I don't mind if you come after the 15th, you'll be good and big, and I'll be done with important work stuff by then too. Actually, I sort of like the 20s best, so sometime between the 20th and 29th would ROCK! Got that? Jot that on your Wombberry.

I had a dream you were born on the 19th, but it was the 19th today and I was worried about missing work that day... Crazy dream, I can tell you that won't happen in real life, don't you worry!
I know it's a little inconsiderate of me to try to tell you when to come out, I mean, you are in charge, don't you worry, but I just want you to know my preference. I like June better than July so you've gotta come before July! I know statistics show a lot of first-time moms go past their due dates but I don't think that'll be the case with you. I can feel it.. You'll be right around your due date, if not... I think early!

Lil J, this week I've been SO TIRED. I haven't had the energy I use to have! I come home and just want to plop down on the couch, take a nap, and when I finally get the strength I try to work on things for your room, or pack some more in the hospital bag, or work on our labor and just meeting playlists.

I haven't wanted to touch my computer or anything! I've just been to exhausted! I have SO MUCH on my mind that I'd love to write about but I am too tired to put it all down. What have I been thinking about? Well, here's a few topics on my mind lately:

My new quick thoughts on labor
My cure for cankles
Books I've picked out for you
My thoughts on breastfeeding you

One of these days, hopefully soon I'll get them all down while they're fresh in my mind to remember. I hear there's another burst of energy right at the end of my pregnancy and I can't wait for that! I've got some stuff I want to get done! Until then though I'll enjoy my rest, because I'm sure I'll be missing it once you're born.Another sign that means you're getting closer to coming is that I think you've dropped! I woke up this morning and your butt wasn't in my ribs as normal. In fact, all day you've felt lower, and I can tell with the way my belly now rests on my legs that you're lower! So exciting! To make sure I compared this weeks photo to last week's photo and sure enough, you're looking lower! ... And more pointy. A woman at work today guessed you'd be coming next week! ...But you can't come that soon ok?

Some women I know who had due dates close to mine have recently delivered their babies, so it's weird thinking how close we are!
You're still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. You now weigh almost 6 pounds and are probably more than 18 1/2 inches long. You're shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered your body as well as the stuff that covered and protected your skin during your nine-month amniotic bath. You're swallowing that stuff, and other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, that'll form the contents of your first bowel movement. Hopefully you won't have that until you get out!

Keep growing little girl, we are ALMOST there and our lives are about to change FOREVER. I can't wait!

Love,

Mommy

***

Time to take bets (not really) when do you think she'll show up? Early, late? On time? Vote in my poll (top left) and let me know what you chose!

Are you 36 weeks pregnant? Check out Pregnancy Corner for more on how your body and baby are developing- Sponsored.

Winner of the Modern Bird Studio's Giveaway: Random.org says #222, Tanya! Congrats! Email me your address and I'll get you in touch with Modern Bird Studios!

Torn Between Career and Child... Already

There's something about feeling secure in your job and responsibilities that makes you feel confidant, and good about yourself. Knowing I'm going to be stepping away from that for 12 weeks sometimes scares the living daylights out of me. I've been working a lot, and posting a little less, this should explain some.

I shared that today on my Project Pregnancy blog on Parenting.com:

It was after midnight. My last coworker left the building over an hour before, I was alone and tired. Exhausted from finishing my regular shift, and on to other tasks... Tasks that go beyond my normal daily duties. Tasks I hope will secure my job when I return from maternity leave.

I'm not worried about having A job. I have a contract, and there are these things called "laws" which protect women who have children from loosing their jobs for that reason alone, but those laws don't necessarily guarantee you the same duties and responsibilities.

My late nights aren't a rarity right now. It's the only thing I know to do to better my odds at keeping the same assignments I adore.

I've been in my career for about six years. I loved my job as a journalist and have been enriched by the people I've encountered in the process of sharing their stories over the years. It wasn't until recently that I fell into what feels like a perfect combination of roles. No day feels monotonous because nearly every day I'm wearing a different hat and working on an important project. Whether it be covering an important education meeting, helping a foster child to get adopted, or delivering the news, I'm responsible for specific areas of interest and I LOVE it. I can honestly say I love my job. But the more you love something, the harder it is to loose.

Before a woman goes on maternity leave you hear whispering and questions: "How long is she going to be gone?" "Do you think she'll come back?" It seems as though it's no secret some women can't bear the thought of returning to work after setting eyes on this new beautiful being they've created. I've seen it, and I've heard about it countless times. "I just knew I couldn't leave her," women have told me, recounting their experiences before they decided to trade in their brief case for diaper bags.

