My Amazon Pregnancy Store and Last Chance for Giveaway

I created this before Baby J was born and never had a chance to share it. Here are the things I could not have lived without, all in a little store for you moms-to-be. Enjoy!! Let me know if there is something else I should add to the store!

http://astore.amazon.com/mmmspregnancymusthaves-20


***Have you entered my giveaway yet? You have until TOMORROW! Click here to do so and win a 8 X 8 of this beautiful photograph!***

FREE NURSING COVER FROM UDDER COVERS

Udder Covers is offering Free Nursing Covers! You just pay $7.95 shipping! Regular retail is $32! They have pink and blue left, so whether you have a little girl or a little boy, there is an option for you! This is an amazing deal!

Just visit Udder Covers and enter code "onefree" to get your Free nursing cover! (They have pink and blue yet. I already have a cover, but for $7.95 I went ahead and got the blue one too!! You could always order one and give it as part of a shower gift!)

GREAT Concept Swoozies!

If I didn't already love Swoozies enough, they have gone and made a paper lover's dream come true! They have designated certain invitations "One Guest at a Time." This enables me to have a small dinner party and order 10 invites or 13 or 2! Or I can make 1 invitation for a friend for a special one on one birthday lunch. My options for creating invitations just got so much better because I can pick how many I want to order! I HATE having to order 50 invitations when they only come in sets of 25 or 50 and I have 33 guests. The best part of the whole deal is the invites are $1.50 no matter what! That is a great deal if you are doing a smaller group. Great concept Swoozies! Click here to see the fabulous selection and start creating your invites!

Baby J's Birth Announcement from Sweet Pea Designs via The Paper Cafe

I wanted to share our baby announcement for Baby J. It turned out really cute and I got them all out last month! The shot above is marked off to conceal names at my husband's request, sorry it looks kinda ugly with all of the black. The announcement is pretty small (the left hand side was on top of the right hand side and it folds at the top) and it had every requirement I wanted: a monogram, simple yet elegant and a ribbon. I love invitations with ribbons and bows! Mollie from The Paper Cafe was fabulous to work with (as always) and the people at Sweet Pea got my proof back to me VERY quickly! I had the envelopes sent ahead of time so I could have them all addressed and ready to go out. Baby J arrived two days after they arrived, of course, he was 3 weeks early so that didn't happen as planned! Click here if you want to check out the great invitations and announcements that Sweet Pea Designs has to offer.

Here are a few others I considered for those of you that are looking:

http://www.laurengdesigns.com/shop.asp?parentCatID=5296&action=details&inventoryID=63311&catId=10633

http://thepapercafe.myspstore.com/SHOPEXD.ASP?id=11258&cat=305

http://thepapercafe.myspstore.com/shopexd.asp?id=5341

http://thepapercafe.myspstore.com/SHOPEXD.ASP?id=1803&cat=305

http://thepapercafe.myspstore.com/SHOPEXD.ASP?id=9716&cat=305

http://thepapercafe.myspstore.com/SHOPEXD.ASP?id=1805&cat=305
http://www.finestationery.com/product.cfm?

http://www.finestationery.com/product.cfm?

***Have you entered my giveaway yet? You have until April 1st! Click here to do so and win a 8 X 8 of this beautiful photograph!***

Questions from a Mom-to-Be

Dear MMM,

As someone who's due in 8 weeks, I'd love to hear your thoughts on packing a hospital bag and on your stroller research! I just ordered the Bugaboo Chameleon and am wondering if I made the right choice? Thanks so much!

The Icing on the Cake

First off, congrats on your new baby! My hospital bag was not completely packed since Baby J was 3 weeks early. So my first advice is to pack early! I bought some really cute pjs to wear in the hospital. I delivered the "regular" way and without going into too much detail, I was not able to wear any of my cute pjs because they would have been ruined. I had been warned...the warnings were correct. Just delight in the beautiful mesh boyshorts they provide you. They are almost as cute as Hanky Pankys! Ha!

My favorite items that I brought that I'm glad I had were:

1) My own pillow with a colored monogrammed pillowcase.

