That's right, I finally got the job I've been after for over 10 years and now just 7 months later, I quit. I think I've lost my mind. I was venting to a friend one day about needing a new job closer to home (half joking and not seriously looking) and she told me her employer is always hiring; I figured what the heck, lets give it a shot. I had to take a pre-employment test which included a section on Excel, a program I've never so much as opened before let alone used. I failed it but must have rocked my interview because they hired me anyway! They offered me less money then what I make at the shelter so before I accepted Hubby and I sat down and figured out all of our expenses taking into account gas, tolls, food, sitter (who will have Minion 2 extra days now) and of course bills. Turns out, we are still saving more money if I take the new job. It also offers room for advancement and they have quarterly bonuses, something I'll likely never see at the shelter. I decided to take it. Hubby of course is thrilled because I will no longer be working night shift or over-nights anymore, or weekends for that matter. I've never had a job where not only so I have a set schedule but I have EVERY weekend off! Maybe I can be a functional member of my family for once.
I'm going to miss the shelter a lot though, for a lot of reasons. Saving animals lives, seeing something different everyday, police drug busts...I live for this stuff; I need to find myself a new adrenaline rush before I go stir crazy. Most of all I'm going to miss my co-workers. Scratch that, I'm going to miss my friends. I have met some amazing people working at the shelter and some life long friends, it's killing me that I won't get to see them everyday anymore. I'm not even going to be in the same state. I'm not going to get to see all the babies grow up (I started quite a baby boom when I got pregnant with Minion). Sure the place is like high school sometimes but what place isn't? So many people have had my back since I started there and genuinely supported me. Some are a bit over-protective but it's sweet and I think I'll even miss that. I'm always going to worry about my drivers even though I won't be working there anymore. They bust their butts doing what they love and it's usually a thankless job (except of course all the puppy kisses). Lives have been in danger more then once but it never stops anyone. I wish the rest of the world could see a shelter workers life through their eyes, it's hard. What am I going to do without this place?
I keep feeling like a made a mistake but I know this new job will be better for our future. We want to save to buy a house in a few years, I need a new car... These are all things that just won't be possible if I stay at the shelter. On a positive note, I get to go clothes/shoe shopping! This new place is business casual and there is not a lot in my current wardrobe that fits that category. Hubby is working on Sunday(his 1 a month) so Minion and I are going to spend the day upgrading our closets, I know he won't really enjoy it but at least we get to hang out together all day. Maybe I'll find somewhere with a play place for lunch since it's getting to cold for the playground... I know Chick-fil-A will be closed, I hope that doesn't leave only McDonald's. I can't eat there, it hurts my stomach and I'd rather Minion not eat there either.
This should definitely be interesting, I start this coming Monday so wish me luck.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
VTECH InnoTab 3S Giveaway
Welcome to the Vtech's InnoTab Giveaway
This giveaway is brought to you by Empowered Mommy and friends!
Co-hosted by Black Coffe Brown Cow, Nest Full Of New, Powered By Dad, Joys Of Life & Craft Cravings
Vtech's Innotab is a perfect technology gift for own child, niece/nephew or grandchildren! I was in love with this electronic toy ever since I laid eyes on it! Empowered Mommy and friends teamed together to giveaway one of these tabs to one of their reader!
What is Vtech's Innotab?
It is tablet that offers a wealth of fun, age-appropriate learning games for kids, plus new ways to play and learn. Kids and parents can exchange and share their text messages, photos and more over a kid-safe Wi-Fi connection using VTech Kid Connect. Children can browse kid-safe and parent approved websites to find even more learning fun right from the InnoTab 3S.
What does this tablet include?
Exchange and Share with Smart phones
InnoTab 3S connects kids to their parents and friends anywhere (available with Wi-Fi connection). With VTech Kid Connect Basic (included) you can wirelessly exchange text and fun stickers between the InnoTab 3S and smart phones. Kids can also connect with friends and siblings safely with tablet-to-tablet communication between two InnoTab 3S tablets no matter where they are- anytime, anywhere.
Browse the web
Make A Wish
Deluxe Apps Package
Movie Maker
Rotating Camera and Video Recorder
Wonder Cam
Magic Beanstalk Game
& MUCH MORE!!!
Learning is even more fun with InnoTab 3S, fun that never stops!
This giveaway is open to US/CAN. Entrants must be 18+ to enter the giveaway.
Giveaway dates: October 17, 2013 to November 17, 2013
Enter via rafflecopter widget below. Allow the widget to fully load and claim as many entries as you can to maximize your chances to win!
Disclosure: Epic Tales of a First Time Mom is not responsible for the shipment of the prize. This giveaway is not at all endorsed or sponsored by Facebook, Twitter and/or Vtech. This is a self sponsored giveaway brought to you by Empowered Mommy and friends. Once the giveaway is over, the winner will be announced via random.org and will be contacted by Empowered Mommy via. For questions, please email Empowered Mommy.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
In Mind 4U "I Love You to the Moon & Back" sign Giveaway
Hosted By: Simply Southern Couponers
Sponsored By: In Mind 4U
In Mind 4 U is a hand painted wood sign shop on etsy founded by Stacy Murphy out of Ohio. She opened her shop on etsy in late 2010. While experimenting and seeing what she was going to sell, she saw her true calling, hand painted vintage style signs. She loves to paint or do anything that allows her to show her creative sign so she loves painting new signs for her shop. She has an amazing support system from her husband and their son. Read Simply Southern Couponers full review here.
Simply Southern Couponers is happy to have been able to partner up with In Mind 4U to give our readers this awesome giveaway! We will be giving away a wooden sign just like this one pictured above to one of our viewers (RV$30). See details below on how to enter!
Event Details:
October 16th - October 30th
Open to US residents who are 18 years of age or older.
To enter complete the entries on the Entry Form below. All winning entries will be verified.
Prize: One lucky viewer will have a chance to win their own "I love you to the moon & back" hand painted wood sign from In Mind 4U.
This would be a beautiful addition to any nursery or home decor.
Disclosure: Epic Tales of a First Time Mom did not receive compensation for promoting this event and is not responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google or any other social network. Nomad Footwear is responsible for prize fulfillment. Please contact Jennifer atsimplysoutherncouponers@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
BabyBjorn ONE carrier Giveaway
Welcome to the BabyBjörn
ONE Carrier
Giveaway
Hosted by: So Sew Mama
Sponsored by: BabyBjörn
Epic Tales of a First Time Mom proudly supports baby wearing!
The Features:
- The Baby Carrier One is for use with newborns (minimum 8 pounds) to age approximately age three (maximum 33 pounds)
- Four position options. Front carrying in or outward facing. Back carrying in or outward facing.
- Ergonomic design with back distribution and a waist belt for added parental and babe comfort.
- All fabrics safety tested and free from hazardous chemicals.
- Machine washable
- Extra secure
Giveaway
10/8 - 10/22
One reader will receive the BabyBjörn ONE carrier. The winner must be 18+ years of age and have a US address. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Winner must reply to email to confirm address with 48 hours or a new winner is chosen. The more entries you complete the greater of a chance you have at winning.
Good luck!
SHARE LINK http://giveawaytools.com/share.php?giveaway=320438309
So Sew Mama and the bloggers involved are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment and fulfillment. Facebook is not affiliated with this giveaway. I was not compensated for this post.
Pit Bull Calendar Giveaway
Hosted by: Queen of Savings
Dog Park Publishing, based out of northern New Jersey, was created for the purpose of showcasing and celebrating the Pit Bull, in particular, as a majestic, affectionate, and intelligent breed that is sorely misunderstood.
They have developed calendars and other products -- with a portion of the proceeds going to Pit Bull rescue groups -- to increase the public's awareness of the good qualities of these wonderful dogs.
3 Winners will receive a Painted Pit Bulls 2014 Calendar that is a full-color 12"x12" wall calendar, perfect for any Pit Bull or dog lover! Enjoy twelve months of beautiful artwork by artist Dean Russo -- each month features a new and exciting print.
3 Winners will receive a For The Love of Pit Bulls 2014 Calendar that is a full-color 12"x12" wall calendar, perfect for any Pit Bull or dog lover! Enjoy twelve months of beautiful Pit Bulls -- each one rescued from difficult circumstances by a reputable rescue group.
Winners and prizes will be chosen at random.
Prize: 3 Painted Pit Bulls 2014 Calendars and 3 For The Love of Pit Bulls 2014 Calendars
Dates: 10/12-10/26
Open to: US Residents18+
Enter to win using the Giveaway Tools Widget below. Good luck!
Disclosure: Epic Tales of a First Time Mom did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Just sharing the Pit Bull love.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
The Sickness
Minion has had a runny nose for just over 2 weeks now and about a week ago had an on/off fever. The last week or so this has also been accompanied by a diapers rash (his 2nd one!) that just looks painful. Non of this has seemed to bother him and since the sitters baby hasn't been sick (they share binkies, cups and food) I have attributed it all to teething. I've been giving him Hyland's Baby Tiny Cold Tablets for a couple days and running the humidifier while he sleeps. This kid seriously hates having his nose even wipes let alone having the boogies sucked out... it's a battle. Recently it has been suggested that maybe he has allergies. That's completely plausible since I have seasonal allergies myself and they've been bothering me a little but not enough that it crossed my mind. I think I'm going to start giving him a small spoonful of local honey tonight and see if that helps too.