I've always known my situation would be different. I'm not in the position, not now, to retire early from my career to raise my child from home. And I'm ok with that. Luckily my husband and I won't need to use daycare facilities and we have our childcare situation figured out already... Him. But stay at home dads is a whole nother topic which I'll delve into later.

In the weeks leading up to my temporary departure from work I find myself in a constant panic. What is she comes early and I'm not ready? Oh I'm ready when it comes to things at home. The crib is up, diapers are on standby. We have the necessities we need and the excitement, confidence, courage and faith to raise a new baby. The fear lies with securing the job I love.

There's a special segment I produce weekly, and I'll continue to work on until I leave. When the question arose if I'd still be doing it when I got back I didn't know how to answer. Of course I want to, it's quite possibly the best part of my job. I know I'm doing a good job, but would they remember the good job I've done after 12 weeks of my absence? I couldn't take a chance.

So I've been putting in overtime to produce 12 extra segments before my momentary migration. Twelve segments to fill the 12 weeks I'm gone.

I thought that would be where my work-obsessed antics ceased but unfortunately it's not.

Months ago I proposed an in-depth report on a topic I've been very passionate about. I was recently informed I could pursue it myself... Pending maternity leave. Those three words crushed me. It was like a giant asterisk beside my name screaming "MAYBE." Yea, well, maybe isn't good enough. I want to do it, I can't pass it on to someone else.

I counted backwards from the day they want it to air to my due date then forward 12 weeks. It's cutting it close. And now I'm finding myself considering something I never saw my self deliberating... Cutting my FMLA time short. All so I can have my cake and eat it too... Or so I think.

Would 10 weeks instead of 12 really make a big difference? It doesn't seem like it now but I have a feeling I'll think quite differently in about a month. Is this already happening to me? Already I'm being faced with difficult work-family decisions yanking me between career accomplishments and family. The answer may seem much more simple than it is. I know this now, but I also know I've only gotten a taste for what's to come. Soon, I'll be feasting in this unobtainable balance.

So will the dangling carrot get me back to work sooner than I had hoped? I don't know. Luckily that's not a decision I have to make today. I'm going to wait until I've met my daughter and get to know her a little better.

Until then, I'll be working on racing the clock to secure other elements of my job I want to keep, even if that means working past midnight a couple days a week.

This post was originally written for my Parenting.com blog, you can read more of my stories and motherhood debates here.

Dear Ladybug, I Made You Something

Dear Daughter,

I'm writing this on a big milestone day... We are 35 weeks today and have 35 days to go! I was so excited when I counted and realized that and wanted to tell everyone how cool it was, then I realized that it's not just MY pregnancy and due date that happens to have that coincidence... But everyone who makes it to 35 weeks has the same milestone. So much for thinking we were unique! I can be a ditz sometimes.
I'm so excited to meet you in about a month but at the same time I'm like "woah! slow down!" I really don't mind being pregnant and sometimes I think about how fast it's going and wish I could just put it on "pause" for a little while so I can finish preparing for you.

There's still so much to do with work before I leave, and many things I'm trying to get organized and cleaned around the house. Nothing is as important as you are but I just know things may be a little chaotic for awhile when you first get here so I'd like to feel settled before if I can so I can devote all of my time and energy to you without stressing about other things... If that's even possible.

I know it's silly but I've been making a lot of things still. Crafting and putting things together for your room is my new favorite hobby. You daddy says if I spent this much time with the rest of the house our place would look really nice. That may be true but I'd much rather just have your area be the cute spot.

I never use to like decorating before but now I'm beginning to, maybe I'll get more into it now that I've gotten a taste.

This week I made you three things, and a fourth thing or you room.
I made this piggy bank for you. I painted your name on one side and painted ladybugs all around it. It sorta looks like a 5 year old made it but oh well, one day maybe you'll appreciate it. I'll start collecting change for you and teach you how to save with it when you're old enough.

I also made you a toybox. You don't have many toys yet but we'll work on that. Books can go in here too, you have LOTS of books already. Here's how the toybox started...
Not pretty. It had crayon marks on it and it was pretty yucky looking, but only $20 on Craigslist. So I cleaned it, added primer, and lots and lots of white paint and some gloss!It got to looking pretty but what REALLY made it come together is this vinyl I got from the Etsy shop Jazzy Graphics.They were so nice and sent me your name and extra butterflies when I told them I was making a toybox for you. I'm so excited with how it turned out and I think you'll love it! Your daddy really likes what I did with it. He's impressed with my skills.

