Because I Said So!!! Mom Knows Best!

Rowan loves her bath. Loves it! I wish it was
Summer time already for two reasons. The first is
if she is having this much fun in the bath tub I
can imagine how much fun she would have in the
pool. The other is you have to be so careful with
water temperature with an small child and I can't make
the water very warm so it cools so fast. When it
is Summer time the water will not cool so fast and
I also will not mind the water being cooler since
unlike now, I won't have to rush and get her warm
again so she doesn't catch a chill. Even with our
heat cranked the air gets chilly in the house and I
run to her room with her wrapped in 72 towels just
to get some warm Jammie's on her. In Summer time
and the fact the John is an Air Conditioning Fascist
not only will we linger by the cool water we might
skip the Jammie's all together since without the air
on our up-stairs turns into a sweat box. In the Summer
time Rowan will get to enjoy her bathes much longer then
now and I can't wait. She already would stay in there
all day now if I let her for she loves to play with
her water toys and to splash and has just found out
her splashing not only gets her wet but her Dad and
I and the Pooch who is the UN-official bath monitor
too. Now that is a fun game. As much as Rowan
loves her bath now she didn't always. The first three
months of her life were a totally different story and
month four was almost as bad if it wasn't for the fact
that towards the end she noticed a floating bath toy and
grabbed it and realized, "Hey, this isn't so bad!"
Before her realization she could also play in her bath
every bath pretty much went the same way. We would
get the water ready and then slip into her room to undress
her. As soon as the Diapers were removed she already knew
this was not a normal clothes change for we can do that
with a Diaper on and it wasn't a diaper change either for
we had all the clothes off. She would start to fuss before she
even left the changing table and by the time you picked her
up all naked she was in full panic for she knew for sure
what was coming now. As soon as she saw the tub the
screams would begin. I don't know why she felt that way.
I thought I was doing everything I could to help her and
I bought the best tub on the market for when she could not
sit up and as soon as she could I bought the best bath seat
on the market. I bought toys and Hooded towels that looked
like fun and every soap and shampoo out there that
promised to be soothing and still the screams like that water
itself was burning her. The Shampoo was acid and I felt
like we were Water Boarding her every time I rinse soap
off of her. If I would have had the tub I just reviewed things
might not have gotten so out of hand. I can kick my self
now for if I would have done a little research before I bought
a bath tub we might not have had to go through the speed
baths and donned ear plugs just to have a clean baby. Part
of the reason I think Rowan hated her baths so much was
the fact she was uncomfortable. Having her lay flat on
her back must have been scary for her and with water
flowing over her and her not being able to turn away or
really touch it she must have felt like she was plunged
into the unknown and helpless to save herself. Here she
was just a few month ago supported and comforted by warm
fluids she was floating in and the safest she would ever be
and feel in her entire life. The key words here are floating
and comforted for then she was surrounded and "comforted"
because she was "Floating" in "warmth" and now the baths
we were trying to give her were lukewarm at best and instead
of floating she was placed on her back with little fluid that was
cooling the very minute she was placed on the hard surface. Even
the tub I bought with the padded slope can't compete with the
complete immersion she felt safe in not long ago. I really wish I
had seen this next review when Rowan was a newborn for I
strongly feel after trying it I could have avoided the trauma we
went through at bath time the first few months of her life. I know
she enjoys it now but it took months and months of baby steps
to get to this point and if I had the Tummy Tub from day one
I feel she would have enjoyed and looked forward to her baths
from day one.

Unlike the tub I bought the Tummy Tub immerses her in
water up as far as her chin if that is your or your child's
preferences. Unlike the tub I bought the Tummy Tub simulates
the floating sensation she felt in the womb and maintains the
warmth better. Unlike the tub I bought she feels safer for she
is in a more in-closed space and not laying flat on her back,
exposed and uncomfortable. The Tummy Tub is designed to
allow your baby to bathe in an upright position like they were
prior to their birth so they are not suddenly jolted into an unfamiliar
world. The special design ensures they relax in that fetal position
and lets the baby be immersed in the water to shoulder level and
when the water is not all spread out like a typical baby tub
it stays warmer longer. When the babies feel warm they feel more
secure and are reassured and it allows them to relax. During
my research into the Tummy Tub ( Do you guys have any clue
how much research I do on a product I bring you? I swear, give
me a paper clip and I will spend hours making sure it is the
perfect clip before I ever even put it on the site!) I found that
it is especially helpful for Premature Babies. The Tummy Tub is
also a great tool when working with Colicky Babies for it is
excellent at helping them settle down and the relaxed state they
are in after their bath helps to them sleep.

The Tummy Tub offers perks for Mom and Dads to for it
helps induce a stress free bath for your baby and you won't have
to go through the trauma John and I did. Rowans early baths
for the first couple of months started with screaming the second she
was placed in the tub and turned into a speed race to get her
clean and dressed so we could calm her down. Neither of us
enjoyed bath time and we would go so far as to flip a coin to
see who had to do it for no parent wants to be in a room when
their child is red and screaming and sobbing uncontrollably as if they
are being tortured. It broke my heart for Andrew loved his bath
from day one and I tried everything to help her relax from toys to
music to aromatherapy even for I just could not handle the wails. It
also broke my heart to see how fast she became cold and unlike
the bath tub the baby tub does not allow for water to constantly flow
into it so there was no way for me to keep the water at a warm
comfortable level and when you take an inch or so of lukewarm water
to start with by the time you are removing her, no matter how fast
you go, it is already cold as ice and she shivered like I had just
went out and dipped her in the frozen Detroit River with the
guys from the Polar Bear Club. The Tummy Tub maintains the warmth
and I would not have ended up with a frozen Rowan Pop by
the end of the bath. Another bonus is the Tummy Tub fit right
under my sink and I didn't have to leave it in the bathtub for
storage like I did the other one for that was just too large to store
anywhere but a shelf in the basement. Let's face it, you don't
want to have to dig something you use every day out of the
basement. Even better, the Tummy Tub is more comfortable to
use then the standard Baby tubs. With the flat ones I had to
either place it in the bath tub where I was so hunched over I
felt my back cramp a minute into the bath or place it on the sink
and hope it stayed level for one little jostle could knock it
off balance. That teetering tub was about the most unsafe place
Rowan has been in since we brought her home. The Tummy Tub
has a wide brim and though for the review I put it in the bath
tub because I was taking pictures and I did not want little Miss
mess maker to dump water all over the floor while I was snapping
away on non-picture nights I just sat on the floor with the
tub between my legs and I could lean on the brim and wash her
and not only was she comfortable I was too. Jezz, the hardest part
about giving her a bath in that tub was now that Rowan is into
water I have to allow her time to play in it and I was all
leaning on that wide brim and found myself nodding off while I
waited for I was so comfortable. Good thing part of her routine is
to splash Mommy every couple of minutes or who knows, I might
have took a nap while she played. Now if you don't want to sit
on the floor but still want to be as comfy as I was they also sell
a stool that the tub can go on so you can sit in a chair right behind
or in front of them and it would pretty much be the same thing. So
my final thought on the comfort thing is not only does the baby
enjoy it more, make sure you have a cup off coffee first for you
might end up just as relaxed as they are for it is just so much
less stressful then other standard styles!