With that said. Hubby has been actually sick for the past few days (sore throat, running nose...) and is miserable. Now don't get me wrong when I'm sick I expect to be waited on hand and foot and I know I'm not at all pleasant to be around but it just amuses me that my 15 month old has had almost the same symptoms for 2 weeks now and has been acting like his normal happy self. Nothing at all against Hubby it just goes to show how resilient kids actually are (thank goodness because I don't think I could handle them both being whiny at the same time). So far, I'm doing pretty good and not feeling sick at all. *knocks on wood*
On a completely unrelated note, Hubby found a better paying job! I wish it would have come about 3 months ago so we wouldn't have had to move but hey, I'll take what I can get. That just means we can save more money to buy a house in a couple years. Who knows, maybe we can even replace the Kia with a newer (better) used car. I'm sure Hubby will want brand new but I really don't want to take on a car payment AND full coverage insurance so I think he's going to lose that battle.
With that said. Hubby has been actually sick for the past few days (sore throat, running nose...) and is miserable. Now don't get me wrong when I'm sick I expect to be waited on hand and foot and I know I'm not at all pleasant to be around but it just amuses me that my 15 month old has had almost the same symptoms for 2 weeks now and has been acting like his normal happy self. Nothing at all against Hubby it just goes to show how resilient kids actually are (thank goodness because I don't think I could handle them both being whiny at the same time). So far, I'm doing pretty good and not feeling sick at all. *knocks on wood*
On a completely unrelated note, Hubby found a better paying job! I wish it would have come about 3 months ago so we wouldn't have had to move but hey, I'll take what I can get. That just means we can save more money to buy a house in a couple years. Who knows, maybe we can even replace the Kia with a newer (better) used car. I'm sure Hubby will want brand new but I really don't want to take on a car payment AND full coverage insurance so I think he's going to lose that battle.
Target $200 Gift Card Giveaway Opportunity
Christmas is almost here!!
We are giving away
a
Target $200 Gift Card
-FREE Link with announcement (Twitter or Pinterest)
-Giveaway date: October 14 to November 4
-Co-host $15.00
10 Links
2 Co-host pages
Extra links $1.50
Send payment to melisurveys1978@gmail.com
InnoTab 3S Giveaway Blogger Opportunity
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InnoTab 3S Giveaway
This giveaway is hosted by Empowered Mommy and Joys Of Life
FREE blogger opportunity with paid options. OPEN to US/CAN.
Prize: Vtech InnoTab Event Dates: October 15 - November 15 Sign-ups: October 12
Get 1 Free link (Facebook or Twitter) with announcement post. ($5 waiver fee without announcement post) Additional links for $3 each Co-host for $20- Get up-to 3 free additional links and a back-link to your blog on the final giveaway post. Host pages/Comment pages $10 each
The blog who refers the most bloggers will get free co-host spot. (If you paid for co-host and wins referral prize, your payment will be refunded)
Questions? Email me: admin@empoweredmommy.com
Thursday, September 19, 2013
How much stress can one Mama handle?
It's been a while since my last post, I'm sorry for that. Things have been pretty crazy in my household and I've not been handling it very well. I mentioned before on Twitter and Facebook that we had to move because of money issues, we had to down size from a 3 bedroom house with a huge back yard to a 2 bedroom apartment in a complex. To make things worse, we could not take any of our beloved pets with us. We searched for a while for a place that would let us bring them but they all either said not (flat out or because of breeds...BSL really needs to stop) or we could not afford the extra rent they asked. Finally we couldn't wait any longer and had to move, re-homing 2 large dogs and 3 cats is not easy at all.
Floyd (5 year old cat) found a home with friends fairly quick but our other two cats sadly ended up in the shelter where I work and are still waiting to be adopted (if your looking for a cat and are in the Philadelphia area email me epictalesftm@gmail.com). It kills me to see them here everyday.
Deuce (12 year old Chow mix) already had some old man problems and in the process of trying to find him a home his back legs started to give out and sometimes he could not get up at all so Hubby and I made the heartbreaking decision to have him humanely euthanized. It was the worst day of my life and I don't think I've ever cried so much, it was about 3 weeks ago and I still cry all the time. I asked one of my managers at work to do it so it was less impersonal, Hubby and I were with him the entire time and he died looking into my eyes with my arms wrapped around him. I'm seriously crying right now as I type this. Deuce and I went through a lot together and he got me through some pretty tough times in my life, I've had him since before I was with Hubby. To make things worse, I didn't realize Hubby had never seem an animal euthanized before, it's hard enough to watch when you know what to expect but he went into it totally blind. I wish I would have known so I could have at least explained the process to him, he said he can never watch that again. I don't blame him. Having Deuce put to sleep was the kindest thing I could do for him and I know he's waiting for me in the after life, probably playing in the snow.
Alice (4 year old American Pit Bull Terrier) is a while other story that still doesn't have an end. My cousin (who is studying to be a veterinarian and is deaf) wanted her with the intention of training her to be a service dog but was in the process of moving to Iowa. Hubby and I were thrilled because being a service dog would mean she can go anywhere and Iowa is cold so it would be great for her allergies (that only flair up in the heat); we just needed a foster home for 1 month until she could get settled in to her new place. Foster home #1: Didn't feel right from the beginning. A family of 4 was looking to foster a dog to show their 2 children how much responsibility it was before making the commitment... I can respect that and thinks it's a pretty good idea, I just didn't realize neither of them ever had a dog before. We drove over an hour to their house and were very honest up front about her medical conditions, her barking and how strong she was and the family was perfectly fine with it until about 2 days later. They emailed my cousin and said she kept having accidents in the house, wasn't eating or taking her meds and barked at everyone and their neighbors did not like a Pit Bull in the area. They didn't want to deal with any adjustment period on Alice's part and just wanted her gone, they did offer to take her to where ever she was going though. Foster #2: Another family member, loves dogs. Seemed like the perfect solution until their resident dog tried to attack Alice not even 30 minutes after she arrived. They brought her to our house as we were literally in the process of moving out on our last day there. Our landlord was nice enough to let us keep her there for 2 nights (Hubby stayed there with her) after which she went to Foster #3. Hubby's manager: A bachelor with dog experience living in Philly, when I dropped her off he told me he did not expect us to take him up on his offer and 2 days later I had to pick her up because she didn't fit his life style. We were out of options and I had to bring her to the shelter. I knew she wouldn't do well there, she's not crate trained so she would hate the cages and special needs dogs don't usually get placed. As I was about to do her intake one of my co-workers found a volunteer who knew someone tat could take in a foster. I waited around for over an hour when she and her kids finally showed up. Foster #4: They had special needs dog experience and seemed nice but again a few days later she called me and said Alice tried to attack one of her cats (which I still don't understand because Alice has lived with cats her whole life). She agreed to keep her one more night since it was later and Minion was sleeping so the next day I picked her up while I was at work and brought her back to the shelter. She was so depressed and it was very hard to see her like that, she's such a bubbly dog normally. The next day she caught another break! A boarding facility the shelter works with previously offered space to a dog with a home that couldn't take them right away. My cousin still wanted her so off she went and her updates said she was doing very well there. Then the airline jacked up her plane ticket to over $500 and said because she is dangerous (based solely on her breed) she needed a special metal kennel that would cost almost $1000, non of us could afford that but my cousin quickly decided that she would just drive the 18 hours here and back to pick Alice up. Now we just need a foster for 1 night on September 27 till the 28th when my cousin gets to town. I refuse to believe it's over until she is safely in Iowa.
As I'm sure you can imagine my stress level has been through the roof lately, all this on top of getting rid of things we no longer have room for and funding a place for the things we can't get rid of (like Halloween and Christmas decorations since our apt complex has no storage). Aside from the lack of space, the apartment isn't too bad, it has a 24 hour gym and a pool I'm pretty sure most of the Philadelphia Soul players live in my building, I guess they don't get paid like the pros (no I'm not at all surprised). It's all just an adjustment, neither one of us really likes change (although I can tolerate it better then he can) so it's been interesting to say the least. My body is also still out of whack from Minion causing me to be extra moody. Poor Hubby, I'm pretty sure I take most of it out on him. I just keep trying to tell myself we only have to stay here a couple years until we can save enough to buy a house of our own, things are already looking up, Hubby has a job interview on Friday. Pray it goes well.
Floyd (5 year old cat) found a home with friends fairly quick but our other two cats sadly ended up in the shelter where I work and are still waiting to be adopted (if your looking for a cat and are in the Philadelphia area email me epictalesftm@gmail.com). It kills me to see them here everyday.
Deuce (12 year old Chow mix) already had some old man problems and in the process of trying to find him a home his back legs started to give out and sometimes he could not get up at all so Hubby and I made the heartbreaking decision to have him humanely euthanized. It was the worst day of my life and I don't think I've ever cried so much, it was about 3 weeks ago and I still cry all the time. I asked one of my managers at work to do it so it was less impersonal, Hubby and I were with him the entire time and he died looking into my eyes with my arms wrapped around him. I'm seriously crying right now as I type this. Deuce and I went through a lot together and he got me through some pretty tough times in my life, I've had him since before I was with Hubby. To make things worse, I didn't realize Hubby had never seem an animal euthanized before, it's hard enough to watch when you know what to expect but he went into it totally blind. I wish I would have known so I could have at least explained the process to him, he said he can never watch that again. I don't blame him. Having Deuce put to sleep was the kindest thing I could do for him and I know he's waiting for me in the after life, probably playing in the snow.
