Two Things

Notice I started my post a little differently? Yea. Things are changing. I'm taking a little break part of this week, going on a mini (procreation) vacation and I'll only be up to two things. One of them I don't need to spell out. And the other... Playing with my new toy.I'm also over here today.

The Things That Made Me Smile

If you couldn't tell by my last post, my life has seemed like a whirlwind lately. Our of nowhere it's started to fly by and I feel like I am accomplishing NOTHING! Not long after writing that post a series of things happened to me that made me smile. In no particular order:

Emily wrote to me about a surprise her husband got her. After reading this post and this post of mine about Push Presents, she hinted to her husband that she would like one... Half joking half serious. Well, still nearly 4 months away from her due date he surprised her early! She thanked me for the tip that she had never heard of before my post. Please read her story! It made me smile.

My little guy. Ok, he's not really mine, but my husband and I watch him twice a week so sometimes he feels like he's related to me. When his parents are around I try to teach him some booty-shaking moves and slang talk. He's going to grow up to be really cool. He came to visit me at work yesterday... Well, he came because he was waiting for his dad to finish work, but I like to think it was just to visit me. It's always nice to see cute babies at work, and how can an adorable baby NOT put a smile on your face?

My husband. He always has a way to make me smile. No matter how angry or sad I am... He woke up and got us donuts Saturday (second best to Chick-fil-a breakfast, which we woke up too late for). I heart him.

My Faith. Church can bring me to tears and bring a smile to my face all in the same day. I love being around good Christian people. It was a friend at work who reminded me of a long lost favorite of mine:

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." -Romans 5:3-5

I'm not sure how long it'll take us to get the baby I've been preparing for, and sometimes it may appear as though I assume my child will come right away, I know it may take time. But I KNOW that he or she will come in God's time. I have faith in that, and I know it will all work out the way He wants it to, and that one day I will look back and be so happy it all worked out the way it did.

Next... Mail. I get SO excited for mail, especailly packages. I actually buy things on Ebay just so I can get packages in the mail. So you can imagine my excitement when I got home from work Friday night there was a HUGE box waiting for me. I knew it was from Johnsons & Johnsons, and I couldn't stop smiling. I won a gift basket from them while I was at Blogher in Chicago. There were three different kinds I could have won, I thought I had won the "romantic gettaway" package, so I was excited for it to get here just in time. Little did I know it would be full of baby stuff.
So finally, what makes me smile.. Feeling like Oprah. And since I won't be able to use this stuff for at least a year, I thought I'd play like Oprah again and do another giveaway. I really wish I had enough stuff for everyone who enters... You are all great for participating, and I hope you're not getting giveawayed-out from me! If you don't need it yet either, enter and give it to a friend who could use it!
This giveaway is for MY FOLLOWERS! You are all so great to me, I really love when you pop in from Google reader and leave words of encouragement. Really, all of your comments on my last post have REALLY helped lift my spirits... And made me smile!!

If you aren't a follower, become one, and leave a comment to enter!!
Here's a description of the prize:
JOHNSON'S Baby Powder
JOHNSON'S Baby Oil
JOHNSON'S Baby Shampoo
JOHNSON'S Baby Lotion
DESTIN cream
JOHNSON'S Baby Head-to-Toe Washcloths

All enclosed in an ADORABLE Mini Shopping Cart!

Want to up your chances to win? Here's more ways. Comment again if:
-You subscribe to my blog
-Become a Facebook Fan for my blog -You favor my blog on Technorati
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-You Tweet/ Facebook about this contest (every day you tweet is an extra entry!) Please say: "I just entered this awesome #giveaway on @futuremama's blog for an adorable baby gift basket http://tinyurl.com/nr3ego"
-Leave a comment on one of my posts for Conceive Magazine (2 entries)
-You have my blog button (3 entries, so leave 3 comments) -You post about this contest (3 entries)
-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards (worth 5 entries! So leave 5 comments- NEW: EACH email account you vote under is 5 entries :) )

Giveaway Ends September 13th at 11:59pm! Good luck!

The Stress

I have a sick feeling in my stomach... And NO, it's not that. I'm not feeling my normal, chipper, optimistic self. It's like I'm at a crossroads, but there's like 12 different ways I could go... And my head feels like it could EXPLODE if I think of them all. Career, family, life... Everything is spinning.

I hate being a girl... That's what I blame my emotional swings on... The fact that I'm a woman. I swear today I woke up in the WORST mood. Then I eventually got better and got over whatever was making me mad. I was really happy, then I got mad again. Hormones--I hate you! go away! ...And take Aunt Flow with you!

I just feel so confused right now. I don't understand how I can have so much of my life "planned" and in order but still feel so completely all over the place! I hate it!

I feel like the things that define me now... Aren't exactly how I want to be defined. I use to be so ambitious and want to conquer... Everything and lately I'm feeling contempt, and kind of boring... Or the things I do want to achieve I don't feel like I can. But I don't want to be boring. I hate boring!

I'm usually the kind of woman that sees the glass half-full, I'm optimistic, and feel like it CAN be done... But right now I feel like I can't do ANYTHING. I can't achieve my goals... I can't make new ones, I can't get anything done, and I feel like I'm in over my head with the simplest of tasks... And I don't even have to take care of anyone but myself...

A year ago if you asked me where I wanted to be a year from then I would have said working in a bigger city and making more money. Last week I would have said I wanted to start [expanding] our family... Today, I'm just not sure. I HATE going back and forth, I feel silly, but I feel like I shouldn't be so confused.

I don't get it. I feel like I've been doing better on the spiritual side of things, and now this? My only guess is that the Adversary wants to work harder to bring me down. I know God won't give me anything I can't handle, but sometimes I think He pushes my limits.

A really hot guy once told me "You're too blessed to be stressed" and I try to remember that... But it's not always easy.

I wish I could be one of those people who just lives life as it goes, seeing where life takes them, not worrying about where they land. I'm kind of too much of a control freak. I like to know what's going on, where I'll be next week, next month, next year. And I like to plan accordingly.

I hate encountering this side of myself, it makes me feel pathetic.

The Bellybar Yumminess

Lately my breakfast routine lately goes a little like this:

Heat up a pot of hot water-Pour some OJ-Make some toast-Take my vitamins-Mix the herbal fertility tea with hot water- Grab a Bellybar.

I use to not eat breakfast which was pretty bad... But now I've got this routine, and sometimes I'll add fruit and cereal to the mix.

I've mentioned Bellybars before and I hinted to the fact that I'd be doing an official review and giveaway soon... Well here we are! And girl do I have a treat for you!

When I first heard about Bellybar the line that got me was "BEFORE, during, and after pregnancy" I've been all about getting ready for a baby, so finding something I could start eating now, (and not feel silly cause it says that on the box) and keep eating once I'm pregnant is great.

Bellybar hooked me up with some snacks for my Blogher trip (and just about everyone who met me got some to snack on too) and they also sent me a fun sample pack with a selection of pretty much all of their products. The packaging was so cute and I wanted to eat it all up myself, but since I was going to visit my BFF (who is now about 22 weeks pregnant) I decided to save it for her, and try it with her.

