Please pray for my my friends waiting for their little babies!
IVF Diary
Philippa Gordon
Ready2BMom
WannaBMom
If you would like to be added to the prayer roll please email babymakingmachine{at}gmail.com in the subject like write "Pray Roll"
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Prayer Roll
If you would like to be added to the prayer roll please email babymakingmachine{at}gmail.com in the subject like write "Pray Roll"
The Mama
I'm a news reporter and anchor by day, and a mom 24/7. I've always loved to write, and keep a journal, so when my career dreams were getting clouded by baby fever I decided to start a blog to document my thoughts.
This blog started a journal of my journey toward motherhood and a place for me to post my goals, thoughts, and findings as I progressed towards the inevitable. I blogged about deciding when I want to be a mom, then changing my mind, then deciding I'm as ready and I'm going to be... Then yea, hubby's gotta agree, to finally switching the Baby Makin' Machine to "ON"... But still sometimes debated grabbing another pack of birth control. My first post explains the way it started.
I finally decided I was as ready as I was gonna be, and set a goal for September 2009. I guess it wasn't just my plan because October 2009 I found out I was pregnant... Officially becoming a Baby Makin' Machine.
Sometimes I'm a little sarcastic, other times I overreact, but most times I'm just hoping my story will be as fun to read with my family years from now as it is to write now.
Now I'm documenting my journey through motherhood, my trial and errors of becoming a Domestic Diva, and my journey toward #2. Come enjoy the ride!
If you like the blog, feel free to subscribe. I try to update often. To quickly catch up on my Baby Story (Pre-TTC and beyond) Check out my Baby-Makin Journey.
I've since blogged parts of my journey for Conceive Magazine's conception diaries, Parenting.com's Project Pregnancy, Bravado Design's Breastfeeding Diaries, and currently I share motherhood tips on Baby Center's Momformation blog and write about raising a biracial daughter on My Brown Baby. The whole time I've documented the entire journey here on my personal blog.
In 2010 I was voted Best Fertility blog on The Bump and ranked #4 in Babbles "Top 10 Pregnancy Bloggers of 2010". In 2011 my blog was featured on the Today Show. Now I'm just waiting on Baby Gap to call because my little girl is CUTE! You can email me, for information about her modeling for your shop.
To contact me for reviews, advertising information, questions, or anything of that sort please visit: My contact page
Popular Posts
If you're just joining my blog, here's a list of some of my post popular posts that you may want to browse through to catch up:
If you're just joining my blog, here's a list of some of my post popular posts that you may want to browse through to catch up:
Archive
Monthly Archives2009
January, February, March, April
2008
December, November
Categories
Best Age
In this section you'll find posts on the topic of "timing" in regards to opinions on the perfect age to start having children.
Homemaking
I suck at it but I'm trying. Here you'll find my recent attempts. I could use a lot of advice in this section.
Practice
Things I'm doing to try to prepare. Ranging from raising my puppy to babysitting for free.
Health
This section of the archive is dedicated to all of my posts health related, from exercise to going green.
Birth Control
The things that will keep me from having kids for awhile.
Contests
You'll find past and present contests and/or giveaways by searching them here.
The Things I'll Miss
I know having a child doesn't mean my life is over, but my life as I now know it will be.As I live my last [insert amount of time] without children I want to enjoy this time and do the things that will be more difficult to do with kids.
This section of my blog is dedicated to the things I'm going to miss.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Anticipations
Here is a compilation of "the meat" of my blog...My musings on mommy stuff I contemplate most frequently. Email me at babymakingmachine (at) gmail dot com or leave a comment on my blog if you have a nomination for Mommy Moment of the Month!
Categories
The Things I Look Forward to
While there are so many things I worry about in my journey towards motherhood, and that I enjoy about being childfree, there are so many (sometimes more) things I can't wait to experience.
In this section I'll list my ideals ranging from pre-pregnancy, to pregnancy, to mommyhood that I am looking so forward to.
The Things I'm going to miss
I know having a child doesn't mean my life is over, but my life as I now know it will be.
As I live my last [insert amount of time] without children I want to enjoy this time and do the things that will be more difficult to do with kids.
My Goals
We've all got them. And from getting in shape, to Baby Bucket Lists, I've got a bunch here. Here's a narrowed down version from what seems like an entire blog full of goals, findings and tasks.
Uncovered Secrets
There are SO many things I had no clue about until I started this blog. It's sort of been my quest to find out "the things they don't tell you" about pregnancy and motherhood. In this section I leave my findings.
I'm not even a mother myself and this blog is about ALL types of motherhood (pre, to-be, one-day, and actual). I find inspiring posts that make me think a little more about the type of mom I want to me and spotlight them on my blog and archive them here.
November '08, December '08, January '09I know people always say "tell God what your plans are and wait to hear him laugh" or something like that, but hey... A girl can dream can't she? Here I'll post all my random findings, potential plans, and superstitions dealing with pregnancy and motherhood.
Rock Your Brand at Blogher 2010
"Building on the momentum of five consecutive sold-out annual conferences, BlogHer '10 will bring bloggers from every corner of the blogosphere together for hands-on learning, rich discussions, opportunities to meet with the brands that support them and plentiful networking opportunities. BlogHer ’10 will take place on August 6 & 7, bringing over one thousand attendees together to celebrate 2010."Blogher, the largest blogging conference for women is calling my name once again. I went last year after winning the 4th Wheel Contest with The Blogrollers.
I'm not sure yet what my pregnancy status may be during the conference but I know I'm going... And who knows, maybe I'll be bringing a little one with me!
I am now actively looking for Blogher’10 Sponsorship. If you are a PR representative or a Business who would like to have your company pimped out at Blogher’10. Please contact me as soon as possible for more information.
