Thursday, December 23, 2010

Really cool fluffy giveaway event over at 29 Diapers! Hurry, last 2 days!!

Hopefully you've been following the awesome fluffy giveaway event over at 29 Diapers and this will just be a reminder for you. But, if not, then you better get over there and check it out! There are only 2 days left and the final giveaway, on Christmas eve is really quite unbelievable:

[an autographed copy of my book Ecofrugal Baby: How To Save 70% Off Baby’s First Year, a 3-pack of Happy Heinys pocket diapers, a pack of Bummas cloth wipes, an Itzy Ritzy wet bag, Zoe Organics diaper balm, a gallon of Allen’s Naturally detergent from The Little Seedling boutique, a Weleda baby toiletries starter kit, Episencial wash, soothing cream, and face balm to pamper both mom and baby, AND 2 Thirsties Duo Wrap diaper covers with 4 Duo Hemp Prefolds–that’s a $285 value!] *taken from the 29 Diapers website*

Wow, who wouldn't want to win that??? I know I sure do!!!! So, head on over and enter, or better yet, don't (more chances for me to win) :)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

My pregnancy so far, 14 weeks...

I'm officially into the second trimester now, no turning back! This pregnancy is definitely different than my first one. The morning sickness this time around has been almost non-existent (thank God and knock on wood). I felt nauseous pretty much all day long for about 2 weeks back in the second month but never actually got physically sick, so I shouldn't complain. I'm know I'm lucky because so many women have it much worse than I do.

I did however, have a little heartburn last night. Really? This early? I had TERRIBLE heartburn in the last trimester of my first pregnancy. It was so bad that it woke me up in the middle of the night and made me throw up! I'm kinda hoping last night's episode was caused by the cheddar and sour cream potato chips I ate right before bed and is not a preview of things to come.

According to my scale this morning, I've lost one pound. That's right, lost weight! How can that be??? It must be a mistake because I am showing a little bit. I do think that I won't end up gaining as much weight this time because I'm at home, I pretty much only buy organic, whole foods and cook all of our meals. Last pregnancy I was working full time as a social worker, eating out for lunch a lot and sitting at a desk all day long. This time I'm chasing after my toddler, taking walks and eating much healthier, so that's a plus!

This time around, however, I'm having awful skin issues. My skin just looks horrible, I feel like I'm in high school again, yuk! I didn't have this issue the first time. Good news, though, I'm currently reviewing a couple skincare products from an awesome online maternity boutique: Maternitique. So, look for an upcoming review and giveaway post!

If you read my daughter's birth story you know that she was born through cesarean section. I'm determined to give birth vaginally this time and I'm working with a midwife who is very encouraging. I go back and forth between feeling positive about natural birth and being afraid that I'll have to have another c-section. No matter what (unless it's an emergency, of course) I'm going to let my body go into labor naturally and at least attempt labor. The scary part for me is that since I've not pushed a baby out before, I don't know what to expect. Also, I know how awful a c-section recovery is, and it's even worse if you've labored first (which I will). But, overall, I'm excited to have the opportunity to give birth naturally and follow my body's cues this time!

Nachomama tees review and giveaway (1/5)


Looking for a great, one-stop t-shirt shop to find the best funny, vintage and/or 80's t-shirts? Then you should definitely check out Nachomama Tees. It is a really neat online store featuring a huge selection of great t-shirts.
I love funny tees and found quite a few that were just hilarious. Just look at these:





These are a few of the funny, mild ones that I like. If you're a little more on the edgy or offensive side, they have shirts for that, too. The t-shirts are all very reasonably priced, most are around $15. They also feature a daily deal shirt for just $6.99.
For this review, I picked out this shirt for my husband:

It arrived quickly and was high quality. The customer service at Nachomama is great, they are responsive and timely.

How would you like to win a shirt of your own? Nachomama is offering one of my readers the opportunity to choose either a mystery tee or a $15 gift card!


How to enter:


Each action counts as one entry unless otherwise stated. Leave a separate comment for each entry and please include your email address. You must complete the mandatory entry before you are eligible for any other entries.

**Mandatory Entry**

Visit Nachomama tees and let me know your favorite shirt.


Extra Entries

*Like the Nachomama Facebook page (note: Nacomama is owned by Crazy dog tees)

*Post a comment on the Facebook page telling Nachomama what your favorite tee is or ask them a question about the shirts

*"Like" or "Share" one of the products on their website.  The buttons for these are on all product detail pages, above the main image. Come back and let me know you did.

*Follow me publicly through google friend connect-counts as 3 entries! Leave 3 separate comments.

*Subscribe to my blog by email, through feedburner-counts as 3 entries!

*Grab my button and tell me where it is posted

*Blog about this giveaway, link back to my site and leave me the URL of your blog

*NEW!!! Like my brand new Facebook page- counts as 5 entries!!!! Let me know the name you follow under.



The fine print
This giveaway is open worldwide and will end January 5, 2011 at 9PM pacific time.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by e-mail, then must respond within 48 hours or else a new winner will be chosen.

**Winners cannot have won a shirt from Nachomama or Crazydog tees or have been sent a shirt for promotional purposes in the last 90 days or own a blog of their own.**

I was not paid for this review, and received no compensation. I was provided the product mentioned for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own and completely truthful.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Smartmom Teething bling review and giveaway! 1/3


I heard about Smart mom teething bling a little too late for my daughter, she was beyond teething when I learned of the awesome line of innovative and functional jewelry. Even so, I knew this product would come in handy and I was sent a Moonstone donut pendant for review and I love it! It's simple enough to wear everyday, yet versatile and classy enough to pair with something more dressy.

