Magazine Madness

I'm going nuts over trying to decide if I should take a leap and start an online magazine.  It's something that I've been thinking about since before I found out I was pregnant.  Then after I got pregnant with Moo, I really started to dream of doing a magazine that combined all aspects of my life-motherhood, fashion, marriage, etc.  I realize that to some reading this I may sound nuts.

After all I've got this blog, my Etsy shop, two kids at home 24/7, a marriage and other stuff. But since I'm kicking my bad habit of procrastinating to the curb, I feel like I could make an honest of go this.  It's more like I need to make an honest go of this.  It's time that I get more serious about my YUMMommy/YUMMommies brand.

This is a legacy that I'm leaving to my kids one day.  I want to make sure that my legacy and work is something they will be proud to carry on and pass down to their kids.  I want to make my mark on this world beyond just being a blogger.  Most importantly, I want to help others fulfill their dreams of getting their voices out there.  

My JET Magazine feature opened so many doors and put me on so many people's radar that I need to pay it forward.  Plus, the upside to all of this is that I've site that where I can publish an online magazine for FREE! That way once I get everything aligned and ready to go for a test run, I'm not really losing any money.  And of course, there's always the old-fashioned way of using MS Publisher and converting it to a PDF.

Either way, I've been praying really hard about this and I think I'm finally building up the courage to start work on the first issue.  I know in my gut that this has the potential to be a success.  However, undertaking a task that will be so time consuming scares me.  Will I find the time to make it work?  How will others respond to this magazine?

Will I be able to find quality writers?  Sponsors?  Sometimes, the road to success is scary.  But the it's time to sink or swim.  And I really want to swim.

What would you like to see in a magazine?

Bouncer Seat Gone Bad

When it comes to infant and toddler seats, I've never met two kids more attached to theirs than my kids are. And with JJ being more mobile, we have been wanting to look in to getting him a new chair for a while.  Plus, we knew he'd outgrow his current seat at some point.  Anyways, we're settling in to watch some movies on Netflix Saturday when this happens:

Right after I took JJ out.

Yes, his bouncer seat broke with him in it. He did bump his head  on the floor, but thankfully he's okay.  It just all happened so fast.  One moment he's sitting in his chair in front of me and his sister on the couch and not two seconds later I hear a snap and my baby boy is down on the floor because the chair rolled to one side when the leg snapped.  It was a scary experience because I the sounding of the snapping chair and his head hitting floor made me wonder if he had broken something.

Not a good look

Plus, I don't know if any of you have ever taken a floor on a hardwood floor but it hurts and can do some serious damage.  I checked him out and he didn't appear to have any broken bones or serious injuries.  Then I got a little frustrated because we got this seat after he was three months.  Therefore, it just turned a year old a few days ago.  And most importantly, he meets the weight requirements for this thing which is 6 to 25 pounds.

I love like the Bright Starts brand but we issues with Moo's Bright Start bouncer seat coming apart at the joints where  you have to connect the legs together but never breaking.  And once we exchanged her faulty bouncer for a new one we didn't have any further issues.  So, I felt at ease getting a Bright Starts seat for JJ.

To make this long story short, I'm not pleased that this seat barely lasted a year.  It's gotten a lot less use than Moo's did because we've spent a lot of time down at my mom's leaving the seat home and unused.  Examining the whole seat, I saw that the other leg was showing chips/cracks which meant it was on its way to giving out too.  I will filing a complaint with the company and asking that they consider doing thicker legs or using a stronger material.

Have you had any issues with infant/toddler products breaking even with proper usage?

Ten Months Grown

It's hard to believe that a little over ten months ago I gave birth to the most handsome little baby boy.  I know it sounds so cliche, but time has gone by entirely too fast for me.   Somehow, I blinked and my baby turned into a little man right before my eyes.  I've been getting all teary eyed just thinking about how much he's changed and grown on me.

For starters, he has two pearly whites that he doesn't mind using to chomp down on food or your arm.  Whichever is closest is what he'll settle for.  And trust me those things are sharp.  He bit his finger yesterday by mistake trying to bite on a toy.  He went into the worst crying fit.  Needless to say, I don't think he'll be making that mistake twice.

Poor Moo has been getting pinched and bitten.  Still she's a trooper and will ride or die for her little brother. Seriously, she's super protective of him even around other family members.  I think it's so cute that they're still best friends.  I pray that they continue to be close as they get older.

Fun times shopping with GMa!