I still need to make it safe so you don't squish your fingers. I'll add a hinge so it'll close slowly, then some padding in the corners to keep it from shutting too tight.

I also made these pillows for your room this week, they match your bedding and curtains.And I made these baskets to go up on the ledge in your room!
And finally... I made this paper chain.Some would say it's a little childish but I love making paper chains to count down to things I'm excited for. I had one for my wedding, for when your dad and I were going to be reunited when we spent a summer apart, and now for your arrival! I must say this is my prettiest one yet!

It's not like I need a reminder that you're coming, I think about that all of the time, but it's a fun way to count down the days.
You're about 5 and 1/4 pounds now, and about 18 inches, which is crazy to think you're like a full-sized baby! Your kidneys are fully developed, you're mostly just getting chubber and chubbier now, which is good. I want some chubby cheeks to kiss! It's weird looking at these baby drawings. I remember when it depicted you as a little worm-looking thing. The nickname "Spawnie" was much more appropriate then.

I feel like I can feel you from all sides at once at times! Other times I get paranoid when you're napping, but you nap a lot more now, and there's less room for you, so I'm not feeling as many hard kicks as I do just you squirming around. I'm trying to pay special attention since we're on the home stretch now and I want to get you here safely! Just two more weeks until you're full term and can come out any time!

We had a doctor's appointment this week though and oh how you were moving! Our doctor just sat and stared at you moving around your... She said knee, but I would have guessed foot or something.

Oh, you really like Beyonce. Especially that song "Single Ladies" I'm not sure what it is with babies and that song. I think you're going to be a little dancer!

I hope you're having fun in there. Keep cooking a little longer baby girl. Just 5 more weeks and we can play all you want!

Love,

Mommy

***

Check out Pregnancy Corner to learn more about being 35 weeks pregnant.

Virtual Baby Shower Finalie: Baby Girl's Nursery

The room isn't COMPLETELY done yet, but I'd say about 90% is. I still want to get some vinyl lettering (I'm such a Mormon) for above her bedroom and bathroom doors. I'm not big on "Princess" but I found one I LOVE that says "Princess: Daughter of a Heavenly King" and I think that would be PERFECT! Just gotta find the right size, and once again make a plaque for it.

I need to lower the mobile so she can actually see it, I hope to do that in the next few weeks.
I'm also working on finishing the decorations that go up on this ledge but I've made good progress. I'm making a mini-mobile to go in a white birdcage I got to go up there, I'm stringing some more paper butterflies inside it to make it a "butterfly cage."
I didn't show it off yet cause I was waiting to get it set up right but finally, here's the crib bedding I ordered from ArtisticSensations.com.
What do you think? I said if I was having a girl I wouldn't settle on bedding and I didn't!

I added the big satin bows to the bumpers because they came with smaller ones than I wanted, but I think the ones I put on look nice! I'm going to sew them on once Baby Girl gets big enough to crawl around and tries to pull them off but for now they'll do tied on!

I got some extra pink and green fitted sheets at Ikea, four for $16, so I'll use those when she pukes/pees/poops on these and it's in the wash. She will be sleeping in a bassinet for a while before she moves to her crib though so they'll be able to stay nice and clean.
Kim, the owner of Artistic Sensations was way cool in working with me on ordering my bedding. I was very picky and only had one picture for her to go by as far as what I wanted it to look like and they did a good job. It wasn't free, I saved for this baby, but it's so worth it!

Now she's helping me spice up the nursery in adding some artwork to the room to match her bedding! There's three choices and whatever you vote for is what I get! So help me pick the cutest one! Oh, and if you vote, you'll also be entered to win a set for your own room! If you have a boy or different taste it's ok, there's TONS of choices on their site to choose from, it's a $155 value!

Here's the choices for Spawnie's room.

(Choice 1)

(Choice 2 below)

(Choice 3 below)I really don't have a preference, and if you've been reading awhile you know how indecicive I am! It's impossible to choose, so since I like them all, and narrowed it down to these, I'll let you choose!

And to get a more up-close look at the nursery bedding, here's a video!

Kim, the woman behind Artistic Sensations has always wanted to have her own business with a creative twist and the perfect fit is in the home décor and design arena. "What could be more fun than getting to pick products for your customers that you would pick for yourself or your child’s room and marketing them with passion," she said. "In addition, I wanted a business where I would be available to my children for their activities, to be there when they woke up and went to sleep. Selling custom bedding, furniture, room décor and furnishings from baby to college age on the Internet is exciting and different every day. Its pretty fulfilling to create children’s dream rooms with unique, customized, high quality products that I would use for my own children."