The Tub also has other perks like it is see through so you
can tell everything that is going on with baby. Now that Rowan is
in a bath seat my big complaint is I can not see under her belly
to make sure she is clean from the waste down. It drives me nuts
and though I know she can't be too dirty for hey, she doesn't go any
where, this Summer will be a different story. I am sure at some point
she will be barefoot out side or in the sand and I want to know if
she is clean after her bath. It also does not have any sharp edges.
The Flat Bath I bought is padded on the top but the curved edge is
not so friendly underneath and is sharp plastic. I almost cut myself
picking up a tub with too much water in it to dump in the bathtub
for the combination of the weight of the tub and the under edges dug
into my fingers. I can't imagine if Rowan were trying to get up and
grabbed those same edges for leverage and cut her little fingers.
Ouch and one mad mom!

The Tub also has an anti skid base and is fully recyclable and
uses less water for her own weight is what raises the water level
and therefor saves on energy. It is also lighter to lift and dump
and was a lot better for my back then the other tub I could
barely lift. Plus the whole heavy almost cut my finger thing.
I think what hooked me is the fact is was a familiar feeling
for Rowan and if I had used this since day one I believe she
would not have had that early fear of the water and I would
not have had those months of stress filled bath time and she
would have had a much easier time making the transition from
baby tub to big girl bath. Some kids have a really hard time
making that transition in general and that's okay too for another
difference from that infant tub I bought and the Tummy Tub is
you can use it to they are 35 pounds. So even a 2 or 3 year
old can use the tub though a lot of kids ache for that big baby
bath feeling once they start moving around and become more
independent and with the Tummy Tub that might even be faster
then normal for the buoyancy encourages these kids to stand
faster and we all know what happens when a child learns to
stand, walking and independence are right behind! So if you are
looking to have your child feel safe right from birth, an enjoyable
bath time experience for both of you and encourage their own
sense of discovery and independence then a Tummy Tub holds
a lot of weight when making the right choice! I really love ours
and my only complaint is I didn't have it 7 months ago and
I can't turn back the clock. I feel blessed Rowan is so found of
the bathtub now but if I could have spared the drama for her and
my benefit I would have and this was just the item I needed to
do the trick!


Tummy Tub!




By the way, you guys can buy the Tummy Tub at select stores but
I recommend buying on line. A friend of mine really wanted one
when she found out I was doing a review for one because her child
has some really bad sleeping issues and her Doctor recommended one
for her child so I tried to find one close by. I searched my area and
there were no stores within a 100 miles and it is so much more easy
to just grab one on-line. I have an Amazon link right at the side of
the page and you can get some pretty good deals there!

Fisher Price


From the day we brought Rowan home she could not
be close enough to us. We bought a bassinet and
set it up in our room but the only place to set it
was a good ten feet from our bed.
A whole ten feet!
Do you have any idea how far that is to a new mother?
You might as well put that baby ten miles away for
to a new mom it will seem just about the same distance.
Now I never professed to you guys to have good advice
on Parenting. I know products, yes! I can shop, yeap!
I can sniff out a good deal, uh uh! I have no problem
finding unique and interesting gift ideas at fabulous
prices, yes mam'. I can even wrap my head around tec
gadgets and geeky gear and since I am a big gadget geek
myself I am usually pretty good at finding the latest
stuff and most of the time I know all about what is in
the pipes for the future too. I am also a gamer, maybe
not as big of one as my son but I know enough about
video games and video game systems to make some pretty
good recommendations there. But parenting advice? Well
guys, I pretty much learn as I go along with you. I used
to have a pretty good grip on what was considered the
appropriate way to deal with a certain circumstance but
just like technology, things change super fast in the
world of child rearing. Doctors and experts change
their mind faster then you can read their latest book
of advice. And just like everyone else I tend to bend
the so called rules when they do not work for me. The
Bassinet was one I bent for I could not stand her being
so far from me. I tried cramming it right next to
the bed but there really was no room and even when she
needed a nap I had a whole other world of problems for
I could not stand the thought of her being in another
room while she napped and spending my whole day lording
over her and sitting next to her while she slept was
just unpractical. For a while we turned her stroller into
a makeshift Bassinet for the living room but that thing
takes up so much space and we were tripping over it left
and right for we had to get one of the big models and
the only place to put it was right in the entrance to the
kitchen and it was so in the way there. So I broke bunches
of rules that will have some of you shaking your head
and others going that sounds like a good idea for all the
reading I did on the subject let me know people in general
are mixed on the idea of having your child in the bed with
you at night. This started when she had been home for like
a week. I just could not bear the thought of her being so
far away from us and her sleeping was so sporadic I was also
taking naps when she did for those middle of the night feedings
got the best of me. One afternoon I was sitting in the
bed rocking her for a nap and my arms grew tired so I
laid her down next to me and was rubbing her tummy and next thing
I know we were both waking up. We had also slept about 4 hours
and the was the longest stretch she had ever slept since she
had been home. When you have been living on one and two hour stretches
of sleep for the last couple of weeks and maybe getting 5 total
a day, four hours and four hours straight, seems like a slice
of heaven. After that there just wasn't any turning back and
soon John was sleeping in Rowan's room on the twin bed in there
for I was afraid he would roll on her for he is the deepest
sleeper ever and here I am 8 months later wishing I had toughed
out those first few weeks for it is almost imposable to
get her to take a nap without me being there with her.
I really love being so close to her but I also would
now like for her to sleep in her own room and dread the fight
that transition is bound to be. I wish I would have found
another way to have her close to me at the start and I regret
thinking that what was available to me when Andrew was a baby
would be the same now. I knew there were a lot of new products
out there and did have some of them but I didn't really spend
a lot of time looking. The upgrades I had bought were ones I
had seen my friends with over the last 15 years. For example
Andrew didn't have a bouncy seat, per say, he had a seat that
if you wanted it to bounce you had to do it yourself. Rowan had
one that all I did was push a button and it not only bounced it
played music. They also have the combo things were your baby
can sleep, play in and it has a changing table too. Those are
pretty awesome and I did want one of those but a friend gave me
a changing table before I bought one and after that it just seemed
redundant. The next item I just got for review and I will tell
you what, this is my big regret for if I had went and looked
at the baby items instead of just making a list of things
I needed from my memories of when Andrew was little I would have
seen this then and not be in the pickle I am in now.

 The Fisher Price Newborn Rock and Play Sleeper. Wow, this is
perfect for my needs and would have been incredible when Rowan
was a newborn and though I am still using it now for naps I wish
with my whole heart I had it 8 months ago. The Rock and Play is
as comfortable as the bouncy seat but unlike being flat on the
ground where you would have a hard time reaching her in the middle
of the night this raises up so she is right next to your bed at
a comfortable level. Unlike the bassinet that was so far away
I would have to get up and check on her in the middle of the night
I can keep this right next to my bed for it is the perfect size
and fits just about anywhere. In fact it reminds me of a cradle
in design but more compact and easy to move and not nearly as
heavy. My main issue with the Bassinet was it was just too
big to have right next to the bed and even if I had squeezed it in
I would have had to sit up for the sides were so high I could not
see her. With the Rock and Play I can slide it right next to
the bed and all I have to do is roll towards her and I get a
complete and unobstructed view and just reach over to touch her.
It is like having a mini extension of the bed right where you
need it and big enough for Baby.