Some opportunities you will get:
Free advertisement space on my blog
Tweets and promotional posts about your product or company
Product or company promotion up to and during my trip
I'm Jennifer aka Future Mama and I've been chronically my journey towards motherhood since November 29th, 2008. My blog has grown rapidly, and it continues to grow as I document my experiences, research and review products and promote related brands. I'm also a reporter and have a passion for writing, and social media. Thank you for considering me. I look forward to working with you, and representing your brand and Blogher 2010!
Testimonials
"What a fun post!! We loved the video/writing/picture combination you came up with, and the Anchors Away looks fabulous on you! Thank you so much for the time and creativity you put into your post; this is one that we won't forget!"- Shabby Apple
"We absolutely loved working with Jenn. We love her blog and think she is so GREAT to have all of the fun giveaways! Hope to be able to be involved in another giveaway soon!"- JK Vinyl Designs
"I enjoyed working with Baby Makin(g) Machine on her Live Blog Give-away! It was a total hit and I had lots of traffic from her wonderful followers!"- Mod Mom Me
"Jenn is so friendly and has shared her thoughts, questions & experiences with so many women struggling with similar challenges in their lives. The experience was fantastic! Rather exciting to see who would win. The address came in, I shipped off the yoga mat bag to the winner and hope she likes it! Great idea for a fun-filled, educational and inspirational way that women can connect through."- ChellaBellaDesigns
"Jenn, the mastermind and future baby makin' machine, has been such a pleasure to work with! The contest she invited me to participate in garnered truck loads of new visitors to my etsy store--which was a big help, since it was only my first week of business when she contacted me. She's incredibly friendly, quick to answer questions/responses, and professional. To sum it up, would I work with her again? YES."- Janiey
A big HUGE hello and welcome! Thanks for coming over from Twitter!
It's not often you'll find a "mommy blog" that chronicles life BEFORE baby (and before TTC). After marriage I knew deciding when to have children would be the next biggest decision of my life... And I wanted to plan accordingly.
Just to tell you a little about me... I'm a career-driven wife of nearly six years.
My day job is a journalist, so I'm having fun tying in my research and reporting skills here on my blog. I'm really just a young, fun-lovin' person who is just trying to enjoy life.
I started this blog last year as a way to put down all of my thoughts on children. I've gone back and forth a lot on whether or not I'm ready, but finally I'm thinking I am. September I finally started trying to become a mother at the moment, and that's when I officially turned my machine "on" then October 2009 I got my first POSITIVE pregnancy test.
To quickly catch up on my Baby Story (Pre-TTC and beyond) Check out my Baby-Makin Journey.
I hope you'll stay awhile and leave some of your wisdom because I LOVE advice from moms and pregnant women, and I LOVE reading experiences from other women going through the same thing! I do giveaways about once a week now so check in for those on Thursdays.
You've seen mom blogs, and pregnancy blogs, but this is something a little different... I focused on that stuff, but before that all happens... A Pre-Pregnancy blog, gone PREGNANCY blog gone (hot) MAMA Blog, if you will. I've been forming opinions and ideas of what I hope and THINK I'd do... Now it's time to eat my words and confess how it really is.
I'm hoping women like you can share your secrets (really, tell me everything, even the nasty stuff they don't tell you beforehand), help me think of other questions, and find the answers as you follow me on my journey toward motherhood.
Oh but watch out... I ask difficult questions and post crazy findings, I don't hold back, I'm only just beginning and I'm loving every second of it!
So look around! A good place to start would be my by visiting my "popular post" section, if you like what you read you can subscribe or follow me! If you're on Facebook and like my site you can become a fan! Oh and answer my poll to the right! And you can also find me on Twitter: @BabyMakingMama
Just to tell you a little about me... I'm a career-driven wife of nearly six years.
My day job is a journalist, so I'm having fun tying in my research and reporting skills here on my blog. I'm really just a young, fun-lovin' person who is just trying to enjoy life.
I started this blog last year as a way to put down all of my thoughts on children. I've gone back and forth a lot on whether or not I'm ready, but finally I'm thinking I am. September I finally started trying to become a mother at the moment, and that's when I officially turned my machine "on" then October 2009 I got my first POSITIVE pregnancy test.
To quickly catch up on my Baby Story (Pre-TTC and beyond) Check out my Baby-Makin Journey.
I hope you'll stay awhile and leave some of your wisdom because I LOVE advice from moms and pregnant women, and I LOVE reading experiences from other women going through the same thing! I do giveaways about once a week now so check in for those on Thursdays.
You've seen mom blogs, and pregnancy blogs, but this is something a little different... I focused on that stuff, but before that all happens... A Pre-Pregnancy blog, gone PREGNANCY blog gone (hot) MAMA Blog, if you will. I've been forming opinions and ideas of what I hope and THINK I'd do... Now it's time to eat my words and confess how it really is.
I'm hoping women like you can share your secrets (really, tell me everything, even the nasty stuff they don't tell you beforehand), help me think of other questions, and find the answers as you follow me on my journey toward motherhood.
Oh but watch out... I ask difficult questions and post crazy findings, I don't hold back, I'm only just beginning and I'm loving every second of it!
So look around! A good place to start would be my by visiting my "popular post" section, if you like what you read you can subscribe or follow me! If you're on Facebook and like my site you can become a fan! Oh and answer my poll to the right! And you can also find me on Twitter: @BabyMakingMama
A big HUGE hello and welcome! Thanks for coming over from Top Baby Blogs.It's not often you'll find a "mommy blog" that chronicles life BEFORE baby (and before TTC). After marriage I knew deciding when to have children would be the next biggest decision of my life... And I wanted to plan accordingly.
Just to tell you a little about me... I'm a career-driven wife of nearly five years.
My day job is a journalist, so I'm having fun tying in my research and reporting skills here on my blog. I'm really just a young, fun-lovin' person who is just trying to enjoy life.