Knowing me I couldn't let this go without recording, so I recorded us trying all of the products, but then the video was about 12 minuets long, so for your sanity I edited out the chewing and left in our summary review. There's good info there about the products!!


Key points:
Bellybar gives new moms and moms-to-be extra nutrients they need -- before, during and after pregnancy. (I really like the BEFORE part). It's packed with key prenatal nutrients, and "Satisfies your need for something nutritious and your craving for something delicious." They deliver the essential iron, folic acid (800mcg per bar), calcium and Omega-3 DHA that you and your (future) baby need.

My FAVORITE was the Berry Nutty Cravings... That was actually both of our favorites. I also LOVE the citrus chews... They're like a healthy Starburst or something, the chocolate chews are great too! It's like a yummy healthy tootsie roll. The Baby Needs Chocolate flavor Bellybar was a close second... But there is really something for everyone if you like berry, oats, chocolate or even chocolate orange flavor (Shannon's husband likes those- They're ok for guys too). They also have a new caramel flavor coming out too!

I went to the store to look for some more of the Berry Nutty cravings and had to ask a lady to help me find it... She asked if I was pregnant and it was kind of an awkward situation. I wanted to point to the word "BEFORE" on the box, but I opted against it. Hopefully soon I'll be able to give a great big YES!!

I also had the chance to write a blog post for Bellybar about my journey toward motherhood and how I'm paying more attention to nutrition (I'm also going to be chatting with a nutritionist for fertility next week from Pulling Down the Moon too) before trying to have a baby. You can read my guest post here.

If you're not pregnant like me, you can win this pack and start stocking up on the prenatal nutrients you need before even trying to get a baby in your belly, or if you're pregnant, eat them now for extra nutrition! And if you just had a baby... you still need vitamins! ...Yum yum! Or if you're just a woman like me, and you like to eat... Win these and try them out! It's really a snack that I love to grab and I don't feel bad for eating it after.

Want to try what Shannon and I got?

THREE WINNERS will get a Bellybar sample pack with:
-2 bars of each flavor (Baby Needs Chocolate, Berry Nutty Cravings, Mellow Oat and Burstin’ Chocolate)
-1 pouch of each chews flavor (Chocolate Cuddles and Citrus on Board)
-2 shakes of Due for Chocolate Bellybar Shakes

Want to win? Here's how you enter:
1. Visit Bellybar's website and tell me what you think your FAVORITE Bellybar product is and leave it in a comment! That's all! Leave another with your favorite fact or part of our video for another entry. (Followers leave two comments).

Want to up your chances to win? Here's more ways. Comment again if:
-Become a Bellybar Facebook Fan
-Comment on my guest post for Bellybar
-You subscribe to my blog
-Become a Facebook Fan for my blog
-You favor my blog on Technorati
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-You Tweet/ Facebook about this contest (every day you tweet is an extra entry!) Please say: "Check out this awesome giveaway on @futuremama's blog for some yummy @bellybar products! http://tinyurl.com/luz68o (Please RT)!"
-You follow my blog (worth 2 entries so leave 2 comments)- And out of curiosity, tell me if you're new!
-Leave a comment on one of my posts for Conceive Magazine (2 entries)
-You have my blog button (3 entries, so leave 3 comments)
-You post about this contest (3 entries)
-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards (worth 5 entries! So leave 5 comments- NEW: EACH email account you vote under is 5 entries :) )

I'll use RANDOM.ORG to choose 3 winners. Contest Ends Friday September 3rd at 11:59pm! Good luck!

The "Secret" Dilemma

I know this is dumb... REALLY dumb, but the more I think about officially TTC and possibly getting pregnant sometime in the maybe, could-be, possibly near future, I'm wondering the order of "sharing the news."

See, here's the thing. Of course I'll tell my husband first... In fact I've already decided a REALLY fun way I'm going to tell him (I'm so excited about it). I'd have to tell my BFFs Shannon and Gina right away too... Maybe even before I tell my husband.

Then I think we'll keep the good news a secret between us for awhile to let it soak in and stuff... In my perfect world I'm thinking maybe a few weeks at most, then here's the order I'd like to tell people:

1. Our immediate families: Parents, siblings, grandparents.

2. Twitter friends (actually I may even tell them before family... Like, as the pee is drying on the stick. Sorry).

3. My 3 closest work friends and swear them to secrecy.

4. On my blog here and on my Conceive blog.. And swear my other work friends who read it (I think one or two) to secrecy as well.

5. Other family... Uncles, Aunts, everyone who hasn't heard through the grapevine.

Then when I'm past the first trimester and less likely to miscarry I'll tell the others I wouldn't want to tell earlier:

6. Close church friends, other friends on my cell phone list, people I'm close enough with to share the news... I'd probably put it on my personal blog too by then (no one reads it anymore though).

7. I may hint to it on facebook... I actually have a fun way I've planned to do this as well. But most likely people will probably just find out as I'm posting belly pictures. Or maybe I'll shout "I'M PREGNANT" after 4 months or so. I just don't want to be inconsiderate to people who maybe have been trying awhile.

After it's obvious:

8. Other work friends. I don't think I'll tell everyone at work until people start asking.. Which actually, in a news place, word can spread VERY fast. So I'm going to try to keep it a secret as long as possible (I'm thinking until I'm about 4 months or so) I'd like to be showing before I start telling people there. Not sure why... It's weird to imagine myself all pregnant on TV. And if your a working woman you may understand the sort of fear of maternity leave thing.

If it were up to my husband we'd find out... Wait at least three months before telling anyone, and then only tell family. We wouldn't tell people on facebook and I wouldn't write about it on my blog... Ok he'd let me write about it but he says not for three months. UGH!

Can I just tell you that's NOT happening? I think he's a suffer in silence kind of guy but if I suffered the tragedy of a miscarriage I wouldn't want to do it alone. If I write about an early pregnancy here and then (God forbid) lose my baby, I think I'd rather have the support of other women who have been through the same thing rather than never tell anyone. BUT... That's why I'd wait awhile to tell people on Facebook and what not... Not everyone catches every update.

The only down side is I can't blog about it before we tell family... I'm sure my husband's family would kill us... While they don't read my blog daily, his family is big enough to where SOMEONE somewhere is reading, and it would quickly travel back through the grapevine.

That's a little hard for me because I feel like I've been blogging about this whole decision to (or not to) have a baby... Then getting ready for TTC, then you obviously know when I start TTC, then I'm sure I'll be blogging about my first two week wait... Then what? Nothing? If Aunt Flow ignores my letters and comes back then I'll blog about that but if she eventually listens.. I dunno, it may get a little quiet around here or something. I'm not good at keeping secrets so that'll be difficult.

My family, I know doesn't read my blog, but I'm sure that would be a sucky way for any family to find out (which, a similar situation has happened before but we won't go into that).