Smart mom jewelry is such a cool company, staffed entirely by moms with a mission and purpose. All aspects of product development take place in the US and the moms make it a point to be easily accessible to customers. All of the Smartmom products are made with the same quality silicone that most baby teething toys are made of and contain no harmful chemicals. There is also a breakaway clasp for added safety and to avoid choking.  And, check out the newest addition to Smart mom, Babe Magnet Ties. Babies can even be entertained by dad's accessories!

Even though Emma is not really actively teething, she is slowly getting molars, but it doesn't seem to be bothering her, I told her she could bite the necklace and she just thought that was the best thing ever!






The Smartmom website does give this warning, though: "Children with fully developed teeth may be able to bite through Teething Bling ®. Therefore, parents must determine what is best for their own situation and child and as always, we remind everyone that children - of any age - should never be left unattended with jewelry of any kind."



I can't wait to wear this necklace around baby number two (due in June). If I'd had it when Emma was little, it may have saved a lot of hair pulling. You would never guess by looking at the pieces that they are tough and durable enough for a teething baby, or even toddler. They just look like regular, trendy jewelry that anyone would like to wear.

Buy it

Of course you can buy Smartmom products from their website, and select retail partners.

-or-

Win it!

One lucky reader will win a gift set (a pendant and 2 coordinating bangles) of his/her own choosing.


How to enter:
Each action counts as one entry unless otherwise stated. Leave a separate comment for each entry and please include your email address. You must complete the mandatory entry before you are eligible for any other entries.


**Mandatory Entry**

Visit Smartmom teethingbling and let me know which set you'd choose if you won.

Extra Entries

*Go to the Teething bling website and tell me something else you learned about this awesome company that I didn't mention here.

*Follow me publicly through google friend connect-counts as 3 entries! Leave 3 separate comments.

*Subscribe to my blog by email, through feedburner-counts as 3 entries!

*Grab my button and tell me where it is posted

*Blog about this giveaway, link back to my site and leave me the URL of your blog

*NEW!!! Like my brand new Facebook page- counts as 5 entries!!!!


The fine print
This giveaway is open worldwide and will end January 3, 2011 at 9PM pacific time.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by e-mail, then must respond within 48 hours or else a new winner will be chosen.

I was not paid for this review, and received no compensation. I was provided the product mentioned for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own and completely truthful.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Mom Blog Monday!

Sippy Cups and Cloth Bums

Are you a Mommy blogger? Do you blog about your kids? Do you blog about great things for Mommies? Do you wanna meet other Mom Bloggers?


If you answered yes to any of those questions then link up!

This blog hop is hosted by Sippy cups and cloth bumsThe Not-So-Secret Confession of a first time Mom , and Luxury Living Frugal Style!

What is a blog hop?

A blog hop is an awesome way of meeting and reaching out to more bloggers.

Rules?

All we ask is that you follow the hosts, Sippy Cups and Cloth Bums, The Not- So- Secret Confessions of a First Time Mom, and Luxury Living Frugal Style. Be sure to leave us a comment so we can follow you back! We always follow back!

Please link directly to your blog ONLY! Please do not link up your giveaways. These will be deleted, as we monitor all links.

We would LOVE it if you'd grab our button and put it somewhere on your blog or in a blog post! This would help us spread the word. However, you aren't required to.

You can follow as many or as few blogs as you'd like.

*Each week one lucky blogger who links up will be the next week's featured blogger.*

This week's featured blogger: me, yay!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Eco Mom review and $15 gift code giveaway 12/31


I recently had the opportunity to work with Ecomom and have been very pleased. I love their site! They only carry high quality, eco friendly and safe baby, kid and mama products. The team at Ecomom partners with  well known and trusted agencies devoted to child safety such as Healthy Child Healthy World and Environmental Working Group to help make sure all the products they carry are safe and healthy for children.

We were sent the Hape Early Melodies Rhythm Set for review
This is a very high quality, wooden toy set. I LOVE wooden toys, I always opt for natural over synthetic and I cringe over all the nasty chemicals that can be in plastic. This musical set will definitely withstand the banging and shaking of more than one child. My husband is a big music lover and has always insisted that we instill the love of music in our daughter, so he was really excited about this toy!

Emma just loves shaking and banging and making "music" with this set. It's getting more and more difficult to get good pictures of Emma these days because she's really busy and always on the move and doesn't much want to perform for the camera. I was able to capture a couple pics of my daughter and my nephew making music. Check out the action in the second shot:




I just can't say enough good things about Ecomom. If you're trying to go green and still need holiday decorations, they have some unique and classy selections. And of course, search the green gifts guide to find the perfect present for anyone on your list.

Another really cool feature of the Ecomom website: The Ecopass. You can purchase a membership for $99 and get free shipping, as well as a %15 discount on every order. Pretty awesome deal, huh?! I'm definitely thinking of taking advantage.

Buy it


You can get the same musical toy set we received from the Ecomom website, along with about a million other eco-friendly products.
Ecomom is also offering a %15 discount off your first order, just enter code: SBBL704 until Dec. 31.


-or-


Win it!

One lucky reader is going to win a $15 gift code to buy whatever you want from Ecomom!

How to enter:

Each action counts as one entry unless otherwise stated. Leave a separate comment for each entry and please include your email address. You must complete the mandatory entry before you are eligible for any other entries.


**Mandatory Entry**

Visit Ecomom and tell me what you would buy if you won.