Alice (4 year old American Pit Bull Terrier) is a while other story that still doesn't have an end. My cousin (who is studying to be a veterinarian and is deaf) wanted her with the intention of training her to be a service dog but was in the process of moving to Iowa. Hubby and I were thrilled because being a service dog would mean she can go anywhere and Iowa is cold so it would be great for her allergies (that only flair up in the heat); we just needed a foster home for 1 month until she could get settled in to her new place. Foster home #1: Didn't feel right from the beginning. A family of 4 was looking to foster a dog to show their 2 children how much responsibility it was before making the commitment... I can respect that and thinks it's a pretty good idea, I just didn't realize neither of them ever had a dog before. We drove over an hour to their house and were very honest up front about her medical conditions, her barking and how strong she was and the family was perfectly fine with it until about 2 days later. They emailed my cousin and said she kept having accidents in the house, wasn't eating or taking her meds and barked at everyone and their neighbors did not like a Pit Bull in the area. They didn't want to deal with any adjustment period on Alice's part and just wanted her gone, they did offer to take her to where ever she was going though. Foster #2: Another family member, loves dogs. Seemed like the perfect solution until their resident dog tried to attack Alice not even 30 minutes after she arrived. They brought her to our house as we were literally in the process of moving out on our last day there. Our landlord was nice enough to let us keep her there for 2 nights (Hubby stayed there with her) after which she went to Foster #3. Hubby's manager: A bachelor with dog experience living in Philly, when I dropped her off he told me he did not expect us to take him up on his offer and 2 days later I had to pick her up because she didn't fit his life style. We were out of options and I had to bring her to the shelter. I knew she wouldn't do well there, she's not crate trained so she would hate the cages and special needs dogs don't usually get placed. As I was about to do her intake one of my co-workers found a volunteer who knew someone tat could take in a foster. I waited around for over an hour when she and her kids finally showed up. Foster #4: They had special needs dog experience and seemed nice but again a few days later she called me and said Alice tried to attack one of her cats (which I still don't understand because Alice has lived with cats her whole life). She agreed to keep her one more night since it was later and Minion was sleeping so the next day I picked her up while I was at work and brought her back to the shelter. She was so depressed and it was very hard to see her like that, she's such a bubbly dog normally. The next day she caught another break! A boarding facility the shelter works with previously offered space to a dog with a home that couldn't take them right away. My cousin still wanted her so off she went and her updates said she was doing very well there. Then the airline jacked up her plane ticket to over $500 and said because she is dangerous (based solely on her breed) she needed a special metal kennel that would cost almost $1000, non of us could afford that but my cousin quickly decided that she would just drive the 18 hours here and back to pick Alice up. Now we just need a foster for 1 night on September 27 till the 28th when my cousin gets to town. I refuse to believe it's over until she is safely in Iowa.
As I'm sure you can imagine my stress level has been through the roof lately, all this on top of getting rid of things we no longer have room for and funding a place for the things we can't get rid of (like Halloween and Christmas decorations since our apt complex has no storage). Aside from the lack of space, the apartment isn't too bad, it has a 24 hour gym and a pool I'm pretty sure most of the Philadelphia Soul players live in my building, I guess they don't get paid like the pros (no I'm not at all surprised). It's all just an adjustment, neither one of us really likes change (although I can tolerate it better then he can) so it's been interesting to say the least. My body is also still out of whack from Minion causing me to be extra moody. Poor Hubby, I'm pretty sure I take most of it out on him. I just keep trying to tell myself we only have to stay here a couple years until we can save enough to buy a house of our own, things are already looking up, Hubby has a job interview on Friday. Pray it goes well.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Baby Essentials Giveaway!
Welcome to the Baby Essentials Giveaway
Epic Tales of a First Time Mom is happy to participate in this giveaway and wishes you all luck at winning a prize!
The Tortle
Tortle is a simple, comfortable beanie that helps prevent and treat early stages flat head syndrome: plagiocephaly & torticollis. It makes the job of repositioning newborns safe and easy. It is recommended that all newborns wear a Tortle for the first few months of life to aid in repositioning; which supports healthy development. Tortle works by gently deflecting your baby’s head when she's sitting or lying on the back of her head, to gently move her head from side to side.
Tortle is a simple, comfortable beanie that helps prevent and treat early stages flat head syndrome: plagiocephaly & torticollis. It makes the job of repositioning newborns safe and easy. It is recommended that all newborns wear a Tortle for the first few months of life to aid in repositioning; which supports healthy development. Tortle works by gently deflecting your baby’s head when she's sitting or lying on the back of her head, to gently move her head from side to side.
The incidence of plagiocephaly and torticollis (or flat head syndrome) has increased by 600% since 1992 due to the amount of time infants spend on their back (the safest place to be). However, if left untreated, treatment is expensive and can be hard on the baby. Moreover, long term developmental delays can occur. But plagiocephaly and torticollis almost 100% preventable with repositioning, which Tortle makes easy.
The Rooster Diaper Bag is the most popular bag from 2 Red Hens. To a passerby, the Rooster bag looks like a cute purse, but look inside, and you’ll see the functionality that every mom needs in a diaper bag. With an interior zipper pocket, bottle holder and 2 elastic pockets, organization is a cinch! And, never dig for your keys again with an attached key Fob for easy access! Other features include: removable stroller straps, magnetic snap & button for extra security, water-resistant backing for easy, wipe-down cleaning, & extra-long polka-dot changing pad (26" x 12.5").
Behind each MAM innovation is a perfect combination of medical and technical expertise. Internationally recognized designers, medical professionals and developmental psychologists collaborate to develop safe and innovative baby products. For this reason, MAM's mission is to provide babies with an optimal start in life and cool, easy style for their parents! At MAM you'll find lots of great BPA-Free products including pacifiers, sippy cups, bottles, teethers, and more!
This prize package ARV is $95!
Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below. Good Luck!
Open to the US only. Ends 8/16/13 at 11:59 PM EST.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Still no mama...
It didn't bother me when Minion's first word was Dada, after all it is easier for a baby to say and he's still a Mama's Boy so I was happy to throw Hubby a bone. At almost 13 months he now says a lot of words: Dad, Daddy, Dog, Juice, Tickle, Hi, No... and a few others we can make out that most people probably wouldn't understand. As proud as I am that he is picking everything up, I'd be be a liar if I said I'm not upset that he doesn't say Mama yet. Every day Hubby and I try to get him to say it and he just laughs, he knows I'm Mama and what it means but it never comes out of his mouth. Sigh. I'm starting to think he will never say my name. I feel strange wondering if this is normal, but I also can't help it. Call me selfish. I guess I just assumed it would be one of his first few words. I do love to hear him babble even when it's not understandable. Oh well, hopefully I'll get to hear it by 15 months.
What was your baby's first word?
What was your baby's first word?
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to all the Daddys. Any guy can be a Father but it takes a real man (& a special one at that) to be a Dad. Minion is lucky to have one of the best :-) Also Happy Day to the single Mamas pulling double duty, you deserve both days!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Timbutt2oos Review
So I've talked before about my extreme love for gDiapers (it's more of an obsession really), I just can't get enough of them. A few months ago I came across a diaper making mama in my local cloth diapering group, she makes Timbutt2oos. I "liked" her page on Facebook but wasn't sure I would ever actually order anything since I've never used anything but my beloved gs... Then I saw the galaxy print. It's beautiful and I had to have it so I ordered a pocket diaper, the mama was so nice and asked the dimensions of the inserts I currently use so that I can use them as well and she also included 2 inserts of her own instead of one.
Once I received the diaper I was in love with the print even more, so much cuter in person. That being said, I was confused as to how to get it on Minion since it has a bunch of buttons instead of Velcro like the diapers I normally use. I prepped and dried the diaper and decided to try putting it together off of Minion first, I thought I had it figured out but somehow having it on him made a difference (all of his squirming didn't help much) and I was lost all over again. The first time I out it on him it was really loose around the legs and I actually didn't keep it on him long, 1. because he needed a bath and 2. because I was afraid it was going to leak. I contacted the mama and she got right back to me explaining a bit how it worked (great customer service) I was going to take it to the sitter's with me because she uses them too but I ended up figuring it out before I got the chance (AKA before I remembered to pack it).
The next time I put it on him, I used one insert and it held up really well, he had it on for about 2 hours with no leaks. I'm not sure it was on the "right" way but it worked and there was no gaps anywhere. It is a bit bulkier then the diapers I normally use but that's not really a big deal to me. I put it to the test last night and used it as an overnight diaper with both inserts instead of disposables like I normally do, up until last night I have not been able to find a cloth combination that Minion doesn't leak though at night. When we got up this morning and Hubby changed him I was in awe, not only were his jammies and outside of the diaper completely dry but it also contained a massive messy poop. I can not tell you how impressed I am. I can't wait to wash, dry and use it again as my overnight diaper, I'd love to be able to get rid of disposables all together.
When I ordered the galaxy, I had also ordered another print which had not come in stock yet. Originally when I was having fitting issues I had asked her to make it into a wet bag for me instead because I didn't think I was going to get it to work out, sadly there were some issues with her source and the print was unavailable. I was offered a refund or to pick another print, I went with the refund just because we were short on cash at the time but now I really with I had ordered another diaper. I figure if I have at least 4 that would be enough for nighttime and maybe I'll get a few more and put them in my daytime rotation. I'm hoping by the end of the summer to never have to buy disposables again! I'm not sure how happy Hubby will be about that but that's my goal. HEHE.
Once I received the diaper I was in love with the print even more, so much cuter in person. That being said, I was confused as to how to get it on Minion since it has a bunch of buttons instead of Velcro like the diapers I normally use. I prepped and dried the diaper and decided to try putting it together off of Minion first, I thought I had it figured out but somehow having it on him made a difference (all of his squirming didn't help much) and I was lost all over again. The first time I out it on him it was really loose around the legs and I actually didn't keep it on him long, 1. because he needed a bath and 2. because I was afraid it was going to leak. I contacted the mama and she got right back to me explaining a bit how it worked (great customer service) I was going to take it to the sitter's with me because she uses them too but I ended up figuring it out before I got the chance (AKA before I remembered to pack it).
