Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Do I need a Labor class?

Today, I went into my midwife for my monthly checkup, which will turn into bi-monthly checkups starting next month. I sat there and she asked me if I had any questions for her, and to my amazement I had no questions. This is not the norm for me because I always have something going through my mind. She said okay and preceded to measure me and checked the baby's heartbeat with the fetal doppler. After that, I did have one question. I told her that I noticed my pelvic floor, as they call it, had a lot of pressure when I stood for long periods of time. It's such an awkward feeling because you have the sensation the baby's about to fall out. She said it was normal and with second time pregnancies, mothers usually feel it more. That's was a big relief.

My midwife then asked me, "Are you thinking of taking a birthing class of some sort or are you planning on reading up on it?" For some reason, I had to take a minute and really think. Am I going to take a birthing class? I took multiple pauses and told her that I never really thought about it because I never took any classes with my first child.

My first pregnancy went by so fast that I never sat down and thought about any prenatal/birthing classes. I went into the hospital and just followed simple instructions, "breathe," "push," etc. After 4 or 5 pushes, my daughter was out.

When my midwife asked me this question, I literally felt that maybe I was a little behind the curve. Maybe, every expectant parent did go to labor class to learn breathing techniques or other birthing tips. Maybe, I was the only one that was out of the loop. So needless to say, I will probably read up on birthing techniques/styles etc., and decide if I really need to go to a class. Personally, I would rather go to a prenatal yoga class, once my daughter attends her full-time preschool. We will see!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen, Drum Roll PLEASE!!!

So a lot of you voiced to me that you would like to hear more about new products that will be coming onto the market, as well as new products that are on the market. Well...I have contacted a couple companies that I thought were neat, innovative, and most of them are mommy start-ups! I have gotten some great responses back from them, and once I get those special items, I will be reviewing them for you. They range from everything baby to everything children, and even stuff for mommies and daddies, so there is a little bit of everything for everyone in the family, so keep your eyes open in the coming weeks for those reviews to be posted. Thank you everyone for making this happen!!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

OMG I am ADDICTED!

Yes, yes, and yes. I went back to the Consignment sale today because today was the last day, and the day where your could get 50% off on most items. Anyhow, it was good I went back because I could actually see more clearly today without having to look everywhere to find my little toddler running around. I got a really cute designer onesie for $1.75, a little dress/panty set for $5, a designer top for $5, and last but not least, my favorite find, GAP sandals for only $6. I was in heaven. I could have bought more things, but I knew I didn't need it, so I was able to push the urge down this time around.

Also, last night I was able to go out to a friend's birthday all by myself. It's very seldom that I get a chance to be alone, but to go out without my little right wing gal, is unfound. Anyhow, we celebrated my friend's birthday at a restaurant called "EL CHOLO." It's probably the best Mexican restaurant I have been to in Los Angeles. So if you are ever in the mood for some good Mexican, they have three locations.

The best part of the night was when I came home. I opened the door and there was my daughter spinning like a ballerina. She is like a puppy and can smell me from a mile away. She new I was opening the door and she got up to dance for me. My heart melted. It's really those special moments that make me feel like I am the luckiest person in the whole entire world.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

My Daughter's 3rd Birthday!


My daughter recently turned 3 years old and my friend Donna, who is an event planner and owner of My Fairytale Event threw her a fun filled birthday party. Everything from the childrens' favors to gift bags, tiered cupcakes labeled, "Eat Me," to juice boxes labeled, "Drink Me." It was impressive to the parents and the teachers alike. The children absolutely loved it! If anyone is looking to have a party and don't have the time to endure the physical labor, email my friend, she works with everyone's budgets and will give you an unforgettable event. If you mention, "Mommas in the House" blog, she will give you a special deal on her packages, too special to even mention on my blog. For the tired mothers and fathers, she even puts together gift bags for kids, age-appropriate, and makes her own favors. You can find her online at: http://www.myfairytale-event.com/ and her email is: donna@myfairytale-event.com.

Right Start and Babystyle Stores are having a big sale!