Extra Entries

*Follow Ecomom on Twitter at EcoMomCEO

*Become a fan of EcoMom on Facebook

*Join the EcoMom newsletter

*Follow me publicly through google friend connect-counts as 3 entries! Leave 3 separate comments.

*Subscribe to my blog by email, through feedburner-counts as 3 entries!

*Grab my button and tell me where it is posted

*Blog about this giveaway, link back to my site and leave me the URL of your blog


The fine print
This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents and will end December 31, 2010 at 9PM pacific time.
Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by e-mail, then must respond within 48 hours or else a new winner will be chosen.
I was not paid for this review, and received no compensation. I was provided the product mentioned for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own and completely truthful.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Time to pick out holiday cards!

Have you checked out the great selection of Christmas cards at Shutterfly? If not, you really should, there is something for anyone and everyone! Since the first time I heard of Shutterfly, I loved it. Going digital sometimes means that pictures stay on the camera, but Shutterfly makes it really easy for me to upload, order and get my pictures right to my mailbox so I can frame them or scrap them. I usually turn to Shutterfly for my holiday cards and I had a heck of a time picking just one, so here are a few that catch my eye:
I love the red hue and the elegant simplicity of it. Peace, love, joy, those words describe what the holidays are about exactly!

This one would be perfect for documenting all the exciting events that happened this year



Now, to pick the perfect photo. I like to incorporate the whole year in our Christmas card and there were a few significant events this year.
Emma turned one, started walking, talking, getting into everything.....all the things that come with toddlerhood



Baby number two was conceived and is on the way
Cirt's photography career really took off and is making us some extra money, yay for that!
We had a really awesome and fun snowstorm!



I really like this picture that Cirt took while we were cutting down our Christmas tree:

As you can see, all these pictures are of just Emma. That's because most of the pictures we take are of just Emma. What I can I say, she's a first born and she pretty darn cute, if I don't say so myself! :) It's going to be tough to find a picture of the whole family, as it's usually daddy behind the camera and Emma saying cheese. I think we'll have to actually make an effort to gather together only for the purpose of taking a Christmas card photo.

And...I think a great idea for Christmas gifts next year would be the photo calendars, especially for grandma and grandpa. Next year is going to be great, too. Emma will turn 2, the new baby will be born and who knows what else! Speaking of Emma turning 2, I think I'll come back to check out the birthday cards section for birthday party invites!

Oh, and if you're a blogger, check this out to get 50 free cards of your own.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

A Merry Fluffy Christmas WINNERS!!!!!!



I hope you all enjoyed this awesome event, I know I had a ton of fun and can't wait to do it again! If you didn't win, don't worry, I've got some other great giveaways coming up! I've emailed all of you, so if you haven't already responded to my email, please do so within 48 hours to claim your prize.
Now, on to the winners!

Day one:


Laura said...
Email subscriber! entry 2



Day two:

Amy said...
I subscribe 3



Day three:

Njos Family said...
receive your emails



Day four:


Janine said...

I follow you via GFC.



Day five:


SAPsMaMa said...
I subscribe to your blog via email
entry #3

Saturday, December 4, 2010



Welcome to the fifth and final day of fluffy giveaways! I really hope you have all had as much fun with this event as I have, I just love sharing fluffy love. I wish all babies were cloth babies.


How A Merry Fluffy Christmas works:

Each of the 5 days of this event, there will be one post up on each blog. In each post, there will be one or more items to be won! Each day is ONE prize package, so there will only be ONE winner for each day for each blog. Each giveaway is open for 3 days.

You MUST do the Mandatory Entry to enter the giveaways! If you do not do the Mandatory Entry, all your other entries will be deleted.

Please remember to read ALL instructions on each blog. We are all a part of the Merry Fluffy Christmas event, but we are each doing different ways to enter. Please read ALL instructions or you might miss something and your entries will be deleted.

The Extra Entries are just that, extra and optional! You can, if you'd like, enter only the Mandatory Entry and call it a day. But entering ALL Extra Entries as well will provide you with a greater chance at winning! :)

And don't forget to visit ALL 19 BLOGS! You can find the Linky at the bottom of each giveaway post..

So the point...? Just make sure to read ALL the instructions on each blog before entering and get out there and HAVE FUN!!!

Day five sponsor
Me!!!

***Please note: In my original post I accidentally listed the prize as a Fuzzibunz perfect size diaper, it should have read: Fuzzibunz ONESIZE diaper. So sorry!
Because I love my readers and subscribers so much and appreciate you all, I'm giving away one of my favorite diaper combos: A Fuzzibunz onesize pocket diaper and a Loopydo insert. This awesome pairing is practically bulletproof and should get any heavy wetter through the night, it worked for my super, duper heavy wetter! I purchase from either Kelly's Closet or Earth Angels Diaper Company, so prize is limited to stock on hand. And....because I have them to give away, you'll also get a couple Snappis.

This giveaway closes on Dec 7th at 11:59pm EST, so hurry and enter!

How to enter:

Again, please read ALL instructions before entering! Also you MUST leave a valid email! If you win and have no email, I will have to choose a new winner. I must be able to get a hold of you.

Mandatory Entry:

You must do BOTH mandatory entries before completing ANY of the Extra Entries!

- You MUST follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (GFC), that's it!


Extra Entries:

- Subscribe by email to my blog (3 extra entries!)

***If you earned extra entries and want them to go toward this giveaway, leave a comment on this post.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Merry Fluffy Christmas- Day Four!



Welcome to A Merry Fluffy Christmas giveaway event and thanks for visiting my blog!