The next time I put it on him, I used one insert and it held up really well, he had it on for about 2 hours with no leaks. I'm not sure it was on the "right" way but it worked and there was no gaps anywhere. It is a bit bulkier then the diapers I normally use but that's not really a big deal to me. I put it to the test last night and used it as an overnight diaper with both inserts instead of disposables like I normally do, up until last night I have not been able to find a cloth combination that Minion doesn't leak though at night. When we got up this morning and Hubby changed him I was in awe, not only were his jammies and outside of the diaper completely dry but it also contained a massive messy poop. I can not tell you how impressed I am. I can't wait to wash, dry and use it again as my overnight diaper, I'd love to be able to get rid of disposables all together.
When I ordered the galaxy, I had also ordered another print which had not come in stock yet. Originally when I was having fitting issues I had asked her to make it into a wet bag for me instead because I didn't think I was going to get it to work out, sadly there were some issues with her source and the print was unavailable. I was offered a refund or to pick another print, I went with the refund just because we were short on cash at the time but now I really with I had ordered another diaper. I figure if I have at least 4 that would be enough for nighttime and maybe I'll get a few more and put them in my daytime rotation. I'm hoping by the end of the summer to never have to buy disposables again! I'm not sure how happy Hubby will be about that but that's my goal. HEHE.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Mama Love Giveaway!
Epic Tales of a First Time Mom is so excited to bring you an amazing Mama Love event for moms and babies.
We have put together two separate prize packs for you! One for the pregnant/new mama and one for the cloth diapering mama! There is over $300 in Prizes up for grabs!
This contest is being hosted by the awesome So Sew Mama, be sure to check out her blog and send some love. Thank you.
(please note that the diapers are probably more girly.)
a Rafflecopter giveaway * Disclosure: Epic Tales of a First Time Mom and So Sew Mama was not compensated for this post. So Sew Mama received the mentioned products to review, all views are 100% So Sew Mama's. This blog and participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. I am disclosing this due to the FTC guidelines. If you have any questions or wish to have your product featured on So Sew Mama, please contact Desiree.
Hosted by: So Sew Mama
We have put together two separate prize packs for you! One for the pregnant/new mama and one for the cloth diapering mama! There is over $300 in Prizes up for grabs!
This contest is being hosted by the awesome So Sew Mama, be sure to check out her blog and send some love. Thank you.
Mama and Baby Prize
$25 gift card to The bird and elephant on Etsy
Maternity Gown from Mommy Moxie! A $60 Value!
$25 Gift card to Pink Blush Maternity! Read the review!
Momo Baby Soft Sole shoes! A $19 value! Read the full review.
Jack and Lily Soft Sole Shoes! valued at $30. Check out the review.
Fluffy Mail Prize
Dreaming in Cotton Cloth diaper! Read the review here at So Sew Mama.
Brown Cow Cotton diaper shell. Read So Sew Mama's review!
(please note that the diapers are probably more girly.)
This giveaway will be live from June 12 to June 24. you must be 18 years old or older to enter and live within the US. no P.O boxes. All additional entries increase the odds of winning. Please leave the best email to reach you in the rafflecopter. Winners who do not respond within 48 hours will lose their prize and the runner up will be emailed. All entries are verified by Desiree.
a Rafflecopter giveaway * Disclosure: Epic Tales of a First Time Mom and So Sew Mama was not compensated for this post. So Sew Mama received the mentioned products to review, all views are 100% So Sew Mama's. This blog and participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. I am disclosing this due to the FTC guidelines. If you have any questions or wish to have your product featured on So Sew Mama, please contact Desiree.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Party Planning
Minion will be 1 in a month! I can't believe it, where has the time gone? We decided to so "The Notekins" from Baby First TV for the theme since Minion loves music. For a while that show was magic, if he was crying and it came on...he instantly stopped. That doesn't work now of course but he still loves it. The show teaches pitch, harmony, tempo and more all while entertaining with gentle music. I think I have a future musician on my hands and I love it. It's kind of hard party planning when your theme is not common enough to find in any stores but that also means I have to make most of the decorations which will save us a ton of money. The Notekins each stand for a different music note and are each a different color so I'm going to get plates, napkins, plastic wear etc. from the dollar store because they have all different colors that way I can just mix it up to match the theme. Most of the decorations I should be able to make with my Cricut which will take a lot of time (and I don't have much to spare) but I know I will get exactly what I want that way. The invitations were easy. I just Google image searched The Notekins and added the party info to the one I liked best on Photobucket, a friend of mine has a connection at Staples and offered to print them out for me free of charge.
One of the hardest decisions was figuring out where to have the party. I don't really want to have it at our house because my family is huge so even planning for immediate family (which to me means aunts, uncle and cousins) is a lot. We also don't have any entertainment for the kids and I always get nervous that someone will let the dogs out (our yard is not fenced in), we also can't really afford to rent a place out. We finally decided on a park near the river with a pretty nice size playground. It has covered tables and bathrooms, basically everything we need. We were originally going to bring the grill but are now going to get hoagie trays so no one have to man the grill for the whole party. Of course I'll make potato salad and all too.
A few months ago I had a vanilla gDiaper customized from Paint Spatter Designs by Audrina Leigh Zaczyk and it's been so hard not to put it on him but I've been to afraid it will get messed up. I had a second one made too (which has also not been on the butt yet), Audrina is so talented, her shop is closed now because she just had a baby but I'm hoping she opens back up soon because I need some more of her work. She has a Batman design I'd love to get my hands on.
This is the birthday diaper.
And this is the other one. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my obsessions.
I have not picked an outfit yet... I suppose I should get on that. I suppose I could make him a shirt as well now that Cricut has iron on fabric.
I'm both excited and sad about his birthday. I don't know where the time has gone, I feel like he was just born but I love watching him learn new things. He's definitely a Mama's boy but he gets a little more independent every day, except of course when he's teething like the last couple of days. In one month my baby boy will no longer be an infant but a toddler. I'm not sure how I feel about that, my baby is growing up.
One of the hardest decisions was figuring out where to have the party. I don't really want to have it at our house because my family is huge so even planning for immediate family (which to me means aunts, uncle and cousins) is a lot. We also don't have any entertainment for the kids and I always get nervous that someone will let the dogs out (our yard is not fenced in), we also can't really afford to rent a place out. We finally decided on a park near the river with a pretty nice size playground. It has covered tables and bathrooms, basically everything we need. We were originally going to bring the grill but are now going to get hoagie trays so no one have to man the grill for the whole party. Of course I'll make potato salad and all too.
A few months ago I had a vanilla gDiaper customized from Paint Spatter Designs by Audrina Leigh Zaczyk and it's been so hard not to put it on him but I've been to afraid it will get messed up. I had a second one made too (which has also not been on the butt yet), Audrina is so talented, her shop is closed now because she just had a baby but I'm hoping she opens back up soon because I need some more of her work. She has a Batman design I'd love to get my hands on.
This is the birthday diaper.
And this is the other one. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my obsessions.
I have not picked an outfit yet... I suppose I should get on that. I suppose I could make him a shirt as well now that Cricut has iron on fabric.
I'm both excited and sad about his birthday. I don't know where the time has gone, I feel like he was just born but I love watching him learn new things. He's definitely a Mama's boy but he gets a little more independent every day, except of course when he's teething like the last couple of days. In one month my baby boy will no longer be an infant but a toddler. I'm not sure how I feel about that, my baby is growing up.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Mama Love Giveaway Event
Mama Love Giveaway Event
Blogger Opp
Blogger Opp
June 12 - 24
Hosted By: So Sew Mama
Some of the awesome prizes are sponsored by:
First Prize: For Mama & Baby
Second Prize: Cloth Diapers
Still adding more prizes! If you want your product featured please contact Desiree.
Free Twitter link with announcement post!
Additional links available for purchase.
Co Host spots and Host pages available.
Lose - Lose situation
Today I did something I swore I would never do, I have even been known to judge people for it... I'll think twice next time.
It's no secret the we have a lot of animals (2 big dogs and 4 cats), when I announced I that I was expecting many people's first question was "Are you getting rid of any of the animals?" It always made me really mad, of course I wasn't getting rid of any of them, they are family and I made them a promise to care for them for the rest of their lives. Most of them are rescues (except 2 sibling cats I got from a friend) and had a rough start to life, I never thought anything would make me change my mind. I was wrong.
During my pregnancy one of my cats, Freddie Mercury, started acting different and losing fur. No one has fleas, I tried vitamins & different food but nothing helped. After Minion was born, the hair lose got worse so I took him to the vet. He was tested for ringworm and other skin issues but all came back normal, based on that, his acting out and a few other things the vet (who I trust very much) suggested that he was jealous of Minion. I was very upset and didn't know what to do, I contacted the cat behaviorist at my shelter but none of her suggestions help. We discussed re-homing him but neither of us really wanted to and we also didn't know anyone looking for a cat so we were just dealing with it. Then he started hissing at Minion and I became really concerned, again we discussed re-homing him but still couldn't find anyone.
