I love any and all discussion regarding baby names. Beck at Frog And Toad Are Still Friends always has something comical to say regarding the subject like here and here, and recently I came across this article in the news about a New Zealand couple not being allowed to name their child "4real"- for real- I am not making this up.
Elizabeth posted not too long ago about there being a Braxton Hicks in her daughter's class. This cracks me up. And as much as I hate celebrity gossip, I still love to hear what the stars name their babies. The weirder the better, don't you think?
I looooove to know what pregnant mommies are naming their babies, but we kept Grayson's name a secret until he was born. Too many opinions. So we decided to just keep it a secret. We had our families pretty worried, I am sure, because after some of the first names we had told them... I had my heart set on Tazo (it means third son!) and I still love that name. Hubby said no way. We could call him Tay! Or Taze! Yeah, hubby said no way.
But, we named him Grayson and he's such a Gray. Not a Tazo. It totally worked out.
And for a girl, oh how I have my heart set on naming a girl after my mom and my hubby's mom. My mom's name is Rhonda and hubby's mom is Barbara. Rhubarb! Isn't that just brilliant? At least perfect for a middle name! We could call her Roo or Rue... I seriously still like this name. I think my family thinks I am joking. I am not joking.
I've heard some crazy names, but the name always ends up fitting the child perfectly and then I totally love it. Have you ever met a baby that didn't fit their name?
And be honest- Rhubarb... am I crazy? Even for a middle name?
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Baby Names- Am I Crazy?
SuperMomz for Super Moms- A Giveaway! *Updated With Winner!
Well, I can say I'm a Super Mom because SuperMomz says so here. And I can also say that I am super loving SuperMomz right now, period! SuperMomz has a baby registry! And SuperMomz is going green!
This is THE place to go for the essentials for today's busy super mom... that would be me. And you. SuperMomz aims to ease your daily challenges by providing moms with essential knowledge, information, and products. They think of everything! Including babywearing (just wait until you see what SuperMomz is giving away... a Moby Wrap!)
I was sent the Babeebrite Hands Free Mobile Light, a popular item over at SuperMomz, and this thing is handy! This compact light source is designed to ease everything that requires the use of both hands. Clip it onto most anything and use it while at home or on the go! Perfect when you have a newborn baby and are up often in the night (or when you have kids of any age, I guess, because I am still often up in the night... can I get an amen?) I now keep it in my black hole diaper bag so that I can actually find what I am digging around for!
SuperMomz promises super-fast shipping on all items in stock, first hand knowledge and use of all products, and most importantly: satisfaction guaranteed!
Also you, my fabulous readers, can receive 10% off all orders through 7/31. Just enter code "spring" to receive the discount!
And SuperMomz is so super, to help you with your babywearing needs they are giving away a Moby Wrap in the color of your choice!All you have to do to enter is: 1. Link your blog in the Mr. Linky below 2. tell everyone about this contest linking here and to SuperMomz by this Monday 9 PM (CST.)
If you don't have a blog, you must sign up for the SuperMomz email list and then leave a comment here letting me know. Make sure I have a way to contact you as well!
I will pick one winner randomly from the Mr. Linky list to win a Moby Wrap in the color of their choice Monday after 9 PM (CST.) Thanks, SuperMomz!
*The winner is Deb (#13), who doesn't have a blog, but did comment and sign up for the SuperMomz email list. Enjoy your new Moby Wrap!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Yup, It's Officially Summer
In full force, charging like a lion, Carter ran right into the screen door today while visiting at Lori's. I literally almost peed my pants because I was laughing so hard. He only cried a little. No worries- the screen is just fine.*
*If you know me well, you know that I would never wish my kids any harm, but this was just.too.funny. You had to be there. I am still laughing about it.
Babywearing Tip of the Week: Which Carrier Is Right For Me?
I am asked quite often- Which carrier should I buy? Which one is best for summer? Long trips? Quick trips? Newborns? Toddlers? Nursing?
