OB Gifts

My great friend Bama Belle asked me a question yesterday. Her sister recently had a baby boy--Baby J can't wait to meet Baby Qn for a play date in the park this spring! Her sister and I both went to the same OBGYN group of 3 doctors on the UES. If you live in NYC and need an OBGYN, email me and I'll give you their names. I can not recommend them enough!

Anyways, Bama Belle asked me what kind of gift I was planning on giving my doc for delivering Baby J. My six week postpartum appointment is next week so I had actually been thinking about this for some time. I would love some suggestions from Moms/Moms-to-be out there? Did you give a gift? What did you give? Did you give something just to your doc or something that could be shared with the entire practice (nurses and other docs)? Can't wait to hear your suggestions!!

Have a fabulous Saturday!

Questions from Readers

Hi there --- Congratulations on the recent delivery of your baby boy and for sharing your experience. He is such a cutie!! Secondly, I found your blog through a link on someone else's blog and it is now one of my favorites. My younger sister is expecting twin boys in May and your blog has been so informative -- particularly your links for all things baby ! Your custom crib bedding is so pretty and my sister is currently in the process of choosing a pattern. Do you have any advice regarding crib bedding. One of her friends told her that custom bedding isn't really necessary b/c it is so hard to wash the bumper, sheets, etc. Have you found this to be true? Would you do anything differently?

Reader MM


Hi MM,

Congrats to your sister! I LOVE My custom crib bedding from Monarch Creations. I spent a lot of time worrying about spending too much, but decided after a lot of searching that it was by far my favorite. I was very lucky and my parents bought the bedding for me as a gift. However, I live in a small NYC apt so the crib is very much a part of our decor. I have to tell you I have not regreted getting my bedding at all. Every single time I look at it, it makes me smile! =) Tell your sister to get what works for her. As far as washing, I bought regular sheets and plan to use the ultimate crib sheet when baby J is a little older. I don't think I'll really ever have to wash the bumper?? I plan to take it off as soon as baby J is old enough to move around in the crib.

Thanks for reading!!

MMM

****************************

Hi MMM,

I wanted to stop by and say hello because I am one of your followers and I need some advice! My best friend and I are coming to NYC for the Martha Stewart show's Lilly edition. I was wondering if you knew of any good places to eat around the Madison Square Garden area (that's where we are staying). Or the Chelsea Park area is close to the studio that is located on W. 26th St., between 7th and 8th Avenues. This is my first trip to NYC and I really want it to be fabulous! Hope Baby J is doing well!

Thanks,

LPW


Hi LPW,

You are so lucky to go to the big show! I wish I could go--got an extra ticket and a babysitter? =) I live on the UES (Upper East Side) so that is where my semi-expertise lies as far as restaurants. I did a post for someone awhile back here. Maybe that will help. There are so many fabulous restaurants! Can you give me a little more info? Budget? Type of food? If you send me another email maybe I can help a little bit more. You are going to have a great time! Are you going to Hopsy's meet up? I'm going to try to make it with Baby J. Hope to see you there!

MMM

Preppy Preggo Updates?

We had quite a baby boom this past month (yes, those are baby J's cute little toes.) I want to offer my congrats to the following new mommies. Make sure to stop by their blogs and see how things are going with their new little ones.

Kelly's Korner-Jan 13th--It's a GIRL--Born Jan 16th!!!

Shelley-Jan 31st--It's a BOY!--Born Jan 21st!!

J Moments-Feb 6th--It's a BOY--Born Feb 10th!

Some Like It Southern-Feb 7th--It's a BOY!--Born Jan 31st!!

Me--Feb 8th--It's a BOY!!!--Born Jan 18th!!

Wreymonkeys-Feb 9th--It's a BOY!--Born Jan 26th!!

Midwest Prep-Feb 11th--It's a BOY!--Born Feb 4th!!

Preppy Coastee Mommy-Feb 13th-It's a BOY!--Born Feb 11th!!

Are there any new preppy preggos out there that want to be added to the list? Just leave a comment here with your due date and if you know if it is a boy or girl or email me at magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail.com

I'm Two!

This beautiful cake is from Wildcakes.

I'm sure this will become a theme in my life, but I have been so busy with baby J I have missed all sorts of little things. I realized while looking at some old posts that Feb 7th was my blogiversary. I'm two years old!!! This past year as been an exciting one for me and I wanted to thank you wonderful ladies that read my blog for your support and love during my pregnancy and the birth of baby J. I have made so many great bloggy friends these past two years. I started this blog as an outlet during my wedding planning and now here we are two years later and y'all are giving me baby advice. =) I want to give a special shout out to the ladies that gave me my first four comments: Maggi, Suburban Prep (the most wonderful commenter), Chloe and Melissa (formerly of Perfectly Pink--oh how I loved her blog)

If you have been a reader for the past two years, leave me a comment and let me know! In fact, leave me a comment and let me know how long you have been reading. I don't often ask for comments, but every once in awhile it is good to hear from y'all and know that you are out there! Thanks for reading. Thanks for commenting. And most importantly, thanks for being a part of my life! I LOVE y'all!