Then, just a few weeks ago, he scratched Minion on the arm. Minion didn't even notice it and it barely bled but that didn't change the fact that it happened. What if next time it's worse or his face or he bites instead. I can't risk that. I knew I had to bring him to my shelter and hope that someone would adopt him. I waited 10 days so that he would not need to be on a quarantine (which would significantly hinder his chances of getting adopted) and brought him in today. It was such a horrible drive to work with him in the passenger seat next to me meowing to be let out of the carrier. I cried during his entire intake and brought him back to his temporary cage myself, turns out I would be cleaning that room today. I was really upset about it at first but ended up being grateful because I could keep an eye on him and do my best to make sure he was comfortable. I asked he vet tech who was checking cats in (giving them their shots and what not) to please do him so that he could be moved to the adoption room ASAP for the big event we are having this weekend. I was petrified he would be out to sleep since he looks funny with the missing fur and can not go to a home with children. I was glad to be working alone today.
Around 1:30pm a member of our life savings department (they work with rescues to get animals out and run the foster program) came and told me he was being sent to one of our rescue partners. I cried again, I was so happy he was being saved but sad that I would never see him again. Going to a rescue means he won't be out to sleep and has a much better chance at being adopted. When the rescue came to pick him and the other cats they were taking up, I was able to pack him up and say my final goodbye (which of course made me cry AGAIN! He looked so sad and tried to cling to me so I just held him for a little while, but eventually the rescue had to leave so I put him in the carrier, told him I loved him again and wished his well. I also told him to behave so he came find an awesome home with no kids and plenty of affection.
It was a horrible day but I know that I made the right choice for him and Minion. Maybe now he won't be so stressed out and will stopped pulling out his fur. I'm going to think about him forever and hope that he's happy and doesn't think we abandoned him. We did everything we could to try and make it work but it just wasn't happening. My house seems quiet without him even with the other animals. I hope this is something I will never have to go through again.
It's no secret the we have a lot of animals (2 big dogs and 4 cats), when I announced I that I was expecting many people's first question was "Are you getting rid of any of the animals?" It always made me really mad, of course I wasn't getting rid of any of them, they are family and I made them a promise to care for them for the rest of their lives. Most of them are rescues (except 2 sibling cats I got from a friend) and had a rough start to life, I never thought anything would make me change my mind. I was wrong.
During my pregnancy one of my cats, Freddie Mercury, started acting different and losing fur. No one has fleas, I tried vitamins & different food but nothing helped. After Minion was born, the hair lose got worse so I took him to the vet. He was tested for ringworm and other skin issues but all came back normal, based on that, his acting out and a few other things the vet (who I trust very much) suggested that he was jealous of Minion. I was very upset and didn't know what to do, I contacted the cat behaviorist at my shelter but none of her suggestions help. We discussed re-homing him but neither of us really wanted to and we also didn't know anyone looking for a cat so we were just dealing with it. Then he started hissing at Minion and I became really concerned, again we discussed re-homing him but still couldn't find anyone.
Then, just a few weeks ago, he scratched Minion on the arm. Minion didn't even notice it and it barely bled but that didn't change the fact that it happened. What if next time it's worse or his face or he bites instead. I can't risk that. I knew I had to bring him to my shelter and hope that someone would adopt him. I waited 10 days so that he would not need to be on a quarantine (which would significantly hinder his chances of getting adopted) and brought him in today. It was such a horrible drive to work with him in the passenger seat next to me meowing to be let out of the carrier. I cried during his entire intake and brought him back to his temporary cage myself, turns out I would be cleaning that room today. I was really upset about it at first but ended up being grateful because I could keep an eye on him and do my best to make sure he was comfortable. I asked he vet tech who was checking cats in (giving them their shots and what not) to please do him so that he could be moved to the adoption room ASAP for the big event we are having this weekend. I was petrified he would be out to sleep since he looks funny with the missing fur and can not go to a home with children. I was glad to be working alone today.
Around 1:30pm a member of our life savings department (they work with rescues to get animals out and run the foster program) came and told me he was being sent to one of our rescue partners. I cried again, I was so happy he was being saved but sad that I would never see him again. Going to a rescue means he won't be out to sleep and has a much better chance at being adopted. When the rescue came to pick him and the other cats they were taking up, I was able to pack him up and say my final goodbye (which of course made me cry AGAIN! He looked so sad and tried to cling to me so I just held him for a little while, but eventually the rescue had to leave so I put him in the carrier, told him I loved him again and wished his well. I also told him to behave so he came find an awesome home with no kids and plenty of affection.
It was a horrible day but I know that I made the right choice for him and Minion. Maybe now he won't be so stressed out and will stopped pulling out his fur. I'm going to think about him forever and hope that he's happy and doesn't think we abandoned him. We did everything we could to try and make it work but it just wasn't happening. My house seems quiet without him even with the other animals. I hope this is something I will never have to go through again.
Friday, May 17, 2013
gGathering, Mother's Day and Sickness...Oh My
I had been looking forward to last weekend for over a month now. I had planned my 2nd gGathering in 6 months, it was my first Mother's Day and I was given a 4 day weekend...what more could a Mama ask for right? Well, apparently that was too much.
On Thursday, (the day before my mini vacation) I started vomiting and just basically feeling like crap but I went to work figuring it would only last a day or 2 just like everyone else. Friday, I laid around still feeling lousy. Saturday (the day of the gGathering) I didn't even want to get out of bed and to top it off, Hubby was sick now too so I had to take Minion with me to the store to pick up a few last minute things for the party. He's pretty good in stores it's just faster to go alone. I forced myself to go to the party and I'm glad I did, I had a great time hanging out with other gDiaper using Mamas and there kids at the playground. I do wish I had been feeling more sociable though. I pretty sure everyone else had fun too. Downside, Minion was now not feeling well and cranky. He didn't want to take a nap, something I desperately needed, but Hubby let me lay down for an hour before waking me up with an even crankier baby.
Sunday was Mother's Day. I bet you are all saying "Oh you must have had a wonderful 1st Mother's Day", nope. It kinda sucked actually. Everyone except Hubby wished me a Happy Mother's Day, he finally did a few hours after I got up but only after I asked him if he knew what day it was (he did by the way). He said something about not being able to get me a gift, as if I cared about that... I just wanted him to say it. Apparently, me being upset was blowing it way out of proportion, I still disagree but whatever. He was very nice to me for the rest of the day though and we also got to spend Monday together too.
Speaking of Monday, Hubby and Minion were feeling better but not me. I still was feeling pretty sick...kinda put a HUGE damper on my whole weekend. I went back to work Tuesday not really feeling up to it but I pushed through the day, Wednesday I woke up vomiting again so I called out of work. I took Minion to the sitter anyway so I could make a doctors appointment and maybe get in a nap, I did get a nap but no doctors. I called as soon as they opened (9am) and was told my doctor had nothing available until 3:30pm the next day, I said no so she offered to call something in for me... confused I asked how she was going to do this without a doctor seeing me. She asked for my symptoms so I gave them to her and told her I was a nursing mother, she said I would hear back shortly. At 1:30pm, I finally got a phone call telling me they can't give me anything because I'm nursing and suggested I call my OBGYN (even though I'm not prego) but when I called them they were very confused and said they couldn't do anything for me if I am not prego (which if what I figured). So... I called the doctors office back and asked to speak with my doctor directly, he called back within 2 minutes and told me himself that I can not take anything since I'm nursing but said he wished I would have made an appointment to come in... Seriously. When I told him about my 9a, conversation he was livid and called the head nurse over and asked her why I was not given an appointment, she had no idea and said there were plenty of openings for the day. Of course the office was now closed though so I got screwed. He was really concerned about the fact that I had not been eating and wanted me to go to the ER of I didn't feel better by the end of the night, I didn't go. Thankfully I felt much better Thursday morning and was able to go to work. Today, I'm as good as new.
Well Mama's, I hope your weekend was better then mine.
On Thursday, (the day before my mini vacation) I started vomiting and just basically feeling like crap but I went to work figuring it would only last a day or 2 just like everyone else. Friday, I laid around still feeling lousy. Saturday (the day of the gGathering) I didn't even want to get out of bed and to top it off, Hubby was sick now too so I had to take Minion with me to the store to pick up a few last minute things for the party. He's pretty good in stores it's just faster to go alone. I forced myself to go to the party and I'm glad I did, I had a great time hanging out with other gDiaper using Mamas and there kids at the playground. I do wish I had been feeling more sociable though. I pretty sure everyone else had fun too. Downside, Minion was now not feeling well and cranky. He didn't want to take a nap, something I desperately needed, but Hubby let me lay down for an hour before waking me up with an even crankier baby.
Sunday was Mother's Day. I bet you are all saying "Oh you must have had a wonderful 1st Mother's Day", nope. It kinda sucked actually. Everyone except Hubby wished me a Happy Mother's Day, he finally did a few hours after I got up but only after I asked him if he knew what day it was (he did by the way). He said something about not being able to get me a gift, as if I cared about that... I just wanted him to say it. Apparently, me being upset was blowing it way out of proportion, I still disagree but whatever. He was very nice to me for the rest of the day though and we also got to spend Monday together too.
Speaking of Monday, Hubby and Minion were feeling better but not me. I still was feeling pretty sick...kinda put a HUGE damper on my whole weekend. I went back to work Tuesday not really feeling up to it but I pushed through the day, Wednesday I woke up vomiting again so I called out of work. I took Minion to the sitter anyway so I could make a doctors appointment and maybe get in a nap, I did get a nap but no doctors. I called as soon as they opened (9am) and was told my doctor had nothing available until 3:30pm the next day, I said no so she offered to call something in for me... confused I asked how she was going to do this without a doctor seeing me. She asked for my symptoms so I gave them to her and told her I was a nursing mother, she said I would hear back shortly. At 1:30pm, I finally got a phone call telling me they can't give me anything because I'm nursing and suggested I call my OBGYN (even though I'm not prego) but when I called them they were very confused and said they couldn't do anything for me if I am not prego (which if what I figured). So... I called the doctors office back and asked to speak with my doctor directly, he called back within 2 minutes and told me himself that I can not take anything since I'm nursing but said he wished I would have made an appointment to come in... Seriously. When I told him about my 9a, conversation he was livid and called the head nurse over and asked her why I was not given an appointment, she had no idea and said there were plenty of openings for the day. Of course the office was now closed though so I got screwed. He was really concerned about the fact that I had not been eating and wanted me to go to the ER of I didn't feel better by the end of the night, I didn't go. Thankfully I felt much better Thursday morning and was able to go to work. Today, I'm as good as new.