I started this blog last year as a way to put down all of my thoughts on children. I've gone back and forth a lot on whether or not I'm ready, but finally I'm thinking I am. September I finally started trying to become a mother at the moment, and that's when I officially turned my machine "on" then October 2009 I got my first POSITIVE pregnancy test... Yep I'm PREGNANT with my first!
To quickly catch up on my Baby Story (Pre-TTC and beyond) Check out my Baby-Makin Journey.
I hope you'll stay awhile and leave some of your wisdom because I LOVE advice from moms and pregnant women, and I LOVE reading experiences from other women going through the same thing! I do giveaways about once a week now so check in for those on Thursdays.
You've seen mom blogs, and pregnancy blogs, but this is something a little different... I focused on that stuff, but before that all happens... A Pre-Pregnancy blog, gone PREGNANCY blog! if you will. I've been forming opinions and ideas of what I hope and THINK I'll do when I got pregnant, or when I give birth... Now it'll be fun to see what I actually end up doing.
I'm hoping women like you can share your secrets (really, tell me everything, even the nasty stuff they don't tell you beforehand), help me think of other questions, and find the answers as you follow me on my journey toward motherhood.
Oh but watch out... I ask difficult questions and post crazy findings, I don't hold back, I'm only just beginning and I'm loving every second of it!
So look around! A good place to start would be my by visiting my "popular post" section, if you like what you read you can subscribe or follow me! If you're on Facebook and like my site you can become a fan! Oh and answer my poll to the right! And you can also find me on Twitter: @FutureMama
Sunday, September 28, 2014
My Fourth Wheel Adventures on the BlogHer or Bust Road Trip! July 20th-27th
Main sponsors:
SkincareRX
Conceive Online
Other sponsors:
Dittany Baby
Kellogg's
Shabby Apple
Belly Bar
If you are interested in being a sponsor here are some things needed for my trip:
Clothing for the trip
A Camera
A Poken
Unique travel packs
Music for the road trip
If you are interested in donating any of these items, or funds the in the amount of the item, or a portion of the amount, I would be happy to promote your brand during the trip as well on on my blog before and after the trip. I will also put your company ad on my blog for a period of time. Length depends on the donation. We will be stopping in different cities on our road trip, and blogging, video blogging, and Tweeting the entire way from Atlanta to Chicago, so there are many different avenues and places you will be promoted.
Please contact me for more information.
Main sponsors:
SkincareRX
Conceive Online
Other sponsors:
Dittany Baby
Kellogg's
Shabby Apple
Belly Bar
If you are interested in being a sponsor here are some things needed for my trip:
Clothing for the trip
A Camera
A Poken
Unique travel packs
Music for the road trip
If you are interested in donating any of these items, or funds the in the amount of the item, or a portion of the amount, I would be happy to promote your brand during the trip as well on on my blog before and after the trip. I will also put your company ad on my blog for a period of time. Length depends on the donation. We will be stopping in different cities on our road trip, and blogging, video blogging, and Tweeting the entire way from Atlanta to Chicago, so there are many different avenues and places you will be promoted.
Please contact me for more information.
Contact
Have a question or suggestion? Email me.
I'm now available for boutique photography. If you need professional photos for your shop and/or an adorable model, shoot me an email. I'm able to get photos back to you within 10 days of recieving the item(s).
I'm now available for boutique photography. If you need professional photos for your shop and/or an adorable model, shoot me an email. I'm able to get photos back to you within 10 days of recieving the item(s).
I'm accepting review/giveaway requests on a very limited basis at this time, however I have friends who blog who do reviews and/or giveaways full time. My recommended blogs to work with can be found here.
I am accepting requests from small business/ mom-owned companies on a limited basis depending on my time. I'm especially interested in reviewing baby girl clothing and accessories.
Note: I don't do "commercial posts" about products. I will include a photo of your product and mention it with a link. This is in an attempt to keep my posts genuine and relevant. My blog is a journal, not a bulletin board. I like it, and my readers appreciate it. If you are ok with this, want more information, or to contact me about advertising and/or a copy of my media kit please email me or fill out the form below.
Quick Stats:
Visits- 115,000/month
Subscribers- 3,600
Twitter followers- 9,500
Facebook Fans- 3,370
Thank you Trish from The 3 Owens! Nice to know my honesty has paid off!
Thank you Mrs. Zeus! I'm hope my babies are as "adorable!" :)
Thank you Carissa from Sugar Boogers & Tantrums!! What a pretty award!
Best Blog of the Day May 28th, 2009
Thanks so much Krissy from Thinking of Blue for this SUPER award!
Thanks so much LalaPoo and Jennier for this beautiful award!
Thank you Nikki and Jessica for this lovely award!
Thanks Goldibug from Cherished Sprouts, I've always admired Super Woman :)
Thank-you so much Joy from Mommy's Joy
1st Runner-up January Spotlight Blog of the Month at Mormon Mommy Blogs
Click the picture to see the nice spotlight!
Awarded by: Mom Maven
Awarded by Cascia at The Healthy MomsClick the pictures to read the descriptions
My Disclosure Policy
This policy is valid from 14 June 2009
This blog is a personal blog written and edited by Jennifer aka Future Mama. For questions about this blog, please contact Future Mama (babymakingmachine@gmail.com).
This blog may at times accept forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation, however we believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the topics or posts created in this blog, however it will not impact the honest opinion of the product reviewed. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as sponsored content.
The owner of this blog is sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner of this blog receives compensation for some posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.
If you win an item in a contest or giveaway that does not function properly the blog owner is not liable for that. Shipping times very depending on when the blog owner has time to mail some items.
This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.
Things I Look Forward to
While there are some things I know I'll miss about being childfree, there are also several things I can't wait to experience.This section of my blog is dedicated to the things I'm looking forward to.
