Beautiful Diaper Cakes from Gift The Bambino

Welcome to the party!! Would you like some cake? What better way to kick off a baby shower? Even a virtual one.

Here, have a cupcake.

It's from Gift The Bambino, an online store that sells the most BEAUTIFUL diaper cakes I've ever seen.

I made a diaper cake once. And it sucked, then I made another diaper cake, and it was much better, but NOTHING compared to these. The cakes I made just used diapers and little flowers and other things. But these cakes... These cakes are much more practical.

They're made with receiving blankets, spoons, socks, bodysuits, washcloths, bibs, and other goodies that your baby needs... Oh, and of course DIAPERS!

Want to see Ladybug's? Gift the Bambino sent us one for our baby shower! It's sooo beautiful and it goes great in her room. So great that I don't dare take it apart. Who needs extra blankets and diapers when you can have this gorgeous decoration in your room?

Some people are different though. My friend I made the first diaper cake for kept hers together, my other friend used the entire thing! I guess I'm not very practical cause mine is sitting up on Ladybug's ledge.Now just check out this extravaganza...

Lauren is the woman behind these beautiful baby cakes and other goodies. She also sells lollipops, donuts, and like you saw, cupcakes. Do you know ANYONE who's actually FROM Delaware? Well, she is! She says she's an entrepreneur at heart and crafty by nature so those two aren't so much something she thought out, just the way she is.

"I started making diaper cakes nearly two years ago," she said. "I didn't use any tutorials or anything and had only seen one previously. The cakes are not extremely hard to make but the pops, cupcakes and other items are a little difficult. I always say 'Onesies weren't made to be cupcakes, ya know?'"

Lauren is 27, just a couple of weeks from her second wedding anniversary, and she and her husband have a pet rabbit named Dizzle.

You can check her out on Twitter. She's @Giftthebambino on twitter and you can "Like" her Gift The Bambino Page on facebook.

Now a fun thing I'm having all of my virtual baby shower sponsors give during their feature is some new mom advice! Everyone let's respect people's advice cause we all mother differently. I like to take it all in and filter what I get, and you'll get your chance to share yours too!

Lauren is still a Future Mama but since she spends about 50hrs a week with kids, and has worked with kids for years in daycare, party planning, and other things, she had some great tips for this mama-to-be!

{New Mama Advice}

1. When your baby is old enough, teach him or her fall asleep without you by their side. This will free up time for you to get other things done, veg out or spend time with your hubby.

2. Don't fool yourself into thinking your baby can't wriggle or roll his or her way off a high surface. In the first few months, it's easy to get used to them being basically immobile but once they learn to move about they progress FAST and they don't care if they're 3 feet off the ground or not.

3. Don't rush to turn the car seat forward-facing. Baby is a lot safer in the rear-facing position for a lot longer than is typically recommended.

{Get Some}

Be sure to check out this adorable store if you're planning a baby shower or looking for an extra nice somthin' somethin' for your nursery!

Now, would you like to win one of these beautiful diaper cakes? Actually, we'll let you choose. Gift The Bambino is generously donating a $50 gift certificate to one of our lovely party goers!

{To Enter to Win}

Check out Gift The Bambino and let me know your favorite cake in the comments section

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

-Leave Ladybug and I some New Mama advice! One per giveaway (and please don't use your same one over and over, I know your ladies like to dish it, so dish!)
-If you RSVPd to the shower

-Be(come) a GFC Follower of my blog

-Follow @Giftthebambino on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway with a link

-"Like" Gift The Bambino on Facebook

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

-Email subscribe to my blog and confirm your email subscription

(1 each)

This giveaway ends May 31st at 11:59pm and Random.org will choose the winner.

Good Luck!

*I was given a cake to celebrate Ladybug, I was not compensated in any way for writing this review. Opinions are all mine. Thanks Lauren for Sponsoring the giveaway!

***Winners****
Chrissy won the Ambiessence DVD
Holli from the Adamsons won the Prenatal Yoga DVD congrats on your baby!
Please email babymakingmachine(at)gmail.com so we can get them to you!

Step Right Up for the KT Steppers LIVE Giveaway

ATTENTION! Be sure to read the rules at the bottom of this post, this giveaway is a LIVE giveaway, and different than the others!