2) My google phone and charger so that I could text friends when I found out I was in labor and right after I delivered.

3) chapstick (for some reasons your lips get extra chapped.)

4) Our new Cannon Rebel 450D--thank goodness we brought it to the hospital just in case!

5) Cozy chenille socks (since I was early I did not have time for a pedicure so I wore them during my delivery!!)

6) My Boppy Pillow (it actually doesn't help you that much when you are first learning to breastfeed because it sits too low, but it was still nice to have for other uses)

7) Mini toiletries for the shower and my own hairdryer. That first shower is HEAVEN!!!

8) Slippers and robe for going to the nursery

9) Extra shirts for A and an extra pillow for him. Those hospital pull outs for the husbands are AWFUL. I actually sent A home after the 1st night. I figured one of us should get a good night sleep and there is certainly no sleeping going on for you while you are in the hospital--between feeding the baby and being checked by every doctor that works there.

Things I wish I had brought:

1) A smaller outfit for Baby J! Bring a few options just in case!
2) Larger shoes for the return trip home--my feet were so swollen that I had to wear my slippers!!

3) Small hats so that he didn't have to wear the ugly hospital hat. The one I brought was again...WAY too big!

Readers feel free to add the things you thought were the most helpful and the things you wished you had brought! We have a lot of mommies to be out there that will appreciate the advice!!

2nd Question:

I LOVE my Bugaboo Chameleon. We have used the bassinet for Baby J to sleep in, although he prefers his car seat because of his reflux. We have the Graco car seat adaptor and it has been great! I love the way it maneuvers and swivels. It really tackles the streets of NYC! =) I just learned how to fold it up and it really is quite easy. The handlebar adjusts so that when A strolls Baby J he can be more comfortable. I love the rain/wind cover. We've had to use that a lot lately! I bought the cup holder and highly recommend it. I also bought a hook that has been great for shopping and keeping my diaper bag on straight. I think you made an excellent choice!

***Have you entered my giveaway yet? You have until April 1st! Click here to do so and win a 8 X 8 of this beautiful photograph!***

RuffleButts

How cute are these? I love my little man, so I don't think I could get away with putting Baby J in a pair. I'll just have to hold out for the next baby (in 10 years I might add) and hope it will be a girl. =) For all of your Mommies and Mommies to be of little girls (or for those of you that just need a smile today), please click here to visit the RuffleButts website.

They even have a personalized version!

I love this cute apparel line so much that I joined the Hip Mammas RuffleButt Referral Club. I would love for you to join me! Click here to sign up on their website. We both get rewarded!

***Have you entered my giveaway yet? You have until April 1st! Click here to do so and win a 8 X 8 of this beautiful photograph!***

ONE LONG POST!

***My sweet first baby had to go to the vet yesterday. She continued to freeze when it was time to go up the stairs to our apartment. Luckily we live in an elevator building so it is not necessary that she climb the stairs, we just normally do it (when we don't have the stroller) for exercise. Anyways, her dog walker said she started crying when she was rolling around with her best friend Chloe. I called the vet and they asked me to bring her in. I bundled up Baby J, put a leash on Daisy and headed out with the Bugaboo and walked everyone to the vet. We were quite the sight! The vet examined Daisy (she nipped at the tech when he put her on the table---she has NEVER done that before so I know she must have REALLY been in pain) and had me walk her a little outside. He says that he is pretty sure it is just a pulled muscle. She was given a shot and is on partial bed rest. =) She can only go outside to do her business and no dog walker for one week! Poor baby! I also had the vet check Daisy's ears as she had been rubbing them the past few days. She had not one, but TWO ear infections. He said dogs with floppy ears like hers often get infections. So, one exam, one shot, two bottles of drops, and $170.00 later...we now know what is wrong with our sweet girl. I'm so glad I took her in and had her checked. Baby J was an angel and slept the whole time! ***