He's becoming a Grandma's boy now!  That's a huge step because for the last 7 months he was not a fan of Grandma.  Don't ask me why, he just wasn't feeling her.  So, my mom is very excited that they got to bond when were visiting last month.  I'm happy too because soon he'll be able to go for day trips with Grandma since we're almost done breastfeeding.  

Yes, I'm still breastfeeding, but he seems to be self weaning.  He'll breastfeed long periods at night and then snack during the day.  I'm keeping my finger crossed that we make it to the one year mark which is less than two months away.  I did let him sample a little soy milk and he loved it.

Oh, he's officially started boycotting the walker.  In his mind, he thinks that he's a big boy and can walk on his own.  We really have to keep a watchful eye on him because he'll slide over the edge of the bed, couch, your lap, etc.  He can even flip himself out of his bouncy seat, walker and crib.  My baby has like major upper body strength yall.

It freaked the Mr out this weekend when he saw JJ flip himself out of his seat.  Thankfully, I never put him in it unless I'm sitting next to him.  So, we've avoided any accidents thus far.  That instant reflex comes in handy  I tell you.  So, if anybody out there has any suggestions for a toddler chair please leave it  in the comments.

We're making progress on the sippy cup front.  He prefers to drink from everybody's cup except his own.  So, I'm working on getting him used to drinking out his own sippy cup but he's not having it.  I'm not going to complain though.   I just want to enjoy these last seven weeks of his babyhood.

Diapers, The Lorax & Seventh Generation

Diapers are hands down one of the most important essentials you'll have to purchase for your baby.  And there are many brands out there. Trust me, I tried quite a few different ones after I had Moo until we found a brand that worked well.  And until recently, I thought that brand was working well with JJ.  I was introduced to Seventh Generation about two weeks ago when received these lovely goodies in the mail.



Limited Edition Lorax Print Diapers & a copy of The Lorax on recycled paper



I had heard of Seventh Generation and even use some of their cleaning products.  However, I had never tried their diapers.  After all the brand I was using appeared to be working well.  And you know the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."  Well, folks after two of trying out these bad boys, I have to admit that I wish I would have gone another experimentation with different diaper brands and tried these first.

What I Love About Seventh Generation Diapers

~Super Absorbent/Handles Explosions Well:  Usually, I have to wake up at least once to change JJ using our old brand or else there will be a little leakage.  Not the case with Seventh Generation.  I woke up out of habit to change his diaper only to find it dry to the touch even though I know he had peed in it.  Also, my little man is known to have a few diaper explosions if you know what a mean.  No problems with any leakage up the back of his diaper and having to change clothes. Can you say WINNING!!

~Great Fit:  I love fit.  The flexible tabs allow the diapers to conform to your baby's bottom shape and moves with them.  So, you don't have to worry about gaps that leave room for bodily fluids to escape and ruin outfits.  Plus, your baby want have to worry about wondering if their diaper is making their butts look big. LOL.  Even when soiled these diapers are eqipped to not puff out and make your baby look like he/she has a double booty.

~Environmentally/Skin Friendly:  You all already know the struggle I go through with two kids with severe allergies.  And it's because of those allergies that I have to be careful of what I put on my kids (diapers included).  I'm also Team Green when it comes to the environment.  So I was very impressed when I found out Seventh Generation's Free & Clear diaper products were hypo-allergic.  No laxtex, fragrance, chlorine or petroluem based anything.  And these diapers are made instead with plant based material that are better for the environment.  So, no worries about breakouts or funky rashes or non-biodegrateable diapers.

~The Lorax Print:  I am a huge fan of Dr. Suess.  Therefore, I was super stoked when I heard that Seventh Generation had partnered with The Lorax to make these limited edition Lorax print diapers.  Honestly, I like knowing that I have a product that is uber exclusive.  I even saved one for the sake of having it. (So serious)

I pretty loved everything about this diaper!  I highly recommend trying Seventh Generation diapers or training pants if you haven't.  In fact, one lucky reader will have the opportunity to win a Seventh Generation Diapers Prize Pack that includes:

~ (1) Package of Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers/Training Pants
~ A copy of The Lorax by Dr. Suess

Restless Baby Syndrome

JJ is almost eight months and we seem to be entering into what I like to call RBS-Restless Baby Syndrome.  Since he's approaching toddlerhood, he's taking fewer naps.  And that's not a problem.  The problem is finding stuff for him to do during those hours that he's now spending awake.