Just for fun:

Here is my very first post.

Here is my post from my first blogiversary.

**Spotlight Store**Julianne Originals**

I am so excited to share one of my new favorite go to baby stores with y'all--Julianne Originals! I just ordered a few baby gifts for friends and I know they will love them!

Here are a few things that you can find at Julianne Originals:

Julie was so sweet and sent baby J, a monogrammed gown, burp cloths, and a couple bibs with his name on them. Thank you Julie!! These are seriously some of my favorite items that we have received. The quality is top notch and they are so unique and cute!

I swear y'all this baby gown was one of the only things that fit baby J when we brought him home from the hospital. It still fits and remains a favorite outfit at our house. Here is a pic of him wearing it and of the full length shot.

Below are some of things Julie sent to baby J. The plaid bibs are actually the backs of a couple of the personalized bibs. The backs are just as pretty as the front! The burp cloth matches a personalized bib she sent as well as the baby gown--what a perfect baby gift! The Alabama football bib was a favorite of my husband's! This child is one decked out Bama fan! Julianne Originals also carries a few other SEC schools.

JULIANNE ORIGINALS is offering MMM readers a 15% discount on all orders through March 31st with code MMM15. I highly advise you take advantage of this great offer! Thanks Julie!!

Happy Fat Tuesday!!

As some of you long time readers might remember, Mardi Gras is one of my favorite holidays. When I was in high school we actually got a few days off of school to celebrate and go to the parades.

Here are some of my posts about Mardi Gras from years past: 2008 and 2007

Fun facts about Mardi Gras you might not know:

1) Did you know Mardi Gras in the United States was actually started in Mobile, Alabama in 1703? We Alabamians like to make sure you are aware of this fact! =)

2) The Mardi Gras colors each have a special meaning: purple stands for justice, gold stands for power and green stands for faith.

3) Today is called Fat Tuesday because it falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of lent. Revelers are supposed to eat and drink in excess since tomorrow begins 40 days of fasting and prayer. So eat up girls!

I decided it was time to tell J about Mardi Gras...

In this picture he had just been told he would not be attending Mardi Gras this year. He was especially sad about missing my parade last Friday night. I was too!

I told him we would would be there next year so he's happy again.

Throw me something Mister! (My God, he's a natural--of course he is!!)

Happy Mardi Gras Y'all from your favorite Southern Yankee baby!

My First Month as a Mommy

My Little Yellow Duckie

His Valentine's Outfit

Well y'all! I survived my first month as a Mommy! Baby J is doing great. I thought I would give you a quick update on how things are going. As you may have noticed my posts have become less frequent. It is amazing that a little tiny person can control every minute of your day. We had his one month check up last Tuesday and Baby J now weighs in at 8 1/2 lbs. We just moved him up to Size 1 diapers even thought they are a little big--he's growing up so fast!

I have been enjoying all of our bonding time together. I'm breastfeeding so there is A LOT of bonding time! Speaking of breastfeeding, thank you so much for all of your tips and encouragement. You really do have to be committed to doing this and it is nice to have a cheering section! I did end up giving J a pacifier...not sure why I was worried. I also bought a pump and have started pumping so that A can give J a bottle when I need a break during one of the late night feedings.

We had an all nighter last night, so I'm nice and exhausted today. I've only had a max of five hours straight of sleep (just once) since he was born! Yikes! I'm not sure if last night it was a growth spurt or tummy issues. J does have reflux so we have medicine now for him to help a little with that. He is so precious though and I spend so much time just staring at his sweet little face. I can't give him enough kisses. I truly am enjoying each and every moment.

J LOVES his swing, his bouncy seat, his mobile and warm baths. He loves to be held and he always falls asleep while he's eating. His favorite spot to nap is his car seat. He HATES having his diaper changed and his hair washed.

I know there are a lot of moms-to-be out there so please feel free to leave a comment here with questions about labor and delivery, bringing home the baby, gear you need, gear you can't live without etc. I'm no expert--but I have just been there so maybe I can help!

KN Karen Nueburger Cozy Chenille Socks Giveaway Winner

CONGRATULATIONS TO

Here are your random numbers:

10 

Timestamp: 2009-02-14 02:46:49 UTC

NUMBER 10 IS:

3 Peanuts

Please email me at magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail dot com and I'll make sure you get your cozy socks!

