Posts Tagged ‘momotics’

August 4th, 2011

Accomplishment of the Month

We all have one of those disgustingly long to do lists right?   I have started to come to terms with the fact that… three kids = everything on my list is not going to get done in a timely manner. And I am ok with that!   Rome wasn’t built in a day right?  As long as my kids are healthy, clean, and taken care of I am not going to worry about the extra little above and beyond most stress about.

But I really wanted to start working on a big accomplishment of the month, I think it is a way to spread out those larger projects over an acceptable period of time.  Whether it is renovations around the house, or simply organizing something like I talked about last week with Clutter Clutter Everywhere post.

Some of the stuff I want to do… of course complete all the things I put on there, but I also want to re-vamp this website. I think I have grown out of Momotics, and I write about so many other things besides just the politics of parenting, and I feel like I am stuck in a rut.  With the help of my fantastic webmaster Sarah, I am going to do some major renovations. I am still trying to decide which .com address I am going to purchase, but whatever it is, momotics.com will automatically re-direct to the site when we make the change.   I promise!

I really think that is the first project I am going to take on!

Do you manage your larger accomplishments in this manner?

April 17th, 2011

Week 15 – C-Section Essentials Bundle from Earth Mama Angel Baby

If you know that you are going to have to have a c-section, like I very well may be with this baby, although she has thrown us some more new curve balls in the last week… This is a complete must have for recovery.

Planning for my postpartum recovery has been hard, not only emotionally but also because I know what kind of process I will be going through after the fact.  Lets face it… c-section or any major surgery sucks.

Earth Mama Angel Baby is one of my favorite companies out there, and since having children I truly learned how important their products are, not just because they are organic, but because of the skin reactions not only I have, but my children have had to typical shampoo, and body wash products like Johnson & Johnson. I had a very similar experience to Gina (The Feminist Breeder) when it came to my children and sensitive skin.

I am grateful that there are products on the market like this, not just for my children, but also for myself.  Heck, without the Happy Mama Spray I would not have survived my first trimester.

But today, I am going to be giving away this awesome kit for c-section moms. In the next two weeks I am going to start featuring a series of positive, and medically necessary c-section stories for my readers. Not because I am super excited about the circumstances I find the birth of my third child in… but because I think that the fact that there are positive and medically necessary c-sections on occasion is greatly over shadowed about the negative we hear. (I am still accepting submissions)

How can you enter to win?   Well, its pretty typical to all of my giveaways thus far!

Each of the below is ONE entry!

April 10th, 2011

Week 14 – Lansinoh Gift Package

One of my favorite companies for breastfeeding accessories. I would have never made it through my pregnancies and breastfeeding without Lansinoh.  It started with the obsession with their lanolin cream, which in our house has been officially dubbed boob cream. Or the milk storage bags. The way our freezer is set up, my original plan of using storage containers, or actual ice cube trays to make trays of breast milk cubes to store simply wasn’t an option.

This week I am going to be giving away a great gift basket from Lansinoh which I also had the opportunity of receiving and reviewing from Lansinoh, lots of awesome products, and some of my all time favorites.

What am I giving away?

1 New Lansinoh Affinity Double Electric Breast Pump
1 Box of Lansinoh Breast milk storage bags
1 Box of Breast Milk storage bottles
1 Package of Soothies Gel Pads
1 Box of Lansinoh disposable breast pads

Lots of great stuff right?

Lansinoh just released their double electric breast pump, the Affinity…

Some of the features include:

March 20th, 2011

Week 12 – BelaBumBum Ariel Mom & Baby Set

This week is a favorite of mine!  Not only do I love BelaBumBum Maternity and Nursing wear but this is probably going to be one of my favorite reviews, and giveaways!

The first time I got a chance to really relax and wear this was the week I had the kidney stone from hell. And let me tell you, the Ariel Mom and baby set had the most comfortable “mom” portion of the set ever. It was probably the softest nightgown/robe I have worn, and I loved every minute of it!