***I am so excited! I am going home for Easter...for a WEEK! A, Baby J and I are leaving on Good Friday and heading to my parent's beach house on the Florida Panhandle. My Dad will FINALLY get to meet his Grandbaby. My younger brother and sister are coming too. It will be the first time all of us have been together since Christmas and the first time ever to all be with our new addition. A is flying back to NYC on Monday, but I'm staying until Friday. Yep, that means that on the way home I'm on my own with Baby J! Should be interesting. I can do it though. Right? Any tips?***

***They were filming a new romantic comedy with Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker outside my apartment on Wednesday night! They did a scene in our little pizza place on the corner. The movie is called "Did You Hear About the Morgans" and is set to release on Dec 18th. The only "star" I saw was Elisabeth Moss. No Hugh or SJP. So sad. I did get a few cool pics though. I'll post soon.***

I received a sample of the Buxom Dolly lip gloss from Sephora with my last order and I LOVE it! It has that little tingle and the color is great!

***Today, I went to a Babybites New Mom luncheon. They had a mini photoshoot with a professional photographer for us, complete with a makeup touch up. I'll post some pics when we get the code. I had SO much fun meeting other Upper East Side Moms. I was also invited to take part in a Mommy Discussion Group at a local hospital. It is for Moms of babies born in Jan and Feb. It last for 5 weeks so hopefully I will get to make even more new friends. I'm so excited and I'm so proud of myself for trying all this new stuff! Gotta go out there and make some friends for Baby J and I to hang out with. ***

**Update on prayer requests**

*Please add my sister to your list. She is having some medical problems and will need more testing done.

*Wilson has his first round of chemo tomorrow. They think think they will have to do chemo for 9 weeks. Yesterday, they took him to get his hair shaved since it would be falling out. His AWESOME Mom decided instead of a buzz cut that this cool kid deserved a mohawk! His mom is also a photographer so she is documenting his journey. She requested some hats for him to wear and I would love to send him one. Anyone have any good ideas for a 5 year old boy? (I've never met him, but he is my husband's best friend's nephew and I really want to do something for him.)

* My classmates funeral was today. Please keep her family in your prayers.

*S leaves for Germany tomorrow! Please keep her in your prayers for a good flight and while I know she will have a heavy heart leaving family and friends, I hope she remembers all the excitement that is to come.

PRAISES!!

*My Dad passed a follow up stress test!! He is on the road to recovery!

*Baby J had a WONDERFUL day today. Thanks for all of the suggestions about everything. If things don't improve I'm thinking about cutting dairy out of my diet (I'm breastfeeding so I can't switch formulas as some of you suggested.) I asked my pediatrician about it and he said he didn't think I needed to do that at this point, but I am certainly willing to try if that might be what is causing some of his problems. I'm thinking about doing an infant massage class. Has anyone done one of those?

***Have you entered my giveaway yet? You have until April 1st! Click here to do so and win a 8 X 8 of this beautiful photograph!***

Giveaway--Magnolia in Bloom Fine Art Photo from Aaron Overstreet Art

Isn't this Magnolia photo beautiful? I miss the beautiful Magnolia trees back home, especially when it is mid-March and in the 30s! Etsy shop owner, Aaron from Aaron Overstreet Art is offering Magnolias, Marriage and Manhattan readers a chance to own this gorgeous 8 X 8 Magnolia photo.

Here are the rules:

1) Go to Aaron's Etsy Shop and check out his great pictures. Click here to go to Aaron's site. Come back here and leave a comment with your favorite photo (other then the Magnolia.)

2) Make sure your comment has a link to your blog or your email address or you will not win

For Additional Entries:

1) Leave a separate comment letting me know you are a follower (THIS HAS TO BE A SEPARATE COMMENT OR IT WILL NOT COUNT---I use the random number generator because I'm short on time so each comment has to be separate)

2) Post about my contest on your blog and let me know in a SEPARATE COMMENT that you did so.

The winner will be chosen on Wednesday, April the 1st.

Good Luck My Little Magnolias!! =) If you want to go ahead and order something from Aaron's shop he is offering MMM readers free shipping with the code MMM-FS for the next 7 days! Thanks Aaron!