How A Merry Fluffy Christmas works:

Each of the 5 days of this event, there will be one post up on each blog. In each post, there will be one or more items to be won! Each day is ONE prize package, so there will only be ONE winner for each day for each blog. Each giveaway is open for 3 days.

You MUST do the Mandatory Entry to enter the giveaways! If you do not do the Mandatory Entry, all your other entries will be deleted.

Please remember to read ALL instructions on each blog. We are all a part of the Merry Fluffy Christmas event, but we are each doing different ways to enter. Please read ALL instructions or you might miss something and your entries will be deleted.

The Extra Entries are just that, extra and optional! You can, if you'd like, enter only the Mandatory Entry and call it a day. But entering ALL Extra Entries as well will provide you with a greater chance at winning! :)

And don't forget to visit ALL 19 BLOGS! You can find the Linky at the bottom of each giveaway post..

So the point...? Just make sure to read ALL the instructions on each blog before entering and get out there and HAVE FUN!!!

Day four sponsor


Kim from Rockin Green is giving away a 45/90 bag of detergent in the winner's choice of scent and formula. Go here to read my sponsor spotlight and enter extra entries if you wish.
I am also, personally contributing a 1 ounce container of Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm, my absolute favorite diaper cream. It's cloth diaper safe, smells great and WORKS!!

This giveaway closes on Dec 6th at 11:59pm EST, so hurry and enter!


How to enter:

Again, please read ALL instructions before entering! Also you MUST leave a valid email! If you win and have no email, I will have to choose a new winner. I must be able to get a hold of you.


Mandatory Entry:

You must do BOTH mandatory entries before completing ANY of the Extra Entries!

- You MUST visit Rockin Green and tell me which scent you'd choose if you won.

- You MUST follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (GFC)

Please leave ONE comment with both mandatory entries and your email address.


Extra Entries:

- Subscribe by email to my blog (3 extra entries!)

If you earned extra entries and want them to go toward this giveaway, leave a comment on this post.


Thursday, December 2, 2010

A Merry Fluffy Christmas- Day Three!



Welcome to A Merry Fluffy Christmas giveaway event and thanks for visiting my blog!



How A Merry Fluffy Christmas works:

Each of the 5 days of this event, there will be one post up on each blog. In each post, there will be one or more items to be won! Each day is ONE prize package, so there will only be ONE winner for each day for each blog. Each giveaway is open for 3 days.

You MUST do the Mandatory Entry to enter the giveaways! If you do not do the Mandatory Entry, all your other entries will be deleted.

Please remember to read ALL instructions on each blog. We are all a part of the Merry Fluffy Christmas event, but we are each doing different ways to enter. Please read ALL instructions or you might miss something and your entries will be deleted.

The Extra Entries are just that, extra and optional! You can, if you'd like, enter only the Mandatory Entry and call it a day. But entering ALL Extra Entries as well will provide you with a greater chance at winning! :)

And don't forget to visit ALL 19 BLOGS! You can find the Linky at the bottom of each giveaway post..

So the point...? Just make sure to read ALL the instructions on each blog before entering and get out there and HAVE FUN!!!




Day three sponsor


Llana from Applecheeks is offering up a package of diapering accessories including: a roll of flushable liners, a 6 pack of super soft bamboo wipes and a bottle of gentle cleansing solution. Go here to read my sponsor spotlight, see examples and enter extra entries if you wish. I will also add a couple Snappis.

This giveaway closes on Dec 5th at 11:59pm EST, so hurry and enter!


How to enter:

Again, please read ALL instructions before entering! Also you MUST leave a valid email! If you win and have no email, I will have to choose a new winner. I must be able to get a hold of you.

Mandatory Entry:

You must do BOTH mandatory entries before completing ANY of the Extra Entries!

- You MUST visit Applecheeks and tell me another item you'd love to have.

- You MUST follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (GFC)


Please leave ONE comment with both mandatory entries and your email address.


Extra Entries:

- Subscribe by email to my blog (3 extra entries!)


If you earned extra entries and want them to go toward this giveaway, leave a comment on this post.


Wednesday, December 1, 2010

A Merry Fluffy Christmas-Day two!



Welcome to A Merry Fluffy Christmas giveaway event and thanks for visiting my blog!

How A Merry Fluffy Christmas works:

Each of the 5 days of this event, there will be one post up on each blog. In each post, there will be one or more items to be won! Each day is ONE prize package, so there will only be ONE winner for each day for each blog. Each giveaway is open for 3 days.

You MUST do the Mandatory Entry to enter the giveaways! If you do not do the Mandatory Entry, all your other entries will be deleted.

Please remember to read ALL instructions on each blog. We are all a part of the Merry Fluffy Christmas event, but we are each doing different ways to enter. Please read ALL instructions or you might miss something and your entries will be deleted.

The Extra Entries are just that, extra and optional! You can, if you'd like, enter only the Mandatory Entry and call it a day. But entering ALL Extra Entries as well will provide you with a greater chance at winning! :)

And don't forget to visit ALL 19 BLOGS! You can find the Linky at the bottom of each giveaway post..

So the point...? Just make sure to read ALL the instructions on each blog before entering and get out there and HAVE FUN!!!







Day two sponsor



Anna from Baby Legs is offering up a fun grab bag filled with an assortment of leg warmers, tights (for girls), and socks in your choice of size and gender. Go here to read my sponsor spotlight, see examples and enter extra entries if you wish.

This giveaway is open from Dec 2st 12:01am EST - Dec 4rd 11:59pm EST.

How to enter:


Again, please read ALL instructions before entering! Also you MUST leave a valid email! If you win and have no email, I will have to choose a new winner. I must be able to get a hold of you.