I can’t wait for the baby to come too so that I can dress her up in her matching nightgown. Because it is one of the sweetest things ever.

I love the set so much, I am going to give one away too!    So how can you enter to win?

1. Follow Momotics on Twitter, and Facebook

2. Follow BelaBumBum on Twitter, and Facebook

3. Go to the BelaBumBum site and check out their Boutique!   Comment below with your favorites!

4.Subscribe to Momotics (scroll down on the left hand sidebar)

Remember to leave a comment for each entry!

Good luck!  I will announce the winners, in this post Sunday of next week before I post the new Virtual Baby Shower Giveaway!

**Edit**

Congrats to commenter #15!
Jenny B for winning an Ariel Mom & Baby Set!

February 6th, 2011

Week 6 – Babyletto Mercer Crib Review

While every week thus far I have done a review, as well as a giveaway for my readers, this week it has been scaled back to just a review. Sorry guys!  I will continue to work towards getting an awesome discount code if you are interested in getting a babyletto crib for yourself.

With my oldest two children, we basically never used the crib at all. It was a glorified changing table, and laundry rack. But this time around, especially after battling with my second son who had no interest in co-sleeping, and would rather sleep in a playpen, or co-sleeper… I wanted to really work on getting her to use a crib once she is a couple months old. The problem I was having was the cribs out there and their styles. Just really didn’t fit what I saw or wanted for the nursery. Then I came across the Babyletto New Haven crib. I was so excited to find a canopy looking crib, but when I found out it was discontinued, I was heart broken.

After working one-on-one with amazing rep’s at Babyletto, I decided on the mercer model. And I couldn’t be more happy! What I love most is the two tone coloring of the crib. I opted for the white and espresso mix. I wanted something light that would go nice for a little girl.

Now for the review on assembly, I will include some comments from my husband.  (I was going to make a small video of it, but I feared for my life once my husband actually started building it… if I came in with a camera, I may not be here right now…)

On the ease of assembly: “It was easy to assemble to a certain extent, I had some issues with the bottom drawer installation.”

On the directions: “The directions were very simple, and easy to understand and follow”

Overall he said it was pretty easy to assemble. Maybe I could have even done it myself?  Although I may have broken a bone trying. I will stick to building bouncers and swings.

And the crib itself goes perfectly with the wall art, and contemporary style we have decided to go with decorating this time around.

I plan on posting more pictures obviously once we have a crib mattress in the crib itself, along with our bedding set, and wonder bumpers up. The nursery is still a real work in progress, and I couldn’t have picked a better crib. I highly suggest any of the babyletto cribs for those who are choosing to use a crib for their little one. Even if you just get the crib as a safe place for peace of mind while you shower, or do chores around the house. My main concern was having someplace I can put the baby where my son’s cant get to her and run her over.

I think another huge perk is the drawer underneath the crib. It not only slides out, but it also gives much needed extra storage room that we don’t have right now. I will be able to put all of our extra blankets, bedding, and whatever else under there and once the rest of the crib bedding is on, it won’t be visible.

Anyone else have a babyletto crib they love?

Be sure to check back next week to the Momotics Virtual Baby Shower when for week #7 we will be reviewing, and giving away a Little Bundle from AppleCheeks cloth diapers!

Disclaimer:  Babyletto provided our crib free of charge for review.

January 9th, 2011

Week 2 – Maxwell Dean Designs Nursing Cover

Talk about some of the cutest handmade products for Mom and Baby I have ever seen!  I am so glad that someone hooked me up with Ashley, the owner… because I would have never come across her on my own… another reason why I want all of my awesome readers to check out her online shop.