Well Mama's, I hope your weekend was better then mine.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Organic Boba 3G Carrier Giveaway, BLOGGERS WANTED!
Le Leche League "unofficial" review
I say "unofficial" because I didn't write to them asking to review a product and I never had any intention on reviewing for them but I felt like I should share my experience.
Back in December I went to my first and last Le Leche League (LLL) meeting. I thought I was losing my breast milk supply (what a pediatrician told me and I didn't know any better at the time to challenge him) so I went to get some advise, while they did give me some useful tips I vowed never to go back. I felt attacked to be perfectly honest and very judged, when I explained what the doctor and I had talked about they just kept asking my why I was listening to the doctor and demanding to know what made me think I was losing my supply. Every time I tried to explain it was because I couldn't pump enough I was again asked why I was listening to a doctor... It was a terrible experience. At there suggestion I started taking Fenugreek and eating oatmeal everyday and within a week I noticed a significant boost in my pumping, awesome, but I couldn't shake the way they made me feel so I never went back. This is actually the first time I have ever told anyone about this because I did not want to put the group down, I figured it was just me. Fail #1.
I bought a hands free pumping bra sold by LLL a few months back, it was brands new with tags for a good price on ebay and I really wanted one so I went for it. I was so excited when it came, I threw it in the wash right away so I could use it the next day (I hang dry all my bras so it takes a while sometimes). I put it on and got dressed for work, pump bag in hand all set to be able to get some work done while I pumped... It didn't quite happen that way. The middle piece that the pump is supposed to fit through and be held tight against the breast was way to big, not the hole the fabric itself seemed to be cut to big. It wouldn't even stay hooked in place while I was wearing it. Other then that I liked the bra except I noticed later that if I wore anything other then a lose t-shirt (like my work uniform) the bra appeared lumpy. Fail #2
I contact the company via email and while a customer service rep got right back to me it was very difficult to get her to understand what I was talking about, I thought I was explaining it well and I even sent her pictures (not it my boob of course but just to show her what I was talking about). After a couple weeks I got no where, she was rude to say the least. This is our last few emails:
THEM: "I am sorry but I was asking my boss what else it could be because all looks good and we never heard of anyone else with this problem. And the place you purchased the item from did you ask them? What we can do for you is we have a bra called the PUMP BAND you can see it on the website and we could sell it to you $15.00 and n/c shipping if you would like."
ME: "Honestly I don't this it's fair that I would have to buy another product (even if it is at a discount) when I didn't break this one. It's obvious that it was just made wrong, a simple mistake. The fact that you or your boss have never been presented with this issue doesn't make it impossible. Unfortunately I can not return or exchange the item, it's just not an option."
ME: "I guess this conversation is over since I have not gotten a response in over a week. I'm disappointed that your idea of helping is to sell something different, I was not looking for anything for free just help and I'm not even sure you understand the issue I am having with the bra. I'll be sure to avoid your products in the future and I'll be writing about this experience on my blog as well."
Fail #3
The following business day I got a long response from a manager:
"My name is BLANK and I am the Operations Manager at Q-T Intimates and La Leche League International Intimates. As the 4th generation running this organization with my family, I can assure you that we would not have succeeded in this business for over 65 years with the sort of customer service that you received over the past few weeks. I'm extremely sorry and very disappointed in our customer service department and the care you received regarding your issue with our Hands Free Pump Bra. I really cannot apologize enough. Our policy here is that "we’re happy when you’re happy" and I personally want to make sure we can resolve this issue amicably."
This is just a partial but you get the idea. It took me almost 2 weeks to respond, I was mad because I felt that the only reason this got higher up was because I threatened bad reviews on my blog. And that's exactly what I emailed him. I never even acknowledged the statement but offered to replace the bra, I decided to accept and offered to send the one I had purchased back. When I received the bra I decided to try it on before removing the tags or washing it, at first I was pleased, the part that was too big before was perfect and I was about to write if off as simple manufacturing error like I thought the whole time... Until I fastened the outside of the bra closed. This time that part was too big and again I this time I can't wear it under anything because you can see it's lumpy. I know what bra size I am, I've recently been professionally sized and have no issues with any other bra I own so it's not me. Looking at the 2 together, the new one looks bigger but maybe it's just me. Fail #4
I didn't even bother to write back, it's clearly not going to get me anywhere. I know millions of woman around the world have wonderful experiences with LLL and I'm not saying they are wrong or telling you not to go to them for help, the group is just not for me and I will never recommend them for anything. So now I'm stuck with 2 bras I can't wear... Great, because they aren't expensive enough (even though I only paid for 1 and at a somewhat cheaper then retail price).
*Note: I BLANKed the managers name because I don't want to get anyone in trouble, just wanted to share what happened.
Back in December I went to my first and last Le Leche League (LLL) meeting. I thought I was losing my breast milk supply (what a pediatrician told me and I didn't know any better at the time to challenge him) so I went to get some advise, while they did give me some useful tips I vowed never to go back. I felt attacked to be perfectly honest and very judged, when I explained what the doctor and I had talked about they just kept asking my why I was listening to the doctor and demanding to know what made me think I was losing my supply. Every time I tried to explain it was because I couldn't pump enough I was again asked why I was listening to a doctor... It was a terrible experience. At there suggestion I started taking Fenugreek and eating oatmeal everyday and within a week I noticed a significant boost in my pumping, awesome, but I couldn't shake the way they made me feel so I never went back. This is actually the first time I have ever told anyone about this because I did not want to put the group down, I figured it was just me. Fail #1.
I bought a hands free pumping bra sold by LLL a few months back, it was brands new with tags for a good price on ebay and I really wanted one so I went for it. I was so excited when it came, I threw it in the wash right away so I could use it the next day (I hang dry all my bras so it takes a while sometimes). I put it on and got dressed for work, pump bag in hand all set to be able to get some work done while I pumped... It didn't quite happen that way. The middle piece that the pump is supposed to fit through and be held tight against the breast was way to big, not the hole the fabric itself seemed to be cut to big. It wouldn't even stay hooked in place while I was wearing it. Other then that I liked the bra except I noticed later that if I wore anything other then a lose t-shirt (like my work uniform) the bra appeared lumpy. Fail #2
I contact the company via email and while a customer service rep got right back to me it was very difficult to get her to understand what I was talking about, I thought I was explaining it well and I even sent her pictures (not it my boob of course but just to show her what I was talking about). After a couple weeks I got no where, she was rude to say the least. This is our last few emails:
THEM: "I am sorry but I was asking my boss what else it could be because all looks good and we never heard of anyone else with this problem. And the place you purchased the item from did you ask them? What we can do for you is we have a bra called the PUMP BAND you can see it on the website and we could sell it to you $15.00 and n/c shipping if you would like."
ME: "Honestly I don't this it's fair that I would have to buy another product (even if it is at a discount) when I didn't break this one. It's obvious that it was just made wrong, a simple mistake. The fact that you or your boss have never been presented with this issue doesn't make it impossible. Unfortunately I can not return or exchange the item, it's just not an option."
ME: "I guess this conversation is over since I have not gotten a response in over a week. I'm disappointed that your idea of helping is to sell something different, I was not looking for anything for free just help and I'm not even sure you understand the issue I am having with the bra. I'll be sure to avoid your products in the future and I'll be writing about this experience on my blog as well."
Fail #3
The following business day I got a long response from a manager:
"My name is BLANK and I am the Operations Manager at Q-T Intimates and La Leche League International Intimates. As the 4th generation running this organization with my family, I can assure you that we would not have succeeded in this business for over 65 years with the sort of customer service that you received over the past few weeks. I'm extremely sorry and very disappointed in our customer service department and the care you received regarding your issue with our Hands Free Pump Bra. I really cannot apologize enough. Our policy here is that "we’re happy when you’re happy" and I personally want to make sure we can resolve this issue amicably."
This is just a partial but you get the idea. It took me almost 2 weeks to respond, I was mad because I felt that the only reason this got higher up was because I threatened bad reviews on my blog. And that's exactly what I emailed him. I never even acknowledged the statement but offered to replace the bra, I decided to accept and offered to send the one I had purchased back. When I received the bra I decided to try it on before removing the tags or washing it, at first I was pleased, the part that was too big before was perfect and I was about to write if off as simple manufacturing error like I thought the whole time... Until I fastened the outside of the bra closed. This time that part was too big and again I this time I can't wear it under anything because you can see it's lumpy. I know what bra size I am, I've recently been professionally sized and have no issues with any other bra I own so it's not me. Looking at the 2 together, the new one looks bigger but maybe it's just me. Fail #4
I didn't even bother to write back, it's clearly not going to get me anywhere. I know millions of woman around the world have wonderful experiences with LLL and I'm not saying they are wrong or telling you not to go to them for help, the group is just not for me and I will never recommend them for anything. So now I'm stuck with 2 bras I can't wear... Great, because they aren't expensive enough (even though I only paid for 1 and at a somewhat cheaper then retail price).
*Note: I BLANKed the managers name because I don't want to get anyone in trouble, just wanted to share what happened.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
CollageIt Pro Giveaway!!!