Naming the Baby
Part 1: A Nursery
Saturday, September 27, 2014
A review and giveaway. Once a week, every week, until Spawnie arrives.
2nd Trimester
Week 21: Gift Certificate to Mommy Bound
Week 22: Week off
Week 23: Gift certif. to Rocker Bye Baby
Week 24: BellaBand
Week 25: SpeggWear Maternity Tee
Week 26: BellyBar
Week 27: Womb for Two Prego Pillow
2nd Trimester Kickoff: Parazul bagWeek 22: Week off
Week 23: Gift certif. to Rocker Bye Baby
Week 24: BellaBand
Week 25: SpeggWear Maternity Tee
Week 26: BellyBar
Week 27: Womb for Two Prego Pillow
Week 13: Prego Planner
Week 14: Lamaze Mother-to-be gift set
Week 15: Intelligender
Week 16: Fertil Aid Fertility Package
Week 17: Gift card to Clementine Rose
Week 18: LullaBelly Prenatal Music Belt
Week 19: Simply Breastfeeding DVD
Week 20: Baby's First Phone call
3rd Trimester Kickoff: The Spoiled Mama Gift certificate
Week 28: Ambiance Audio/Video DVD
Week 29: Wall Decal from Trading Phrases
Week 30: Passion Spice Maternity and Mommy Measure
Week 31: Prenatal Yoga DVD
Week 32: Modern Bird Studios
Week 33: Babytime Bags
Week 34: Organic Lillebaby EveryWear Carrier
Week 35: Belly Imprint from Maternitique
Week 36: ModMomMe WipeMeClutch
Week 37: Hot Mama Gown Review
Week 38: Lamaze Nursing Bra
Week 39: Pump Ease
Week 40: Bid My Cleaning Service
Week 36: ModMomMe WipeMeClutch
Week 37: Hot Mama Gown Review
Week 38: Lamaze Nursing Bra
Week 39: Pump Ease
Week 40: Bid My Cleaning Service
New Mama Giveaways- After Birth
1. Cutie Pa Tutus Gift Certificate
7. Custom Scrapbook from 4ks Designs
8. Moby Wrap
If you're a company with a fertility, pregnancy, mom or baby product and interested in getting on this list to be featured please use the contact me form or email me before the spots fill! Spawnie's ETA: 6/25/2010!
*= Current Week
Blog Roll
This is a new work in progress! Let me know in the comments what you'd like to be listed under (or invent a new category) and I'll add you!
Look here for the Prayer Roll
Future Mama Blogs
Incognito Soapbox Confessions
Live, Laugh Love Our Way
Megan and Ben
Nanny Sarah
Newly Identified
See Alli Scrap
Fertility Blogs
FairHaven Health Blog
Operation Mommyhood
The Road to Happily Ever After
TTC Blog Friends
A Natural Push
After the Alter
Ashley
Awaiting Our Green Bean
Busted Plumbing
The Balow Bunch
The Chapman Nest
Chasing a Miracle
Emily's Latest
For the Love of Shoes, and a Baby Too
The Goodyears
Kellogg Kronicles
Pregosaur
Prenatal Coach
Ready to Be a Parent
Awaiting Our Green Bean
Busted Plumbing
The Balow Bunch
The Chapman Nest
Chasing a Miracle
Emily's Latest
For the Love of Shoes, and a Baby Too
The Goodyears
Kellogg Kronicles
Pregosaur
Prenatal Coach
Ready to Be a Parent
999 to Laugh at Infertility
Longing For More
My Little Corner of the World
(Were) Preggo Blog Friends
Baby Dickey
Longing For More
My Little Corner of the World
(Were) Preggo Blog Friends
Baby Dickey
The Vanilla Bean
Married with Child(ren)
365 Degrees
Adventures with Sammie
Balanced Moms
Confessions of a First Time Mom
Married with Child(ren)
365 Degrees
Adventures with Sammie
Balanced Moms
Confessions of a First Time Mom
Doing So Well
It's Not Easy Raising a Tween
Jael Custom Designs
MammaTalk
Meli Faif Life
Mommy Gaga
Momotics
Mother's Lamentations
Mrs. Miscellaneous
Musings of Mommy Bee
The Naulu Tribe
Night Owl Mama
Parenting by Dummies
It's Not Easy Raising a Tween
Jael Custom Designs
MammaTalk
Meli Faif Life
Mommy Gaga
Momotics
Mother's Lamentations
Mrs. Miscellaneous
Musings of Mommy Bee
The Naulu Tribe
Night Owl Mama
Parenting by Dummies
The Pearson Family
Pure Trance (Microblog)
Prissy Mommy Chronicles
Ramblings by Nicole
Random Ro Ro
Raising Baby Cheap
Simply Mel
Suburban with Princess Diaries
Team Williams
Wanna Be a WAHM
When Did I Become My Mom?
Un-Married With Children
Humps and Baby Bump
Monkey Toes Reviews and Giveaways
OMG We're Pregnant! (But not anymore!)
Families of Color
A-Musing
Pure Trance (Microblog)
Prissy Mommy Chronicles
Ramblings by Nicole
Random Ro Ro
Raising Baby Cheap
Simply Mel
Suburban with Princess Diaries
Team Williams
Wanna Be a WAHM
When Did I Become My Mom?
Un-Married With Children
Humps and Baby Bump
Monkey Toes Reviews and Giveaways
OMG We're Pregnant! (But not anymore!)
Families of Color
A-Musing
March of Dimes Raffle Winners!
First off, of course I want to thank EVERYONE who donated! I still am in shock that we raised More than $1000 for March of Dimes! ($1145 to be exact!). The money is transferred and in the wonderful charity's possession!
I just came up with this little idea to get my mind off of myself, and on helping others. I'm so happy that so many people chipped in to give their products for this raffle, and that SO MANY of you donated... More than 60 of you! THANK YOU! I know I already have you a big thank you here. But I wanted to do it again!