So what do I do? Hold it in until we tell family even if it's MONTHS?! Hopefully I can convince him otherwise, but this is definitely one of those things we'll have to agree on. What would I blog about all of that time? If I dropped hints would you catch them?

What order did you tell people?

The Letter to Aunt Flow

Dear Aunt Flow,

I remember the first time you came to visit me. It was time time around middle school. I was wondering when you were coming, as many of my friends were talking about their special visits from the Aunts.

I was a little shocked when you finally showed up, and I found you didn't live up to all the hype. Please don't take offense... It's just that you've been known to cause me A LOT of pain.

As I got older, and eventually got married I eventually found ways to avoid you for awhile. I would take extra birth control week after week so I'd only have to see you every third month. Then I found I could take a big dose of a shot in the booty and avoid you for three whole months at a time... I don't think I saw you for nearly a year.

But I must have missed you deep down because yet again I changed my form of birth control and decided to deal with you in light doses every month, for about three years. It was towards the end of that time that I began to appreciate you. In fact, that's when I went of hormonal birth control all together and started to learn about you and what made you tick.

For the last three months I've studied you... The real you, and I pretty much know the day and time to expect you. I've appreciated that. Oh yes, there have been moments when you've caused me scares here and there, but overall, I think we have a good working relationship.

That's why I'm writing you now... To ask you to do me a favor. See, I've enjoyed your visit this month (as much as a girl can) but now... Don't be offended--but I want you to go away for a while. I know you're wondering how long, and I'm thinking about a year or so... Just long enough for me to produce and incubate a baby for nine months.

I hope you don't mind. It's not that I don't like you... Really, I appreciate the way you remind me I'm a woman month after month, but I really don't want to see you anymore... Not until I have a baby.

Perhaps you could go on a vacation, or plan ways to torment me when you get back, but please don't torment me in four weeks.

Thanks for your consideration. I hope to not see you next month!

Sincerely,

Future Mama

See my other letter to her here.

The Levels of Anonymity: Where Do You Draw the Line?

One of you brought up a great question in my last post... Stephanie asked what kind of steps we plan to take with our kids and what I'll post about and what I won't.

I personally am not a huge fan of anonymity. I mean, I don't mind to some extent but my favorite blogs are by women who "share all" and post pictures of their adorable kids and families. What can I say?... I like cute kids! And I like honesty.

I mentioned in my last post I'm already "out there" in the public eye... So I can't really go around saying "I don't want people to know my name... boo hoo!" Heck, I think the whole world knows my dog's name. But I don't think that will create any more stalkers than usual. I try to keep the two VERY separate... If anything, for my sanity. And one day, I'm sure I'll be out of public eye completely. I have also made it a point to not use my husband's name (Suga Lips) on this blog, or use my last name (IsAwesome). And I don't talk about where I live (in the Hood).

I can't say I won't use my kids names in the future because I KNOW baby names will be a topic I'll cover (again). I actually already have the names picked out and I can't picture not telling you their first name because they are SO CUTE! I think I'll probably use a nickname most of the time, but really... Who cares if you know my kid's name?--That's just me. BUT I DID promise my husband we won't tell anyone the boys name... It's our secret. So I'll try to keep that one.

I guess I could pull a Michael Jackson and call my kids "Blanket" and cover them up with bags and sheets so you can't see their faces... But I'm thinking I'll take my chances. Plus, I want the world to see their cuteness!.. As long as you don't steal the pictures and say they're yours I'm cool (I need to work on getting a thingy to put over my photos).

Once I get my DSLR you won't be able to KEEP me from taking pictures of anyone and everyone either, and if my babies are cute (which I'm praying they are) they probably will be plastered all over my blog.. So... Yea.

As far as personal privacy goes that's a whole 'nother topic! My husband and I draw separate lines for that. To me, this kind of blog is a girl thing, NO BOYS ALLOWED. If I were to write about postpartum depression or something, he may just not get it... And that's the sort of thing I think other women can relate to. A miscarriage.--My husband would probably rather keep something like that between us, but that's something I wouldn't be able to keep inside... I am an extrovert... I need to let stuff out, and talk about it with people who get it. I think that's a problem women may have had for a long time... They've maybe fells sad and depressed about things and not had a way to express that. A diary is great but it's so nice to know we're not ALONE. Through this blog I've found out I'm not the only crazy person out there who thinks about babies 24/7 who's not even trying for one yet... YAY!

We're going to continue to work on this battle, but I'm not too worried. Just so long as I don't post our secret little boy's name I think he'll forgive me and let me talk about my ovulation cycle, how I REALLY want a baby, and fertility routines all I want.

What about you? What levels of anonymity do you keep on your blog, or do you think you will keep with your kids? I know everyone is different, I'm just curious to know your take!

***Added***: I'm now a resident of "Central, TX"... (thanks for the tip). But I'm also wondering... By someone knowing your kid's first name... how will that make them easier to kidnap? -- Now yall have me all paranoid about someone kidnapping my unborn child! ***Added***

PS: And I'm afraid all of my drama overshadowed a post I was REALLY excited about. If you didn't see it, read my Sunday Praises post! :) I crossed a big one off my Baby Bucket List.

The Interruption

Sorry... Pardon the interruption. Many of your probably didn't realize I was gone for a few hours. Don't think I blocked you from reading or anything, no one was allowed in. I'm going through a bit of censorship right now. It's hard because I like to write what I think and feel, and yes, I enjoy your feedback... But I'm trying to find a balance because I love writing what I'm experiencing. And I'm not talking about last names, and addresses... I obviosuly don't post that... I don't think I've ever even mentioned my husband's name on my blog. It's more like "why did you say my butt looks cute?" And stuff like that...

And if someone wanted to hunt me down they could much more easily do it through my job than through my blog, as WAY more people see/ listen to/ read what I write, there. And I actually blog under my not-real-name.

I hate censorship, but I'm working on it.

In other news... I just got pulled over on the way home from work today. I supposedly ran a red light... It looked orange to me but whatever. I was already upset about this whole blog thing so I was ready to cry if I had to. I didn't want to be "that girl" though, so I saved the water works.

The officer pulled me over and asked for my license and registration. I played dumb as I fumbled through my glove compartment...

"Is this it?" I asked him.--It was.
"Where are you coming from?" He asked me... I knew this could be my ticket out of it.
"Work," I told him, already knowing the follow up question.
"Where do you work?"-- BINGO.
"News... [my news station name]" I'm anchoring tonight.
"Oh?" He questioned, and looked me over. "How is your driving record?"
"I've never gotten a ticket," I said proudly, hopefully he couldn't see my two other warnings.
"Ok, well if that checks out I'll just give you a warning." It did, and he did.

So yet again, what my husband calls my "celebrity status" got me off the hook. That's three warnings in two years. Still not tickets for me... *knock on wood.*

The Sunday Praises

My friend Randi noticed a little while ago that I crossed of "Get REALLY good with God" off my Baby Bucket List and wanted to know how that happened.