Maxwell Dean Designs sells everything from handmade (custom) nursing covers, to burp cloths, wet bags, car seat canopies, onsies, and even stuff for your older kids. There is virtually almost anything you can think of… You pick your own fabric choices too, from what seems like hundreds of different choices!   When I picked my nursing cover out, I picked out her cute cupcake print… Now that we are doing an owl themed nursery, I am determined to buy these :

Too cute huh?
Trying my nursing cover out was easy… the cover is simple to use, simple to adjust the size, and I know that once this little girl is here it won’t be as difficult to use when I am out in public, or even at home using it. Unlike some other nursing covers I have come across in the past that seem like you need a trick to use them properly.

This week for the Virtual Baby Shower we are going to be giving away one custom Maxwell Dean Designs nursing cover!
To Enter to Win:

Complete two of the below for one entry

1) Follow Momotics on Twitter
2) Follow Maxwell Dean Designs on Twitter
3) Follow Momotics on Facebook
4) Follow Maxwell Dean Designs on Facebook
5) Become a subscriber to Momotics (Scroll down in the left hand column, and subscribe)
6) Comment with your favorite fabric choice Maxwell Dean Designs offers

Be sure you leave a comment for each entry!!

Goodluck!  I will announce the winners, in this post Sunday of next week before I post the new Virtual Baby Shower Giveaway!

EDIT!

Congratulations to commenter # 16!

@KiKi_Dawn

January 2nd, 2011

Week 1 – Giving Birth With Confidence Giveaway!

I am super excited to kick off the Momotics Virtual Baby Shower with a review of, and giveaway of the new Lamaze Guide to Giving Birth with Confidence. As most of you know earlier in the year I took a Passion for Birth workshop which left me with with the title of Lamaze Educated meaning I can sit for my certification exam… woot woot!  Something I have always wanted to do, but even though I am really partial to Lamaze, I think the guide is fantastic.

It provides a lot of valuable information for pregnant women, especially first time mothers. From birthing positions to breaking down the cycle of modern maternity care, and how to avoid the typical assembly line type care many mothers see when birthing today. For me this is a must read for all pregnant women!

When I sat down to read this myself, I couldn’t put it down, and I found the information cited in the book so valuable not only as a mother, but also as a childbirth educator. Real numbers that women should know. And don’t forget to check out their blog and virtual community at Giving Birth with Confidence!

Today to kick off the giveaway… I are not just going to be giving away one copy of Giving Birth with Confidence… I am going to be giving away 5 copies!!

How can you enter to win? (each 2 actions equal one entry!)

1) Follow Momotics on Twitter
2) Follow Lamaze on Twitter
3) Follow Momotics on Facebook
4) Follow Lamaze Educators on Facebook or Lamaze International
5) Become a subscriber to Momotics (Scroll down in the left hand column, and subscribe)

BONUS : For a bonus entry… Join the Giving Birth with Confidence online community!
Also be sure to leave a comment for EACH entry!

Goodluck!  I will announce the winners, in this post Sunday of next week before I post the new Virtual Baby Shower Giveaway!

****Edit: And the winners are!****

#36 – Miranda
#8 – Emily
#33 – Trebor
#13 – Emily
#23 – Tina

Congrats to all the winners!
You will be getting an e-mail from me in the next 24 hours!

December 26th, 2010

20 Weeks! (Well, 21 weeks really…)

Wow!  I am half way there huh… Well, a little over half way because of the circumstances surrounding our birth, but hey… 20 weeks

20 week picture, although I am 21 weeks... LOL

is a big deal and 21 weeks is even bigger… Maybe one day I will actually do things on time right? I feel like I have actually hit a decent milestone now!  Since I have been slacking on pregnancy updates, I thought I would write a really good one today.

Since my last update, I have not only found out we are having a little girl, but I have started shopping, passed my first glucose test, and have successfully narrowed her name down to two choices after being up to 10+ at one point. By the way, if you didn’t watch the video in the having a little girl post, please do, but try and choke back the water works.  On another note… While we narrowed the name down, my indecisive manner has already questioning my #1 choice. I give up!