Mandatory Entry:


You must do BOTH mandatory entries before completing ANY of the Extra Entries!

- You MUST visit Baby Legs and tell me which item is your favorite

- You MUST follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (GFC)


Please leave ONE comment with both mandatory entries and your email address.


Extra Entries:


- Subscribe by email to my blog (3 extra entries!)


If you earned extra entries and want them to go toward this giveaway, leave a comment on this post.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

A Merry Fluffy Christmas has begun!!!!



Welcome to A Merry Fluffy Christmas giveaway event and thanks for visiting my blog!
How A Merry Fluffy Christmas works:


Each of the 5 days of this event, there will be one post up on each blog. In each post, there will be one or more items to be won! Each day is ONE prize package, so there will only be ONE winner for each day for each blog. Each giveaway is open for 3 days.


You MUST do the Mandatory Entry to enter the giveaways! If you do not do the Mandatory Entry, all your other entries will be deleted.


Please remember to read ALL instructions on each blog. We are all a part of the Merry Fluffy Christmas event, but we are each doing different ways to enter. Please read ALL instructions or you might miss something and your entries will be deleted.


The Extra Entries are just that, extra and optional! You can, if you'd like, enter only the Mandatory Entry and call it a day. But entering ALL Extra Entries as well will provide you with a greater chance at winning! :)


And don't forget to visit ALL 19 BLOGS! You can find the Linky at the bottom of each giveaway post..


So the point...? Just make sure to read ALL the instructions on each blog before entering and get out there and HAVE FUN!!!


Day one sponsor





Stphanie from Abby's Lane is ever so kindly donating a $25 gift certificate for her awesome online store. You can get anything you want! Go here for my sponsor spotlight post and for some ideas on things she carries.




This giveaway is open from Dec 1st 12:01am EST - Dec 3rd 11:59pm EST.


How to enter:



Again, please read ALL instructions before entering! Also you MUST leave a valid email! If you win and have no email, I will have to choose a new winner. I must be able to get a hold of you.




Mandatory Entry:


You must do BOTH mandatory entries before completing ANY of the Extra Entries!


- You MUST visit Abby's Lane and tell me which item is your favorite


- You MUST follow my blog via Google Friend Connect (GFC)


Please leave ONE comment with both mandatory entries and your email address.






Extra Entries:

- Subscribe by email to my blog (3 extra entries!)

If you earned extra entries and want them to go toward this giveaway, leave a comment on this post.


Monday, November 29, 2010

Episencial winner!!!!

With only 35 entries, everyone who entered had a really good chance to win and Random.org picked number 8

Camille said:

i follow thru GFC

--camille :)

Congrats Camille, you've been notified and have 48 hours to respond to my email.

My breastfeeding struggle: Emma's birth story part 2

So, like I mentioned in my birth story natural birth and breastfeeding were two of the most important things to me and what I was most looking forward to. As it happened, neither was in the plans for me. I had a breast reduction about 8 years ago, so I had a feeling that breastfeeding might not come so easily for me. Also, pardon the graphic-ness, but I have inverted nipples. I expressed concern over both of these situations at each of my prenatal appointments and all my doctor would tell me was "we'll just have to wait til the baby is born to find out". Needless to say, this was very disheartening!

All I could do was wait and pray. Well, as I got toward the end of my pregnancy, I remember people asking me if my milk had come in or if I was leaking yet. I wanted so badly to say yes because I knew that these things were supposed to be happening but they just weren't. I never had any signs of milk.

Emma was born. The nurses showed me how to manually express what should have been colostrum, but nothing came out, so they tried to get her latched on naturally but it just wasn't happening. Step two: the nipple shield, "yay!"  I thought, a miracle invention that will let me nurse my baby! Yeah, right. Nothing about the whole situation came easily. Even with the nipple shield, Emma didn't seem to be getting anything. I was so worried, but the nurses kept telling me that even if she wasn't getting anything it would be ok because babies are born with extra fat that they can live off of for a while. That did make me feel a little better, but I was already so ashamed that I couldn't feed my child in the natural, God-given manner!!

I think it was day two that they brought out the breast pump. The nurses wheeled in the pump on a little stand and showed me how to work it. I pumped what I could, which was just a tiny bit of colostrum. I didn't want to resort to bottles yet, so we started tube feeding. We'd run a tube from the little container of colostrum and tuck it into the nipple shield and then get Emma attached to the nipple shield. That way, she was still getting my milk, but it was coming from the tube. It must have been day 2 or 3 when nurses brought in the formula. Just the sight of it made me want to cry! But I didn't want my daughter to starve, so what could I do? By the time we left the hospital she had lost more than 10% of her body weight, so we were referred to the lactation consultant.

We visited the LC about 5 more times in the month following Emma's birth. It was always the same story: couldn't get her latched, couldn't produce enough milk to solely breastfeed. I was so devastated, depressed and felt really lonely. My life was all about pumping, all day long I sat on the couch, pumped, fed Emma, pumped some more, etc. I think the most I ever got in one pumping was almost 5 ounces, that was a good day! I tried everything the consultants recommended, I took Fenugreek supplements and drank Fenugreek tea. I also took a prescription that has an off label use to increase milk supply, and it did, a little. So, my daughter was mostly formula fed with a little breast milk supplement. I kept up the pumping routine until my milk totally dried up when she was about 6 months old. It was the worst feeling ever!