The Rock and Play also well, Rocks. A light push has it
swaying and comforting your baby as she drifts off to sleep.
It is also built on a slight incline so your baby feels as comfortable
and secure as they do in Moms arms. I liked how Rowan could drift
off with me and I could slip her in and she didn't even notice
the switch. Before I would lay her down and just the fact she
was flat on her back was enough to wake her. No more! It is also
super easy to tote around and put together. I didn't have to wait
for the boys to build it for me or get it together for it was
so simple I could do it with Rowan sitting there in her walker
cheering me on. It also comes with an soft blanket and an adorable
elephant toy. All the fabric is super soft and breathable so
baby wont get all sweaty and sticky even in the warmest of months
and there is even a pocket on the end for storage. I really loved
that for Rowan is really fond of this portable light that
shines on the ceiling and plays music and in the bed I am always
looking for a spot it will stand up right and not fall down and
here it fits perfect in the pocket and is in easy reach. The part
I liked best is it is a snap to fold up and move and this could
not have came at a better time for my Mother is having surgery
this week and I am going to have to stay at her house with
her pets while she is there and I was a little worried about
Rowan for I have a pack and play but that is the same issue as
her Bassinet was for she is down to far and can't see Mom's
face and this packs up way more easy then the pack and play
and takes up a lot less space and is perfect for this trip
for I can put her right next to me on the couch while my
mother is recouping and she can see me as well as if she is laying
in the bed next to me. This has got to be one of the best products
ever and I really wish I had it when she was born for I would
most likely have her in her crib by now for she would be used to
sleeping an a bed without me. My only complaint is Rowan will
not be able to fit in it much longer and I would love if they
made one like this for older babies for travel and naps for
this is so perfect I would much rather use this all the time
when she is older instead of the bulky pack and play. As it
stands I will keep her in this as long as I can and hopefully
by the time she will not fit I can put her right in the crib
and I believe this might have saved me from my tough road ahead.

The Fisher Price Newborn Rock and Play is a must have item for
new Moms and Dads and is a super good value for the price is
also one that can't be beat. For what I payed for a bassinet
and a pack and play I could have bought 5 of these and the
quality is first rate too! My final review! If you are pregnant
or have a new born at home, run and grab one now for you will
not regret it the Rock and Play Rocks!


Fisher Price

Fisher Price Newborn Rock and Play Sleeper

Alright there guys, now I know you know that I
know that you know we all know I just did a review
for bECO a little while ago. Well I just love that
carrier and could not stop raving about it. Come on
over to my house and talk to my friends and neighbors
and even the mail man and UPS guy and they will
tell you have I have been going on and on about it.
You know me, give me something good and now you
are stuck listening to me ramble on. I just can't help it.
When I like a product I have to spread the news. Now
the mail man is doing some sort of Mission Impossible
thing to stay out of my site right now for he is like 60
and could care less how great I think any item let alone
a Baby Carrier is. I don't think he appreciated the
demonstration I did on Rowans stuffed animal where I
tried to help him understand how the bECO Carrier was
kind to this part of my back and that part and so on
and so forth. Hey, we were snowed in last week and
I take my captive audience where I can get it. Lucky
for me the UPS guy and I go way back and for a couple
of cookies he heard me out and suggested I tell the
people over at bECO how I felt before I ambushed the
FedEx guy for he is not nearly as friendly and isn't a
fan of cookies and I had no time to bake a Pineapple
Upside Down Cake. So I did!

Now they might have gotten the mad stalker vibe from me at
bECO but I had to tell them how happy I was. Rowan is putting
on the pounds and she also has the nerve to expect me to
still carry her and truth be told my back "WAS" lodging some
pretty loud complaints. The fit and comfort I got from my bECO
Carrier has shhhhhhhhhhh'ed my back and come Spring I might
even take up jogging for this is the first time since Rowan hit
double digits on the scale I have been able to cart her around
without having to take a bath in Ben Gay! So with the advice
of my Cookie Loven UPS man I sent them an email or ten
and let them know. They were super to me and might I say,
very patient and offered to let me give a Lenka to one of you
guys! I didn't even have to send them cookies! Now you
guys should remember the details but I will stick the link
for the review for you in case you need a refresher, hey, test on
Monday guys! I am tickled pink to be able to have
this giveaway! As you guys know bECO is one of the top
brands today offering style, support, adaptability and comfort
and I was lucky to be able to do a review for them because
with my back I need more then just "another" carrier. When I
first toted Rowan around in a carrier it was an old one I had
around the house and I just dusted it off thinking any old carrier
would work. I had that impression for a couple of reasons but
soon found out I had been living with antiquated ideas when it
came to baby wearing. With Andrew I would not call it main stream
and the carrier I had was simply used for outdoor activity's when
a stroller was not possible on the terrain. Now we know a lot more
of the benefits and using one has become a part of life for many
parents. Now we know wearing your baby aids with:
Helping Babies Grow and Thrive
Reduces Infant Mortality, SIDS
Soothes Crying and Colic
Encourages Mental Development
Reduces Incidences of Post-Partum Depression
Better Bonding = Easier Discipline
and is also fun and a great way to get out and move with your
child and enjoy the day. Increased time means increased strain on
your back though and my relic just wasn't going to make the grade
with my ouchies and my frequent walks with Rowan and the Pooch. It
wasn't more then a week on the calendar before I was out and
searching for a better one and I took quiet a few strolls around the
block before I settled on carrier that was right for me. Don't get
me wrong, I went on a lot of nice test drives with other brands but
bECO was the one who won me over in the end. Not only was there
style and when I say style I mean fashion sense, my cup of tea
they also were perfect for my aching body and before I made my
bECO such a large part of my life I even went as far as to take mine
to my doctor and Physical therapist. The results, my PT who just
got married over the Summer had me jotting down the web site
information because they were in the process of trying for a baby and
she wanted one for herself. My Doc let me know that she thought
the large, secure waist belt and shoulder straps would be perfect
for me and allow me the support I need. Her only concern was I
wear sunscreen in case I lost track of time while I was outside
enjoying the day! SOLD! And you guys will be too once you
get a chance to try it! I have pretty much told the guys over
at bECO I will be back for more until I get a chance to try
everything in their arsenal, I was that impressed! Besides, when
I saw the bECO mini in the pony I knew Rowan had to have
one too!

Now you guys can get your hands on one and one of my readers
is going to win a bECO Lenka all of their own. To enter just head
over to their site and take a look around then come back here and
post something you have learned in a comment. The contest will
start tonight and run to Midnight on April 12th. You will be wearing
your baby just in time for spring!
USA and 18 and older can enter daily and the winner
will be contacted by email and have 72 hours to
contact me with their mailing information. As always
you can earn a bonus entry by entering the contest of
the day and other ways to enter are posted below.

bECO


Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.

1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.

2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.

3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.

