Just a Mom. . .

So many times I hear these words: You're Just A Mom. And a lot of those times it comes from someone who isn't a parent. Just a mom, huh? Well let's look into what being "just a mom" is.


1. You carried your children for 9 months.
     

38 Weeks

  I wasn't the only person who made my children, but I was the carrier, their life line for the time they were inside me. I took on the hardship of weight gain, morning sickness, vomiting, and every other ugly thing that sometimes accompanies pregnancies. I did it, and I would do it again in a heart beat to see them take their first breath, to hear their first cries, and to see the immeasurable amount of love being released from their Daddy when he saw them for the first time. NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING can ever replace those feelings.

          Labor and delivery isn't something to take lightly. It's painful, it's a transformation, and you are giving something that is beyond words. But, I'm just a Mom.


2. You are the soul source of nutrition. 

First latch 8/12/13

Yes, I CHOSE to breastfeed my children. Yes, I asked for every bit of frustration. But, I am their mother, the one who carried them, and it is my duty as their mother to provide their nutrition now that they live outside of me. Pain, sheer pain, the first couple of weeks; cracked and bleeding nipples, breasts so sore even the shower water hurts, and copious amounts of tears 

There are times when it's not so glamorous to nurse your children. People look at you like you're a weirdo, or like you are doing something wrong.  But, I'm just a Mom. 

3. Sleepless nights.
          Enough said on this one, right? No one understands how difficult getting up in the middle of the night for the fourth time really is. Or, when baby is sick, sometimes every single hour. Luxury of a full nights sleep is lost on those who are getting it. Sometimes, as a mom, you may not see a full nights sleep for many moons. But, I'm just a Mom.

4. You are their doctor, chauffeur, and teacher. 

Their first meeting! My babies!

          I know this is talked about so many many times, but really think about this. For five years, you are their teacher. They rely on you to learn how to talk, walk, crawl, spell, animals and the sounds they make, etc. You, not their Grandparents, aunts or uncles. YOU, their mother (or father).
          Oh, and let's not forget that until they are old enough to drive themselves, you do that for them. Ball games, tutoring, school functions, sleep overs, and the like, that's all on you.   There isn't any one else they rely on for these things, until they're old enough that maybe you may have one of their friends' parents offer to give them a lift.
         Let's play doctor or nurse. Every bump, scrape, and bruise is yours for the diagnosis. You are the one whom they look too for explanation that, "No, it's not bad enough to go to the emergency room." You are that person until they move out, and sometimes, even after that they still call you! But, I'm just a Mom.

My son, 9 years ago!

5. Bad dreams at night, Mommy the shrink.
          That's you. their therapist. For ever dream they need interpreted, for every friend that doesn't want to be friends anymore, and when their significant other breaks up with them. You are the one that deals with it. Until the day they realize, you might not know as much as they thought, then they don't speak to you at all about those things! But, I'm just a Mom.

6. You are the one who always has their back--No matter what!

Sibling bonds!!!

          It's like an unspoken promise when you become a mother, that no matter what, you'll protect them. You protected them for the time they grew inside you, kept them safe and in your arms as a baby, and now that they are independent you still must have their back. No one else will be in their corner like a Mom will. No one will help them up and brush them off like a mom. It's a need, a constant urge, to protect them from everything. You are their body guard, their secret service. . . Just you alone, save maybe their Dad. But, hey, I'm just a Mom.

September 2013

This list goes on and on. And I in now way am negating the role their father plays! He is so important! I'm a Mom, so I'm speaking from my point of view. There are so many people out there who forget how important parents are in the lives of their children. So many times, you take for granted everything that was done for you! You wouldn't be where you are, without your parents, especially your mother.

Before you say to someone, "You're just a Mom," remember what all goes into being a mother. Sometimes it's not fabulous nights out and play dates, or Mommy & Me, and it's hard. The worst thing you can do to a mom who is having a rough day is tell her, "Oh, it's OK, you're a mom." Or, when you find out someone stays at home, "You must have it so easy, to be just a Mom." It's not easy, it's hard. Sometimes, it's beyond hard!

April 2014

Summer time. . .Busy time

I really suck at blogging sometimes. I apologize. Reviews are slow, as I am still building.

Over the last few weeks, we had the Great Cloth Diaper Change in Springfield, MO! IT was fantastic. There were lots of booths with tons of great information available!

My son started baseball, Rosslyn is 9 months old now! Lots and lots going on this spring and summer! I sure hope to write up more, and be more active! :)

At the Great Cloth Diaper Change!