People tell me that I did the best I could and at least she got a little breast milk in the beginning, but nothing anyone did/will ever say can make me feel better about the situation. I feel like a total failure, I couldn't do the most natural thing in the world for my own daughter. Weirdly, though, I don't regret having the breast reduction. Even the surgery wouldn't have changed my inverted nipples and who knows if I would've had the same supply issues or not. Regardless, the surgery was the right thing for me at the time and I'm glad I was able to have it.

So, here I am, pregnant again and hoping beyond hope that somehow, someway a miracle will occur and I'll at least be able to produce enough milk this time to have my baby mostly breastfed. I'm not delusional and I know that I probably won't be able to get a baby latched on and I'll most likely be tied to the pump again, but I'm OK with that, really, what choice do I have?

This is why I am such an avid breastfeeding supporter and I get really upset when I see moms formula feeding thier babies. I know I shouldn't because I don't know the situation and it's a bit hypocritical of me to judge other moms for using formula when I did it myself, but I can't help it, it's my initial, gut reaction. My feeling about the situation is this: I would've given ANYTHING in the world to have been able to nurse my daughter and I think too many people take it for granted and don't use the most wonderful, natural, free, nutritionally perfect resource available for feeding their babies. If you've got it, use it!

Merry Fluffy Christmas Sponsor Spotlight: *Applecheeks* (extra entries)







Applecheeks is a well known, loved and trusted cloth diaper company. It is a Canadian company that is totally committed to customer satisfaction. Applecheeks diapers feature a 2-size envelope cover which means no touching nasty inserts, they come out on their own in the wash, this is my favorite feature. Other cool features: super soft micro-fleece lining, wide, stretchy tabs to prevent wing droop, gentle elastic at the back to hold in messy blowouts, water proof shell and durable snaps. All of which makes an awesome diaper sure to last from birth through potty training. The inserts are all super soft and absorbent bamboo.

Diapers aren't the only products that Applecheeks offers. There are also storage sacs, swim diapers, nursing pads, and even bottom cleaning solution. So they really have you covered for all your diapering needs! The diapers come in some really cool colors, see:


For  the A Merry Fluffy Christmas Applecheeks is generously offering one of my readers a package containing a 6-pack of wipes, a bottle of Gentle Cleansing Solution and a roll of disposable diaper liners. I can attest to the fabulousness of this prize. This is what we were sent for review:

I love these wipes, bamboo is definitely the way to go! They are super soft, durable and get the messes cleaned up quickly. The cleansing solution is not only great on bottoms, but also for messy hands and faces. I'm not a huge liner user, so this roll will last forever. The storage sac is the perfect size for throwing in the diaper bag and using to store dirties when we're out and about.
So, for extra entries here are your options

1. like Applecheeks on Facebook
2. tell me where the Applecheeks retailer closest to you is

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Snow day!

Yay, we got our first snow of the season. Sometimes we only get one snow and sometimes we don't get any :( (like last year). I love, love, love snow! Two winters ago I was majorly, 8 months, pregnant and we had the biggest snow storm in forever, at least for our area. I think we ended up getting something like 24 inches of snow over about a week and then we had a cold snap so the snow stuck around for weeks and we were stuck inside. What a great time!

Anyway, we only got a couple inches, but the temperatures haven't gotten above 20 degrees for a couple days now and the whole neighborhood was out playing in the fun stuff.  I was super excited for Emma to finally experience snow. And she loved it!








Doesn't she just look so flippin cute all bundled up? She really did have a blast! I'm really happy to have a white Thanksgiving, but I hope there's still some left up there for Christmas!!

Merry Fluffy Christmas: Sponsor Spotlight **Abby's Lane** (extra entries!)

a merry fluffy christmas









Have you heard of Abby's Lane? If not, you really need to check it out. It's such a fabulous online natural baby product boutique. Stephanie, the owner, is mother to 3 beautiful little girls and one handsome boy. She's cloth diapered all of her children so you can rest assured that she knows what she's doing!

Not only does she have a huge selection of cloth diapers, but she also carries baby shoes, baby carries, and all kinds of helpful mama products. She also has some really cool programs and incentives. The Abby's Lane Dollars program lets you earn a point for every dollar you spend at the store and then turn in your points for store credit. I love customer loyalty programs like this! She's got some great Black Friday deals.  And, the best thing about the boutique: free shipping on all US orders, how awesome is that?!




For the A Merry Fluffy Christmas event, Stephanie has generously offered to give one of my lucky readers a $25 gift certificate to Abby's Lane!!!! You can buy whatever the heck you want, cool, huh!?


~Extra Entries~ 



So, extra entries will work like this: leave a comment on this post, saying what you've done and then place extra entries into whichever A Merry Fluffy Christmas giveaway you'd like, come December.


1. Like Abby's Lane on Facebook


Good luck, if you enter. Make sure to come back here December 1-5 and enter to win all the cool fluffy prizes offered by all of my awesome sponsors!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Very Exciting News!

Emma has some super exciting news she wants to share:

Yep, baby number two is on the way, due to make an appearance in June! Oh boy! Or girl!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Merry Fluffy Christmas: Sponsor Spotlight **Rockin Green** (extra entries!)


If you're a cloth diapering parent and you haven't heard of Rockin Green laundry detergent, I might ask you where  you've been and then tell you all the wonderful things you're missing out on. I admit that I haven't tried a whole lot of different brands of detergent on my diapers, but that is honestly because Rockin Green was the second brand I ever tried and it worked so well that I didn't see the need to try anything else!