I've been getting so much better at reading my scriptures every night... I'm not reading them in order or anything currently, but just finding some meaningful versus to read each night before bed. But as long as I can remember nothing can bring me closer to the Lord as quickly as Hymns. It's been that way since I was a little girl.

My uncle joined the LDS church before I was 10 and he gave me a tape with church music on it. I remember falling asleep listening to it almost every night on my tape player.

I was reminded of that memory last week at church when a young woman sang "I Stand All Amazed" in front of the congregation. I kept that Spirit I felt with me the rest of the day... The rest of the week, as my new favorite thing to do is find my favorite church songs on Youtube and play them while I'm on the computer. I need to figure out the songs I like and put them all on a CD one of these days.

Oh, and I came across a picture that I've decided I MUST HAVE... One day! It's not everyday you see a beautiful picture like this will a little girl that looks like I did.
It's called "Hand and Hand" and it's by Greg Olsen.

Last week I decided to turn off the TV and think a little more. I've still been busy with work and other distractions but I've been more focused on listening to the whispers of the Spirit, and just been plain happier. Somehow my mind seems clearer and I just have a complete comfort that everything is going to work out, and I'm reminded of my many blessings.

This week I'm grateful for:
My health
My wonderful husband
My job, a career I'm good at, and source of income
My benefits... Being able to have GREAT health insurance
Snoop... Who is always so happy to greet me when I get home
My husband's job, and desire to be a good husband and father
Knowing there is a God--Not just believing KNOWING!
My faith and optimism
The EXCITEMENT we BOTH have to become parents!

Really, never have I been so excited, and my excitement is really coming from a different source. I'm less excited about the cute ways I'm going to dress my baby up and more excited about raising a child of God.

Looking at this picture and remembering the innocents and love I had for church when I was a little girl and it reminded me of my favorite song I'd sing at church back in the day. It was called "A Child's Prayer" and I'd request it and belt it out whenever given the chance.

Heavenly Father, are you really there...
And do you hear and answer every child's prayer?
Some say that Heaven is far away
But I feel it close around me as I pray
Heavenly Father, I remember now
Something that Jesus told disciples long ago
"Suffer the children to come to me"
Father in prayer I'm coming now to thee.

Pray, He is there
Speak, He is listening
You are His child
His love now surrounds you
He hears your prayer
He loves the children
Of such is the Kingdom
The Kingdom of Heaven

I can't wait to have a child of my own to share my love with, and share my love for the Lord with. I hope He trusts us enough to bless us with one of His children sometime soon.

The July Mommy Momment Feature!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Kelly, winner of July's Mommy Moment Contest. Be sure to check out her blogs and show her LOTS of comment love! :) Oooh ooh... Especially cause she JUST had her 2nd baby on Friday!!! Yay!

Want to be featured? There's still time to enter this month's contest.

Blog Name? Original was ‘Amelia Takes on The World’ but transitioning to ‘Dyar GirlsTake on Their Parents’ since #2 will be here soon; I also have a wine review blog that is somewhat on hold since I’m pregnant and a photography blog as I learn about our DSLR camera.

How many kids do you have? Amelia just turned 2 and baby girl #2 will be here sometime in the next two weeks.

What is your favorite thing about being a mom? How much love is in your heart for this little person, and how much it just keeps growing over time, especially when they start saying ‘I love you’ and look to you for comfort.

What is the hardest part about being a mom? Balancing being the best mom you can be while also retaining time for yourself and your husband which I believe are also keys to being a good mom; it’s really hard to find time for all three things so it is a balancing act that is never perfect but you try your best.

What is your blog about? Mostly about Amelia and her growing up; I don’t often write about issues of motherhood or marriage itself,although I’ve considered starting a separate page or blog where I would do that; I wanted her blog to be about her so it would be something I could print and save for her when she is older.

How did you start blogging? I actually started it because we started a wine review blog (http://www.ddwinereview.com/) with our friends – and when I was talking to a co-worker they said it would be funny if I also had a baby food review blog. That started when Amelia was around 5 months old and just grew into a journal of her life. I’ve gone back and added a few posts for those first 5 months just to have some documentation.

How long have you had your blog? Just over a year and a half since the first two started.

What are some tips for new bloggers? Write from your heart and just keep in mind, it will evolve. What I have now is not what I started with – and I never would’ve considered myself a good writer but I’m constantly having friends and family telling me a post makes them cry or just how they love my style of writing. I just go with my heart,very little editing involved, and I think that is the best advice I can give.

Your 3 favorite posts you've written ? The one I submitted here, Bunnies Eat Cereal, is one of my favorites. I also love my monthly updates where I write a letter to Amelia about her accomplishments – here was her 2 year letter. One of the few posts that I’ve written that isn’t necessarily about Amelia was about my experience with the 3-day Breast Cancer Walk and it is also one of my favorite posts; while its not really about her, she is one of the reasons I participated. I hope to see the day when our girls don’t have to worry about breast cancer.

Spread the love: 3 other blogs you love?
Besides Baby Making Machine of course – the first three blogs I followed on a regular basis back when I started blogging myself are still three of my favorites. All three get checked daily during the week – I tend to be more relaxed about getting on the computer on the weekend to spend more time with Amelia.
Dooce – while I don’t always agree with her politics, her writing about being a mother and family resonate with me; her letters to her daughter Leta were my inspiration for my letters to Amelia even though I take a different perspective on them.

Wouldashoulda- Mir cracks me up and can make me cry – she is just so real and I feel like she could be one of my best friends,things I look for in a blog

Motherhood Uncensored- At first I found Kristen a little too frank for me, but overtime I kept coming back and now I check daily for posts and follow her tweets (I follow all three on twitter actually). She is just refreshingly honest about motherhood.

The Non-Pregnancy/Baby/Fertility Post

I'm doing this for the 12 people so far who say they'd like to see more posts on things other than that stuff... This is for you, so I hope you're reading this! Other than the title of this post I won't mention the "B" word or talk about my plans to become... You know. I'll warn you though that you may be pretty disappointed because my life... It really isn't that exciting. But let this be my exercise,... my experiment, and we'll see how it goes.

I'm really tired right now because I worked the early-morning shift at work. Meaning I had to be at work at 5am and I was live on TV by 6. What was I talking about?-- Back to school shopping and tax-free weekend. I also did a story about unique students using innovative technology at a school in Texas. I'm not sure if I mentioned before but I am an education reporter so I work a lot at schools, and covering stories about topics related to students and parents.

One thing that's weird about having a job like I do is when people know what I do... They ask me random facts, expecting me to know everything. Like yesterday a lady in my neighborhood asked me when Cash for Clunkers ends. I really wanted to tell her to look it up but I was trying to be nice. She gave me her cell phone number so I could call her and tell her later. Yes, I work for the news but I can't remember the dates and number and names of everything!

I'm not sure why but the rest of this post has transformed into a combination of my random thoughts right now so umm... Sorry.

I'm really craving some potato chips right now... Not sure why.

I can't wait to take a nap... I love naps.