Review: Reflo Smart Cup

"The Reflo Smart Cup ™ is a revolutionary new concept in training cups. It's a smart alternative to sippy cups and a great transitional tool for your children to learn to drink from an open cup.

No buttons or other complicated mechanisms to operate. It's as easy as drinking from any ordinary cup without the worry of big spills due to the patent-pending Reflo ™ insert that controls the flow of beverage anywhere along the cup’s rim and at virtually any angle.

BPA-free, phthalate-free and dishwasher safe, the Reflo Smart Cup ™ is designed for safety and hygiene with no moving parts to trap dirt and germs.

Recommended for all ages as a smart alternative to "sippy cups" which have been associated with dental and speech problems.

The Reflo Smart Cup ™ is the safe, smart way to learn to drink from a regular cup." --from Reflo

I love the idea behind this cup! You don't get a "no spill" effect, but you teach your baby or toddler to drink out of a real cup! It's nice because you don't have to worry about the regular sippy cups that have all the pieces and parts to make it spill proof. Reflo has two pieces, the cup and the plastic piece that slows the liquid down.

This has to be the easiest to use as well! You don't have to twist anything, listen for anything to pop in place, or spend time worrying if you did it correctly! You fill your Reflo cup, slide the plastic piece down inside, and you're set! They couldn't have made this any easier!

I was so excited to get this as a review because my daughter is at the age now where she is learning to drink out of a cup. I still think there's a place for a sippy that's spill proof, like in the car or something; however, at the dinner table, or out to eat, this is the new thing to have!

My sweet girl loves this and I"m sure your special kiddo will too! They come in a variety of colors. You can purchase them online, or use their website to find a store near you!

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Boba: Review and Giveaway

Who wants to carry their baby all the time? You'll spoil your kid. You'll have a bad back, carrying your child will only hurt your shoulders. Do these sayings sound familiar? If so, has it stopped you from doing research to find that there are great baby carriers out there, that WON'T hurt your back or shoulders? You may even find out that wearing your baby, in fact, will not spoil them, but will make them calmer and more independent later down the road.
If you think carriers are expensive, well, they are. But, you pay for quality. And as a mom who didn't have a quality carrier with my first, I would definitely pay for a more expensive carrier to have the quality and comfort that Boba offers. Pricing isn't as important when you look at the grand scheme of things. I can wear my daughter in this carrier even when she is a toddler. Newborn to toddler is enough of a reason for me to pay for a well made carrier.
How long can you wear a baby before you get uncomfortable? I suppose that would depend on the parent and child. My daughter is six months old and twenty pounds. I have worn her for several hours in the Boba and haven't had any issues. Sure, I get tired, but I have a twenty pound kid! Ultimately, you have to decide how long is too long to wear your baby.
The makers left nothing out! There are step-by-step instructions on how to put the carrier on and adjust. They included pamphlets on baby wearing and what it helps establish, as well as a safety guide. The carrier looks overwhelming at first. But once you read the instructions and watch the video's provided on Boba's website, it's easy as pie!

I love how simple it is to adjust! It really is as  easy as pulling on the straps. I honestly thought when I first was playing around with it that it couldn't possibly be that easy, I was wrong. Anyone, young or old, can figure this carrier out with minimal issue. It fits not only me, but my husband, and our eight year old son!
Let's talk extras and perks. You want a place for your cell phone? Done! What about a rain cover for baby? Got it. There really isn't anything they didn't think of. Busy moms everywhere will love all the features of this carrier. It even has a snap on the shoulders for your purse!
Carrying an older child is easy too. Their legs may get tired of hanging. No problem! The Boba carrier has foot straps! This comes in great to keep your little ones legs and hips aligned. Do they not like the front carry? No worries, you can back carry your older kiddo's no problem!
 Another great feature is the cushion for newborns that snaps in. It has two ways to wear it. You can fold it in half to snap or leave it open. There are so many features to the Boba, that I was really impressed with how user friendly everything is!
If I had to pick just one piece of baby gear that I couldn't live without, it would be my Boba 4G carrier! My daughter loves it, I love it, and it helps that everyone we see asks about it! A huge thank you to the people over at Boba for providing me with their product for review! I am in love with the ease and functionality that is provided every time I wear it.