Epic Tales of a First Time Mom Welcome's you to the CollageIt Pro Giveaway
Hosted by: So Sew Mama
Automatic, Easy to Use. It is easy enough for the users of all experienced level. There are several templates to choose from. Great capacity can accommodate a handful of photos up to 200.
Various Collage Templates to Choose
Choose the collage layout with various collage templates or create picture collage on Mac OS X & Windows with blank one.Many kinds of pre-designed templates included, users can select a style at their will.Various collage layouts can be found in the templates.
CollageIt Pro is an automatic and easy to use collage maker on Mac OS X & Windows. It excels with its ease of use and hugely reduces manual work. CollageIt Pro is a TOP 10 Photography APP on App Store! Here you can see some highlighted features:
- Simply add your photos to your collage; using “Random Layout” to generate layout automatically and customize collage; then export and share your collage.
- Various layouts and diverse templates.
- Easily personalize collage by cropping, adjusting photo number, photo space, page margin, rotation, sparse, and so on. Decorate collage with photo border and shadow.
- Save collage as an image file; set as desktop wallpaper; share through Email; or print it out instantly.
Want to win this awesome software for yourself?
To celebrate the upcoming Mother’s Day, win your own license code for CollageIt Pro
(RV at $ 19.90).
You can download the free version here.
Win the Pro version for Windows or MAC.
There will be 20 winners. 12 windows codes and 8 MAC codes.
4/27 - 5/8
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So Sew Mama and Epic Tales of a First Time Mom are not responsible for sponsor prize fulfillment. I was not compensated for this post.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
CollageIt Pro Giveaway Opp
CollageIt Pro Giveaway Opp
Hosted by: So Sew Mama
Free Blog opp!
Giveaway starts April 27.
20 license codes (12 Windows & 8 Mac) Which means 20 winners! ARV $19.90 each.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Earth Day weekend
I was lucky enough to have this weekend off and I made good use of it. Saturday Minion and I went to The Great Cloth Diaper Change in Philadelphia, we even saw the new sitter and her little man. It was pretty neat to be apart of something so unique, and to think it happened constantly over a 24 hour period of time! Ours was hosted by The Nesting House (thenestinghouse.net) and took place in a near by church, they also gave out an awesome gift bag with goodies from Baby Kicks, Bummis and a delicious lactation cookie from Milkin' Cookies plus other fun stuff and coupons. I tried to see if anyone else was using gDiapers but there was too many people, I was proud to represent though. I can't wait to find out if we were all able to break last years record for the most cloth diapers changed! I had planned to go to the Collingwood Green Festival after that but we had dinner plans with my In Laws and there was just no time.
Today Minion decided we were starting our day at 7am, good thing we went to bed early last night. I figured we should take advantage of it and stopped by Target to pick up a cute little reusable bag filled with samples and coupons and then I braved my first Just4Kids consignment event, crazy I know. I've heard it can be pretty overwhelming but I figured since today was the last day it might not be so busy. Well, it was pretty busy I can't imagine how Friday and Saturday must have been. I'm glad I went though, I scored an Imaginarium wooden push cube (minus the blocks so I have to try and get some), a Leap Frog drum, a Playskool Swing and Score toy and a cute "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" framed poem all for under $40!!! Seriously, you can't beat that. They had pretty much anything baby/child related you could want including tons of clothes. I can't wait until it opens again in August, I think I'll venture out on Friday or Saturday next time. Probably leave Minion at home with Hubby if I can.
After that we went to the Camden Aquarium with family, Minion loves it there. I think we are going to have to get a fish tank when he gets older. It was very crowded but we still had a good time.
I wish I would have had time to plant some flowers or just work in my gardens but no such luck. Last year I didn't get to them at all so I'm hoping to get out there soon this year, my yard is in desperate need of color. Since we lost the tree in our back yard last year it will be hard to bring Minion out with me because there is no shade, out front should be easier though.
Today Minion decided we were starting our day at 7am, good thing we went to bed early last night. I figured we should take advantage of it and stopped by Target to pick up a cute little reusable bag filled with samples and coupons and then I braved my first Just4Kids consignment event, crazy I know. I've heard it can be pretty overwhelming but I figured since today was the last day it might not be so busy. Well, it was pretty busy I can't imagine how Friday and Saturday must have been. I'm glad I went though, I scored an Imaginarium wooden push cube (minus the blocks so I have to try and get some), a Leap Frog drum, a Playskool Swing and Score toy and a cute "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" framed poem all for under $40!!! Seriously, you can't beat that. They had pretty much anything baby/child related you could want including tons of clothes. I can't wait until it opens again in August, I think I'll venture out on Friday or Saturday next time. Probably leave Minion at home with Hubby if I can.
After that we went to the Camden Aquarium with family, Minion loves it there. I think we are going to have to get a fish tank when he gets older. It was very crowded but we still had a good time.
I wish I would have had time to plant some flowers or just work in my gardens but no such luck. Last year I didn't get to them at all so I'm hoping to get out there soon this year, my yard is in desperate need of color. Since we lost the tree in our back yard last year it will be hard to bring Minion out with me because there is no shade, out front should be easier though.
Monday, April 15, 2013
All bad things come to an end
It's been a rough couple weeks in the Epic household. Hubby was out of a job for 2 weeks, I've been training for my new position so have been extra tired, Minion (recently known as Monster) has been teething and when Hubby did get a new job we were out of a babysitter. I'm happy to report all is well! Hubby started his new job today, thanks to Facebook a local Mama with a baby the same age as Minion is going to watch him and tooth #2 made it's debut yesterday so Minion is much less fussy. I am still adjusting to not being the permanent vampire at the shelter but I'm not complaining at all. It's nice to see the sun light every now and then. I couldn't been happier right now (OK I'm sure I could but lets not being picky).
I really was worried for a moment, Hubby was home for 2 weeks which was great for Minion but not so much for the bills. Then, when he finally found a job, we found out our sitter got a promotion of his own and wouldn't be able to watch Minion anymore. It was a scary couple of days, neither of us would even be able to call out if we didn't find someone since we are both in a new position! Luckily the universe had my back and when I posted in some of my Mommy groups on Facebook I received quite a few responses and suggestions. Many of them were for day care centers that we couldn't afford (plus would need a set schedule for which neither of us has right now), most were from Mamas I have never met but only talked to online. I thought we were going to have to go that route (we would meet and check her home out first of course!) but then someone I have met who lives very close to us offered. She seriously saved the day. We are going to her house tomorrow so Hubby can meet her and not feel like a weirdo when he drops off Minion (although that might be funny to witness since Hubby is far from a social butterfly). THANK YOU!!! I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can breath again. I think this new set up will work out very well and Minion will get some baby socialization too.
Training week #3 has started for me and I love it, I think my body forgot what physical labor was after 2 years of sitting behind a desk though and it's also pretty confused about the whole day shift thing. I really need to start working out/toning. Yesterday was craziest day, we were so busy and had the strangest calls. It was great. I am looking forward to a set schedule though, being so all over the place is messing with me and it's thrown Minion's sleep patterns off too. I'm sure Hubby being home didn't help that either, nor did the teething. Those little teeth are sharp, thank goodness he has not bit me while nursing yet *knocks on wood*.
The drivers keep asking me how long I'm going to breastfeed for, I guess the fact that I have to pump is kind of a pain. It is a little inconvenient and it's impossible to pump on a schedule but I don't care, I'm going to nurse until Minion is at least a year but maybe longer. As much as I don't want to be solo on the streets it will make pumping easier because I can just park somewhere and cover myself with a blanket and pump, now we have to go back into the building because I'm not doing it with another person in the truck...all but me and one other driver are men. No thanks and I don't think they'd appreciate it either. I know breastfeeding is less common in our country (I still don't know why) but I'm tired of being asked how long I will do it for and then seeing the look on people's face when I say "until one of us doesn't want to anymore". I try to educate them but no one wants to hear it. Oh well. You go home from work and unwind with a drink, I'll nurse my son; we'll all feel better.
I really was worried for a moment, Hubby was home for 2 weeks which was great for Minion but not so much for the bills. Then, when he finally found a job, we found out our sitter got a promotion of his own and wouldn't be able to watch Minion anymore. It was a scary couple of days, neither of us would even be able to call out if we didn't find someone since we are both in a new position! Luckily the universe had my back and when I posted in some of my Mommy groups on Facebook I received quite a few responses and suggestions. Many of them were for day care centers that we couldn't afford (plus would need a set schedule for which neither of us has right now), most were from Mamas I have never met but only talked to online. I thought we were going to have to go that route (we would meet and check her home out first of course!) but then someone I have met who lives very close to us offered. She seriously saved the day. We are going to her house tomorrow so Hubby can meet her and not feel like a weirdo when he drops off Minion (although that might be funny to witness since Hubby is far from a social butterfly). THANK YOU!!! I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can breath again. I think this new set up will work out very well and Minion will get some baby socialization too.
Training week #3 has started for me and I love it, I think my body forgot what physical labor was after 2 years of sitting behind a desk though and it's also pretty confused about the whole day shift thing. I really need to start working out/toning. Yesterday was craziest day, we were so busy and had the strangest calls. It was great. I am looking forward to a set schedule though, being so all over the place is messing with me and it's thrown Minion's sleep patterns off too. I'm sure Hubby being home didn't help that either, nor did the teething. Those little teeth are sharp, thank goodness he has not bit me while nursing yet *knocks on wood*.