I love love LOVE personalized things for baby. I've tried really hard not to go overboard, knowing I will most likely have another child some day, and the poor thing will deserve custom things too. Ladybug has a personalized chair cover, a hooded towel, toybox, bracelet and diaper bag. We also have a monogrammed hospital bag with our initials.

Growing up I loved having things that I knew were MINE cause it had my name written all over it.

Maybe you're not as obsessed with personalized things as I am... Perhaps it doesn't promote sharing, either way, I'm sure you'll still find these adorable step stools totally adorable, and think of some other creative way to make it your own!Katie is the owner of KT Steppers and she always thought she would be a ‘Working Mother’ but never imagined it would be for her own company. She struggled with the desire to stay home and raise her family as well as longed to work outside the home to help with the finances.

"So, I thought to myself, what can I do/make and sell that would be a great gift and practical for the baby/toddler down the road," she said. "I was always creative and liked to draw, so knew I would go that route."

The first “stepper” was conceived when one of her family members was looking for something unique and personal for her best friend’s son, so she offered up a Kt Stepper.
"After further research, talking with other moms and friends, it confirmed for me that there was a great need for that 'special something' to give as a gift for just about every occasion in a young child’s life. “Our ‘Steppers’ are a special, custom and a personal way to say 'You’re one of a kind!'"

So what are steppers?* Ultra trendy, hip, sophisticated step stools with the attention to detail being the upmost importance. Each stepper is designed per order and can be matched to any theme, bedding, or décor desired.

* HUGE hit with baby showers, 1st birthdays, christenings, and so much more.

*‘Steppers’ are a great way to introduce independence and encourage brushing teeth, washing hands, reaching a toy, and even helping out mom & dad in the kitchen. They feel proud and like a real ’big kid’ for doing it all on their own!

* The cricket stepper is budget friendly, useful, and practical but they are also eco-friendly, made from parawood and only water-based paints ever used.

*For early childhood development of motor skills, our steppers can be a great help to coordinate gross motor skills and balance as well.

You can find out more by following @KTsteppers on Twitter or "Liking" KT Steppers on Facebook.

This mom has been through a lot too, she had a brain tumor when she was 22 and it could have effected her fertility but luckily it was benign and didn't. She now has been married for nearly nine years and has two boys! One is 5 and the other is 3.

She had some great advice for me!

{New Mama Advice}

You will get A LOT of advice on what to do, how to do it, etc… so the best advice I can give is to do what is comfortable and works for you, baby and husband. There are a lot of resources out there for new moms, but still nothing is an exact science on ‘how to be a mom’ it will come natural!
Katie has offered to donate a custom Cricket Stepper to one of you party-goers, worth $49, but LISTEN UP cause we're doing this differently, it's a LIVE giveaway!

To win you must be commenter #239 (cause Spawnie is due in 39 days... I just added the 2 in front to make it fun).

{Rules:}

Your first comment must be letting me know your favorite stepper on KT Stepper's site. Then you can leave up to 2 (TWO) comments in a row before letting someone else comment before you comment again.

After someone else comments you can comment two more times, and continue in that pattern. The only rule after the first comment is that you must leave a complete sentence (no one-word comments).

{To comment MORE than 2 times in a row}
If you leave a piece of "new mama advice" you can comment 4 times in a row.
If you leave advice and are a blog follower comment 5 times in a row.
And so on with these additional comment credits:

-Follow @FutureMama on Twitter
-If you RSVPd to the shower

-Follow @ktsteppers on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway with a link!

-"Like" K Steppers on Facebook

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

-Email subscribe to my blog and confirm your email subscription
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs

(+1 additional comment for each thing you fulfill!)

So let's say you "earn" 8 comments... Once you comment 8 times, wait for someone to comment after you (at least once) and you can comment again up to 8 times in a row about ANYTHING (in a complete sentence!)

Commenter #239 Wins!! Good luck!

*I didn't receive any compensation for this post. Thanks KTsteppers for donating the giveaway prize!

Packing for the Hospital: Pre-Packed Labor and Delivery Bag!

Just 38 days until Ladybug's due date! Time to pack my hospital bag! So continuing my Virtual Baby Shower, meet Babytime Bags!

Without a doubt, packing for the hospital has been one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy for me. It's up there with decorating the nursery. To me it's like packing for a big vacation. We will leave our home as parents-to-be and return with a new little munchkin. SO EXCITING!
It took everything in me to keep from packing my bags at the start of my second trimester. When I'm planning a vacation I love to shop and get my bags organized weeks in advance. Of course the daily hygienic things I keep out until the day before, but sometimes I go as far as to buy new travel-sized things just for the trip. I keep adding to the bag as I go and it's just a fun thing I like to do to build up the excitement of my impending trip!