I'm a little sick of seeing Rob Patterson on the cover of every magazine... I mean, ok if he's going to be a cover model but can he get a different pose? I'm tired of that blank zoolanderish look. The Edward in my mind is way hotter.

I went to the store last night to get some grapes and I came out with everything but grapes. I hate when that happens!

...Then when I was leaving I couldn't find my car. I hear they have an ap for that but I haven't looked it up yet.

Before bed, I set my alarm for 3:30, thinking I'd wake up extra early and eat a nice breakfast and relax before getting ready for work... Did that happen?--Am I kidding? I woke up at 4:30.

I really want to whiten my teeth some more. I've been using Crest white strips and they work SO GOOD, but I have to remember to use them twice a day. I've been using them more like once every-other day. Not sure that has the same effect.

I'm going to get the Canon Rebel XS sooner than I thought! I am planning to get it in the next couple of weeks... I've saved enough. But the downside?... In order to get it early (before Christmas) I have to "help" my husband with his papers for his independent study class. You ladies with hubbys who hate to write know what that means!

I'm tempted to just go out and buy it anyway but I'm sure that wouldn't go over well. I think we have an unwritten rule that we don't spend more than $40 on a single item without asking the other.

Wow... I know just because I'm not writing about one topic doesn't mean I have to write about 50 others at one time, but apparently that's all I can do at the moment. At least now you have a glimpse into the small portion of my brain that's NOT thinking about you-know-what.

And added for your entertainment purposes... Pictures I was taking today when I got home from work. I was trying to get a cute picture of me and Snoop but he kept licking my face at the last second!Close but he looked away!!

And then hubs wanted in on the picture fun too... Snoop didn't dare lick his face!

For those of you who'd like to read more personal stories or topics other than little people, any particular thing you're wondering about? ... Or have I bored you enough? Just askin!

***

Winner of my Conceive Goodie Bag giveaway according to Random.org: #37 CageQueen! Congrats!! Email your address to babymakingmachine{at}gmail{.}com

The Shabby Apple Hook up!!

I'm not talking about this:

But this:

It's a clothing line I recently found and I'm now IN LOVE WITH! Seriously. And I'm not saying that just to pimp them out... Though they deserve pimping cause I love dresses (I swear I want to wear one every day I'm pregnant) and all of their dresses are MODEST (aka not skanky) and I love it (and so does my husband by the way but we won't get into that)! It's sometimes hard to find cute fashionable clothes that are modest and not nunish.

Shabby Apple Online Dress Boutique is an online dress boutique providing women's dresses, little girls dresses, maternity dresses, and fashion accessories. That's right... I'm hoping by the time I'm with-spawn they'll recruit me as a model for their maternity line, we'll see.The good ladies there were nice enough to hook me up with a dress and I chose Anchors Away cause it looked cute, plus I'm sometimes a news anchor and it seemed fitting. These dresses are so classy and completely stylish that I just get so giddy looking at them (and I want to buy them all!)

I know none of yall have voted that you want to see more videos on my blog but trust.. You will like this one. Snoop even makes his first video appearance! And I'm modeling this beautiful dress and I know you want to see my modeling skills, right? So check this out before you read on!:

By the way I added the music after and it took every ounce of will power not to go back and edit some video of me booty dancing in the dress... But I spared you some gut-busting laughter and me some embarrassment.

But really people, I mean who did a better job? Her...Or me? I'll let you be the judge.

NEW!!: All of my readers get 10% off any purchase from Shabby Apple though September 20th! Just use the code " babymakingmachinebabymakingmachine10off" Happy shopping!

Anyway, you can model one of your own too cause they're sponsoring a giveaway for my Baby Makin(g) Machine readers! YES!! This is a hot $75 dress ladies!! So here's what you have to do to enter:

Go to Shabby Apple's Online Dress Boutique and tell me your FAVORITE dress on this site! They have TONS! And like I said, a girls line and maternity line too, so lots to choose from. Come back here and leave a comment telling me which one your favorite is, and follow my blog!

Tell me your favorite part about my Shabby Apple video for another entry and leave yet another comment if you already followed me!

Because I love you and them I'll give you a few more ways to enter!:

-You subscribe to my blog
-Become a Facebook Fan for my blog
-You favor my blog on Technorati
-Vote for me on Top Baby Blogs (per day/computer) (just click the link)
-You Tweet/ Facebook about this contest (every day you tweet is an extra entry!) Please say: "Check out this awesome giveaway on @futuremama's blog for a cute @shabbyapple dress! http://tinyurl.com/nqgom4 (Please RT)!"
-You follow my blog (worth 2 entries so leave 2 comments)- And out of curiosity, tell me if you're new!
-You share your favorite Breastfeeding post you've ever written (2 entries)
-Leave a comment on one of my posts for Conceive Magazine (2 entries)
-You have my blog button (3 entries, so leave 3 comments)
-You post about this contest (3 entries)
-Vote for my blog in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards (worth 5 entries! So leave 5 comments- NEW: EACH email account you vote under is 5 entries :) )

This giveaway ends Saturday August 29th at 11:59 PM! Random.org will choose the winner. Good Luck!!

The Baby Makin' "Do's"

One thing I think I have on my side with this whole reproduction planning is feeling empowered by knowing my body and "what works."

It's not about stressing to me or over-planning, it's about going for what I want. For some reason I don't tend to do anything half-A (if you know what I mean).

I came across an article on Conceive's website about 14 Simple Changes That Enhance Fertility (aka becoming with-spawn), and I was surprised to find I'm already doing most of them. A lot of them I've read about in Fully Fertile too... Which has a holistic approach to achieving optimal fertility.

Let me share:

1. Get regular exercise.
Ok ok, it depends what you count as "regular" I've been pretty bad about my daily walks with Snoop lately, but I promise to do this better next month. Nothing too heavy, just stimulating the body more and making it think "baby makin."

2. Avoid artificial lubricants.
For now this isn't a problem, but did you know stuff like KY Jelly could keep the swimmers from getting to their destination? I did! So I got some Conceive Plus, I'm going to try. It's suppose to not only NOT prevent them from getting there but HELP them get there and survive a little longer. (A review and giveaway is coming).

3. Lose or gain if you need to.
My BMI is pretty much right where it needs to be for now but again this is about making your body think "baby makin'" so a little bit of exercise can help.

4. Don't forget the folate.
I've been taking prenatals for months now (and I'm getting a new natural one soon too that I'll be reviewing and giving away). I've also been taking a calcium pill daily since I know I'm not getting enough (I don't drink milk) and that can cause fertility problems for some women. The Bellybars I eat daily too also help with folic acid... Yum!

5. Have a bowl of full-fat ice cream.
I have to admit this isn't one I've heard before. The fat can help your body get all dosed up for baby! Since reading this I've been chowing down on cookie dough ice cream. I try not to eat too much though.. Or eat it with something warm (like a brownie... Yum!) Because digestion is a "warm process" according to Fully Fertile, and giving your body too much cool stuff causes extra work to warm it up.