It gets the stinkies out, rinses clean and has helped keep my diapers looking fresh and new. Rockin Green comes in several yummy, all natural scents and three different formulas, so there's bound to be a formula combination perfect for you! It's biodegradable, phosphate (and other yucky stuff) free, never tested on animals and works in hard or soft water. Not sure what type of water you have, check out the handy map on the Rockin Green website to help you figure it out.

I was sent 3 samples to try for review purposes. I chose Orangevana, Smashing Watermelons and Motley Clean in hard rock. Let me tell you, they all smell sooooooo good!!!  So, as suggested when you begin with Rockin Green, you should soak your diapers for a while (rock a soak) to help get out all the grossness. I ran the diapers through a cold wash cycle, no soap and then soaked them in hot overnight, with 3 tablespoons and this is what I woke up to:

Nasty! Rockin Green got out all that diaper nastiness and, after a couple rinses, the diapers came out  clean and smelling fresh. Not perfume-y, just clean! It not only works good at busting up the stinkies, it gets out tough stains, too. Oh, and, if you didn't know already: Rockin Green plus sunning equals the cleanest, freshest diapers you've ever seen!!! I just love this stuff, for other laundry, too. And you don't need a whole lot of it either, just 1-2 tablespoons for a full load.  
There are just so many cool things about this company and this detergent, I could go on forever. They recently started offering Rockin Rewards when you make purchases. They've also expanded their inventory to include dryer balls and diaper rash cream. If you don't want to commit to a big bag of soap, you can always order samples.

Convinced yet? Buy some here, a 45/90 load bag is just $13.95 for soft or classic rock and $15.95 for hard rock!

Or

win some!

For A Merry Fluffy Christmas, Rockin Green has generously offered to give one of my lucky readers a 45/90 bag of detergent in choice of scent and formula!
~Extra Entries~ 

So, extra entries will work like this: leave a comment on this post, saying what you've done and then place extra entries into whichever A Merry Fluffy Christmas giveaway you'd like, come December.


1. Like Rockin Green on Facebook

2. Make a purchase from Rockin Green and let me know what you bought.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Emma's arrival, it's only 21 months late :)

I've thought a lot about writing my birth story, I've done it in my head a thousand times but never actually put pen to paper (so to speak). One of my bloggy friends, baby makin(g) machine inspired me to finally do it. Fashionably late, of course ;)

So, Emma Lynne was due January 29, 2009. She was born February 6, but we'll get to that later. I was working as a social worker for a community mental health agency and planned to work up until she was born or at least until I couldn't physically work any longer. My pregnancy went really well, with the biggest complication being horrible heartburn and edema in my legs/ankles so I shouldn't complain. I don't think the timing could have been any better. I loved not being hugely pregnant in the heat of summer because I was always super hot! I didn't even need a winter coat because I had my little baby heater. But, anyway, on to the birthing part:

The in-laws showed up a week before my due date in the hopes of meeting and helping out with baby Emma. I ended up working until the day after my due date, a Friday, with absolutely no signs of impending labor. Cirt and I had taken a basic birthing class and I was semi-determined to have a natural birth. I just knew for sure that I wanted to breast feed and I didn't want a c-section. Ha ha, joke's on me. All week long, I tried various things to induce labor: long walks, spicy food, acupuncture, my doctor even had me get a Foley balloon (if you don't know what that is, look it up). But, none of it worked, so she said she would induce me on either Wednesday or Friday of the following week, at that point I would be a week overdue. I had originally not wanted to be put on pitocin, but after 41 weeks of being pregnant, in-laws in town from Missouri just to meet little Emma and wanting to meet her myself, I agreed. In hindsight, this was a TERRIBLE idea and I will never agree to an induction again, unless of course, it's absolutely, medically necessary.

So, Friday February 6th, we showed up at the hospital at 7am ready to have a baby. It was Cirt and I and his parents, with many other visitors to arrive later throughout the day. Seriously, I think I had about 15 people there. Anyway, if you've been induced, you know the drill: you arrive, check in, put on the lovely hospital gown, have a million tubes and needles hooked up to you and then you wait. I didn't start feeling any contractions for quite a while. I think I was all "pitted" up by about 9 and my doctor said she would come back at 10 to break my water. By this time I had become unhappy with my doctor. She constantly had one foot out the door and wash really rushing things. In fact, the first thing she said when she came into my room in the morning was: "Alright, I have to leave at 4 today, so we've gotta have this baby by then." Yeah right! That right there should have sent me screaming from the hospital bed, demanding a do-over.

When my doctor came back to break my water, there wasn't very much of it at all, and there was meconium, so Emma was definitely ready to come out. I think they increased the pitocin at that point. I don't remember exactly when I really started feeling contractions, but I think I was asking for an epidural by about 7pm. I had been on the pitocin drip for about 10 hours by then and was only dilated to 5 cm. Having an epidural is such a surreal experience, it's so weird not being able to feel your legs. And, of course, having a catheter is a lovely feeling! So, I had pain-free contractions for a couple hours when the on-call doctor came in and told me that since I'd been at a 5 for a couple hours I probably wasn't going to dilate any further and we should think about a c-section. Whaaaa? 'Cause a 10 hour labor is waaaaay too long for a first baby and being at a 5 for a whole 2 hours is ridiculous! Can you sense my cynicism and dislike for the medical system now?? Oh, and my baby was in distress, right?! No! All the doctors and nurses kept saying when they checked her heart rate was: "Wow! She's really happy in there, her heart rate looks great!"