4. Blog about this contest somewhere else
and post the link here. 5 Entries Please
post five times.

5. Tweet about this contest elsewhere. 5 entries
please post five times.

Hey there, while you are here don't forget to enter
my Mommy Tool Box and Port a Pong Contests!

I know you guys have all heard about Ergo Baby.
They are huge and known for their Quality of design and
funky,stylish patterns and functionality and features.
Even me, a person who was totally surprised when she
found out she was pregnant and thought 16 years ago she
was done having children and knew as much about what's
new in the Baby market as I do brain surgery have heard
of them. They are known by all as one of the premier
brands when it comes to a design that is not only comfy
for baby but also promotes an ergonomic design that supports
the baby's spine and offers the healthiest position for
baby's hips while they are carried. That is something
often overlooked but trust me folks it is a good thing.
Now I have had a lot of questions about Ergo mailed
to me so I guess it is about time I get off my duff
and do a review for you guys!

The Ergo Baby Carrier I received can be used for
both a front and a back carrier and is very easy to
convert. They recommend you use the front carrier
for Children aged newborn to 6 months and it was nice
to see that information in the guide for I really didn't
know that. I have done a review for another carrier
not that long ago and they were super kind to work with
and it was my first time using these new fangle designs
and I didn't know a thing about them. They were kind
enough to walk me through all the up-grades and advancements
that have came along in the last 16 years but I forgot to
ask that question. When I spoke to the people at Ergo
I thought I was now an old hat and didn't need to ask
any questions so I skipped that part. When I saw the
age range in the guide I did an "Oh, I could have had a
V-8," thump to my head and was super happy they thought
to include that in their guide for honestly I never would
have known and one day when Rowan was 2 or 3 I would have
tossed her in that way and with my luck we both would have
taken a tumble. I even did research on baby Carriers, a lot,
in the last 6 months for when I do a review for you guys
I like to be informed and still didn't see that anywhere so
hey, let's file that away as good to know! Another cool
thing about the guide, and yes, I can't believe I am
raving about a guide and not talking about a carrier
but it impressed me here, what can I say. Any who,
another good thing about the guide is it shows you
different techniques and diagrams them for putting your
child into the carrier. I did know the different ways
for insertion but they were in my head and by verbal
or written descriptions but never in a pictured, step by
step, guide that shows me what I am doing in an easy to
follow format. People like me, with a head that can
flop off at any moment for it truly isn't securely attached,
need that extra little ump of a picture tutorial and
I was very appreciative they had it for me. John is
another story, he just doesn't get things, period,
and Ergo will have to just send a person over to walk
him through it, for if he doesn't catch on the first
time I try to walk him through it I might just end
up trying to shove him in the carrier and we don't want
that to make the news!
Ergo has two designs, they offer the "Standard" and
the "Sport" and both come with a variety of features
that make their carriers super efficient and comfortable
for both Mom and Dads and Baby. They offer a bevy of
perks that make them an excellent choice for people
on the go and let's not forget they have your baby's health
at the heart of the matter and that is always a good thing
no matter what version you are looking at. I was sent a
standard carrier for review and it offers such enmity's
as padded shoulder straps and chest straps, a side release
buckle and webbing straps for shoulder strap adjustment
and a padded waist belt that buckles in the front and
something I really need for with my back I need all
the breaks I can get here! They also have a storage pouch
to toss some of baby's items in or yours for those long
summer walks and a really neat thing I was totally impressed
with, a sleeping hood. The Sleeping hood adjusts for length
to fit you growing baby and was a super cool thing to add for
I have told you guys about Rowans aversion to the sun and
the fact when just one little ray gets anywhere near her eyes
she is screaming like a Banshee. For her, this means falling
asleep in any carrier is just about imposable and with Ergo
and this hood, when she starts rubbing her eyes, plop, goodnight
Irene! You have got to love that! The fact you can just toss
the whole thing in the washer when she gets Baby gunk* all
over it is just icing on the cake.
Ergo also carries accessories such as the Infant
insert, the Front Pouch and Back Pouch and the Sucking Pads,
um, right now, Rowan, Teething, Need I say more? Those are
a great option for I have to wash everything around this house
over and over again because everything Rowan picks up is a
Sucking Pad right now. They also carry a Changing Pad and
A Weather Protector and that is also something we need here
for their can be Tsunami Winds outside and I swear John will
say, "It is only a drizzle!" and take that Baby out anyways.
If I make him use this, one of two things will happen, he will
either not want to use it and give up on the idea or will use
it and either way is a win for me because I know Rowan will
be safer. Ergo has also went green and offer Organic carriers
and have even thought of your Baby's older sister or brother
with Carriers for them to put their Dolls and Teddy's in. Bibs
are also a great item from Ergo. Another thing I enjoyed was
the Website itself for it is packed with information to help
you on your path. Resources and Ask the Doctor are both
some great links to help out first time parents of people like
me who have had a decade or two between children and need
some help to get back in the fray. Every way you look
at it, Ergo goes out of their to make your life and you
Babies more comfortable, safer and allows you better
health and is a great investment and a welcome product
to have for your child.

Ergo was kind enough to offer to give one of my
readers a carrier of their own. To enter just head over
to Ergo's site and take a look around then come back here
and post what you learned in a comment. The contest will start
tonight and run to midnight on March 31st.
USA and 18 and older can enter daily and the winner
will be contacted by email and have 72 hours to
contact me with their mailing information. As always
you can earn a bonus entry by entering the contest of
the day and other ways to enter are posted below.

Ergo Baby


Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.

1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.

2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.

3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.

4. Blog about this contest somewhere else
and post the link here. 5 Entries Please
post five times.

5. Tweet about this contest and post the link
here. 5 Entries, please post 5 times!

Don't forget to follow Ergo Baby on Face Book
to keep up on everything new and promotions
they run!

Hey there, while you are here don't forget to enter
my Port a Pong and Posh Little Tutus Contest!


* Baby Gunk is anything that comes out of a Babies mouth
that is more disgusting when it comes out then when it
goes in.

When Andrew was a baby there wasn't much of
a fuss over what was right or what was wrong when
it came to carrying him. The only Baby carriers they had
then looked like a booster seat with back pack straps
on it and was not very comfortable for Mom or Dad and
I am 100 percent positive couldn't be very comfy for
Baby either. Still, Babies love to be close to their parents
so it was a hit and it wasn't long to the market was
flooded with different types of carriers and now with Rowan
I have my choice of literally hundreds of different styles.
There is also a considerable debate on what way is the
best.
To carry your baby in a wrap?
To carry your baby in a sling?
To carry your baby in a front or back carrier?
People are all up in arms about why it is important
or why it is detrimental or why why why? Those for point
out that people have worn their babies since the start of
time and it is a natural process, those against say just because
something has been done forever does not mean it is right.
There is even a debate among the different sides amongst
themselves on what brand is better, who's sling works the
best and what wrap makes baby the happiest and who's back
carrier is best for Mom and Dad. It is enough to drive
anyone mad and drop the whole thing all together but
the fact remains, baby likes to go places with their
Moms and Dads and no matter what side of the debate you
end up on we are still doing something for babies benefit,
not to squabble among ourselves. I decided to not decide.
I thought instead of coming out for or against I would just
let you know my experiences with different carriers and
how they worked for me and let you make up your own
mind if that is what would work in your own house. I
am also not going at this blind and before I bring you
an item I am checking for safety reports and consumer
forums for no matter what side of the fence you grow
your grass on we all want that grass to be safe!
I got the chance to do a review for Sleepy
Wrap and some of their new product line. The Organic
Sleepy Wrap. Since I have never used a wrap much
less did a review for one I thought it would be a great
time to learn some of the benefits of a wrap. Sleepy
Wrap has a great article and gives some very compelling
reasons that a wrap is a great thing to have. From their
site I learned such interesting facts such as:
1. no pressure points on your baby -no pressure on
developing hips or spines like other hard baby carriers
which place pressure on your baby’s pelvis
2. grows with you and your baby -it's optimal for infants
yet you may continue to carry your baby with this wrap
baby carrier as long as you are both comfortable
3. no baby is too small -the baby wrap is designed for the
tiniest of babies
4. ideal for kangaroo care - premature infants thrive when
wrapped in a Sleepy Wrap
5. evenly distributes the weight of your baby-much more
supported than carrying with your arms, on one shoulder,
or your hip
6.perfect for traveling -compact and great on uneven
terrain or crowded places