Now to the 45 prizes! I know some of you may be wondering how the winners were chosen. Basically I wrote all of your donations down in the order they were received, and numbered the amount of tickets you bought in that order. For example if Stephanie and Julie were first and second to donate and Stephanie donated $20 and Julie donated $10 I did it like this:
Stephanie 1-20
Julie 21-30
And so on! I went all the way up to 1135 to choose the winners. There were a few people who got selected more than twice because they took up about 100 numbers (ie: 251-350) But as I stated in the original post, to be fair, I would limit people being able to win only twice. I wish everyone could have won :( know that you have done a WONDERFUL service by donating to a charity, and your money will go towards saving a baby. I will, however honor the bows/ bandanna promise for every $15 you donated.
Speaking of the bows... I quickly did the math and realized I'll have to make over 90 headbands and bows. That's A LOT of time, and a lot I'll be spending to ship them out, so if you don't get them right away don't stress!
If you haven't told me already, please let me know if you'd prefer bows or the bandanna. I'll try to email people to confirm but that could take some time too. If I don't hear from you I may forget so please let me know! I know a couple of you have mentioned you don't need either, if that's the case please let me know too!
Now on to the raffle winners... I kind of get to feel like Oprah again, except I feel bad cause not everyone won.
I have all of your addresses because of Paypal, if your address is wrong PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I'm going to TRY to confirm with everyone before I get your address to the sponsor but that will take a longer time for me to get to everyone. You can email me at: BabyMakingMachine{at}gmail.com
If you'd like to pass on your prize let me know that too so I can choose another winner. I'm sure you will all love your prizes though, and if not for you... All of these make great gifts!
10
ANY one item from Henry Pete's Pasture
Emily D.
Set of 25 Halloween MetroCards from Metro Baby Cards ($60)
Sarah H.
Surprise (special reveal soon) item from My Favorite Shop
Frenchell
Surprise (special creation) item from Kona Creations
Sheep: Emily C.
20
I just came up with this little idea to get my mind off of myself, and on helping others. I'm so happy that so many people chipped in to give their products for this raffle, and that SO MANY of you donated... More than 60 of you! THANK YOU! I know I already have you a big thank you here. But I wanted to do it again!
Now to the 45 prizes! I know some of you may be wondering how the winners were chosen. Basically I wrote all of your donations down in the order they were received, and numbered the amount of tickets you bought in that order. For example if Stephanie and Julie were first and second to donate and Stephanie donated $20 and Julie donated $10 I did it like this:
Stephanie 1-20
Julie 21-30
And so on! I went all the way up to 1135 to choose the winners. There were a few people who got selected more than twice because they took up about 100 numbers (ie: 251-350) But as I stated in the original post, to be fair, I would limit people being able to win only twice. I wish everyone could have won :( know that you have done a WONDERFUL service by donating to a charity, and your money will go towards saving a baby. I will, however honor the bows/ bandanna promise for every $15 you donated.
Speaking of the bows... I quickly did the math and realized I'll have to make over 90 headbands and bows. That's A LOT of time, and a lot I'll be spending to ship them out, so if you don't get them right away don't stress!
If you haven't told me already, please let me know if you'd prefer bows or the bandanna. I'll try to email people to confirm but that could take some time too. If I don't hear from you I may forget so please let me know! I know a couple of you have mentioned you don't need either, if that's the case please let me know too!
Now on to the raffle winners... I kind of get to feel like Oprah again, except I feel bad cause not everyone won.
I have all of your addresses because of Paypal, if your address is wrong PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I'm going to TRY to confirm with everyone before I get your address to the sponsor but that will take a longer time for me to get to everyone. You can email me at: BabyMakingMachine{at}gmail.com
If you'd like to pass on your prize let me know that too so I can choose another winner. I'm sure you will all love your prizes though, and if not for you... All of these make great gifts!
$15 gift certificate to Bows by Jess
Brie
Handmade Washcloth Sushi Roll from Enchanted Dandelions
Lisa W.
Clipboard Magnet and Matching Frame Set from L and S Designs
Karen Z.
Brie
Handmade Washcloth Sushi Roll from Enchanted Dandelions
Lisa W.
Clipboard Magnet and Matching Frame Set from L and S Designs
Karen Z.
$20 Gift Certificate to Original Tag-Maker Erin and Celeste
Rebecca S.
Pre-Made Blog Design from The Design Girl
Jessa C
Set of Cards from Flowery Greetings
Diedra
iPhone ap from Pimp My Ultrasound (2 winners)
LeNesha,
Ashley
Daddy Mug, Preggo Measure and Breastfeeding Cover from Belly Itch (3 Winners)
Mug: Johnathan R.?
Preggo Measure: Carrie H.
Cover: Danyele
Rebecca S.
Pre-Made Blog Design from The Design Girl
Jessa C
Set of Cards from Flowery Greetings
Diedra
iPhone ap from Pimp My Ultrasound (2 winners)
LeNesha,
Ashley
Daddy Mug, Preggo Measure and Breastfeeding Cover from Belly Itch (3 Winners)
Mug: Johnathan R.?
Preggo Measure: Carrie H.
Cover: Danyele
5
Customized Baby Announcement from Bella Expressions
Carrie H.
Baby Sling and Matching Pouch from Crafted by Design
Josie K.
Hand Painted Earrings from JM Tolman
Beth
Customized Baby Announcement from Bella Expressions
Carrie H.
Baby Sling and Matching Pouch from Crafted by Design
Josie K.
Hand Painted Earrings from JM Tolman
Beth
10
ANY one item from Henry Pete's Pasture
Emily D.
Set of 25 Halloween MetroCards from Metro Baby Cards ($60)
Sarah H.
