Thursday, April 29, 2010

The Love I Feel For You

My Dear Sweet Boy,

Words cannot express the love that I hold inside, for you. There is no way that I could show you how much you mean to me. How much I cherish your smile. How thankful I am for your sweetness. How I enjoy your personality. You have taught me so many things. You have taught me how how to love unconditionally. You have taught me how to enjoy life. You have taught me how to be a better person. You have taught me how to be a mom. Your Mom. I could never thank you enough.

You are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I couldn't imagine my life without you. I wake up to your smiles and fall asleep to your snuggles. Your sweet scent is intoxicating. I could hold you for hours and hours on end and not get enough of it. Of you. You are my pride and joy and I often think that I couldn't love you anymore. Then I look at your sweet face and notice that I've just fallen in love all over again. My love for you multiplies with each passing moment. Each smile. Each laugh. Each cry. Each feeding. Each diaper change. My love for you, my sweet boy, is endless.

As I write this letter to you, you are dreaming, of angels I imagine. You smile and sigh as you drift off and I can't help but stare at you for hours. You grow before my eyes and I don't ever want to stop watching. To stop is to loose time and I never want to loose a second. Five months has passed so much quicker than I could have imagine. Quicker than I want it to. Sometimes I wish I could keep you small forever. But even if I could, I wouldn't. Watching you grow has been the most amazing experience. To see you watch, notice and learn. I couldn't take that from you. You are growing into my little bug. My little man. I am so proud.

You can roll all over the house without even taking the time to think. It's amazing how fast you can get from point A to point B. It's hilarious to find you 30 feet from where I left you just 2.5 seconds before. The smile you give me when our eyes meet melts my heart. How one little man can be so happy with everything just amazes me. You truly are the happiest, most content baby that I know. I couldn't be happier to have you.

You started eating solids, the day you turned five months. You refused to eat rice cereal. The faces you made were hilarious. You acted as if I was trying to feed you dirt. I couldn't help but laugh at you. You quickly moved on to sweet potatoes which you scarfed down and got mad at me when I couldn't feed you fast enough. You certainly do love them! After that was sweet peas, then carrots and just this morning you moved on to squash. I was a little nervous for you to try it because I really don't like squash. Your dad does though and he was hoping you would to. You finished it in record time and didn't even give me any funny faces to the new taste in your mouth. It must have been delicious because you inhaled it. Enjoy it, sweet boy, even if I don't. You have one more vegetable to go through before you can start your fruits. I can't wait for that. I'm sure you will love them as do your dad and I. Your last vegetable is green beans, after which you will stay on veggies until you hit 6 months, then you can move on to fruits.

You are babbling up a storm and love to squeal in delight. Your dad and I love to hear your excitement for things. You're also very good at sitting up, on our laps, but the instant we put you by yourself, you fall forward and try to eat your feet. You, my sweet boy, take after your mom on that one. I couldn't get enough of my feet when I was little. You suck your thumb from time to time and love it when you do. You also have your "bink" (pacifier) that you love at night. You've used it throughout the day, off and on, for a while but we're now trying to wean you off of it, completely. I'm sure you'll handle it fine, as you handle everything else.

You're in your crib all through the night, now and slide into bed with me in the morning when dad leaves for work. I nurse you and watch as you fall, peacefully, back to sleep. That's when I sneak out of bed and have some quiet time for a couple hours before you wake for the day.

You are cloth diapered 100% of the time, now, unless we go out of town for longer than 3 days. Then we use disposables. I try not to use them if I don't have to because you tend to rash up the instant they touch your bottom. You seem to love the cloth so much better and I just love how cute they make you look.

Well, my sweet boy, I love you so much and truly hope you've enjoyed these past 5 months with us as your parents. You're an amazing boy and I truly couldn't imagine having a better son. You amaze me every single day and there is nothing that I wouldn't do for you. You make me the happiest Mommy in the whole wide world.

Kisses, my sweet boy, every day and in between!

Love,
Your Mommy!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Extra Entries?

Would you be interested in qualifying for extra entries into yesterday awesome giveaway?