I know it can be quite overwhelming to babywearers- amateurs and novices! I have given some recommendations in my big babywearing post here, but recently I've found the Sling Comparison Chart at Mom 4 Life to be another great resource. It even includes price ranges, which is very helpful, too!
If you want to know my own personal opinion, I prefer a ring sling for quick trips. For longer trips, I like my mei tai or wrap. For newborns I like the ring slings and wraps.
I find that at Gray's age, it is easiest for me to nurse him in the mei tai or wrap (as shown here.) For newborns I think ring slings, pouches, and wraps are very easy to discreetly nurse in.
For wearing on your back, I like mei tais and wraps. I like mesh water slings for the shower with a newborn and for the pool with baby or toddler. And don't forget about Solarveil slings if you are out in the summer (and these are also great for in the pool!) I also like my mei tai for hotter weather as well. And I like having a fancy sling or two for dressier occasions, or just feeling pretty!
I am nursing Gray here in a Moby D Baby Carrier by Moby Wrap in red silk with black cotton, available at Mom 4 Life. It's delicious!! I love these pics- I think this second photo looks like I'm being chased by the papparazzi! (I am nursing Gray in both photos, by the way.)
I am fortunate to be able to try out many different types of carriers, and if you have this option, go for it! Some boutiques sell them or you can find other moms wearing them or selling slings at La Leche League meetings and other Mommy gatherings. Try them out if you can! Seriously, I'll be at the park and we're all trying on each other's slings! Otherwise, check out the Sling Comparison Chart and also you can just ask away here! Most places, including Mom 4 Life have a great return policy as well.
I must also thank Heather at Mom 4 Life for honoring me with the Mom 4 Life 4titude Award! She read about Noah's Story and I am very honored to receive this award!
Today at 9:30 am (MT) Heather will be on Babies And Moms Radio talking about babywearing as a guest on their show! If you missed it, you can check out the podcast later today.
If you have a Babywearing Tip of The Week or babywearing story you'd like to submit, email me or leave a comment here!
In Other Babywearing News...
Today Attachment Parenting International kicks off their big online auction to help API "Protect the Parent-Child Connection." There are many baby carriers up for auction among other fabulous items.
Kim from KimzKreations donated a sling to be auctioned off and my friend Jenn from All Natural Mommies donated a $65 gift certificate! Check out the auction when you can, and bid!
Also, my friend Elizabeth at The Whole Family has a Solarveil sling giveaway going on! If you missed out on my Solarveil giveaway, then please stop by and enter hers!!
Check back later today for the Babywearing Tip Of The Week and then tomorrow will be my next giveaway... how does a Moby Wrap from Supermomz sound???
Thursday, June 28, 2007
He Who Smelt It
anyone else lets out a toot.
So you better watch out if you're around.
He'll totally out you.
Throwback Thursday: True Love
So you want to hear our engagement story... we met at church in the fall of 1998 and started dating soon after. Our first date was Friday October 9. We went to dinner at a little restaurant in town (nothing fancy) and then to see the movie Simon Birch. I cried. (At the movie.) Here's a pic of us just after we started dating. You think we're in love?
Within the first couple months we just knew. After dating about 3 months, there was a huge snowstorm and Jeff was stranded at my house for a couple days. (I lived with my parents at the time.) We really started talking about everything then. Soon I had a ring on my finger and was planning a wedding!
We were married Saturday October 9, 1999. Exactly one year from our first date. Aww. We honeymooned in Paris, France. And my hubby still treats me like his new bride even after almost 8 years. He's the best, I tell you.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Great Gift Exchange (Or: Send Me Goodies Cause I Love It!)
I signed up to be a part of The Great Gift Exchange over at An Island Life.
Today I received my surprise gift from Sherry at Yellow Rose's Garden. She made this awesome picture frame for me and I love it! The colors are so happy and go perfectly in my house. I was thinking about putting one of my babywearing photos in it!