6. Do it on the right days.
Well, umm... Yea, I'm doing everything but IT (without the blockades) once I remove the barriers hopefully we'll be in the clear. I was tracking my BBT for months but I lost my thermometer and I've promised not to buy another for a few months. I think I'll be ok though cause I know other signs.

7. Avoid trans fats.
No french fries? Is that what this means? Ok honestly, I haven't heard of this before and I am a little sad about it!!

8. Kick the butts.
Not as in booties, as in cigarettes... Never smoked, nasty stuff if you ask me.

9. Relax.
I'm getting better at this, trying to be happy, pray more and meditate more, still hoping to try yoga soon too... hopefully fertility yoga!

10. Keep it cool (for men only).
I have been yelling at my hubs about this and he seems to be doing his own research too, saying exactly how much caffeine he's allowed to have before it effects his boys... Either way, I'm keeping an eye on the bath tub temperature... I'll turn off the water heater if I have to!! ..Ok, for real though... I think it's pretty much ok as long a he doesn't go hot tubbing daily.

11. Cut down on caffeine and alcohol.
Never drank, so I don't miss what I haven't had. Caffeine I have COMPLETELY eliminated (yay!) ... Minus a few hiccups here and there when I've had a REALLY early morning at work.

12. Choose vegetable sources of protein.
I am a meat eater, which I think is also important for fertility, but I'm TRYING to choose more organic stuff, so I can avoid meat pumped with steroids and what not. I'm also eating more vegetables just because it makes me FEEL healthy.

13. Don't Douche.
I use this as a term, not a product... When I'm yelling it out my car window at the jerk who cut me off.

14. Assume the right position.
I've heard missionary works pretty good, then you've gotta stay that way for about 15 minutes after, or just go to sleep that way. I may get up after awhile to avoid a UTI, but we'll have to see how that goes!!

So there ya have it! Helpful right? I'm surprised I've been doing most of these things just for practice rounds, hopefully when games are in for real, I'll be set to go!

One other think I want to mention that I remember from reading Fully Fertile that I think is REALLY important and that I want to try to focus on is getting enough sleep. Our bodies need to recoup from the day and that takes time and a full nights rest. One of the challenges in Fully Fertile is to get at least 8 hours sleep every day for a week. I'm not sure I've gone a week straight yet, but you'd better believe I'll be using that excuse next month when I don't want to get up to let Snoop out.

Any others you can think of? What do you think of this list?

The Transition

When did this happen? It use to be when someone announced their pregnancy I was just glad it wasn’t me. Ok, it wasn’t that bad. Actually, it was more like rolling my eyes and thinking to myself: ‘Another one bites the dust.’ But that sentiment has since taken a one-eighty…

But on the other side of my spectrum it’s not all roses and butterflies either. It’s sadly also a bitter emotion… Jealousy.

When did this happen? I think I missed it… The transition from wanting a successful career more than anything else. From wanting a child (but not in the near future) to wanting a child NOW YESTERDAY. When did this happen?—HOW? What happened to me?!

I’ve had baby fever before. Yes, the bug has bit me, and then I built up an immunity towards it. But now I feel silly when I feel the aching in my stomach as I look at pictures of a newborn baby in her mother’s arms. What happened?!

How did I go from planning my future and goals of things to do with my husband to not wanting to do anything else but make a baby?.. To feeling a pit of depression every time another friend announces their pregnancy.

Who am I to feel that way? It’s not like I’ve been trying to have a child for months or years… Or ever. It’s not like I’m struggling with infertility, and wanting a child longer than all of my friends having children. Granted I have a right to feel this way too, but I seriously feel insane.

I wasn’t going to go for it… Try to bring a child into this world, until I knew I was sure. I couldn’t just try to “see what happens” because that would probably mean baby (yes, for people who don’t want it that’s what happens). To me, you either want it, and are trying, or you don’t try. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t expecting to feel a “maybe sortof” emotion for some time in between.

What happened to the middle ground? Wasn’t there suppose to be some transition here?… You know, don’t want a kid, sorta want a kid, wanting a kid more… more … ok for sure want a kid?

It’s like my maternal desire had been dormant for decades and all of a sudden it has awoken from the tomb inside me and has erupted like a massive volcano.

I’m trying to scrape the lava back inside me with a squeegee but it’s not working. I can’t contain it. I can’t deny it. I want a child, and I want it more than ever.

Can't wait to get this part started!

The Train (Wreck) of Thought

I remember when I was in high school someone telling me men think about sex every seven seconds. I never really understood how that could be possible. I mean, what exactly would that thought process be like?

Dude example #1: "Hi! nice to meet you, my name is Jeff..." 'And girl, you are looking SO FLY in those jeans, if we weren't in public I'd...'

Or maybe it's not always as blatant, but just triggered by things. I mean, women aren't around ALL the time!
Dude example #2: 'Now the mathematic equation of Y over SEX... X...'

Or perhaps it's an obvious word that triggers it the most.
Dude example #3: "Sure mom, I'll run to the store and pick up some chicken breasts"...'Breasts, oooh, boobs boobs boobs!!'

Who knows?

Maybe they (who? I don't know, the people who take the time to calculate this stuff) averaged it out and came to the conclusion of seven seconds. Because I can't imagine a guy at a strip club, then a priest thinking about sex the same about of time.

...Either here nor there, I think I'm starting to get it. No... Really understand where they're coming from. That having your train of thought jolted every few moments to one particular subject over and over isn't exactly fun. But for me, the process goes more like this:

Example #1: At the mall
"Ooh, these jeans look good on me, and they're on SALE!" 'YESSSS! ...But will I be able to still fit in them after I have a baby? ...Baby, I want one!'

Example #2: At home, when random pregnancy facts strike!
'Ok, so I've gotta get ready for work. Alright, first I'll hurry and brush my teeth again... And floss, that'll help prevent gum diseases... Diseases like Periodontal disease... Periodontal disease can cause premature birth.... Better floss extra good'

Example #3: At work when I get the fever.
"I love your outfit!" 'Oooh and her shoes are cute too. But I hate shoes, they never have my size.. Are my feet seriously going to get bigger when I'm pregnant?!?... Pregnant, aww!'

So needless to say, babies are almost always on my mind right now. I started this blog to help diffuse the baby steam in my brain. Little did I know after posting nearly every day for eight months I'd still have lots to talk about. Baby Makin(g) Machine has always been my place to dump that all out. But I didn't know that even here, it could become overload... At least for the 5/11 people who have responded so far on my poll. So, when I'm thinking about other interesting things besides babies, pregnancy and getting pregnant. I'll consider writing about it. Maybe getting my new DSLR will help.

How does that sound?

Photo by NY Times

The Little Wristlet That Could (Based on a True Story)

Once upon a time there was a little writlet and a little coin purse, they were sent together to a lady named Jenn, but around these parts she's known as "Future Mama".

They were sent to her as a gift by a nice little lady named Michele... Who made them herself. She makes a lot of them as sells them in a town called Sweet Irie.