 Reviewed by Steph

 The Givewaway:
Enter for your chance to win a Boba Baby Carrier, a Boba Wrap or a Boba Air! All products can be seen at www.boba.com. With Boba products it is easier than ever to enjoy Freedom Together as a family and Boba wants YOU to get a chance to use their products. To enter to win, follow the Rafflecopter instructions. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Melzy Baby -- Blowout Blocker and Soaker Stopper

About Melzy Baby:

Melzy Baby LLC sells the first and only diaper extensions to catch those disastrous diaper leaks!  Melzy Baby was started by a mother of three boys who was tired of dealing with those messy up-the-back diaper blowouts.  She wanted the freedom to leave the house and not have to worry about cleaning up a stinky blowout mess that would ruin baby’s clothing, car seat covers, etc.  After a lot of creating and experimenting she came up with the Blowout Blocker!  Her goal was to save parents from the stress and mess that a diaper blowout creates.

As her boys grew she discovered another diaper leak issue that caused her much worry, loss of sleep and extra laundry.  When her boys started leaking out the front and sides of their diapers at night she flipped the Blowout Blocker around to the front of her child to catch those night time leaks.  With some minor adjustments the Soaker Stopper was created!  No more waking up in the middle of the night to a crying wet baby!

When I first saw these I seriously that, "WHAT?" But upon seeing how many leaks and blow outs my baby had in disposables I figured why not! I also cloth diaper, so this was a great opportunity to try them out of all the CD Mommies out there!

Firstly, these truly are great for disposables! Let's be honest, when baby has a blow out it's not pleasant cleaning it up without making a HUGE mess of baby, you, and possibly the floor or changing mat. This really does cut down on that! I cannot express enough how when wearing a disposable the Blowout Blocker has saved our clothes AND time. 

Secondly, the Soaker Stopper is another great idea. However, little miss doesn't really soak out the top of her diapers, cloth or disposable, so this one didn't give me the best information to go on. I cannot honestly give an opinion based on my daughter. Now, with that being said, I tried it on a friends baby who does leak out the top front of diapers, and it does work! Boys especially! 

When my baby is in cloth, we don't have blowouts so, again, this isn't relevant for cloth, but I can imagine there are some babies out there who even in cloth, would benefit from this product. Every baby is different. 

I would definitely suggest this to a mom or dad! These are super affordable and will save you so much headache and TIME!

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REVIEW: Warmies wipesWarmer by Prince Lionheart

 

The WARMIES^® wipesWARMER is designed to work with WARMIES^® reusable cloth wipes—the eco-happy way to wipe. A new three part heating system and specially designed anti-microbial micropore pillow help keep cloth wipes warm, moist, fresh, and ready for all of Baby’s delicate needs.

WARMIES^® cloth wipes are 100% rayon—made from bamboo—the fastest growing plant on Earth. This means that our source is highly renewable. No dyes or bleaches either, so Warmies^® are safe, soft, and more absorbent than cotton or disposable wipes—meaning you need less to get the job done! Using reusable wipes for your baby keeps tons of trash out of landfills annually, making WARMIES^® the environmentally conscious way to wipe. The patented everFRESH^® System helps keep your wipes the freshest they can be to soothe Baby’s skin. (WARMIES^® wipesWARMER $35 (includes 4 WARMIES^®), Reusable WARMIES^® are $11 for a pack of 8).

This Patented System works 3 ways:

Moisture Retention
The everFRESH^® pillow keeps wipes moist by an evaporation and condensation process. Micropores in the pillow trap and release water as needed to maintain wipes’ moisture.

Non-Browning
Keeping wipes moist prevents most discoloration caused when wipes are warmed. Discoloration also occurs when aloe, lotions, and other additives typically found in baby wipes are warmed over time. The everFRESH^® Pillow effectively insulates your wipes from the warming surface, preventing browning.

Anti-Microbial
Both the WARMIES® wipesWARMER’s tub and the everFRESH^® Pillow are treated with an EPA approved additive to inhibit the growth of microorganisms that may cause spoilage, odors, and mildew.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Who would want something cold against your skin? Unless it's on a hot day, but even then, when we're talking about your bum, we tend to like things a certain way. And when we're talking about a baby? We forget that they would rather be warm and cozy, too.

Prince Lionheart and the Warmies wipesWarmer is a great way to give your sweet baby that added luxury of even though it's a diaper change, you're pampering their sensitive skin. No shock and awe with these wipes, because they stay moist and warm! I love that you don't have to scare baby with a cold wipe.

This is also a great idea for babies/kids that might have a sensory issue to cold things. They stay warm but not overly, and on a cold day, these are so nice for your little prince or princess. I give my baby girl one to hold while I change her; she loves the warmth it provides.