All you have to do is go here and "like" my photo of my little man in his KnickerNappies diaper. If you "like" it, it will get you 15 extra entries! *and don't worry about commenting 15 times, I'll do it for you!* just comment here and let me know you voted for us and our photo!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Lullabies By Request - The O'Neill Brothers - Review & Giveaway

Post It Note Tuesday










Piano Brothers


Tim and Ryan O'Neill composed this beautifully crafted CD, which was inspired by mothers and grandmothers across the country. From heartfelt moments in NICU's to sweet family gathering moments, each song has a special inspiration and a story behind it all. Precious stories, really.

When I was first contacted to review this product, I was a little excited to try something new in hopes that I would finally find a lullaby CD that I liked and wouldn't feel embarrassed if someone happened to get in my car and find it spewing through the speakers. I jumped on the chance to review it and it was sent to me right away. The customer services was absolutely perfect and I am sure that they would be more than willing to help you with anything or everything that you could ever need. They're great, for sure!

When I checked out their site, I was stoked to find that they have samples of the songs, ready to give you a taste of what they include. I do have to say, however, that they do not do them justice. They give you a slight glimpse of what they are like, but they do not show the full beauty that they portray. Not in my opinion.

To put it simply, I LOVE this CD. I love that it's not music that is boring or child like. It's composed so amazingly and I couldn't be any happier with it. I love how they merge some songs together and made them their own. They're simply amazing, I don't know how else I can put it.

Buy, Burrow, or Pass?

BUY! I would buy this CD over and over, again. I am not one for classical music but this music is soul soothing. I love it. Pure and simple.

If you would like to have a Lullabies by request By The O'Neill Brothers for yourself or someone you love, here's how you can:

BUY IT! Go to The O'Neill Brothers and purchase it directly! Lullabies By Request retails for $13.98, a true bargain!

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED!
Congrats to the winners;
Cindy, Cynthia, Baby Sweetness, Mandii & Amy!!

I would like to send a special thank you to The O'Neill Brothers for providing the Lullabies By Request CD for review as well as for donating the giveaway items. I was not compensated in any other way and the statements within this post are of my own mind and are my honest opinions.

Busted!

If you know me.. you know that I'm a little dis-proportioned. After I had my son, it just got worse. It was very difficult to find maternity pants that fit, maternity tops that fit and didn't look stretched out in the bust. Trying to find maternity bras was worse. It was, as I like to say, hell on wheels. Any maternity store that I went into, never had my size. I have a very narrow torso with a large bust. My problem is that I am a 34E and for those of you that still don't know what the bra sizes mean... 34" in the waist and E cup bust. That's the formula for never finding what you need, let me tell you.

Well, not anymore!

I was checking out all my blog subscriptions via email and happened across Mama B's Giveaway. She's giving away a Bella Materna bra and it comes in my size!!!!!!!!!!!! It also comes in a butt load of other sizes, as well. So head on over there and check it out. Enter while you're there. If you don't want it.. give it to me!


I sure could use it!


ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!

XOXO
Stephanie

Sunday, April 25, 2010

I could use some love!

I just entered a baby food recipe contest and I could use some votes!

My recipe is titled: Creamy French Toast Pudding

It's one that is delicious and one the whole family can enjoy!


I'm not going to make you vote for me but I would certainly love some votes, if you don't mind. If you do, please let me know and I'll sign you up for extra entries to Tuesday's Giveaway. You can vote once per day and each day that you do, I will give you TEN extra entries!  Just remember to comment each day that you vote!

Click here to go vote for me.

XOXO 
Stephanie

Mommy & Me Monday


XOXO 
Stephanie

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Friday Follow



Today is Friday Follow, day! This is my first time participating, formally, so please excuse me if I'm not doing it correctly.

Friday Follow is hosted by One2Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades, so make sure you head on over there and say hello to them

Here's how YOU can join the Friday Follow celebration:

  • Link up your blog name and URL using the McLinky below. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops. 
  • Grab the Friday Follow and Sponsor buttons and include both on your Friday Follow blog post.
  • Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.
  • Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like.
  • Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.
  • Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

This list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.




XOXO
Stephanie

Yo Tweeps Twaffic Exchange

Play along and increase your Twitter traffic at the same time! Here's how:

1. Follow the first  FOUR  Twitter Twaffic hosts listed on  the linky.   Netiquette and courtesy!   They'll reciprocate your love on twitter!