It's hard work keeping him entertained.  I thought for sure that he would be like Moo was.  She was fine as long as she was in her bouncer seat and watching Yo Gabba Gabba.  And once she learned how to make her walker go, she could care less if anybody paid her any attention.  

This is not the case for my little prince though.  He is a total attention hog.  I can't leave his sight for more two seconds unless he's fully occupied with something else.  But the moment that fascination wears off and he sees that I've escaped the room, he lets it rip.

We've been trying to get him interested in toys.  It works for a little bit and then he's like ok, what else ya got ma?  He's not a fan of tummy time at all.  He simply rolls over and gives me the you have ten seconds to pick me up look.  He's already mastered the walker.

I mean he can navigate that thing better some people navigate their cars.  I thought it would have taken a while to get the hang of it.  But by six months, he was already showing off his skills.  My family couldn't believe how well he got around in that thing.  We're convinced he's going to be walking by his first birthday.

And you would think that the walker would keep him occupied, but not so.  It just allows him to get into stuff like the Mr's PS3, snatching lamps off tables, knocking over cups, etc.  It also serves as a way for him to tag along behind me 24/7.  He was content with that at first but the novelty of being able to keep tabs on me is wearing off since I'm not actually holding him.

I'm running out of things and ways to keep this little guy entertained.  I don't want him getting sucked into tv watching.  However, we're both going nuts from his restlessness and easy boredom.  I never imagined that I would be the mother of a high maintenance child.

So, how do you keep your baby entertained?

Tell Us Something Good: New Addition

I'm going to be an auntie again!!  Isn't that good news?  My younger sister took a pregnancy test last Friday and it came back positive!   She and her husband are thrilled.  They go to the OB on next Tuesday to take an official pregnancy test and get her prenatal care started.

At this point, I'm not sure if they have a preference over a girl or boy.  But when they stopped by to tell me the good news, they kept referred to the baby as a she.  After all, my mom had almost all girls.   Our brother is the token male.  So, I guess it only makes sense that they would expect their first child to be a girl right?

Either way, I'm really happy for them.

Rough Start

I remember walking in my house and telling my husband I was going to breastfeed.  His reply, "I didn't know you were pregnant."  I wasn't.  I had just returned from visiting my cousin, Veronica, who had just had her daughter.  (You can red her story here as well.)  She was in so much pain from her c-section and from breastfeeding, yet she sat there and explained to me the importance of breastfeeding.  I knew then and there that if a woman could be in so much pain and still stand behind breastfeeding, it was something that shouled be important to me as well.

When I had my son, Jadyen, I immediately started nursing him. I was so relieved when he latched on and it didn’t hurt one bit. Then things took a turn. The day I was discharged the nurse explained to me that he hadn’t urinated yet so that must mean that he is not getting “enough” breast milk. She suggested I try alternating with formula. I started to cry, had I been starving him the first two days of his life? I went home and waited for him to pee. Nothing. I gave in I didn’t want to starve my baby. My husband fed him formula and I cried on the bathroom floor. 

I woke up the next morning so discouraged. My husband fed him formula again as I cried. My wonderful and encouraging husband knew how important breast milk was for our son so he told me that would be the last bottle he would give him. He encouraged me to call someone for advice, so I did. I called a La Leche consultant and she explained to me that my milk hadn’t come in yet and that my son was getting “enough.” She told me the most important action I could take was to continue nursing. She also explained my body would produce as much as Jayden needed. Two days later I awoke to a completely soaked t-shirt, MILK!

My son is now six months and I am still breastfeeding. I love looking down and seeing his eyes stare at me. I love when his tiny hand caresses my breast as if to say, “thank you mommy.”   My eyes water when I look down and see how healthy he looks and see the little rolls on his legs and thinking I did that. And then, just when a tear starts rolling down my face he bites down on my nipple with his strong gums and smiles. Holding my breathe in pain all I can do is smile back.

My boobs are for my son who is my whole life. I only want the best for him and because of that I choose to breastfeed. I love every minute of it and I am grateful that I have such strong women by my side to encourage me, thanks cuz, thanks tia (I bought myself “one cheapy watchcloth” and scrubbed my tetas.”) And even though my mommy didn’t breast feed me (at that time formula was big and they didn’t know all the benefits of breastfeeding – or so she says lol I'm only kidding mom I swear) thanks for supporting me now.