The drivers keep asking me how long I'm going to breastfeed for, I guess the fact that I have to pump is kind of a pain. It is a little inconvenient and it's impossible to pump on a schedule but I don't care, I'm going to nurse until Minion is at least a year but maybe longer. As much as I don't want to be solo on the streets it will make pumping easier because I can just park somewhere and cover myself with a blanket and pump, now we have to go back into the building because I'm not doing it with another person in the truck...all but me and one other driver are men. No thanks and I don't think they'd appreciate it either. I know breastfeeding is less common in our country (I still don't know why) but I'm tired of being asked how long I will do it for and then seeing the look on people's face when I say "until one of us doesn't want to anymore". I try to educate them but no one wants to hear it. Oh well. You go home from work and unwind with a drink, I'll nurse my son; we'll all feel better.
Friday, April 5, 2013
New job week #1
I started my new job today, so far so good (except the other day when they told me last minute that I had to train to euthanize animals in case there is an emergency over night, it was horrible and I cried. To make it worse, I suck at it so I have 2-3 more days of training before they can certify me for it). I have been able to see Minion more often this week since the person I'm shadowing works either day shift or over night, I'll be on this schedule for another week then I follow someone else. I love seeing him more! Hopefully when I get my own schedule I will have at last a few day shifts mixed in.
I'm still trying to get my barrings but so far I really like it, I feel like I forgot everything I learned when I took these classes 7 years ago though so I'm kind of starting from scratch. I'm not sure how long I will be in training but I could not imagine doing this without a partner at all times...unfortunately it's going to happen but for now I get the comfort of having someone to have my back at all times.
It amazes me that the other drivers know the city so well, Philly is a big place and I can't see myself ever being able to navigate it without my GPS but they do it like it's nothing, some of them even know the zip code of that part of the city just based on the address...CRAZY. I guess I will get it eventually but some parts of the city all look the same and then you have the same street names in more then one area and I just find it confusing. There is also the issue that some of the streets are not even big enough to fit out vehicles down... that is one thing I am not looking forward to when they hand me the keys.
My days have been fairly boring so far, nothing crazy has happened (which is good and bad), it's hard to learn somethings without actually being in the situation but I still have plenty of training time to go. I caught a raccoon the other day but in all fairness it was sick and possibly blind, it didn't even run it just wanted to play with my control stick...not much of a challenge but at least I can say I did it. I'm looking forward to going to the wildlife rehab center at some point... it would be awesome if we had time to look around but I doubt it (making a mental note to find out if they allow visitors). I'm sitting at the job now (it's 2:20am) for my first official over night shift (I have done it before but not as a driver and I never left the building, to night we have left twice already and the shift just started at midnight) and aside from writing this post I am bored out of my mind, although one of the other staff members did just amuse me, our toilet apparently doesn't flush and Aunt Flo made an appearance (it was a nice 19 months without her), he kind of freaked out and said it hurt his feelings. HAHAHA seriously, I thought we were adults. My bad for not double checking a guess, why should I expect the toilet to actually flush the first time around... Silly me. I wish I could get on Facebook here so I could give some much needed attention to my blog page, they block everything here, at least Blogger works or I might be really lost.
I'm still trying to get my barrings but so far I really like it, I feel like I forgot everything I learned when I took these classes 7 years ago though so I'm kind of starting from scratch. I'm not sure how long I will be in training but I could not imagine doing this without a partner at all times...unfortunately it's going to happen but for now I get the comfort of having someone to have my back at all times.
It amazes me that the other drivers know the city so well, Philly is a big place and I can't see myself ever being able to navigate it without my GPS but they do it like it's nothing, some of them even know the zip code of that part of the city just based on the address...CRAZY. I guess I will get it eventually but some parts of the city all look the same and then you have the same street names in more then one area and I just find it confusing. There is also the issue that some of the streets are not even big enough to fit out vehicles down... that is one thing I am not looking forward to when they hand me the keys.
My days have been fairly boring so far, nothing crazy has happened (which is good and bad), it's hard to learn somethings without actually being in the situation but I still have plenty of training time to go. I caught a raccoon the other day but in all fairness it was sick and possibly blind, it didn't even run it just wanted to play with my control stick...not much of a challenge but at least I can say I did it. I'm looking forward to going to the wildlife rehab center at some point... it would be awesome if we had time to look around but I doubt it (making a mental note to find out if they allow visitors). I'm sitting at the job now (it's 2:20am) for my first official over night shift (I have done it before but not as a driver and I never left the building, to night we have left twice already and the shift just started at midnight) and aside from writing this post I am bored out of my mind, although one of the other staff members did just amuse me, our toilet apparently doesn't flush and Aunt Flo made an appearance (it was a nice 19 months without her), he kind of freaked out and said it hurt his feelings. HAHAHA seriously, I thought we were adults. My bad for not double checking a guess, why should I expect the toilet to actually flush the first time around... Silly me. I wish I could get on Facebook here so I could give some much needed attention to my blog page, they block everything here, at least Blogger works or I might be really lost.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
vaginal vs. c-section
Let me start this post by saying this is purely my opinion and I am not judging anyone for their decision.
When I found out I was pregnant I was so excited at the thought of giving birth (no not the pain just the act) and was really hoping to go natural. Part of it was because after watching too much Discovery Channel I was petrified to have a c-section; part because I just wanted to have that feeling that I did it all by myself (to an extent of course, I did go to the hospital for the birth). After my water breaking, 22 hours of labor, caving into the epidural, dilating to 10 cm and pushing for 3 hours my dream bubble was burst. Minion was just not having any parts of coming out and I ended up with an emergency c-section. He's stubborn just like his Mama and didn't give a crap about the eviction notice my body served him with. Now I have to admit it was not nearly as bad as I expected but it still hurt like nothing else I've ever felt afterwards. I was lucky enough to have Hubby for the first week and the his brother stayed with us for 2 weeks after that and was a huge help as well. All in all Minion and I are just fine (aside from the forever itching yet numb scar I have just below the belt that can't be scratched in public) and I am hoping to be able to have a V-BAC in the future.
With that said, I recently had a conversation with a pregnant Mama I know who is 32 weeks along, she was telling me that they are taking the baby a week early due to her age and such. I asked if they were inducing her and she so no, they were going to schedule a c-section and she was happy about it, she said she gave birth vaginally 10 years ago and does not need to go through it again, she just wants the baby out. Now like I said, no judgement at all, it's her body and she can do as she pleases but it did upset me personally. I would have given anything to deliver my son vaginally, I begged to make surgery a last resort (and had a doctor awesome enough to to wait as long as he possibly could). It still bothers me to this day that I didn't get that moment and Hubby didn't get to cut the cord, I know it wasn't anyone's fault and it could not be helped but I still get choked up about it. Of course I didn't say any of this out loud to the Mama, I kept it all inside so she wouldn't think I was looking down at her for her choice but I noticed that I did end the conversation sooner then I might have if her choice was different.
I guess this just goes right along with "we always want what we can't have". I don't think any woman's choice is wrong, I have my opinions and everyone else has theirs and that's OK. I never thought it would bother me so much to talk to a woman who chose a c-section though... this conversation was days ago and I still can't get it out of my mind. At the end of the day I'm just happy to have a healthy baby boy who I am able to breastfeed and looks at me like no one else in the world exists. Seeing him light up when I get home from work almost make going to work worth it. Sometimes the things I think about and feel strongly about since I became a Mom amaze and surprise me.
When I found out I was pregnant I was so excited at the thought of giving birth (no not the pain just the act) and was really hoping to go natural. Part of it was because after watching too much Discovery Channel I was petrified to have a c-section; part because I just wanted to have that feeling that I did it all by myself (to an extent of course, I did go to the hospital for the birth). After my water breaking, 22 hours of labor, caving into the epidural, dilating to 10 cm and pushing for 3 hours my dream bubble was burst. Minion was just not having any parts of coming out and I ended up with an emergency c-section. He's stubborn just like his Mama and didn't give a crap about the eviction notice my body served him with. Now I have to admit it was not nearly as bad as I expected but it still hurt like nothing else I've ever felt afterwards. I was lucky enough to have Hubby for the first week and the his brother stayed with us for 2 weeks after that and was a huge help as well. All in all Minion and I are just fine (aside from the forever itching yet numb scar I have just below the belt that can't be scratched in public) and I am hoping to be able to have a V-BAC in the future.
With that said, I recently had a conversation with a pregnant Mama I know who is 32 weeks along, she was telling me that they are taking the baby a week early due to her age and such. I asked if they were inducing her and she so no, they were going to schedule a c-section and she was happy about it, she said she gave birth vaginally 10 years ago and does not need to go through it again, she just wants the baby out. Now like I said, no judgement at all, it's her body and she can do as she pleases but it did upset me personally. I would have given anything to deliver my son vaginally, I begged to make surgery a last resort (and had a doctor awesome enough to to wait as long as he possibly could). It still bothers me to this day that I didn't get that moment and Hubby didn't get to cut the cord, I know it wasn't anyone's fault and it could not be helped but I still get choked up about it. Of course I didn't say any of this out loud to the Mama, I kept it all inside so she wouldn't think I was looking down at her for her choice but I noticed that I did end the conversation sooner then I might have if her choice was different.
I guess this just goes right along with "we always want what we can't have". I don't think any woman's choice is wrong, I have my opinions and everyone else has theirs and that's OK. I never thought it would bother me so much to talk to a woman who chose a c-section though... this conversation was days ago and I still can't get it out of my mind. At the end of the day I'm just happy to have a healthy baby boy who I am able to breastfeed and looks at me like no one else in the world exists. Seeing him light up when I get home from work almost make going to work worth it. Sometimes the things I think about and feel strongly about since I became a Mom amaze and surprise me.
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