It's the same way with getting ready for my trip to bringing Ladybug home, but trying to remember everything for this trip can be a little stressful, especially since there are so many things to remember: Birth wishes letter, my adorable hospital gowns, Ladybug's special hats... Plus all of the regular stuff people bring like shampoo and toothpaste.

Problem solved with one of the most glorious things I've seen in all of my pregnancy, the pre-packed labor hospital bags from BabyTime Bags.

The woman behind them is Nia. When she was pregnant with her first son she was under an enormous amount of pressure trying to find a house to buy and she ended up on bedrest for the month prior to his birth due to her high blood pressure.

She wanted to pack her hospital bag herself and just couldn't leave it to her hubby to do (which can't we totally understand?) Being the web-addicted person she is, I tried searching for pre-packed hospital bags. Figuring out what to put in the bag was a bit overwhelming too, so she was hoping this would help.

"I searched high and low with all manner of search terms and only came up with one company {which is still in business and shall remain nameless}," she said. "I wasn't that enthused with the bag and was even less so when I received it. But it served it's purpose and I added a ton of stuff to it."
"I'm a crazy multi-tasker and had been trying to come up with a business to start, but was still looking for that business idea that filled a void. Voila! I realized, 'Hey, there have to be other mommies-to-be out there like me, and there's only this one company and they aren't that great. And I know I can do it MUCH better.' And from there Babytime Bags was created!"

She wanted to start her own business(es) because she knows how hard it is to juggle a family and a career where someone else calls the shots. "As so many other mompreneurs have discovered, while you may work harder when you work for yourself, it's more rewarding and can be done easier when your time and location is flexible," she added!

So check out her marvelous invention! They sent me a bbLux bag, stuffed with all sorts of goodies! In fact, so much awesomeness I decided to vlog about it! So watch to see the goodies!

I love love love it so much! There's also a letter inside that has a reminder of other things to pack that aren't included. Knowing that I'd need to fit my birthing ball and my hospital gowns in too, (plus bows, blankets and hats for Ladybug... Oh, and my husband's stuff) I did get an additional bag to go with it to pack the extra things they suggest (and more). I got this adorable coordinating duffle from The Groovy Mommy Etsy shop! She was so sweet too, and the bag and monogram was only $25! So... if you need more space, check her out. They could match any Babytime Bag you get (my little discovery!)

Nia has been married for 4 years to her law school sweetheart and they have one son and another on the way (our due dates are close!!).

She loves to travel, especially to Barbados, and doesn't have pets cause she says her 3 boys are enough, but she has some great new mama advice for me!

{New Mama Advice}

"I think the best piece of advice is not to be afraid to let stuff go. Don't try to do everything you did before AND get adjusted to a little one all at the same time. That is hard to do when you are a multi-faceted, hard-working, multi-tasking person and you're used to doing everything {and doing it well}! But until you get the hang of it {and that could take a year or 2} it's okay to focus on baby/family and get to the other stuff when you can. Delegate {especially to hubby}. Make sure you get rest. And enjoy every second of your little one."

Great advice from a great mama! So, would you like one of these awesome bags?

{Get One}

The cost of a Babytime Bag is nearly HALF of what you would pay if you purchased everything individually that is included in this must-have carryall (not to say how much time you will save!). Also, as you will soon find out, this bag will come in handy with your new little one because you can never have enough bags.

They are fun and stylish for one, two, or even three trips to the hospital. Later, your Babytime Bag can be used as a stylish diaper bag or an additional bag for overnight trips. Learn more about Babytime Bags by following @BabyTimeBags on twitter or "liking" Babytime Bags on Facebook.

You can buy one of these on sale from Babytime Bags. She's giving my readers a 10% discount UNTIL the end of the YEAR! Woohoo! Use the code: "FUTUREMAMA10" at checkout!

{WIN One} GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Or take your chances here first at winning a bbBasic Bag for free! What's in it?

A gorgeous and versatile quilted luggage piece by Quilted Keepers® in one of three vibrant patterns, embroidered with thebbPram logo and personalized for the mother-to-be.