Thank you KN Karen Nueburger for sponsoring this fun giveaway and thanks to all you readers that entered. We'll do it again soon. =)

KN Karen Nueburger Cozy Chenille Socks Giveaway

How cute are these slippers? My personal favorite are the blue ones (also available in celadon) with the grosgrain ribbon! The best part, all of these KN KAREN NEUBURGER slippers retail for just $26.00! KN KAREN NEUBURGER slippers are available at http://www.karenneuburger.com/ and in department stores across the country

I am spending quite a lot of time in my bathrobe with my slippers on. Time holds still when you are a mommy to a newborn. I'm lucky if I take a shower at all, so I have a special place in my heart right now for comfy slippers and cozy socks! Our friends at KN KAREN NUEBURGER want to help keep your little piggies toasty (oh gosh, I'm already turning into that woman and it's only been 3 weeks!) so they are teaming up with me to offer one lucky Magnolias, Marriage and Manhattan reader a pair of their chenille socks. In honor of baby J's arrival, they are also throwing in one pair of infant chenille socks. We have so many Moms and Moms-To-Be reading these days, this is a fabulous giveaway! (Of course, you can always pass along the infant socks to your best friend's baby.) Check out how cute:

Wishing you were wearing these right now?

Here are the rules:

1) Go to http://www.karenneuburger.com/pl/c/113.html and let us know what your favorite sock or slipper is! Leave a comment here by Thursday, Feb 12th and we'll announce the winner on Friday. Make sure to include a link to your blog or a valid email address.

2) Become a follower for an extra entry or let me know you are already a follower (please leave a separate comment doing this to make it easier on me this time!)

3) Post about the giveaway for an additional entry! Let me know in a separate comment.

Good luck!!!

Kim's Custom Cards Giveaway Winner!!

Sorry, I'm a little bit late in announcing the winner for our little contest...baby J is keeping me busy! (Not to mention I have the in-laws in town until Monday. Please say a prayer for me!) Anyways, enough of that...drum roll please....the winner of the cute zebra cards is...

MUFFY MARTINI

Congrats Muffy! Send me an email to magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail dot com and we'll get you set up with Kim!

Thank you everyone else for entering and a big thank you to Kim's Custom Cards. I'll have another great giveaway for you in a couple days. =)

Breastfeeding Tips Needed

Hey girls! I would like to solicit the successful breastfeeders out there...I have much admiration now...so I wanted to ask some advice. I realize that each of you will tell me something different, but I'm still curious to hear it straight you gals that have made it work.

1) I have yet to give J a pacifier yet b/c the lactation consultant in the hospital suggested not to give him one for awhile due to nipple confusion. I'm not sure I buy into all of that, but I am still hesitant. He has been extremely fussy (even after eating, changing, etc) the past 24 hours and I'm wondering if I should try it out or if I should hold out until he is older like all the books and docs suggest. I realize at the end of the day I make the decision that best works for me and for baby J--but I would appreciate your opinion.

2) When did you start pumping? I have yet to try that one out too due to mixed advice I've received about messing with my milk supply and introducing a bottle too early. I'm very committed to sticking with the breastfeeding and I want to make sure I'm getting the right advice--where better to get advice then woman who have been through it--so thanks in advance! =)

3) When can I have a drink (I promise, not the bottle yet) and how do you do it as far as timing? I've read such conflicting stuff as far as how much and what age--I'm nervous to try it, but I sure could use a little glass of something!

4) What foods should I be avoiding? Again, I keep hearing/reading different stuff and I want to make sure I'm not eating anything that is causing his little tummy to hurt. I would love to know what you did.

Any other advice is much appreciated. I have my MIL here now and she did not bfeed any of her kids so I'm having a hard time explaining some of this to her when I don't even understand it myself. I've made it almost 3 weeks with only having to give him one small formula bottle and I just don't want to give in!!! Thanks in advice for your advice. Y'all are the best!

Kim's Custom Cards Giveaway!

How cute are these note cards from Kim's Custom Cards?

These fashionable fold-over cards by Kim's Custom Cards can be personalized with a name or monogram. Attractively packaged with a coordinating knot bow, each set contains 10 cards with envelopes. Paired with a coordinating personalized pen, it's the perfect writing ensemble.

DO YOU WANT TO WIN THEM? Well, you are in luck! One lucky MMM reader will receive these for themselves or maybe you want to give them to one of your Valentines.

Here are the rules to win:

1) Go to Kim's Custom Cards and check out all of the cute stuff she has to offer! Pick your favorite thing and come back here and leave a comment on this post.

2) Make sure you have a link to your blog or you leave a valid email address.

3) Do this by Thursday, Feb the 5th and we'll announce the winner on Friday.

4) For extra entries:

a) Let me know you are a follower

b) Blog about this contest and let me know you did so



HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS FROM KIM'S!

I have this take-out box and I LOVE it!

I need this!

Can't go wrong with a polka dot invite!

For your heartbreaker!

Too cute!

Fun for all ages!

Great for the bride to be!

Your Valentine needs this cute personalized plate!

Baby J needs these!

And these...

And these...

MMM needs these

And these...

Great rehearsal dinner invite!

Cute moving card!

Would love this for a baby shower or 1st bday!

Cute birth annoucement or baby shower invite!

Perfect for any occasion!

This one too!

Possible invite for Baby J's Christening?

I LOVE this beer invite!

Perfect for all sorts of occasions...

Too cute!