Surprise (special reveal soon) item from My Favorite Shop
Frenchell
Surprise (special creation) item from Kona Creations
Sheep: Emily C.
Custom Announcement and Tutu from Modern Blitz Designs (2 winners)
Announcement: Amanda P
Tutu: Andrea D.
$25 Gift Certificate to Elena's Avon Store
Sevrina
15
Hand Crochet Children's Scarf from Stephanie Caldwell's Shop:
JJ Ghatt
Surprise (special reveal soon) item from Glen and Constance:
Shellie
Announcement: Amanda P
Tutu: Andrea D.
$25 Gift Certificate to Elena's Avon Store
Sevrina
15
Hand Crochet Children's Scarf from Stephanie Caldwell's Shop:
JJ Ghatt
Surprise (special reveal soon) item from Glen and Constance:
Shellie
Custom Favor Cakes and $15 gift card from Hippo Baby (2 winners):
Favor Cake: Caroline
Gift Card: Sarah H.
Favor Cake: Caroline
Gift Card: Sarah H.
Custom Accordion Photo Album from Iris and Lily:
Elena
Large Twilight-Inspired Scents from Essence of Twilight:
Sheena
Elena
Large Twilight-Inspired Scents from Essence of Twilight:
Sheena
8X10 Professional Photograph from Color Me Silly (3 winners):
Brittany G,
Mamma Law,
Emily D.
Surprise (to be revealed soon) from Coco Bead Designs
Crystal
Brittany G,
Mamma Law,
Emily D.
Surprise (to be revealed soon) from Coco Bead Designs
Crystal
20
Surprise (to be revealed soon) item from Hot Mama Gowns (worth over $150):
Miss Jess
Surprise (to be revealed soon) from Garden of Life (worth over $180)- 3 Winners:
Monique
Nancy W.
Alice W.
$90 Customized Children's Canvas Paining from Owen and the Princess
Natalie K.
$200 Natural Fertility Program from Natural Fertility Prescription
Brittany G
Custom Clutch Purse and Custom Necklace from Christina Jones Exclusives (2 Winners)
Purse: Joanna
Necklace: Amy B.
Miss Jess
Surprise (to be revealed soon) from Garden of Life (worth over $180)- 3 Winners:
Monique
Nancy W.
Alice W.
$90 Customized Children's Canvas Paining from Owen and the Princess
Natalie K.
$200 Natural Fertility Program from Natural Fertility Prescription
Brittany G
Custom Clutch Purse and Custom Necklace from Christina Jones Exclusives (2 Winners)
Purse: Joanna
Necklace: Amy B.
Gift Certificate to Loreleis Atelier
Candace
Custom Canvas Name Sign from Meli Faif Life:
Brandi
Custom Dog Collar and Leash Set from Just Fur Doggies (my shop!)
Yakini
Candace
Custom Canvas Name Sign from Meli Faif Life:
Brandi
Custom Dog Collar and Leash Set from Just Fur Doggies (my shop!)
Yakini
The Beginning
"My brothers and sisters, there is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today." That's what President Monson (Leader of the LDS church) said during General Conference in October.
There are lots of things I've told myself I'll do later... Study, clean the house, do the laundry for once. More specifically, there are things I've said I'll do once we have kids or before I get pregnant...Learn how to cook, exercise, eat better.
A blog may have not been what he had in mind, but an idea for a blog came to my mind after hearing that talk. I'm going to use that statement as a guide, and I'm going to document a specific journey here.
If you couldn't tell, this blog is about baby making... Sort of. Ok, not really. I'm not sure when I'm going to start having children (spawn, I like to call them sometimes). The date I have in mind fluctuates.
If you know me, you know I'm a planner. I like to plan trips, special occasions, career moves, everything. I like to set goals and deadlines. I wouldn't call myself a control freak, especially not when it comes to little day to day things. But when it comes to planning my life, I can be (but hey, is it really a bad thing?).
In the talk I quoted earlier President Monson quotes a line from The Music Man saying “You pile up enough tomorrows, and you’ll find you’ve collected a lot of empty yesterdays.”
Well folks, I don't want empty yesterdays. I dedicate this blog to my questions, my explorations, my journey through pregnancy preparations. I'm deeply intrigued by pregnancy, labor, infants, and children. When I have a close friend experiencing these things I'll often ask them a million questions about their experiences. It may be a while before I document any of my personal pregnancy experiences so for now I'll write about my planning, my practicing, my thoughts, and ask you for tips along the way.
So join in, please, feel free to add your own opinions or advice. I'm open to discussions, or any other idea you may have. Most of all, I hope you enjoy reading about my journey!
There are lots of things I've told myself I'll do later... Study, clean the house, do the laundry for once. More specifically, there are things I've said I'll do once we have kids or before I get pregnant...Learn how to cook, exercise, eat better.
A blog may have not been what he had in mind, but an idea for a blog came to my mind after hearing that talk. I'm going to use that statement as a guide, and I'm going to document a specific journey here.
If you couldn't tell, this blog is about baby making... Sort of. Ok, not really. I'm not sure when I'm going to start having children (spawn, I like to call them sometimes). The date I have in mind fluctuates.
If you know me, you know I'm a planner. I like to plan trips, special occasions, career moves, everything. I like to set goals and deadlines. I wouldn't call myself a control freak, especially not when it comes to little day to day things. But when it comes to planning my life, I can be (but hey, is it really a bad thing?).
In the talk I quoted earlier President Monson quotes a line from The Music Man saying “You pile up enough tomorrows, and you’ll find you’ve collected a lot of empty yesterdays.”
Well folks, I don't want empty yesterdays. I dedicate this blog to my questions, my explorations, my journey through pregnancy preparations. I'm deeply intrigued by pregnancy, labor, infants, and children. When I have a close friend experiencing these things I'll often ask them a million questions about their experiences. It may be a while before I document any of my personal pregnancy experiences so for now I'll write about my planning, my practicing, my thoughts, and ask you for tips along the way.
