Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom

Mothering

Becoming a mother was the most amazing moment of my life but no one told me that would come with "other mom baggage". What I mean by that is, mothers that can't help but dictate how you need to mother. Don't get me wrong I love when mothers like to share there experiences and give there motherly thoughts about things, as I do that too but there is a line that is crossed by a lot of mothers that just annoy me. I became a mother on my own terms and I will parent the way that I feel is right for my kids. I love being a mother and that is why I chose this path in life. Where does it say that a woman that mothered before I did are better or know more?

As mothers I think that we all know that there are flaws in everyone and when a mother reaches out to you, you do not need to make them feel like there incapable of taking care of their children. Rather let them know if there was a similar situation that you may have, what took care of it and what not. I just feel there are to many people criticizing. We are not hear to judge.

How is it my right to tell a mother how to be a mother? Where does it say I have that power? I don't. I can not tell a mother anything about her children as she is the one that knows them best and knows how to care for them. But if a mother is to ask "Megan what would you do?" Yes I would tell her, but not in the matter that I make her feel like this is the only way and any other is just not right. I just want mothers to know this.  You are doig a great Job, even when you feel you are loosing it and want to throw in the towel. reach out to a friend, take a break its ok! Its not bad for a mother to take time for herself and to allow rest into her life. I feel that I can't be a good mother without rest and me time. This may be going to lunch with friends, pillow talk with my husband or just taking a bath without children at the door. So please mom's lets just let us be what we are, maturnal creatures doing what we do best.

Breastfeeding

So why is this still taboo? I Just want to take a small moment to tell other people that do not choose to breastfeed or that are not okay with it, I don't care! I do my best to respect those around me in public, but the staring and the rude comments are not nessisary, NUF said. 

Toddler-hood

No one can prepar you for your child to turn into twice what you were as a child. I feel sometimes that I must have done something wrong to allow my child to act this way or say these things, then I wonder, "Where did she learn this? I if not from me where?" That statmente has saved me from tearing myself down as a mother. I know now that she learn from everyone that surrounds her, she will forever and always be under the influence of others. I would like to tell myself that she would never learn a naughty word or do a naughty thing, but that is just not reality. So I take toddler-hood like this, I am a great mother and I do my best to sheild her from the evil in this world, but I must remember that she is her own person, even at the small at of 3 she is so smart. Children are like a sponge and she will be sucking in the information and actions of others her whole life, my job is that I teacher her and give her the right skills to know what is good and what is bad. After that I can just leave my wisdom in her mind and hope it catches on. 

To be continued.............

Baby Bond Review and Giveaway

Ended

As a breastfeeding mother you may understand that feeding in public is a sometimes embarrassing thing, not necessarily for the mother but for others around her. Lets face it, our society is not accepting to the act of breastfeeding. I cam across BabyBond, witch is a sling looking wrap that cover mom and not baby. Its not traditional to the "apron" looking things that are out there{I feel they are not easy to use}, its not putting a blanket over your baby or any of that. 

I am a Breastfeeding mother of a 8 month old and BabyBond has totally changed the way that I think about breastfeeding outside my home. I am no longer afraid of properly covering myself and making sure that I am not exposed. Also I don't have to put a blanket over my son to which does not work any more anyways, he pulls it off.  I don't blame my son for not wanting a blanket over his head, its uncomfortable and he sweats and lets admit that mothers tend to sweat and become unconfortable too. 

There are three kinds of BabyBond that you can choose from. The Couture, Flex and Original. I love that there is a option for each mothers needs. 

 If you check out the Website it can give you a blerp about the differeces. 

I recieved the Couture BabyBond, I chose this one because I love that its a  nursing shash and belly band. When you are not nursing from the top, and you need to lift your shirt you may put the sash around your stomach. No woman likes to show there stomach after birthing children, expecially me. My children mutilated my skin, I call them my battle wonds and I am proud, but no one needs to see them. Missy Reder invented BabyBond for the mom that wants to breastfeed in public with confidance without the exposer and not covering baby with a blanket. I love this amazing contraption! I like that it rolls up into itself when you are done, the ease of use and the face that its a cover I remember to bring with me, because it fits in my purse. It truly is a great little nursing product, no buying nursing tops and fancy covers, saves money and time. I reccomend this to the mothers that breastfeed outside there home. 

Rank: 10/10

Great opportunity here! 

For just being the amazing readers that you are, BabyBond is offering our readers 25% off there purchase!