Martiza lives in Browns Mills, NJ with her son Jayden, her Rottweiler Brooklyn (her first baby) and wonderful husband Edward. She is a legal assistant in a law firm in NY.  She says, "I didn’t think I would love being a mom so much but I do and breastfeeding is just icing on the cake!'

Thank you mama for giving me the boob……

I figured that nursing was just one of those things that I being a Latina “had” to do. Of course I would nurse, my family for generation upon generation nursed all their babies. I almost felt obligated to do so. I knew that nursing was good and yada, yada yada but I didn’t see what the big deal was honestly speaking.

Now to put this in perspective, my mama gave birth to all 4 of us sans epidurals and nursed all of us until we were at least one. The minute I told her I was preggers she said “buy jourself one cheapy watchcloth and scrub your tetas’”. As wonderful as that sounded…..I never did it and boy did I live to regret it. Nursing was what the women in my family did. It was expected. I figured I would give nursing a shot and that was that.

The day I delivered my beautiful daughter Camilla via an emergency c section due to “fauilue to descend” (yeah….we will talk about this load of crap on a later date) I was almost in a fog right after surgery. I remember being wheeled into recovery and seeing my husband and asking him to leave me and go be with Camilla. After about 45 minutes, I was brought to my room, which was now filled with about a dozen friends and family. As my daughter was brought into my room, my mother tells me to “get ready”. I didn’t know what she was talking about…I just could not believe I had “real”  baby. “Get ready” meant take my boob out. So I did and carefully placed Camilla into a “football” hold that I had seen in one of my pregnancy magazines. My mother looked at me with a bewildered look “what is that??”  “La football hold” I muttered. That lasted all of 2 minutes before the women in my room told me to hold her cross body so I did.  Camilla ate furiously. I thought “wow this is great….pretty easy”. Then came the next day…….

So up until 24 hours after my C-section, nursing really wasn’t too bad. Then the drugs wore off and my mid section felt like someone had sliced me open and ripped a baby out of me.  Every time Camilla ate I wanted to quit. Every time she cried for milk…I cried. My nipples hurt so bad. The nurses helped, a lactation consultant helped…but NURSING STILL HURT!!!

When we were all finally sent home my mama was there waiting for us. Almost immediately after getting home, Camilla cried because it was time to eat and yup I started to cry anticipating the pain. My nipples were raw! I wanted to quit so bad. Here is where my wonderful mama came to my rescue. Whenever I complained she said to me “that’s Camilla’s milk not yours..give HER, HER milk”  and “soon it will not hurt anymore."

When I thought about the milk rapidly filling my boobs as my baby’s milk, it all of a sudden was not about me anymore. I would prop my feet up, relax my shoulders and nurse. I wanted Camilla to have “her” milk. I felt like I finally understood why the women in my family nursed….it was because what else would your baby eat?  I have to say that all the pain was gone in about a week and now that I am on my second 100% nursed baby….I LOVE NURSING. I love that semi smilie face my 9 month old son gets in his sleepy eyes after getting a full tummy of his milk. I love that nod and smile you get from other moms when you are nursing in public. I love that my kids can be around sick adults and fight the germs. I love everything that breast milk has given to my children. But most of all, I love you mama for helping me, coaching me and just being their for me and my boobs.

PS. When your about 8 months pregnant, don’t forget to “buy jourself one cheapy watchcloth and scrub your tetas.”

Veronica Avery lives in Hillsborough, NJ with her two children Camilla and Caden and wonderful husband Rodney. She teaches elementary school in Newark, NJ.  She loves all things nursing and is living proof that nursing mamas can wear heels, make-up and skinny jeans.  

The Best Start

When I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I quickly purchased all the books I could to prepare myself for my impending motherhood.  After thorough research, I knew that breastfeeding would be the choice for me.  But, when my daughter was delivered by emergency C-section 3 weeks early, she struggled to latch on that first time and her tiny preemie mouth couldn’t seem to make it work.  Thankfully, I had wonderful lactation nurses who helped me, not just in the hospital, but also after we went home.  As frustrating as it was at times, I refused to give up.  

We finally got the hang of it and I proceeded to nurse her exclusively for an entire year.   As she grew older, I found it odd that all her friends were sick so often and she never was.  She had the occasional cold here and there, but no allergies and she didn’t get the stomach flu until she was 4.

I found out I was pregnant with my son in 2007 and immediately, I knew it was time to pull out my Boppy pillow & Medela pump again.  But, little did I know what a challenge lay ahead of me.  He made it full term, unlike his sister, but he had several medical problems.  Breastfeeding him was the most difficult experience…not at all the special bonding time I had experienced with my first.  But, again, I steeled my will and continued to try everything I could to make it work. 