There are also a lot more reasons listed on the site
and further details and it is a great way to educate your
self on the benefits and I recommend reading it. Some of
these really pertained to me and I was very interested in
the weight distribution for with my back I am always looking
for ways to make the day a little more comfortable. The
Kangaroo care was also of great interest for both of my
children were born early and though I was fortunate and
skirted any health issues I feel for those who were not
as lucky. Rowan was only a week so she was considered
full term and though she spent an extra week in NICU she
was hearty enough where she did not need special care
when she came home. Andrew could have turned out really
bad save the fact healthy large children run in my family.
Though healthy pregnancy's are a problem for us and I had
Eclampsia with both my children they seem to thrive in the
weight department for Andrew was born at 8 Months ( 34
weeks) and already weighed almost 8 pounds. Had he
been born full term I would have had a monster but I am
glad he was so healthy for 34 weeks is pretty early, more so
in those days and I could have faced some life long difficulties
with him and it would have been nice to have the option of
a Sleepy Wrap back then. The fact that a wrap can't be
too big or too small is also something I love for Rowan went
from 5 pounds after she lost over a pound the first day to
the 18 and a half she weighs now, just over 7 months later.
The Sleepy Wrap could have grown with her from then to now!
My experience with the wrap was really positive. Rowan
is a Mommas girl and though she loves spending time
with John once she sees me it is all over. If I want a
break I have to pass her off then leave the room for the
minute she hears my voice or lays eyes on me it is all
arms out and if I ignore that subtle sign tears start to flow.
She does not care what we are doing she just needs me.
Even if I lay her on the floor by my feet she is clinging
to my leg and won't let go. It has been that way since
day one. Don't get the impression it is an unhealthy attachment,
for it is not. She is not uncomfortable with other people
and loves to visit and as long as I am either out of the
room or in arms reach if I am in the room she could
spend all day with another person and not be the least bit
distressed. It is just when she is with me she wants to
be "With Me," and can be very clingy to get her way.
She does not care if I am doing the dishes or laundry or
just reading a book, she needs to touch her Mom and
enjoys that bond. I enjoy it too though it can be a hassle to
have her in my arms at all times for I can seldom get
anything done. For the site I have a desk top in my
room and the laptop down stairs and write and edit
in brief spurts while she is pre-occupied and I am always
working on one review on the desk-top and another on
the lap top or I would never get anything done at all.
She has little play areas set up all over the house
but still needs me to sit there with her and before the
wrap the only way I could accomplish anything was to
wait to she was sleeping and that made for some long
nights. Even longer days when you walk around half
awake. She is not like that with John and he can set
her down and she will play happily to the sun sets
on the day. Since I have the wrap I have enjoyed
the fact I can have her with me and go about my
day and do things as normal before she was here to
change my definition of the word. She loves the fact
she can be in on the "Action" and never has to
give herself whip lash wondering where Mommy is
for she hears the voice but can't see her. With the
wrap she is all giggles and sunshine and feels like
a little Dora the Explorer knock off for she is exposed
to all sorts of things I had left her out of before. Rowan
has helped with the laundry and unwrap boxes that
came in the mail and even has added a few touches
of her own to dinner ( the cold items to be safe)
and seems to even enjoy her bath time more for she
is now involved in the making of the bubbles and
setting up of the tub. Even going to the Potty with
Mommy is exciting for there is a shelf right there with
lots of bottles to explore and I also got off my duff and
did some more baby proofing for I was waiting to she
was older and could get around by herself but in a
sense, she is now and it is better to be safe then
sorry for if I am not paying attention, poof, that
dish soap is in her mouth. John also enjoys the
closeness the wrap offers though it took him a while
to get the hang of wrapping it but now that he has
that mastered he finds it refreshing to have her right
with him instead of having to set her in a "Play
Area" when he wants to grab some coffee or a glass
of water then have to rush back in the room for she
is making a weird noise or worse yet, no noise whatsoever.
Now she is right there with him and helping him
pour, again the water not the coffee.

The Sleepy Wrap promotes closeness and I
love that for I do not come from a touchy family
and with my son I had to literally remind myself
to spend so much time a day touching him for
when you place your hand on a baby or rub
their head or backs it is not only a source of comfort
but also gives them a sense of security they will
remember in their sub-conscious for all of their lives.
I know this is important to an infants well being and
made a point to schedule so much time out of
the day to offer that touch to Andrew and would wallow
in guilt on days that I forgot. With Rowan and the
Wrap I do not have that guilt or even fear for though
she is tucked safe in the wrap it is just reflex for
a person too secure a babies head or body when
making a fast move or getting up or down. She is
in no danger of falling out but instinct lets a person
know to make doubly sure and she thrives in the fact she
is offered constant touching and I never have to
worry about making time for it like I did with my
son for it is all second nature and I do so without
thinking about it. I think the wrap has blended into
our family in a perfect way and will continue to
use it until she is the one who would no longer
like to be carried that way for let's face it, Mommy's
enjoy the contact just as much as the children and
it keeps her close to me in every way possible. My
thoughts on the Sleepy Wrap are nothing but
positive and I love it!

Sleepy wraps are made durable and the
new wraps are made from 100% Organic Cotton
and are super soft. They come in a variety of
colors and the Organics come in Natural or
Kakki so they are 100 percent Natural in every
sense of the word. They are easy to use and
attach and provide a secure comfortable fit
that can be adjusted for every size child or
baby. They are perfect for Breast Feeding and
a soothing way to lull your child into a peaceful
sleep. There are no sizes to worry about and
they not only offer better communication between
you and your baby it also allows you the option
to keep baby for yourself and next time that lady
at the grocery store walks up and says "Oh,
what an adorable little baby!" you don't have
to worry about her putting her hands that you
have no idea where they have been on your
child for it would really take a brazen person
to come that close to you and since baby is
on you chances are they will admire from
a distance. In the rare case someone is
willing to put their hand on you in thier attempt
to get thier hands on your baby all you have to
do is turn away and baby goes with you! The
Sleepy Wrap is a great thing to have if you are
a busy Mom and allows you to spend time
with your child no matter how hecktic your
day is for they are right there with you! I adored
the closeness it has brought us and you will
too!