Reader Question-Hot Spots

MMM,

I've asked one other blogger this same question but your Daisy looks so much like my Baxley I couldn't NOT ask for your advice. I understand you are super busy with Baby J and I appreciate any help you might have. Baxley has developed horrible "hot spots" on his back and legs since his last trip to the groomers. The vet can't see him until Thursday evening but I'd like some first hand knowledge from actual golden owners. Has Daisy ever had these problems? Do you shave her during the summer?

Again, I really appreciate any advice you have. Baxley had some issues late last summer with a hot spot on his head but nothing like this and just like any pet parent I'm freaking a little (okay...a lot).

Thank you so much.

XOXO,

G

Hi G,

You are too cute! Daisy is actually having problems right now too. She won't walk up the stairs and had to be carried up last night??? She is walking and running around fine today and her dog walker said she was rolling around with the other dogs. The only time she seems to have problems in when she gets to the stairs. It is so strange. I think maybe she pulled something? I'm calling the vet in the morning to see if we should take her in or just give her time to heal.

On to your baby...Daisy has not had hot spots, but our old chocolate lab, Scarlet, did all the time and my Aunt's jack russell did too. For both of them, the vet would normally prescribe an ointment or spray. They'll normally shave the area around the hot spot and then treat it. If it is really bad they give them a shot of cortisone to help heal it. Perhaps some of my readers will have better tips for you.

I hope Baxley feels better soon!! I'll keep you updated on Daisy.

MMM

Help a Fellow Blogger Out!

Hi MMM,

I'm a longtime reader and sometime commenter and hoping I can ask a favor from one blogger to another. My fiance and I are the top ten finalists in a best of Northern Virginia Engagement Stories, sponsored by Northern Virginia Magazine. We have until Friday, 3/27 at 5pm to get as many votes as we can! The prize is $2,000 in wedding services from some great local vendors including the Ritz and a local (and very preppy!) stationary and wedding planning company. $2,000 might not sound like a lot, but it's about 10% of our budget and would be an AMAZING boost! Any chance you could post our link and ask your readers to vote?? It would be so very much appreciated!!!

Thank you!!!

Victoria

No problem Victoria, MMM readers let's help out a fellow blogger!

Click here to vote for Victoria Kurak & Todd Sievers:
http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/engagement-survey/submit/

Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken

In honor of Grove Gal's call for easy recipes here is one that I made when my sister was in town! It is so good. I used goat cheese instead of feta, but we are definitely going to try the feta next time.


Feta-Stuffed Chicken

From "Monday-to-Friday Chicken" by Michèle Urvater. This dish has an "ugly duckling" look but a real "swan" taste. The garnish of fresh herbs helps, but if you don't have any, don't worry. The flavor of the dish will be just as marvelous without them.

Makes: 4 servings
Time: 10 minutes preparation, 45 minutes no-work baking time

8 ounces feta, mild goat cheese, or Boursin cheese
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 cup lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 whole bone-in chicken breasts, skin on, split in half
1/4 cup (packed) flat-leaf parsley leaves or fresh dill (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Combine the cheese, oregano, butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Loosen the chicken skin from the flesh without completely detaching it, and stuff as much of the cheese mixture under the skin as possible. Spread the remaining mixture over the skin. Place in a baking pan and bake for 30 minutes. Raise the heat to 450° F and bake until the chicken breasts are cooked through and slightly golden on top, 15 minutes longer.
4.While the chicken is baking, chop the parsley. Remove the chicken from the oven, sprinkle it with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Prayer Requests!

Please pray for my Aunt R. She was diagnosed with breast cancer right before Baby J was born and she has 3 young girls. They caught it early, but I know the past few months of treatment have been so hard on her.

Please pray for my husband and I's friend's nephew. He is 5 years old and started treatment today for Hodgins lymphoma. His name is Wilson.

Please pray for the family of one of my classmates from high school. Julia passed away on Saturday evening. There were only 34 in my graduating class so although we were not close friends, we really were all one big family.