 He was later diagnosed with GERD (a severe case of acid reflux), which was why he would scream when laying down & nursing.  I had to buy a different nursing pillow that helped prop him up and I learned to burp him more frequently for relief.  Even though we had found our rhythm, he abruptly decided he was done with nursing at 6 months old.  But, instead of giving up, I kept pumping (up to 6 times a day during growth spurts) – even when it meant setting my alarm for 4:00am to pump the milk he would need for breakfast.  I continued this until he was weaned at the 1 year mark.

Looking back on it now, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t do it any differently.  My kids are some of the healthiest in our circle of friends and I truly believe it is because I gave them the best start they could possibly have.  Even though I have battle wounds from my years of nursing – going from a C cup down to an A and nearly destroying my breast tissue from all that pumping.  It was a sacrifice that I would gladly make again – because motherhood is about being selfless, caring for your kids no matter what the cost & giving them all that you can.  And, let’s face it…they’re worth it!

---

I am a wife of 11 years and a stay at home mom (kids ages 7 and 3).  I write the blog Penny Pincher Fashion, where you will NOT find me talking about breastfeeding or my adventures in mommy-hood.  But, as much as I love all things fashion & beauty, my family will always come first!http://www.pennypincherfashion.com/

Pumping Only

Being pregnant with number two everything is different. I so thought I was having a girl, because this pregnancy was so different from my first son. It's so different that I want to give him the best life I can give him. That's why I am choosing to pump.

When I had my first son at 18 years old, I knew that breastmilk was what was best for him, but I felt overwhelmed by the whole process. I wanted him to have the best life, but I was going through postpartum, I already felt like he was ruining my life, I just wasn't into the bonding thing yet. That is when I was given a pump. I didn't know ANYTHING about pumping. I wanted him on formula, but my husband wanted him on breastmilk. So I made a compromise. I said I was going to try it for 2 weeks and if I didn't like it back to formula he was going. Well I was not educated enough to know that 2 weeks is not long enough time get your milk in, or that the pain eventually goes away.


I am now more prepared. I feel more educated. I am choosing to pump only because I will be gone from him 4-6 hours a day. I also have a very active husband who really wants to be involved. Pumping gives me the best of both worlds. I give him the best milk, and he can still get a bottle so my husband can give that to him and still get his bonding time. Do I advise everyone to pump? No. If you can get the bond with your baby and he or she latches on by all means breastfeed.

If you are like me and only thinking about pumping I am across this posting for us. I think this posting really gave me the info I needed and the confidence I needed to make pumping happen. I will be in school pumping and I thought it would be awkward. I know understand that breast milk is a beautiful thing and instead of being embarrassed to pump in class I  think I am going to be proud.

Did you pump or breastfeed? Any advice for a pumping mother?

Kanesha Morrison lives in Oklahoma with her husband and one-year-old son. She loves to speak on parenting, marriage, school, but most of all MONEY. She is a full-time stay at home mom, who blogs about her journey through life. Please check her out and read her atMoneyMattersMama.com

Happy Breastfeeding

Awareness Month!!!

Yes, ladies August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month.  Here on YUMMommy, we will be having several lovely moms guest posting about their experiences with breastfeeding/pumping and why they feel breastmilk is the best option for their children.  I hope that you all will come by and support Breastfeeding Awareness Month.  I can guarantee you that these ladies keep it real in their posts.  They give you the real skinny on what breastfeeding is like.

Also, if you are a breastfeeding mom and would like guest post feel free to drop me an email.  I still have room for more posts!!

Shopping for JJ

If you follow me on Twitter, then you heard the news that Baby JJ could possibly be here two weeks early. I went to my OB for an ultrasound and to talk about my sugar test as well as my severely low blood count on Monday.  Well, during the ultrasound appointment the tech pointed out that JJ was two weeks more developed than 86% of babies his gestational age.  She estimated according to ultrasound measurements that he's already almost five pounds!!!  That is crazy.

Can you imagine how much bigger he's going to get these last two months?  I mean that's when babies really start to put on their final pounds. So, let's say he puts on two pounds in April and then another two pounds in May.  I'm looking at trying to push out an almost ten pound baby folks!!!  And then think about the carrying around.  My arms are going to beyond tired.