Just use the code: TGL 

(please let me know if there is any problems getting the 25% off and I can be sure to fix it!)

Wanna Win One?

Because I loved mine so much I am giving one away. Here is how to win:

• Follow this blog publically(manditory)
• Like our Facebook page(manditory)

Extra Entries

• Tweet about this giveaway
• Facebook this giveaway, tag us(can be done daily,leave comment for each)
• send a friend(the more you send the more chances to win)
• Follow us on twitter
• Like BabyBond on Facebook, let them know I sent you!
• Follow BabyBond on Twitter
• Tell us how this would benifet you

Please be sure to leave one comment for each entry you partake in. The more that you enter the more chances to win. Be sure to take in mind that if you send your friends that the other giveaway that we have will become active! Be sure that your email is in every comment so there is a way that I can contact you! Thanks!

Ending 3/20/2010

(lots of time)

*Note that this product was given to TGL free of charge in the reply that we give a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are that of TGL and not associated in any way with BabyBond. 

Mother Of A Sale

 Mother Of A Sale Giveaway:  $250 Cloth Diaper Start 

Up Set!!!!

MOAS is givingaway 3 new lines of cloth diapers to 

one lucky MOAS fan worth $250.00 

To Win:

*Share our facebook event on your wall to all your 

friends

*Blog about Mother Of A Diaper Sales event starting 

Feb 22nd

*Post on our FB page “MOAS I want to win the $250 

cloth diaper set”






Go to there Facebook for entry




Please Be sure to let them know that Megan From TGL sent you! Remember to post mine and your links.

Oh Plah Review

OH PLAH! or "Here you go", this was the inspiration. A bracket that mom wears and baby pays and chews on. You can bend, twist, roll, bite, play and wear this amazing teether! We received this by Roundhouse Design Collaborative company. When I saw it I thought, I need to try this! When I actually got it, I was surprised it did not feel the way that I thought that it would. Its really soft and bendy, but yet hard for baby to chew on. Its so neat, when Jack got his mitts on it the first time he loved it, started to play and chew on it right away. I thought that the teether would become ridden with bit marks, to my surprise I was pleasantly proven wrong. 

It is very simply and easy to wear, just snap it on to your wrist and your off. It stays in place, no slips and does not pinch. I love the design, it does not get in the way at all while I wear it. No one I know would guess that it was a infant teether, my mother in law was impressed.

I love this teether, Its great for that on the go mom that does not have time to pack toys with her. I will tell you that this small and wearable toy has saved me time and time again. At the grocery store, while shopping or in the car. No matter the case its a wonderful thing to have. Another perk, my 3 year old loves it too. Biting is not just for those that are teething, she loves to bit,play and wear it. I love that she even says "Oh Plah" when she gives it to her little brother. I recommend this especially to the mothers with many children, as there are more benefits in my opinion. 

Be sure to Check them out:
Online
Facebook
Twitter

Information from the Roundhouse:

• French for "Here You Go!" Oh Plah!™ is a bracelet for mom that baby or child can safely play with as a toy or teether
• Constructed of medical grade thermoplastic- non-toxic, bacteria resistant, and free of lead, latex, PVC, BPA and phthalates
• Meets or exceeds the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulations, in addition to meeting or exceeding safety testing standards for Canada (C.R.C. c.931) and the European Union (EN-71). 
• No small parts means its safe for even the tiniest babe
• Extremely durable yet flexible, standing up to frequent chewing without looking worn or damaged
• Easily cleaned with soap and water, and dries quickly so that it can be worn again right away
• Great as a nursing reminder (switch wrists to remember which side comes next)
• Made in the USA

*Note that this product was given to TGL free of charge in the reply that we give a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are that of TGL and not associated in any way with Roundhouse Collaborative Design. 

Guardian Sleeper Review

Hello TGL readers, I am talking about the Guardian Sleeper today. 

We received this by the company to try out as it has many benefits. Such as:

• SIDS Institute and hospital tested
• Pediatrician and obstetrician approved
• Safe,sound sleep for you and your baby
• Helps to maintain body temperature
• Positions and protects baby
• Swaddles and promotes sleep
• Helps with Reflux problems

The woman that invented this innovative product were just sick of the fact that there is no blankets that are safe or stay put. So they came up with the Guardian sleeper.  I wish that I was able to experience the product more, my son seems to be quite the escape artist at only 6 months he was getting out of it. But I truly believe that this is a amazing product. Its easy to use and works with any crib mattress. 