The coin purse went on an adventure with Future Mama first. They traveled all the way to Atlanta, and then to Chicago. And Future Mama drug the coin purse all over the place... But the sad thing was, she didn't see it as a coin purse... No, she saw it had much greater potential for her needs at that moment to be served as a business card holder... For Future Mama had no place to hold her cute business cards during the Blogher trip.

The little coin purse went through much battery in Future Mama's purse but she managed to survive being not stuffed with coins... No, stuffed with cards... many more than she probably should have held.

Sadly the coin purses' mate The Little Wristlet was left behind at home. Future Mama was known to leave her keys on vacations and she didn't want to risk it this time. But when Future Mama returned to good 'ol Texas The Coin Purse and The Little Wristlet were reunited... Though Wristlet hardly recognized Coin Purse cause she was stuffed full and not even zipped up. She also wasn't as nice and pretty as Wristlet was... But that was ok because she's machine washable and after a good douse of Tide she'll be as good as new.

But the next adventure was for Wristlet... Future Mama was really excited to put him to use cause she's always loosing her keys.. Well, not really, but she can never find them in her purse cause it's so full of stuff (kind of like Coin Purse). But The Wristlet never lets Future Mama down, as he's always looking out and positioned just right for Future Mama to grab when she sticks her big hands down reaching for him. But the other night, Wristlet came in handy more than ever when he doubled as a body guard.

Future Mama was downtown. She had just finished listening to live music and a hanging out with friends at a restaurant when she realized it was time for her to go.

Future Mama sometimes feels like an old lady and leaves earlier than everyone else. No one at the party was ready to go just yet so she decided to leave alone.

As she left the restaurant she remembered how far away she had parked from her car and decided to walk a little brisker.

She went further down the road and things started to get darker and quieter. Just then she heard The Wristlet jingle in her purse and he reminded her of a technique a friend told her.

She took Writlet out and stuck her wrist through him. Then she used his 4 1/2" length as an asset and pulled individual keys through each space between her knuckles... In case she had to punch a mugger in the face. Wristlet is strong and sturdy enough to withstand a punch or two.

Just then Future Mama noticed a man walking quickly behind her. She grabbed Wristlet and the keys he was holding tight in case she had to go in for the kill.

The sneaky man must have spotted Wristlet and her key-filled power knuckles cause he backed off. Good thing.

Future Mama made it to her car safely and drove home.

At that moment Wristlet realized how grateful he was to have been with Future Mama that night. And he decided he'd be her protector forever... Or until he retires and becomes a play toy for Future Mama's Future Babies (he knows they'll love keys!).

When The Wristlet saw Coin Purse laying on the table he told her about what happened. Coin Purse was proud of Wristlet for being so brave. Just as Future Mama was moving them to the side to make room for her laptop Coin Purse leaned in for a kiss.

The rest... Well, it's history in the making.
(Coin Purse still has yet to be used for coins)

If some of you moms or future mama's out there are interested in having a coin purse or wristlet of your own you can order some from the town of Sweet Irie. Wristlet is great if you have your hands full with groceries, shopping bags, or babies, and it's always easy to spot... Even in Future Mama's overflowing purse. And Coin Purse is even great for business cards!

The town has lots of matching couples to choose from but Nice Lady Michele is happy to make custom orders too! The sets are from $15 and there's lots of colors to choose from. The town also has tons of other nice members of the community from handbags, to camera straps to wallets!

*Staring*

Pluses:
(On The Wristlet)
-You can customize your color
-Extra large size, easy to find
-Very durable (Future Mama has been a little harsh on poor Wristlet)
(On The Coin Purse)
-Very large, can fit LOTS of coins (or business cards)
-Also can be customized
-Both are machine washable

Could be improved:
(On the coin purse)
-The zipper is a little small for Future Mama's taste so sometimes it's hard for her to open with her gnarly hands.

Have a product or shop you just LOVE?! Tell me about it!

PS: I've gotta new poll to the side, please vote so I know what you're thinking. Can't promise I'll do it, but I'll based on your response I'll consider switching some things up.

The Fabulous Nurseries!

I love to dream. Especially about expensive baby decor. Ok... Not really. Actually after this incident, I'm pretty sure we'll be getting all of the furniture for first baby's room off of Craigslist.

I don't mind though. I'd rather make things myself... I think.

But Danielle invited me to not only participate, but HOST her Fabulous Friday over on her blog: Now That's Just Fabulous.

The topic... None other than "Fabulous Nurseries." So I decided to play a game. I pretended like I was given a gajillion dollars to plan a nursery of my dreams. The one above is just one example (of like 10 on my guest post).

Believe it or not I didn't go over the top with my choices. I guess I'm kind of a Plain Jane kind of girl. ..Ok not really that either. I don't know how to describe my taste. But if you're been dying to know know my visions of baby decor head on over. Let me know what you think of my choices, and play along too! Pretend you got a gajillion dollars and share your favorite finds! Let me know the link so I can come see! Plus, I need more ideas (so what if it could be more than a year away!)

The Website I LOVE!: And Swag Love

It's hard to find people who understand me. Especially people I normally associate myself with in day to day life.

Just last night I was downtown with a group of friends, listening to live music at a bar feeling like I was in a different world. I wasn't drinking, (not that it's THAT uncommon), and (no joke) really just thinking what I'd be doing right then if I had a kid.

It wasn't that way the entire night. I had fun. But it really wasn't ME. Not anymore at least. I'd had my spurts as a city girl, loving to be out all of the time. But really, I'm a homebody. And I think blogging has helped me find other homebodies like me who would sometimes prefer to be home watching a movie with their little family than spending a night out on the town.

For awhile I would browse the web and find adorable blogs I love with moms and their cute babies. Or women who were trying to have cute babies. And other stuff... I still do!

I'd also find websites geared towards moms, and keep hearing about all of this "mommy blogging" craze yea yea yea!! But what about women like ME?! Seriously, I know I'm not the only one out here who is THINKING about having a child but not TRYING to!

Maybe I'm one of the only ones who is very vocal about it. Hey... I don't mind. But it's nice to find information out there for us every now and then you know?

Well, a few months ago I found this website... ConceiveOnline.com and I fell in love. You may have seen their magazine, but their website is awesome too!

Finally a site for women preparing to be mothers, or trying to conceive. But what's better?--They recently started a free community for everyone to join called My Conceive. Kind of like a Myspace for a network of women... But no drama! haha. I've already found lots of advice from women and had a great time "meeting" people in the same shoes as me! There's a great forum with a plethora of advice, and a great place you can chat with other women about all things baby-makin.