So join in, please, feel free to add your own opinions or advice. I'm open to discussions, or any other idea you may have. Most of all, I hope you enjoy reading about my journey!
The First Challenge
The first challenge I'm making for myself is the task of cooking. I don't like cooking, I never know what to cook. I don't know if my attention span is that short or what but I give up after reading the seventh ingredient. My husband doesn't cook much either so for the sake of my future offspring, I've decided I'll try once again to learn this skill.
Thanks to recommendations from my friends I've found allrecipes.com to be a great website for 15 minute meals. People have also told me about Rachel Ray's website and a few others but I wasn't able to quickly locate the fast and easy section so I'm sticking with this for now.
I printed out about 12 recipes that are either crock pot meals or meals that claim to be prepared in 15 minutes or less. I'm making a reasonable goal of cooking at least one new recipe a week. I'm starting next week! I'm not sure what I'm making yet but I will be cheesy and post pictures once it's complete.
Thanks to recommendations from my friends I've found allrecipes.com to be a great website for 15 minute meals. People have also told me about Rachel Ray's website and a few others but I wasn't able to quickly locate the fast and easy section so I'm sticking with this for now.
I printed out about 12 recipes that are either crock pot meals or meals that claim to be prepared in 15 minutes or less. I'm making a reasonable goal of cooking at least one new recipe a week. I'm starting next week! I'm not sure what I'm making yet but I will be cheesy and post pictures once it's complete.
Friday, September 26, 2014
The Flashback
I came across a blog post I wrote years ago, not long after I got married. It was titled "What's wrong with women these days?"(I say "was" because in a recent rampage I must have deleted every post I had made). I went on and on about how crazy I thought people were for getting married and having kids right after being so young. My friends... Lots of them, were having kids! I said how I wanted to at least finish school first, have a degree or two. Have a house, have traveled with my husband, be successful in my career. I know... Sounds selfish right? Well, I still stand behind most of what I said. It is still weird knowing that most of my friends have children and/or are pregnant, but part of me (a very small one) can relate.
I have my house, I'm established in my career, have four years of marriage under my belt, and practice with a puppy. I'm still only 22 though (23 in January), and most of my friends in my new town think I'm crazy every time I even mention the "B" word.
Right now I'm thinking my plan is to have a kid by 2010, or in 1 year and 10 months to be exact. In that time I'm hoping my husband will complete school and I'll have some healthy habits established and be ready for the plunge. Of course plans do change, and I'll be sure to note my monthly change of mind.
I was planning on applying to graduate school this year but this book called "How to study for the GRE" scared me away. That's still something I'm wanting to go for, and I'm hoping it can be done with spawn.
And lastly... The car. "Lexus before little ones" or "Beemers before babies" were little sayings I made up to keep me focused on my goals. Oh you'd better believe I'm still getting my car... Just maybe not until my next promotion.
But instead of this sporty version
I'm thinking of something a little more family friendly 
I have my house, I'm established in my career, have four years of marriage under my belt, and practice with a puppy. I'm still only 22 though (23 in January), and most of my friends in my new town think I'm crazy every time I even mention the "B" word.
Right now I'm thinking my plan is to have a kid by 2010, or in 1 year and 10 months to be exact. In that time I'm hoping my husband will complete school and I'll have some healthy habits established and be ready for the plunge. Of course plans do change, and I'll be sure to note my monthly change of mind.
I was planning on applying to graduate school this year but this book called "How to study for the GRE" scared me away. That's still something I'm wanting to go for, and I'm hoping it can be done with spawn.
And lastly... The car. "Lexus before little ones" or "Beemers before babies" were little sayings I made up to keep me focused on my goals. Oh you'd better believe I'm still getting my car... Just maybe not until my next promotion.
But instead of this sporty version
I'm thinking of something a little more family friendly 
The Fantasy
If I had it my way I'd have twins like all of the celebrities are nowadays. I'd not only have twins, I'd have one boy and one girl. I'd buy two of everything: Cribs, diaper changers, rocking chairs. The nursery would be half pink and half blue and there'd be a yellow purple and green stripe right down the middle of the room. I'd also buy this stroller.
I looked into gender selection. For about $18K I can choose the gender of my baby. Leave it to me to write to the doctors and ask if I can get twins... One of each. They told me their twin success rate of both genders is only 18%... Then how in the world did Brad and Angelina, Jen and Marc, Nancy Grace, Julia Roberts ALL have one boy and one girl at the same time?... COME ON! Don't try to tell me that's just a coincidence they've all had twins... And ALL of them being one boy and one girl! Give me a break! Ok, maybe it has to do with the fact that they're famous multi-millionaires but still!
Trying to find a cheaper way, I read yams could be linked to twins. I HATE yams but if it'll get me twins I may start eating up! There's also always fertility drugs, but then I risk the chance of having quintuplets. I love John and Kate's kids but I don't think we could handle THAT!
If you hear of anything that could get me twins, no matter how silly, let me know!
I looked into gender selection. For about $18K I can choose the gender of my baby. Leave it to me to write to the doctors and ask if I can get twins... One of each. They told me their twin success rate of both genders is only 18%... Then how in the world did Brad and Angelina, Jen and Marc, Nancy Grace, Julia Roberts ALL have one boy and one girl at the same time?... COME ON! Don't try to tell me that's just a coincidence they've all had twins... And ALL of them being one boy and one girl! Give me a break! Ok, maybe it has to do with the fact that they're famous multi-millionaires but still!Trying to find a cheaper way, I read yams could be linked to twins. I HATE yams but if it'll get me twins I may start eating up! There's also always fertility drugs, but then I risk the chance of having quintuplets. I love John and Kate's kids but I don't think we could handle THAT!