She has two sons, two yellow labs (which are also boys) and her husband therefore the "queen of the castle." She and her family always look forward to the weekends and they try to do a fun activity or dinner together.

You can learn more about her by following @Kidsroomdecor on twitter or by checking out their Artistic Sensations Facebook Store.

{New Mama Advice}

"Smile. Breathe. Take time for yourself too. Everyday is a gift. My kids teach me to view the world with open eyes and treat every day with gratitude and happiness. There is nothing better than loving on your new baby and hugging on them as they get older. Enjoy every minute. Remember how they smell. Smother them with kisses. I know it sounds cliché, but its all so precious. Every single day of it."

So, want to win some art for you own room? You can win 3-4 Pieces of art like Spawnie's worth $155! Just vote for Spawnie's (right sidebar) AND let me know what you like from Artistic Sensations in the comments! Here's some more of the imagination square art choices.

For an extra entry leave a piece of new mommy advice or let me know what you think of Spawnie's nursery so far!

The poll and giveaway ends June 11th at 11:59pm.
Random.org will choose a winner! Good Luck!

*I was not compensated for writing the bedding review. The giveaway and contest for Spawnie's art is sponsored by Artistic Sensations.*

I Can't Make Things This Cute: Mimi's Babies Giveaway

I shop too much. I went from being an Etsy browser to an avid Etsy shopper with a serious addiction. Luckily I had some money saved in my Paypal account to help with my constant splurging but sadly that money is near depletion and it won't be much longer that I'll be able to hide my addition from my husband. ... Transactions and the fact that I've become very good friends with our UPS delivery man... Blake, may give him a hunch I have a problem.
What am I ordering? Everything from diapers on sale, room decor for the nursery, clothes, oh my!

Mostly things I can't make myself, cause I have a new love for making things, especially when it ends up costing me way less.

One thing I can't do that I want to learn is how to crochet cute little hats and shoes and things. I think I'd officially feel like a nesting mom with my little ball of yarn in my rocking chair.

But until then, I'll leave it up to the pros. Like Mimi's Babies.I LOVE this picture. I can't believe I'm going to have one of these in a matter of weeks. I'm so excited, thrilled, terrified, and in doubt! Oooh, I can't wait!!

The bow on that little girl's head is from an Etsy shop run my Charissa and her mother in law, Mimi. Mimi makes all the sewn and monogrammed items in their Etsy shop including the cutest monogrammed birthday shirts.Crocheting and knitting are Charissa's things. Her Mom to taught her to crochet and for the past 20 years, she's collected, used, and created with yarn. "Now I have so much fun making crochet flower hair-clips, beanies, and baby shoes" she said.
I love these shoes she makes for little ones, she says it's the most time consuming to make, but they're so cute and worth it when they make it on little feet!

Charissa has been married for 9 years to Josh and they have three sons (now all proudly potty trained) ages from 8 to 3."Spending time with family and going to my son's baseballs games are my favorite things to do. My youngest son gets really excited when it is time to put on his 'bay-ball' shirt. This year my oldest two are playing baseball and the games are so much fun!" She said.

{New Mama Advice}

"The best piece of advice I can offer is to relax and enjoy every stage. When I was in a prenatal class before my oldest was born, one of the instructors said 'Remember everything is a stage. It might be a good stage or it might be a bad stage, but they will grow out of it either way.' If it a good stage, enjoy and cherish it. If it is a trying stage, remember this too shall pass."

Great advice!

To find out more about them be sure to check out their Mimi's Babies Facebook Page, follow @Mimisbabiesetsy on twitter and take a peek at their blog Mimi's Babies Gifts.

This is my second to last virtual baby shower giveaway and she's offering a $15 gift certificate to her shop! You can get all of the things I've pictured for under $15!

To enter just leave a comment letting me know your favorite item in her shop. Leave a piece of new mama advice for another entry, or tell me if you're as excited about mail as I am or if you just think I'm weird.

Contest ends May 30th at 11:59pm.
Random.org will choose the winner, good luck!

My next post will be the CLOSE OUT of my Virtual Baby Shower! I hope you've enjoyed it, don't miss my next post tonight, I'll be revealing Spawnie's nursery and having a $155 giveaway!

Thinking Ahead: Spawnie's 1st Bday Party Themes

I know it's crazy, but I'm already day dreaming about Spawnie's first birthday party. No, she's not born yet and I'm already debating between ladybug theme or butterfly theme, and picturing the cake and what she'll wear. I'm THAT CRAZY.