Please pray for Daisy. This evening she refused to walk up the stairs back to our apartment. A had to carry her up, something is wrong with her legs. She is eating and walking fine, but she must have pulled a muscle or something. I'm going to take her to the vet tomorrow if she is still showing signs that she is in pain.

Please pray for my friend Sarah. She got married a few weeks ago and is moving to Germany on Friday. I know she is excited and scared as she begins this amazing journey.

Please pray for one of my best friends. She is having a really bad day. I can't go into detail because it is personal, but she really needs lots of prayers today.

Please pray for my Dad as he continues to recover from his stent procedure.

Please pray for Baby J. He continues to have reflux issues and he is so fussy. He had a great few days after we switched his meds and now he is having issues again. I just wish I could make him feel better. Today he had green poop and I called the pediatrician! I was so worried---apparently the doc says green is okay. It sure doesn't look okay.

Please pray for my friends C, K and I. They are all due with babies in the next two months!

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!!!

Mongrammed Baby Books

Here is a picture of Baby J's baby book. I bought it from Once Upon A Time in Crestline Village in Birmingham, AL.

Here are some sites that I thought about ordering from if you are still looking:

http://www.baby-memory-books.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=WCD-Chocolate-Dots-Blue&click=29178

https://www.jmgenterprises.com/~waycool/index.htm

http://www.bigdaybooks.com/

If you want an album similar to this just for pictures then check out this post. I ordered a couple of albums for my wedding from The Pink Giraffe and they are perfect!

Easter Basket Hunting for Baby J

I'm on the hunt for the perfect Easter basket for Baby J. I want an acutal basket and I want it to be monogrammed or personalized. Here is what I've found so far during my search. What do you think? Have you seen one that I'm missing that would be the perfect preppy basket for my baby boy to use for years to come? Or, have you seen one of these for a better price? Please do tell! I'll feature the basket I decide to use!

Personalized Easter Baskets from Etsy Seller PeapodMod for $25.00

Blue Gingham Seersucker from LaLa and Company for $36.00

Pottery Barn Kids-Various prices

Personalized Presents-$42.99

Handpainted from Etsy Seller AmySims4 for $32.00

Personalized Chenille Easter Basket from Etsy Seller KnuttinUp-$44.95.

These hand painted baskets are from Me and Mommy to Be and are $38.00.

Bunny basket from Personalized Mall for $24.95

These are from Williams Sonoma

These Easter baskets are from Baking Boxes and are $12.99.

I don't have pictures for these, but you can click on the links:

I LOVE this one and this one from the Palm Gifts. They are $30.00 each

This is a great heirloom basket also from the Palm Gifts. It is $48.00.

Update from The Palm Gifts:

Hi Magnolias, Marriage and Manhattan!! :) Please let your followers know that our Heirloom Embroidered Baskets last day to order is March 27th. The Round Single Initial Baskets last day to order is March 25th. Handpainted Easter Baskets last day to order is March 31st. Please have them order ASAP as styles are starting to run out :) Thank you for the blog post!! Hope J finds the perfect basket. Let us know if we can help!!

Rebecca

The Palm Gifts ~ Monogrammed Gifts for Every Occasion

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Baby J and Daisy!

Lilly Pulitzer Mug Winner

Congrats to the winner of this pretty little thing...



...Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

49

Timestamp: 2009-03-16 23:44:43 UTC


Number 49 is Nicole-Lynn from Seaside Smitten! Congrats Nicole-Lynn and a special thanks to Monogram Mama for hosting this giveaway! Be sure to use Paper Concierge next time you need help with a special gift!

A Little Bit of This and A Little Bit of That

Thank you for all of your suggestions with Baby J's reflux. We are going to try a few things, and I'll let you know what works. I appreciate all of you who told me to hang in there...if you have ever had a screaming baby with colic, reflux I think you have pity on others forever. It's tough. The doc changed our medicine to pepcid and we will see how that goes. Sweet baby got his 2 month old shots yesterday (a couple days early since we were already there). Ouch! I think they hurt me more than they did him. I highly advise not taking an infant to the pharmacy after his shots. I went to pick up his prescription and I experienced my first (and certainly not my last) public temper tantrum. Baby J was one unhappy camper! People were staring at me and the pharmacist rung us up wrong and had to get help. It was quite an experience!