If you're looking to have a child in the near future... First second, third, whatever, or are experiencing infertility I HIGHLY recommend joining their group. Lots of great resources! And even in you're private about your baby-makin' business, you can join and just read the forums. There's great words of advice and encouragement given to others and it helps!
I also have a blog there too called Ready or Not. Yes, it's sometimes hard to believe there's MORE I can write about on this topic but there is. It's something I've really become passionate and excited about. Just recently they interviewed me on their Conceive on-air radio show, about my planning and blogging... And more planning. You can listen to it here. But I'm not the only blogger for the website. There are several others who blog about their struggles with infertility, or trying "organic fertility practices" also, there are a few women who have gotten pregnant since blogging for Conceive and they're blogging about that experience too.

They were one of my sponsors for Blogher this year and I had so much fun going around and telling people about them and my blog. They even gave me goodies to share like pens and hand sanitizers and things like that with the Conceive logo on it and I saved some for you. Oh, there's a back massager too (get your man to use that on you!) It also comes in a nice carrying bag I think is great for the pool or beach, or even as a makeup bag! I've also throw in some yummy Bellybars (I'll be telling you more about them soon) and two baby headbands made by ME! The bonus is a pregnancy test!! Woohoo! Hopefully it'll be the one to tell you good news (whatever you want that to be right now).

So let's call this the Conceive Goodie bag!!

Here's the list of what's in the prize:

A carrying bag from Conceive
A Conceive pen
A Conceive hand sanitizer bottle (great to keep in your purse and use whenever)
A Conceive back massager
A pregnancy test- I hope you get the answer you're looking for. I'm sending this with LUCK!
2 baby headbands made by ME!
2 Baby Needs Chocolate Bellybars (I eat these all the time, they're great for folic acid! and yummy)
(cute baby not included, that's an example of my headbands)

So if you're interested just leave a comment! If you follow leave 2!
*NEW* Comment on a Conceive blog post of mine or any of the other Conceive Bloggers for another 2 entries (per comment)!
**And if you join MyConceive (it's free) you get 3 extra entries!**

You get extra entries if you:
Follow me on Twitter
Subscribe
Vote for me in one of those contests to the right
Become a Facebook fan of my blog
Become a Facebook fan of Conceive

I'll close the giveaway a week from today August 20th!

The First Wordless Wednesday

{These aren't words, just your imagination. It's my first ever Wordless Wednesday, so I hope a video counts. This is me and my littlist sister playing around when I visted them for a day after Blogher 09. I have a little slideshow at the end, hope you like it, if you have a few moments watch it and let me know what you think! Oh, and can't do a cute video without a cute Disney song. ENJOY! And comment with your link if you posted a Wordless Wednesday}

The Questions I'm Asking Myself

As I inch closer and closer day by day towards the goal of switching the baby-makin machine "ON", I find myself asking few questions over and over:
"For real?": Am I really going to take the leap to try to change my life FOREVER? To jump off the realms of just regular womanhood into the depths of motherhood?
"Am I ready?": Ok, maybe I'm more "ready" than a lot of people... especially those who have the "oops" cases, oh, and those girls on 16 and Pregnant. But really... Am I ready to be a mom? Mom--I can't imagine being called that! WEIRD!
"What's the rush?": I don't know the answer to this one. I just know I want to be a mom, and I think I'd be a good mom, and that I love my husband and we'd make a good team. Why do all of this now?--I don't know. I know my biological clock isn't exactly ticking. Maybe it's just nature telling me it's time? Of course my pregnant friends don't help any, but hey... I wanted it first!

I'm not sure why I don't want to wait another year or two...Why I feel like I can't. Why is that?! I'm sure once I have a baby I'll look back wondering why I was in such a hurry... Or perhaps I'll wonder why I waited so long. I hope the latter is the case.

And then every once in awhile this question pops into my mind...
"What am I THINKING?!": I don't know. I see the things my friends with new babies are going through. The sleepless nights. The crankiness, the loss of sexual appetite, the loss of romance. And I STILL want to do this?! I hope the occasional fear that crosses into my mind, and sometimes out my mouth diminishes... And that I'm not getting cold feet.

Is this normal?

The Breastfeeding Awareness Mommy Moment Contest

This month I'm doing the contest a little differently, and the winner will receive one of these... A Feeder Frock from LaDyLaDukes Etsy.

The Feeder Frock Was Specifically Designed to Help Moms Who Breastfeed in Public, Cover Their Backsides, and Nurse Their Babies Sitting, Standing or Moving! Sometimes, Moms Have to Chase Their Kids, or Push a Stroller, and Grab Things--Moms Have to Move!

If I wasn't totally sold on breastfeeding in public before I think this helps me with the idea. It's like a stylish shirt you can hide baby under! The style I'm featuring here is called Pop Princess and it's worth $59.99! But the winner gets to choose the style they want. And if you're not a mom like me... It can be a great gift (or something to save)!


Excited yet? My wonderful guest judge Sweet Wifey from Prissy Mommy will choose the winner for this contest. And this month for my contest your "Mommy Moment" doesn't have to be this month. You can write something up if you want or it can be anything you've written in the past, but I'm giving you a "momyish" topic to write on... Breastfeeding. It's breastfeeding awareness month and I thought it is only appropriate.

Here are the rules: Write up a post about breastfeeding, or find something you've written in the past. It can be any humorous/ informative/ opinionated post on breastfeeding you've written, or you can write it this month. Somewhere within the post put a link to this contest. I don't care how small it is just try to include it.
Then, you can share the link to your post with me in the comments section or email it to me. You can email your entry to babymakingmachine{at}gmail{dot}com. As I always say you DON'T have to be a mom to win! Anwayone can have a "mommy moment" and anyone can have an opinion on breastfeeding, so have fun with it! I'll also link up all of the entries so everyone can read in the order I receive them!

You have until August 30th to enter so go write write write!



Again, the winner will get a fashionable breastfeeding Feeder Frock of their choice from LaDyLaDuke and a feature on my site, and my guest judge Sweet Wifey from Prissy Mommy will choose the winner. Oh, and no, she is NOT accepting bribes! Good luck!

What do you think? Excited about the topic?

Ok, now on to July's winner!:
I always have such a fun time reading your "mommy moments" from moms to moms-to-be future moms! I share my stories here but I love reading yours! I've asked you to throughout the month, be on the lookout for post you've written about being a mom. And to share your favorite mommy moment with me!


I got a lot of entries and all of them were beautiful! Some were funny and others were clever! Luckily I had my friend Quel aka my HomeGirl be the judge so I wouldn't have to make the tough decision!


She loved them all and this month the winner is...



Dyar Baby Momma with 'Bunnies Eat Cereal'


And she wins a beautiful customizable photo tile necklace from iGotSquares Etsy, and later this month I'll be featuring her! So be sure to check her out and send her congrats!


Here are the honorable mentions:
Liz from (Loving Mom 2 Boys) with 'Fabulous Weekend'
Little Nut Tree with "The Things they Say"
John Deere Mom with "Rite of Passage"
supah ~d with "Week Madness"
~M~ with "Nanny Nanny Boo Boo"


So be sure to check out all of these wonderful posts and share some comment love!




Aren't feeling lucky? LaDyLaDuke is having a sale all month and is offering 1/2 off gift certificate purchases with a Frock purchase.