You don't have to worry about germs, because The warmer and the moisture pillow are treated to help prevent the growth of mildew and other ickies. There really isn't too much else to it, really. It's super simple to use, and the wipes are soft and are thick enough that you don't get anything on your hands!

Prince Lionheart has a range of products from play time toys, to bath time and potty. Their products are fashionable, and trendy!

I really think this is a great gift for any momma, even if you don't use cloth diapers! They make great wash cloths, face wipes, etc. Great baby shower item or welcome baby gift!


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REVIEW Rubber Duckie and Friends

Sometimes bath time just isn't fun for kids. It's a "chore" to take a bath or shower. With Rubber Duckie and Friends, you can help those special kids in your life make fun of bath time!

Rubber Duckie and Friends shower heads come in an array of animals: Duckie the Duck, Froggie the Frog, Dollie the Dolphin, Hippie the Hippo, and Rickie the Rhino.
All showerheads include: 
• bath & shower wand
• wall mount with rubber
  suction cups
• 6-foot hose 
• and a two-way 

  water-flow diverter

These shower heads are easy to install, with no complicated directions to confuse you. If I can put it together, anyone can!! The assembly kit comes with everything you need to put it together. The attachment has a switch to go back and forth between the regular shower head and your Duckie Friends. Low flow, makes it suitable for even infants to enjoy!

My five month old and my eight year old love this shower head. The six foot long hose makes it reachable from anywhere in the shower. Cute and fun, you cannot and will not go wrong in picking one of these up for you little one!!!

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REVIEW: Changing Diapers-The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering

 Being new to the cloth diapering world, I had been searching for a book that was comprehensive and to the point. I don't want to be confused in the end, and I really want to learn even more about cloth diapering. Let's face it, when you have a Facebook, and Twitter and you talk about cloth, you need to know your ins and outs. That's where this book comes in, and oh boy!

Here's just a tiny bit about Kelly Wels:

Kelly Wels is a leading cloth diaper expert and advocate who has a passion for helping parents make informed decisions when it comes to how they diaper their babies.

In November 2010, Kelly founded Kellywels.com, which she calls her "passion project." Her mission is to share her love for cloth diapers and advocate for diapering change. She says she believes that through education and knowledge, parents can be empowered to make more positive diapering choices. Kelly also is a green living promoter and social media marketer.

Kelly was previously known by her peers as the founder and owner of DiaperShops.com and KellysCloset.com, two popular online cloth diapering stores. In the summer of 2010, Kelly decided to turn her business over to new owners and pursue her advocacy passion full-time, without dealing with the day-to-day pressures of running a multi-million dollar business. (Biography from Kelly Wel's Amazon profile.)

Cloth diapering isn't rocket science, but it is a skill to learn. With Kelly's book, I was able to read quickly and thoroughly. It was to the point, easy to understand, and had lots of helpful tips and tricks! It is always nice to have a go to source in your hands!

Are you wondering what other think about certain cloth diapering topics! There are mom quotes all over the book to give you a real perspective on cloth diapering! As a mom who doesn't have a lot of other mommy friends that use cloth, this was insanely helpful!

There are so many great things about this book, it's really hard to pick just a few to tell you about! From washing tips, to detailed pictures of different cloth diaper systems, this book is truly a one stop to help your journey! Even if you are a grandparent who's grand-babies are in cloth, this book is such a wonderful know how for everyone! There isn't any lingo that's too difficult to understand, and Kelly doesn't use a whole lot of silly terms. 

You definitely won't go wrong with this book! This would make a great gift for the new to cloth mommy in your life!!

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No posts?

Yeah, I haven't posted in a while, huh? I have some reviews to get up here pretty quickly, and some more thoughts and ideas to write about!

The weather has been crazy here lately, cold, snow, etc. That makes for a cranky almost 6 month old, too.

She's teething, and has a snotty nose, and is just fussy!

So with that said, I am looking forward to getting some reviews up on some great products for you guys very soon! By tonight!

Phoenix on the left, Rosslyn on the right. They look so
much alike! <3

Looking back. . .

Phoenix had to be 5 here. This face gets me every time.

This is my first bio baby. I am so incredibly blessed to have this amazing little man in my life. Being his mom is the most amazing gift! So let me tell you a little about this mister!

Phoenix was born on June 1, 2005. A week and a half over due, as per doctors specs. I had an easy pregnancy--no morning sickness, no complications, etc. I did gain almost 70 lbs and had horrible back pain the last month  before he was born. Car rides were a nightmare, I seriously thought my vagina was going to catch fire! Too much? Too soon?

i was induced with Mister, because my body refused to show any signs of labor. After 4 hours of being on pitocin, my sweet boy was born. An epidural that either didn't take, or wasn't in long enough to take effect, and nurses telling me how to labor and threatening forceps, I was exhausted, and THRILLED my sweet 9 lbs 22 1/2 inch long baby was in his Mommy's arms safe and sound!