Once he calmed down I decided I needed a high tech thermometer to make sure he did not have a reaction. The junk ones I had were not cutting it. We walked down to Giggle and picked up the Mobi baby thermometer. See picture and link below (it's actually cheaper on amazon then at Giggle but I was desperate). I LOVE this thermometer. It can go in the ear or you can scan their little forehead (great option for when they are sleeping). It also tells you the room temp and it talks to you! If only it could calm a cranky baby...Baby J slept great last night with a little baby Tylenol and he is currently napping in his swing.



My little sister A, who is a senior at Alabama, is on her way to see us for her spring break! I am so, so excited to have her meet her nephew. I also know she will be a good influence and force me to get out of the apt more. I find that the day easily slips away from me. I never knew I could be so busy, but not really be able to explain what I did all day. Hopefully, we will have some better weather and Baby J will start feeling better and behave so we can hit the park and a few museums while she is here.

After she is gone, I'm going to work on going to some Baby Bites and Big City Moms lunches so I can meet some new Mommy friends. I'm in desperate need of a few new buddies with babies that I can meet at the park or walk with! There aren't any UES new mommies out there that want to be my friend are there? I'm also looking for babysitters, so email me if you are interested! magnoliasmarriageandmanhattan@gmail.com

While little sis is here we plan to check out the NYC St. Patty's parade if the weather is good. I hear it is the biggest in the world! We just might have to find some green beer too! A baby in a bar in the daytime is okay, right? Ha, Ha! Speaking of St. Patty's, the lovely Alyssa, of A. Tierney emailed me this great offer below. Check out their site for some really cute stuff and get a great holiday deal! Stay tuned we might do a giveaway with her soon!!



I'll leave you with a few of my favorite pictures from my BFF's S&D's wedding. She's blogging from her honeymoon in Costa Rica so check it out here.

Beautiful Flowers

The Rotunda Grooms Cake since Deaner went to Virginia

S dancing with her Daddy

Just Married Marquee at the Fox Theater

Her bouquet

Beautiful Mrs. Deaner!

Fabulous Hair!

Her cheesecake wedding cake (sorry this is the only shot I got because it was so yummy)

Last but not least don't forget to enter my Lilly Pulitzer Mug giveaway.
Click here to enter, you only have a few more days!!



Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!!

Baby Reflux Help

I've got another question for all of you mommies out there! Baby J was diagnosed with reflux at his 1 month appointment and given a prescription for ranitidine (zantac.) The past few days he has become EXTREMELY fussy and is spitting up a lot after he eats. He just seems so uncomfortable unless he is asleep or eating. He makes little wheezing noises and almost sounds like he is choking at times. He will only sleep in his swing, bouncy seat or car seat (all of them are elevated.) The doctor said it was fine that he only wants to sleep in his car seat, but there has got to be a better solution! The minute we put him flat on his back, he wakes up with the symptoms I mentioned above. Has anyone had success with a certain sleep positioner? We have an appointment with the pediatrician tomorrow to discuss, but I wanted to know if anyone had experienced this with their little one. Any tips are greatly appreciated! Baby J can smile now (as you can see above), but I want to see more smiles!!!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway below!! I'm giving away a Lilly Pulitzer mug!

Lilly Pulitzer Giveaway Plus Free Shipping Code

In honor of all the Lilly festivities going on this week, I am excited to give away this Lilly Mug in the Cabanarama pattern. Monogram Mama is hosting this giveaway with me. She is on a blog hiatas, but still wants to share some Lilly love with blogland.

So, here is the deal: Monogram Mama is now a Paper Concierge. What's that you ask? Well, Paper Concierge is a brand new concept in home parties and online shopping where Monogram Mama basically does all the footwork for you, and she does all the searching for what you're looking for, then adds it to her site for you to purchase. So instead of you spending hours online looking for the perfect invitation, gift, or stationery for your children (baby announcements, too!), you tell her what you're looking for and she will find it for you.