And if you want to see what I sent to Sherry, she posted about it here. It was fun picking out gifts even if I didn't know her. I sent her a really pretty photo frame (I heard she liked photography), my favorite Alba Botanica lip gloss, and since I had read that she had a spoiled cat named Rocky, a gift for him, too. Isn't this a HOOT? Yes I just said HOOT.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
I'm Laughing With You
Last night I stopped and totally laughed at myself as I was cleaning up after dinner. I get almost giddy when I am putting away leftovers and find a lid that actually fits the storage container. I did a happy dance. Over Tupperware.
And being able to laugh at myself makes me happy. I am the biggest dork and I know it. Like this story. So glad I didn't crawl under a rock and die like I wished at the time... No matter how embarrassing, I will laugh about that forever.
Win the must-have summer sling
in my giveaway here!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Must-Have Summer Sling- A Giveaway! *Updated With Winner!
The very first sling I ever bought was a mama-made black ring sling from KimzKreations on ebay. And to this day it is still my favorite. I have worn Gray in that sling since he was one day old. You can see a picture of it in my big babywearing post here. I am not sure if it is the sentimentality of it or the fact that it is my most comfortable one, all worn-in and such, it just has been an awesome sling that I got for $15 on ebay way back when you could still get a sling that inexpensive!
And what's even more awesome is that I developed a little email to email relationship with Kim, who made it for me. It's been about 2 years now since my first purchase from her. I did buy another one, then she even sent me one as a gift just because she is that sweet. Recently she's been making Solarveil ring slings (and sent me one, too- again- she's so sweet!)
This is my first Solarveil sling. Solarveil blocks the UVA and UVB rays while keeping you cool and comfortable. There is no other fabric available with the same unique features. In rigorous laboratory testing, a single layer of Solarveil blocks 75% to 80% of UVA and UVB rays, and a double layer blocks 92% to 95%. This level of protection maintains when the fabric is wet or dry. Solarveil also has excellent wicking properties, which is the ability to pull perspiration away from the skin. This, combined with the open knit construction that allows air to easily pass through the fabric which rapidly evaporates moisture, creates an air conditioning effect keeping the wearer cool. You can read more about Solarveil Sun Protection here.
I've found that the fabric is quite comfortable- especially in the hot weather, and the rings hold very well without having to be re-adjusted. The tail allows you to drape over your child to give them extra protection, if needed. I am excited to use this when we go to a little pool party tomorrow!
It's a perfect sling for summer and I want you to have one! Kim from KimzKreations is giving away a Solarveil ring sling of your choice! You pick the color and the rings you want- a $40 value!
To enter: 1. Enter your blog in the Mr. Linky 2. mention this contest in a post on your blog and be sure to link back to this contest post and to KimzKreations by Thursday 12 PM (CST).
If you don't have a blog, please enter your name in the Linky and make sure you've left a comment so that I know how to contact you! And of course spread the word about this fabulous contest!
I'll pick one winner at random from the Linky list and announce it here Thursday afternoon!
*Update- the winner is: Mama K from Mama K NJ! Thanks to Kim at KimzKreations for this great giveaway!
Not A Day Goes By
I'll hear people say, "I thank God everyday" for certain things like family, health, what have you. And I am sure many of those people really do thank God everyday. But many say they do and really don't. We might go through a rough time in our lives and say "I'll do anything" for things to be ok. Then when everything is normal again, off we go with our normal lives.
It's been almost 1 year since Noah came off his special diet. And close to 3 years seizure-free. I can honestly say that not a day or night goes by without me thanking the Lord for Noah's healing. That my Noah is here. That he is seizure-free. That he is a normal little boy. That he wakes up in the morning. That he can go to school. When I greet him good morning. When I check on him at night. Sometimes I just say thank you. That's just enough.