Te bbBasic comes with many practical and indulgent items, such as*:

Evian® face spritz Preggie Pops® Altoids® mints fluffy socks headband and scrunchie organic lip balm hand mirror clock "who to call" list template a Milkband® Lansinoh® cream

Lansinoh® breast pads pen and journal all-natural toothbrush & toothpaste all-natural mouthwash little twig organic body wash little twig organic body lotion plush slippers flip-flops luxurious sleep mask and ear plugs laundry bag bbReference Guide For New Mothers

And that's just SOME of what's in it, not to mention the adorable diaper bag you get to keep! So.... Want to win one of these bags valued at $125!?

{To Enter to Win}

Check out Babytime Bags and let me know your favorite bag and color in the comments section.

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

-Leave a piece of New Mama advice (I'm gonna print them on cards later!)
-If you RSVPd to the shower

-Leave a comment on my Youtube video or subscribe to my Youtube page

-Follow @babytimebags on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway with a link!

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

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

-Email subscribe to my blog and confirm your email subscription

-Subscribe to my blog using this feedburner

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

-Vote for my blog on Babble

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

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

-Unlimited comments for commenting on any non-giveaway post during the giveaway duration

Contest closes June 8th at 11:59pm. Random.org will choose the winner!

Good Luck!

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

Beautiul Hair Bows and Pins: Kelly Joy Boutique LIVE Giveaway

Be aware of the rules for this LIVE giveaway! Commenter #222 Wins!

Continuing on with my virtual baby shower... You can't celebrate a baby girl without bows, no that's just wrong. I'm in love with these original baby bows from Kelly Joy Boutique.
Kelly has been making hairbows for a couple years but she says she really got into it when she found out she was expecting a little girl (she was born 01.01.10).
"As I looked around shops and online I couldn't believe how expensive hairbows are! I knew I wanted Lily to wear lots of bows, but I wasn't willing to pay the price for bows. I opened my Etsy shop last month and I'm so excited to offer cute bows for a great price! I also started making pins as well. So even if you don't have a little girl, there is something in my shop for you!" She said.

She and her husband have been very happily married for almost 2 years. He is a professional violinist/teacher and she is a work from home Mama to Lily. "I am so thankful for the privilege to stay at home with her."

{New Mama Advice}

Don't stress out if your house isn't clean or dishes are piled in the sink. Spend all the time you can snuggling with your little one because she will grow up before you know it!

Thanks for the tip! I'll let my husband know that's my excuse ;)

{Check out her shop}

Where her adorable bows and headbands start from $2-4! Also, be sure to follow @kellyjoydesigns on twitter and "like" Kelly Joy Boutique on Facebook to learn more!
{win}

She's offering one of you party-goers a $10 gift certificate to her shop and free shipping! So get some pins for yourself, or even bows for yourself or your little one or a friend!

To win you must be commenter #222

{Rules:}

Your first comment must be letting me know your favorite item in Kelly Joy Boutique's Shop. Then you can leave up to 2 (TWO) comments in a row before letting someone else comment before you comment again.

After someone else comments you can comment two more times, and continue in that pattern. The only rule after the first comment is that you must leave a complete sentence (no one-word comments).

{To comment MORE than 2 times in a row}
If you leave a piece of "new mama advice" you can comment 3 times in a row.
If you leave advice and are a blog follower comment 4 times in a row.
And so on with these additional comment credits:
-If you RSVPd to the shower

-Follow @kellyjoydesigns on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway with a link!

-"Like" Kelly Joy Designs on Facebook

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

-Email subscribe to my blog and confirm your email subscription
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs

(+1 additional comment for each thing you fulfill!)

So let's say you "earn" 8 comments... Once you comment 8 times, wait for someone to comment after you (at least once) and you can comment again up to 8 times in a row about ANYTHING (in a complete sentence!)

Commenter #222 Wins!! Good luck!

*I was not given anything for this feature/giveaway. Thanks Kelly for sponsoring the prize!*

Lillebaby EveryWear Carrier Giveaway!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ergonomic Design:

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

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

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

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

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

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

{Get One}

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

{Win One! To Enter:}

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Email subscribe to my blog and confirm your email subscription

-Subscribe to my blog using this feedburner

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

-Vote for my blog on Babble

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

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

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

Good Luck!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{New Mama Advice}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{New Mama Advice}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thinking Ahead: Spawnie's 1st Bday Party Themes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

{New Mama Advice}

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

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

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

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

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

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

Random.org will choose the winner! Good luck!