Guess, I better start carrying around and cradling a ten pound bag of sugar to get used to what my baby is going to feel like.  With Moo, I at least had two weeks before she hit the ten pound mark.  JJ is going to come out weighing ten pounds or close to it which means in two weeks he'll weigh 12 pounds or more.  Since, I'm breast feeding, he'll pack on more weight than a formula feed baby in a faster time period.

Anyways, to the hubby and I decided that we needed to go ahead and get a move on getting the rest of the stuff we needed.  So, this morning I got surprised with breakfast complete with fresh orange juice.  I was glad that I didn't have to cook.  And then I enjoyed a nice hot shower minus Moo for a change.  She usually throws a fit if she hears the water running and she's not in there showering with Moo.  She thinks the shower is some kind of magic rain cloud. LOL

After we were all dressed and ready to go, we headed out to do some shopping.  Since my family is taking care of the clothes and toys, we tackled the big items and here are some of the steals we got today:




We got the Graco Kinsey DuoGlider Stroller from Target for $139.99.  That's a whole $10 cheaper than Babies 'R Us.  Needless to say I have scratched this off our registry with them.

Graco Kinsley DuoGlider

And we all know how much I love co-sleeping with Moo.  So, since we'll most likely be moving a week or two after JJ is born and won't be able to get our king sized mattress until then we decided to get a bassinet so JJ can join us.  We settled on this adorable Nod-A-Way by Safety 1st from Target as well.  It was another great buy at $79.99.

Safety 1st Nod-A-Way Bassinet

And since I hurriedly gave away Moo's baby bouncer seat, we  picked up this adorable How Now Brown Cow Open Top Take Along Swing.  Of course, it's from Target too for $49.99.  It has a three point harness and can handle up to 25 pounds!!  I loved it because we can fold it up and carry it to Grandma's or when Moo goes on in home playdates. 

How Now Brown Cow On Top Take Along Swing

We picked up a Munchkin bottle rack from WalMart for $7.99.

You've also probably heard me talk about how my hubby has been really involved with wanting to pick out a breast pump.  So, we grabbed a Playtex Petite Double Electric Breast Pump System from WalMart for $79.98.  It's a 16-piece kit that comes complete with pump motor, 2 breast cups, 2 Playtex Drop-Ins bottles, 10 Drop-Ins liners, an adapter, tubing, 2 liner rings, 2 bottle nipples, 2 milk storage sealing discs, 2 extra pump valves and of course the instruction booklet.

We also picked up JJ's first outfit that he will be coming home in and taking his newborn pics in.  However, I'll  let that be a surprise as well as my dress for my baby shower.

Overall, I would say that if you're shopping for baby gear Target is certainly the place to go.  And Big Lots is not bad if yours carries big items like double strollers, bassinets and swings.  WalMart has the best prices on baby clothes, bottles, breast pumps and diapers.  So, keep that in mind for future baby shower registries.

March of Dimes

Mission

The March of Dimes' mission is "to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality."

Why You Should Support Them

I'm sure that I don't have to tell most of you how unpredictable pregnancy can be.  While the journey of bringing life into this world is by the greatest gift ever, it can sometimes be a very dangerous for both mom and baby.  Today pregnant women have a whole slew of pregnancy complications that just happen at any minute. And even if you do go full term there's still a lot of complications that can happen with the baby such as birth defects and even worse infant mortality.

Founded in 1938 to originally fight off the out of control polio epidemic, the March of Dimes is not working around the clock to help families who are facing pregnancy related challenges through research,community service, education, and advocacy.  Their team of professionals strive hard to figure out causes of why some babies are born premature, with birth defects and more.  The March of Dimes also works in hospitals to be a support system for those families of babies in the NICU.

March of Dimes representatives assist families with everything from counseling and understanding their baby's condition to helping those in need of financial assistance secure funds to pay for treatment.  Having had a tough pregnancy my first time around, I felt comforted knowing that the March of Dimes was there if ever I would need them.  I was very thankful of the reading material I received from them on little things that could help better my pregnancy and increase my chances of a full term delivery.  

And even now that I am in the last trimester of my second pregnancy, I still comfort in knowing that if anything should suddenly happen, there is someone that my family and I can turn to for support.  For more information on the March of Dimes visit their website here.

How You Can Help

You help the March of Dimes by making a financial donation.  The money collected goes towards funding research that is crucial in helping to reduce the number of babies born prematurely and with birth defects.  This money also helps to fund community service and educational programs for both citizens and medical professionals.