Sleepy Wrap has also offered to give one
of my readers and Organic Wrap of their own.
To enter the contest just head over to thier site
and take a look around then come back here and
post a benifet to wearing your child in a Sleepy
wrap. The contest will start tonight and run to
midnight on March 29th.
USA and 18 and older can enter daily and the winner
will be contacted by email and have 72 hours to
contact me with their mailing information. As always
you can earn a bonus entry by entering the contest of
the day and other ways to enter are posted below.

Sleepy Wrap


Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.

1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.

2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.

3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.

4. Blog about this contest somewhere else
and post the link here. 5 Entries Please
post five times.

5. Follow Sleepy Wrap on Twitter and Tweet
the giveaway. 5 entries, and post link here.

Don't forget Sleepy Wrap also has a Face Book
where you can keep up with all the new events!

Hey there, while you are here don't forget to enter
my Port a Pong and Posh Little Tutus contests!

Rowan has a tooth! Yes, she sprung her first one
about 10 days ago and is already pushing up the next
Daisy. I have been waiting for what seems like forever
to see these pearly whites! ( Oh, gosh, I said the
P word again and I am trying to kick the pearl obsession!)
Any who, it isn't that I am thrilled to see the teeth, this
isn't my first time at the Rodeo and I have seen baby
teeth before. Her first tooth is a big moment and I
am excited but what gets my panties in an even bigger
bunch is the fact this signifies the end of her drooling
like a spigot! I have grown weary of changing little
Babies clothes time after time again through the
coarse of the whole day. Even her Bibs, over and over
again for she soaks through items like they are made
out of tissue. That little 18 pound girl produces more
fluid a day then 10 grown men take and and put out
combined. I have no clue where it all comes from!
Finding Bibs that I like have become a hunt all on
their own.

The other issue I have is now that she has those
little teethys in the front she is all over food! That little
girl has her Daddy's personality to a T and is the most
stubborn thing in the word and insists on feeding herself.
She makes a mess larger then the guys who played
the Mud Football game every summer at our cottage.
If it wasn't for the fact most of what she eats is brightly
colored I may never see the fact she files some away
for later in odd spots like her ear or her nose. Her clothes?
Forget about it, these are stained beyond help! I always
see cute little baby outfits at Garage sales and used to buy them
like a mad woman. In fact I have bought clothes period
for Rowan like a mad woman and now it just about
brings me to tears when I realize I will never be able
to offer her own clothes up at a garage sale for one
time on her and they are toast! Or Apple sauce, or
Peaches, or Blueberry something or other or whatever
else she ate that day! Gone and ruined, that is her Motto!
The last issue I have had in the few weeks before this
post is with teething comes teething toys and rings
and she has them everywhere. I swear I bought like
20 of those when she first whimpered at her sore little
gums and now when she is in an all and all out scream
fest for those little teeth are hurting her I can never find
one. She flings those things like an Olympian Disc
thrower and they are all over the house. If I could just
glue her little fingers to one and have it stay there to
she is a year and a half or so things might not be so
crazy here. Every time I vacuum and move something,
wow, look 14 teething rings!
So the problems I have are her drooling like a spigot,
keeping her clothes clean with a bib that doesn't fall off
or soak through in 10 seconds and keeping her from
loosing everything! They all seem like little things but
when you add them all together it is enough to drive you
mad!

As I was flipping through my favorite Etsy sites
and category's I came across a new place that caught
my eye. Bibs for Dummies! No it is not a book that details
the step by step process on how to tie a bib on baby but
rather the other obvious choice. They sell bibs and really,
you don't have to be a dummies to get a lot of use out of
them either. Her bibs are pretty much everything I have
been missing in a bib and could never find all in one place
before. I could find bibs that were pull over and Rowan
couldn't get them off but those were always real thin or
really cheaply made and after a couple of uses, BAM, they
would fall apart. I have found Bibs that were thick and
absorbent before but that also meant they were heavy and
sometimes even came untied or unvelcro'd before Rowan
even yanked on them due to the weight. Now I have to
admit I have never found a bib with the strap for teething
rings on it before and I can't believe someone never made
one of those for what a No-Brainer when it comes to
ideas!

Bib for Dummies takes a product we all need and
turns it into a stylish, super functional and perfect for
those busy Mom's who don't have the time to not only
change Baby every ten minutes but look for lost teething
rings, toys and pacifiers. They also are a pull over Bib that
makes it imposable for most babies to get off. I have
to say most, for there is always one in every bunch that can
defy all odds. They come in a bunch of different styles so
not matter what your personal one is they have something
you will love. I picked a Beetles theme for review and I just
loved this Bib. I have one or two other pull over bibs and
I just love them! I hate the Velcro bibs and for with my hair,
the dogs hair and everything else that gets stuck in the Velcro
they never work for very long. The ties are too hard to get
a knot that Rowan can't undo or I CAN undo when she is
done and snaps are about the only one I can live with.
Whenever I see a pull over I grab it for they really are the
Bomb but nobody makes them anymore. I had plans on going
through my old towels this week to find ones I can handle
kissing goodbye and just attempting to make my own so I
am super excited I found Bibs for Dummies because now
I don't have too! For a Pull Over all you do it slip it over babies
head and it will stay there to you slip it off! Her Bibs are also
super thick and absorbent so baby stays dry. They are double
layered so even Rowan and her drool factory is no match
and I love the fact that she stays dry for the entire time I
have the bib on her. Around the house I have just been
leaving it on for it makes life so much more easy. Now
the part I liked the best was the ribbon that is sewn right
onto the bib for attaching a toy, teething ring or pacifier
so baby can not play a game of dropsy or practice her
long throw skills. Her Teething rings are going to stay
right on the Bib that is going to stay right where I put
it. Now if I could get baby to stay right where I put her!
Bibs for Dummies has several designs for little
girls and little boys and ones that can go either way. I
love the hip, chic fashions and when I put them through
the Michelle Test for Quality ( I should trademark that!)
they passed with flying colors for they held up like a
champ. The flew through repeated washing and best
of all Rowan who is the ultimate tester for any product,
in fact she is so hard on items I feel like I should send
her off to a clothing company to be inspector 1.7 months
for they need her to check their goods out before they
even leave the factory! Bibs for Dummies stood up to
little miss thing and came back for more. I have to say
I think I have stumbled across the perfect bib and it
just doesn't get much better then this. Perfect Style,
Perfect Quality, Perfect bonus in the attached Toy or
Teething ring holder. Just perfect! Two thumbs up for
Bibs for Dummies!

I have an extra one here for one of you guys too! It
is the Dick and Jane Rectangles and to win it just head
over to the web site and take a look around then come
back here and post your favorite Bib or what you liked
best in a comment. The contest will start tonight and
run to midnight o March 20th.
USA and 18 and older can enter daily and the winner
will be contacted by email and have 72 hours to
contact me with their mailing information. As always
you can earn a bonus entry by entering the contest of
the day and other ways to enter are posted below.