How do you win?

1) Go to Monogram Mama's (aka Ciarla's) Paper Concierge site and pick out your favorite item

2) Come back here and post a comment about it

For Extra Entries (please leave me a separate comment for your extra entry):

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

2) Become a follower or let me know you already are one

3) Let me know what you'll put in your Lilly mug

The winner will be announced on March 16th so get your entries in before then!

Monogram Mama is also offering free shipping to MMM readers for every order $50 or greater with code "mmm" at checkout. Click here to start shopping.

UPDATE: IF YOU DO NOT LEAVE SEPARATE COMMENTS, THEY WILL NOT WORK. I PLAY TO USE RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR SO EACH ENTRY NEEDS TO BE A SEPARATE COMMENT. ALSO, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A BLOG, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO I CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN. ENTRIES WITHOUT A WAY TO CONTACT WILL NOT WIN.

Ashley Brooke Designs

Look what I won!!! Mommy cards from Ashley Brooke Designs. She even made me one so I could show y'all what mine will look like:

If you want to get some Mommy cards, click here. Be sure to check out all of Ashely's cute stuff on her website!

I LOVE Diapers.com!

In NYC, we have EVERYTHING delivered. A friend recommended Diapers.com for ordering diapers. Little did I know, they carry much more than diapers. From what I can tell their prices are comparable if not better than most prices you will find. I just received my 3rd order yesterday.

If you order over from Diapers.com and buy more than $49.00 you get free 2 day premium shipping. Enter code MMMBLOG and you will also receive $10.00 off your first order. Why not try it out for that great deal? You can also order through ebates and get 1% cash back...every little bit helps if you have a baby in this economy!

Try it out and let me know what you think!!

Update on Life

I have had one hell of a week! Let's see where do I start? My oldest best friend got married Saturday in Atlanta to the most wonderful guy. I have never seen her so happy and she looked absolutely beautiful. That's right...I was there!

You might remember, S had asked me to be a bridesmaid shortly after I found out I was pregnant. We both knew there was a slim chance I would be able to make it so I was made an "honorary bridesmaid" and we agreed I would play it by ear. Since Baby J came early that was really the only way we were able to make the trip! I had told S that the peditrician said Baby J should not fly until he was 2 months, but he actually told me at his 1 month appointment that he would be fine to fly at 7 week. It took some work, but I convinced my husband to take a day off work (he's in the middle of some big deals) and come with me to Atlanta for her wedding so I could surprise her. Our mothers met in lamaze class...we go WAY back. My parents were planning to be there and my little brother and sister were also planning to attend. My Dad and little brother and sister had not had an opportunity yet to meet Baby J so I was so, so excited about the weekend and my big surprise for S!!

Rewind to late Wednesday afternoon. I received a call from my Dad. He let me know that he had gone to the doctor and she suggested he take a stress test. The stress test did not go well and his doctor let him know late Wednesday that he would need a Cardiac Cath at 5:30am the following morning to check on a suspected blockage. I was a bundle of emotions as I realized how scary and serious this was and also that there was no way he and my Mom would be making it to Atlanta. Dad made it through the cath and they had to insert a stent in one of his arteries because he had a 90% blockage. His doctors agreed that his regular doctor saved his life. We were SO lucky and blessed that they caught this! I can't even imagine. I can't even write about what I would do if something had happened to my Daddy. He is my rock and this was one of the scariest 24 hour periods in my life. They released him from the hospital on Friday morning and he is expected to make a full recovery after some Cardiac Rehab.

A and I had to make a game time decision on Wednesday night if we were going to continue with our trip. My Mom had bought a bouncy seat, car seat adapter, pack and play, diapers, wipes, etc, etc and was supposed to pick us up at the Atlanta airport on Thursday evening. My little brother lives in Atlanta, so we decided that we would go ahead and come. My Dad convinced my Mom that he would be okay and my little sister drove home from the U of A instead of going to the wedding. She was his nurse for the weekend so that my Mom could go to the wedding. I know my Mom would normally never leave my Dad's side...but the docs and my Dad said he was fine and she should go. Everyone knew how important it was for her to be there too. She arranged all his meals and for his friends to check on him (in addition to my sister) and headed to Atlanta on Friday, arriving just in time for the rehearsal dinner.