Also, the March of Dimes is always looking for volunteers and service partners.  You help by taking part in campaigns like the March for Babies.  And of course one of the best ways you can help is by spreading the word about this wonderful organization and how they are fighting to help moms and babies.  

For more information on opportunities of how you can get involved click here.

More 411

Website

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

*PS-My playgroup is participating in an upcoming March for Babies walk and would love your help with meeting our $8000 goal.  You can check out our team page here.

Bright Beginnings

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.



If you've been following my blog for a while then you know that I am a breastfeeding mom.  However, when I first started off breastfeeding I have to admit that I did consider supplementing formula after a rough night in the hospital.  I recall it like it was yesterday.  It was my last night in the hospital.  My husband had gone home because we were in the transition of moving and he wanted to make sure the nursery was absolutely perfect for when we got home.

It was going to be the first full night that Moo roomed in with me.  The previous two days one of the nurses would come and get her half way through the night to allow me time to bathe and enjoy my dinner in peace.  I had the best hospital help ever!!  Anyways, earlier that day the nurse had come in and they had informed me that Moo had dropped some weight.  Nothing serious.   They said it was probably because my milk was still coming in or we were both still getting adjusted to the whole breastfeeding situation.

I felt horrible.  I hadn't been a mom for three full days yet and already I was letting my daughter starve.  Throughout that day I noticed that she was fussy but she quickly settled down when I wheeled her around the room in her little crib.  But that night it got down right ugly in there.  The fussiness from that afternoon turned into full on wailing.

I couldn't take it.  I thought surely she must be starved.  What did I do?  I gave her a bottle of formula!!  *Gasp!*  Yes, you read right.  I gave her a bottle of formula because no matter how set on breastfeeding I was, nothing was more important than my daughter's health and contentment.  I didn't want her starving because I wanted to be selfish and feel accomplished.

Of course, it was that same night that I found out she was intolerant of cow's milk too.  But thank goodness I wasn't so against formula because I had gotten some formula samples in the mail and from my OB.  And guess what I had a packet of Bright Beginnings soy-based formula on hand.  My mom came by and helped with my latch on technique.  However, I still made the pitcher of Bright Beginnings soy formula just in case.

Luckily, we only needed a half bottle and finally got into our own groove with breastfeeding.  But I found comfort in knowing that if I needed a back up, I had somewhere I could turn to.  Pregnancy and motherhood aren't perfect and things don't always go as planned.  So, that's why you need a Plan B, a Plan C and maybe a Plan D.  I encourage any mom to not close out the idea of using formula if it's in the beat interest of your child.

And since Bright Beginnings was my back up, it's only natural that they be my formula recommendation should you need them.  You can find Bright Beginnings on diapers.com. They sell both the milk-based and soy-based formulas.  For more info on all the nutritional value or to purchase yourself an emergency can you visit or  buy on diapers.com.  And don't forget to check out Bright Beginnings on Facebook.

Yellow Submarine

So, I'm totally obsessed with Maclaren strollers in case you all didn't know.  My obsession started when I saw their Techno XT in an issue of Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine.  It was the beginning of my love affair with this totally line of high end but functional stroller company.  Most people window shop for clothes, cars and jewelry.  Well, I enjoy window shopping for Maclaren strollers.  I'm still waiting on the day when I can afford one of my dream strollers and hopefully Moo won't be too big to ride in it.

Anyways, you can imagine my excitement and glee when I discoverd that The Beatles chose Maclaren to help bring their Yellow Submarine to life in the form of a totally awesome looking buggy.

For those of you who don't know the Yellow Submarine was an animated film based on music by The Beatles.  Pepperland, a musical paradise under the ocean, falls under a sneak attack from Blue Meanies.   Blue Meanies hate all things music and decide to seal the band in a music proof bubble while turning Pepperland residents into statues and sucking away all of Pepperland's color.  Thus it's up to Lord Mayor and sailor Old Fred to find the Yellow Submarine to save Pepperland.  The Yellow Submarine is manned and operated by none other than Ringo, John, Paul and George-The Beatles.  And thus the quest to rescue Pepperland begins.

Maclaren has created a buggy that evokes 'the timeless appeal of The Beatles for a new generation of Fab Four fans' and  is 'styled to reflect the iconic artwork and feel of The Beatles Yellow Submarine.'

"The Beatles came to Maclaren because they were convinced our design aesthetic would create the perfect embodiment of their vision," Carolyn Komminsk, Head Designer for Maclaren said. "We look forward to using this addition to our product line to reach a new generation of parents and children."