Right Start and Babystyle stores are having a huge sale of 30% and more. Sadly the company filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. Right Start owns Babystyle, as well as Tinyride.com. Everyone is being hit by this economy and its sad to see big companies go down because essentially the vendors that they get their products from suffer tremendously. Especially the smaller mom and pop labels that grow out of their own homes, owned and operated by parents like us. I had a substantial merchandise credit from all the unwanted Christmas gifts that I received from Right Start, and lucky me, I tried to go use it at the store, and they said I had nothing on my card. I emailed and called customer service at Right Start and they sent me a long email about my rights as customer to file a claim with the courts. But in regards to my situation this is what they had to say:

"Due to the Chapter 11 filing we are currently prohibited from accepting or issuing gift cards or merchandise credits."

Unfortunately I will not be able to use my merchandise credit. I am expecting this summer and have to repurchase a lot of baby items. I thought this credit would come in handy, but in the end I became a victim to the economy. What can I do? If anyone is in the market for some really great deals for great products run over to Right Start to get some products for your little ones!




Friday, March 27, 2009

HUGE LA KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE!!!

UPDATE: I just came back from the consignment sale. There's a lot of everything for every parent. I got some great deals on Designer Jackets for my daughter at $14 a piece, as well designer pants for $5.00. We also got Reusable Spongebob and Dora Ice packs at $1.50 a pop. My mom also purchased a ziplock bag full of used dolls, that only cost $1.00. The consignment has everything from cute little tutus at $25 to bouncers that started at $7. I saw puzzles, stuffed animals, bottle warmers, and rocking chairs. The downfall was that the lines were exhaustingly long to get into the sale, and to purchase. We were in line for an hour and half to get into the sale and the another hour and a half to purchase. If you are serious about getting a deal, it's worth going. If you were thinking about browsing, you might want to think again. Our total time investment was about 4 and half hours.


I will be one of the folks visiting this weekend to see what products are out there because you can buy children's items for way under retail value, and they are in really great condition. Here is the info:

HUGE LA KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE
HUGE LA KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE – March 27-29
Don’t miss the Spring 2009 LA Kids Consignment sale – it only happens 2ce a year and you can find AMAZING bargains on everything for children – clothes, toys, strollers, cribs, books, videos, exersaucers, bouncy seats, bath tubs, potty seats, high chairs, outdoor toys, maternity, baby equipment, and sooooooooo much more!! Over 375 families contribute over 40,000 gently-used and new items to the sale – everything is clean, in working order and categorized by size, gender and type of product. The sale is so huge it takes place in a 10,000 square foot warehouse!! Prices are typically 50-70% off regular retail prices.
Sale Dates:
March 27th - Public Sale
March 28th - Public Sale
March 29th - 50% off most items
Location
City-Art
7733 Hayvenhurst Ave.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
http://www.lakidsconsignment.com/
Entrance is free. Cash and credit only
Time : 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Date : March 27, 2009 - March 29, 2009

The Busy Mother

I wanted to start this blog by commending mothers. It's a tough job trying to juggle hundreds of things at the same time, but we always come out at the end of the day, accomplishing what most would call the impossible. I wanted to have a platform where I could discuss my experiences as a mother, share ideas, offer product reviews and hopefully enlighten others that would like to share in similar experiences, or always wondered, what? where? and how?

I currently have a 3 year old toddler who will be starting preschool next week, which is nerve recking in itself because it is a full day. She was in another classroom setting until recently, but it was only 2 hours a day. I think I am beginning to have seperation anxiety, and they say that mothers are the ones who get it. Also, I am expecting our second child, who is due in early summer, and we are so estatic about a new addition to our family. As a mother, I am asking myself, "how am I going to do it?"

I am fortunate to have great friends and family who will of course support me along the way and I am everso grateful.

With this second pregnancy, I have to repurchase all of my gear: stroller, car seat, bouncer, swing, etc...I gave all mine away and so now I am back to square one. I will be talking about the products that I see, what I like, what I purchase, and hopefully help parents who are in the same boat as myself. So you will see a lot of product reviews to come.