I'm big into princesses, but I think those parties are best served, and more enjoyed by older girls. I love looking at adorable invites, coordinating napkin holders and cupcake flags, party banners, it's just too much! And moms throwing parties these days seem so much more coordinated. Back when I was young pinatas, party hats, and kazoos weren't uncommon. Now, from photos I've seen from friend's parties, moms have got it together and got it looking cute!

Luckily I know people, people like Jen who design party goodies and decor to use to create a fun party theme. I think I'll be chatting with her when it's time for me to narrow down a theme.

I'm not crafty, I'm good at pretending like I am but really, it's all an act.

Jen, however, fell into my craft when she was planning her August 2008 wedding. She's been involved with art her entire life, starting with drawing and painting when she was 5 years old. After she graduated college, she got a freelance job with a local rape crisis clinic and started designing all of their marketing materials, including their annual report. She designed these gorgeous monograms.

After she got engaged, it was a "no-brainer" to her that she could DIY a lot of their stationery items. Other brides started asking her to design wedding stationery for them, and it blossomed from there. She designed monograms, wedding programs, invitations... you name it, she did it! From there, she grew into designing baby stationery, and then party decor. Blush Printables was literally a three year work in progress!

Jen is 26, she had a Norwegian Forest cat named Bella for about five years, but she sadly passed away from cancer this past February. They adopted Maya in March 2009 so Bella would have a friend, and they just loved each other so very much so in March 2010, they welcomed Bailey!

Human kids are on their radar too! "We have babies on the brain and have planned to start a family within the next six months -- so your blog is absolutely incredible and such a wonderful resource of information for me. I just love it!"

{New Mama Advice}

1. "This is probably a no-brainer, but always make sure that you make time for your family! Sometimes it's easy to get overextended and have anxiety over trying to balance time between work and play. My fondest childhood memories are my dad teaching me how to play softball, going on California vacations with just my mom, and my grandparents pushing me on the swing. Both of my parents are entrepreneurs and even though they were both busy running their own businesses, neither of them ever missed an art show, a softball game, taking pictures at homecoming or prom, or being there for any other milestone in my life. My mother is an excellent example of balancing work and home life, and so is my father. I am forever grateful for the life they gave me and the sacrifices that they made."

2. "Be assertive for what you need. Don't be afraid to tell friends and family what you really need -- let them know how helpful it would be to take on household chores [maybe someone can unload that dishwasher for you!] or help out with grocery shopping. Even help with laundry would be fantastic! Have a list of to-do items so that you don't have to remember what you need."

3. "Celebrate, and make new traditions! I bet if you look back to your own childhood, you have a slew of warm memories of being surrounded by your friends and family during birthdays and holidays. Carry on those same traditions, but start new ones that are unique to your new family."

If you have Twitter be sure to check Jen out at @ohsoglam and Blush Printables on Facebook. Her new adorable behind-the-scenes blog is Blush Printables and of course here's her Etsy Shop.

My Mini Virtual Baby Shower Week is coming to a close but Jen has offered one of my party-goers a $75 gift certificate to her shop! Anyone can enter and put it towards buying something that is ready-made or to contact her with a fully customized order.! Just visit her shop and let me know what you like in the comments! Leave a comment with new mommy advice for another entry! Or a birthday party theme idea!

You have until June 3rd 11:59pm to enter!

Random.org will choose the winner! Good luck!

Sleep... I'll Enjoy it While it Lasts

The #1 thing I hear over and over and over and over again from people who have children and know I'm having my first is "Enjoy your sleep now." Like I posted over a year ago before I was even THINKING about having a baby, was the #1 thing I'll miss... Sleep.

I love to sleep, I love naps. I HATE waking up early, and I can get pretty emotional when I don't get enough sleep. I'm not so cranky, but I'm emotional (I'm normally emotional but this magnifies it).

However... I think certain things make loosing sleep worth it: Christmas morning, new puppies, and procrastination on a research paper. When we first got Snoop I'd wake up at every little stir he made, and I was sure to take him out of the bathroom at the slightest appearance he had to go.

This meant getting bundled up in my winter jacket, getting his leash hooked up, and trekking out into the snow while I waited for him to "go potty." Granted, I know this isn't as demanding as waking up to a crying baby every few hours, and staying up while she eats and falls back asleep, but it was a little bit of practice.

Pregnancy... Well that's even more practice. I think you could argue the lack of sleep most women get the months before baby is born are in preparation for what's ahead. I have to pee at least twice a night, which could be worse.