2.  MAKE A BLOG POST LIKE I  am doing.   Copy and Paste these directions INTO IT.

3.  Grab the YO Tweeps  Twaffic Exchange Button pictured (above).   Put him in your post.\

4.  Encourage your readers to come to our page and grab the button, too!

(GO GRAB THE BUTTON!)


^^ click to follow me ^^


5.  Put  YOUR OWN  twitter icon  or simply a link on your blog post like I did. It should directly link to your TWITTER PROFILE.

6.  Now link up the post that you just wrote to the linky, located here!!

7.  Visit some other #YOtweeps linkers on the list.

8.  Follow them if you choose and shout out to them on twitter,  that you are following so they can instantly follow you if they're on.

Example:  
@personsname #yotweeps  I'm following! 

9. If someone follows you JUST reciprocate on twitter.  It's that easy.

10.  You have to have a BLOG POST to do this.

Spread the word.  SEND AROUD THE LINK ON TWITTER!

WE'LL BE BACK every THURSDAY TO DO THIS AGAIN!

p.s.  Tweetdeck.com is AWESOME and makes this game  of twitter SO MUCH EASIER and fun.
XOXO
Stephanie

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

LIMITED TIME ONLY!

Would you like to receive your ad placed on our site for A LIFETIME? I'm opening my blog up for a LIMITED TIME ONLY and am selling lifetime ads for only $25! That's right! You heard me correctly! For only $25, your ad (website, blog, facebook, twitter, etc) will be placed on my sidebar. It will be placed in my Linky Love section for one month, after which it will be moved to our sponsor section which is still located on our FRONT PAGE.

Wow, that almost sounds like a bad info-mercial. Yikes.

Regardless, this is a limited time only.. it will be gone before you know it. Oh and if you hurry, I may even put your ad in a special place on here!

XOXO
Stephanie

Monday, April 19, 2010

This is how I roll!

Post It Note Tuesday


Would you like to participate in Post-It Note Tuesday? Head on over to Supah's and learn how to stick 'em up!


XOXO
Stephanie

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Shout Out

I wanted to send a Linky Love shout out to BabyLegs for picking us in their April Fools Day Contest. We LOVE our BabyLegs!


You can find baby legs, here:

www.babylegs.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BabyLegs/18145667098
http://twitter.com/babylegs

XOXO
Stephanie

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Share Your Dirt Saturday

I have met so many new friends over the last couple weeks. Many of which follow my blog and many more of which I follow. I thought it would be fun to have a day specifically for sharing. What you ask? Details, of course! The nitty gritty. The deep down dirty. The soap scum on the bathtub, dirty. The paw prints on the floor kind of dirty. The kind of dirty that would get you smacked by your Momma.

If you want to participate, I would encourage you to do so! Make sure you link back, here, so others can view your dirt, too. 

Here's how to play:

1. Answer my dirt question.
2. Post your dirt question on your blog.
3. Come back here to link up to Mister Linky.
4. While you're here, choose a blog or two to answer their dirt questions.

Today's Dirt: What is your biggest fear?

My Answer: Walking in to find my son dead in his crib, playpen, etc. That would be the end of my world.




XOXO
- Stephanie

Friday, April 16, 2010

Aloha Friday #7


Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So on Fridays we take it easy on posting, too.

Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and make sure you link up at Kailani's. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

Today's Question is:

What kind of car do you drive?

XOXO
Stephanie

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Yo Tweeps Twaffic Exchange

Play along and increase your Twitter traffic at the same time! Here's how:

1. Follow the first  FOUR  Twitter Twaffic hosts listed on  the linky.   Netiquette and courtesy!   They'll reciprocate your love on twitter!

2.  MAKE A BLOG POST LIKE I  am doing.   Copy and Paste these directions INTO IT.

3.  Grab the YO Tweeps  Twaffic Exchange Button pictured (above).   Put him in your post.\

4.  Encourage your readers to come to our page and grab the button, too!

(GO GRAB THE BUTTON!)


^^ click to follow me ^^


5.  Put  YOUR OWN  twitter icon  or simply a link on your blog post like I did. It should directly link to your TWITTER PROFILE.

6.  Now link up the post that you just wrote to the linky, located here!!

7.  Visit some other #YOtweeps linkers on the list.

8.  Follow them if you choose and shout out to them on twitter,  that you are following so they can instantly follow you if they're on.