About the Yellow Submarine Buggy

It combines Maclaren's Gold Standard safery features like a 5-point safety harness, lockable front swivel wheels and linked parking brakes with incredible detailing and artwork such as the sunny yellow seat, contrasting denim hood, psychedelic print and more.  It also comes with a handy mesh shopping basket, raincover and a one handed compact umbrella fold with carry strap and handle.  The Yellow Submarine Buggy is appropriate for babies three months to children 55 lbs (25kg).

Fashion Find: Red Snapper Baby Line

As a parent, one of the most important things to me (besides Moo's health) is making sure she looks good.  (If you look good, you feel good, and you'll perform good.)  I feel like regardless of whether or not I look put together she will.  I'm always looking for pieces that are different and have cool graphics.  I want her to develop a self appreciation for being an individual and having her own unique style at an early age.

Another important aspect of clothes shopping for Moo is material.  She's an Excema and allergy baby.  Therefore, I like to make sure all her shirts and most of her bottoms are 100% cotton and her dresses at least 50% cotton.  Cotton is just so soft and breathable.   It won't irritate her skin.

Anyways, back towards the end of May, I stumbled across this new children's line called Red Snapper.  One of the things that caught my eye about Red Snapper was their garments were made with 100% cotton.  They're also machine washable. We all know most designer clothing isn't machine washable.  And as I've stated many times over, I like bargains.  And if I can get designer clothing that is machine washable, I don't mind fronting the cost.

And I know adults in general understand the comfort of wearing tagless shirts.  There's nothing more annoying than an itchy tag or a tag that won't stay tucked in. Thankfully, Red Snapper understands that babies and toddlers enjoy that same comfort.  The second thing that caught my eye were their cool graphics and red snap.

Heart Matrix

Iconic Flowers

Iconic Elephant

And Red Snapper has proudly partnered with the American Women Veterans non-profit organization.  When you purchase one of the adorable garments below 10% of the proceeds will go towards helping female veterans and their families.

I encourage you all to give Rob, Jen and Baby Phenix a visit at Red Snapper.

About Red Snapper

"Babies are inspirational. Redsnapper™ was born the day our first bundle of joy was. We quickly discovered how easily we would mis-snap our little girl's shirts when in a rush and have to do it all over again! So we have created a patented red snap on all of our products for you to be able to get it right the first time, every time.

Redsnapper™ believes baby clothes should be as trendy and unique as ours are. We strive for all of our designs to be modern and stand out with style so that you and your baby do too!"

What I'm Making Monday: Letters to My Daughter

Let me start off by saying Happy Belated Mother's Day!!!! I had a blast on my third one. It was even more special being able to celebrate with my mom and aunties. I'm already looking forward to next year and planning an even bigger surprise for them.

So, if you don't know by now, I love writing. Seriously, I could write all day if that were possible. Anyways, when I was pregnant, I didn't write a lot. Mostly because I was stressed about my pregnancy. It wasn't exactly the most complication free one. It probably would have helped if I had kept a pregnancy journal or something and that's one of the things I do regret not doing.

But once my little Moo got here, I knew that everyday with her would be special. So, I decided to make a scrap/storybook chronicling her first years of life. I call it 'Letters to My Daughter: Days in the Life of My Little Moo.' And I have to tell you at first it was kind of hard making myself get back in the hang of writing everyday. By the end of the night, I was so tired from having not gotten a full night's rest the night before, I could barely keep my eyes open long enough to write.

But here we are almost two years later and somehow I have managed to chronicle everyday. And while some people say not much can possibly change from day to day, it can. I was recently looking back thru some of the notebooks I wrote in (we're up to 4 now)and we had some great adventures, some heartbreaks and some times I wish I could rewind. I'm very honest in my letters to Moo about what I'm feeling, how things were going with me and her father and much more. I also took some pictures of her just about everyday.

So we have quite the collection. Babies don't really remember their infanthood (yes I made that word up)and I felt like it would be great to help give her some insight by doing this. I certainly recommend that all moms and dads do this. You don't really have to write in it everyday like I do, but weekly would good.

All you need is:

A Notebook,

A Pen,

A camera to take pictures,

And Quiet Place to write.

Then once you've finished your first year you can get a scrapbook kit and type it all up or just paste the handwritten pages right in the scrapbook. Adorn the pages with the pictures and you're done.  This is truly a great gift for a high school senior.  I'm sure your daughter or son will love it.