Brand new! 2005

Being a mother is the only thing in life I KNEW I wanted other than to be married, of course! LOL Little did I know I would be the mom to an amazing step-son--who is my son where it matters more, in my heart--and two biological children! 

I may not be perfect, but my kids are! They are perfectly imperfect, and beautiful souls whom I cherish and adore more than words could ever express! 

My boys, when they were still little! 22 and 8 now.
I miss these moments the most!

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Spark of Amber: Baltic Amber Teething Necklace Review

Spark of Amber's beautiful teething necklace!

Baltic Amber isn't an actual stone, but a fossilized tree resin. Due to it's natural healing properties it has become popular  to aid in pain relief (teething pain, ear, throat and stomach pains, etc.). Baltic Amber reacts by being warmed against the skin and must be worn close to the area where pain is occurring.

Baltic Amber comes in different colors and each product from Spark of Amber is just as beautiful as the one we received. Their Amber nuggets are polished, but still remain true to their unpolished shape, which aids in their healing properties being more pure.

The term teething necklace can be a bit deceiving as these are NOT meant for being chewed on or sucked on by babies/toddlers. The natural properties in these Amber nuggets are released through skin contact, and should be worn under supervision at all times. Spark of Amber suggests removal of necklace during bath time, swimming, and bed time. Please be sure to monitor children at all times while wearing this necklace or any other piece of jewelry, as the pieces are small and can be a choking hazard.

Remember too that Baltic Amber is fragile. You should not store it with other jewelry, but in a soft pouch. Only clean with a soft cloth, as using any chemicals will damage the necklace and it's natural oils.

Miss Rosslyn modeling her necklace.

As you can see in the above picture, my daughter is wearing her necklace from Spark of Amber. We received this as an item to review, and we love it! She doesn't even know she has it on, due to it being light weight! I have noticed that before she had the necklace her teeth were causing her some bit of discomfort, and since wearing the necklace she has been sleeping much better, especially at night time.

We absolutely love our Baltic Amber teething necklace from Spark of Amber! They have more than just children's jewelry over on their website. You won't be disappointed!

Want to connect with Spark of Amber?
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Review: Buttler Bottoms Diapers

Do you want to try Buttler Bottoms diapers? They have graciously given me the code: TRYITNOW for 10% off your first purchase with them!!! Now, that is pretty amazing!!!

Not posted: Slate solid pocket. It happens
to be in the wash. 

I am new to cloth diapers, 5 1/2 months new! I absolutely love them, and was thrilled when Buttler Bottoms agreed to allow me a review! I'm not going to spend a whole lot of time on them, but I will tell you that I love my pockets, and these diapers are a welcome addition to our stash!

Top Center: Teal with Brown Fleur de Lis I cannot express how much I love this diaper! Fleur de Lis' are my favorite, so this diaper was a no brainer! One sized, PUL outside, suede inner to pull wetness away, and comes with one microfiber insert.

Bottom Left: Minky 80's Sticker Book Born in the 80's I felt it was only right to have a part of my past represented in my daughters diapers! Minky simply means that this pocket, which has all of the features listed with the Fleur de Lis diaper, has a soft outside with the PUL facing the inside of the diaper. Also comes with one microfiber insert.

Bottom Right: Color Snaps Blue and Yellow Circles This diaper is pretty awesome! I have a couple of extra pictures to show you on this one, as it differs a bit more from the others.

Double gussets so that it holds wetness and dirty better.

 This diaper has a snap to hold insert in place, which is a wonderful bonus! It also has all the features mentioned with the two previous diapers, with just a couple extras.

Openings at both ends of diaper so that stuffing
inserts is easier!

Not Pictured: Solid Slate  A great solid color to go with every outfit! All of the great qualities of the other pockets!

Buttler Bottoms is based in Mississippi and are super great to deal with! Customer service is top notch, and their diapers are incredibly affordable and ship very quickly! You won't be disappointed when buying from Buttler Bottoms!!!

A special Thanks to the people at Buttler Bottoms, for making my daughter and I super happy to get some new fluff in the mail! I hope you all will give them a try and love them as much as I do!

Find them:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buttlerbottoms

Website: http://www.buttlerbottoms.com/index.php?route=common/home