Example:  
@personsname #yotweeps  I'm following! 

9. If someone follows you JUST reciprocate on twitter.  It's that easy.

10.  You have to have a BLOG POST to do this.

Spread the word.  SEND AROUD THE LINK ON TWITTER!

WE'LL BE BACK every THURSDAY TO DO THIS AGAIN!

p.s.  Tweetdeck.com is AWESOME and makes this game  of twitter SO MUCH EASIER and fun.
XOXO
Stephanie

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Baker-ific!

I just had to pop on to let you know of an amazing giveaway from One Savvy Mommy and Wilton Bakeware! Head on over to One Savvy Mommy's and check it out! It's Baker-ific!

Giveaway ends April 27, 2010 at 12 o' clock pm.

Oh! and while you're over there.. make sure you enter her amazing giveaway for Seventh Generation products! Which you can find, here.

Seventh Generation Prize Pack

Giveaway ends April 20, 2010 at 12 o' clock pm.

XOXO
Stephanie

Post-It Note Tuesday 5


Would you like to participate in Post-It Note Tuesday? Head on over to Supah's and learn how to stick 'em up!


XOXO
Stephanie

Monday, April 12, 2010

Just An FYI

I've removed a comment widget from my blog and in doing so it has removed the comments from my blog. Don't worry, though, I've read them all and have them saved online. They're just not posted here, sadly. They will be, from now on, though.

XOXO
Stephanie

Mommy And Me Monday

This Mommy&Me Monday goes out to my husband. A few weeks ago I hosted a Mommy's Night Out at my house and since I'm nursing The Monkey, he had to stay with me. Daddy stayed to take him in the room so I still got some sort of a break, sans baby, except when it came to nursing. After the last Mommy left, I shut down the house and walked in on this:



My husband had The Monkey in the spare bedroom, laptop and extra TV included. I guess they pooped themselves out.

XOXO
Stephanie

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Month long event and I need your help!

I'm currently setting up a pretty great month long event and in doing so I would like to open it up to everyone for participation and sponsoring. I can assure you that it will be a pretty great event! For sure!

Here are some sneaky pete details... I will be hosting a month long Cloth Diapering Event and am looking for a few different participants. I am going to be reviewing cloth diapers and accessories as well as writing a few information (BUT FUN!) posts on the perks of cloth diapering. And to thank you for participating and reading said posts, I will be hosting a few different giveaways. Oh yes, I am! So please, if you can and are willing, participate! It will be fun!

There are a few ways you can participate:

Option A: You can sponsor a giveaway! It's simple. If you have a business, online or not, or blog that you would like to promote, simply send me an email and we'll set it up!

Option B: You can be a guest blogger during our month long event! It can be anything from questions and answers or you can write your own post on a certain topic. If you're interested, email me and we'll get it set up.

If you're interested in participating, please email me at stephanie@mynewlifeasmom.com for details. I'd be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

XOXO
Stephanie

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Share Your Dirt Saturday

I have met so many new friends over the last couple weeks. Many of which follow my blog and many more of which I follow. I thought it would be fun to have a day specifically for sharing. What you ask? Details, of course! The nitty gritty. The deep down dirty. The soap scum on the bathtub, dirty. The paw prints on the floor kind of dirty. The kind of dirty that would get you smacked by your Momma.

If you want to participate, I would encourage you to do so! Make sure you link back, here, so others can view your dirt, too. 

Here's how to play:

1. Answer my dirt question.
2. Post your dirt question on your blog.
3. Come back here to link up to Mister Linky.
4. While you're here, choose a blog or two to answer their dirt questions.

Today's Dirt: Where do you buy your undercloths?

My Answer: I purchased my undies at Motherhood Maternity (I was pregnant and haven't purchased any new ones, yet, sheesh) and my nursing bras, I purchase at Target.



XOXO
- Stephanie

Friday, April 09, 2010

Aloha Friday #6


Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that they take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So on Fridays we take it easy on posting, too.

Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and make sure you link up at Kailani's. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!

 My son, taking after his Momma, watching food network.

In lieu of the previous photo, my question of the day is:

What is your favorite TV show?

XOXO
Stephanie