If you hear of anything that could get me twins, no matter how silly, let me know!
The Workout
According to a medical advisory board it's a good idea to create and follow an exercise program. "Start and stick to a fitness plan now and you'll be rewarded with a healthy body that's fit for pregnancy," they tell me.
So you're telling me if I do some yoga now I'll still be able to put my shoes and socks on by myself up to the time that I pop? That's not a bad idea!
Since I don't get much of a workout right now my goal is to make up a plan is to eventually do Yoga once a week then an hour walk/jog on the days I'm not yogaing. For now I'll start with a half hour walk/jog with my dog Snoop.
Babies or no babies it's a good idea to get in shape and that's the second challenge I'm giving myself.
So you're telling me if I do some yoga now I'll still be able to put my shoes and socks on by myself up to the time that I pop? That's not a bad idea!
Since I don't get much of a workout right now my goal is to make up a plan is to eventually do Yoga once a week then an hour walk/jog on the days I'm not yogaing. For now I'll start with a half hour walk/jog with my dog Snoop.
Babies or no babies it's a good idea to get in shape and that's the second challenge I'm giving myself.
The Letdown
Sorry men, you can't complain. Us women not only have to deal with monthly visits from Aunt Flow (who also brings her friends Ms.Cramp and Mr.Moody), we also carry around your spawn for nine months then go through extreme amounts of pain in labor...
Check this out... Mr. Lee is claiming to be the first man to be pregnant...And they're saying a REAL man! Not that transgender hodgepodge...the REAL THING!
Wait, what?... There's another way?
Check this out... Mr. Lee is claiming to be the first man to be pregnant...And they're saying a REAL man! Not that transgender hodgepodge...the REAL THING! I'm not gonna lie, when I first saw this I got really excited. But before I got my hopes up I thought for a minute. My first question was, "Well why wasn't he on Oprah?" If this is real, Oprah must have interviewed him right? Well after some researching on Snopes, TIME, CNN and of course Oprah's site, I've been let down... It's a hoax!
Maybe one day right? Didn't Aaarnold have a kid about 15 years back? Or was that a movie?
Well, I guess for now we'll have to leave the baby daddy business to the seahorses and transgenders.
The Surprise... Really?
Lately I'm addicted to Discovery Health and love watching crazy operation shows... So it's no surprise when I saw the title "I didn't know I was pregnant" I was all about TiVoing that!Four different women, four surprising pregnancies (one of them was pregnant with twins!). None of the women knew they were pregnant until they were in labor...One of them didn't even know until after the baby was born in the toilet! They didn't have any symptoms of pregnancy... No cravings, negative pregnancy tests, not much or no weight gain. Must be nice eh? They all had different reasons for thinking they either couldn't get pregnant or surly weren't pregnant.
I've heard of things like this happening before but I wasn't sure if I really believed that could be possible--Not knowing for nine months? Ok, maybe if you're very large already, but a lot of these women weren't.
One of the ladies thought she was going through menopause. She had an 18 year old daughter that was about to go away to college. Next thing you know, one night she's got a stomach ache, she thinks she's dying and falls to the floor. Her husband gets a peek at her whooha and is like "Woah, we're having a baby!" She delivers it right then and there. By the time the paramedics get there the baby is out! Of course they took them both to the hospital to make sure they were OK.
The one question I had in my mind during this show was "Do they get some kind of hospital discount or something?" I mean, it's not like they had all of the perks of a normal delivery. Heck, the one lady did it all in the bathroom at home. That's gotta reduce the hospital fees.
Anyway, good news is all of the babies and mommies were ok. If you missed it and want to see more info go here.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
The Question
Will you quit it?!I'm not sure if it's something people in general asked for years and it was just normal. Perhaps it wasn't seen as impolite. But nowadays, is it ever polite to ask when a couple is having kids? Is family an exception? Close friends?
I'm not going to lie, I've brought it up with family and friends. Yea, I've done it... (Do as I say not as I do). But I think what's bigger than the when is the "why not?" question. How do you answer that?
Well ladies and gents, I have the answer... A big fat "Nunya."
Definition:
1. Nunya
"none of your"
As in "Nunya bidness."
As much as I'd like to say that I sometimes feel the need to defend myself. Either way, just know, if someone asks me, no matter what I tell them "Nunya" is what I'm thinking.
*"Minds are like parachutes. Just because you've lost yours doesn't mean you can borrow mine. "*
The Song
I'm a little reluctant to post this because I'm afraid it may hurt someone's feelings. But truthfully, it's nothing personal, I just can't stand the song.Music can have a good or bad impact on a blog. I'm not sure how long I'll keep the music on mine. I'll try to be good about changing it out every now and then, and try to have as much easy listening as I can so I won't cause the same problem I'm about to complain about.
First, let me give some history. The first time I heard this song I'm sitting in my kitchen. My grandmother is in town and she's working at the table not far from where I am. I'm browsing through some of my favorite blogs, occasionally adjusting the volume when I get to a blog with music. As I'm making my way through my blog list, with my speakers turned up my computer stars blasting a country tune. I manage to turn it down a little but not enough to miss the beginning of the song which made for an uncomfortable moment: "Since the day they got married, they'd been praying for a little baby... boooooooy."
I met my grandmother's eyes at that moment and all I could think to say was "that was weird." "Yea," she said. Can you saw AWKWARD? The song I speak of is Carrie Underwood's "All American Girl."
I swear, for awhile about half the blogs I read had that song on the playlist. It was kind of cute at first but now I hate it. I purposely mute my computer when I think there's a possibly I'll hear it. It's not your blog... It's the song. I'm not sure if it's the country sound, or just the bad first experience that ruined it for me.
On a happier note... If you want to put Carrie Underwood's "Ever Ever After" on... I could listen to that forever.
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