Cravings : I haven’t had too many these past weeks… the typical Greek salad that has been my #1 craving, oh, and I had a horrible craving/experience with a McRib the other night. As far as drinks I have been into mountain dew, although I have seriously limited the amount of soda in my diet because of the increased risk I have for gestational diabetes after my pregnancy with Ben. I have been enjoying vitamin water, seltzer water, and milk… plain water these days ignites heartburn like I could not even believe. I thought I had it bad with my boys… NO WAY!  This baby takes the heartburn cake HANDS DOWN!
I was able to actually handle the heartburn with my youngest with alternative medicine, and natural foods per awesome suggestion by my midwife… this time I actually have been prescribed something by the same midwife.

Pregnancy Related Activities : Lots to report this post!  First I passed my first one hour gestational diabetes screening, I know… they aren’t all that accurate but I have had to make some sacrifices in my personal birth/pregnancy beliefs to be able to continue care with my midwife I love so much.

I have gone from petite and barely having a belly to feeling like I can’t bend over at all. Although yesterday (now a week ago) at the Children’s Christmas party at DH’s fire house everyone kept commenting on how small I am and how great I look… Sadly I don’t think they were talking about me. LOL

Although the sweater I wore yesterday for Christmas did NOT do my belly any justice. It make me look like a house. Thankfully my mother bought me this adorable maternity shirt I was able to change into and not only be comfortable, but look 21 weeks pregnant, not 40 weeks.

My cousin and I had a hysterical time taking funny pictures. I knew I wanted to do my update/belly picture in front of my mothers beautiful Christmas tree, but I forgot my cousin would be there to jump in… Whenever you get us together, it is a great time.

I am sure she is going to kill me now for putting them up on my blog, but she had full warning what she was getting herself into…

We obviously found out we are having a little girl, which ensued an insane amount of shopping on my part. And we narrowed her name down to either Liberty Ann or Caroline Ann. Like I said earlier in the post though, I am not sure I am sold on either yet. Nothing is jumping out at me, and I am afraid nothing will until she is born. I actually dread that because it won’t give me time to get anything name related finished in her bedroom.

Emotional Preggo Moment :Everything, especially when it had to do with Christmas. I was crying like a baby at everything from Bing Crosby and David Bowie classics, to the tradition of the dispatchers in our town wishing everyone a Merry Christmas on behalf of a passed police officer.  Talk about being a mess!  Christmas really sends you over the hormonal edge when you have children of your own to live through.

Bonus : Pictures that made me cry…

My Dad and Ben... How cute?

The next Dino star on Nick Jr. Dino Cam...

Can you tell Family is a weak spot for me?

How many weeks left? 18 weeks, and I am sure they are going to FLY BY. In the next couple months I have an entire nursery to do… Paint, decorate, buy for, craft for, etc… I have to meet with the backup OB/GYN from my midwife’s practice, sit down and talk with the Anesthesia department at the hospital we are going to, write a birth plan, and god knows what else…

Stay tuned this week for the big kick announcement with the full list of  Virtual Baby Shower sponsors and giveaways that will be taking place between January 2nd, and May 1st!  (There are some kick ass companies and products!)

August 23rd, 2010

Momotics Blog Awards!

Just what we need, another online blog award right?

I am excited to announce the Momotics Blog Awards!

Right now I have opened nominations for the next week, or so… so nominate your favorite bloggers in the following categories!

Favorite Blogger
Favorite Childbirth Blogger/Blog
Favorite Mom Blogger
Favorite Funny Blogger
Most Inspiring Blogger

Nominate away!

July 9th, 2010

Revealing my Other BlogHer Sponsors

As most of you already know, I am working with Lamaze as a sponsor for BlogHer 2010, and I announced that a couple weeks ago. After working with Lamaze, I knew that if I wanted to be able to fully afford the trip to New York City, considering the hotel room alone is over $300 a night, I was going to have to secure more sponsors, or a large sponsor who would help in a big way.