If only I knew then what I know now......I've read that "Chances of an induced labor resulting in cesarean section for a first time mother triple." I personally know about 5 women in which this has happened. Also, because pitocin makes contractions artificially stronger and faster moms are more likely to ask for an epidural. Pitocin also causes "failure to progress" (my situation) at an alarming rate. Gosh, I could just kick myself everyday for letting my doctor induce me. Don't get me wrong, though, I know there is a time and place for induction and c-section. I don't judge, each mother has to do what's right for her body and her baby. I do firmly believe that my c-section was completely unnecessary and because I've now had one, I'm considered "high risk" and have had a difficult time finding a care giver willing to allow me to attempt VBAC.

Back to Emma's birth: by 9 pm I was exhausted, irritable, emotional and just really, really wanted to hold my baby girl. I consented to the c-section and was prepped for surgery. The doctors said I could have one person in the OR with me, so of course my husband came along. I've have major surgery once before and it's always a little creepy when you enter the OR and see that shiny, metal, cross shaped table with all those bright lights shining down on it. The doctors and nurses reminded me of robots, effortlessly moving about the OR preparing cutting implements and such, no conversation besides incomprehensible medical jargon. The anesthesiologist was really grumpy and stern, he kept asking me: "can you feel this now?" and poking me.

I really wanted video, or at least pictures of Emma being born, and even though my husband is extremely squeamish, he managed to get some really good shots by just holding the camera over the privacy curtain (without actually looking) and snapping away. It's really quite unbelievable! The thing most remarkable to me when looking at the pictures was the size of the umbilical cord, that thing was enormous! So, when you have a c-section, you don't get to have your baby on your chest right away, which sucks, and your husband doesn't get to cut the cord. After she was all wiped off and weighed, Cirt got to hold her and he brought her over to my face. My hands were tied down and, of course my bottom half was being put back together so all I could do was gaze at her (I had to fight hard to stay awake) and snuggle her with my cheeks. It's a moment that all moms dream of and was less-than-ideal for me because of the strong effect of numbing drugs.



So, Emma Lynne was born at 9:30pm on February 6, weighing 8lbs, 14oz. And, as my husband likes to joke, she probably would've weighed 9 pounds if they weighed her before she pooped. She came out pooping! Seriously, there was a lot of poop, well meconium, but you get the picture.



My family was so excited to see Emma, she was the first baby in 20 years in my immediate family, that my aunt actually came running down the hall to see her. Cirt got to carry her back into my room because I was, of course on the wheelie bed thingy. Once you get back into your room it's a whole lot of checking, measuring, emptying, changing bandages and other medical stuff, so it's quite a while before you actually get to hold your child. Frustrating! When I look back at video of me in my hospital room, it's really sad because I can't remember it and I'm obviously completely drugged up. I do remember wanting so badly to look at my baby but having to try soooooooo hard just to keep my eyes open.



After Emma was bathed, and the nurses did all that other stuff they do to newborns, we started the breastfeeding debacle. I had originally planned to include that here, but I think this post is too long already and I'll make it a whole other post, hopefully it won't take another 2 years ;)

I know that my story probably sounds really negative overall, but all that really matters is that I had a healthy baby and I was fine. I promise to try and get the second birth story done much quicker.

Merry Fluffy Christmas: Sponsor Spotlight **Babylegs** (extra entries)


If you're familiar with the cloth diaper world, you know how valuable BabyLegs are! They are perfect for keeping your baby's little legs warm and protected and make diaper changes quick and easy.A must-have for any cloth diapering mom or dad!
From the BabyLegs website:

The BabyLegs® brand has grown from one mom's diaper bag accessory - our signature leg warmer - to a popular children's brand with essential child and baby products.



In April of 2005, a young mom was confronted with a diaper rash that just wouldn't quit. The rash needed some fresh air to heal, but she was also concerned about keeping her daughter warm. In a moment of inspiration, she snipped the feet off of a pair of socks and fitted her daughter from hip to ankle with a cool set of leg warmers. These leg warmers not only kept her daughter warm, but also protected her from the elements, made diaper changing and potty training easier, and protected her soft knees while crawling. With some fun designs and some grassroots marketing support, the functional and fashionable leg warmers that began as a solution to keep little legs warm quickly became much more.

I just love that story! You know a children's product is good when it's born out of necessity and created by a mom. Tried and true! Cloth diaper plus BabyLegs plus t-shirt is all baby needs to be cute and fashionable. It's so much easier to change a baby's diaper when you don't have to fiddle with getting her pants on and off, especially when she reaches that really wiggly stage and doesn't like having her diaper changed.




BabyLegs were awesome when my daughter was just learning to crawl. We have hardwood floors and the leg warmers were great for protecting Emma's little knees. And she just looked so cute in them! Oh, and they're not just for girls either. There are plenty of cute patterns for boys too.


I was so excited to find out that BabyLegs expanded to socks and tights, they are just the cutest things ever! All of their products are super high quality, thick and long lasting. They are perfect for adding an extra layer of warmth underneath clothing when it's cold out.


We were sent this grab bag, containing legwarmers, tights, footless tights and socks. Cuteness overload!





Just look at how cute Emma looks in her light pink leg warmers:



There are so many cute choices, there's something for everyone:
I just love these adorable, girly leg warmers!

These would look awesome on any little guy

I can't wait to put these on my little girl this holiday season
There's even an organic line, how cool is that?!

For A Merry Fluffy Christmas, BabyLegs has generously offered to give a holiday themed grab bag ($50 value) to one of my lucky readers!

~Extra Entries~ 
So, extra entries will work like this: leave a comment on this post, saying what you've done and then place extra entries into whichever A Merry Fluffy Christmas giveaway you'd like, come December.


1. Like BabyLegs on Facebook
2. Make a purchase from BabyLegs