I use to have soreness in my back when I first started to get bigger, so I decided it was time to try out some different sleeping techniques. Putting a pillow between my knees helped a little. Then one of my friends gave me her pregnancy pillow. It's shaped kind of like a worm. I liked it but since I'm so tall (about 5' 11") I had a hard time keeping it between my knees as well as under my head. I also was missing a nice little wedge for my tummy.
I got a Womb for Two and honestly haven't looked back. Based on what I've researched, it's the most comprehensive, and best pregnancy pillow out there. No really, my husband has even tried it an he likes to use it when I get up (not that he's pregnant, he just likes it)!

We have a California King bed in our room, and a Queen bed in the nursery. It takes up about half of the Queen bed but fits AWESOME in the King.
It was developed by Julie, a former prenatal massage therapist. Over 12 years of helping women in her own Pregnancy Massage Center, women would tell her about their sleeping problems, and she's send them home with tips. One day she had an "a-ha" moment for a design, and the idea was born.

She practiced with clients, then tested it herself during her own pregnancy and tweaked a few final details.
Julie has been married since, 2006 and they had Aviva, their little girl, in 2008. Together they've done all kinds of social dancing (contra dance, waltz, tango, swing, etc.) Now their little girl is their favorite preoccupation! They're also very involved in the life of their synagogue, Congregation Beth Shalom.

This mama gave me some great advice to use as I become a mom.

{New Mama Advice}

1. Make sure you have help in the first few weeks, even if you have to hire someone!
2. Give yourself grace as you find your own center as a mom. Read and listen all you can--b/c information is power--and then trust yourself to make the right decisions for your daughter. Adjust as necessary.
3. We found ourselves in the attachment parenting camp in the non-guilt section. Attachment is a priority, and also sometimes you have to take care of yourself first. I recommend that as a happy parenting starting point.

You can learn more about the Womb for Two by checking out their website. You can also follow @Womb4two on Twitter or "Like" Womb for Two on Facebook.

Here's also a quick video of me showing off how it works. A BIG thank you to my husband for being my videographer. He cracks me up.

The pillows inside can be removed and reused after pregnancy as regular pillows. The case is easily washed, and it's all made right here in the USA! The only thing I find as a downside is less snuggling with my hubby. He's not much of a snuggler anyway so he's probably appreciate the break. The few nights I've tried sleeping without support, I'm feeling it the next morning, so I'm picking my battles.
I've been so excited to let my pregnant friends know about this pillow, to feature it and to give one away to one of my virtual baby shower party-goers this week!

If you'd like to WIN a Womb for Two visit their site and tell me one of the benefits you've learned about the pillow in the comments! Leave another comment with a bit of pregnancy advice if you'd like an additional entry. You get 2 more chances to win following their Facebook and Twitter page and letting them know you saw them from my blog! My blog followers also get an extra entry.

You have until June 13th at 11:59pm to enter!
Random.org will choose a winner! Good Luck!

*Thanks Womb for Two for providing the pillow to review and giveaway. No compensation was recieved, opinions are all mine.

Are Giveaway Blogs Annoying?

Every blog has it's day... And purpose. Mine is to document my journey toward motherhood, and along the way here and there give out some freebies that I happen to come across. But it's come to my attention that some of you HATE giveaways. It's ok, you can admit it, we all feel like we never win right? I won a crib on one so I can't really be a hater.

I try my best to make mine fun, and tie them in to my regular style and not make them too "commercialish" but ya know... You can't win them all.

Last week I mentioned I'd be doing a butt load of giveaways this week only as my virtual baby shower. Some I guessed missed the memo.

I got an email from one of my readers today that inspired this post, and I thought I'd share it, and my reply in case some of you others are wondering the same thing.

Jen,

I read your blog and I really enjoy your personal posts. I must say, though, you have WAAAY too many giveaways. It so frustrating to come to your blog day after day only to see more products and giveaways. You are such a sweet, insightful, and fun writer. I love hearing about your baby journey, but all these giveaways may cause me to quit reading soon. SO SAD!

My reply:

Hey Girl! Thanks so much for writing! I really appreciate knowing that people actually care what I have to say! I feel like I mostly write for myself and sometimes am like "Wow... no one really cares that I have cankles, why am I putting this out there? Someone is going to throw up!" But I definitly enjoy writing no matter who's reading!

To be honest I don't enjoy giveaways as much myself, haha! But since I have a few items that I've been needing to write about for awhile I decided to dedicate JUST THIS WEEK to giveaways as a "virtual baby shower."