I am super excited to announce I secured 3 other sponsors, and all are awesome companies!  Which has made me able to go to BlogHer and know we as a family can afford the trip. My first sponsor I want to announce today is :

Go Mama Go Designs is the company I blogged about last week, that makes the awesome safer Wonder Bumpers for Cribs. After the sponsorship for BlogHer they also sent me their product which I fell in love with. I am looking forward to working long term with them over the next couple months through blog projects, and various social media projects.  The women from Go Mama Go that I have been working with have been super awesome, and really helpful!  I am glad that I came across their company, and can’t wait to work more with them.

My second sponsor is probably someone most of us know a little bit more than Go Mama Go because they are slightly bigger on a corporate level.

Since both of our children were born, they have been both in pampers, until recently. Although we are switching Benjamin into cloth diapers, The Kandoo products are what we use to make potty training fun in our house. From the hand wipes to the colorful soaps, it helps our toddler to have fun washing his hands, and make it less paintful to get clean.  I am really looking forward to working with Kandoo long term as I have discussed with the company.  It is a really exciting time to be getting involved.

It is really exciting to be working with such large companies and building long term professional relationships with these companies. Both of which are great, and provide products I support, and use in my own home.   I am sure you have also seen both of those logos go up in my advertising space on my site here also.  Explains a lot huh? Haha!

Now onto the local company!

RJS Designs is a local event planning company run by a couple people in Shelton. I originally came across them while working on The Shelton Butterfly Project with them, and being a good friend of one of the women involved.  Their involvement in the Butterfly Project really impressed me.  They wanted to help out on a local level, and I am super grateful for that!

So there you have it… Lamaze, Go Mama Go Designs, Kandoo, and RJS Designs!

June 28th, 2010

Nominated!

I never thought I would find myself nominated for much of anything, especially if it comes off of my blog. But yesterday Gina (The Feminist Breeder) posted a link to the BlogLuxe voting site. I decided to get on it and go vote for her because she is super awesome and totally deserves some kick ass blog awards.

I got down to nomination #7 “Blog You’ve Learned the Most From”  and there was Momotics, nominated. I was floored! So I posted it on facebook, twitter, everywhere so I can attempt to get a shot at actually winning something. While I am highly sure I won’t win anything from this, I thought it was only fair thank my readers for the nomination and try and con you guys into voting for me. LOL!

You can vote daily between now and July 12th, so go to it and help a sista out!

Vote for Momotics

I love you guys!

May 2nd, 2010

May Giveaway from Uprinting.com!

Ever see those beautiful Canvas prints being advertised and sold all over the internet?  Well here is your chance to have one of your own courtesy of Momotics & Uprinting.com.

Giveaway Prize :  1 16 x 20 Rolled Canvas

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only
(Sorry guys, I know I have quite a few International Readers)

Uprinting also has great online printing services you should check out!

So!  How can you enter?

(Please remember to leave a comment for each entry on this blog post!)

1. Become a fan of Uprinting.com on Facebook!
2. Follow Upringing on Twitter!
3. Become a fan of Momotics on Facebook!
4. Follow Momotics on Twitter!
5. Subscribe to Momotics through Google.
6. Write a blog post about this giveaway!  (Include link in your comment & Please link Momotics and Uprinting.com in your post)

This giveaway will run from today May 2nd, 2010 till Monday May 17th, 2010!

Good Luck!!

April 13th, 2010

Dr. Stuart Fischbein on the Momotics Radio Show

This coming Wednesday evening for the continued celebration of Cesarean Awareness Month, I am going to have a special hour long radio show with California OB/GYN Dr. Stuart Fischbein discussing VBAC, Cesarean Sections, and maternity care in the United States.

I am hoping that some of my readers will take some time not only to call in to the show this week, but submit questions by commenting on this post, or e-mailing them to me directly at Danielle.Elwood@gmail.com .

If you are not familiar with Dr. Fischbein you can check out his blog

Now, ladies!  Go to work!