Bibs for Dummies

Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.

1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.

2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.

3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.

4. Blog about this contest somewhere else
and post the link here. 5 Entries Please
post five times.

Hey there, while you are here don't forget to enter
my Snow Stoppers and Lyons Creation Contests!

Pregnancy is such a crazy time. It is also one that
is different for everyone. Heck, it is different for one
person from one pregnancy to the next. Mom's on their
second child or more maybe calmer then a Mom who
just found out they are having their first but it does not
change the fact there are going to be bumps in both of
their roads they were not prepared for. There is no
such thing as by the book when it comes to having
babies. I will tell you one thing. when I was pregnant
with Andrew I bought a zillion and one books. Maybe
even a couple of more then that. I was determined
to know every single thing that was going to happen
and in what order and for how long. The only thing
those books did for me was by the time I was mid-
way through my second semester I was convinced
Andrew would be born with no brain stem, a club
foot, spinal something or other and not speak to
he was 32. Somewhere in the book ( and it is a
popular one too) there was a guide that actually
broke down the odds for parents on how likely it
was for your child to have such illnesses and defects.
It really doesn't sound all that bad when someone
like a doctor says there is 1 and 4216 percent
chance your child could be born with...........!
He is only filling your head with one set of odds.
Now when you have a fast moving mind like I do,
and tend to over react, um, like I have been told
I can, though I don't believe it, you will look at those
odds and start to think. Wait, correct that, you will
look at that long list of odds and start figuring out
what the odds are he will have more then one of them.
When there are a thousand things that can go wrong
the odds are no longer 1 in something, they are 1000 in
something. At least that is how is saw it and by my
math Andrew was destined to have at least 4 of them.
He didn't, not one, but when I found out I was pregnant
with Rowan I went and got another copy of the book
and that section was gone. I am pretty sure after
millions of other first time moms started freaking out
the pulled that chapter. The odds of something happening
are really quiet low and they just worded that all wrong
and pretty stupid too I might add. Anyway, I get off
topic, the only thing you can be certain of in a pregnancy
is you will never be prepared for everything. It is flat
out imposable.
Now just because you can't cover ever contingency
does not mean you should throw in the towel. You can't,
you are in this for the long haul so you need to hold on and
enjoy the ride. There are things you can do to cushion the
trip though. Be organized, pamper yourself and ask as
many questions as you can think of to anyone with any
insight on children at all. When you gather all those answers
toss them all away. People are going to offer you advice
by the truck load so MY ADVICE is to ask first and get it
out of the way so they don't drive you nuts later.They will!
When you are 13 weeks pregnant and starting to feel better
ask them as many as you can and drive them nuts so they
will fear bringing it up later when you are really uncomfortable
and not in the mood. See, you can plan ahead. Another good
idea is to keep a journal, jot down stuff you are wondering
about to ask you doctor, that really cool name that hits
you at 3 am after pizza, egg salad and pickles dipped in
ranch dressing for trust me if you don't write down that
stroke of genius you will never remember it when you come
off your carbohydrate high. When you see a nursery idea, pen
it. So many things go through a pregnant mind you need to
keep them straight! The last thing, a Planner! Like I told you,
when it is important, you will forget so when you are trucking
along use a planner. That way you will know what you are
taking with you for the special day, remember to bring baby
clothes and hello JOHN, just because I wore slippers into
the Hospital does not mean my feet will be that big on the way
out and you can not take out my shoes and put in a cross word
puzzle!
Ahem, Sorry.
Items for your self to wear home. Questions for a pediatrician.
Phone numbers and a Nursery checklist. These are all things
you need to have straight. Now you will get handy little guides
that have some of that stuff in them from the Doctors office.
In fact on every visit they will shower you will bags of samples
and guides and books. The Magazines are fine, chuck the guides
they come from people that make baby items and want you
to buy theirs so they only are filled with tips and hints that
point you in their direction. Get a Planner that is impartial and
not out to promote baby formula 342 the super food! I had
a chance to review a planner not long ago and thought it
was fantastic and wanted to share it with you. The Store that
sells them is called Braelyn Bounty Bug. They specialize in
making sure you remember what is important in one of the
most important times in your life. It is a wonderful way to
organize your thoughts, your needs and you babies impending
arrival. In fact it handles every little feature of your pregnancy
and Baby's arrival with places to store information such as:

•12-month undated calendar

•Pages to hold critical information such as OBGYN/Midwife
contact information, hospital information, insurance information,
pharmacy information, test results, questions for the physician
and a chart to assist in keeping track of monthly progress

•Interview questions for potential pediatricians

•The ultimate nursery checklist to assist with registering for
baby showers and keeping track of what items have been
fulfilled and what hasn’t

•An essential "acts of kindness" and gift log

•A unique checklist of things to do before baby arrives

•An area for the birth plan

•A hospital packing list for Mom, Dad and Baby

•Family and friends call list

•Post delivery checklist

•Space for postpartum visit questions

•A handy pocket for paperwork

•Coated and sturdy tabs that make the desired pages readily
available

•Easily interchangeable pages... and much more

•Dimensions: 7.5" x 9"

All packaged in an durable binder with choice of cover
design. If I were to go over the list of items it features and
tell you what I actually did myself it would be most of them.
If I told you how many I actually had with me when I needed
them the answer would be only a couple. I had my stuff stashed
in different little books and a post it notes everywhere and
either lost most of it or just plain forgot to grab it for it was
a pain to dig for and I was preoccupied. Now I knew in advance
when Rowan was going to be born so imagine how scattered
I would have been if she had be born Ala natural. This little
ditty keeps it on in one place and I could have had it on the
table by the door for easy retrieval. Ah, hindsight, isn't it
grand? One of the things I really loved about Braelyn
Bounty Bug is the fact it is not only easy to use and fits
perfectly in your purse ( I would give anything to have an
organized purse) it also allows for you to add and remove
items at your whim and rearrange locations. I have a big
issue with changing my mind and this is so made for people
like me!
Braelyn Bounty Bug doesn't just stop helping you after
the birth of you little Muffin though, they also have a great
little check list to attached to your Diaper Bag called a
Tot Tag. It let's you know all the essential items you should
have and is a quick hassle free way to go over them and
make sure it is included. This is totally perfect for when
Dad's are on the go or a new sitter is taking Baby to the
park! These also come in some really adorable designs
meant to fit any theme! So if you need help keeping you
pregnancy in order and thoughts in a safe place or Baby is
here and you have a crazy busy life like all Mom's do
and don't have time to tell your Husband for the 302 time
what should be in the Diaper Bag, Braelyn Bounty Bug has
the perfect item for you! If I could only rewind time I would
have one glued to my side but the Tot Tag is really coming
in handy now!
The Great People over at Braelyn Bounty Bug want
to make life a little more easy for one of my readers too!
They are going to give one of them a Planner and a Tot
Tag to get them off to a spectacular start. These would also
make a perfect shower gift! To enter head over to the site
and take a look around then come back here and post what
you saw in a comment. The contest will start tonight and
run to Midnight on March 12th.
USA and 18 and older can enter daily and the winner
will be contacted by email and have 72 hours to
contact me with their mailing information. As always
you can earn a bonus entry by entering the contest of
the day and other ways to enter are posted below.