Trust me, I'm not wanting to turn into one of those giveaway mommy blogs, and a little while after little girl is born I'm wanting to put an end to them all together! And next week it'll be back to me blabbing about who knows what :)

If you do miss my writing though know that my other blog on Parenting.com has no giveaways, and I'm writing regular posts there this week :)

But until then, I hope you'll stick around, I promise I'll be back!


Jenn

So, what do you think? Love 'em? Hate em? What about on your blog? It's not the reason I started my blog. I like sharing things I find, often times things I even buy, and offer one for free to one of yall. I also like to feature women entrepreneurs and "give back" a little in that way on from time to time on my blog. I do keep them related to my life and what I'm going though.

That said, I usually don't do a lot of them, just once a week for my Full Term of Giveaways, though this week... Especially to people who don't like them, you'll notice a lot, but hey... That's cause it's giveaway week and it's already Thursday so just two more days! Starting Monday (or sooner) I'll be back to my rambles, and like I mentioned in my response to the emailer, my blogging will be a lot different and back to the basics after Spawnie arrives.

I'm flattered that some of you miss my "regular" posts after just a few days, cause quite honestly, I didn't know so many of you cared!

My Non-Obsession With Baby Toys... Except a Few

I refuse to buy baby toys... Ok not really. I'm already guilty of buying a few that Spawnie won't be able to use for MONTHS. I think my shopping fascination will go in phases. From pregnancy to umm... Ok, maybe forever, I'll be in the clothing phase. Then once she's born I think I'll be way into books. I love books and I love reading to her already, and I think she's going to like my voice. She seems to already (I talk a lot).

Then, when she starts to smile and giggle and actually appear to have a real interest in me or things, I'll get toy obsessed. We did get a goodie box of toys from the family of the boy we babysit which I was so excited about, cause what am I to do with her adorable toybox I made (yes, I refinished this toybox 8 months preggo... This is a picture of it before I added her name!) when there's no toys inside? That's pretty lame! The one toy I've bought for her so far is one of those ring stackers. I would show you but I ordered it, and it hasn't arrived so I don't have a photo yet.

Spawnie's second toy I get her I think will be a rattle. But not just any rattle, a cute giraffe rattle from Bundled.I've been eyeballing these things since before I was pregnant! There's two things Ladybug already has too much of 1. Personalized things (did you noticed I slipped a showed a picture of her name in my last virtual baby shower post? A reader pointed it out to me and is sworn to secrecy) and 2. Pink things. So I'm trying to decide on a different colored rattle to get for her. I'm liking this bluish-green one. They're only $12, and I think if I get it now, it'll make a great decoration on her bookshelf until she arrives.

The woman who makes them, Heather, has twins boys and he decided to take her "I can make that myself" attitude and put it to use in making modern, stylish boy things.

Although her experience is different because she has TWINS she still gave me some new mama advice for my virtual baby shower (which by the way I'm loving all of your tips, and I'm hoping to print them all out and put them in a little book so thank you for offering!)

{New Mama Advice}

"I think, that being sure to have plenty of help the first few weeks is vital no matter how many babies you may be bringing home."

Heather grew up in a small town in Alabama in an active family with a super fun, crafty momma who taught her how to enjoy the crafting process and not take it too seriously. She met her husband in college and they've been together for 14 years, married for 8. "We have two wild and crazy 5 yr old boys who keep us laughing and busy at all times and one super adorable yet slightly grumpy french bulldog who loves when the boys are at preschool and he can rest peacefully in the warm Florida sun."

To learn more about Heather and her shop be sure to check out her Bundled Shop, and Twitter page @Bundled.
She's also offered to giveaway this adorable Chocolate Chip Giraffe Rattle to one of my mini virtual baby shower participants! I'll make it easy for you... Just comment with your favorite item in her shop. You get an extra entry if you tell me another baby toy you love (I need to start getting bookmarks) and/or leaving a piece of new mom advice.

I'll use Random.org to choose a winner June 2nd, so you have until June 1st at 11:59pm to enter. Good luck!

Lillebaby EveryWear Carrier Giveaway!

Baby carriers anyone? If you missed my MomTV show last week shame on you. I showed off this awesome carrier which I cannot wait to tote Ladybug around in.

We have a sling, a couple of wraps a mei tai, and an Organic Lillebaby EveryWear Baby Carrier. Out of all of them I must say this one feel the most secure, sturdy, and hard core. Granted, I don't have MY baby to try in all of them, I have tested them out on some other little ones, and I've been practicing getting them all on and off.