Please be sure to check them out online and see for yourself. They have great testimonials that can help you see more what mothers and doctors feel about the Guardian Sleeper. This is a great product for all those new moms that want a safe and recommended blanket for their baby at night. So lets reduce SIDS and keep blanket/toys/bumpers out of our cribs! 

Here is a video that you can check out to help you see how this great product works:

Help Video

click here

Contact Guardian Sleeper

Online

Facebook

*Note that this product was given to TGL free of charge in the reply that we give a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are that of TGL and not associated in any way with Guardian Sleeper. 

Facebook Giveaway

Hey all, we are having a giveaway!

Win a ReliaDose

How to win:

(all are manditory)

1. Go to our facebook page and like.

2. Send your friends to our facebook page(make sure we know you sent them)

3. Follow our Blog publicly(send your friends too!)

4. leave a comment for each entry, your friends too. Be sure there is a email address to contact you in the event that you win. 

Be sure that you let us know on FB that you did the following. 

That's it! When we reach more then 100 FB likes and more then 200 blog followers we will be announcing the winner.

Learn about ReliaDose

Watergeeks

All current giveaway prizes have been sent!

InGenuity™ Cradle & Sway™ Swing Review

Bright Starts gave the TGL family a great opportunity to review there InGenuity™ Cradle & Sway™ Swing. When we finally got the swing in the mail I was very excited. When opened it was of  course in pieces. I actually put it together without the directions, that's how easy it is. Here are some of the great things that I loved.

LOVED:

1. Loved the neural colors.
2. The side/side and front/back positions. (180º)
3. removable tray.
4. Toy hooks.
5. Saves on batteries.

DIDN'T LOVE:

1. Wish that the mobile actually spun.
2. The recline positions didn't seem to be any different to me.
3. Its large in size.

Features and Benefits VIA Brights Starts:

• TrueSpeed™ technology that maintains 6 swing speeds even as baby grows
• Whisper Quiet™ operation for peaceful swinging
• Battery Savings – more than 2X the battery life of comparable swings
• Head rest and cushioned bolster system for ultimate comfort
• Comfort Recline™ seat with 2 positions to suit baby’s needs
• Easy-to-Remove Tray – can lift up left or right, or can be removed completely
• Pivoting Toy Mobile – swings out of the way for easy access to baby
• Swing Timer with 3 settings: 30, 45, and 60 minutes
• Soft, plush toys on tray and on mobile
• 10 Melodies and Nature Sounds to soothe baby
• Machine Washable seat pad and head rest
• 5 point Harness keeps baby secure

Happy as can be

I really enjoy this swing, it hold up well and cleans really easy. One of the things I find really awesome is that it goes up to 25lbs in the weight limit. The amazing timer is great I feel that is the biggest reason I save on the batteries. 

fast asleep

When it comes to my son, he is very cranky due to intestinal colic issues. This swing has been a life saver. As you can see he is fast asleep after nothing else that I did worked to calm him down. I feel this swing would be great for any mother/father and is struggling with a colicky or reflux suffering baby. 

just hanging around

I also love using it just as a seat for him when I am busy want him to stay put. He likes that he is up more to watch PBS kids with his big sister. He likes to eat his PUFFS in his swing when he is just hanging out too. 

Overall:

I feel the InGenuity™ Cradle & Sway™ Swing is a great swing, yes it has its little imperfections but they do not out weigh the benefits! I feel if you are looking for a simple yet amazing swing this is it. The swing itself is not overdone or distracting. Its simply just what you need in a swing, with some perks!

Rank: 9/10

Bright starts:

Online

Facebook

*TGL was not paid for this review and was given the product free of charge, all thoughts and opinions are that of TGL and not the company. 

Emma Turns 3

My daughter turned 3 on the 9th of February. I want to take this time to share some of her life with you. I am a very proud mother, and I just don't know how she grew up so fast. She is the most wonderful, beautiful and smartest 3 year old that I know :) 

Please let this remind you how fast time will pass you by, there are moments that I wish that I could make stand still. These pictures allow me live her childhood anytime that I wish. So take may pictures as those moments are priceless. Take you child in your arms as often as you can, tell them just how much you love and need them. My children are my world, and I would never want to imagine it without them.

Here is Emma and the amazing 3 years she has blessed us with already, and more we have to come.