Braelyn Bounty Bug


Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.

1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.

2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.

3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.

4. Blog about this contest somewhere else
and post the link here. 5 Entries Please
post five times.

Hey there, while you are here don't forget to enter
my Pepper and Tanky and Bebe Soleil contests!

Rowan has the room of a Princess. I wouldn't have
it any other way. She is beyond spoiled and I have went
crazy looking for just the right blankets and pillows, wall
art and designs to complement her room. My son grew up
in a Jungle and my Daughter is growing up in a Fairy Castle
where the Princess sleeps. I have just the right touches and
always have a ready eye for something new to add that fits
with the theme. I know that some day she will have her own
opinions of what is good for her room but right now it is
all me and my tastes that pull it all together. Right now we
live in a Condo and rent but in a year or so we plan on
buying and I can't wait for the chance to make her room
even more spectacular for then I can do more then just
change the cosmetic appearance of her room I can change
the structure as well. I don't mean I am going to build her
a castle but I can get her a Chandelier or Molding befitting
a Royal Princess and I can also have a professional painter
color her walls with a one of a kind design. Curtains and
Furniture will have to be just so and blankets and pillows
to match. One of the styles I have been infatuated with
lately is the Brown and Pink combo that has been popping
up everywhere. If you would have asked me years ago
I would of told you no way is that a little girl color combo
but it truly is one of those things you have to see to
understand. I was given a receiving blanket set when I
was still pregnant and it was a brown blanket with
pink trim and polka dots and I fell head over heels in
love with it and since then I have been a mad woman
searching for more.
I told you it was a really popular theme now
a days but not every place has it in items I love. I want
plush, I want cute, I was high, high quality and I want
styles that are not a carbon cut out of every one else.
My search became a lot harder with that in mind but I
finally struck pay dirt with a store called Darling Droolers.
The have a large selection of Burp Cloths, Changing Mats
and Bibs all in darling, hip, fashionable designs. Each item
is made from high quality fabrics and they carry items for
Boys and for Girls. I found my theme there and more and
was sent one of each product for a review. What I found
were items of unparalleled quality made with the finest
materials and so plush you are soon longing for items
made in an adult size as well. The Burp Clothes were made
from 100% Cotton and wow, were they thick and heavy.
If it were not for the fact the trim is absolutely adorable
I would tell you I would toss out of my others and only use
these but they are so pretty I toyed with the idea of using
these to put in Rowans box where I try to keep an item
to save from every aspect of her life. After I broke down
and told myself this was a review I soon realized not only
were the lovely to look at, they rocked at their job.
The next item I was sent was the changing mat. Oh,
my, at this point I was hoping there was something in the
box that wasn't so darn sweet for I was having a really
hard time putting these items into service. If you were
to compair these to the same items I already had and
used it would be similar to comparing my everyday
towels that other then a couple of really nice bath sheets
I keep telling you guys about were bought more for
durability and effectiveness then fashion, comfort and
style, to my Guest Towels. Those are the ones I spent
most of my budget on that are not only effective but also
luxurious and plush and Oh, so soft. That is how I felt when
I was looking at my old changing mat next to the one sent
from Darling Droolers. The thing was though, the guest in
this matter was already here and I got to use them for you
always want your guests to be the most comfortable and
that is how I feel about Rowan. Every Mom wants their child
to have the best and just the plush softness of the mat for it
is so lovely I couldn't wait to have her snuggle in its comfort
as I changed her. I even started making excuses to go
somewhere to get the chance.
"John, we need milk don't we? Maybe I should go to the
store, I'll take the baby!"
"Um, no, I just grabbed a gallon."
"Oh. It must be bread then, I will just bundle Rowan up
and go."
"Uh, no, I grabbed a couple of loafs when I got the milk."
"Oh, we haven't seen your brother in a while, maybe
we should get Rowan dressed and go pay him a visit."
"Michelle, he was just here yesterday. Are you
feeling alright?"
"It's always about you, isn't it John? Whenever I
try to do something, Oh, Never mind!"
So I didn't get a chance to use the changing mat on
the go, at least without John thinking I was off my
rocker so I just used it in the living room the next
time she needed a change. I would rather John think
I was too lazy to walk up and use her changing table
then to think I was so desperate to use the Mat I was
willing to make up excuses to do so! He already thinks
I am half way to the Loony bin! I loved the Mat though
and Rowan did to, it has a big Ribbon on it for storage
so you can roll it up and Rowan thought that was a lot
of fun! She was pretty comfy too.
The last item I was sent was a Bib and it was
also super plush. It reminded me of one of those
expensive Stuffed Plush Animals every Parent buys
at least one of for their child. It was super soft and thick
and again, I was worried I might wreck it with use but
I was worrying for nothing because when I tossed it in
the washer and then the dryer it held up perfectly and
looked just like it did when I took it out of the box. This is
now Rowan's favorite Bib, via, Mom. I also love the fact
on the Bib the fastener is thick and it does not come off
easy. One thing I have noticed with Bibs and Rowan compared
to the Bibs I used with Andrew is she can pull them off with
a very light tug. Andrew had all tie Bibs or snap Bibs for
that was how they were making them then. On children's
items Velcro was pretty much just used on shoes and
I was pleased when I was looking for Bibs for Rowan for
about 90% of the Bibs I found had a Velcro Fastener. I
thought what a conveininace and was doing a Jig at the
fact I would no longer have to struggle to undo a knot
when she was finished eating. It sounds great in theory
but when I used them the patch of Velcro was so small
it kept falling off on its own. Plus lint would get stuck and
since it was such a small space to begin with, some I
could not close at all after only a couple of uses. These
have a large piece and the part that goes behind baby's
head is thick as well so these puppies are not going
anywhere! I gave everything the Michelle Test of
Quality and it was Aces all around and I just can't get
over the fact how luxurious everything looks and I am
amazed that it all washes so well for every other time
I try to wash something this plush at home it ends up
looking like it was, well, Used! These came out of the
dryer looking just as nice as they did when I first set
my eyes on each item. A really big Hip Hip Hoorey for
Darling Droolers, not only do they have the styles I have
come to love, they have Quailty merchendise too! I
also can't think of a more perfect Shower gift for
they are truely lovely.

Darling Droolers has also sent a set of Burp cloths
along for one of my readers to win! To enter just head
over to the site and take a look around them come back
here and post what you liked best in a comment. The
Contest will start tonight and run to Midnight on March 11th.
USA and 18 and older can enter daily and the winner
will be contacted by email and have 72 hours to
contact me with their mailing information. As always
you can earn a bonus entry by entering the contest of
the day and other ways to enter are posted below.

Darling Droolers


Extra entries.
Extra entries only count after the initial entry
is completed.

1. Become a follower of my blog or
post that you are. 3 entries,
please post 3 times.

2. Enter any of my other contest. I entry
per contest, separate post for each entry.

3. Grab my button. 5 entries. Please post
5 times.

4. Blog about this contest somewhere else
and post the link here. 5 Entries Please
post five times.

Hey there, while you are here don't forget to enter
my Shred Sled and Pepper and Tanky Contests!