A, Baby J and I arrived on Thursday night. Baby J slept the ENTIRE way there and did not wake up until we arrived at my brother's house. We checked into the Georgian Terrace on Thursday night (they upgraded us to a two bedroom suite which was so nice) and Baby J stayead up for the rest of the evening. Lovely. On Friday, I just walked right into S's bridesmaid luncheon at our country club. I know she was so excited to see us. She said she looked up and was like "oh there is M and Baby J," then a few seconds later she was like "What in the world are they doing here?????" It was so much fun for me!! Did she really think I would miss her big weekend? It was great for her to get to meet baby J. She and her new husband are moving to Germany right after they return from their honeymoon in Costa Rica. (For more on S's adventures, click here to read her blog.)

A's parents graciously offered to come from Birmingham and babysit for all the various events. I think they were pretty excited about some alone time with their grandbaby. We went to the rehearsal dinner on Friday night, but had to leave a little early when the bottle of pumped breast milk we left for them somehow leaked all over the place and Baby J was ready for a meal. Oops--someone forgot to put the valve in the Dr. Brown's bottle. We're still learning! On Friday night, Baby J slept for SEVEN hours. It is his personal best! I felt like a new person on Saturday, it was so lovely. The wedding was at noon on Saturday at Christ the King, followed by the reception at the Fox Theater in the Egyptian Ballroom. Everything was perfect and the weather was heavenly. I'll post a few pictures soon.

We left Atlanta early yesterday morning to come back to the city. Baby J slept the entire way (I think the plane is like a giant bouncy seat complete with white noise.) My Mom made it home to my Dad and he is doing well and goes back to the doctor this week. My sister is coming to visit me this weekend for her spring break so she'll get her fill of her nephew. It was a pretty crazy few days, but I am so glad we decided to make the trip. Seeing someone you love make a lifelong commitment to the perfect guy for them is one of the best things in the entire world.

Congrats S and R! I love you both!

Happy 30th Birthday A!!!!

Today is A's 30th birthday! It looks like when we wake up the city will be covered in snow. A lot of my friends and family in Birmingham, Memphis and Atlanta got a taste of what is heading our way. I'm glad Baby J and I don't have to go anywhere. I'll try to venture out tomorrow to get some good pictures to share.

Tonight my good friend M babysat for us so that we could go out to dinner with A's cousins and their girlfriends. We went to a fabulous little French restaurant on the Upper West Side and had a wonderful evening. Baby J even behaved for M! It was really great for both of us to be out of the apartment without the baby for a little bit. These new parents needed a little break!!

Here is an open bday note to my hubby:

A,

You are the best husband in the entire world and now I know you are also the best father. Watching you with our son has made me fall even more in love with you. It has been 4 years since you came into my life and I can't remember ever being this happy. I owe it all to you. You are my best friend and I am your biggest fan.

Thank you for your support and encouragement during the hard times of my pregnancy. I never thought I would actually have to have someone put my socks and shoes on for me, but you did it without thinking twice. I will never forget the day you cut my toenails.( I think we both agree pedicures are the way to go now. Ha, Ha!) This has been quite a new experience having baby J in our lives. We have had some tough nights, but overall this has been the most incredible experience ever being a parent. I can't imagine having anyone else as my partner through this. Thank you for changing lots of diapers. You are so good! Watching you with our baby that we created could be the most magical thing I have ever experienced. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it. I am so lucky and blessed. I love you so much! I look forward to spending the rest of our lives together.

Cheers to your 30's! May they be the best thus far. I look forward to what they will bring for both of us and I'm so glad that I have you by my side. Even though you have to work on this snow day, I will do my best to work on your birthday request while you are gone. It has to be better than last year, right? Ha, Ha!

I love you A! ROLL TIDE ROLL!

XOXO,

M


Please everyone raise up a Miller Lite and toast A today! Happy 30th honey!