Note: My penguin has no legs, it's not the same proportion as a baby, and I'm 8 months preggo so you're not getting the FULL effect here, but you can see it none the less.
One thing I love about this carrier is that there's four different ways you can wear it, so you don't need a different carrier for each position, it's all in one!

Here's the four positions:
1) Front inward facing: This position can be used with a baby 7 to 25 lbs but you must use the infant cradle and harness that is sold separately for babies 7-15 lbs.

2) Front outward facing: Once your baby is able to support their head to about 25 lbs, you can have your child face outward.

3) Hip Carrier: As your baby grows (15-43 lbs), you can give your child a ride on your hip with this carrier position. Note: Although we love the high weight limit, our 40 lb child is walking – not riding on our hip!

4) Back Carrier: When your child is able to sit independently (6+ months) to 43 lbs, you can give him a ride and support him on your back with this position.

Red Haute Mama – red with cream lining
Essential Black – black with black lining
Cocoa Couture – chocolate with cream lining
Whole Latte Love – latte with cream lining

I'm personally glad they don't have pink cause I'd be sure to have gotten that one and my husband would refuse to wear it. They were smart in deciding these gender-neutral colors!
Other Lillebaby EveryWear™ Features:

Ergonomic Design:

• Allows the child's legs to be at a 90% angle to support an optimal sitting position for hip, pelvis and spine growth.
• Disperses the child's weight between their hips and thighs to minimize spine compression.
• Gentle Motion Suspension System™ absorbs child's weight and movement
• Balances the baby's weight to parent's hips and shoulders
• Alleviates physical stress for the parent

Comfortable for Both Parent and Child:
• Dual-density foam-padded waist belt is pre-curved to hug the hips and provide greater comfort and load-carrying control.
• Padding continues under buckle to shield hips from the impact of the buckle.
• Shoulder pads inspired by High Performance back packs for maximum comfort and air flow.
• Removable and adjustable shoulder pads to fit a wide range of body types.
• High back supports baby's head.

Convenient
• Adjustable Chest strap with Double Response Suspension System makes the EveryWear easy to get on and off.
• Two front pockets for keys or cell phone.
• Zippered pocket fits most diapers and wipe holders.
• 100% Jersey cotton hood to cover baby's head.
• Soft lining and 100% lightweight microfiber exterior is wind and water repellent.
• Enforced edges for strength and durability.
• Available accessories: Infant Cradle & Harness, Sling Converter, Waist Extension Strap and Storage Bag.

I've stuffed the little pocket and it can fit a diaper too! My husband also likes the carrier and I can totally picture him carrying Spawnie around like "mini me" as he says. Ours, the organic kind is made with bamboo and organic cotton and it also has some nice extra padding on the shoulder straps. I'm pretty sure I'll be making Spawnie walk her own little butt around when she weighs 40lbs but it's nice to know that if we're going on a hike or something together and she gets tired we'll be able to pop her in here for a long time.

Be sure to check out Scandinavian Child's Facebook Page for more information about their other cool products as well as this carrier! You can also follow @Scanchild and @lillebabyusa on Twitter!

There's also a really fun contest going on this summer where you show off you and your little ones in the carrier to win some more prizes in their "Scandinavian Child I Am Everwear Challenge"

{Get One}

You can buy an Organic Lillebaby EveryWear Carrier for $120. Or for $109 right now on Amazon.

{Win One! To Enter:}

Check out Scandinavian Child and let me know in the comments another product you like!

{For Extra Entries: Leave an additional comment if you:}

-Check out this lillebaby carrier product demo and tell me something you learned (2 entries)
-Leave a piece of New Mama advice (I'm gonna print them on cards later!)
-If you RSVPd to the shower

-Follow @lillebabyusa and/or @Scanchild on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with a link!

-"Like" Scandinavian Child on Facebook and write a wall comment telling her you saw her on my blog!

-"Like" Baby Makin(g) Machine on Facebook

-Email subscribe to my blog and confirm your email subscription

-Subscribe to my blog using this feedburner

-Vote for my bog on Top Baby Blogs (it's way easy) 1X pr day

-Vote for my blog on Babble

-Add my blog or giveaway button to your blog (1 each)

-Comment on one of my posts on my Project Pregnancy Blog
-Post about this giveaway on your blog

Contest closes June 9th at 11:59pm. Random.org will choose the winner!

Good Luck!

*Thanks Scandinavian child for sending me a product to review and for sponsoring the giveaway. No monetary compensation was accepted. Opinions expressed are mine alone.*