I imagine that I'll never really forget. Months will go by without me hearing myself yelling to my hubby to call 911! Over and over it used to play in my head. My stomach would drop like rollercoasters when I didn't think I could possibly take it anymore. But now it's all tucked away. Visions of Noah at his worst have been replaced by years now of a healthy, happy, laughing, talking boy full of life and full of promise.
I don't want anyone to have to lose or almost lose life to truly appreciate it. There are just too many things and people and blessings and situations to be thankful for that get overshadowed by worries and things that are so unimportant and so irrelevant. Life should be lived. Not put off for tomorrow or punished because of what happened yesterday.
Noah's growing up, right before our very eyes it seems, and when many parents wish their kids would 'just stay little' I must admit that I am so very grateful to watch this little boy grow up. Because he can. We were told he might end up in an institution. I don't even want to know what that life is like. I just know it wasn't in the plans for us. I am so thankful. Each one of my precious babies... how is it possible that my heart has enough room for how much I love them? Sometimes I just say thank you. And that's just enough.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
She's Gone Commercial! And She Wears Red Shoes.
I know you're probably thinking it. It's ok. The other day hubby said, "I was reading your blog today and you've gone a bit commercial, what with all the reviews and ads."
Well, I gotta start somewhere. Right now I am loving my summer of giveaways and in order to have stuff to giveaway, I must do some reviews and advertisey sorts of things here & there.
And I really like being able to stay at home with my kiddos and if I can make a little money from this blogging gig, uh, I'm so cashing in.
Inserting contest alert here: I am thinking I need to get this BusyBodyBook organizer that Mums The Word is giving away- actually they are giving away 4 of them! I could so use one just for blogging!
And did you see the BLING that the gals at Pinks & Blues are giving away... Oh, dear I'd really like to win that and hello, Pinks & Blues girls, the ring is in my size! And oh how that necklace needs to be worn on my next date night!
...So I've gone commercial. Hope you'll still stick around!
And now a word from one of our sponsors- The boutique & magazine Chittypulga will be having an amazing prize package to giveaway here sometime next month. But for right now they have a huge sale on clothing, accessories, & toys starting tomorrow. Awesome brands including Tea Collection, Zutano, Fleurville, & more are 20-50% off and you can get an extra 10% off these sale prices by entering code WEARING10 . Join the sign-in list and get $10 off your first purchase! Quantities and styles are limited, so shop early Monday!
Wow do red shoes get a lot of attention and requests for pics! I guess I'll give in and post a photo. Cankles and all. They are just simple red sandals from Tar-jay years ago, but I still love them!
And the dress. Well, since I love to just bare all, I got the dress at Dress Barn. First of all, let-me-explain... hubby and I always joked about that place saying WHAT WOMAN in her right mind would shop for clothes at any place called a BARN? Well, his mom bought me an outfit from there that just wasn't very "me" and so I went to return it and found that dress.
I still love Marshalls, by the way.
The StrollerMama giveaway winner
has been announced on the original contest post!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Not Your Old Navy Flag Tee
So yeah, I'll admit that in the past we have worn the $5 Old Navy matching flag tees for the 4th of July. How did I ever get hubby to agree to that?
And sure they are just $5, but we wear them only once! Well, we're making a run for it this year!
Rusty Bumper has some really cool fireworks tees for your little firecracker- and they even glow in the dark! For sure Gray will be wearing this shirt more than once. Try all summer long!
It's the softest tee shirt ever, by the way. Gray is wearing the navy in size 2T. Order yours soon so you can have it for the 4th!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Date Night
Hubby & I went to a restaurant opening tonight.
It was sooo nice.
The food was deelish!
My date was quite charming.
I got to wear my new dress!
And red shoes!
Good night, indeed.
Babywearing Tip of the Week: A Babywearing Story
Jen, a friend of mine, emailed me this great babywearing story:
I have been wanting to get in touch to thank you for your advice on babywearing. I cannot tell you how many times during my pregnancy I Iooked back at your very informative email, going through the resources. Wow! that was a bit overwhelming at first. Then I logged into